Shadow of my Father - 26. Chapter 26

Chapter 26

As Josh made his way to the limousine, he didn't pay any attention to anything except Cesar and his friends. They couldn't believe that Josh's father actually arranged for them meet Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen in person! This has been a great day for them.

As Josh and his friends got into their limousine and the guard detail closed the door they have no idea what is about to happen. Sirens went off and the limousines started to move at a crawl.

All of a sudden, gunshots went off and hit the limousines with the kids. Immediately, as the bullets hit the windows of the limousine, they began to speed out of the covered driveway. At the same time the guards in the limousine covered up Josh and his brothers and pushed them hard to the floor as soon as the first gunshot was heard.

The crowd outside hit the ground screaming out. They can’t believe what is unfolding in front of their eyes. Here they are standing outside of the UTEP Center to meet their next Governor. Then the next moment, the atmosphere of celebration gets shattered with gun fire in the air. As they hit the ground all they can see is their Governor's limousines speeding off at a high speed.

The next thing they hear are the shouts from the El Paso PD and the security of the Governor Elect. They have no idea who they are yelling at, but whoever it is, is refusing to listen to them.

“Ma'am, we are not going to tell you again! Lay down your gun!” Several police officers and security agents and a few remaining Secret Service agents that were still around, yelled out to the shooter.

Without warning, the shooter started to fire at the officers. Several of the officers got hit and went down before the law enforcement personnel opened fire on the shooter. All that could be heard is gunfire in the air, and then nothing but silence. The only ones moving around are the various law enforcement professionals. They are slowly walking over to shooter on the ground.

As they secured the weapon, they called the paramedics over to help the shooter. At the same time they started to escort all the witnesses back to the field. Several ambulances drove in to take care of the wounded officers.

As all this was happening, the Governor Elect and his family were speeding off to a secure location. In both of the limousines, the security detail is still covering up the Governor Elect and his family.

The Governor Elect started asking about his kids over and over again. Not getting the response that he wants, he pushed off the security detail and started yelling at the driver and anyone else that is in ear shot around him; “I am not going to repeat myself again! How are my kids, are they okay? Did anyone get hit with that gunfire? I need, scratch that; I demand to know how are my kids doing in the other limousine and I want an answer right now!”

“Governor, we are trying to get you to a secure location. The best I can tell you is you’re your party are in bulletproof limousines. As the gunfire went off, we were already moving. There is no way a bullet penetrated any of the limousines.”

Daniel Sr. pulled his mother off of the floor of the limousine. As they sat back down on the seat, they stared out the back window to the limousine behind them. No matter what security told Daniel, he won’t stop worrying about his kids until he sees them.

“By any chance do we know who the shooter was and why they did it?” No one answered the Governor Elect.

In the other limousine, Josh and his brothers were still facedown on the floor. The rest of Josh's friends hit the floor the minute security pulled Josh down. No one is saying a word as the limousine is racing down I-10.

Josh looked over at Cesar and grabbed hold of his hand. They just laid there on the floor holding each other’s hand as tight as they could. At the same time, Eric covered up Bernice in order to shield her.

The head of the security detail answered his radio. As he is communicating with the other limousine in front of him, he ordered the agents off of Josh and his brothers. They finally could get off the floor and sit on the seats.

As they sat down, the agents started checking out every inch of Josh, his brothers and then Josh's friends. Once they checked everyone out and made sure none of them got hit they were able to finally sit down and look out the window.

They can see that they are flying down the freeway with several police cars surrounding them. At the same time they can hear a helicopter flying above them. They didn’t know that the helicopter was not just one, but several of them providing air cover.

The convoy took the exit leading into Fort Bliss. As they reach the gates, they were flagged in immediately. The moment the Governor Elect got fired at, the base went into lock down. They already know that in case of an emergency, any elected official that is threatened in any way in the area is brought to Fort Bliss.

As the convoy entered the base, the El Paso PD handed over security to the military. Instead of police cruisers providing protection, there is now armored Hummers providing the protection of the convoy.

They got escorted to a secured underground facility on the base. Once the limousines came to a complete stop, Daniel Sr. got out of his car and ran to the other one. He opened up the door and looked in at his kids.

“It's everyone okay in here?” Daniel asked as he climbed into the car and started checking each of his kids.

After Josh and his brothers told their father that they are fine, he checked out Josh's friends. Once Daniel was satisfied that his kids are not hurt, he got out of limousine and waited for all the kids to join him.

They all got escorted into the building and right into a secure room. Daniel turned to his kids and Josh's friends as they dragged themselves into the room.

“Why don't you guys take a seat in this room for right now? I need to find out what exactly happened over there. You guys are safe in here so don't worry about anything right now. I promise that no one can touch you in here!”

Daniel looked at his kids one more time as he walked out of the room. As he followed the MPs down the hall into another room, he couldn’t believe how lucky they are. If the shooter would have opened fire as they were heading to the cars….. well, let’s just say they are lucky. The minute he walked in, Rich met him at the door.

“Please tell me you know what happened down there Rich. None of my security detail seems to know their ass from their face. Who the hell shot at me and my family as we left the UTEP Center?”

“You're not going to believe it Sir! The preliminary reports coming in from the El Paso PD and Secret Service are indicating that the shooter is Martha!”

Daniel just looked at his Chief of Staff. He can’t believe that Martha would actually shoot at her own kids. He knows that she doesn't want any dealings with Josh, but to shoot at him? Daniel just can’t believe she actually went this far.

“Was she shot at the scene?”

“She refused to lay down her weapon and then she opened fire at the police and the Secret Service. She actually hit several officers as she blindly shot at them. They returned fire for their safety.”

“I understand the procedure, but you didn't answer my question. Did Martha get shot, if so, is she alive or dead?”

“She is alive and being rushed to Beaumont Hospital. The paramedics reported that they believe she will make it. The officers only shot at her to bring her down, but not to kill her.”

Daniel took a seat at the table and started looking over the reports. The television is tuned into the news and they are reporting on the shooting. They are reporting that several officers got hit. They are saying that there are unconfirmed reports about members of the Governor Elect’s family getting hit also.

“Where do these reporters get their facts from? It is obviously untrue that any one of my family actually got shot. We were ready moving when my ex-wife started shooting at my kids’ limousine.”

“They know that, but they are fighting for ratings. Officers going down in the line of duty is good for ratings, but a member of the Governor Elect’s family being hit is even better ratings for the channels that are willing to report it.”

“I know at this time we really don't know why my ex-wife took shots at us. I can probably guess why she shot at us and more than likely I’d be right on that guess. I’d rather not do that and hear from her mouth directly,” Daniel mused.

“As she went down, witnesses are reporting that she was yelling ‘kill the fag’,” Rich added.

With an ironic tone Daniel said, “That is what I thought was her motive for shooting at my kid's limousine. We need to calm down the public. Right now, there are too many reporters reporting half truths or downright lies to the public. We can’t have panic grip this city.”

Daniel went around the table asking input on how to get the truth out to the public. Everyone agreed that there has to be some kind of press conference. Where everyone disagrees is who's going to give the press conference.

“Let's do this; bring in a camera to a room in this building and give a live feed to any of the channels that want it. My family and I will go to the room and I will give a short statement. That way they can see that neither I nor any one in my family got hurt.”

Everyone at the table agreed with Daniel. They started to set up the camera and inform the press corps about the press conference. The press demanded to be in the room in order to ask questions, but they were denied. At this point in time, there is no way they're going to let anyone near the Governor Elect and his family.

Josh, Cesar, his brothers and friends are sitting in a room with several armed guards posted at the door. The only thing the group is doing at this point is looking at each other but not saying a word.

Josh got up from his chair and walked over to Cesar. He sat down on the arm of the chair that Cesar sitting in and started rubbing his shoulders. He looked over to the rest of his friends and saw worry, mixed with fear, in their eyes.

Josh saw the need for him to address the situation; “Hey, I know none of us thought we’d experience anything like this today or even in our lifetime. We can't change what happened but we can make sure it doesn't destroy the rest of our day. I know that we were all spooked and maybe a little scared, but we have each other and nobody is hurt.

Let's try to put what happened to the back of our minds for right now. We all have stories to tell when we get back to school. I'm pretty sure all of our schoolmates are going to be bugging us for days for details. We all are going to be in our own little way, celebrities.”

Everyone looked at each other and then back over to Josh. Almost as if a light switch got flipped, everyone started laughing. After the laughter subsided, you couldn’t stop anyone in the room from talking.

“Man, let me tell you this, when I heard the first gunshot and then saw the security detail pull you guys to the floor. I almost…. correct that….. I DID piss my pants! Man, it made it worse when the car started speeding out of there. I didn't know what to think.” Patrick said with a little laughter in his voice.

“You tell me about wetting your pants, I think we all did. If they get into that limousine right now, it would smell like a filthy restroom with puddles where we were laying on the floor.” Frank said grabbing a hold of Patrick's hand.

Everyone started laughing again as they shook their heads. Each of them took turns telling what they thought was going on at the time and what they were feeling during the whole ordeal. One thing that is constant with each of their tales is that none of them thought that they were in any real danger once rational thought had kicked in.

Eventually the conversation moved from the shooting to the concert. Josh slid off of the arm of the chair and somehow fit into the chair with Cesar. Both of the boys had their arms wrapped around each other's waists holding themselves tight to each other.

They started talking about how cool it was to have had a private audience with Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. That is when they noticed they didn't have their autographed pictures from the celebrities. They started patting themselves down in hopes that they may have put the pictures in their pockets, but no luck.

“Look you guys remember that when we were leaving the private room at UTEP, the security detail gathered all of our stuff and placed everything the trunk of the limousine? I'm sure that is where all of our stuff is right now.”

Everyone settled down and sat down on the seats after Josh reminded them where their autographed pictures are at. They started talking about Josh and his brothers being pulled out onto the stage during the show.

“You want to talk about wetting your pants? Think about you being there on that stage in front of tens of thousands of people! Then you can talk to me about pissing in your pants! Before I even got into the limousine I really had a wet spot in my pants.” Brandon got up and turned around bending over to show his butt to everybody.

Carlos reached up and slapped his brother’s butt as he turned back around. “I never noticed your nice round ass before!”

The room broke into laughter as Carlos teased his brother. Brandon turned all shades of red as he sat back down on the floor. Carlos reached back out and grabbed him by his neck to pull him close to his chest.

“You know I love you little bro and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you!” Carlos whispered in Brandon's ear and then let him go.

Just then the door opened and Daniel Sr. walked in. The room went quiet and everyone looked up at him. Daniel just scanned the room being lost of words. This is the first time since he can remember that he can’t think of what to say, “I went ahead and spoke to your parents already. Cesar, I was not able to reach your father. I apologized to them about what happened and promise you guys will be safe. They were more at ease once I told them that you guys are fine and are safe. In just a few moments, they will bring in phones so you guys can speak with your parents.

I'm going to give you a bit of information that is already all over the news. I want you to hear from me before you hear it from an outside source. I was debating with myself whether to tell my children first but realized that you guys were all there. So it's best for me to explain it to all of you guys.”

Daniel looked at each of his sons and their eyes before he continued. He wants to make sure they have no objection on telling everyone before speaking to them alone. He didn't get a negative reading from any of his children that they objected to what he's about to do.

Daniel walked further into the room and sat down the middle of the floor. He cleared his throat before speaking again. He put his thoughts together and make sure the words he's going to use are chosen correctly. These are teenage kids that have never gone through anything like they went through today.

“I know you guys were scared and had no idea what was going on. I have been in several ordeals like this in my military career but I have never been as scared as I was today. Today my kids and their friends were right in the middle of all this. I would give my life any moment of any day in order for my kids to be safe and live a long time.

I knew by going into politics, things are going to change. There are crazy people out there that are going do very stupid things. That is why I stress to you guys to take the security detail seriously. The ‘bad guys’ are not after any you guys personally, but by getting to my kids they know they are hurting me more than anything else can in this world can.

I found out that the shooter today isn't a stranger to our family. The person that shot at you guys today was your mother. She was shot, but isn’t dead. She is in critical condition in the emergency room at Beaumont Hospital. The doctors have told me that they believe she will make a full recovery.”

Cesar gripped Josh’s hand even tighter when he tried to pull it away. Josh turned to look at him and saw caring eyes looking back at him. Josh then turned to his father and spoke before anyone else did; “Dad, who was she aiming at or wanting to kill?”

Daniel Sr. just looked at his son and didn't want to tell him the truth that his mother wanted to kill him; “It doesn't matter who she wanted to kill! She shot out all of her kids and because of that she made it clear to me that she wanted all of us dead.”

“You don’t have to answer that question dad, because we all have our answer.” Daniel Jr. stood up and walked over to his little brother Josh and kneeled down in front of him and said; “Never, I mean never think what you are thinking right now. Our mother is crazy and no matter what we or anyone tells her, she is always going to be crazy. No parent in their right mind would want to take their children out of this world.”

Josh's older brother grabbed him and held him tight. Josh knows that his mother wasn’t aiming at anyone else except him. As long as he is around his brothers and friends, they will never be safe. If it isn’t his mother, it will be another crazy person out there wanting to rid this world of people like him.

Just then Josh broke down crying in the arms of his older brother. His walls came crumbling down, and now the strong, sturdy Josh that everyone is used to seeing is now holding onto his older brother for support!

The minute that his father gave the news that it was their mother that shot at them, memories of what she has done to him in the past came flooding back in. She really knows how to cut into Josh’s defenses and make him feel lesser of a man.

After a few minutes, Josh got control of himself and stopped crying. Cesar helped him up and they went to the bathroom. Cesar sat Josh down on the toilet as he got a couple paper towels and wet them. Once he got them wet, he walked over between Josh’s legs and knelt down to wash his face.

“You know that we all love you very much Josh. None of us blames you for your mother’s behavior. She is making her own decisions and all of them have been wrong. I don't know what I would do if she would have hurt you in any way.

One thing is for sure, she wouldn’t be safe no matter where they put her. I would seek her out and do what she did to you back to her. No one will ever hurt you the way she has in the past. I promise you no matter what happens to us in the future, I will always be here to protect you.”

Josh leaned in to Cesar and wrapped his arms around him. He held onto him as tight as he could. As he felt Cesar heart beat against his chest, he knew he found his partner for life. He leaned in to Cesar and started to whisper; “I love you so much and no matter what happens, I know we will always be together. Thank you for being here for me today!”

Cesar didn't reply, he just held on to his boyfriend. Before they left the bathroom, Cesar leaned in and kissed his boyfriend's lips. After they broke the kiss, Cesar pulled Josh off the toilet and they walked out to rejoin the others.

They walked over to a room with a podium and one camera. As they walked onto the stage, Rich started positioning everyone. Of course he put Daniel Sr. in the middle, Daniel Jr. and Carlos to his right, Josh and Brandon to his left and the rest filled in evenly on both sides.

The light on the camera went from red to yellow and then to green. The Governor Elect cleared his throat and started speaking.

“My fellow Texans, today at the UTEP Center, my worst nightmare became a reality. As you likely already know, my family and I were shot at as we were leaving the UTEP Center. After we had left, the gun fire didn't end and several officers went down protecting me.

Let me say to those officers and their families, thank you. Thank you from me and my family for putting your lives on the line to protect me and my family! We always hear about the heroics of the bigger cities police departments. We have equal if not better officers here in El Paso. They are willing to put their lives on the line every day.

To the citizens that were caught in the cross fire of the shooter, I am sorry. None of us imagined our day was going to be shattered by a gunman. I really am sorry and hope that you all are all well and getting home safe this evening.

To the reporters that are reporting half truths or just outright lies; you need to get your facts correct before you start reporting on anything. Through your reporting, you have the power to either calm people down or create a panic. Today many of you reported half truths or complete lies that could have caused a panic in the streets of this city. The press is the eyes and ears of those they report to. When the viewing audience can’t turn to you for unbiased reporting, then they lost their only credible link to their representatives.

The Secret Service, my security corps and the El Paso PD performed exactly as they were supposed to. The moment the gunshots started, they moved me out of the area to a secure the location quickly. At the same time they subdued the shooter without anyone in public getting hurt. They did a great job and thank you, one and all, for that.

As you can see my kids and their friends are fine and none of them got hurt. To my kids’ friends’ families, I am sorry your kids were in harm’s way. I never thought they were ever in danger, and I promise I will do everything in my power to keep them safe while they are with me or my sons.

I know reports are leaking out on the identity of the shooter. I will confirm the reports that the shooter is my ex-wife and she is currently undergoing surgery at a local hospital. Once she is well enough, she will be charged for the crimes she committed. She will not benefit from any special treatment as she goes through the legal system.

I love her because she is the mother of my four wonderful boys. I will always love her for that. I can’t ever forgive her for wanting to take out the gifts she gave this world. I will pray for her, but I hope that she is found guilty of the crimes she committed.

Thank you all for being so patient with what had happened here today. I am pushing for everything to get back to normal as quickly as possible. Please stay patient and within a couple more hours everything will be open and back to normal again.

Thank you all, and God bless the great state of Texas.”

The light on the camera went from green to red. Everyone walked out of the room and got escorted back to the room where they were before the press conference. Daniel Sr. walked down the hallway with Rich. He waited for the door to shut, before he started speaking with Rich; “I know I just promised that I wouldn’t show any special treatment to my ex-wife, but I lied. I want you to make sure that woman never gets out! She has hurt my son for the very last time. I can’t stand to see my son fall apart like that. I feel my heart being ripped out of my chest when I see my son like that.”

Daniel punched a hole through the wall as he spoke. Rich just stood there not saying a word. He understands where the Governor Elect is coming from. As Daniel Sr. turned to walk back to the room where his kids are, he turned around. He looked straight at Rich and spoke again; “I want that bitch locked up and the key thrown away. I have never hated anyone in my life as much as I hate her. She is destroying my son! I won’t allow her to destroy my son’s spirit and love for life. She won’t take his soul!”

The Daniel Sr. walked into the room to join his family. Rich knows there is no way Martha is going to get away with what she has done. She is going away for the rest of her life. There is nothing anyone can do about that.

By eleven in the evening Daniel Sr. got the all clear to go back home. He walked back into the room to find the kids sound asleep. Daniel Sr. woke up Daniel Jr. and Carlos first, and then they helped their father wake up the others.

They all jumped into one limousine and finally headed home. Along the way, they started dropping off Josh's friends. As they stopped at each of their houses, Josh's father chose to go in and apologize to their parents once again. He wants to do it in person in order for their parents to know that their kids are safe whenever they are with his son.

The final stop is Cesar's house. As they drove up, all the lights were off. At first Josh's dad thought that maybe Cesar's father may have already gone to bed. The security detail went to knock on the door as they did to the houses before this one. Not getting an answer, they headed back to the limousine.

Due to being in the open, the security detail decided to tell Daniel that it is best to head to the house. Once they get confirmation that Cesar’s parents are home, they will come back. With no objections, Daniel agreed with them.

As they walked into the door of the house it is already close to one in the morning. The boys headed straight to bed without a word from their father. Josh has Cesar went to Josh's room and didn't even bother to undress as they lay down on the bed. Within minutes they were both sound asleep side-by-side.

Daniel walked in and just stood up the foot of the bed looking down at his son Josh. He walked over to the side and kneeled down to look at his son face-to-face. He moved Josh’s hair out of his face and kissed his forehead.

He took the shoes off both the boys and made sure that they didn't have anything that might harm them while they were asleep before pulling the blankets over them. He walked out shut the door to Josh's room.

The next morning none of the family woke up early. That even included the Governor Elect and his mother. As the sunlight entered the window in Josh's room and started to shine directly into Josh’s eyes, he turned away from the sun and accidentally hit Cesar squarely on the face.

“Just a few more minute’s dad! Please just a few more minutes and I will get up.” Cesar mumbled as he pulled the blanket over his face.

Josh started to open his eyes to see if he was dreaming. He knows that he heard Cesar's voice, but he wants to know if it was a dream or not. As he woke up and his eyes started to focus the first thing he saw as his eyes adjusted is Cesar asleep in his bed.

Almost immediately Josh pulled the blanket from Cesar’s face to make sure it really is him. Once Josh confirmed it is Cesar, he went down and started to kiss Cesar on the lips. It didn't take long for Cesar to start returning Josh’s kiss. Before they knew it, they started to wrestle on whose tongue is going into whose mouth.

Josh climbed on top of Cesar and laid down on him. Chest on chest and stomach on stomach, the boys just looked at each other. Josh took his hands and started to run his fingers through Cesar's hair.

“Have I told you recently on how much I love you? If I haven't, let me fix that.” Josh went down and gave several pecks on Cesar lips with his. “I love you so much and I am glad that you stayed the night.”

They started to kiss and tumble around the bed. As they stopped tumbling around, Cesar ended up on top of Josh. This time Cesar is looking down at Josh and he starts to run his fingers through Josh’s hair; “Have I told you recently how much I love you? If not, let me fix that right here and right now.” Unlike Josh, when Cesar went down to kiss Josh, he didn't give just pecks, he French kissed his boyfriend. “I love you more than anything and always will!”

Cesar got off of Josh and lay back on the bed. Both of the boys just stared up at the ceiling without saying a word to each other. Cesar and Josh joined hands and went back to sleep clutching onto each other.

By eleven, Daniel Sr. and his mother are already awake and down having coffee in the kitchen in. Both of them agreed to give the boys more time to sleep. They decided not to wake them up. They will allow them to wake up when they are ready.

Daniel looked up as he heard footsteps behind him. He is surprised to see it is Cesar walking into the kitchen first. He is rubbing his head and yawning as he walked in. Daniel couldn't help but laugh as he watches his son’s boyfriend wake up.

“Has my father called here yet this morning Mr. Lopez?” Cesar asked as he sat down at the table with Daniel and his mother.

“No son, no one has called yet this morning. And hey, how many times do I have to ask you to call me Daniel? You are part of this family and you don’t have to call me Mr. Lopez.” Daniel spoke as he got up to get a glass of orange juice for Cesar to drink.

“I am sorry, it's just I am used to calling you by your last name.” Daniel set the glass of orange in front of Cesar and he, without hesitation, picked up and gulped it all down.

“I see that you wake up very thirsty young man. My son Josh is in love with you and he cares deeply for you. Because of that, you are my son as well. That is why I would like you to at least call me Daniel.”

Cesar nodded his head up and down in agreement to Daniel's request. “I love your son very much and I have loved him since the first day of school. I didn't know that he is like me and when I found out, he was already in a relationship with Chris. So, I just admired Josh from afar. Now that I have him, I'm going to do everything I can to make him very happy. He makes me happy by being just being with me.”

Daniel just looked at Cesar stunned by the words that were coming from such a young man. He is speaking as if he's been on this Earth much longer than he has. The emotion in Cesar's voice told Daniel he means every word so he said; “I believe you really do love my son. I just have a simple request. My son seems strong, but he isn't. He has had a rough go of it lately between the situation with his mother and the loss of Chris. I think the reason Chris walked away was because he didn't know how to really handle a true relationship. He is not to blame for that at all.

Josh can’t get hurt like that again. He barely put himself together when he got together with you and I was very concerned about it. You have totally laid my concerns to rest and you've helped Josh to heal from the hurt of his first breakup.

I don't want to see my son get hurt like that again. So my request is simple and I hope you can follow through on it; please, don’t hurt my son the way his mother and Chris did. I think you will agree with me that Josh is a wonderful and rare spirit. There is no way he would be able to come back from it if that happens again with that spirit intact.”

Cesar just sat there looking straight into Josh's dad's eyes. “I give you my sworn promise here and now that I will never knowingly do anything to hurt Josh. I will always be there for him no matter what is confronts of us.”

Daniel being satisfied with Cesar's response dropped the subject. “If you want to call your father to see if he is home, go ahead and use the phone. If he is there, let him know that you will be staying for breakfast at least.”

Cesar shook his head and got up to use the phone. As he left the kitchen, Josh's grandmother got up to begin cooking breakfast. She figured that if Cesar already got up, it's only a matter of time before the others will be up.

Without skipping a beat, Daniel Jr. and Carlos walked to the kitchen in almost as bad a condition as Cesar did earlier. Shortly after that, Brandon followed. Just as breakfast is being put on the table, Josh walked in with Cesar at his side.

They all took their seats and started to eat breakfast. Josh's dad asked Cesar if he was able to get a hold of his father and Cesar responded that no one answered at his house. Josh's dad dropped the subject, but started to worry.

After breakfast, the kids ran upstairs to get ready to go to the mall. Daniel Sr. pulled Josh to the side before he got away to his room.

“Should I be worried about Cesar not being able to get a hold of his father? I went to bed worrying about Cesar's dad not being at the house last night. I just have a weird feeling that there is something wrong in that house, Josh.”

“Dad, I can tell you that Cesar’s dad isn't a drunk or beats on him. He works a lot and really doesn't pay much attention to Cesar after he found out that he is gay but he doesn’t neglect or abuse him at all. Cesar has everything except the kind of relationship like you and I have.”

Daniel didn't like hearing that Cesar is being ignored, but will leave it for now. This is not an issue he will take on this very second, but he will very soon. Daniel pulled out his wallet and gave Josh two hundred dollar bills.

“What is this for dad?” Josh asked as his father handed him the money.

“You worked hard for the savings you’ve got. You need to spend that money on yourself, because you deserve it. This is for you to buy Cesar a gift. This is not your Christmas money. It's just something extra.”

“Dad, by buying Cesar something with my money, it is as if I am buying me something. The happiness I’ll get giving him a gift is enough for me.” Josh said as he tried to give back the money to his father, but his dad wouldn’t accept it.

“I already gave the same exact amount to your brothers. I don't know what they're going to spend their money on, but I know you will buy something really nice for Cesar. So go to the mall and have fun with your brothers and your boyfriend.”

Josh went up and hugged his father. Daniel leaned down and kissed his son on top of his head. “I want you to be very careful at the mall. Don't try to dodge your security detail. I know you haven't done it yet, but don't make this trip your first time doing so.”

As Josh let go of his father he swore not to dodge his security detail. He went upstairs to find Cesar sitting at the foot of the bed. Josh closed his door, and walked over to sit next to his boyfriend.

“What is bothering you right now? I can see that something is weighing down on you.” Josh asked as he grabbed Cesar’s hand.

“It’s nothing, really that important. I just don't have anything clean to put on to go to the mall.”

“Don't worry; you can borrow anything that I have. I am pretty sure that my clothes will fit you; maybe a little snug, but I wouldn’t mind that at all.” Josh said with a lascivious grin as he reached down and squeezed Cesar's package.

Cesar looked at Josh and just smiled. Josh got up and walked over to the dresser to get him and Cesar clean pairs of underwear and socks. He walked back over to Cesar and pulled him off the bed handing him the underwear and socks.

“I really want to take a shower with you to save time, but we’ll have plenty of other chances to fool around in the shower together. Today we will have to take our showers separately, because if I would get into the shower with you we won’t be out four hours. I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off that body of yours,” Josh explained as he squeezed Cesar butt. Cesar returned the squeeze as they walked out of Josh's room. Cesar jumped in first and quickly took a shower and then Josh did the same thing. By two, everyone is already ready and downstairs going out the door.

They got to the mall and started going store by store. Cesar, Josh and his brothers stayed together as a group making it easier for the security detail to keep the boys safe as they shop at the mall.

Eric and Bernice showed up about thirty minutes later and found Cesar and the Lopez’s. They continued to shop noting other shoppers stopped and pointed at them. They are now one of the most well known faces of elected politician kids.

Josh walked over to his brothers leaving Cesar with Eric and Bernice. “I need to buy something for Cesar, but I don't want him to see me buying him something. You guys are more used to doing stuff like this. So how do I get away from Cesar and also what do I buy him?”

“As far as you getting away from Cesar, we can help you there. But what the buy him is all on you. You're the only one that truly knows what he wants because you are his boyfriend.” Daniel, Josh's older brother spoke up.

“Okay, how do I get away from my boyfriend to buy him something?”

“This is what I normally do and maybe a work for you on both of your problems. Go into a store with Cesar and notice discretely what Cesar is looking at. Then figure if he is looking at this item with you or himself in mind. You know what you like and that will help you to decide what it is that he likes.

Once you see that, come to us and we will pull Cesar somewhere else so you can buy it for him. So what do you really want to find for him?”

“Carlos, I would like to buy him some kind of jewelry. It is hard for me to figure out what he likes, because he doesn't wear jewelry.”

“Maybe then jewelry isn't the right gift for him. Maybe he likes something else more right now than jewelry.” Carlos responded in an attempt to help his brother.

“Well, he gave me this beautiful watch and I don't wear jewelry either. I think more than likely the reason he doesn't wear any jewelry is because his father won't buy him anything except what he needs.”

Both Daniel and Carlos shook their heads. They stopped talking about the subject because Cesar joined them with Eric and Bernice. They walked out of the store and found their way to a jewelry store.

Josh played as if he is in there to find out how to clean his watch correctly. As he spoke to the salesperson behind the counter, he watched Cesar looking at the jewelry. Every so often he saw Cesar ask a salesperson to see a piece of jewelry.

Finally, Cesar tried on a ring. He looked at the price tag and gave it back to the salesperson. Josh tried to get a little bit closer to hear what Cesar is telling the salesperson, but couldn't catch the conversation.

Just as Josh started to finish up with the salesperson he was talking with, Brandon walked up to him and started whispering.

“I know you are looking for something to buy Cesar. He really likes a ring he saw, but when he saw the price tag, he gave it back to the salesperson. Maybe you can buy him that ring that he seems to like.”

“Are you sure that he is looking at that ring for himself not me?”

“Yes, he told the salesperson that the ring is for him before he even looked at the price. The salesperson asked about his ring size, and he got his finger measured. Then he looked at the ring and then put it back again after he looked at the price.”

Josh smiled at his younger brother. “I have a big favor to ask you Brandon. Please say yes and I will owe you one.”

“There's no need for you to owe me anything. Name it and if I can do it I will.”

“Could you please buy the ring for me? Have them put this engraving on it for me. Find out when they will have the ring ready for pickup.” Josh pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to his brother along with the money his father gave him earlier in the morning and his savings.

“Oh, did you by any chance notice his size?”

“Yes, I will take care of everything for you. Just don't go too far away.”

Josh promised that they will only go to the next store and wait for him. As Josh walked up to Cesar, Eric and Bernice, Carlos and Daniel decided to stay back with Brandon. Josh just shrugged it off and walked to the next store with his friends and Cesar.

Josh took his time looking at almost everything on every shelf. As Josh made it to the last row, Brandon walked up to him and gave him his change, receipt and a jewelry box. Josh looked at Brandon confused as he held the jewelry box.

“They weren’t busy and their engraving is done right there in the store. So they were able to engrave the ring right then and they sized the ring too. Now we don't have to go back and pick up the ring. It worked out good for all of us!”

“Thanks, I really appreciate the help. Do you think that Cesar will like this ring?” Josh put the jewelry box in his pocket.

“I really think whatever you give him he will like it because it comes from you.” Brandon slapped Josh across the back as they walked toward the others at the front of the store.

They continued to shop and finally stopped at the food court. All of them are already hungry and decided to make the food court the last stop for the day. They already have enough bags in their hands that they can’t carry anymore anyway and there’s a lack of funds as a result of all the purchases.

Josh forgot about the change that Brandon gave him earlier. So he pulled it out to see how much money he has left. After counting his change he saw that the ring didn't cost him more than the money that his father gave him that morning.

So Josh went ahead and bought Cesar and himself something to eat. Cesar is the only one in the group that didn't buy anything. No one wanted to ask him if he had money because they thought it might embarrass him.

Before the kids got home, Daniel found out that Martha is going to plead insanity. Rich is the one that delivered the bad news. Daniel sat there in the study with his Chief of Staff not understanding how she can actually plead insanity and have the court accept the affirmative defense.

“According to her attorney, and don't ask me how she got one so quickly, she can plead insanity because of what has been going on in her life recently from finding out that one of her sons is gay and then being divorced,” Rich explained.

“If that's the case, this gives every parent a way out that finds out they have a gay child and then kills them. We are already fighting against religious fanatic groups trying to rid this country of gays by using the gospel. Now we're going to add another tool for a parent to use when they don't like the idea of having a gay child,” Daniel extrapolated.

Rich just looked at Daniel unable to answer him. Daniel still doesn't know that Rich is gay and this hits right at home for him. He will fight every battle against those who claim that being gay is wrong and that all those that are gay should die.

“Once you are in office, you can work to close these loopholes in the law. What Martha did yesterday is a hate crime. She shouldn't be able to use any affirmative defense to get away with what she has done.

She took a weapon to your event, laid in wait for you and your sons to leave the building and then only shot at your son’s limousine. As she went down, she was yelling ‘kill my faggot son’. Not one, not two, but several witnesses confirmed she said that as she shot at the limousine. If that isn’t a hate crime, I don't know what a hate crime is then,” Rich said analyzing the events.

“You’re right, but let's not tell Josh anything right now. He is blaming himself for what happened yesterday. Although he's not saying it, I can see it in his face. I will do anything to make sure he is safe and he isn’t hurt anymore.”

Rich agreed with Daniel and they moved on to other subjects. They still have to figure out how to handle the party line Lieutenant Governor Elect. This is the only part of the Texas election process that Daniel doesn't like. He couldn't pick his running mate.

As they finished up, the kids walked in. Daniel walked out of the study to greet his kids. After what had happened yesterday, Daniel worried even more now about his kids every minute they were out of his sight.

As everyone separated to their own rooms, Cesar pretended to call his father. One thing that the others don't know is that Cesar's father left almost a month ago. He sends Cesar money every two weeks in the mail to support himself. His father still pays the rent on the house, but doesn't live there.

That means Cesar is taking care of himself without a parent around. After hanging up the phone, Cesar walked over to talk with Josh's father. He knocked on the door the study and waited for Josh's dad to invite him in.

“Um, Daniel, um, my father gave me permission to stay here as long as you will have me. He is heading out of town again and won't be back for at least a week. So, um, I am wondering, um, if it is okay, um, um, I can stay here.”

Daniel just looked at Cesar and knew there is something more going on underneath the surface. He decided to wait and see if Cesar will come to him and tell him what is truly going on at his house. He learned a long time ago that barging in can do more harm than good in this sort of situation. He wants Cesar to trust him enough to come to him with anything.

“You are more than welcome to stay here whenever you want and for as long as you want. I only have a few requests for you and my son to follow. They are simple but must be followed.

I know I will never be able to stop you guys having sex and I have told you that before. I was a teenager a while ago and I remember how crazy my hormones were. I am asking you guys not to be having unsafe sex. I would prefer it if you guys don't have sex at all, but I know I can't stop that.

I will allow you guys to stay in the same room, but not in the same bed. Also, don’t stay up all night talking and fooling around. Basically, respect yourselves and this house. As long as you guys do that, you won’t hear anything from me,” Daniel concluded.

Cesar responded instantly; “I promise to respect you, this house and everyone in it. You won’t have anything to worry about with me staying here. Thank you very much!”

Cesar got up and left the study. He knows that he can go home but it is to an empty house with no one there to talk with. Although he didn't talk with his dad much when he lived there, it was just the secure feeling of someone else being in the house. Someone else being in the house made him feel safe in his own bed. With the way things are now, he doesn't feel any more.

Josh barely sat down on the bed when Cesar walked into the room. Josh looked over and smiled at Cesar joined him on the bed.

“Are you going to be able to stay the night again?”

“Yes, I already spoke with my dad and then spoke with your dad about staying tonight and more likely the rest the week.” Cesar looked over at Josh and winked at him.

Josh got up from the bed and walked over to the dresser and quickly returned. Cesar noticed that Josh is hiding something behind his back as he walked over to the bed, but didn't say anything about it.

“For almost a month of now I have been looking high and low for something to get you. You don’t make it easy for anyone to buy you anything because you don't drop any hints. Today I finally got you something that I hope you will like.”

Cesar just looked at Josh as he pulled a small wrapped box from behind him. He handed Cesar the box and leaned in and gave him a kiss. As they broke the kiss, Cesar just stared at the box that Josh gave him.

He started to unwrap it and found it is a jewelry box. Before opening the box, he looked at Josh and smiled. This time he leaned in and started to kiss Josh. Neither of the boys wanted to break the kiss, but Josh did because he wanted to see Cesar’s face when he opens the box.

Cesar opened it up and saw the ring that he was looking at earlier in the morning at the jewelry store in his hands. He pulled the ring out and immediately put it on his finger. He didn't notice the engraving that Josh had put in there. He just looked back at Josh and grabbed a hold of him bringing him up into a hug.

“I love it! Thank you so much! I really, really love this ring!” Cesar squeezed out at a low tone as he held on tight to Josh doing all he could to keep his emotions from pouring out his eyes.

“I am glad and very happy that you love the gift. I personalized it with a personal engraving from me to you on the inside of the band of the ring.”

Cesar let go of Josh and pulled the ring off to look at the engraving. He read it once and then he read it again. ‘You are my life, my love, my center, you simply complete me!’ is written in very small italic letters on the inner ban of the ring.

Cesar looked up at Josh, having to try even harder now to hold back his tears. He has never felt the kind of love that Josh has given him since they have gotten together. He pulled Josh off of the floor and put him on the bed. Neither of them spoke a word because their eyes said it all.

They started to kiss each other has the door opened and Daniel Sr. walked in. The boys broke the kiss and Cesar jumped off the bed. He walked over to Josh's dad and smiled at him as he took the ring off his finger.

He handed the ring to Josh's dad as he stood there in the doorway. “I got the greatest guy in my life that anyone would kill for.”

Josh's dad looked at the ring and then read the engraving. He handed the ring back over to Cesar and they walked into the room. He looked over at his son and then back at Cesar and then back at his son and smiled at him.

“You two are great together and I really do believe this relationship is here to stay. I came up to see if you guys would do me a favor before it gets dark. Go to the storage room and pull out the roll-away bed for Cesar to sleep on.”

The boys looked at each other, before Josh spoke up. “Dad, I thought it would be okay that Cesar could sleep in the same bed with me. We did it last night and we didn't do anything wrong through the night.”

“I know you guys did it last night and you guys didn't do anything. I let it happen last night because you guys went straight to sleep. But I can’t let you guys sleep together underneath this roof because of your ages.

And don't look at me like that. I would do this no matter if I was still in the military, Governor or President. You guys are still in high school and can’t be sleeping together. So please do me this favor and get the roll-away bed from the storage room.”

Josh's dad walked out of the room leaving the two boys staring at each other. Josh got up from the bed and did as his father requested. By the time the boys went to bed that night, they both had separate beds to sleep in.

It isn't that Josh's dad didn't trust Josh and Cesar as he checked on them throughout the night to make sure his son and his boyfriend listened to him. It's just to keep his mind at ease. Each time he peeked into the room, he found the boys in their separate beds.

Sunday was pretty much a quiet day at the house. The boys went out to do the chores and Cesar gave a helping hand. By noon all the chores were done and all the boys were front of the TV kicking off their shoes.

Chris showed up about one and then Eric, Bernice, Patrick and Frank showed up shortly afterwards. They didn't want to stay in and watch TV, but they couldn't go far from the house because the security detail would need to secure wherever they were going.

They decided to hang around at the house in the back yard playing a little bit of touch football. Even Josh's dad and Rich joined in to play with the boys. By the time supper was put on the table, everyone gobbled it all up.

After dinner everyone headed back to the den except Chris, Josh and Cesar. They stayed behind in the kitchen because Chris asked them to. Once everybody left and the table was cleared Chris explained why he wants to speak with Josh; “The Coach got served a subpoena to go to court on Wednesday from my father. Dear old dad is asking the court for custody. The Coach spoke with an attorney and he explained to him that more than likely my father will be granted custody.

I need to be prepared to move back home with my father as of Wednesday. There’s not much that the Coach can do to fight this. Even if he hires the best attorneys possible, the courts will grant my father's request.”

Josh and Cesar just looked at Chris and didn't say a word. Neither of them know what to say or do for Chris. Josh always thought that the courts would never grant any kind of requests of custody to Chris's dad.

Then the bells went off in Josh's head. He got up and went straight to the phone. He didn't tell Cesar or Chris what he is doing or thinking for that matter. He spoke on the phone for a couple of minutes before hanging up and sitting back down at the table.

“Who did you call Josh?” Chris asked with a confused look on his face.

“You remember when we were together we went and spoke with a kid by the name of Joey?” Chris nodded his head up and down. “Well, I called him and he told me to stay by the phone for a call from his friend’s grandfather.”

“What is his friend’s grandfather going to be able to do for me Josh? It's not like someone can walk in and control the courts.”

“He can do better than that Chris! He won a lawsuit against the State on behalf of his grandson. Everyone said it was a losing case, but he won and quite a bit of money was awarded to his grandson.”

The phone started to ring and Chris jumped from his seat. Josh got up and walked over to answer it. He put whoever it is on the line on hold and waved Chris and Cesar over to him. The boys walked into Josh's father's study and he put the phone on speaker.

“Mr. Serna, I have you on speaker with Chris and Cesar is also in the room. I understand that Joey explained everything to you and I was wondering if you are able to do anything. Chris's dad is going to court on Wednesday requesting custody of him.”

Mr. Serna went right to the heart of the matter; “I thought it would have happened a lot sooner than this. The timing really doesn't matter. What matters is that you are going to court Chris. I have called several of my attorneys and they have called in several favors on my behalf.

Now you need to go to court on Wednesday and there will be several attorneys waiting for you. When you go in front of the judge, you won’t be going home with your father. You foster parents will get full custody of you and your father will be permanently stripped of all parental rights over you.

This is what you still want to happen, is that correct Chris? I can still have the attorneys pull back this request from the judge. Then they could put in any request that you would like to have done on your behalf.”

Chris cleared his throat as he lowered his head to the speaker. “I don’t want to go back to my father. I want to stay with my foster parents. If what you say is true, I could never repay you.”

“I don’t want payment of any kind from you. You being safe and you being where your father can never hurt you again is the only payment I need. So don’t worry, everything is taken care of on your behalf.”

Mr. Serna finished explaining how things are going to unfold on Wednesday and then hung up the phone. Chris felt relieved and still concerned at the same time. Until he hears it straight from the judge, he won’t rest easily. Too many times his father has successfully tricked the courts and the police and gotten away with it.

TO BE CONTINUED…………..

WRITER’S CORNER:

{A lot happened in this chapter is such a short period of time. This chapter picked up exactly where the last chapter left off. If you read the last two chapters before this one, you would have figured something was going to happen. In chapter 24 we have at the end Martha yelling at her ex-husband at the front of the house with a gun in her purse. At the end of chapter 25 we have Martha at the rope line looking on as her family exits the UTEP Center.

Now in this chapter we picked up at that point. Martha, as we found out, is the shooter that started shooting at the limousine that was carrying her kids. I dropped several hints that this was going to happen soon in the story and in my writer's corner.

I don't know if Martha just flipped out or she just planed it all together. But we found out through Rich that Martha also plans to plead insanity when she goes to court. I wonder if she is actually going to get away with that. If she does, she won’t get sentenced the way she should. They will send her to the nut house instead.

We also found out that the Governor Elect isn't happy at all. He wants to put her underneath the prison and leave her there. I don't blame him at all because no matter what he does, Martha seems to get away with everything. Let's just hope that her luck has run out finally.

We saw a different side of Josh in this chapter. All along Josh has shown us his strong side and that nothing can get him down. But in this chapter, everything just came to the surface that he had buried deep down inside him. He broke apart the minute his father told everyone that it was his mother that shot at them. Now we can see from time to time, Josh is going to need people to lean on. He can’t always be the strong one.

We also saw that Josh's older brothers are there to protect him and console him whenever needed. Daniel Jr. surprised me when he was the first one to go to Josh's aide. He held him tight and spoke encouraging words to his brother when he needed them to.

We know something is going to happen in the next chapter dealing with Chris and his dad. Once again in this story we find a character from Jacob Finding His Way popping up. Jacob’s grandfather is assisting Chris in his defense. It looks like, with the help from Jacob's grandfather, that Chris won’t go back to his father. But as we found out in my other stories, the law is very tricky.

I know that there hasn't been much lovemaking. Trust me; there will be plenty of sex in the chapters to come. Also, Patrick, Frank, Bernice and Eric will come back in full in the chapters ahead. There is just a lot going on in this story, I can’t fit everything in one chapter. If I try to do that, the chapter will be three times as long.

So many open plots to continue to read in the future chapters! Some of the plots were not touched in this chapter, but will be back in the future ones. Some characters were finally getting their just dessert in the future chapters to come. This story is just beginning, and there is still a lot to come.

I could stay here all day long, with all the open plots already in this story, but 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:

With Jacob’s summation, there’s very little left for me to comment on! I’m glad to see the family cohesiveness evolving so strongly. Josh’s older brothers have gone from being virtually estranged to warm and supportive. They have taken their fair share of the load and given Brandon some breathing room.

Speaking of the brothers; there’s another open plot we’ve not heard about for a bit. What is going on in each of their lives?

Chris is continuing to show signs of coming into his own. He no longer hesitates to speak his mind and he stepped up and confronted his pending court date dealing with his fate. With the support of the group, Chris has been growing as a person. I suspect if he can get a final and positive resolution to his relationship to his dad that he will bloom even more. The spectre of the possibility of having to live with his dad again has to be deeply troubling and if it were me, it would sap a lot of energy from me. Jacob is right. Even with Grandpa Al’s influence, don’t expect that the legal system will just roll over and play dead. I expect some real fireworks in the courtroom.

Here is an interesting statistic for you; each chapter of the stories that Jacob posts run on the average of 23 pages and average 12,000 words. I don’t know how long it takes Jacob to write each chapter, but I can tell you that it takes me an average of five hours to edit a chapter.

Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick