Survive and Conquer

by Andrew Grey

  “I know your job has been the center of your life and….”

  “That’s not what I meant.” Chase kissed him, nearly sending Newton sprawling back on the sofa with the intensity. “I spent a lot of time trying to justify what I thought I wanted. Even Milton noticed that I was preoccupied, and that was embarrassing. I passed it off as being deep in thought about a case, but I kept thinking about you, Rosie, and Eric.” He took Newton’s hand. “I know it’s pretty early, but I want you and those two precious kids to be my family. This house… and you… all of you feel like home to me.”

  “You feel like home to us too,” Newton said. “Rosie even said that if you came over and wanted to kiss, she wouldn’t even watch.” He smiled. “So, what exactly are you proposing, counselor?”

  “I’m saying that I love you, Newton, and I want to be part of your life, and Rosie’s and Eric’s. I want to be here for you, and have you be there for me.” Chase sighed and swallowed. “I know you and I need to take things at a reasonable pace. It isn’t just you and me. But I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to give it a try.” He blinked. “That’s what’s really important—you and the kids… us… a family.”

  Newton’s mouth hung open. This wasn’t at all how he had expected this conversation to go. Hell, just half an hour ago he had been bracing for something bad, and now Chase was asking him to be his boyfriend… for the two of them to build a family. And Chase loved him.

  “You really love me?”

  “Yeah. I do, and you don’t have to say it back just because I said it. Sometimes love, deep love, takes time… and I want to give that a chance for us.”

  “I want that too,” Newton whispered around the lump in his throat. “I gave up on something like this a long time ago.” He looked down at his gimpy foot. “I guess sometimes when you least expect it, love just shows up.” Newton got to his feet, leaning on Chase as he led the way up the stairs to his room. This was almost like a dream, and Newton hoped it lasted forever.

  Chapter 8

  CHASE PASSED into Milton’s office and shook his hand before sitting across from him. “The Anderson case is finished.” He handed him the file. “Our clients have agreed to drop their claims, which had no merit and were discredited by multiple Social Services visits. The initial hearing didn’t go their way at all, and unfortunately at that point, they were even more determined. These were people filled with hate, and they were trying to use us as a weapon against their former daughter-in-law.”

  “Okay, then,” Milton said with a smile. “What did you say to make this happen?”

  “I didn’t say anything. But it seemed that Child Services did receive a call about their petition—probably from the court, though it could have been someone else—and decided that they needed to weigh in on the potential living environment for this little boy. One of their agents inspected the grandparents’ house and found a room made up for their son, the boy’s father. After that, Child Services saw the handwriting on the wall.” Chase grinned and sat back in the chair. “For the record, I didn’t make that call. But they finally saw reason and decided it was best if they tried to work things out with the ex-daughter-in-law.”

  “No. I’m sure you didn’t. But you saved the firm some embarrassment and loss of prestige by getting this handled and off our books.”

  “Yes, and I suggest that for anything in the future, the Andersons be told they should seek other representation. This case was a loser from the start.” And it had almost cost Chase dearly. Thank goodness Newton was clearheaded. “I also need to explain that I am dating someone.” He reached into the file and pulled out a copy of the Child Services report. “Him. The author of that report is my boyfriend. He has two children, and I adore both of them. I want you to know so there is no conflict of interest.”

  “I see,” Milton hummed. “I don’t see where there would be. They are independent, and they manage their own work. We have no influence over the agency and would never exert any.”

  “Very true. But I don’t want any connection with Newton and myself to be a secret.” Chase leaned forward. “I also need to explain something to you. I know that I am being considered for partner, and you know that’s what I want. But….” His train of thought wandered a second. “I also want to have a family and people who love me, and if push comes to shove, they will come first. This is a business—they are life. I don’t want to wake up twenty years from now with three divorces behind me, living in my house alone, with only my briefs to keep me company. I’m a good lawyer… one of the best family law attorneys in the state.”

  Milton nodded. “Yes, you are.”

  “Do you know why?”

  “You’re gifted and—” Milton began.

  Chase shook his head. “I was on the other side of the case as a child. I was abused by my father, and no child, no matter what, should ever be put in that position. I’m a good attorney because I fight for the children and will always take their side. I won’t be put in the position to go against everything I stand for and believe again. These people were despicable, and while they are entitled to representation if they want it, let them look somewhere else other than to me and to us. We’re better than that. No one wins every time, but I damned well want to try to make sure that it’s the children that win no matter what.”

  “What are you saying?” Milton asked, furrowing his brow.

  “That partner or not, from here on out, I will have a voice in the family law cases that this firm takes. I’m best qualified to assess and make sure that the clients we take are best for the firm. We don’t want to find ourselves on the despicable side of a case again.”

  “And it’s best for you?” Milton raised his eyebrows.

  “What’s best for me as an attorney is also what’s best for the firm. My prestige is the firm’s prestige. You know that.” Chase left the implication that he could leave and start his own firm, and that the partners had screwed the pooch on this case, unsaid.

  “Good.” Milton smiled. “I like associates who look out for the firm.” It was a dismissal, and Chase stood. “Just to be clear, I agree with you. I will take your suggestion up with the other partners, but I doubt we’re going to have an issue.” He smiled again as Chase left the office.

  He ignored Hank’s snicker and returned to his desk. He might have just blown his chances of making partner sky-high, or he could have solidified them. He wasn’t sure which, but he had been honest with Milton, and he hoped that counted for something.

  His phone vibrated in his pocket as he passed William’s desk.

  How is your day? Newton’s text read.

  Chase smiled. Getting better. How are you?

  The last two and a half weeks had been busy for both of them. Chase was glad it was Friday and his workload was clear. He’d been invited to go with Newton and the family on Saturday to the start of the Great Pumpkin Festival in Whitefish Bay. They brought in a bunch of pumpkins, and kids could carve them, and then they were put on display and lit in the park. They ended up with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns by Halloween.

  Pretty good. I’ll be leaving soon and will meet the kids when they get off the bus. After work, are you coming to dinner and staying for breakfast on Saturday? There were a bunch of naughty smiles after the message.

  I already have a bag in the trunk. Have a few errands to run tomorrow. He sent the message and placed his phone on his desk.

  “Now that’s the smile of a contented man in lerve,” William drolled with a grin. “So, do you think you can find me someone to make me look as sappy as all that?”

  Chase rolled his eyes. “Did you need something, or did you come in here just to make trouble?”

  “I was wondering if I can leave in an hour? My mom and dad are coming to town, and I need to meet them and figure out how we’re going to clean up the latest mess my brother has made for them.” The trouble and ache that shone in his eyes was enough for Chase to nod.

  “And be sure to have some fun this weekend,
” Chase said. “Newton and I are taking the kids to the pumpkin festival. You and your parents are welcome to join us if you want some time outside.”

  William sighed. Chase hated seeing him this down. He was usually a ray of sunshine in an office that could be a pressure cooker. “I don’t think I should. This weekend isn’t going to be fun, and I’m going to have to try to keep my mom from having a nervous breakdown. Samuel is a handful, and he’s gotten himself into trouble. Honestly, I’d ask for help, but they’re down in Illinois and things are different.”

  Chase nodded. “Is it legal trouble?”

  “Legal, financial. My mom and dad are beside themselves.” William closed the door. “I think they’re finally going to have to let him sink or swim on his own. But it’s hard to tell them that. He’s older than I am, and he has to deal with the consequences of his actions.” William pulled open the door.

  “If there’s anything I can do….”

  “I know, Chase. And thank you.” William forced a smile and returned to his desk. Chase hoped things worked out for him. He didn’t want to lose William and was already fighting to get him a raise, because he was worth it.

  Chase took a couple of phone meetings that afternoon, and said goodbye to William when he left, knowing he’d help if William asked. He finished up for the week, having the entire weekend free, and drove to Newton’s. He opened the front door and stepped in to tears. Rosie was crying, and Newton lay on the floor, tears running down his cheeks.

  “Where’s Eric?” Chase asked as the boy ran in with a bag of ice and handed it to Newton.

  “Daddy’s foot looks funny,” Rosie said, and Chase knelt down next to Newton, lifting the blanket. His foot was red, going to purple.

  “I’m okay. Just help me to the sofa,” Newton said.

  Chase lifted him up and got him sat down. “Rosie, get your jacket on, and Eric, grab your bag. Make sure there are snacks in it for both of you, then get in your dad’s car.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “We’re taking Daddy to the hospital.” There was no way in hell Chase was messing around with this. Newton’s foot didn’t look good at all. It was very swollen, and even when it was sprained, it hadn’t looked this bad. It seemed to Chase that there was blood pooling in the foot and starting to darken.

  “I’m fine,” Newton protested, then winced.

  Rosie had her jacket on, and Chase hugged her before lifting her into his arms. “Eric, are you ready?” He opened the door and carried Rosie to the car while Eric followed. He got them settled in the back seat and returned for Newton, who was being completely stubborn.

  “Your foot is going to turn black. It has to have someone look at it. You’ve fought and dealt with the pain for years. Do you want to lose it now?” All Chase could think of was that if the foot was badly infected, it could spread and then he could lose Newton forever. “We need to have it looked at and taken care of.” Chase leaned closer. “I love you and hate seeing you in pain. So, humor me and let me see to it that you’re taken care of.”

  Chase half carried Newton to the car and got him into the passenger seat before speeding off toward the city.

  Every few minutes he glanced at Newton, who had pain etched in the lines around his eyes. He was trying to cover it up, but Chase saw it clearly. When he hit a bump in the pavement, Newton hissed. His foot was a lot more painful than Newton was trying to admit, and that only confirmed Chase had made the right decision.

  “Is Daddy going to be okay?” Rosie asked.

  “Yes. I’m going to be just fine,” Newton said.

  Chase wasn’t so sure. Newton was growing pale, and Chase wondered if he was running a fever when beads of sweat broke out in the otherwise cool interior.

  Chase was relieved when the left turn into Emergency appeared. He pulled right up. “Okay, guys. Let’s get your dad inside, and then I can come out to move the car while you watch over him.” He hurried and got Newton out and moved inside, with the kids right behind like they expected to be left. Chase helped Newton to the intake desk, explained what was going on, and sat Newton into a chair. “You give them the details, and don’t try to make light of it,” he gently scolded, then hurried out to park the car.

  By the time he returned, Newton was in a chair with his foot propped up, a worried child on either side of him. Chase approached the desk to see what was going on.

  “He’ll be called in turn.”

  “I know you have protocols and things, but that man was a first responder to 9-11, and the issues with his foot stem from that. He’s been through hell, and if something happens, you don’t want it on the evening news that a first responder to the worst terrorist attack in the country’s history was kept waiting in an emergency room.” Chase met her now-worried gaze and then turned away.

  “Mr. DeSantis,” a woman called minutes later.

  Chase transferred Newton to the wheelchair he’d gotten and brought him back. They took him to an intake room, and then, after getting vitals, brought Newton to a large room and got him settled in a bed. Chase sat in one of the chairs, with Rosie climbing onto his lap and Eric sitting on the other side of the bed.

  Eric got Newton some water and otherwise sat still in the chair. “It’s okay, Dad. They’re probably going to order an MRI of your foot and maybe X-rays. Though an MRI is a better bet because it shows more.” Chase figured Eric had been through enough hospitals to know the routine.

  “You can sit next to your dad if you want,” Chase offered. This wasn’t what any of them had expected for the evening, and Chase wanted to keep the kids occupied. There was going to be plenty of waiting around. Eric was still, and Rosie pressed to him, holding him tight, fear rolling off her little body as they sat without saying a word.

  The doctor entered, introduced himself, and lifted the blanket to look at Newton’s foot. It was pretty obvious that he tried not to react, but failed. A nurse entered right behind him. “I want an MRI, and I want him first in line. Get an orderly to take him down.” He turned to Newton. “Your foot is in bad shape. We’re going to start an IV with antibiotics and get some images. Then we’ll figure out what’s happening and what we’re going to do from there.”

  “Thank you,” Chase said, sharing a hard look with Newton. “He seems to think this is no big deal.”

  “We’ll see what’s going on and find out how big a deal it is.”

  “Thank you,” Newton said, and the doctor left.

  “It’s okay, Dad,” Eric paid, patting Newton’s hand. “It doesn’t hurt too much when they put the IV in.” He was the expert, after all.

  The nurse got busy starting the fluids, and then once that was set, someone arrived to take Newton for his test. Chase and the kids stayed where they were, sitting nearly silently while they waited.

  “Once they bring your dad back, we can go to the cafeteria and see about something to eat.” He wasn’t sure what there was going to be, but the kids had to have dinner of some sort.

  Newton returned an hour later, and then they all waited for the results.

  The doctor returned, looking grave.

  “Eric, there’s a soda machine just down the hall.” Chase handed him some money. “Go get each of you some water and a bag of chips.”

  Eric took the money and then led Rosie out by the hand.

  “They’ll be gone a few minutes,” Chase said, and took Newton’s hand.

  “Your foot is in bad shape. There was an abscess inside that is about to burst. The antibiotics will fight it, but we need to go in, clean it out, and see what other damage has been done. We need to do it now before it spreads any farther up your leg. The surgeon is already on his way in, and I have nurses set to prep you. I have to stress that this is imperative. There is no other choice if you want to try to save the foot and your life.”

  Chase squeezed his hand. “I’ll be here through all of it, you know that.” The thought of losing Newton scared him to his very core.

  “But what if they take my
foot?” Newton asked, his words barely above a whisper. “What if something happens to me? My mother will swoop in and try to take my children.” He pushed back the bedding, and Chase stopped him.

  “I’ll be here no matter what. You need to relax and stay calm.” Chase turned to the doctor and then back to Newton. “You have to do this, and I’ll be here when you get back, and so will Rosie and Eric, ready to see you and give you all the hugs and love they can. And if they have to take your foot, then the three of us will love you just the same.”

  Newton sighed and nodded. “Bring me the forms, and I’ll sign them.”

  The doctor left the room, and a nurse returned with the consent forms. Newton signed them just as the kids returned. Rosie once again climbed onto Chase’s lap, and Eric sat in the chair.

  “Guys, I’m going to have to have surgery. I’m going to be okay. But when they come to get me, Chase is going to take both of you home. It will probably take a long time.”

  “We’re going to stay here to be with you, Dad,” Eric said, suddenly sounding much older than his nine years.

  Newton extended his hand, and Eric took it. Rosie held the other one, and Newton closed his eyes. “It will be all right,” he said softly.

  “WE NEED to get him ready,” a nurse said as she came in ten minutes later.

  “I’m going to take these two down to get something to eat.” Chase turned to the nurse. “Let’s say goodbye and then we can get some food.” Chase kissed Newton gently and then took the kids out of Emergency, following the signs to the exit.

  Chase took the kids to McDonald’s. None of them were particularly hungry, but Eric ate some and drank plenty. Rosie picked at her food, and Chase couldn’t say much because his appetite was nowhere to be found. His phone chimed that they were taking Newton in a few minutes, so he took the kids back, and they all said goodbye to a very groggy Newton before watching as he was wheeled away.

  “It’s going to be hours,” Chase said. “Why don’t I bring you home.” He wasn’t sure what he was going to do once he got there. If things were different, he’d call Newton’s mom to stay with them, but that wasn’t an option.