Chapter 7
Diego went back to his room and found the new phone. It was a brand new
iPhone and had all of the girls' numbers along with Oscar's and Kyle's
numbers listed. He smiled as he read Polly's entry, simply, "Girlfriend"
but her picture.
He looked through the phone and found a bunch of pictures that startled
him. He liked Polly a lot but what she did was too much. He fought back
tears, they were not what he wanted from her.
He rang her number and Dorothy answered it. He asked for Polly but was
told she was already asleep. He sighed and told her firmly, "Can you
please tell her not to send me any more of her special pictures? I don't
want to get in trouble because of them. I don't want her to get in
trouble or worse, get shamed because someone found pictures of her on my
phone."
He was nearly in tears as he said that. Dorothy asked what he meant, to
which he tearfully told her, "She sent me pictures of her boobs and of
her vagina. I'm sorry, Ms. Vega, I didn't ask for them. I only just found
out I had a phone a couple of minutes ago and found them on it. Please
don't be mad at me."
She calmly explained, "I'll have a long talk with her. That was
unexcusable and could have been illegal. She is trying too hard to be
your girlfriend and at the rate, she is going she will drive you away.
It's not your fault, I don't blame you. Just try to give her a little bit
of leeway, she is trying to overcompensate for what she lacked for so
long that any positive male attention is making her act that way. She
really does like you, she just needs to have us tell her what she can't
do."
He clicked off and deleted the pictures. He liked what he saw but he
didn't want that kind of thing on his phone. He knew what happened to
people who dealt with those kinds of pictures and what could happen to
her if they were connected to her by the boys in his class.
Eric caught the conversation and added a hearty, "Jessica did the same
thing to me but dad caught the texts before me. She and I weren't allowed
together for a while. Scott almost strangled me for it. It means she
really likes you, but she doesn't know that it's stupid and could be
humiliating and leave herself open to exploitation and blackmail. Let
Aunt Dorothy handle it, she needs to talk with her."
Dorothy spent the night thinking about how to bridge the subject with
Polly. She finally went out and asked her, "Why did you take pictures of
yourself and leave them on Diego's phone? I told you there were
boundaries and restrictions to you dating and you just crossed a big
one."
Polly tried to think up a quick excuse but Dorothy explained, "He tried
to call you last night, he was upset that you did that. He wasn't
concerned about himself, it was that you were trying too hard to prove
you were girly enough for him. You don't have to be, he likes you enough
to tell me what you did and why he didn't want them. He could have kept
them for himself or showed other boys in the class them. But he didn't.
That is a boy who likes you enough to do the right thing. So please, calm
yourself with him. He is going to push away from you and you will lose
him if you do."
Polly tearfully apologized. Dorothy authoritatively told her, "No dates
for two months. No unsupervised time with Diego either. You are also
going to wash the laundry and mop the floors as well as babysit for Mr.
and Mrs. Herman without pay."
Polly wasn't happy but understood fully why she was being punished and
why she shouldn't have done it in the first place. She tearfully hugged
and kissed Dorothy for not giving her a worse punishment as most mothers
would do. She could handle babysitting the energetic Benny Herman, it was
the fact that why she was watching him that concerned her.
Dorothy sent a text to Gabby Bollinger, Olivia Samuels, and Margo
Phillips to let them know what Polly did and ask that they check Amy, Al,
and Trina's phones. Alice would be over shortly so she'd tell her in
person. Stephanie wasn't one to do things like that but she had to ask
her anyway.
Immediately Gabby called to say that Amy had done the same thing with
Oscar texting back, "Don't do that again." Trina had done the same with
Stephanie joking about it being unnecessary. Al surprised her by doing
the same as the girls, but Olivia added, "She tried to say the other
girls told her she should. I suspect Amy, Polly, and Trina were really
behind all of this."
Alex and Ricardo were called with both not happy at the girls' actions
but understanding that it was a huge learning moment for the tweens. The
plan for Polly to watch Benny evolved into the four girls watching the
four toddlers with Billy Pena being assigned Polly and Nigel Smith Jr.
getting Amy. The two rambunctious toddlers were assigned to them as Amy
knew Benny through her brother dating his sister and she was Jack
Bollinger's cousin thus too close to both for it to be real punishment.
Benny was assigned Al and Jack Bollinger was assigned to Trina as the
girls were less at fault for what happened.
Diego, Kyle, and Oscar were gathered together to explain what was going
on and why. The boys tried to apologize to the adults but were told
firmly, "You did the right thing and deleted the texts. Gabby and Olivia
are proud of you for doing the right thing and we are proud of you for
realizing that it was a mistake and told the girls not to do it again.
The lack of dates isn't your fault and isn't a punishment for you, it's
for the girls and they learned a hard lesson about doing that kind of
thing."
Eric took the three boys out for a run, with the duo reluctantly joining
Diego so it didn't appear that he was doing something better than them.
Eric had to grin as the boys tried their hardest to complain but were
actually liking the talks they were having as Reed, Donald, Michael,
George, and Miles joined them. They had forgotten how much more
insightful and interesting the older boys were, making the running easier
and giving them a sense of missing out on a lot of bonding with the guys.
The guys asked the two about the pictures. Kyle immediately shot back,
"We didn't ask for them and we didn't want them. I already know what a
girl looks like from Margaret's laziness, I don't need to see Al!" Oscar
added a terse, "We didn't do anything, we didn't want them, and we don't
want Donald or Thomas or Rick going after us."
The five just grinned at them. The three older brothers were told about
it by Eric the night before and were hoping that it wasn't something the
boys had actively taken part in. Rick understood all too well why they
did it while Francesca got caught trying to put Donald's hand up her
blouse and Thomas simply told Rebecca, "I'm not touching you until we are
both in college" when she tried it.
The boys ran for several miles then rested on the park's pier overlooking
the Mystic River. The guys took this time to hit the bathrooms with Diego
being the first to go in while they waited. Diego whined, "What I
wouldn't give to not have to sit to pee." The others kept quiet as they
knew exactly why Diego complained, it wasn't exactly the best bathroom
let alone one you would want to sit down in! They could barely stomach it
in the fall and winter let along the hot spring and summer months.
As the guys were enjoying themselves the girls were starting their
punishments. Polly was assigned to watch Billy Pena while Kennedy Pena,
Chloe Miller, and Willie Pena worked on the investigation into the
developer, a man by the name of Duane Todwell, who was the mastermind
behind the whole assault on girls in Diego's former school. Polly was
unaware who the Eve was that they were discussing, only knowing that it
was important to them and Billy was interested in keeping her away from
his parents.
Billy kept to himself and knew that when his parents were talking they
were talking about things he shouldn't hear. Polly though listened in and
heard a lot of disturbing things about what the boys had done to girls
and why they were doing it. She felt horrible for the girl named Eve,
which was purposely being used by Kennedy, Chloe, and Willie because of
Polly's presence.
She listened quietly as Willie talked about Eve being used by both
Masters and Todwell. The ADA, Burke, was getting a nice sum of money in
his wife's account. They already knew he had a personal connection
through his son to the boys so an indirect link became a direct link now.
After talking with parents and teachers as well as a couple of neighbors
they found police reports for break-ins at businesses that coincided with
Pablo Rodriguez supposedly being, "Out of town" but being seen in the
area. When Pablo wasn't breaking into businesses, he was openly serving
as a bouncer at Todwell's strip club making that his, "Real" job. This
was confirmed by claims on tax records, which opened Pablo up to tax
evasion charges now since he never declared income from his second job.
Discreet talks with parents revealed that Sierra Ramirez and Masters had
been in a relationship for some time while Pablo worked for Todwell. Eve
was in school whenever they met, with the whole investigation into Sierra
and Pablo by the state being given a glance over and written up to blame
Eve and ignore the actions of Pablo and Sierra. Masters was then shown to
be getting paid to look into any kid whose parents complained about the
boys' treatment of their daughters and was going to do the same to Eve
when their encounter with his last two cases caused him to go to prison.
The name Pablo and Sierra caught Polly by surprise. She recognized the
names but didn't directly know where she heard them. Billy told her in a
whisper, "Eve is Diego, mommy said he was born a girl."
It finally clicked. She heard the names from Stephanie! Pablo is
Stephanie's father, the man who hated Diego's father with a passion. The
more she heard about the man, the less she liked him and the more she
wanted him hurt badly.
Diego's reaction to the pictures she sent made all the more sense. He was
afraid of what would happen to him because of all of what his supposed
father had done to others in the past. She realized just how much of a
mistake she had made and hoped to be able to rectify it in the future.
She had unintentionally caused trouble for the boys because she wanted to
show she liked Diego and got the other girls involved. The thought that
why he was so cautious with her never popped into her mind. It made
sense, his gender change wasn't the real reason it: it was because he
didn't want anything bad to happen to her because of the bastards who
were manipulating the system.
Billy laughed and ran off, yelling, "She knows! She knows!" Willie and
Kennedy looked at Polly who tried to look away from them but had tears in
her eyes. She told them tearfully, "I'm sorry but I have to go" then ran
home, leaving the two to look at the laughing Billy who didn't know just
hat he had done.
Polly ran right home and went up to her room to cry. Dorothy was home and
demanded to know why she was already back. All Polly could do was cry and
mumble almost incoherently, "They tried to rape him" over and over again.
Dorothy tried to comfort her but she was inconsolable at that time. She
just sighed and went downstairs to call Kennedy and explain, "Polly heard
about the assault on Diego. I don't know how but she found out. She is
taking it hard, she did something yesterday that she regrets and now
realizes could have had a bigger impact on Diego than she could have
anticipated."
Kennedy just sighed and added, "Billy told her. He didn't know why we
were using Diego's deadname, only that we were talking about him. He
thought he was being funny but I think he now sees that she was hurt by
what he said."
Dorothy asked, "What are you doing about it? For Willie to be working
with you there is more going on." Kennedy added a solemn, "I can't tell
you more because I don't think it's wise to tell anyone else. We are
investigating the real mastermind, the boys were just pawns and the real
man behind the man responsible is as sleazy and shady as they come. But
he is also well connected and has a lot of money and power, so we need to
be careful and have everything in order first. SO we can't reveal much
now."
Dorothy clicked off and went up to see Polly, who had now fallen asleep.
It pained her to do it but she called Diego and told him the bad news
directly:, "Polly accidentally found out about what happened to you in
Worcester. She is taking it hard ,but it's because she cares about you.
Try to give her some slack for being clingy the next few days, she's
afraid for you and understands why you reacted so badly."
The guys asked what was wrong to which Diego explained. They were in
agreement that she would be that way but she did care about him and only
wanted assurances that he was alright. Eric added, "If this was only sex
she wouldn't have run off like she did, she does like you a lot and it's
eating at her."
Kennedy's #2 Angela Victor was working equally hard out in Worcester. She
had gotten discrete search warrants for all emails and financial records
of the Burke, Rice, Todwell, and two cops. She just needed a hook to reel
them in, she hadn't been able to find it yet.
She called Kennedy who had found just what Angela needed by connecting
Masters to Sierra and Pablo. With Masters already under scrutiny, they
now had the grounds to dig deeper into his personal life and find just
what they needed. It came as a bit of a surprise but he happened to be
the real father of the fourth boy involved in the assaults in school,
rather than the second officer; Masters and had been the major force
behind some of the girls recanting and later lying about making up their
stories.
Masters was already in prison thanks to his plea bargain with the state
but he could be brought up on new charges that would ensure a longer
sentence. It also meant that the state was going to have to gut the
Worcester office to ensure that there were no other corrupt social
workers there. Chloe would have to move to the Boston area to save her
skin because Angela could tell right away that she was being primed to
take the fall for the whole lot once their own foul-ups and misbehavior
was blown.
She sent an email off to Anne Connors asking her to transfer Chloe as a
preventative strike against retaliation. Chloe had earned the spot and
working with Mark Sylvester was her ticket to Boston and the chance for
better advancement. Angela had seen her profile and her work with kids in
tight situations was near legendary, second only to her new coworker Mark
and third to Anne herself.
Anne emailed back that she would do it but had to make it look like a
promotion. Angela just grinned, explaining, "She has more than enough
cause for you to transfer her east to alleviate the backlog and the tough
cases in the Boston area. Your department needs more compassionate people
who Both have the experienced with unique situations and kids with
special needs as well as the keen mind to spot trouble before it starts.
No other justification needed than that."
The stage was set. They had their path into getting at Todwell, Rice, the
cops, and Burke. All they needed was a trick to get Masters to confess.
That was easy enough, Angela simply booked a visit with him and would lay
out the truth and how much extra time he was looking at for more rights
violations.
Masters and his lawyer were available that day and she eagerly had Chloe
and another ADA join them at the prison complex in Lancaster. Chloe
didn't beat around the bush, explaining, "We have you nailed for
accepting bribes from a man under suspicion for fraud, racketeering, and
extortion. We have you nailed for additional civil rights violations
against children who should have never been investigated while ignoring
legitimate cases of assault against minors."
Masters was going to say something but his lawyer stepped in and asked,
"My client would like to deal. If you are here you are here for a reason.
You need him more than he needs you."
Angela countered with, "Considering that the money is being funneled
through offshore bank accounts, was never declared to the state or
federal governments, and was done with the intent of causing harm to
children- we don't need him as we have everyone already. They are all
going away for at least a decade each. He has everything to lose, we walk
out of here, the US Attorney will crucify you for repeatedly violating
the rights of children. At the bare minimum you are now up to at least
five, plus two adults that you are already charged with. He already hates
your guts for what you did in September, he is just itching to send you
away for the rest of your life and imprison your remains afterward."
Masters' attorney nodded, she was right and he knew it. Masters agreed to
testify against everyone in exchange for a lighter sentence on the new
charges. Angela reiterated that she had no say in the USA's decision to
go after the whole group on federal charges but she would give a good
word to him about it.
For the next three hours, Masters sang like a canary. Every deal that was
made with the family to shut their mouths about the assaults started to
make the picture clearer. He didn't notice that he was being used by
them, he thought the girls were exaggerating until he was shown just what
happened to the boys who Diego fought back against and saw the marks on
Diego's body from the assault, ones that were too old to be from Pablo's
and Sierra's assault the previous Saturday.
Masters saw the boys' x-rays and was told firmly, "The girl who did that
to them was fighting against four boys who were older, stronger, and
determined. She fought back and was almost arrested until she saw just
who was trying to arrest her. She got away but had to flee from police
until we intervened. So you see, this wasn't a case of love gone wrong-
this was an attempted rape."
Kennedy called and confirmed just what was going on. As she explained to
Angela her mistake, Angela growled and explained to Masters and his
attorney, "Well this sucks for you. You weren't telling me the whole
truth. You had a relationship with Sierra Ramirez that you neglected to
mention. You blocked an attempt to take away Eve Rodriguez from Sierra
and her boyfriend for negligence and child abuse that was witnessed by
the vice principal. Further, your own son is one of the boys involved in
the assaults- of which we have no record of you ever mentioning to the
department in any of the reports!"
The two tried to claim that they couldn't do that to him. Angela shouted
back, "You violated the terms of the deal that both of you signed in good
faith. You agreed to tell us everything about your actions that were
against the department's rules, regulations, and in violation of the law.
Your refusing to intervene to protect then sleeping with the mother of a
child whom you are supposed to be investigating is part of it. Your
neglecting to mention your own son's involvement in any of the multiple
suspected assaults and is another. Your deal is hereby revoked."
Angela and Chloe got up to leave as his lawyer was in an argument with
Masters over his stupidity. Masters knew the jig was up and there was no
way out of his predicament now. Masters was going to go to prison for
another two decades because he thought he was smarter than everyone else
yet again.
Chloe received a phone call from Anne once she had her phone turned back
on outside the prison. Anne made her an offer which Chloe accepted. Chloe
was no fool, she told Anne, "If it's as bad as I think this means I'll be
the one to get blamed because I'm the most expendable and have no
political backers." Anne countered with, "You are the most valuable,
which is why I'm pulling you out and informing your immediate supervisor
personally. It's a lateral transfer with advancement. You were stagnant
there, in Boston you are going to be a key player."
Angela had to make plans for what to do next. Kennedy called her back and
told her, "We think the next move now that Masters is out of play and
talking is the attempt on the Rodriguez family. Stephanie is vulnerable
but Raul is too heavily entrenched with legal people and officers at the
high school for any attempted meeting to work." Angela added, "Get your
husband and his people to get some additional bodies at the school and
ensure that they know that nobody from Worcester is to contact the school
or are allowed to speak with her without one of us there."
Kennedy relayed that to Willie who added a hard, "Diego will need to be
on his toes as well. He can't show any emotion at seeing them there. If
they connect Diego to Eve they could go after Diego through Alex and
Ricardo."
Reed was told to bring Diego over while Willie called Alex and Ricardo.
Dorothy was added in which brought Polly along for the needed talk with
Diego. Diego reluctantly went with Reed as Eric and the others tried to
figure out what was going on. Miles and Michael had to tell them what
Diego couldn't, including how they suspected Diego would soon be targeted
by the scumbags if they found out who he used to be which would make
things dangerous for all of them.
Mark and Anne were alerted to be on the lookout for suspicious requests
regarding Diego, particularly from the Worcester office. Anne just
grinned and shot back, "I am putting an immediate demand for all
information from the Worcester office to be funneled through the Boston
office. This should filter out any requests. As long as that ADA was
removed from being able to order removals and the court don't ignore our
involvement we should have them."
At the Pena home, Diego got to experience Billy at his worst as the
toddler ran through the house trying to annoy Reed and get a rise out of
his parents. Diego ignored him which only caused Billy to get angry
causing him to be disciplined for his actions. Reed had to hold back
laughter as Billy normally forced whoever was there to pay attention to
him but Diego ignored him making him fume and want to get back at him
causing more trouble.
Billy finally gave up and went to play in his room. Reed was all smiles
as were Willie and Kennedy. Diego just shrugged, he was used to people
acting foolishly to get a rise out of him so a toddler doing it was not
that much different than a tween boy doing it.
Reed finally sat Diego down and had his parents explain what was going
on. Diego listened intently then added, "You know who they are going to
send and you can guess when- tomorrow morning, just after court opens.
They aren't bright, they will go to the school and try to bully their way
into meeting with Stephanie no matter what. If Ms. Vega doesn't let them
they will threaten her with arrest. It's how they always do it."
Willie smirked and told her firmly, "If they try that, they will get
arrested. They have no authority in this city." Diego countered with,
"They will use the ADA again, they always do."
Kennedy just grinned, explaining, "That won't happen. He was suspended
and is going to prison soon. They can try to use someone else but they
will have to lie to get it done but we already know they are coming and
why and have a counter to them. Simply put, if they try they will get
themselves arrested."
She grinned and added, "They are actually helping us strengthen the case
against the real man who was behind what happened to you and the girls at
your former school. They would give us probable cause for looking into
their involvement and why they are going after Stephanie because they
have no reason to question your cousin at all, we know she has committed
no crimes and we know that they are really working for someone who only
wants to get at your former home."
Reed added, "It's really his home since the morons put it in his former
name after selling it to Sierra!" Kennedy shook her head at her son's bit
of arrogance but had to added, "Sometimes I can't believe you are my son
then you go and do something like this. Thank you, Beverly, for doing
that for Diego, the bastards are going to be harassing a girl who has no
knowledge of things and who doesn't even own the property she is accused
of owning!"
Alex and Ricardo showed up next and were filled in on what they found
out. Ricardo's anger brewed while Alex calmly asked, "Can we
counterattack? If they do come there has to be something we can do to get
back at them immediately. This is clearly a conspiracy to commit fraud
and witness intimidation no matter how we slice it."
Willie grinned as Kennedy sighed and gave in. If they were going to come
all the way to Winnisimmet to get at Stephanie they were going to do
worse next. Taking them into custody was needed to keep her safe and if
they were in custody they were easier to turn state's evidence if only to
save their own hides.
The big thing was keeping an ADA from filing any warrants. This would
require Angela to coordinate with a judge. Ricardo grinned and admitted,
"The Johnsons know exactly who to talk to to get things done right. If we
are lucky, she'll be willing to hear the case."
Kennedy let her handle things in Worcester while she handled things at
the middle school. She hated having to explain to her boss just what was
happening but given the nature of things, her boss was fine with taking
down multiple corrupt people especially ones who hurt children. She would
also work with the governor to mitigate any fallout from the man's
cronies and in the city government, who would surely show themselves for
what they are once their friend and benefactor was in trouble.
Alice would not be told until the last minute but Dorothy was told
immediately. Diego went out back with Reed to get away from Polly's
affection and to keep from being the center of attention leaving Polly
alone to look after Billy while the adults talked. She reluctantly agreed
but demanded to be told everything when it was finished.
She watched Diego and Reed lounge in the back while everyone else was
talking below her. She felt horrible that things were rough between them
because she couldn't control herself. He was a good person and she liked
that bout him, but she kept screwing up.
Eventually, the adults finished and Dorothy sought Polly out. She
silently walked back home while the others kept quiet about her mood.
Kennedy eventually said, "She has a bad case of puppy love coupled with
pressure to be on the same level with her friends. I don't think we have
seen that since Jessie and Reed two years ago."
Things were quiet for the rest of the evening as the adults prepared
themselves for their encounters. The Johnsons set off for Worcester early
with Judge Olsen being told via email and voicemail that the state needed
a meeting ASAP. En-route she called them back and gave them the first
time slot, getting the court officers to let them and Angela inside
early.
The court officers ushered them in quickly, keeping the doors locked to
the judge's chambers. They were more than happy to help out, Judge Olsen
realized just how bad things could be if the fabled Johnsons were back in
her court asking for her help. Whatever was cooking she happy to help,
there was something about the Johnsons that made you feel better after
encountering them that she didn't get from other lawyers- especially ones
who deal with children.
Angela got right down to it and presented the facts by saying, "Your
honor, we believe that an ADA will bring forth this morning an arrest
warrant for Stephanie Rodriguez for obstruction of justice. This warrant
is based on her refusing to speak with Worcester police. This wouldn't be
a problem except the young lady hasn't even been spoken with yet and we
know for a fact that the reason for her refusing to speak is because she
knows nothing about what the officers are trying to get out of her."
Judge Olsen grinned and asked, "Just what is that?" Angela showed the
deed to Diego's former home, in the name of Eve Rodriguez, and showing
the bill of sale to her dated several months before. Judge Olsen asked,
"What is their connection to each other?"
Joseph answered, "Stephanie is the former Eve's cousin. Eve Rodriguez no
longer exists as the name has been changed to Diego Vincent. Diego was
the child who was sexually assaulted a week and a half ago that started
this whole investigation by DCF into the George Bancroft Middle School."
Judge Olsen got what they were saying, asking, "Is it all legal?" Evelyn
stated, "Suffolk County heard the case. Diego's name was changed and he
was adopted by his stepfather and saw his biological father declared his
legal father and guardian, Mr. Ricardo Ramirez."
She nodded and asked for the whole story. Angela stated, "A member of the
DA's office, the principal of his school, and two police officers are
involved in a plot with a developer and a disgraced DCF social worker
named Randolph Masters. The sons of Masters, the ADA, the principal, and
one of the officers have been allowed to sexually assault multiple girls
over the last two years while degrading the school's integrity and moral
standing within the school system. At the same time land around the
school has been bought up by a development company to the point that only
a few houses remain. Mr. Vincent's former home is one of them and he has
been targeted directly by this cabal of individuals."
Judge Olsen asked why to which Angela stated, "They initiated an
investigation into the family by Mr. Masters. He was supposed to get
their daughter removed but he decided to instead hold off while he
enjoyed a fling with Mrs. Ramirez. When Masters was incarcerated for
various crimes in September that he committed in Winnisimmet the cabal
went directly at Mr. Vincent by continuously performing lewd acts while
simultaneously continuing their sexual assault streak. When Mr. Vincent
finally struck back they went after him legally, as you recall, you
helped stop. Now that Mr. Rodriguez and Mrs. Ramirez are in jail facing
prison sentences they believe that the house reverted to Mr. Rodriguez's
next of kin but are unaware that it's actually owned outright by Mr.
Vincent."
Judge Olsen grinned. It was convoluted and far over the line of being
criminal that it's almost comical at the sheer tenacity of it. She
pointed out, "I'll instruct the ADA assigned to the case to show me cause
for the arrest, I believe I saw at least one outside on my way in and I
don't believe for a second it was getting an early start on the day. With
the previous one on suspension, the one present could be his plant doing
it on his orders."
She signaled she was ready to which she was told that there was a request
from one of the ADAs for an arrest warrant. The judge looked at the
request and nodded her head, it was exactly what she was told would
happen. She showed it to Angela who nodded that it was indeed what they
expected.
The judge looked at the Johnsons who made a quick phone call to Ian
Bailey and to Kennedy. Both said there had been no visit. The judge asked
Angela who the two were on the phone with, getting a quick, "School
resource officer and my boss who are on scene awaiting the officers'
arrival. They would have called the three of us had they been there so
your honor this is a bogus request."
The judge grinned and asked the ADA to come inside. To her surprise, it
was Burke- the ADA involved in the case. Judge Olsen smirked and stated,
"I guess my having to fill in for my sick colleague for two months was a
stroke of luck. I know for a fact that you are on suspension pending
termination and have no right to be here representing the Commonwealth
for any kind of legal issues."
Turning to the court officers she stated, "Arrest this man for filing a
false report, attempted kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit extortion.
This just jumped from state crimes into federal crimes with civil rights
violations having just been committed. I believe the feds are going to
love knocking you down a few pegs. They aren't as lenient as I am."
She then called the DA personally and told him, "I have placed Clarke
Burke under arrest again. He was supposed to be suspended pending
termination by your office! This case has been handed over to the AG's
office and will be handled by them. If I hear that you have attempted to
intervene on behalf of Burke I will have you before the Supreme Judicial
Court seeking your immediate removal for trying to interfere with active
state investigations."
The DA gave in and told her, "I know exactly whom you are speaking of and
expect a call from a few of associates later. My hands are tied no matter
what I do, I would have had to recuse myself as I know the person whom
you are really seeking. If the AG is involved she knows as well. Just
tell her I had no part in this, I'd like to be able to finish out my term
without having the SJC on my back."
Burke was taken away with multiple photos taken of the action. Reporters
there on an unrelated case caught the scene and started asking questions.
It was completely coincidental but it was perfect timing.
Angela had to explain to them, "This ADA was arrested on charges of
filing a false report while under suspension for illicit conduct. The
state has taken over the case and will handle further investigations into
his activities and the cases that he impacted. We can't explain any
further due to the nature of the investigation. More will come out at a
later time."
Judge Olsen asked to speak with Kennedy and Ian. She told both, "I have
quashed the requests for arrest warrants. When the officers show up place
them under arrest for attempted kidnapping and conspiracy to commit
extortion. I have declined the arrest warrant so they have no right to be
there and the copies of the arrest warrant are fake. Document any threats
they make and any attempts to lie to gain access to Ms. Rodriguez. I am
also issuing bench warrants for their arrest for contempt of court for
interfering in an active case before the court so keep them there until
deputies arrive. This should prevent them from receiving visitors
involved in the case."
Judge Olsen wrote the warrant and had it put into the system. Both
officers were now wanted men. Angela spoke with the sergeant assigned to
prisoner transport at the courthouse for Worcester County Sheriff's
Office and got him to send a transport van to Winnisimmet as part of
their daily run to Boston. The transport would be over in Boston anyway
so it was a simple diversion, one that would be both humiliating and
educational for the officers as they experienced the other side of
wearing handcuffs.
Over in Winnisimmet, the stage was set. As soon he got out of the car
Diego spotted the two officers observing the school from a discrete
distance. He texted Dorothy to alert her then told Stephanie to go
inside, giving her little chance to talk with the others but going inside
without a fight after seeing the concern on her cousin's face.
Kennedy was in the office with Dorothy when Stephanie came in with a
concerned expression. Alice asked what was going on, only to be told:,
"Less you know, the better." Ian came in and added, "We have them in our
sights. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson said the warrants were ready."
Stephanie went to class with Ian as her personal guard, just in case they
tried a snatch and grab with helpers. In class, she demanded to know what
was going on from Diego who was forced to confess, "Your dad and my mom
got involved with some people who want to redo my old neighborhood. They
are after my house and think it's in your name but it's really in my old
name. They are coming here to try to get you to hand over the house or go
to jail. Mrs. Pena and Officer Bailey are here to stop them."
Stephanie grew scared. Al just grinned and pointed out, "They are making
a huge mistake. They don't have reason to do that, and if they try to
they will end up in jail. Aunt Kennedy knows exactly what she is doing,
she wouldn't be here if she wasn't here to take them down hard."
Mrs. Eagleson asked what their discussion was about. Diego told her
everything and got a soft, "I don't know much about Mrs. Pena but if
Dorothy and Alice are letting it happen in school then it's important. We
have important work to do so let's try to focus on something else."
Kennedy and Ian had a half hour wait before the men struck. They simply
walked into the main office, flashed their badges, and demanded to speak
with Stephanie Rodriguez. The secretary asked why only to get, "Sorry,
official business" from them.
Dorothy entered and asked for their reason for being there. The men tried
to ignore her and demanded to speak with Stephanie only to get the same
request again. The men ignored her, this time threatening to have the
secretary arrested if they weren't allowed to speak with Stephanie.
Ian entered and asked what the problem was. The men grinned and showed
their badges and demanded to speak with Stephanie. Ian strung them along,
stating that he couldn't take them to Stephanie without reason and thus
far they hadn't given him any.
The ploy worked. The man in charge bluntly told him, "We are here to
arrest her for obstruction of justice. She is wanted for questioning in
regards to the vandalism of her father's home."
Kennedy then immediately texted Angela and got her to get any copies of
any police reports regarding vandalism and the former Rodriguez home. Ian
caught this motion and stated, "She is in class right now taking a test,
we will have her sent down shortly. Please take a seat and I'll alert her
mother that you are wishing to speak with her daughter."
The two tried to refuse and demanded to see Stephanie right away, stating
her mother didn't need to be there. Ian looked at Kennedy who nodded, Ian
just grinned and told them, "I have to follow proper procedure or I get
my ass handed to me for putting kids in danger. She will be down
shortly."
Dorothy called Mrs. Eagleson to have Stephanie come down. Kennedy added
that Diego should escort her which Dorothy reluctantly agreed to. Diego
was busy texting Ricardo who in turn was texting Anne to head off any
retaliation from within DCF against Diego or Alice.
Downstairs in the office, Diego showed Stephanie in. Diego waited and
listened as the officers told Stephanie she had to come with them. Alice
asked why to which the junior officer angrily told her, "Shut your mouth,
this doesn't concern you."
The officers tried to move closer to Stephanie but she backed away,
asking, "Is Uncle Ricardo coming?" Dorothy grinned and told the officers,
"She has invoked her right to counsel, as you have not shown a warrant so
you can't take her." The officers ignored her and put handcuffs on
Stephanie, dragging her outside of the office and out onto the street.
That was all Ian needed as he shouted into his radio, "Code black." Two
cruisers rushed in with officers exiting with their guns, drawn aimed at
the two would-be kidnappers. Ian stated firmly, "You were told to wait
until her uncle showed up, but you just had to make this hard on
yourselves."
Ian asked their names. The officers refused, claiming they had every
right to remove her as they had an arrest warrant. Ian happily told them,
"You are officers in the City of Worcester, 50 miles away in the county
of Worcester. This is the City of Winnisimmet in the county of Suffolk.
So far you have made no attempt to contact our department nor the State
Police to make an arrest in our city. Therefore, you have committed a
felony kidnapping in removing Stephanie Rodriguez from school without any
kind of authorization, against her will, under duress, and in the
presence of a local police officer."
The two were relieved of their guns and badges as their names were
checked. The dispatcher happily told Ian that both had outstanding
warrants issued by Worcester District Court that morning. He then asked
if there was a warrant out for Stephanie, getting a quick, "Nothing in
the system except a notation that when warrant check on the juvenile is
requested to immediately contact a judge in Worcester."
Ian told his colleagues, "Both have outstanding warrants." His fellow
officers grinned and dragged the two away, with both yelling at Ian that
they would get him back and he'd get a bullet in the head for messing
with them. The officers happily told them, "We will be sure to tell the
DA just what you said, you better hope more charges aren't filed against
you for threatening an officer of the law."
Diego happily told Dorothy and Alice, "They didn't recognize me! They
used to try to get me to go out with their sons last year and over the
summer. They didn't recognize me one bit!"
Turning to Kennedy, he asked, "Why did they want Stephanie?" She grinned
and told him, "They said it was because she vandalized your old house."
Diego laughed and told her, "They didn't know about the cameras. Sierra
put them in just in case someone broke in when we were out. Pablo was
afraid that the guys he worked for would go after him. They were too
cheap to get internet but put those in!"
Kennedy hugged him and asked, "Do you know where they data is stored?"
He nodded, then gave the location and how to access the video feeds. As
she did they watched as the two officers broke in o the house. They were
trying to arrest Stephanie for a crime they had actually committed!
Chapter 8
Diego and Stephanie were let go. In class, Mrs. Eagleson asked them what
happened, to which Diego admitted, "A developer is trying to get at my
old home and thought he could get it through Stephanie. It's not hers,
though, it's mine. He used two officers sons used to grope me and the
other girls before I hurt them by fighting back. They walked into a trap
that Mrs. Pena and Officer Bailey laid for them. They are going to jail
now and if we are lucky the boys will be joining them soon."
The kids caught his unintentional slip-up. He cringed but Mrs. Eagleson
whispered, "The genie is out of the bottle, we have to go forward."
There was no turning back, his story had to be told now.
Diego sighed and explained, "I guess that I can't hide it anymore. Until
a week and a half ago I went to school as a girl. I used to play
basketball with four boys who I thought were trying to be friends with me
but only wanted to get in my pants. They terrorized the girls in our
school by groping them, trying to show them their penises, grabbing their
breasts, and snapping their bras. I thought they were being nice to me
but they grabbed me and fondled me then tried to strip me. The principal
let them do it, he let them get away with doing a lot of things like that
for two years. I fought back and hurt them by my breaking a jaw and noses
and gouging their arms. I got away and when I tried to go back the next
day I fled because their dads wanted to arrest me."
He took a deep breath. Mrs. Eagleson encouraged him to continue so he
explained, "I stayed home the next day then got found out by the guy
claiming to be my father looking at girls on the computer. He beat me
then got drunk. I fled to where my real father lived and ended up staying
with him. He let me be the boy I really am and his husband is how I
always wanted a dad to be. Yes, I have two dads. I also have a brother
who is the guy I always wanted to be like. Yes, I was born a girl but I
am not a girl. I never was and I never will be."
He had to leave. He got up and left, taking his bag with him. He was
downstairs and out the door when Ricardo grabbed him in a hug. Diego
couldn't hold back anymore, his whole world had come crashing down as he
knew he wouldn't last any longer as a student in the school with the kids
knowing that he wasn't a real boy.
Dorothy signed him out while Ricardo drove him home. Ricardo called
Alison Eliza and booked him an emergency appointment for that evening
with the provision that the seven eat together. Diego just nodded and
passed out, exhausted from the anxiety that had built up since the
previous afternoon.
Kennedy was fueled by Diego's revelation. She had Angela go with a
forensics team to examine his former home. She obtained written
permission from Ricardo and the Johnsons, all of whom were acting on
Diego's behalf. Just to top things off she got a search warrant as well
as any copy of police reports regarding the break-in.
To her fleeting surprise, there was no police report. In fact, there had
been no record of any responses to the home in years except for the
previous Monday. The place was trashed but the technicians noted that
nothing was stolen. It was simply vandalism, or so it appeared.
Taking a closer look at a wall, Angela pointed out, "Someone pried open a
safe in the wall. It looks like documents were stolen." The technicians
agreed, adding, "They left money and jewelry inside but took something
else."
Angela now had grounds to search the officers' homes. She wasted no time,
telling Kennedy, "It's gone past a simple vandalism, this is a pure
burglary. They have something at their houses and I'll need to get it."
Kennedy agreed, this time telling her, "Take the troopers. The locals are
useless now. The chief can scream bloody murder but it's his people who
are going to be held responsible."
Angela contacted the the barrack in Holden to get some help while
detectives from her office were en-route. The team assembled and went in.
The troopers happily joined the hunt for what was stolen once they found
out it was stolen from the son of a federal agent.
The first house had several legal documents in the name of Pablo and
Sierra that gave them shares in a company owned by Duane Todwell. The
second had the deed to the Rodriguez home along with the bill of sale and
amended tax information, all in Diego's deadname. There was no denying
that the men had burglarized the home, the evidence was there.
As they were trying to leave the second home, the group encountered
several marked Worcester Police cruisers with guns drawn. The sergeant in
charge of the detail unit radioed directly to the Worcester Police
dispatcher on the interagency radio network and demanded a cease to their
officers' attempts to stop them before someone got hurt. Angela was on
the phone with the dispatcher and identified every trooper there and
stated why they were there.
It was a tense few minutes but the officers were forced to back down or
face being arrested. One of the troopers whispered to Angela, "No call
went out over the Worcester frequency" prompting Angela to request a
check of the call logs into and out of the police dispatch center. She
then added, "I believe we have just caught our bird red handed. The only
thing better is if he tried to use his other contacts."
Sure enough, Anne called Angela stating, "Contact was made with someone
in our Worcester office. They have the call recorded and the phone number
is for whom was suspected." Angela countered with, "We have a review of a
call into the Worcester Police regarding a break-in a suspect's home. I
feel this may be the same guy. You just ensured that he's nailed for
criminal conspiracy charges."
Angela had a lot to sift through. Things were happening fast and the
noose tightening around the target. She expected visits from prominent
Worcester politicians and businessmen demanding that she back off of
Todwell. All she cared about was getting the man taken down hard, her
career be damned.
At the middle school, Diego's abrupt departure sent shockwaves through
the school. Another transgender kid wasn't that interesting, but a girl
who wanted to become a guy was. There were rumors about why Diego wanted
to be a guy, the least of which were claims that it was to get into the
pants of girls who didn't want to look like lesbians.
Kyle and Oscar endured a lot of ribbing about them hanging out with a
girl. The two ignored them, letting them look like fools around the
girls. It worked as the boys got several complaints about them making fun
of girls and suffered the humiliation of girls rejecting them for being
immature and sexist.
Kyle and Oscar talked with the girls, telling them firmly, "Diego is a
boy. He is more of a boy than us. He may have periods and breasts but he
is all boy inside. Don't you dare call any girl who likes him or dates
him a lesbian because he acted better with his girlfriend than either of
us did when we went out on Saturday."
They retold what happened and got swoons from some of the most trusted
girls. They tried to play it off as no big deal but their girlfriends
snickered and added in details they didn't say. There were some whispers
and a few, "You didn't!" from the girls which both knew to mean what the
girls did to them with the pictures. Neither dared say anything which the
girls took to mean it was true and they were being gentlemen about it.
Zeke Bollinger had a long talk with the offending boys and made them know
full well where the school stood regarding Diego. He added something the
boys immediately shuddered at hearing, explaining, "Do you remember the
very frank talk the lawyer for Al Samuels gave in Mrs. Shriner's class
last year? That man is Diego Vincent's father. He's also Ms. Rodriguez's
brother making Diego her nephew."
Zeke's crooked grin caused the boys to cringe. Alice was stricter than
Dorothy and not afraid to make students work hard to pay for their
disruptions. Her being Diego's aunt would mean she would be even harsher
on them especially as they were making fun of Diego's becoming a boy.
Polly was quieter than usual throughout the day. On the way home, she
didn't say a word to Dorothy, instead just staring outside at the cars
and houses. At home, her cousins Juanita and Carmen hugged her while she
wept into their shoulders.
The girls looked at Dorothy who explained what happened. The cousins
realized she needed time so gave her some space and let her cry herself
out before starting to cook dinner. Polly was still miserable but endured
the meal for her cousins' sake and knowing that she would be told what
was going on in due course.
Diego slept through much of the afternoon then was coaxed down for
dinner. Trinity Eliza was going to say something but her mother Katie
quieted her while her other mother Alison observed Diego. After dinner,
she took Diego up to his room and had him explain what happened and why
he felt the way he did and more importantly what he thought was going to
happen the next day.
Diego tried to dodge the questions. Alison calmly told him, "This was a
big day for you. The truth is out now. You told the truth instead of
lying to your classmates. You know who your real friends are, you know
who cares about you and who doesn't. You know you can rely on them for
help and support."
He sighed and explained, "I came out to a friend before. She ran off and
told me never to speak to her again. I never had real friends, any I got
close to were run off by that girl. It was terrible and lonely, I don't
want to go through that again but I know that when things get too
difficult they will abandon me."
Alison looked him in the eyes and told him firmly, "That's a lie and you
know it. Your cousin will never abandon you. Neither will Al. She would
be abandoning someone who was similar to herself. Amy, Trina, Kyle, and
Oscar were the first to know and the ones who are your biggest
supporters. And Polly is her own person, she has endured being all alone
and would rather be alone than with a bunch of people who can't handle
the truth about someone she loves. Just trust them, you will surprise
yourself."
She asked what he was going to do next. He sighed and told her, "I can't
go back now, I will be the laughing stock and humiliated by everyone.
It's my old school all over again."
She just grinned and told him firmly, "That isn't true. Dorothy and Alice
will clamp down on the ones to cause trouble, that is if Zeke hasn't done
so already. If you leave you will let the jerks win. They will know that
they can get away with driving away people who are different. Isn't that
what happened at your old school, boys getting away with everything?"
That stung him deep but it was right. She knew he would see things her
way. She added a soft, "You are stronger than you think, you endured
years of mental torment and finally stood up for yourself when the time
was right. You are a good person and people will see it no matter what
your exterior is."
Alison went downstairs and told Ricardo and Alex, "He is doing better but
he still has a lot of lingering doubts. I think a show of force is
needed, one that shows he is going to be protected. If it doesn't work
you might have to look into sending him to a new school."
Diego did his homework thanks to Ricardo but went to bed early. He was in
no mood to talk, instead just getting a drink and taking his puberty
stopper pills. He was no better in the morning, simply eating and
preparing for the worst that was going to come at school.
Ricardo drove him to school in silence, letting Diego think to himself.
At the school, he had trouble keeping the seven away from the car as
Diego got out, with Polly not even waiting for him to fully exit before
enveloping him in a hug followed by a big kiss on the lips.
Diego tried to pull away but Polly held him close, kissing him again then
telling, "Fuck them. They don't matter to you, we do. If they can't see
past what isn't in your pants they have serious issues."
The eight walked to class while Polly hung tightly ton Diego's side.
Oscar happily told the usual jerks, "She's finally taken." One of the
boys made the mistake of saying, "So Polly really is gay, she's dating a
girl" in front of Zeke which prompted a swift, "You were warned. Head
right to the main office and expect two weeks of in-school suspension."
The boys tried to protest but Zeke held firm, adding, "You were told
yesterday your behavior wouldn't be tolerated. You violated the rules
twice in one statement. It isn't the first time you have harassed her
either, or did you forget your snide comments to Polly two and a half
months ago?"
The boys were led out while the eight walked up to Mrs. Eagleson's room.
She was waiting for the group and sat them down, asking them all, "Are
you alright after yesterday?" All seven looked at one another with Kyle
saying, "He doesn't have anything to worry about. Mr. Bollinger took care
of the worst boys and the girls can be handled by Al and Stephanie."
Diego sighed and told her, "It doesn't matter. I've been through this
before and it's just going to be more girls laughing at me, more boys
fighting me, more teachers getting mad at me for causing trouble. No
matter who helps it'll happen again. Just watch."
Diego steeled himself for class to begin and as soon as the first boys
came into the classroom whispers started and laughing followed. It didn't
matter that Mrs. Eagleson had words with the boys doing it, they
continued throughout class. By lunchtime Diego couldn't focus at all and
asked to go home, he was being a distraction and no matter how many
threats were levied or how many times Mrs. Eagleson stopped and
admonished the boys they continued on.
Diego was about to go to the bathroom before leaving when three boys from
his class cornered him and pulled him inside. They were upset that they
had gotten in trouble and wanted revenge. The self-appointed leader told
him just how they'd get it, from Diego.
They grabbed Diego's arms and started to take off his shirt while the
leader grabbed Diego's legs and stripped his pants. They successfully
removed his boxers and compression vest and started ogling his breasts
and vagina, caught up in the moment of seeing both on a real, live person
for the first time. The leader finally grabbed hold of Diego and fondled
him, while the other two fondled his breasts. Diego was too afraid to say
anything, he was backed against a wall and his legs were unable to move
much due to his pants and boxers keeping his legs from moving around.
Polly caught sight of the boys and yelled for Zeke who ran after them.
The boys locked the door so he had to break the door down by battering it
with his shoulder. The boys were literally caught with their pants down
as all three had their pants around their knees getting ready for their
chance at sex.
Zeke was going to harm them but Dorothy held him back. Ian and Alice held
the boys to one side while Dorothy dressed the silently sobbing Diego. He
walked out with Polly, heading right for the office where Ricardo was
waiting. In words, barely above a whisper Diego told him, "No more. I
can't do this anymore. I told her this would happen."
The boys were taken into custody by officers while Alice called their
parents. Dorothy started to get the paperwork to expel them then
regretfully told Mrs. Eagleson, "That is likely the last time Diego
Vincent attends school here." Mrs. Eagleson nodded in disappointment, she
hated to lose a student who just wanted to be a normal person but people
just wouldn't let him.
Polly gave her statement to the assigned detective who tried to make it
seem that Diego had caused the assault. Polly countered with, "How
exactly did he cause it? By being born a girl? By rejecting boys? He
didn't do anything except try to go to the bathroom and was dragged
inside- how is that causing them to assault him?"
The detective was about to say something but Willie loudly told him,
"Excuse this former detective, he was just about to leave. A new one will
take your statement while this one explains to internal affairs why he is
badgering a witness and laying blame on the victim of an assault
witnessed by an officer, two school officials, and another student."
Willie stood tall over the detective who tried to act like he wasn't at
fault and wasn't going to let Willie intimidate him. Ian harshly told
him, "Good luck trying to go to the union on this, the victim is the son
of a federal agent and one of the toughest lawyers around. And I already
gave my statement so don't think you can go around my back or threaten
me."
The detective shouted back, "That girl wanted it! How else would three
boys get her into a bathroom! She is trying to blame them for getting
caught!"
Willie just sighed and calmly told him, "That will be all. Turn in your
badge and gun, you are suspended pending termination. You just admitted
that you could not care any less about the facts and witness statements,
you had already made up your mind and were not going to properly
investigate. Further, you just called the victim 'she' and blamed him for
being overpowered by three boys. Ian, escort him to headquarters while I
start the termination paperwork. If you are lucky his fathers won't press
charges against you for violating his civil rights."
Ian held firmly to the detective's arm, causing him to be dragged along.
Willie sat with Polly and took her statement as well as Zeke's. It was
clear cut, the boys were at fault and were caught in the act. They would
not be able to get out of it, not with so many seeing it.
Polly returned to class silently. She listened to the whispers and rumors
for as long as possible. Kyle and Oscar tried to keep her focused but her
head wasn't in it.
Finally, after dismissal, she was asked what happened. She told the
class, "The assholes tried to rape him! They stripped Diego and were
fondling him. They were going to have sex with him against his will until
Mr. Bollinger broke the door open. They had their hands on the dicks and
everything, they were laughing at him, keeping him from leaving while
trying to rape him!"
She was near hysterical now. Mrs. Eagleson shouted at the class, "Are you
all satisfied? One of your classmates just witnessed another being
brutalized by three boys who are all going to spend the next decade
behind bars. All because he isn't what they want a girl to be. No person
deserves what happened to Diego to happen to them, nobody!"
The class walked out in shame while the seven remained. Mrs. Eagleson
calmed herself and explained, "Diego isn't likely to come back to school.
This is now the second time this has happened to him and happened in
front of someone that he cares about. His father is going to find him a
private school or home school him but this is likely the last day for him
as a student here."
The seven walked away disappointed and upset. Polly hadn't said a word
since her frustrated outburst against her classmates, instead focusing on
schoolwork. When Dorothy drove them home she finally spoke, telling her,
"He's not coming back is he?"
Dorothy shook her head, explaining, "He has been through so much in such
a short period of time that he needs to get away. He is trying but it's
tough when everybody is working against you, reminding you that you
aren't normal and you aren't what you should be. He cares about you, but
he is too emotionally exhausted. He wants to be there but simply can't be
there anymore."
Polly kept silent as they drove on, not wanting to say more. Dorothy
could see she was upset but there was only so much that she could do.
Diego needed space and needed to feel like he wasn't going to cause
trouble. He had a right to an education, but he cared too much about the
others to let them suffer because of his being there.
Alison stopped by to talk with Diego once she got home. She understood
his troubles and explained why he was doing the right thing in removing
himself from a place where he didn't feel safe. She didn't try to
dissuade him, it was better for all to let him go elsewhere so he would
get a chance at an education without forcing others to endure his drama.
The next morning, the boys were arraigned by Judge Matthews in
Winnisimmet District Court. He looked over the charges and the
circumstances leading up to them and opted set a high bail of $100,000
each. Their parents were outraged but the judge explained, "This was a
coordinated attack on a student who was already targeted earlier by them.
They purposely went after the victim and tried to sexually assault him.
They expressed no remorse in what they did, only regret that they were
caught. I would remand them but they have no prior records. Bail will
stand."
None of the boys were bailed out. They were heard to curse and swear
revenge against Diego and Polly ratting on them, prompting the guards to
send notice to the ADA that they were a danger to the victim. Judge
Matthews just nodded and had them put on watch with intent to segregate
them from the general population for their own safety as he didn't
believe they would last long with others.
Kennedy's heart went out to Diego prompting her to double-down on her
efforts to go after the true mastermind behind Diego's troubles, Duane
Todwell. She hit pay dirt thanks to Angela's searches that day. They
found just what they needed to go after the man, including details on who
to rough up, when those events happened, who would be involved, and how
much they were paid.
Phone records showed that the calls to both DCF and the Worcester Police
were placed from Todwell's office with the actual extension being his
personal office line. They actually had him recorded thanks to the
requirement that all phone calls to 911 be recorded. The voice was played
to Mark Sylvester who confirmed that he was the man who called the office
to report wrongdoing.
Kennedy had finally had enough waiting and called for a full search
warrant for both Todwell's house and office. She wasn't fooling around
either, she had it done simultaneously with Angela leading the raid on
the home and Kennedy leading the raid on the office.
Chloe Miller was called to go in with the State Police as they made the
arrest on Rice and the boys for criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to commit
sexual assault, accessory to sexual assault, accessory after the fact,
extortion, accepting bribes, and perjury. Kennedy was going for
everything possible to ensure the man would not see the light of day for
decades.
She needed Chloe to deal with the aftermath of the arrests. The kids
would start to coming forward to explain previous assaults and parents
would be concerned about what was going on, all looking for answers that
only she could give. She was the point person for the investigation into
the school as it was through her that the whole investigation started.
Kennedy drove to Worcester early, leading a team of troopers who went
directly up to the top floor of a downtown skyscraper. The man at the
security desk was held in place by troopers, preventing him from alerting
the target. The same happened outside the office suite, nobody would be
able to alert Todwell.
The secretary was about to alert him when Kennedy loudly told her, "Raise
the phone and you go to jail. He isn't worth your freedom, he will blame
you for everything in a heartbeat." She quickly gave in.
She was escorted out to the reception area while the trooper watching the
security guard observed her as well, albeit with less of a keen interest
than the security guard. Both had their phones confiscated until the all
clear was given by both teams. She realized that this was serious and
asked to speak with a lawyer which the trooper explained, "You aren't
under arrest, you are just detained for the security of the operation. If
you still need to not be here, we will remove you from the office and
take you down to the cruisers to await clearance for you to make your
phone call. Until then you can sit there and not answer questions. I
advise you to also not speak either as we don't want to have to fight
with your lawyer for no reason. Your lawyer would advise you of the same,
so please don't speak."
Kennedy didn't bother knocking, she just opened the door and entered with
the team behind them. She loudly told the man, "Duane Todwell?
Massachusetts Attorney General's office with a search warrant and arrest
warrant. Keep your hands where we can see them."
She produced both, dropping them on the table while one trooper
handcuffed him and read his Miranda Rights. He shouted for the secretary
to call his lawyer to which a trooper informed him, "She has been removed
from the office so we can search. You can contact your lawyer via one of
our cell phones but you are still under arrest."
Todwell shouted back, "Do you know who I am? I'll have your badges for
that! I will have all of your asses beaten to an inch of your life for
daring to question me!"
The troopers grinned then one pointed out, "You were read your rights and
have chosen to waive them. Every threat has been recorded and will be
used against you in a court of law." They dragged the still complaining
Todwell down to an awaiting cruiser which drove him to the Holden State
Police barracks.
The secretary was eager to talk once Todwell was removed to a cruiser.
The security guard rushing to her and punching her several times as the
troopers grabbed him, put him in handcuffs and announced, "You are under
arrest for assault and witness intimidation. Thank you for giving us
reason to investigate you. We suspected there was more to you and your
partner downstairs."
Criminal checks were run on both with both being wanted felons. Todwell
was gong to have to explain how he was employing wanted felons but
Kennedy already knew how as she showed them employment records with names
altered. She then found payments to Burke, the ADA, with emails showing
that they had hired the men in lieu of prosecuting them with court
records being altered to show the men were released on bail.
She didn't find the things she was looking for at the office, which was
the main plans for development or the plans to pay off Sierra and Pablo
or the cops. Those had to be over in Todwell's home. She hoped Angela
found the records to connect everything completely.
Angela had a field day as the staff at Todwell's home gave her and the
troopers free reign. Troopers kept the staff close and away from phones
while multiple employees were happy to tell them anything they wanted to
know. The supposed butler who was overseeing the house tried to shut them
up by punching a groundskeeper and maid but one of the troopers happily
yanked his arms back and cuffed him and arrested him for two counts of
assault and witness intimidation.
Once he was removed the staff happily told the troopers, "He is just a
thug who does what the boss wants. He isn't a butler, he's our jailer. We
can't complain or he beats us. The boss won't let us leave, he says we
are under contract but we never signed any kind of contract!"
Sensing there was a lot more to the story they held off and told them,
"We have some folks who will help you nail the bastard. We will find out
who that fake butler really is. You will also get your proper pay, the
lady in charge here will see to it."
Angela's team opened up every drawer and file, obtaining plans for the
school, the neighborhood, the buildings' owners, who were easy victims
and who would require strong-arming. It was a gold mine as she found the
financial details stored on the office computer as well as a laptop in
the bedroom. He had stored everything an offsite server but troopers were
able to do a quick download of the entire server.
The computer forensics team would have a lot of work to do but it was
worth it. Angela found the payment transactions to Sierra, Pablo, the
officers, Rice, Burke, Masters, and even for his supposed bodyguards who
were listed as security in the employee database but shown to be
bodyguards in the financial records.
Chloe had the toughest job. The troopers assigned to her forced their way
into the school against the protests of the local police officer. As he
tried to call for help one of the troopers called the Worcester Police
dispatcher and identified the situation and canceled the response,
instead of getting a superior officer to relieve the angry officer.
Three cruisers did show up, but the troopers outside stood their ground
and told them to leave or face arrest for hindering an active criminal
investigation. He radioed for more help which caused several Worcester
Police cruisers to rush to the scene and leave the three officers
fighting for words to explain why they were there without authorization
from dispatch. Their lieutenant had them taken into custody under
suspicion of criminal conspiracy with apologies to the troopers for their
rogue officers.
Sitting inside watching the whole incident outside was Rice. He thought
he was safe from arrest until Chloe and three troopers were led inside by
his secretary. Chloe didn't bother trying to say anything, the troopers
simply stated:, "Nate Rice, you are under arrest for criminal conspiracy,
conspiracy to commit sexual assault, accessory to sexual assault,
accepting bribes, negligence, child abuse, and perjury."
Rice proudly told them, "I'll have everything dropped in the hour and you
will be looking for new jobs." Chloe just grinned and blurted out, "Hard
to do that when your buddy Burke is in jail as well. In fact, all but you
are now in custody."
A trooper led Rice out while Chloe talked with the vice principal. Chloe
told her firmly, "All students will be told that Rice is under arrest for
allowing girls to be sexually assaulted and failing to report the abuse
to the proper authorities. The boys who committed the crimes are about to
be placed under arrest. Any victims are to speak with me and other
members of my staff. This is going to be investigated in-depth and every
incident documented for the prosecution of all involved."
The woman went to work, addressing the whole school via PA system and
calling the four boys who were responsible to the office. The boys tried
to make a break for it but were stopped by troopers waiting outside the
doors. They were taken into custody, read their rights, and placed into
cruisers.
The boldest stated, "We can do whatever the hell we want! Those girls
asked for it! We should have screwed that bitch Eve Rodriguez when we had
the chance! She is lucky we only got to second and third base with her
before she ran away!"
The others started saying similar things about other girls. The boys had
been read their rights and troopers repeatedly told them they didn't have
to speak but they kept talking, giving them multiple victims of their
assaults. Chloe just grinned, she had a slam dunk case against them for
Diego's assault ensuring none of the boys would be out of jail before
they turned 21 and likely not getting out until 25.
The toughest job came next as the bell rang and Chloe addressed the
concerned parents outside. She steeled herself and announced, "The
Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the Massachusetts State
Police in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families has
conducted an operation to remove four boys accused of multiple sexual
assaults on school grounds over the past two years. The four boys are in
custody as is the principal, Mr. Rice, who was an active participant in
conspiring to allow the boys free reign to abuse and intimidate females
at the school."
She paused then added, "Due to the seriousness of the accusations we
removed all five today with each being placed into custody. Further, an
additional five conspirators were arrested over the past three days. We
are still investigating and ask that you speak with your children and
have them come forward if they experienced any sort of assault by the
boys. They are being fully charged with one assault but we will not stop
at just one. Every claim will be investigated and we will try to ensure
that all crimes are prosecuted as best we can."
There was stunned silence as parents comprehended what had just happened.
One parent finally asked about the school itself to which Chloe added,
"It will remain open as all indications are that it was solely the work
of the four boys and Mr. Rice. We have reason to believe that staff at
the school were thwarted in their attempts to obtain help for students
and the vice principal was completely unaware or purposely kept away from
all incidents. She is now in charge while our office investigates. We
trust that she will ensure all students feel safe and things can return
to normal now that the threats to the well-being of the children have
been removed."
Chloe left with her hands shaking. This was the hardest thing she had
done yet for the DCF and one she hated to do. She left to file her report
in Boston, glad to finally get away from the drama in Worcester.
The media didn't cover the boys' attempted rape. They were too busy
trying to cover the events out in Worcester which nobody had connected as
being related. There was one mention on the news that three boys had
assaulted a student but it was a stock video of the school's exterior
with voice-over regarding the little information that was known and
released by Willie and the school department.
Over in Boston Kennedy got visitors from the Worcester City Council. She
had detectives assigned to the AG's office with her as she took the
meeting. The men were blunt and to the point, demanding that she halt the
investigation and threatening to go public with her private information.
They threatened her career, telling her that they'd ensure the governor
got rid of her immediately.
She just grinned at them and pointed to a picture on her desk, turning it
over and proudly telling the men, "I know for a fact that Christian will
do no such thing, He knows all about what has happened and why and was
told about it all this morning before it occurred. In fact, I doubt he
would even give you five minutes let alone his ear so he could not care
any less what you have to say. As for exposing me, I could not care less.
Better men than you have tried and failed. You have nothing to threaten
me with that I haven't faced already."
One went over the line and told her, "It would be a shame if something
should happen to that freak you claim is a daughter." One trooper asked,
"Why is that?" The man shot back, "Because unless you rescind the arrest
she and her friends will meet an unfortunate accident."
Kennedy nodded to which the troopers flashed their badges and read the
three their Miranda Rights. Kennedy then told the men, "Criminal threats,
attempted extortion, threatening the welfare of minors, racketeering, I
think we just found our other backers. Thank you for making yourselves
known, it makes our investigation a whole lot easier. And for a bunch of
wannabe bigwigs, you have little idea just who you are dealing with. I'll
be sure to tell the federal agent, the state trooper, the deputy sheriff,
and the chief of police that their children and sister were threatened.
I'll leave out telling the three reserve officers that their nieces and
nephews were threatened, but word gets around fast."
The men looked as if she was joking. A second trooper grinned and pointed
out, "You folks sure are stupid. For all the money you have, you have no
idea just who the hell you were threatening. The son, daughter, and niece
of an ATF agent, the daughter of a deputy sheriff, the sister and cousins
of a state police trooper, and the niece, nephew, and daughter of the
chief of police, her own daughter, were just threatened. And don't even
think of trying to go to the press as you also threatened the son of a
columnist for one of the largest newspapers in the region. No reporter
will run that story."
Kennedy grinned as the three were brought out in handcuffs. She had the
honor of telling the Worcester City Manager, "Your city council will need
three new people, and we will be reviewing any deals with the Todwell
Development Company. If you try to impede us you leave yourself open for
investigation for involvement. This is a scorched earth investigation
now, that's the only warning I will give you."
Kennedy's crew got to work looking into the three men while Angela went
to work investigating their offices for documents. She knew exactly what
she'd find and as expected, they were arrogant enough to leave
incriminating evidence hanging around- literally hanging. There was a
deed to an office building near city hall that served as the conference
center for the development group with just about everything needed to
show collusion between the four developers and the six pawns.
Diego's picture was hanging on a wall a target on it. He was the one they
wanted most, his actions thwarted them at every turn so far. They had
their plans to nab him in school in Worcester, then to nab Stephanie to
get at Diego, finally, they had the backup plan to harm Alice, Raul, and
Stephanie to get Ricardo to convince Diego to give in and cough over his
house.
Kennedy celebrated with her office. Angela had just ensured that all 10
were going to prison for years. Diego would not have to testify, within
the plans were details of the assault and when and where it would happen.
They even included everything that happened to Diego up to him fleeing,
their own words on paper made anything Diego would say unnecessary as
he'd only verify what they had done.
He would simply have to show up in court and identify the boys and leave,
with the jury simply knowing that he existed. The defense would have
little to counter as his gender change was irrelevant to what happened
and bringing it up would cost the boys and their defense attorney dearly
as it would turn a sexual assault case into a hate crime. He didn't even
have to appear in the gallery, the court would be closed and nobody
except Ricardo and Alex, the court officers, stenographer, prosecutor and
defense, and the judge would be allowed in.
Chapter 9
The media was in a frenzy at the district court when Angela got there
after conducting the searches. The fact that a prominent businessman and
a principal were being arraigned was big news. The fact that both carried
similar charges was bigger. They were arraigned separately but both would
be covered.
The first up was Rice who pleaded innocent and denounced the girl for
getting him into trouble. He swore he'd get back at her for lying about
what the boys did. He swore they were being led on and she cried foul at
what happened to her.
Judge Olsen simply told the court reporter to read back all statements
then instructed the defense to quiet his client before he said anything
else damaging to his already losing case. Rice ignored her, telling her,
"No woman will ever tell me what to do! I don't care what that bitch
said, that girl deserved to be raped! She is lucky that the boys are too
young to knock her up! I'll be damned if my son is going to prison
because some slut wouldn't take it like a woman should take it!"
Judge Olsen just shook her head and fined him for his actions towards
her. She then angrily told him, "Everything that you have stated will be
used against you at your trial. You were given your Miranda warnings and
you are fully aware that this is an open court and all statements are on
the record and recorded. You spoke without prompting and you did so to
threaten the alleged victim."
His attorney entered a not guilty plea to which Judge Olsen grinned and
replied, "Due to the nature of the crimes and your own behavior I believe
that you are a danger to the public and in particular the victim of the
alleged crimes. Thus you will be held without bail. And you do have to
listen to me as I am the judge and you are in my courtroom. You obey my
rules or you are held in contempt, the same as everyone else who appears
before me."
He was led away fighting the court officers. Duane Todwell was brought in
next to which Judge Olsen shook her head at seeing. She recognized him
immediately and expected a war of words from the notorious hothead and
elitist jerk.
Todwell didn't disappoint, telling her firmly, "I'll have your robe for
this. I raised enough money for people in this city to have earned my
freedom. I don't care what some hussy from Boston says, this is my city
and I'll do as I damn well please!"
Judge Olsen just shook her head and asked for the charges to be read, all
of the charges. Angela read over every charge with the charges of
conspiracy to commit sexual assault, accessory to sexual assault,
perjury, and bribery getting gasps while Todwell simply grinned at her.
Judge Olsen grinned back and stated, "Due to the severity of the charges
and your access to funds I am setting bail at $1 million cash. Further,
you are to surrender all of your passports as I know you have citizenship
in Canada and the United Kingdom. Further, as a condition of your
release, you are to wear an ankle monitor at all times. And for your
information: I serve the entire county of Worcester and the Commonwealth,
not just the City of Worcester. You are no different than any other
person brought before me for arraignment no matter who you know or how
much you fundraised or how much you have in your bank account."
He just smirked and stated, "I'll have that within 10 minutes." Angela
countered with, "Your honor, the defendant has no access to any money as
all of his accounts have been frozen by the FBI and IRS due to suspicion
of criminal activities. His bank account shows only $15,000 which his
lawyer will demand to be used to pay his services first."
Judge Olsen grinned and added, "Defense counsel is hereby advised to
ensure payment as funds are set at what is currently in the defendant's
bank account." His lawyer scowled and stated, "My retainer is that amount
and will be withdrawn immediately. My client is hereby advising you that
he needs new counsel as he is unable to pay for private counsel due to
the freezing of his assets."
Todwell went after his lawyer, shouting, "Coward! I paid you good money
to get me out!" Court officers removed him, as the true face of the man
who was held as a hero to the community was shown.
The boys were arraigned next. They looked pitiful as they had lost all of
their swaggers, having learned that their fathers couldn't get them out
of their situation. All four had their advocates enter not guilty pleas
and were escorted out to the secure juvenile detention center to await
trial.
In the back of the courtroom, Diego and Ricardo watched silently. Ricardo
was impressed by Angela's actions and could see her going far in the
Attorney General's office. Diego was more concerned that one of them
might get off and go after him.
Ricardo grinned and pointed out, "I have something that will prevent
that", pointing to a stack of papers in his hand. Diego didn't react,
simply sitting in silence as he made his way over to Todwell's lawyer and
presented him with the fresh lawsuit on Diego's behalf.
Ricardo whispered, "Better tell him that his assets were just seized by
the state as ill-gotten gains and he has no collateral anymore. He has
nothing to borrow against and will have to sell to ensure that he can
cover the lawsuit as well as the ones from the other people that he
bilked out of money to pay for his development. We both know he will lose
as well, so no use fighting it."
Todwell was furious as he was told, with the lawyer walking away. Todwell
had nothing left as the few supporters he had left in disgrace while the
media was in a furor outside. He started to realize that his world had
come crashing down thanks to the kid who got away from them.
Judge Olsen noticed Diego and Ricardo and asked about them. The court
officers had no clue who they were, only noting that they were paying
particular attention to the proceedings and seemed to have a vested
interest in it based on Ricardo's lawsuit. She realized something was up
and asked that they are brought into her chambers for discussion.
Ricardo led the fearful Diego into the chambers while the clerk closed
the door behind them. Judge Olsen immediately asked, "Why are you here
today? You two took an awfully keen interest in the three cases
presented, this was not normal interest so please explain why you were
really here."
Diego refused to lie or dodge the question, so he admitted:, "They are
here because of me." Judge Olsen asked for an explanation to which Diego
mumbled, "They went after me. I'm the one who got them all arrested for
what the boys tried to do to me and what they tried to do to my cousin
and former parents."
Judge Olsen gasped then said, "You are the girl the Johnsons were here
regarding. You are the one that got all of this chaos going." Diego
nodded silently, looking glum about being called a girl.
She asked why he wasn't in school. Ricardo explained, "He was assaulted
in his new school by three boys. He has been granted a leave of absence
from school to either transfer or be home schooled if he chooses not to
return."
She gave them an odd look and asked:, "What happened to the boys who
attacked you?" Ricardo had to carefully explain, "They are all remanded
pending trial. They were literally caught with their pants down in the
bathroom in the act of trying to rape Diego by a teacher, both
principals, and a police officer. They were witnessed by his girlfriend
dragging him away which was why they were able to be caught so quickly.
Everything documented with all attacks being noted for the marks left on
his body."
She asked about that, getting a solid, "Dr. Sarah Jones, the initial
person who made the assessment of abuse by Sierra Ramirez and Pablo
Rodriguez, made note of the additional bruises and scratch marks on his
arms, legs, and near his vagina. These were clearly different from the
later marks and matched up with a struggle rather than impact blows. Her
report was noted with a caution that she believed he had been the victim
or another assault but he never made mention of it until it was
accidentally revealed by his friends just how much of an assault had been
done to him."
She understood and left it unsaid that she wasn't happy about that. She
started to ask about it to which Ricardo firmly stated, "He is
transgender and is receiving treatment. This was an act of three jealous
boys who wouldn't take no for an answer as they had been pursuing his
girlfriend since the start of the year. And yes his girlfriend knows
about his change, her friend is transgender and several of their
siblings' friends are transgender so it is no real issue for her. It was
simply pure jealousy and anger that prompted them to sexually assault
him."
They were let go with a promise to ensure that all involved were brought
to justice. In the car, on the way back home Ricardo admitted, "You will
be able to do your school work and take tests but eventually you will
need to go to school. I know it's rough but you need to attend a school,
even if it's a private school."
Diego sighed and admitted, "I don't want to leave my friends. But I need
them to be able to learn and if I'm just going to be a distraction to
everyone and bring problems then I can't be there. I'm sorry but I can't
go there anymore."
Ricardo smiled told Diego, "Do you know what happened yesterday while you
were with Valerie? Your friends did something outstanding that shocked
your class. They walked out, along with half of the class. All because
the few jerks who had an issue with you being a student wouldn't shut up.
You caused them to take action and they did. Each is at home today
because they stood by you."
Ricardo wasn't entirely telling the truth. He wasn't lying, though. The
seven had been sent home but only because they had gotten into a fight
with their classmates. They weren't at fault but they were too worked up
to continue for the day.
The seven walked into school angry at Diego being too upset to remain.
They didn't wait long before the first jerks started in on Diego. The
girls were the worst offenders, openly mocking Diego for being a freak
and deserving what she got.
It took all of Trina's and Amy's might to hold back Polly but Al went at
them, telling them firmly, "Is that your view? That he deserved to be
nearly raped because he didn't try to be what he wasn't?" The girls
laughed and shot back, "Of course the tranny freak would defend the other
tranny freak. She got what she deserved, she shouldn't have led the boys
on. There is no reason for them to have touched her except if she led
them on."
Mr. Taylor, the 8th-grade history teacher, shook his head and sent the
girls to the main office with a note stating exactly what they said and
why. They were just the first ones to be suspended or receive long stays
in detention. In class, more made jokes to the point Al, Kyle, Oscar,
Polly, Amy, Stephanie, and Trina were the only ones not joking about or
insulting Diego.
Dorothy sent the seven home since it was clear that no work would be done
that day while the rest of the class were told, "Due to your actions all
of you will have one month of detention and are barred from school events
for the rest of the year. That means none of you are going on the Boston
field trip, none of you are allowed to attend the dances or semi-formal,
none of you are allowed to participate in any after school activities.
Some of you may think this is overkill but Mrs. Eagleson made note of who
was causing trouble and participated willingly. All of you broke serious
school rules today and for that, you have to pay the penalty."
There were complaints about Diego causing all of it to which Dorothy
countered, "How is he causing you to insult him, claim he deserved to be
sexually assaulted, how he quote ?got what he deserved'? He isn't even
here, you spoke those things on your own free will and it is truly
disgusting. I am just glad that his friends held back and didn't
retaliate but that was something that took great strength and I can
guarantee would have dissipated by lunchtime. So they had to go home,
where they will meet with their friend and try to convince him to return
and based on how you all acted today that may not happen until after
Christmas vacation. But he will return, with open arms from this school,
no matter what any of you may say. He has a right to a free education and
we will ensure it. You don't have to like him being here but you have no
right to prevent him from being here either."
Dorothy's angry speech caused several to grow visibly upset but most were
upset at being barred from all activities. Mrs. Eagleson noted who was
moved for the right reasons and who was apprehensive and apathetic. She
had an initial list of names and would add more to it, weeding out the
worst offenders while the rest started to let it sink in that they were
in trouble.
When she calmed down Dorothy added, "Based on your reactions to what I
have told you many of you will either be transferred to another class or
moved to Ms. Rodriguez's school. There are several good students there
just itching to get a chance to move to a class taught by one of if not
the best teacher in this school. They will replace you and this class
will be made all the better because of it."
Class went on with little being done and parents notified about their
children's actions. They weren't happy at the unilateral action but when
it was explained that every one of those who was being punished actively
participated in mocking, bullying, and outright gossiping about a student
who was in no condition to defend himself they started to see the issue
and gave their blessing for the punishment.
The seven were sent to the Bollinger home where Margo Phillips and Gabby
Bollinger watched them. They were purposely sent there to keep them away
from Diego as he was busy helping with Louis York and Sophia Peterson. He
needed more time and after what they did for him that day he would need
the alone time to let the feelings sink in.
Diego was dropped off at the Finn home with Emma Peterson happily
greeting him as he entered. She didn't ask what happened. All she did was
hand him a bottle so he could feed Sophia.
Sophia recognized him and cooed at him, causing him to smile at her cute
little face. He fed her then put her to bed, settling in for the next two
hours as he read his history and language arts assignments and wrote out
his writing assignment. He was quiet until Louis made his presence known
and required a diaper change which Diego had to do as Tanya was cooking
lunch for the four and Emma was busy changing Sophia's diaper.
Diego cringed at doing it, but it wasn't one of his smelly gifts. He
changed, wiped, and dressed him as fast as possible while the two ladies
looked on. He didn't say anything else, just washing his hands and going
back to work.
Lunch was eaten in silence as neither of the three ladies wanted to say
something to upset Diego. Diego went back to work and continued to keep
himself occupied until Ricardo picked him up, carefully avoiding the
street the Bollingers lived on as they drove to Ricardo?s office to pick
up some needed files. Diego was too far in thought to say anything,
instead staring out the window thinking about how he was going to tell
the others he wasn't returning when they came for their inevitable
confrontation.
The group noticed Ricardo's car drive by down the street and figured it
was Diego going home. Gabby had to tell them that they weren't to disturb
him but they barely paid attention. Polly was dead set on confronting him
while Al had to keep Stephanie from going over and demanding Diego
return.
Gabby ushered them back inside and sat all seven down, proclaiming, "The
last thing you can do is confront him. He needs time and space away from
everyone. He just wants to be left alone and that means all of you
leaving him alone as well. Stephanie is the only one who is going to be
the one to talk with him for all of you, she will be with him Thursday
for Thanksgiving. The rest of you are to stay away from him at the game,
let him come to you but likely he will be kept busy by the younger kids.
I know you want to be with him but he needs to do this on his own.
Please, leave him be."
The next day was a repeat of the same once they drove back to
Winnisimmet. Diego helped Valerie do some prep work for the Finns'
dinner, getting an earful as the ladies all explained just what they were
doing and why. He smiled at John being unconventional and breaking all of
the usual father stereotypes and a Valerie following family tradition by
kicking John out of the kitchen to cook.
Diego felt better that day. He missed his friends but he felt like a load
was off him now that he didn't have to fight his feelings or keep quiet
because of who he was. Over lunch, Valerie confided in him, "They miss
you too. They haven't been the same without you. They stood up for you
against the class and got several moved to other classes while giving
more students a chance to do better. All because they care about you.
Give them a chance, you don't have to return to the school but they just
want to be your friends if you let them."
After lunch Valerie had him focus on himself. He was caught up in school
and needed time to do something on his own. Diego was told to go
downstairs and play on the video games system until it was time to go
home.
He lost track of time and didn't notice three hours had passed and he was
being observed by four adults until one of them sneezed. He flinched as
he saw them, unsure what they were going to do. One of them blurted out,
"Nice going moron, you startled him."
He was frightened as the four sat down near him and turned on the system
to play. Diego got up to leave, not wanting to say anything to the
strangers. He was just about upstairs when Valerie called out, "Don't
mind those four, they are so used to you kids that they forgot that you
hadn't met them yet."
Valerie explained, "That was my nieces and nephews Hannah and her husband
Pete and Bryan and his wife Paige. Before you ask they know all about you
as Emma, Al, Kylie, and Margaret told them. Al lives two houses down from
Paige and Bryan and Margaret, Kyle's sister, and Kylie, Reed's sister,
are friends with their Bryan, Emma, and Hannah's sister Nichole. Emma
didn't tell them everything but it got back to them anyway."
Valerie grinned and added, "With them here your friends won't disturb
you. All of them know not to go against Hannah's rulings and she won't
let any harm come to you that she can prevent. Go back downstairs, they
won't disturb you. Not if they know what's good for them, that is."
He reluctantly went back downstairs and was handed a controller by Bryan.
None of the four said anything as the three guys battled against one
another in the fighting game. Hannah snickered then full on laughed as
Bryan lost badly to Diego while Pete barely edged out a win.
Paige managed to get him see them as non-threatening enough to talk with
him. He told her that he didn't believe what the others had said about
the four of them which caused Hannah to laugh hard. Paige shook her head
and asked that Diego excuse the idiot for her actions as she had no
filter and he was the first who didn't take what the others said at face
value.
She smiled and started to show him pictures, ones that she had on her
phone of the four of them with her grandparents-in-law. Diego recognized
a few places to which Paige added:, "It's a little odd but it's true."
She then showed him the photo album, one they kept downstairs that showed
the family all together at the estate, with two couples showing the
family's coat of arms as well as Bryan's and Pete's newly approved coats
of arms
She then showed a copy of a special letter, one that congratulated the
four on their marriage. Diego asked what the, "ER" meant to which Paige
smiled and said, "Elizabeth Regina, also known as Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth the Second. We didn't meet her, it's just that our grandfather
is a marquess and Bryan and Hannah are related to the ambassador so it's
a bit of protocol to send congratulations."
Alex finally arrived to take Diego home, allowing Diego to get some
relief from the overwhelming realization that one of the things he
thought was a lie was the truth. Ricardo was working overtime on his case
and ensuring that the house in Worcester was sold to people who could use
a home so Alex had the honors of picking up Diego. Alex didn't ask about
his day, only telling him, "We are going to the football game tomorrow
but you don't have to do much and if you need to you can stand with us on
the sidelines. Your friends aren?t likely to go so you?ll be alright and
not have to endure questioning."
At home, the four ate in silence as Eric focused on texting Jessica while
Ricardo started cooking some of the meal for the next day. Alex asked
Diego if he still wanted to go, getting a nod and quick, "I can't hide
out forever. If they are there then so be it, but I can't hide from
them."
In the morning, Diego ate with Eric and Alex while Ricardo slept in. All
three drove to the high school where Diego had to wait outside with
coaches and other officials while the players changed. Alex was too busy
inside help prepare the team for the game so John Finn was selected to
look after Diego while the guys finished inside.
John didn't say anything about Diego being there and didn't ask how he
was doing, he could read from Diego's posture and it was clear the boy
didn't want to talk. He did introduce Diego to several people including
Jake Bollinger, Juan Alvarez, and to his shock: the fabled Miguel Toro.
All three gave him a nod and just hung out waiting for the team to come
back out for their warm-ups.
Diego had to hold himself back from showing emotion but the shock was
big. He was told that Miguel knew the various people he'd met already but
it was another thing entirely to meet him in person. Diego was at a loss
for words but was saved by Kyle and Oscar calling out for him.
He turned and asked, "What you are two doing here?" Kyle pointed to a
man in uniform and said:, "My dad is working the detail today, plus we
knew you'd be here too." Oscar added, "Al and Amy are with their parents
watching their brothers and sister. Polly is at home, she didn?t want to
come in case you came. She doesn?t want to disturb you any more."
Diego felt horrible. The boys saw the look and hid their smiles. The two
led him over to where Kyle's father Paul was and introduced him formally,
with Paul giving him a handshake and hug as well as quick, "Don't let
them press you. You don't have to do anything you don't want to even if
the girls want you to do it. They were told to not bug you and they gave
their word."
The boys nodded and walked over the sideline and helped Junior Kelly,
Ethan Smith, and Neil Jones set up the water bottles and yard markers.
Diego felt good helping out and worked well with the three younger boys
as they got everything ready to go. Kyle and Oscar didn't say anything as
the three younger boys kept looking at Diego but it was more of a look of
respect than gawking. If they knew his past, they weren't saying
anything; and if they didn't, the two weren't telling them.
The team came out to warm up and did their stretches allowing Diego to
join Alex. One of the players caught sight of the two together and asked
who he was. Eric happily said, "He's my little brother" while Raul
Rodriguez said, "And my cousin." Eric's words were enough to end all
discussion as Alex was not one to anger and gossiping about Diego would
mean that player wouldn't play the final game.
There was a special ceremony before the game honoring the seniors with
their families taking to the field alongside them. Diego joined Alex as
Eric's family getting a lot of odd looks and whispers from those who knew
the players. Diego didn't care, he loved being acknowledged as Eric's
younger brother and Alex as his dad.
Valerie had a hard time quelling the gossipers as people kept asking her
who that was with Eric and Alex. Finally, she told them, "He is Alex's
son, by adoption if you must know, through his husband. If you didn't
know he was married to a man then that is your own fault because his
husband has been at multiple games and openly acknowledged adopting Eric
as his son. Alex did the same with Ricardo's son and all four a happy
family. Now if you will excuse me I would prefer not to be pestered for
gossip as my son plays his last game for the school."
Diego kept close to Alex throughout the game and asked him several
poignant questions that led Alex to think and make adjustments. Mike
Daniels, Alex's partner and fellow coach, joked that Diego was going to
be the new Miles if he kept it up. Diego happily smiled at that, it was a
great compliment to be considered for that as he had heard all about just
how good Miles was at both finding and solving little problems with their
gameplay.
The game ended with the Winnisimmet Infernos winning a tight one. Eric
scored a couple of difficult touchdowns which made Diego extremely happy
to have seen his brother play. Kyle and Oscar had left him alone and
helped with the water and equipment letting Alex and Diego bond more and
enjoying that Diego was being himself for once and not trying to fit in
or act differently around the girls.
Al and Amy texted Polly that Diego had gone but had stayed away from
them. Al explained, "He's with the boys and helping his father. He knows
we are here and you aren't. You don't have to beat yourself up, he knows
and just wanted alone time."
Polly relayed what was going on to Dorothy, who softly explained, "He
wants to find himself. He hasn't had a chance to really unwind and be a
boy yet, things happened so fast for him. The guys are good with him but
this meant a lot to him as a son as well as brother. He knows that you
care about him. He is coming over to Alice's later so you will see him
then, give him space and let him come to you.?
Dorothy was doing some light cooking as her nieces and daughter decided
to spend the holiday with their significant others. Her daughter Deborah
was eating with her in-laws, her niece Carmen and her girlfriend Addison
Carter didn't think it was right to spoil the already large gathering
even if Alice insisted that they come over. Her niece Juanita was going
up to Endicott with her girlfriend Zoe James leaving Dorothy and Polly to
join the Vincents and Roriguezes at Alice's house. If it wasn't sweet and
true it would look like it was a coordinated plan by the four Vega
relatives.
Polly got dressed up for the dinner. Dorothy figured she might as well
and texted Alice to get her and Stephanie to do the same. Raul was
reluctant to do it but figured if he didn't his sister and girlfriend
Avery wold never let him live it down.
Eric was texted and told his parents to dress up. Both nodded in
agreement and had Diego do the same. All four looked like they were going
to a fancy restaurant instead of a relative's house but it was the
thought that counted.
The four drove over to Alice's with Diego keeping his mind occupied by
thoughts of what to say to Polly when they got there. The drive was short
but it seemed like forever to him as he zoned out immediately. He felt a
looming sense of dread as he saw Dorothy's car parked in the driveway but
he steeled himself for whatever may happen when they opened the door.
Alice met them at the door and hugged Diego tight. Eric tried to slip
inside but she grabbed him next. She was all smiles as she led them
inside while Ricardo went to the kitchen with the turkey.
Polly was with Stephanie in her room. Diego wisely stayed downstairs, not
wanting to get caught with his girlfriend alone in a girl's room. Eric
grinned at him as he realized what Diego was thinking, then had to
snicker that all it would be was groping, but Diego to back away at the
thought.
Stephanie came downstairs and went right for Diego, ignoring Eric who had
to lean out of the way of her hug. Polly followed behind and was
reluctant to go near Diego for fear of scaring him off. Diego hugged her
and kissed her cheek, causing her to blush.
The two went to the basement for privacy with Eric and Stephanie close by
to ensure that nothing was going to happen between the couple. Diego sat
her down on the couch to which Polly asked, "Are you still leaving
school? We miss you and all the kids are in trouble now so they won't bug
you."
Diego shed a tear. He confessed, "I don't want to leave. I don't want to
keep causing trouble. You have a right to go to school in peace, not deal
with a freak like me every day."
Eric grumbled, "Damn hormones" which Polly smiled at. He needed
assurances, not confrontation. He had been so used to people pushing him
away, that he needed friends now more than ever.
Polly happily told him, "Mom got right of the worst students. I mean they
are really gone from the class. On Monday we get kids who are known to be
good, ones who want to be in Mrs. Eagleson's class and who don't care
about you. We know them, Mrs. Eagleson told mom just who she wanted and
mom gave her the blessing to move them. So you don't have to worry, the
worst are gone and the ones who remain will be on their best behavior or
they are getting suspended and even expelled."
Eric grinned then added, "Aunt Valerie cleared it with Pop, it's the best
thing for you as the kids who were selected know about you and simply
don't care. Their class sucked and they got stuck with their teacher
because there was no room in Mrs. Eagleson's class. You would have been
in it had there not been an opening because one kid got expelled a couple
of days before you came."
Diego could only say, "I'll think about it. I don't want to rush into
this. Dad and Pop have been great letting me miss school but I just want
to be normal."
Alex, Alice, and Dorothy looked at one another and smiled. Diego was
going back to school, the two had just given him full assurances that he
needed. He knew deep down that his friends would support him, but he
needed to feel comfortable that the class would improve.
Stephanie snapped at them, "Am I the only one not getting manipulated
around here?" Raul popped in and countered, "Usually you are the one
doing the manipulating. Wasn?t it your idea to have Addison, Juanita,
Zoe, and Carmen eat as couples after all."
Alice and Dorothy glared at her but hugged her for doing that. Stephanie
added a soft, "They needed time alone anyway. Addison and Carmen work too
hard and Zoe and Juanita are now so focused on school to do much of
anything. Plus, you were going to do something this weekend anyway."
Stephanie blushed as they kissed her forehead, letting her go back with
the others while the adults finished prepping dinner. She offered Diego a
soft hug which he ignored but didn't tense at receiving. The five kept
themselves occupied until it was time to eat with Raul and Eric
reluctantly ending their game after the next victory for Diego.
Dinner was quiet as the nine ate without much talking. They all knew what
was going to happen the next few days and there being little schoolwork
to do, they didn't have to say much to one another. Eric told him that he
probably should do some self-defense lessons with Reed and Jorge Castillo
which prompted all of the adults to laugh while Stephanie, Polly, and
Raul groaned at his sneaky trick.
Diego asked what the big deal was, getting a solemn, "You are being
called before the two elders" from Raul. Eric nodded, adding, "He is
trying to ensure that you are alright in case someone tries to do that to
you again. He knows you can handle yourself against one, maybe two. Well,
he wants to teach you how to put the hurt on someone just in case so they
back away before they can regroup. He did it for Reed and it proved to be
important, he just wants to make sure you are going to be safe."
Ricardo added, "It's a stop-gap measure. If you don't like it he won't
make you do it. Willie and he just want you to be safe." Alex added,
"Plus a little leak that you are training with him will end most of the
harassment from kids in your school. Jorge won't train anyone unless he
was close to them and training you means you are under his protection and
to go after you brings his wrath which nobody in this city wants to
happen."
Diego reluctantly agreed to do it. Polly gave him a tight hug which he
started to smile at getting. He did like to think that he knew boxing and
if he wanted he could learn martial arts like his brother.
The rest of the evening was spent resting while Alice and Dorothy slept
for the following day's bargain hunting. Polly wasn't happy to have to go
to Addison and Carmen's house for the night while Ricardo took Raul and
Stephanie home but it was easier on Dorothy and Alice and kept the
lovebirds apart. She didn't realize through her complaints that Diego was
going over there the next day anyway so she wasn't missing much time with
him.
The next morning, Stephanie and Diego showered before the others.
Stephanie was taking too long and he knocked on the door to the bathroom,
finding her doing the washing and scrubbing that he himself had done two
weeks before. He sighed and told her, "Blue bag has what you need, take a
few for later. There should be some PMS pills the cabinet and a few
chocolate bars in the freezer. I'll take these to the laundry for you so
they?ll be done by the time we get back."
Diego texted his aunt to alert her then put the pajamas and sheets in the
dryer while Stephanie finished. He hated that he had experience with what
Stephanie was going through but he was the only one up and he didn't want
to disturb his brother, fathers, or cousin. She came down and hugged him
for what he had done, getting a soft, "It sucks but it'll pass" from him.
Once breakfast was eaten, Ricardo drove Diego, Stephanie, Raul, and Eric
to the Castillo home and endured the awkward introduction to Jorge and
Victoria Castillo. Polly came down and immediately hugged Diego getting
an odd reaction from Jorge while Victoria shook her head at him not
realizing that they were already a couple. He slowly realized what their
relationship was and let the questioning go, not wanting to upset the
two.
Diego whispered something to Polly who nodded then dragged Stephanie
upstairs allowing Diego to go with Jorge while Ricardo and Victoria were
left to talk. Jorge just grinned as he looked between father and son with
Raul shaking his head at everyone doing that. It was clear to all who was
his father, Jorge was pleased that Ricardo had a piece of himself living
on in Diego like Alex had in Eric.
Victoria grinned as Ricardo was on edge at Diego learning something that
could potentially hurt him or someone. She finally broke the silence,
offering a soft, "He will be alright. Don't ever let anyone say you
aren't his father because only a father could be so concerned about his
child doing something that could potentially hurt him let alone hurt
someone else. Plus, Jorge goes easy on them. He is more likely to get a
workout from him than learn how to punch and dodge. That's tomorrow and
Sunday's lessons."
Upstairs, Stephanie was put through the wringer about her unexpected,
"Visit". She hated that the others knew and wanted to run and hide from
them. Polly just smiled and offered a happy, "He loves you, you know. He
had something he hated happen to him and from that, he helped you so you
didn't have to endure the embarrassment of your brother, uncles, and
cousin knowing."
Carmen gave her a tight hug then gave her the talk that she was dreading.
Polly nodded, adding in what she knew while Addison smiled at her
girlfriend being motherly. Carmen hugged Addison and offered a soft,
"It's what you do for your family, at least that's what I hope Aunt
Dorothy would want me to do."
Polly shot back a fast, "She'd be more upset if you didn't and teased
her." Addison nodded in agreement, adding a happy, "You really are
nothing like your parents. You and Juanita are going to be great moms and
make those so-called family members regret being horrible to you two."
The four went to the back windows and watched as Diego and Raul were run
around the yard by Jorge with both getting a big sweat built up as he had
them add in various calisthenics in addition to jumping and stretches. It
was almost comical but it was also very serious to them as Diego's face
focused on what Jorge was saying and trying to follow the orders.
Polly's fondness for Diego was evident as she smiled at watching him.
Stephanie had to tell her the bad news, "He's working inside tomorrow.
The equipment he needs is in the basement so he will be down there. I
don't think Uncle Jorge will let us watch either, it'll just get too
distracting which could cause him to get hurt or worse- he might break
his nose. Raul could break his but I doubt you want Diego to break his."
That got laughs from the others as Polly smiled at the little dig. She
had to admit that he was getting more and more handsome as he stopped
being so anxious and uptight. Even Stephanie had to admit that he was
handsome, although she was a bit of a narcissist since Diego and she
looked so similar.
Diego enjoyed getting his aggression out and had fun running, jumping,
stretching, and moving around at Jorge's command. Raul wasn't into it but
had to put up with it to save face in the eyes of the ladies. Jorge
himself saw a spark in Diego that wasn't there earlier and started to
push them more than he had expected to but kept from going too far too
fast lest Raul bow out or Diego hurt himself trying to impress the
elderly man.
The two cleaned up, wiping off the sweat before being told to sit down
and eat. Diego tried to go, not knowing the tradition. Ricardo tried to
bow out as well but was dragged back by Eric who shook his head
muttering, "Every single time."
Eric was about to slip away himself but the stern, "Sit" from Victoria
caused him to rush to the table, remove his jacket, and look down in
shame. The four ate while Stephanie and Polly were sent for getting both
to groan but giving in without a fight. Both had endured the meals before
and neither were willing to say or do something to earn either Victoria's
or Jorge's anger.
Diego just finished when the two entered. He smiled at Polly which she
smiled back at, while Stephanie groaned and told them to get a room.
Diego calmly told her, "For that, I'm taking all of my chocolate back.
You owe me three bars already."
Stephanie's face went white as Raul rolled his eyes and Ricardo cringed.
Victoria burst into laughter, telling the nearly fainting Stephanie,
"Don't snap at him because you haven't learned to keep those hormones in
check. They have more restraint than you and Trina had last time you came
by."
The group left once Stephanie finished eating. Diego gave Polly a hug and
kiss on the cheek which she returned with a quick peck on the lips. He
didn't react to it, he felt better at receiving it than he had felt in a
long while.
Alice was home when they arrived causing Stephanie to rush inside in
embarrassment. Alice asked what was going on, getting a laugh from Eric
and Raul and terse, "She didn't appreciate being put in her place by Mrs.
Castillo for complaining about Polly and me" from Diego. Alice looked at
Diego for the real answer to which a subtle nod confirmed that it really
was something feminine related that the other three didn't need to hear
about.
Ricardo remained oblivious to what the spat was about while Eric
carefully avoided it out of respect for Diego's feelings. Ricardo was a
smart guy but seriously missed the obvious reference there. Alice grinned
while Eric added, "And she owes Diego a few chocolate bars. You might
need to get a lot because the way she is going she will inhale them."