A Child's Needs

Part 6

Brian walked around the lobby of the Child Services office, demanding to speak to whoever was in charge. Paul was on his cell phone trying to reach his contact in family court. He placed his hand over the mouth piece of the phone.

“Brian you have to calm down. You’re not going to get anywhere yelling and screaming.”

“What if this was Sarah, Paul? Imagine that, and then you tell me to calm down.”

Paul looked at his friend and client and knew that he could not dispute Brian’s words. “Alright Brian.” Paul removed his hand from the phone mouth piece and spoke into it. “Yes hello, I’m trying to reach Judge Mattson. Yeah I’ll hold.”

Brian continued to speak to the receptionist demanding to see someone when he heard his name being called.

“Mr. Kinney.”

Brian turned around to see a man a few years older than himself approaching him. “Mr. Kinney I’m Matt B…”

“Where is my son?” Brian demanded cutting Matt off and ignoring the hand he extended in greeting.

Matt dropped his hand to his side. He looked at the man in front of him trying to size him up. For the first time in his many years of during this job, he actually felt intimidated by a parent. “Um… Mr. Kinney let’s move this to my office.” Matt said gesturing down the hall.

Brian followed Matt to his office as Paul quickly ended his call and followed them. As they entered the small office, Matt gestured for Brian to take a seat. He refused and stood by the desk as Matt walked around to sit down. “Where’s my son?”

“Mr. Kinney I know you’re upset, but I had to do what I felt was right for the child. It was reported he was injured and missing school, and this was after an investigation was already opened against you.”

“Injured and missing school. He was injured in school!” Brian exclaimed leaning over the desk, and glaring down at Matt.

“Brian let’s have a seat and talk this over rationally.” Paul placed hand on Brian’s shoulder and gestured him toward one of the two empty chairs.

Brian stepped back from the desk but refused to sit down. “I want my son home tonight,” Brian said quietly his gaze never wavering from Matt’s.

“Mr. Kinney you have to understand, my job is to look after the welfare of children. If I feel a child is in danger I will step in to remove them from harm.”

“If he had been in harm way before now, what made you step in today?”  Brian asked.

“As I said, we were informed that the child…

“Gus, the child’s name is Gus.”

Matt shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he tried his best not to it show how intimidated he was, but he was failing miserably. “Yes Gus…Mr. Kinney, you were already under investigation, and we received new allegations that required immediate attention. I looked over the file and notes from the case worker and felt I needed to take action. It’s what I do and I will not apologize for it.

“I repeat my question. What made you step in today?  What allegations, and from whom?”

Matt was stopped from answering the question by the appearance of Nancy Peterson in the office doorway. Brian looked up at her as she walked into the already crowded office.

“I should have known. Why Nancy it’s always a pleasure,” he said bitterly

Brian began to advance toward Nancy when Paul placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“I’m just here to get my grandson Mr. Kinney. You and I have nothing to discuss.”

“You’re delusional.”

“Brian,” Paul said calmly. She’s no threat to us. You don’t have to speak to her.”

“Hello Paul, I just came to get my grandson.” Nancy Peterson turned towards Matt who was now standing behind his desk looking flabbergasted.

“Mrs. Peterson, Gus is in foster care. I never said he would be given to you. We removed him from harms way…”

Brian snorted loudly to Matt’s remark.

“I understand that this is a tough situation, but we have to think about the child, about Gus.”  Matt sighed, walking around from behind his desk.

“Yeah, you’re right Matt.” All eyes shifted towards the doorway when Justin spoke. “We have to think about Gus and the best thing for Gus is to be with his father.” Justin spoke directly to Matt, purposely diverted his eyes away from Brian. “Here is my report. This was supposed to have been filed Saturday morning, but circumstances had interfered.”

“Justin, what are you doing here?”

“The Kinney file was incomplete Matt. This is my completed report.” Justin handed the report to Matt and turned to leave the office. He didn’t think he could trust himself to be near Brian a moment longer and keep his emotions in check. “I’ll be in my office so we can discuss is later,” he said as he walked away.

Brian watched Justin leave; he wasn’t sure how to respond to his presence but he couldn’t focus on that right now. He needed to get his son home.

“Could we see the report?” Paul asked after Justin left.

“I can’t do that. I need to read it over and speak with the case worker. Gus is now in the system. Family court will decide where he belongs.”

“Well I guess that will be tomorrow. Judge Mattson has an open docket in the morning.”  Paul turned to Brian. “Brian there nothing for us to do here. We’ll have to wait to see the judge in the morning.”

“I can’t leave without Gus,” Brian said refusing to move

“It’s just for one night Brian. He’ll be home with you tomorrow. I promise you that.” Paul touched Brian’s hand reassuringly and directed him out of the office.

Brian stopped as he neared Nancy Peterson. “I hope you’re happy now.”

“After tomorrow when Gus is home with me I will be ecstatic.”

Brian wanted to say more but thought better of it as he turned and left the office. He and Paul headed back to his home to discuss what would take place in the morning.

It took awhile for Matt to convince Mrs. Peterson to leave. He was unsure where she got the impression Gus would be given directly to her, but Matt explained to her that nothing could be done until the morning and she would be better off heading home to get some rest. After she left he headed straight to Justin’s office, knowing that he’d be there waiting for him.

“So, you care to explain what you were doing with Brian Kinney when Dolores went to pick up Gus?”

Justin questioned Matt back to avoid answering. “You want to explain why you would move on a case I was working on without my input?”

“I knew you were upset over Tommy, so when the Peterson came in with the allegations I check with the school and read your file. It seemed cut and dry to me, Gus needed to be removed.

“The file was incomplete Matt, Bri…I mean Mr. Kinney is wonderful father and Gus belongs with him.”

“Is this professional Justin or emotional Justin speaking?” Matt asked “You never answered me. What were you doing there?”

“Matt, when I wrote that report Friday night it was all professional. Brian was being observed and I was his case worker. I sent the report here on Saturday to print and place in his file but I was interrupted by the phone call about Tommy. I ran into Brian much later that day after leaving the hospital. He saw I was upset and didn’t want me to be alone.”

“Is he the friend you said you were with on the phone?”

“Yes, he was the friend. After today, I don’t blame him if he hates my guts.”

“Well I read over the report. I never doubted your judgment before Justin, so I won’t start now. I just regret it was taken to this level. Place this in the Kinney file. Now it’s up to the judge. I’ll see in the morning.”

Justin took the report. “I’ll print a copy for you and myself as well.”

“Very good.” Matt turned to leave

“Matt…thanks for not passing judgment.”

Matt turned in the doorway and stopped.” Justin I know you, and I know you’ll always fight for the best interested of the child no matter the sacrifice for yourself. If you feel Brian Kinney is a fit father then I believe you. I think the man is an asshole, but that doesn’t mean he‘s not a good father. See you in the morning.”

After Matt left Justin printed off the copies of his report and placed one in the Kinney file, one on Matt’s desk and he kept a copy for himself. Before leaving the office he called the hospital to check on Tommy. His condition was the same.

******

Justin left the Child Services building and got into his car. He wanted so desperately to see Brian and make sure he was okay, but he knew that would be bad idea. Before he realized what he was doing he found himself driving down a vaguely familiar street. Justin stopped the car and got out. He took a deep breath before walking up the front steps and ringing the doorbell.

“Sunshine, what are you doing here?” Debbie notice the sunshine smile was missing. “What did that asshole do to you?” She demanded.

“No Debbie, it’s what I did to him,” Justin said before the tears began to fall.

Debbie ushered Justin into the house, and waited while he filled her in on what was going on.

“Sweetie it wasn’t your fault. It’s that old hags fault. Why can’t she let people be happy?”

“I really made a mess of things here. Now Gus is in a strange place and Brian’s all alone.”

“This is fixable. I hate that Gus had to go through this, that poor baby, but we have to look at the bright side everything. He’ll be returned to his father tomorrow and that bitch will not be able to harass Brian any longer.”

“I hope so. Debbie, could you go be with him tonight? He was really upset and I just don’t think he should be alone.”

Debbie looked at Justin and smiled. “You love him don’t you?”

Justin shrugged his shoulder as if to brush off Debbie comment, but it was obvious he had strong feelings for Brian.

“You’re just what he needs.”

“I have to go Debbie…are you going over there?”

“Yeah I’m going.”

“Tell him I’m sorry.”

“I will.” Debbie walked Justin to the before grabbing her purse and heading out herself.

******

Debbie banged on the door for a good five minutes before Brian answered, he looked tired and disheveled.

“Debbie what are doing here?”

“My mother sense alerted me that you needed me.”

“Is that right?”

“Yeah, my motherly sense and a really adorable blue eyed blond.”

“Justin came to see you?”

“Yeah, he is heartbroken over this whole ordeal.”

“I don’t want to talk about him.” Brian went and sat on the couch and closed his eyes.

“I know kiddo. It’ll be okay; tomorrow everything will be back to normal.”

“I hope so.” Debbie heard the break in Brian’s voice as he tried to control his emotions.

“You need to get some sleep or the judge will take one look at you and scream.”

“Gee thanks.”

Debbie stood up and bent over, picking up Brian’s feet. “Stretch out on the sofa,” She said. Debbie grabbed the chenille throw lying on the back of the sofa and laid it across Brian’s long form. She lifted his head up and sat down, placing his head in her lap. Debbie gently stroked Brian’s hair. “Now close your eyes. Everything will be okay tomorrow.”

“You gonna stay like this all night?” Brian asked his voice already becoming groggy.

“Oh, I used to do this with Vic when he was sick, so I’m used to it. Just close your eyes get some rest.”

“Thanks Debbie,” Brian whispered as he began to drift off.

“Anytime kiddo,” she whispered back as she continued to stroke his hair.

******

As Brian was drifting into a deep sleep, Justin was just walking into his apartment. He had stopped by the foster home where Gus was staying before coming home. He knew that Gus wouldn’t understand what was going on and would be frightened, so he got the name of the foster parents from Dolores. Justin stopped by the drug store and picked up a cheap teddy bear to bring to Gus. He was already asleep when Justin got there, but the foster parents Bob and Maggie Forester allowed for Justin to see him and give him the bear.  The Foresters told Justin that Dolores would be picking Gus up in the morning to take him to the courthouse to speak with the judge. They were amazed by how quickly the case was progressing; children are usually in their care weeks before going in front of the judge. Justin told them that Gus was taken from his father by mistake and all parties wanted to rectify the wrong as quickly as possible.

Entering his quiet apartment, Justin tossed his keys on the desk. His apartment seemed lonelier than it ever did before.

******

Justin was sitting in his darkened living room, trying not to think about the events that had taken place earlier when the phone rang, bringing him out of his daze.

“Hello?”

“Justin, I’ve been trying to reach you for hours. What’s going on? Someone from your office was snooping around the center earlier asking all kinds of questions about Gus.” After waiting for a response and not receiving one she really began to worry. “Justin? Is everything alright?”

“Oh Daph, I really screwed everything up this time,” Justin sighed.

“What happened?” she prodded.

“Tommy was hurt the other night. He was out with those thug friends of his and was shot. He’s been in a coma ever since.”

“Oh Justin, I’m sorry. Is he going to be alright?”

“I hope so, but no one is sure yet. I was so distraught that I couldn’t think clearly. I ended up running into Brian and he stayed with me, helping me through the weekend. He even helped to make sure that Tommy was being properly taken care of in the hospital,” Justin explained, his anguish evident in his voice.

“Well, that was nice of him, but what does it have to do with Gus?” she asked in confusion.

“I was so busy worrying about Tommy that I never finished filing my report on the Kinney case. The Petersons heard about Gus’s accident at the center and went to Matt. He found the unfinished file on my desk and jumped to the wrong conclusions. When Brian, Gus, and I pulled up outside his house after getting dinner, Delores was there. They took him, Daph. They took Gus away from his father. It was horrible. Poor Gus was so frightened and didn’t know what was going on, and Brian…God the pain and anger in his face. I never saw anyone so devastated before,” Justin explained, a small sob escaping before he could get a grip on his emotions; the vision of Brian’s pain still fresh in his memory.

“Oh poor Brian…and poor baby Gus,” Daphne cried softly. “Wasn’t there anything you could do?”

“I tried. I went to the office and handed Matt the finished report along with my recommendation, but once a child is removed, the case has to go before the judge. They’ll be in court tomorrow where hopefully everything will be straightened out.”

“So what are you doing home? Shouldn’t you be with Brian? He’s got to be so distraught,” Daphne replied.

“He hates me, Daph. He blames me for everything and he’s never going to talk to me again.”

“Why would he hate you? It wasn’t your fault. Your recommendation was that Gus stays with his father. This was all just a big mix up,” Daphne pointed out.

“It doesn’t matter. His son was taken away from him. He blames me for it and he’s right. Yeah, I was upset about Tommy, but that shouldn’t have interfered with my job. I should’ve made sure that my report was filed before doing anything else. I’m dealing with people’s lives and right now there are two very upset and confused people out there all because I wasn’t able to do my job properly.” Justin brushed away the tears that were silently falling down his cheeks. “I’ll never forgive myself for what happened. How is Brian supposed to forgive me?”

Daphne’s heart was breaking for her friend. She knew how important Brian and Gus were becoming to Justin and she could just imagine how hard it was for Justin to stand by and watch them being pulled apart. “So where are Brian and Gus now?”

“Gus is in a foster home. I got the address from Delores and stopped by to check on him. He was sleeping, but they assured me that he was okay under the circumstances. I’m guessing that Brian is at home regretting ever meeting me. I stopped by Debbie’s house and asked her to go to him. He shouldn’t be alone right now.”

“Neither should you,” Daphne pointed out. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll be there.”

“That’s okay, Daph. You don’t have to come over. I’ll be alright,” Justin assured her, his voice breaking with emotion, belying his words.

“I’m sure you will, but that’s what friends are for. I’ll pick up a pizza on the way.”

“I’m not really hungry.”

“Yeah, well I am and you know how I hate eating alone,” she said with a small chuckle. “Don’t worry too much, Justin. I’m sure everything will work out in the end. I’ll see you soon.”

Justin hung up the phone, looked around his apartment, and sighed. “I hope you’re right Daphne, but somehow I doubt it,” he said aloud to the empty room.

******

Brian met Paul outside of the courthouse a half hour before court would begin, hoping to get a chance to see Gus when he arrived. Debbie had left Brian’s house to change, but promised that she would be there before the hearing began. Brian also made her promise not to tell the rest of the family what was going on. He didn’t want it everything to be blown out of proportion if it all was able to be resolved.

Paul and Brian were sitting outside the courtroom when the Petersons arrived. Nancy didn’t bother to look in Brian direction and only Ron nodded his head slightly as he passed by.

“I guess we should head in Brian,” Paul said as he closed his brief case and stood up.

“Wait, I want to see Gus when he arrives.”

“Brian he may already be here. He’s not going to be in the courtroom. He’ll be kept in the judge’s chambers until the hearing is over. Court’s about to begin so we better get in there.”

“Alright,” Brian sighed as he followed Paul into the court room. It was a small room, with a single table was set up in front of the judge’s bench. It was long enough to hold four chairs and Justin and Matt were already occupying two of them with Justin sitting on the far end. Behind the table were a short row of pews for any spectators who may venture into the courtroom. The Petersen’s were sitting in the front row. Beside them was the man that came to Brian’s home the day before when they took Gus away. Brian didn’t see woman that was there, and he wonder if she was with Gus. Brian couldn’t help but glance in Justin’s direction. His back was to him, but he must have felt Brian’s gaze on him because he turned around before Brian could look away.  Justin looked as if he was about to speak when the court room door opened and banged closed. All eyes turned to see Debbie walking into the courtroom.

“Sweetie, am I late?” She asked as she walked toward Brian.

“No, you’re right on time,” Brian said as he smiled at her.

Debbie patted Brian on the arm as she made her way toward a seat on the side opposite of where the Petersons sat. She wanted to speak to Justin but thought it would be best to wait until after the proceedings. Brian made his way to the table at the front of the courtroom. He took a seat on the opposite end while Paul sat down next to Matt. As soon as everyone was seated the bailiff stood and asked everyone to rise as Judge Mattson entered the courtroom.

“Please be seated,” the judge said as he took his seat. “I run an informal courtroom. This is not a trial only a hearing. Now, is Mr. Kinney present?”

“Yes, your honor,” Brian said as he stood to show his presence.

“Be seated, are the Petersons here?”

“We are your honor.” Nancy and Ron both stood, but it was Nancy who spoke.

“Thank you.” Judge Mattson then turned his attention towards Justin and Matt. He was already familiar with them from past cases. “Boyd, Taylor, good to see you again,” he said addressing both men by their surname.

Matt and Justin both stood up to acknowledged the judge.

“Well, let’s get started. I looked over the file and I read the report and the complaints. Mr. Kinney I liked to hear from you first. Do you care to defend the allegations presented by the Petersons?”

Brian stood as the judge addressed him. “Your honor I have no defense against the Petersons’ allegation, because I have no idea what they are. They haven’t been to see Gus since he’s been in my custody for the past six almost seven months. They haven’t picked up the phone to call and see how he’s doing, so I don’t understand how they can determine what his home life is like if they’ve never been witness to it. They barely saw him when his mothers were alive so I doubt their lack of interest has anything to do with him living with me.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, do either of you wish to speak?”

“Yes, your honor. When my daughter was alive she did not want Mr. Kinney to be apart of her son’s life and went as far as having his rights taken away. Understandably so, he leads an unnatural life of sleeping with strange men and parading them through his home. My grandson should not be subjected to such immoral behavior.”

“THAT IS A BOLD FACE LIE!”

“And who might you be ma’am?” Judge Mattson asked, his attention focused on the outraged redhead.

“I’m Deborah Novotny, but you may call me Debbie. “

“Alright Debbie, apparently you have something to say.”

“You damn right I do…sorry your honor, I’m just very protective of my boys. First of all I’d like to say that I was very close to both Lindsay Peterson and Melanie Marcus. They didn’t have Brian’s rights taken away, like Mrs. Peterson is claiming. He signed his rights away voluntarily so that Miss Marcus could petition the courts for a second parent adoption. Lindsay and Melanie thought it was best that Melanie had the legal right to make decisions for her son since she was a custodial parent. They came to the decision after a trip to the emergency room caused poor Mel to have to wait out in the waiting room while the homophobic doctor told her she wasn’t family and wasn’t allowed back with her son. Brian was trying to do what was best for his son. I’ve known Brian since he was a kid and I know him better than anyone, better than he knows himself. Yes, he lived the life of a bachelor, but that stopped as soon as he became a full time dad. Brian devotes his life to raising Gus. That kid wants for nothing…well except his mothers, but other than that Brian gives him love…um…attention and, and...and lots and lots of love. He makes sure Gus knows he has a family and that he will always be there for him. This whole situation is crazy and these people…” Debbie pointed in the direction of the Petersons. “…they don’t know Brian; they don’t know Gus…hell they barely knew their own daughter.”

“Your honor she is out of line!” Nancy Peterson bellowed at Debbie’s remark.

“You are out of line Missy,” Debbie shot back

The judge slammed his gavel on the desk. “That’s enough. I will not have this become a shouting match. I think I’ve heard enough from The Peterson and from Mrs. Novot…”

“Debbie.”

“Okay Debbie. Does Child Services have more to add than what is in this file?” the judge asked turning his attentions to Justin and Matt.

“No, I do not your honor,” Matt said

“Actually I do, if I may,” Justin asked as he stood.

“Please.”

“Your honor I would like to elaborate on what Mrs. Novotny already told the court. I have been observing Mr. Kinney since the allegations were made by the Petersons and in truth I found not one of their allegations to have any sound reasoning or merit. Gus is a happy and healthy little boy. Yes he was injured, but that was an accident that took place at his school. His father wasn’t even present when it happened so how can we hold him responsible? Since the accident Mr. Kinney took time from work to stay home and take care of son. It was my fault for not filing my report on time that caused all of this confusion, and I hope the courts see fit to right a serious wrong today.”

“Thank you Mr. Taylor. Does anyone else have anything to add before I call recess?”

“I do your honor.” Mrs. Peterson said standing again. “I want my grandson to be raised normal and not in some gay immoral household.”

“Mrs. Peterson it is my understanding that your daughter was also a homosexual. If she was still here would you be fighting this fight?”

“Well, no... I mean yes my daughter was gay, but she was Gus’ mother.”

“And Mr. Kinney is Gus’ father. Thank you Mrs. Peterson.” Judge Mattson gathered up the file in front of him. “I would like to call a recess to take time to speak with Gus, who is sitting in my chambers. I shall render my decision shortly. This court will take a short recess.” Judge Mattson banged his gavel as every stood while he departed the courtroom.

******

Brian stood off to the side of the courtroom talking to Debbie. He would glance every now and then towards Justin direction who was sitting and pretending to be listening to whatever his boss was saying to him.

Debbie notice that Brian’s gaze wandered one to many times. “Go talk to him.”

“We have nothing to say to each other. And I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“Fine…for now. What’s taking this fucking judge so long?”

“Deb, it’s only been about 15 minutes.”

“Yeah, well I just want this to be over.”

“Me too Deb, me too.” Brian took Debbie by the arm. “Come on lets sit down.”

Debbie and Brian took a seat in one the pews.  Debbie stroked Brian’s arm reassuringly, knowing he was putting on a brave front, but underneath he was terrified of what the outcome would be.

They sat and waited for about a half hour before the bailiff announced Judge Mattson’s return. Brian went back to his seat next to Paul, waiting for the judge’s decision.

“Be seated.” Judge Mattson said as he retook his seat behind the bench. “I have to say first it’s hard when a family is torn apart by things we cannot change. Mr. Kinney you have a beautiful little boy.  I just spent a half hour talking to him and he’s such a delight, but confused and frightened as well. He doesn’t understand why he was taken from his father and had to spend the night with strangers. I tried to explain it to him, but all he wants is to go home and be with his family.  Mr. and Mrs. Peterson I don’t see any grounds for your allegations. The little boy I saw is only suffering from being apart from his father, and that can be remedied today.” Judge Mattson signaled his bailiff before returning his attention back to Brian. “Mr. Kinney you may take your son home.”

The courtroom erupted with cheers from Debbie as they saw Gus being escorted into the court room. Brian walked toward his son and squatted down, scooping him up in his arms.

“Daddy, can we go home now?” Gus asked as he held on as tight as he could with his one good arm.

“Yeah, we can go home,” Brian replied softly.

The woman from the day before, who had escorted Gus into the courtroom walked over and handed Gus a teddy bear.

“Thank you,” Gus said as he took the bear.

“Where did you get that?” Brian asked as he held his son in his arms.

“I don’t know Daddy. I woke up with it. Maybe it’s from Mommy and Momma.”

“Maybe,” Brian said, but for some unknown reason he had a feeling he knew exactly who it came from.

******

Brian followed everyone out of the courtroom, holding on to his son for dear life and very thankful for the right to do so. He was thrilled that the whole mess was behind them and ready to put it all in the past and move on. Once they were out on the front steps he turned to Paul.

“I don’t know how to thank you,” Brian stated, his voice shaking with emotion.

“You don’t have to thank me. It’s my job as a lawyer to make sure justice prevails. Gus belongs with his father; I just helped make that happen,” Paul explained before turning his attention to Gus. “You make sure to take good care of your daddy, alright?”

“I will,” Gus replied shyly.

“Good boy. Brian, I’ll give you a call in a week or two. Maybe we can get the kids together for a play date,” Paul suggested.

“Sounds good,” Brian said as he shook Paul’s hand.

Brian watched Paul walk away wondering if he’d ever be able to repay the man for all of his support. He turned around at the sound of Debbie’s voice booming behind him.

“Well Kiddo, it’s all over now.”

“Thank God. I don’t know how much more I could’ve taken,” Brian admitted.

“I think it’s definitely time for some good things to happen to you both. Now I’m going to go home and get out of these fancy clothes; give you boys a little time alone. Then I’ll come by and fix something for lunch.”

“You don’t have to do that, Deb. I’m perfectly capable of making lunch,” Brian told her.

“I know, but I want to. You weren’t the only one losing sleep at night.”

Brian nodded his head in understanding. Debbie loved Gus as if he was her own flesh and blood and she’d been almost as worried as Brian had been.

“See you in a bit,” she called as she hurried down the steps.

Once Debbie was gone, Brian started down the steps himself when Gus’s voice stopped him.

“Daddy, there’s Justin. Can we go say hello?”

Brian turned around to see Justin and Matt standing off to the side with Justin in the middle of what appeared to be an important phone call. Before Brian had a chance to react to Gus’s request, Justin shoved his phone back in his pocket, said something quick to Matt, and raced down the steps out of sight.

“I guess he had somewhere to be, Sonny Boy. Let’s go home.” He replied casually, wondering what had the blond in such a hurry.

Brian had just reached the sidewalk when he heard a familiar voice calling his name. He looked back to see Matt approaching them.

“Mr. Kinney, wait up,” Matt called as he hurried over to the man and his son.

“What do you want, Boyd?” Brian sighed. He still held a lot of animosity towards the man who helped take his son away.

“Now that this whole mess is over, I just wanted to apologize for the huge mix up yesterday. I was just doing my job. It’s unfortunate that Gus had to suffer, but there are so many children out there that don’t have the luxury of having parents that love them properly. Our job is to protect them at any cost. I’m glad that wasn’t the case here.”

Brian listened to Matt’s apology and wondered what it would’ve been like if he had had someone like Justin or Matt to protect him when he was young, which of course made him think of the blond and his sudden departure. He wanted to ask Matt what the call was about, but didn’t want to seem interested. Luckily he didn’t have to worry about that thanks to Gus, who voiced the question running through his mind.

“Why did Justin run away? I wanted to say hello to him. He’s really nice.”

“Yes he is, Gus. And I know he likes you, too.” Matt saw the way Brian seemed eager for the answer to Gus’s question and realized that Brian probably had a right to know. Justin had told him that Brian had helped him through the weekend while they waited to find out if Tommy was going to live. “Since Justin already told me that you were helping him this weekend, I guess it’s alright to tell you. The hospital called to say that there were signs of improvement in Tommy. Justin is on his way over to see how’s he’s doing. It’s such a shame what’s happened to that poor kid.”

“Yeah, it is,” Brian agreed, his thoughts on the boy lying in a hospital bed across town. “Well if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take my son home now.”

“Sure thing. Again, I’m sorry for all the confusion,” Matt replied. “Gus, you’re a very lucky boy. Your daddy loves you very much.”

“I know I love him, too. He’s the bestest daddy in the whole world,” Gus replied enthusiastically.

Matt smiled at the little boy’s answer. “Take care of yourself, Mr. Kinney.”

Brian watched Matt walk away before turning his attention back to his son. “Okay Sonny Boy, now let’s go home.”

******

It took awhile, but Brian finally had gotten Gus to settle down after his traumatic experience. Their reunion at the courthouse had been an emotional time and one that neither one of them would forget anytime soon. Debbie eventually showed up at the house, after giving them a little time alone, and insisted on fixing lunch for her boys. Once Gus had finished eating, he had fallen asleep on the floor of the living room in front of his favorite TV show. Brian carried him upstairs and spent a few minutes watching him sleep, thanking God that he had his son back where he belonged. Eventually his mind drifted towards the blond he’d been trying to forget and the phone call that had him rushing from the court house. Matt had said that he’d gotten word about Tommy from the hospital. He wanted to call Justin and see how the boy was, but he couldn’t. He didn’t know if he’d ever be able to place a call to Justin again, and that thought saddened him more than he thought it would. With another plan in mind, he headed back downstairs and found Debbie cleaning up the lunch dishes.

“Hey Deb, I just wanted to say thank you; for last night as well as today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…”

“Shhh,” Debbie said, placing a hand on Brian’s arm. “It’s alright. It’s over now and that special little boy is back where he belongs. You’re a wonderful father, Brian, and that little boy is lucky to have you.”

Brian blushed under Debbie’s glare, unused to the praises that he’d been receiving ever since he’d become a full time dad. “Thanks. Um…do you think you could do me a favor?”

“Sure Kiddo, what is it?”

“Justin had gotten a call from the hospital while he was at the court room,” he began. “Matt told me. Anyway, I thought I’d run by the hospital and see how Tommy was doing. He’s really a good kid and I want to know if he’s okay.”

Debbie smiled at Brian’s concern. He’d come a long way from being the Stud of Liberty Avenue who lived his life in backrooms and bath houses. “Go ahead. Gus will probably sleep for awhile anyway and I don’t have anywhere to be.”

Brian leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Thanks Deb, I won’t be long.”

Brian thought about Tommy and his sisters as he drove to the hospital. Those poor children had been through so much in their short lives and it tore at his heart to think about what would happen to the girls if they lost their brother. After finding a parking spot, Brian made his way inside the hospital and headed directly to Tommy’s room. He was about to walk in when he heard Justin’s voice and stopped in his tracks, just out of the line of vision. Even though he knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop, he couldn’t seem to walk away from the scene before him.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do. I really screwed up this time. I shouldn’t have left my report unfinished, but when I got the call from Mrs. Gonzales I panicked. I never imagined that anyone would step in and take Gus away from Brian. He’s such a great father. Now he hates me and I doubt he’ll ever talk to me again,” Justin’s voice trailed off as he let his emotions take over for a moment.

Brian could hear the anguish in Justin’s voice as he spoke to Tommy and he wanted nothing more than to take the pain away, but he couldn’t. The anger and betrayal was still too deep, the vision of his son being taken away from him still too fresh in his mind. Justin may not have recommended the separation, but it was his notes that had been sifted through before a decision was made. He stayed where he was and listened some more while Justin continued.

“The worst part about this whole mess is that poor Gus had to spend the night with strangers, probably scared to death that he’d never see his father again. He’d already lost both of his mothers. To be taken away like that…I can’t even close my eyes without seeing the fear in those small hazel eyes. I’ll never forgive myself for allowing that to happen. I’ve come to really love that boy and it breaks my heart to think about what he went through. Oh and I know what you’re thinking but I won’t even go there with you. My feelings for Brian are something I’m not prepared to share with a teenager. It doesn’t really matter anyway, since he’s never going to talk to me again. It doesn’t matter as long as Brian and Gus are happy together.”

Brian felt a sudden tightening in his chest when he heard Justin talking about his feelings for him. A part of him wanted to walk in there and confront him; force him to say what he was feeling, but he couldn’t. In typical Kinney fashion, he took one last look at the blond sitting beside Tommy and quietly walked away, without letting his presence be known. He had too many thoughts and feelings racing through his mind at that moment, but he refused to allow himself to think about them. Gus was all that mattered. He needed to get home to his son and forget all about the blond haired beauty that turned his life upside down. Maybe one day he’d be able to put the last 24 hours behind him, forget it ever happened, but it was still too soon to forgive and forget.

Justin felt more than heard movement coming from the doorway, but when he turned around no one was there. He realized that his mind was playing tricks on him, probably from lack of sleep, and turned his attention back to the unconscious boy in front of him.

“Okay, so I’m in love with him. Are you happy now? I finally admitted it. I love him so much that it hurts. I was even foolish enough to think that we might have had a chance at a future together. How stupid was that? Well, it’s over now. The case is closed and Brian can go back to being the Stud of Liberty Avenue and live his life without the fear of losing his son. And I’ll just go on as if nothing has changed. As if I didn’t have the opportunity of getting to know such a special man and his special little boy. I’ve got my work to keep me busy, and maybe one day I’ll be able to close my eyes and not see hazel ones staring back at me.”

End of part 6

03/09/05

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