I've Always Loved You - 31. Our Move

Chet was literally pulling us quickly down the main hall that ran through the bottom floor of the house.

“Here’s this big room!” Chet waved as we entered a vast space that had some couches and chair arranged in that space. The was a huge screen on a wall that would have been too large for any other room. “But over here is the kitchen!” He waved behind us. This big room was not white but had many colors. The carpeting was dark grayish blue. The kitchen was mostly white. There were four people working in it in uniform. There was a central island with plenty of space for everyone to work comfortably. Lots of counter space on the island with tall stools on one side to dine on.

Mike C waved at the big room, “This is the club room with room for people to gather, talk and mingle. Parties.” He turned to me. “The house has twenty-five rooms...” his head grudged a nod, “twenty-seven if you count the cabana and the office I mentioned to you on the floor above the cabana, they are not technically connected to the house. There is a walkway but...”

“I need this much house?” I asked.

Mike C looked confused and looked at Mark, “As I was told, you have many guests.”

Mark stepped forward, “I know you do. You have Avi and Eli, Ray and Frank who will visit and God knows who else.”

“Better to have more than enough rooms than too few,” Mike C reasoned. “This takes the worry from you so you can work!”

“How is Caleb doing?” I asked quietly to Mike C.

Mike C’s eyes softened at my question, “He hates me.” He shrugged. “He’s tried to run away twice in the first week. “He’s at a great rated facility called Newport. He’s pretty messed up.”

“It’s an inhouse treatment facility?” I asked.

“Oh, yes,” Mike C nodded. “His three hundred dollar an hour doctor didn’t think he could be trusted to go outpatient.”

I frowned, “Perhaps you need another doctor.”

Mike C grudged a shrug, “He’s very good. He has a good success rate. When I heard with one visit from you saying what took me weeks to get from him, I was bothered.”

“I’m not a doctor,” I wanted to be sure he knew that.

“Maybe not,” Mike C nodded. “You have years sitting with your father and mother that gave you a greater understanding.” He was feeling the pain of what happened with his son. “For the first month he will have carefully structured therapy. If he does that, he will go with some other patients to relearn how to deal with things. Caleb will be miles away from any phone, or drugs.”

I smiled, “They know to watch him. They can play along well and make them think he’s ready and he will run away again.”

“They will watch him carefully,” Mike C said assuring. “They’ve done it many times before. That’s why the patients don’t know where they are when they do that. Where is he going to run?” He nodded. “I visit him in two weeks. I hope it goes well.”

“With love and devotion,” I touched Mike C gently. “I know it will turn out well. Just be there for Caleb. You’ve got a hard road to travel. Drug addiction is tough. There is no quick fix. This willtake time.”

I smiled at Chet, “We need to pick one of those bedrooms for you.”

Chet’s eyes widened, “You signed the contract! We’re staying?” He saw my nod and jumped happily, “Yippie!” Now he pulled on his father and my arm to hurry us along.

We saw everything! There were rooms I never dreamed of. A massage room? I didn’t believe that room would get much use. A game room with a pool table next to the family room. A manager’s office which Tankiso would use. A butler’s pantry. A wine room attached to the formal dining room. Spa. A gymnasium with every piece of workout equipment and weights. The pool below the club room was large.

Mike stopped Chet, “You’re a young man now.” Mike even shook his finger in Chet’s face, “Promise me, you won’t go in the pool inside or outside without an adult watching you.”

“I promise,” Chet swore.

“Say it,” Mike insisted.

Chet smiled, “I promise not to go in or near the pools without someone watching me.”

I pulled Mike closer to speak to him alone, “I really didn’t include you much with this. Are you okay with this?” I waved at the surrounding house.

Mike chuckled, “I don’t object at all.” Then he looked concerned, “Are you going to be overwhelmed? All those movies...”

I grudged a nod, “I was a bit overwhelmed by the idea.” I smiled, “I find I want to.”

Mark walked over, “It will be your house if you want at the end of the contract. I’m negotiating the price of the house where you can buy. By that time, you’ll have the money.” He touched me gently, “Mike Cox and the others producing your movies are so confident that you will make the money.”

I nodded, “I will do my damnedest.” I grinned.

“Can I have a dog here?” Chet asked loudly.

I looked at Mike and shrugged. Mike smiled at Chet. “We’ll talk about it.”

We returned to the house we were in presently to pack and tell Avi and Eli the news and ask Tankiso and Andy to come to work at the new house.

“I think you should have the interview about what you had in Miami in the past at the new house,” I said to Mike as we got our suitcases together. “You know the Atkins will see it. They will see the lawsuit and where we’ve moved. It will add pressure.”

Mike looked a little unsettled, “Are you sure?”

I nodded, “We’re a family. Yes, I’m sure.” I sighed, “Of course, I’ll need to add the computer system I use to compose. I hate leaving Della to the business in Fort Worth.”

Mike smiled, “You will be operating out of that house a while. You can give her one of the bedrooms there. Have her move in.” He chuckled, “No more protesters across the street!”

I nodded smiling, “Right. This move will take a few months. We’re moving in now to establish residency. I wouldn’t mind seeing Manny’s and Wynona’s face when they find out about the lawsuit and where we live.”

Mike chuckled, “That will be something I want to see.”

There was the meal Cindy had prepared that was very good at the house we were moving out of. We would talk to Andy later. Asking Tankiso and he excepted.

“You’ll have staff to work with you,” I said to Tankiso. “You will be in charge.”

Tankiso smiled, “At last.”

“You were a one-man operation here,” I pointed out. “You’ll have help there.”

The move took the rest of the evening.

Eli and Avi walked in the front main entrance and both were staring at the massive foyer.

“I haven’t forgotten,” I said to Avi. “Whatever you would like, I’ll do. You wanted a show for your people in Atlanta. I have a concert in Atlanta in March. Perhaps then...”

Avi looked at me, still stunned, “I dunno, Eric. We’re to live in Bel Aire? I think we’re good.”

I grinned, “You know we’re not finished. You two have more to do.”

Eli smiled touching me gently, “You’re doing all this to not only fulfill your career, but to protect Chet.”

“I know,” I said. “A parent will do anything to protect its child.”

“You see Chet as your child,” Eli said.

“He is,” I shrugged. “He will be officially in a few months when I can legally adopt him.”

The sound of rapid feet reached us as Chet came running into the foyer, “Uncle Eli! Uncle Avi! What do you think of this house? Wait until you see your room! It’s right across the hall from mine!”

“I think it’s great, so far,” Avi chuckled. “We’ve only seen this room!”

“Come on,” Chet began taking Eli’s arm. “I’ll show you.”

Morning did come finally. I woke in the big master bedroom sort of disoriented. I quickly remembered and rolled over to see Mike sleeping peacefully. I put on a pair of sweats and tried to remember where things were. There was a staircase down from this room by the elevator to the rear of the club room. I took that to enter the kitchen. I saw Andy working with another woman who was staff here. She wore a kitchen staff uniform. Andy was working at the island to start breakfast. Comparing this kitchen to the other house, he was so much smaller. The kitchen had every appliance he would need.

“Good morning,” Andy greeted me smiling. “Do you want your vanilla latte?”

“Sure,” I nodded and looked around the kitchen. “I can make it myself if I know where to get it.”

Andy chuckled, “That’s why I’m here.” He shrugged, “You’re now paying me.”

“I am?” I was surprised. I held my hands up quickly, “Not that I mind but...”

Mark walked in from the pool house, “Yes, I was going to explain some things.”

I smirked, “After I signed that precontract.”

“That’s going on the finalized contract,” he shoved me lightly. “Why are you up? It’s early.”

“I couldn’t sleep!” I argued and pointed at Andy. “He’s working for me?”

“Andy and Tankiso work for you,” Mark explained. He waved at the other woman in the kitchen. “She and the other support staff work for the studio. Andy is in charge of the kitchen and Tankiso is in charge of the house staff...” his head wavered, “and the ground keepers. Think of the past month as a trial run.”

“For us,” I said.

“And for them!” Mark said. “Could they work for you? I have the employment forms you can see.”

Insurance needs and those other forms for employees. Days off. Never did I ever believe I would have so many employees.

Tankiso came into the kitchen from...elsewhere. He was dressed in black pants and a black suit jacket. He was followed by two others, a man and a woman. They looked like maids or house staff. Those two went off to do...I don’t know. Work?

“Hi, Tank!” I greeted the man.

“Hello,” Tankiso replied.

“I look forward to a pleasant few months to years working with you,” I said.

True to his stoic humor, Tankiso nodded, “One can only hope. We will endeavor to make things pleasant.”

I pointed at Tankiso, “One of these days, you’re going to smile.”

“I smile on the inside,” Tankiso’s face did not change a bit.

Andy put my cold vanilla latte on the counter in front of me. I took a sip and smiled, “I know coffee served hot is normal, but I love cold coffee!”

“I will be requisitioning groceries for the week,” Tankiso began and walked toward a counter where a computer monitor waited. He touched it and the monitor displayed a screen. “The house has a network, and you can tell us what’s requested on this. Such as new dietary requests, if you are expecting guests, or even a party. You can let Mr. Jonns or me know on this. How many people so we can hire additional staff if necessary.” He looked at me, “An app will be added to your phone, and you can let us know from there or any computer. I will let your husband know as well.”

We all heard, “Put me down!” It wasn’t a cry for help, but I knew the source. Mike walked in the kitchen with Chet thrown over his shoulder.

“I had this guest in our room saying again that he was hungry,” Mike explained putting Chet down on the floor.

“I need a map!” We heard as Avi walked in with Eli. “I almost got lost!”

Eli poked his husband in the side and said, “It’s polite to say good morning.” He looked at me and the others. “Good morning. We heard you get up, Chet. We thought we needed to join you.”

Andy nodded with a chuckle, “Solving that problem is easy. That’s why I’m here. I’ll make Israeli Breakfast Tacos! That should solve the problem.”

“Tacos!?” Chet repeated. “For breakfast?”

“Anything is breakfast for the first meal of the day,” Andy informed. He waved at the woman with them. “This is Carla. She can get your coffee while I make what’s needed for the tacos.”

I would get to know these people who were working in this house. I had a concert in a few weeks in Atlanta and the following month in New York I needed to prepare for. We needed to get back to Fort Worth so I could get things ready. I liked what was happening here. Chet and Mike needed to finish the year in school. Tankiso wore a kind of uniform. Andy wore a chef’s jacket and so did Carla. I was still not comfortable yet with the new house. I knew I would feel at home eventually. This was a huge step for us. I didn’t want Mike to feel like he wasn’t important.

“This is a holiday for you, son,” Mike said to Chet. “After breakfast, you go, make up your bed. We have help, but they will only change your sheets, dust and vacuum. You will be responsible for keeping your room clean.”

Chet nodded, “I made up my bed.”

“Put on your bathing suit and you can swim for an hour or two,” Mike smiled. “Tomorrow school begins.”

“We have that party at Mike Cox’s house tonight,” I reminded.

“If you’re finished,” Mike said to Chet. “Go change and we’ll join you in the pool.”

Chet jumped up and raced off.

Mark chuckled and turned after Chet was gone, “They will be serving the paperwork for the lawsuit with the Atkins today.”

“Okay,” Mike said.

“As part of the serving,” Mark said. “There will be a recording of the lawyer serving and explaining the lawsuit. It will be documented. You can see it.”

I looked at Mike, “That’s good.”

“You don’t have to see it,” Mark shrugged. “You have the right to see it.”

“I didn’t know you could record without the other party’s permission,” I said.

“It is a court recording,” Mark explained. “The police record many things such as traffic stops. No one can say an officer did something to them. The police have evidence. Evidence that a summons or other presentation was done. It will be evidence should anyone claim they didn’t know.” He pointed at Mike, “You will have evidence they did know. Manny Atkins has to be home as he is still on house arrest. It will be explained. That will be at noon in the afternoon Pacific time, three in the afternoon Eastern time.”

Eli looked at Mike, “We’ll keep Chet occupied then.”

Mike nodded, “Thank you.”

I had nowhere to be anytime soon. We all went to the pool below and indoors. I left them after an hour and I went to my office, the one off the master bedroom and not really attached to the house. There was a terrace that was on the second floor and the attachment was the walkway to it. I needed my computer. The beauty of it was I could build another since I made the first one. The programming I had on disk. I needed the hardware. The computers at the house let me shop to find the right hardware. It wasn’t cheap. I spoke with some people from the studio who knew me and recommended another dealer who could help make it possible. I was having some equipment assembled by some people who knew what they were doing...the next day.

Going back to the main house I looked for Mike and the others. The house was large and with so much room crowded with furniture and things, I followed the noise. I found Mike teaching Chet how to use a pool cue on the pool table. This room had walls far enough away that would not block any shot from lack of room.

“Just visualize where you want the cueball to hit the ball in question to make it go in the pocket,” Mike instructed.

Chet nodded and used the pool stick to hit the cueball. The white cueball rolled hitting the ball labeled “six.” It missed the pocket.

Mike chuckled and patted his son’s back, “It takes practice. You’ll get it.”

Eli and Avi were standing to the side watching. Mark with them. He checked his watch. He saw me looking and nodded telling me we’d better get ready.

Mike saw it, too. “I think you’ve been inside too long. Your bike is here. We’ve got a long driveway and plenty of smooth ground to ride on. A few hills.” Then his smile became serious, “We won’t hide things from you. Your PopE, Uncle Mark and I knew to talk about and do some adult things. You’re not stupid. What we talk about, we’ll tell you.”

Chet lowered his pool cue. “This is about me, Grandpa and Grandma.” He smirked. “I will be nine in a few months.”

I grinned, “If you were going to be thirty-nine, we’d still protect you.”

“There is a fence around the property,” Avi inquired.

“Yes,” Mark answered.

“We need to get some bikes for us,” Mike smiled.

Eli took Avi’s hand and looked at Chet, “Let’s go.”

Once they were outside Mike sighed, “I hate this.”

I nodded, “To keep him safe, we have to.”

Mark nodded, “Action that they started.” He looked at Mike and me. “Where are we doing this?”

“The library and music room is comfortable and has the computer with a large monitor,” I suggested.

“We’ve got fifteen minutes,” Mark said.

Mark got on the computer and typed quickly establishing a connection. “The lawyer in Charleston is Paul Avvo of Bleecker Law.”

My eyes widened, “That’s a major law firm.”

Mark nodded, “He has ten years’ experience in family law. Custody law in this case.”

We didn’t wait long for the monitor screen changed to show someone in the driver’s seat pulling to a stop in front of what I knew was Manny’s and Wynona’s house.

“This is officer Bert Williams with the Charleston County Sherrif’s Office,” a male voice identified. “We have arrived at Manfred Atkins’ home. The location device attached to Manfred Atkins’ ankle tells he is at home.” He turned so the camera showed a balding man in his forties sitting next to him. That man wore a dark, but nice-looking suit. “This is Paul Avvo, attorney at law with the Bleecker Law Firm.”

They both got out of the car and walked on the street, up the driveway...stayed on the sidewalk to the door where Paul rang the doorbell. No chances that the Atkins’ property was damaged by the walking on the grass.

The door opened and Manfred Atkins opened the door. He saw the two men and he looked surprised to see a uniformed officer and a man carrying a briefcase. “Yes?”

“Manfred Atkins?” Paul asked.

“Yes,” Manfred replied. He saw the police car in front. “What’s this about?”

Paul motioned at the door, “We can come in, or we can discuss it out here. I would prefer your wife hear this as well. Is she home?”

“She’s upstairs,” Manny said and opened the door to let them in.

Behind him Wynona came down the stairs. “What’s going on?”

“I’m here to tell you what’s going on,” Paul explained.

“Manny has grown old,” Mike observed quietly.

He had. When we last saw him, he was still the picture of the strong marine he always was. Now he’d aged. He intimidated me for years. When he was at the hotel in Las Vegas he was still scary, but now? He looked almost defeated. The news he would get now might very well do that even more. I hated that this had come to this.

Paul took out a wallet and handed a card to them, “I am Paul Avvo, esquire an attorney with the Bleecker Law Firm for Micheal Calhoun and Eric Richards.” He waved at the man with him. “This is Officer Bert Williams with the Charleston County Sherrif’s Office.” He opened his briefcase and pulled out a large envelope. He gave it to Manfred. Manny opened the envelope and took the paper out. “This is a lawsuit for Custodial Interference. A mandate.”

Wynona’s eyes widened as she read over Manny’s shoulder, “This says it’s from Los Angeles County!”

“Yes, Ma’am,” Paul nodded and pointed at something on the front page. “From Fredrico Lopez, Attorney at Law with the Los Angeles Family Court.” He took a deep breath, “You can read this over, but I will tell you. You, Mr. Atkins, nor you Mrs. Atkins cannot call or just come by to see the minor child Chet Calhoun.” He pointed to another page. “This means not you or any other member of your family...as in your sons Mr. Atkins or your sons Mrs. Atkins...can just show up for a visit. Nor can any representative such as a preacher or social worker...no representative for this family can call or just come by. The contact persons if you want to see Chet is me...” he pointed at the card he gave them. “And it’s also on the paperwork. You can call Amy Diaz, or Fredrico Lopez and they will contact Mr. Calhoun or Mr. Richards. By the way, the phone number you had will no longer work.”

Manny looked mournful, “They are taking my grandson farther and farther away.” He looked at Paul. “What would you do to protect a child? Wouldn’t you break laws?”

Paul didn’t budge, “I would use the law to protect him.” He pointed at Manfred, “Your actions caused this.” He sighed, “Chet is in no danger. I have reports from social workers and psychologists telling me he’s thriving. Off the record, you are not the victim. Chet is. Not because of what his father is doing, but because of what you did, Mr. Atkins. What you did was a federal crime. You leave South Carolina, fly to Nevada and shot a man.” He pointed to Wynona, “Then you in violation of a court order show up at the private home in Texas to see Chet. I am not a judge, but the crime you committed, Mr. Atkins...even if you had gotten Chet away from his father, you would not have been allowed to keep Chet. You assaulted Mike Calhoun, he is the victim and so is Chet. You tried to kidnap Mike’s son.”

“He’s our grandson!” Wynona wailed.

“He is Mike Calhoun’s son!” Paul argued. “Now there are four states involved, South Carolina, Nevada, Texas and California!” He pointed at the papers again. “If you violate this mandate, not only will there be stiff fines but jail time.” He shrugged, “To contest this, contact a lawyer. Use the law, don’t break it. If you want to contact Chet, even to send a birthday card, send it to me, Amy Diaz or Fredrico Lopez. Any questions?” He waited a mere second and turned to leave.

“We had to do it!” Manfred said pitifully.

Paul turned back, “No. You didn’t. Too bad you can’t see that. Good afternoon.”

The camera showed the two men leave the house to return to the car.

Mark touched a key and ended the feed to our computer. “You witnessed them getting the lawsuit and heard the lawyer explain.” He sat back in the chair. He pointed at Mike, “They are the bad guys. Not you!”

I thought a moment, “For just an observation.” I looked at Mike. “How old is Manny?”

“He’s now eighty,” Mike shrugged.

I grudged a shrug, “I read in some of Dad’s psychiatric journals that seventy percent of geriatric adults become paranoid. Thinking everyone is against them. One lady knew the new house she was in was going to be destroyed. There were no storms or anything. She just knew men were coming to tear the house apart.” I pointed to the screen with the screensaver on display, “He is focused on what you’re doing to him, not what he did to you. He did nothing wrong, so he thinks.”

“Fine,” Mark nodded. “Wynona has it, too?”

My head wavered a bit in uncertainty, “I didn’t really get to know them. What I saw in the past was Manny’s take charge persona. He controlled his wife.”

“He failed with Sherry,” Mike muttered. “She controlled him! He gave her whatever she wanted.”

“She learned how to get him to do what she wanted,” I shrugged. “She was his baby girl. He indulged her whims. Hiring you, for one.” I saw Mike’s eyes widen. I held my hand up, “I’m not excusing him, I’m offering an explanation. As I understand it, he went in the Marine Corps at nineteen. He retired after twenty-five years as a Master Sargeant. He was used to being in control.”

“He was good at barking orders,” Mike grudged a nod. “What got me the job was when he barked the orders for the men that worked for him, he found out I could speak Mexican,” he laughed a little bitterly, “I could translate the orders. His business grew.” He shook his head, “Mexican.”

“My point is,” I continued, “Wynona has given him control again and is doing it because he said so. He’s not in the best health. He’s had a heart attack, and this are his last years.” I cautioned, “He’s smart and may try some other approach. We just have to wait him out.”

Mike rose and began pacing, “I hate this!” He turned and waved at me. “Chet has family other than us. I didn’t have a parent or grandparent! He does. I hate he doesn’t have them.”

“Chet’s not going anywhere,” I said standing next to Mike. “We’ll make sure he keeps his grandparents. I promise. On our terms.”

That evening we went again to Mike Cox’s house. He lived in Beverly Hills and the drive was shorter from the new house. When we arrived we were greeted by those that made the movie with us. Mike brought a new man over to meet us. He was an older gentleman in his late fifties or early sixties. His hair was grey but his looked like he stayed in shape.

“Eric,” Mike waved at this new man as he introduced, “This is Larry Hausman, the producer for the studio.”

Chet frowned, “I thought you were the producer.”

Mike nodded with a chuckle, “I am a producer for the movie. Larry is a producer for the studio that is making the movie.”

Mark patted Chet on the shoulder, “Don’t worry. I get confused myself. There are several producers. He’s another one.”

“Hi, Chet!” Michelle, Mike’s daughter came up and greeted smiling at Chet.

Larry Hausman smiled at me, “I had to meet you.” He shook my hand. “I was blown away by what you did. Such talent. I know there will be some good things for us.”

“I hope so,” I nodded.

“I know so,” Mark added.

“Dad, PopE,” Chet looked at us. “I’m going with Michelle to the playroom.” He and Michelle left to go there.

“Okay,” I nodded. “You know where we are.”

“Poppy?” Larry asked puzzled.

“Pop E,” I laughed. “That’s his name for me. The combination of Pop for father and the first letter of my name.” I shrugged, “At least he does it with affection.”

“It’s a shame Tom couldn’t be here,” Larry said. “He was a big part of this, too.” He nodded, “I know he has contractual obligations back in New York.”

“He will be here for the premier,” Mark saw a tray going by of finger sized party foods. “I’m getting a plate.” He announced and went to do that.

“We got invited back,” I said after him. “Don’t make a pig out of yourself like the last time.” His reply to that was to wave me off but still headed for the table of hor d’oeurvres. Mark was a man to be admired. He knew the proper manners but did his own thing. He could be charming.

Avi and Eli was invited to go with us but said this was for me and bowed out. The next morning, we sat having breakfast. Mike and I had discussed it and he brought the subject up with Chet.

“You will return to Dilworth in a few days,” Mike said casually. “We will be moving here around May. Do you like your room here?”

Chet gave a shrugging nod, “It’s a bit fancy, but I like being able to see who arrives. I can see the driveway.”

“You have the automotive theme in Fort Worth,” I said. “We can do that again or something else. We’ll show you some samples on the internet...superheroes, or even sports themes.”

“Themes,” Mark grumbled slightly. “You are gay.”

“As you are,” Mike reminded. “Or bisexual.”

I saw Tankiso enter the kitchen area, “Mike, you need to tell Tankiso and Andy about Thursday.”

Mike’s face fell a little, “Oh, yes.” He turned toward Andy and Tankiso. “There will be a crew coming at about noon to the house. A reporter and cameraman and assistant from Out Magazine. They will be interviewing me.”

“Very well,” Tankiso nodded.

“We were planning for them to do the interview in the library and music room or the living room. They will be served lunch.”

Tankiso and Andy knew why. They nodded their understanding.

Mike smiled at Chet, “And we need to find you a school!”

The equipment I needed arrived and I got my new “office” set up. Once it was set up, I quickly loaded the program I used to compose music. I got a new keyboard.

My favorite room, or so it seemed, was the library and music room. Why? Because of the wonderful piano! It was a concert grand piano. I learned on the grand piano at home. What was special about it? It had the standard eighty-eight keys, but the grand piano had a richer, more complex and fuller sound. Repetitive sounds and a better response. It wasn’t just in my head. It sounded better. The piano was a Steinway! The staff in the house soon came to being used to hearing me play for hours. Not just modern music, but the classics. Mozart was a favorite of mine. Almost every composer had their music played on that wonderful piano. Beethoven! I like music with energy. Chopin was very good. Wagner! (Pronounced Vagner!) His funeral requiems were dark and very powerful. After over three decades, I knew how to play the piano. I had started to play at four years of age! I began learning to read at two years of age and reading music was just a language I learned too.

The reporter coming was Bernard Scott who had won many awards.

We asked that Eli sit with us during the interview. There was a return to a routine. Breakfast and then to the pool for an hour or so. Then a return to schoolwork for Chet and Mike. We had laptops for Chet and Mike which they used at the dinette table in the kitchen area. Everyone knows the kitchen was the heart of any house. No one bothered them. Chet had been homeschooled before and knew what to do. Both were online with their perspective schools. I knew Chet needed to go back to Dilworth for the classroom setting and other students. He spoke almost every day with Geordi. We told Chet to keep in mind the time difference.

Avi was still security for Chet but also for us. Gone were the protesters t our front entrance. Eli was there for our sanity. He was a psychologist and social worker. The Thursday morning Mike and I spoke with him while Chet was in the pool. He preferred the indoor pool.

“You think you’ll be moving here?” Eli asked.

I looked at Eli surprised, “I hadn’t known about here a week ago.”

Eli nodded, “Nonetheless, do you think you’ll move here?”

“I believe we should,” Mike said quietly. “Chet doesn’t need to be going from one place to another. He needs stability.”

“You’re right,” Eli smiled. “Chet’s been through a lot in the past two years.” He saw Mike’s and my look of concern and held his hand up to us, “and you two have done so much to keep him safe and informed. More than regular parents could even think of doing.” He pointed at Mike, “I know you want to keep Chet in contact with his mother’s family...and you’ve tried.” He sighed. “You also have to consider that foolhardy. They are a sad misinformed family. You may consider cutting that contact.” His head wavered, “Manfred doesn’t have much time anymore.”

“Chet will be nine this year,” I said. “Manfred could easily last another ten years!”

“And do what?” Eli asked. “Wynona is right behind her husband.”

“He still has some developmental stages to go through,” I said.

“Precisely!” Eli said happily. “He needs stability to get through that.” He looked at Mike, “You have an extremely intelligent young man here. I would like to do some tests to see how intelligent. The problem with children that smart is they do not have the life experience to cope with what he knows! In his early child development, he was raised in a very repressed environment. He’s learning to deal with the world. This new house and new life can help. He no longer has to deal with threats to a life foundation that has been taken from him. He needs security.”

I nodded, “You think we should move here.”

Eli’s head wavered again, “Here, in Texas or wherever, he needs stability and security.” He smiled at us, “I was brought in to deal with the trauma caused by his mother and grandparents. I do that all the time now and will. I have a list of good, private schools he can go to if he leaves Dilworth. With those things and love, he will be fine.”

The hour the reporter was to arrive approached and Avi took Chet out for a “hike.” We had acers of wooded land to explore. We explained that Mike and I were going to be talking about adult things, and he didn’t need to hear it. Doorbells. We had a chime that said someone was at the gate and another chime for the door.

Mike opened the door for the three men. The man closest was in his late thirties who held his hand out, “You’re Mike Calhoun. I’m Bernard Scott, Bernie for friends. I understand you have something to say.” He waved at his companions. “We’re here to listen.”

Mike waved them in opening the door wider. “Come in.”

The three men came in and followed Mike into the music room where Eli and I waited.

“You probably know Eric,” Mike touched me. He waved at Eli, “This is Dr. Eli Bau, a friend and psychologist. He’s here as support for us while we do this.”

Bernie waved behind him, “This is Ronald Bledsoe, he will be recording this interview. And this is Raul Suarez our assistant.” The first man was in his early forties. Bernie’s hair was dark, Ronny’s was cut very short, and he liked to eat. Not fat but his love of food was a battle for him. Raul had very dark hair and was in his late twenties. Bernie looked at the surrounding house, “This is a lovely home.”

I nodded with a grin, “Which will be mine after five to six years...after the fifth film. But thank you.” I waved toward the couch and other chairs. “Welcome. Can I offer you drinks? Coffee, tea or something stronger? Be warned, the iced tea is Southern Sweet Tea. The sugar is added before serving.”

“I love Southern Sweet Tea,” Raul smiled. “With no lemon?”

I nodded, “No lemon.” I chuckled.

“I’ve had tea,” Bernie said. “Never Southern Sweet Tea. I’d love to try it.”

“For me, too.” Ronny nodded.

I nodded and went to the computer on the desk and ordered the teas. “It will be here shortly.”

Bernie looked at Mike, “I understand what you want is for somethings in your past needs to come out.”

Mike nodded, “I was born and raised in Maimi, Florida in the Cuban area. It is only with the increased popularity of Eric...we felt it needed to be known.”

“As you may know,” I began. “Mike’s former in-laws tried to take his son.”

Bernie nodded, “I read. So, this is to take away any further attempts to take his son.”

“And o offer help,” Mike added. “Maybe put an eight hundred number to offer help for them to call and get out.”

“We have the eight hundred numbers,” Eli said.

“If released before the movie I just did,” I explained. “It will save lives.”

“The toss aways, run aways and the lost in the LGTB community,” Eli continued. “The suicides. This will save lives.”

Bernie nodded with a smile, “Okay, we’ll set up and do this.”

Tankiso came in with a rolling cart with the teas, a cheese ball and crackers. There was also a tray of vegetable sticks and dip.

“Thank you, Tank!” I said happily.

Tankiso didn’t miss a beat, “I live to serve.”

“Tankiso is...” I looked at Tankiso, “What title do you go by? You’re not a butler...you run the house.”

Tankiso nodded, “Usually, people call me sir.”

“I’m going to make you smile!” I pointed at him. “Not just on the inside.” I looked at Bernie. “He is this house. We hired him because we love him.”

Mike nodded, “He’s very good. He keeps up with my son Chet.”

“I’ll set up the camera,” Ronny said.

It didn’t take long and we told about Mike’s life in South Miami.