Written by Snarks, Rosemarie & PJ
The next morning Jeff called Oliver, his hand
shook slightly in anticipation as he held the phone to his ear waiting for
the lawyer’s office to answer. He was worried about Joaquin and his brothers,
and whether Gideon and Ken could actually gain custody of the two children and
bring them to Maine.
After what seemed to be forever, Oliver’s secretary answered the
phone and he identified himself.
"He's in court right now, Mr. Markham, may I take a
message?" she asked politely.
Jeff left a short but urgent message for their friend and thanked
the woman before hanging up. He turned to James and shrugged. "I have no
idea when he'll actually get back to us, but hopefully it'll be today. What
should we do in the meantime?"
The resort owner sat back in his chair and regarded his friend. “We
continue to care for the teen, keep him with Shorty and continue to investigate
as much as we can. With Oliver, Dusty, Gideon and myself we should be able to
turn up some things,” he said in a calm, no nonsense manner that characterized
the man. He generally showed no outward signs of distress when he was on a
mission, just fell apart after it was all over. His recent vacation had helped
some, but not quite enough and cracks sometimes were evident in the usually
solid veneer he presented.
His friend knew him well though and allowed the man to do things
his own way as it generally gained results.
<<<<>>>>
Oliver Barrett had come back to his office after court and leafed
through his messages. He saw one from Jeff Markham. He dialed the resort's
number, knowing the man wouldn't be calling unless it was something important.
When the phone rang James answered, "Teardrop Lake
Resort, James Harrington speaking."
The lawyer smiled as he heard the familiar voice, "JW, it's
Oliver."
The resort owner smiled immediately and signaled Jeff. "I'm
going to put you on speaker, Oliver. Jeff is with me and we need to talk to you
about an important matter."
The attorney said, "All right."
James pushed the speaker button. "Okay, Jeff and I are both
here now."
Oliver said, "Hello Jeff... I got the message you left. What's
going on gentlemen?"
Jeff outlined the problem to the lawyer and finished with what
James, Gideon and the Sheriff were doing in the meantime. "So, what we
need to know is if Gid and Ken can get custody of the boys even though they're
all the way out in Seattle. Joaquin would be living with them as well, and they
do have another person willing and able to help when the guys can't be
home."
James added, "We'd like to expedite this as soon as
possible, Oliver."
The lawyer was silent for a few minutes. "I know it won't be
any problem with the laws in Maine. I'll need to contact someone I know
in Washington State to find out the status of the mother and the
younger boys. Let me call around, I have a few friends there and I
believe at least two of them specialize in family law. It may take some
time, but I promise I'll get back to you within the hour, if you'll be
available, " the man said.
"Of course," James answered.
"We'll make sure we're available, Oliver. In the meantime,
I'll see if I can get a hold of Gideon. He's going to need to hear all of this,
alright?" Jeff assured the other man.
"That would make sense, thank you. Hopefully this won't take
very long but in family matters...," he trailed off.
"We understand, Oliver," James
replied. "Do what you need to do, we'll be here."
Hating the idea of taking Gideon away from his work, but knowing
that the other man would want to be included in the conversation, Jeff called
Gideon who insisted on staying on the line while he worked until they heard
back from the attorney.
"He may not even be able to get back to us today, Gid,"
Jeff said with an understanding smile.
Gideon shrugged and raised his eyebrows a little, and even though
no one could see it, they could hear it in his voice as he answered,
"Then you'll call me back when he does."
It took longer than expected, but eventually Oliver called back,
and on the phone with him was another lawyer.
"James, Jeff, I'd like to introduce you to my friend, Attorney
Forrest Green."
The two men stifled smiles at the man's name and greeted the lawyer
politely. Jeff clicked another button on the phone so that all of them would be
able to hear the conversation.
"Oliver, Attorney Green, we have our friend Gideon Baker on
the line as well. He's one of the prospective guardians, as well as being a
social worker himself," Jeff explained.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," came a friendly if
businesslike voice. "Oliver has told me your dilemma, and I'm happy to
help. I apologize for the wait but I had to track the parents down, and then
the children to find out their conditions."
The new lawyer filled them in on everything he'd discovered and
ended by saying, "There is a review hearing in about a
month’s time, to determine whether Mrs. Striker can regain custody of her
other two boys, so the sooner you file your paperwork, Mr. Baker, the
better."
The men could hear it as Gideon opened a desk drawer, took
something out and plopped it in his outbox. "Consider it done."
Jeff and James once again hid their grins. They'd suspected that
Gideon and Ken had had those papers filled out and just been waiting for their
cue.
"If the state declares the mother unfit and terminates
her rights to the children, then your petition for guardianship will be
considered."
"An alternative is if the mother voluntarily gives up her
rights. Gideon and his partner Ken would have to undergo a background
investigation, and would also have to be reviewed by the agency who
would handle the procedure to approve them as fit guardians after
which the court can appoint them as temporary guardians."
The lawyer continued, "There may be a period of education
they’ll need to obtain before permanent guardianship is awarded. But I'm sure
you must already know all of this, Mr. Baker."
Gideon desperately wanted the attorney to call him by his first
name, but he knew it wasn't a good idea for the two of them to be or seem
better acquainted than they actually were, so he swallowed the suggestion even
though he hated to be called Mr. Baker. He heard it five days a week at work
and it was nice to hear his first name now and again. Gideon sighed, yes, he
was all too familiar with the red tape he and Ken would be jumping through for
what could be months.
"It might be helpful if we all have a video call in James's
office tomorrow afternoon, if you're all
available, to discuss a plan of action. Your Joaquin is going to need to
be there so we can fill him in on what's happening. In
the meantime, I'll make some more calls," the man promised.
"Who will you want there, Mr. Green?" James asked.
"Joaquin, of course," the man said, thoughtfully,
"Gideon and his husband... and their friend Mark, who you're claiming as
another support for the guardians when they cannot be there to supervise the
children. James, if this does come to trial, we'll need you as a character
witness. Jeff, would you be available to come to Washington as well, if
needed?"
Jeff took a deep breath and looked at James. "I really should
stay here, Mr. Green, but I'll write another statement, as I did for
Gideon, and if you need me, then of course I'll be on the next plane
out."
The man acknowledged this and said, “All right gentlemen we’ll
discuss this more when we conference tomorrow and
I have more information to share.” Then the call was disconnected.
<<<<>>>>
After all of the men had said goodbye to the other attorney,
Gideon, James and Jeff stayed on the phone for a while longer.
"I've got feelers out as well," Gideon said. "I've
got some vacation time built up, quite a bit of it in fact, so when it's time
to head out, there won't be a problem, nor with spending time with the kids
before bringing them back here... if we get guardianship. I
know Mark will be available," he chuckled. "He's been dying to
get out of the house for a while now. He said he loves to write but even the
most hardcore writer needs a break now and again."
"Gid... are you sure you're going to be able to shuffle your
schedule around?" Jeff asked worriedly,
"I'm sure," Gideon replied with a wry
smile. “I’ll need to put in for leave, but that shouldn’t be a
huge problem. Believe me, I want those boys out here as badly as Joaquin
does. I just hope things go smoothly. None of those kids need any more
upheaval or stress in their lives right now. Talk to you soon."
<<<<<>>>>
"I'm really becoming very tired of that word," Gideon
groused later that evening when he was home relaxing with his husband.
"Which word?" Ken inquired.
"If...," Gideon said with distaste. "If we
can get the kids. If their mother won't be given custody of
them. If, if, if. What if we don't? What if she somehow gets
custody of them. What's Joaquin going to do? He'll be devastated."
Gideon sat in thought for quite a while. Ken sat nearby
wishing he could think of something to do or say that would help. He put his
arms around his husband and kissed his temple.
Gideon leaned into the hug and sighed. Suddenly his eyes grew wide
and he grinned, "That's a great idea, Hon. Thank you!"
Ken looked at him, perplexed, but Gideon had already dialed a
number and was speaking excitedly though quietly to whoever was on the other
end and gave his husband some space, knowing that he would fill him in on
whatever it was when he was done.
"That's a wonderful idea, pretty Giddy!" his brother
Roman said excitedly. "What with the kids all being married and
off on their own, I have plenty of room for all of you! With my Melissa gone
it's been too quiet. I'd love the company."
Gideon sighed, a sound of long suffering. "Don't call me
that, Ro, especially not in front of my friends, please?" he said as he
rubbed his fingers across his forehead, hoping to massage away the headache
that he expected to hit at any moment. He loved his brother but he could
be a royal pain in the rump sometimes.
"Awww, c'mon Giddy-up, I'll bet they'll love it!" Roman
teased.
"Roman..."
"What's the matter, I'd think you'd be feeling giddy as a
school girl?" his brother asked with mock sympathy.
"Roman..."
"Considering what you're proposing and what I'm offering..."
"Roman!" Gideon said, finally raising his voice to cut
off his oldest brother's ramblings.
His brother made a derisive sound and said, "Fine, have it
your way, but I still think they'd love..."
"They wouldn't, and neither would I. You don't
want to make me angry," Gideon said, his voice low and
menacing. "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."*
Roman burst out into genuine
laughter. "Alright, Gideon, you win. Don't Hulk out
on me."
Despite his earlier frustration, Gideon finally laughed. "So,
we'll see you soon?"
"I'll meet you all at the airport, my old bus'll be big enough
to get everyone here and anywhere else they need to go while they're
here."
Roman had been a school bus driver during the day and a mechanic at
night. Due to his and his wife's good saving habits and wise investments, he'd
retired early and started a book store which was doing quite well. When his old
bus had been retired he'd bought it for a very reasonable price and had kept it
in perfect working condition, though he had repainted it to get rid of that
awful marigold orange color.
Gideon finally smiled, all signs of the impending headache gone for
the time being, "Great, we'll see you there. Thanks Ro."
"Anything for my little brother," Roman replied with a
grin just before he hung up. He'd gotten the bare bones of the story from his
brother and hoped that the kids would be awarded to Gideon and Ken.
Grinning the whole time, Roman began to dust, vacuum and air out
all the rooms before changing the linens on the beds in preparation for what
promised to be a once again full house.
<<<<>>>>
The next day the men congregated in James's large, handsome
office. James, Gideon, Ken, Mark, and Joaquin were there and speaking to
Oliver and his friend in Washington state on video phone. Joaquin sat quietly,
his hands gripping each other so tightly that his knuckles were white.
"Joaquin, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Attorney
Forrest Green," Oliver said.
"Hello, ummm...," 'Keen began, unsure of how to address
the man, "good morning."
"Good morning," the other lawyer said with an
understanding smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Joaquin.
I've heard a lot about you."
"Thank you," the boy replied, blushing
somewhat. "Um... same here," he finished lamely. He liked
that he could talk to Oliver like another friend, but he was completely off
balance with this new man and he could feel his heart beating with anxiety.
"Joaquin," the new attorney said gently, "there will
be a hearing in a month’s time to decide whether or not your mother regains
custody of your brothers. We may need you there to testify if the judge allows
the petition filed by Gideon and Ken to be heard."
"What? But...," 'Keen began, his heart pounding so loudly
that he was sure everyone in the room could hear it. He'd have to go back? The
thought terrified him.
Gideon took the teen's hands in his own and rubbed the
knuckles with his thumbs. "Shhhhh," he whispered, "hear
him out, Hon."
Joaquin released the strangle hold he had on his own hands and
transferred it to the man whom he had begun to trust and call his
friend. The boy's hands were as cold as ice.
"You'll have to return to Washington and testify against your
mother, if it comes to that. I don't want to put false hopes in your
head," Gideon said gently. "In most cases the
children are awarded back into the custody of the parents."
"But...!"
"There is a chance that Gideon and Ken could be awarded
custody, but it's slim. I need you to be prepared for that."
"But... no! They can't go back with
her!" the boy shouted. "If the judge
gives them back to her... they won't be safe there! You can't let her
get them back!"
James intervened, "Joaquin, please calm down. We
have some ideas in place to help you, but you need to listen quietly, alright?
Just hear us out."
The youngster took a deep breath at Gideon's urging and let it
out slowly before turning his attention to the lawyer.
"Given the odds, they most likely will be returned to
her. James and Jeff, as much as they've admitted they'd miss you, have come up
with a plan so that you can be with your brothers and not have to live in your
mother's house."
'Keen remained silent, his eyes wide as he held his breath, waiting
to hear what the man had to say. He resumed his clutch on Gideon's hands.
"Alright then," Green continued, "I believe that
when you and Gideon first met he told you that he'd been visiting his brother
in Seattle, correct?"
'Keen gave a little half shrug. "I guess, I'm
sorry, I was more worried about getting away at that point, so I wasn't
listening very well." He looked apologetically at Gideon who only
smiled reassuringly.
"Gideon's older brother, Roman, has agreed to hire you at
his bookstore. He admitted he'd been putting off hiring someone to
help out, but had said that things were getting a little too busy for him,
so the timing is perfect."
"But where..."
"Hush now," Gideon said in a somewhat stronger tone than
he'd been using up to this point, "just listen, please.”
The boy took another deep breath and apologized to the men for
interrupting and once again turned his attention to the lawyer on the screen.
He was completely unaware that he was still gripping Gideon's hands hard enough
to turn the knuckles white.
"As I said, you'll be working part time at the bookstore and
James has already arranged for an apartment for you. This way, you'll be able
to stay in Seattle to be with your brothers. We'll petition for
visitation rights for you."
"Do... d'ya think she'll actually let me be with them?"
'Keen asked suspiciously. "It doesn't sound like her."
"We'll do everything we can, Joaquin. It's just a matter of
being patient until the actual court date."
'Keen was sure he wasn't going to be able to wait that long, and he
knew he was going to fail miserably at the patience game.
AN
********
*The quote, "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when
I'm angry." and the response 'Don’t Hulk out on me', are in reference to
The Incredible Hulk TV series.
Genre:
Action-adventure
Superhero
Drama
Based on The Incredible Hulk characters
by Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Developed by Kenneth Johnson
Starring
Bill Bixby
Jack Colvin
Lou Ferrigno
Narrated by Ted Cassidy
(opening narration)
Ending theme "The Lonely Man
Theme" (Joe Harnell)
Composer Joe Harnell
Production
Executive producer Kenneth Johnson
Producers James D. Parriott, Kenneth Johnson and
Nicholas Corea
Production company Universal Television
Distributor NBC Universal Television Distribution
Release
Original network CBS
Original release November 4, 1977 – June 2, 1982
Chronology
Followed by The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
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