Discovery

by Douglas E Roff

  Lawrence was a big kid for his age, taller and bulkier than his contemporaries and unafraid to use his size to get what he wanted. Lawrence, like all bullies, sought out the weakest in the herd and descended on them with vigor. In a small community school like Victoria Prep, with limited enrollment, Lawrence stood out for the pure malice he could visit upon his classmates daily.

  Adam didn’t attend classes with Rod and Cindy but had instead pursued his High School Diploma through a special program for gifted children years ago. He had finished up high school at age ten, so going to Victoria Prep was mostly social. Among his contemporaries were kids from the Institute, from small local communities nearby and a few from the Mainland who were part of a residential program for gifted children. However, Adam was often at the school with his friends, taking part in normal after school activities with kids his age. Lawrence did not know him at all by sight but certainly was dimly aware that someone named Adam was the son of Dr. Edward St. James.

  On one such afternoon, Adam was at school waiting for classes to let out so that he, Cindy and Rod could go to jiu-jitsu class together. As he waited in the hallway, he noticed a kid he knew being pushed up against the wall with a forearm to his throat. The little kid was crying, and Adam didn’t immediately recognize the obviously older and bigger teen. So, he walked over after a short wait and asked the teen what was going on.

  “Fuck off, ass wipe. This doesn’t concern you,” the kid said, his voice full of hostility.

  Adam asked the kid, “Petey are you OK?” Petey Roberts was an undersized kid even for his age group and wouldn’t harm a fly. The bigger kid, however, was a different story.

  Adam said to the teen, “You can let go of him now. What’s this all about?”

  “I said, take a hike or I’m going to fuck you up next. Right after I fuck up this little shit.”

  “Why would you do that?” Adam really hadn’t experienced bullying at the Prep before, so he thought maybe Petey had just screwed up like little kids do and pissed off the teen. No reason to get angry at Petey; he was only nine years old and a comparative mouse.

  “Because this little weasel owes me money and he didn’t pay up. You’re next. As soon as I’m done here.”

  “I think you should let him go.”

  “Are you deaf? I said beat it! Now take a hike if you know what’s good for you.”

  “No. I said let him go.” Adam was firm and about to handle the big kid. Adam was getting annoyed, a bad thing around the young and mercurial Adam St. James.

  The bell rang, and classes were letting out, so the big teen let Petey go. Before he walked away he turned to Adam and asked his name.

  “Adam St. James.”

  “You’re Dr. St James’ kid? I know all about you and your mom. I’ll be looking for you later, St. James. Then we’ll figure out how much money you owe me.”

  Adam paid no attention to the kid; he had no idea what the kid was going on about. Petey had long since disappeared understanding that Adam was in no danger, but he certainly was. Lawrence Van Housen had been terrifying him since the first day of school but Petey knew that Adam could stand up to Lawrence if he wanted to. All the kids knew that.

  Adam gave the big kid no further thought as Cindy and Rod joined him for the walk over to ju-jitsu class. When jiu-jitsu was over for the day, Rod walked Cindy home while Adam walked slowly in the other direction, across the soccer field by himself. Adam spotted the big kid coming toward him from some distance but didn’t think the kid was coming to bother him.

  The kid approached.

  “Hey St. James. You’re related to Edward St. James?”

  “I’m his son.”

  “Your mommy’s dead, isn’t she? Used to live in LA?”

  “Yes. How’d you know that?”

  “I know that because my dad knows your dad and used to know your mother too. My dad taught at UCLA when your dad went to school there. He met your mom and dad a long time ago when they were grad students.”

  “Maybe I can talk to your dad some time. I never knew my mom. She died when I was little.”

  “Yeah, well I doubt that my dad has anything to say to you.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Cause my dad says your mom was a whore and we don’t associate with whores or their whore brats. Your dad ...”

  That was as far as Lawrence got before Adam was on him with fists and elbows raining down on him in torrents. Although the term wasn’t yet in Adam’s lexicon, this was classic “ground and pound”. The main lesson of self-control espoused by adherents of jiu-jitsu was lost on Adam that day. He beat the kid badly just as Cindy and Rod came running. They knew Lawrence Van Housen by reputation and had seen the scuffle beginning to develop from off in the distance.

  Rod pulled Adam off the kid and screamed at him to settle down. Adam was having nothing to do with it and both Rod and Cindy had to pull him to the ground. Rod sat on him while Cindy checked on the Van Housen boy.

  Cindy, always the calm one, told Rod to get Adam home; she would call her dad and the school right away. Then they would see what was to be done with the boy who looked to be in need of some urgent medical attention. Lawrence Van Housen was bloody and beaten up, cursing like a sailor. That he had said what he said meant nothing to him. He was on the ground and the St. James kid had done this to him. He was going to be sorry. Just wait ‘til his father found out about this. Dr. Van Housen would make him pay, big time.

  Adam had lost his mind and barely heard anything the Van Housen kid had to say after his comments about his, Adam’s, mother. It didn’t matter at that point; Adam saw blood, Larry’s blood, and wanted more.

  “I’ll fucking kill that kid. I’ll fucking kill you!” Adam was shouting and now completely out of control as his brother pushed and pulled him away from the Van Housen boy.

  These were the last words Adam ever spoke to Lawrence Van Housen. Within minutes, Adam was home with Maria and Agustin and still far from calm. If Rod and Cindy hadn’t come along, the Van Housen kid might very easily have been dead.

  Chapter 38

  Rod knew better than to make their Dad’s residence their first stop. Rod deposited Adam with Maria and Agustin, then went across the street to see if Edward was home. He was. Rod explained what he knew, then said that Adam was across the street with Mom and Pops. Edward told Rod to go home and he would be right behind him after he made a couple of quick calls.

  Edward’s first call was to Mark Eagan, Cindy’s dad and RCMP Chief Constable of the unique one-man Barrows Bay detachment. His second call was to the President of the Victoria Institute, Dr. Harold “Harry” Evers. Edward expected a shit storm and he was determined to be prepared for all eventualities. Rod had been somewhat vague on the details but had relayed what Adam had told him on his way home.

  None of it was good and Edward suspected his own flawed genetics as the prime suspect in what had happened. The calls having been made, Edward walked across the street to see what was up with his son. When he arrived, everyone who mattered was there.

  Maria was holding Adam and speaking to him in soft low tones, in Spanish. Adam was crying, now realizing what he had done but otherwise seemed fine. Agustin was up from his lab and speaking to Rod as Edward arrived. As soon as they made eye contact, Agustin quickly grabbed Edward.

  “Don’t be angry with Adam. I know you will be, but you must understand what the boy said to Adam. This is not Adam’s fault and what the other boy got is what he deserved.”

  “I’m still not clear what he said that upset Adam.”

  Agustin explained what he knew in detail, from both Adam’s and Rod’s account. He explained what the boy Lawrence had said about Anna and what Adam had done without thinking.

  “In my country, the old country, that Van Housen boy would be lucky to be alive. You may do as you wish but just remember Edward, he’s my son too. Don’t expect me to be angry with him. That will never happen.”

  Edwa
rd turned to Maria for some guidance and received none. She motioned to her husband to come over and sit with Adam, while she spoke to Edward. They left the living room and sat down at the kitchen table to talk.

  Maria went first. “You know what the boy said?”

  “I heard.”

  “Then we have a situation on our hands here and we have until Constable Eagan arrives to decide what to say. Did you talk to Harry?”

  “Yes. But I only told him there was an incident with the Van Housen kid. I didn’t say what, but I told him to get ready for … a problem with Willard.”

  “What did he say?”

  “That in spite of Willard’s distinguished scholarship, he regretted ever inviting him here to the Institute. And that whatever happened, for us not to worry. He didn’t sound fussed but then you know Harry.”

  “Yes, too nice, too polite and too Canadian. Harry is not the problem, Edward. Mark Eagan, however, is another matter entirely. He’s going to want to make a report and forward any complaints on to the authorities in Victoria. That’s going to mean cops and some psychobabble. We must nip this in the bud and that begins right here with Mark. He must understand that this incident cannot go beyond the confines of Barrows Bay.”

  “How do we do that?” Edward inquired. He was somewhat taken aback by Maria’s immediate and insightful assessment of the situation. He knew right away that she had zero intention of letting the authorities come anywhere near her son. Especially Mark Eagan.

  “We will do what we must to protect our son.” Maria was resolute, and her tone final.

  “How?” asked Edward again, less because he didn’t know than because he wanted Maria to say it out loud.

  Maria eyed Edward, but without any hesitation said, “Willard and his family must gather their belongings and leave the Institute. Immediately. Then they can go anywhere they want for the rest of his sabbatical. We will help them move on. Financially, I mean.”

  “And if they won’t?”

  “I’ll leave that to you. It’s your specialty. But my guess is they will want to take the cash and go. For once Edward, be as firm as I know you can be. You understand ‘firm’, right?”

  “OK,” Edward said cautiously.

  “That leaves Mark. A decent fellow but with a limited tenure here if he reports this to Victoria. We may need Harry’s help on that, but you must do the talking. I will call Ottawa myself and make all the necessary arrangements. But Mark must be clearly and completely apprised of the importance of this matter and his status here should any report of this incident leave these grounds. Make sure to use the word ‘transfer’ when you speak to him. He’ll be gone immediately along with Julia and Cindy if he makes a different choice.”

  “He won’t likely go along quietly with that. You know what he’s like; straight as an arrow and not amenable to intimidation.”

  Maria said, “There will be no need for intimidation unless, of course, there is a need for intimidation. You talk to Willard and then to Mark. If either pushes back, I’ll talk to them myself. I don’t think I need to tell you just how unpleasant that will be for each of them. Make sure they know too.”

  Edward wasn’t surprised by Maria, nor by the rapidity with which she thought and acted nor by the seriousness of her threat. Maria was a gentle woman until riled, then a different Maria emerged. This situation involved her eldest son, who would come to no harm while she walked this earth.

  “Will do,” said Edward, now armed with the only plan that mattered. Maria’s plan.

  She said, “We need this done now. Right away. Now, Edward, you must have a word with your boy and reassure him that everything is going to be just fine.”

  “Is it?” Edward was far from sure about that.

  “Of course, Edward. Foot on the throat, mi hijo. Foot on the throat.”

  ***

  Edward spoke to his son, alone in the room Adam and Rod shared when sleeping over with Mom and Pops. Adam had stopped crying and was now much calmer. He thought he was in trouble, not so much with his family but very probably with his jiu-jitsu instructor who would be unhappy hearing that he had beaten another but untrained kid. Not just because of words anyway.

  Edward told Adam that things were going to be fine and they would have a longer talk with him later after things settled down.

  Adam said, “He shouldn’t have said that about mom. Maybe I shouldn’t have lost my temper but I’m not sorry for what I did.” Adam was sounding as brave as he could but without the unshakable confidence in his words that he would one day acquire.

  “It’s alright son. We’ll get this all straightened out. Don’t worry about a thing. It’s all good.”

  “Am I in a lot of trouble?” Adam asked. He was certain, for once, that he was finally in for it. He didn’t want to be, not this time. Not for what he had just done, anyway.

  “Not with me,” Edward said.

  “Mom and Pops?”

  “Nope, not them either. Pops is quite proud of you but let’s just keep that between us. Which is not to say we approve of you beating up other kids, just that this time we’re good with it. OK?”

  “Sure Dad. Is it alright if I stay over here tonight?”

  “Of course, son. I’ve gotta go now and talk to some people but I’ll be back to see you before you go to bed.”

  “Dad?”

  “Yes son?”

  “I’m sorry I did that. I know better.”

  “I know, son. Sometimes things just can’t be helped.”

  ***

  Edward spoke to Willard later that night and again the next day. Willard was furious and was swearing up and down that he would have little Adam behind bars. His precious son had been beaten badly, had done nothing wrong and was the aggrieved party. His injuries were severe and his medical expenses “likely in the millions”. Edward understood then and there that the kid bully had learned his malicious craft directly from his very own father.

  “Willard, I don’t give a shit about you or your fucking kid. You’re going to pack up your family and depart from Barrows Bay with all due deliberate speed. Today is Tuesday and I expect you to be gone by Friday.”

  “I will do no such thing.” Willard most certainly thought he knew his rights, and St. James was on squishy ground. Willard would make the arrogant St. James pay a steep price for this affront. Willard would see to it. And soon.

  “Willard, you couldn’t be more wrong. You and your tribe will pack up and get the fuck out of Barrows Bay with the utmost haste. And, if you are not gone by Friday then, the financial settlement we will be offering will be withdrawn. Then, and you should pay attention to me now Willard, I will personally watch you and each of your brood die a very slow death.”

  “What did you say? Are you threatening me, St. James? I’ll have you in jail for that.” Willard was a bully too but could sense something was awry with Edward. He was acting ‘mental’. And not in a good way either.

  “No, you won’t. You know, Willard …” Edward began quietly, “your son said some nasty things about my deceased wife. I wonder where he got that from? Any ideas? Any at all?”

  “You can’t prove anything that Lawrence said, now can you? My son’s word against your son’s word. And, I’ve got the law on my side and your kid is going to Juvie. So, don’t think you can intimidate me, St. James. I’m going to fix your wagon. And that kid of yours.”

  “I doubt that. But why not answer my question, Willard? Where did your son get that notion, anyway?”

  “I don’t know St. James. Could have heard it anywhere. Even from another of the Fellows here at the Institute.”

  “I think we both know that’s pure fantasy. Nobody here ever met Anna and nobody, aside from you, is nasty enough to repeat such a thing. Not to kids anyway.”

  “Common knowledge, I understand.” Willard was pressing his ‘advantage’. At least in his mind. Edward’s face suddenly changed.

  “I could kill you right now,
Willard. And if you don’t retract what you just said, I may. Did I ever tell you the story about how the man who killed Anna died? Probably not. I should some time, I think you would find it amusing. And pertinent.”

  “You’ll get no apology from me.” Willard retreated into his act of defiance but his resolve and will were weak.

  Edward stood up and began moving toward Dr. Willard Van Housen. The good doctor had heard rumors of Edward’s potential for unsettling behavior and decided that an immediate apology was a better solution now. He would settle with St. James later.

  “I may have been wrong about that,” said Willard. “I apologize if I offended in any way.”

  A bully like his son, Edward thought. Poke him back and he collapses like the coward he really is.

  “You lost a day, Willard. Be gone by Thursday or you and your family are all dead. Understood?” Willard was now just beginning to apprehend the true nature of Dr. Edward St. James’ mental state and began to experience a slight tremor of panic. Now realizing fully that this was no joke, he started to walk off at a brisk pace.

  Edward shouted after him, “I’ll send over a check before you take off, but I suggest you take it, sign the papers and depart while you still can.” Then, as if for effect, he added, “If you don’t, I’ll flay your kids alive while you and your wife watch. Then I’ll do you both. Now get the hell out of Barrows Bay before I change my mind.”

  ***

  Edward expected some backlash from his confrontation with Van Housen and was pretty sure it would materialize in the form of a visit from Constable Mark Eagan. He was correct, in the main, but the visit was surprisingly short and civil. Mark appeared on Edward’s doorstep the following morning, early. Edward invited him in.