Post by S. Austin61 (Goldman74) on Jan 11, 2010 11:53:05 GMT -4
(7)
How to Host a Reunion
How to Host a Reunion
Later that afternoon a very excited and extremely happy Robert and Carla, along with two FBI agents from the Iowa field office bounded up the steps of the Austin home. Jaime was waiting at the door for them.
“Where is he?” Carla replied.”Where’s my Bobby?”
“He’s upstairs playing with our son.” Jaime smiled. “I’ll go get him. You can wait here with my husband.
As Jaime disappeared up the stairs one of the FBI agents approached Steve. “You’re Col. Austin?”
Steve nodded.
“I’m Frank Gibb. Iowa field office of the FBI.” He held out a picture of Bobby. “Is this the boy you have here?”
Steve took the picture. “Yes that’s him.” He handed the picture back. Carla and Robert breathed a sigh of relief.
They all turned as Jaime reappeared in the living room with Bobby.
“Bobby!” Carla shouted. She ran for the boy but didn’t make it. She fainted on the floor.
Robert ran to her. “Carla…Carla?” he called out.
Bobby stared at his mother on the floor and then to his father. “Daddy, what’s wrong with mommy?” He asked.
There were tears in Robert’s eyes. “She’s just so happy to see you.” Robert sat by his wife and held his son.
Steve bent next to them “do you want to help me get her on the couch?” he asked.
“That would be nice.” Robert smiled.
Robert assisted Steve but continued to keep one arm around Bobby as if he feared the boy would disappear on him again.
Slowly Carla came around Bobby was sitting right next to her. “Oh!” she cried “My Bobby, oh my dear sweet baby. I thought I’d never see you again.”
Steve smiled and looked over at Jaime, tears rolled down her face. “I’m so happy or you.” She cried.
“Thank you so much.” Carla sniffed.
They were interrupted by a knock at the door. Steve glanced out “It’s the local police. When Bobby showed up, I called them…you know to see if anyone had reported a child missing. I’ll tell them that the case is solved.”
Agent Gibb looked out the window as well. “There appears to be someone with them, she may be the person who took Bobby. He turned to the Aarons. “Why don’t you take Bobby to the kitchen, we just might be able to wrap this up.”
They nodded and stepped into the kitchen, Oscar followed them While Steve answered the door.
“Good afternoon officers” Steve greeted.
“Good afternoon…Col. Austin?” One of the officers spoke.
Steve nodded.
“I’m officer Ronald Harrison, this is my partner officer Mike Katz. You reported a child earlier this morning.”
“My Benji…where’s my Benji.” The woman cried.
“Take it easy Mrs. Lutzman.” Officer Harrison put his hand up. “Col Austin this is Mara Lutzman, she called us at around 11:30 this morning and reported her son missing.”
“He’s been here all night.” Jaime pointed out…you mean you didn’t notice he was missing till 11:30”
“Well, um uh…my husband was also ‘missing’ I figured Benji was with him. When he arrived back home and Benji wasn’t with him…that’s when I called the police. They said they had a call reporting a found child. I assumed right away it was Benji.”
“It’s four in the afternoon.” Jaime glared at her.
The police officers also looked at her strange. “Mrs. Lutzman…you called our precinct at 3:00.” They challenged.
“I’m sorry, I’m just so distraught…I don’t know what I’m saying.” Mara cried.
“I think I might have the answer.” Agent Gibb stepped into the room. “I’m Frank Gibb, I’m with the Iowa branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mrs. Lutzman, do you have a copy
Benji’s birth certificate?
“I…I…I didn’t think I would need to bring it.” She stammered.
Just then the Aaron’s stepped into the living room. Robert looked down at Bobby. “Is this the lady who picked you up and said mommy was hurt?”
Bobby nodded.
Mara looked from Bobby to the Aarons and then to the FBI agents. ‘I have two choices.’ She thought. (1) is to turn right now and run. The other is to convince them that Bobby is wrong.’
She chose the latter.
“Benji what are you talking about, now you come with mommy.”
To everyone’s shock Benji slowly walked over to her. But their shock was soon turned to chuckles. Benji looked her straight in the eye. “You are NOT my mommy!” he spat. He then kicked her in the shin. “That is my mommy and she was not hurt. You go away!!”
As Agent Gibbs approached her she turned and headed for the door. Steve was quicker though, he go to the door before she did blocking her escape She was trapped in the entryway Steve blocked her from leaving while Agent Gibbs, Oscar and Jaime prevented her from getting back in the house.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us.” Agent Gibbs reached for her wrists with the handcuffs.
“This isn’t fair.” Mara cried. “He’s my baby…not theirs.”
“Come along Mrs. Lutzman.” Agent Gibbs was trying to be gentle feeling he was dealing with someone who was very fragile.
/////////////////////////
After they let the Aaron’s looked at Steve and Jaime. “Thank you so much for returning our little boy to us.” Carla was very composed now but still kept a tight grip on Bobby.
“I understand.” Jaime smiled. “I’ve been there myself. Why don’t the three of you stay for dinner, you could get going first thin in the morning.” Jaime suggested.
“No, that’s fine, my parents…and Robert’s parents are all waiting back in Des Moines.” Carla explained. If there is anything…anything at all we can do for you…please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Well, there is one little thing.” Jaime gave a slight smile.
“Just name it.” Robert restated
“Well, Todd could really needs to practice his writing. Could he and Bobby become ‘pen pals’ if you would. They could write back and forth to each other.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” Carla agreed. “Of course…right now, I have no idea where Bobby is in that area…I suppose I’ll have to get the records from his school here…”
“I think the FBI will handle that.” Oscar spoke up. “If not…my agency will be more than willing to help.”
“Thank you so much for all of your help.” Robert shook his hand. “I suppose I need to call the airport and see when the next flight is…”
“My jet will take all of you home…except for Mara and the FBI. They have to wait for extradition papers to take her back to Iowa. Let us know how the trial turns out.” Oscar showed them to the door and then out to his car.
///////////////////////////
“Well, that was exciting.” Jaime stood next to Steve as they watched Oscar’s car pull away from the curb.
“I’ll say, by the way, how are our own kids doing?”
“Well Todd was sad to see his new friend leave, but I think he understands it’s for the best.” Jaime told him.
“Why don’t we just go out for dinner?” Steve suggested it’s been so hectic around here.”
That sounds like a great idea” Jaime agreed. “It’s been quite a day.”
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When they arrived home later that evening the phone was ringing. Steve answered it while Jaime removed the children’s coats.
“Hello” Steve spoke.
“Is this Col. Austin.” an unfamiliar voice replied.
“Um, yes.” Steve was hesitant.
“This is Bill Aarons. Bobby Aarons is my Grandson. On behalf of my wife, myself and Bobby’s other grandparents we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts or returning Bobby to us. He’s the only one…grandchild…I mean on either side. He means the world to us.”
“You don’t need to thank us Mr. Aarons, it was our pleasure.” Steve responded with tears in his own eyes.
“We fell we need to…anyone else would have left it to the locals.” Bill reminded.
“You’re probably right.” Steve agreed “We’re just glad that Bobby is back home where he belongs. That’s all the thanks we need.”
“Well, thanks again.” Steve could tell he was sniffing back tears.
“You go enjoy your grandson.” Steve told him and Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you too” Bill managed before he hung up.”
Steve turned to Jamie her own eyes welling up with tears. “I take it you heard.” Steve nodded toward her.
Jaime nodded. “Yeah, I heard. Steve what would have happened if Bobby would have gotten into someone else’s house last night?”
“I don’t know, he would have more than likely been returned to Mara.” Steve speculated.
“I shudder at that thought.” Jaime shook.
“Me to, but Bobby is safe at home where he belongs.” Steve reminded.
“Well It’s back to school for Todd tomorrow. Maybe I can get some w-r-a-p-p-i-n-g done tomorrow.”
“Yeah, maybe we can.” Steve smiled as they took the kids upstairs to bed.
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The kids are adorable