Dada: Chapter 3b

   The judge was giving me an exasperated look.  Well, I was the one who had veered us off-topic.
  "As I was trying to say, for some reason, your father tried looking for you again recently.  On Tuesday, the investigator called me saying things had changed and needed to be expedited.  He tried to explain about a car crash, and how a minor needed to be taken care of.  He also said he wouldn't be able to come back to the office.  I got the strong feeling that he was no longer employed and wanted to get back as soon as he could to get paid.  Later on, a social welfare worker called from New York confirming what the investigator said.  And that Samuel would be here on Wednesday."
   "Why did you wait until yesterday evening to reach me?"  It was a good question.
   "It was Election Day, Mr. Burton.  Almost everyone was off.  Fortunately, the investigator had a private number he could reach me at.  We started filing the paperwork as soon as Samuel arrived.  It just took longer than normal to get everything done."
   I was still a little stunned.  Everything was just happening too fast for me to catch up.
  "What happens next?"  Another honest question.
  "Well, that is partially up to you.  First, we will have to get the DNA samples originally asked for, so we can confirm who you are, although I see little doubt that you are.  Next, the court will give you temporary custody.  After that, you are going to have to go to New York for a final custody hearing, as well as taking care of any inheritance and other expenses.  If you choose to, you could deny the custody request, and send Samuel into foster care.  Really, you will need to ask the New York courts for the particulars, especially if it turns out that you are the executor or a beneficiary.  My advice is to get a lawyer, both here and for there."
  At that, there was a knock at the door.
  "I'm ready for the tests, Your Honor."
  "Come in, Martinez," the judge responded.
   The woman in the beige pantsuit came in.  I though she was just the social worker who brought the kid in.
  "We will finish with the documents when you get back."  the judge said as we both stood up.  "Just follow Ms Martinez.  The test samples shouldn't take too long."
   I followed Ms Martinez down the hall, passing the kid as he was sitting in the same chair I had been in.  His head was down, but peeked up as we passed.  His eyes were still a little red.
   "Come along, Mr. Burton.  Right in here.  We normally use this as a break room as well, so try not to be alarmed."  She had opened the door at the end of the hall, and we walked in.
   "I thought you were from New York, but you sound like you know the place."
   " Just sit down.  Yes, I work here.  The caseworker from New York got a call on the flight.  Apparently, his wife went into labor a month early.  When they landed, he had already booked an Uber to drive him to Cincy for the immediate return flight.  Barely said anything else, just handed me Sam and the documents and left.  Really non-professional, but I can't blame him."
   I sat down as she was doing all of this.  She already had  the needles out for the blood test.
  "First, we have to do the cheek swab," she said.
  "Wait, a swab?  Why not just to a blood test?"
  "I know it isn't standard, but it was what that judge was asked for. Now, open wide."
   She carefully swirled the cotton swab on the inside of my cheek.   Not too bad, all considered.
   "Now, for the needle.  If you're squeamish, you might want to look away.  It will only hurt for a second."
    "No.  I'll be fine.  Is all of this really necessary?"  It did seem strange to ask for two tests.
   "It is unusual.  Usually only a blood test is asked for."  She did all of this as she prepared my arm.  Lucky I wore this nerdy, short-sleeved shirt after all.  "Still, I can tell you two are related.  Mostly, it's the eyes."
   "Yep.  Hazel.  Saw it myself earlier.  Not that many people with that exact shade."  She had started draining blood.
   "Also, your hair.   Straight, brown.  Although his is a little darker.  Almost done."
  "I know.  I was all but blonde, like my mother, until I hit seven.  Then it started going dark.  Still have a few highlights though."
   "All done.  Let me put a bandage on."  I could still see the small vial on the table top.  "Sorry about the bandage though.  It is all we got.  The kids love them.  I only drew a little, so you shouldn't feel too bad. There is some juice in the fridge over there if you feel like you need it."
   It was My Little Pony, all bright pink and purple.  So, not that embarrassing at all.
  "No thanks.  Now what?" I had to ask.
  "Back to the judge.  After that, I guess you will have a long time to get to know your brother."
  Before I could ask her, we were already back in the hall, walking back to the office.
  "Wait one sec.  I need to do something first."
   We were standing in front of Samuel.
  "Hello.  My name is Christopher Burton, your brother.  Well, half-brother, I guess.  It looks like I will be taking care of you for awhile." I offered him my hand to shake.
  At this he stood up, I saw that he was taller than I thought.  At least 5' 6", maybe 5' 7".  Only a few inches shorter than me.  Man, he was big.
  "Hi.  I'm Samuel, Sam.  Nice to meet you."  His voice was cracking horribly, ending in a barely audible whisper.  His hand was moist; his grasp weak but steady, as if he was used to it.
   "I guess I will be taking you with me.  Do you need to pick anything up, first?"
   "No, sir.  I didn't have time to get anything,  after the, uh, funeral.  We just flew here before, uh, I could get ..."
  "That's fine.  You don't have to say anything more.  Let me just talk to the judge about a few more things, and then we will be off.  Is that okay, with you?"  I was looking at Martinez when I said the last part.
    "I believe so.  You two will need to get ready for New York, but the judge will have that information for you."
   "Well, then.  Time to get started."  I had a few more questions for the judge.  Important questions.