Dada: Chapter 7a

   Fortunately,  I don't have much to do.  He seems. to be better off than I was at his age.
   "Are you done packing?  We'll need to leave as soon as we can. " I'm bringing in the last of the clean laundry as I'm saying this.  It was a light load, all things considered, and didn't take too long.
   "Almost.  I was just waiting for that," Sam still mostly whispering, probably fearing how his voice would sound when it cracks again.
    "You didn't have to have your PJ's washed.  They would have lasted a few more days.   At least thetas what I do."
    I had lent him one of my totes.  It would easily hold the few clothes he had, as well as the toiletries he had.  The shoes would probably be better in a separate bag, but we cold manage it.  I had packed most of my things the night before.  Everything would be ready for when we left.  Except the garage cans.  I might not be able to bring them in, but there might not be a way to prevent it.
    After Sam had finished his packing and I had put away the last of the linens, we silently went out to the car with the suitcases.  My computer would be last to go.
    "Hey Chris!  What are doing up so early?" a voice rang out from behind me as I packed the car.
    "Oh, hey Rick.  I didn't know you go out so early."  He was dressed in sweats, obviously going for an early jog.
     "Well, I've got to find time somewhere.  I've got early meetings starting at 7:30 and lasting through lunch.  And with Sandy's pregnancy and Dana running about, I find time when I can."  This is when Rick noticed that I wasn't alone.  "Who's the kid?"
     "Rick, meet Sam, my half-brother.  Sam, this is Rick.  He lives a few houses down.  I need to talk to him for a bit, so go back into the house and make sure everything is turned off, except for the main lights.  Okay?"
   Sam mumbled an approval, as silently sulked back inside.
   "What's going on?  I didn't know you had a brother.  Dad's side?'  Rick asks.
   "Yeah.  I just found out about him yesterday.  Apparently, his parents died and I and being appointed his guardian.  We are setting out for New York to finish up the paperwork."
    "Wait, the state just left him with you?  That's not standard procedure, at least I don't think it is.  Are you also the executor of the will, or a beneficiary?"  Rick keeps asking.
     "I don't know.  You're the lawyer, not me.  I can feel that something else is going on, but I don't want to press Sam too much.  He's been through so much already.  Could you look into this for me, or help me find an attorney in New York?  I'm going to need some help finding everything out."
    "Sure.  My specialty is criminal law, but I'll see what I can do.  It might not be until the weekend before I find out anything.  Busy day, and all.   What aren't you telling me?"  Rick finally gets to the point.
    "I don't know if I am up to taking care of Sam.   I'm just so new to this.  Sure, I can take care of myself, but I'm getting strong doubts about this.  Oh, can you also look after the house while I'm gone?  I don't know how long it will take in New York.  And take in the cans, too.  I don't want to get in trouble for leaving them out too long."
    "I'll look after the house, but you can take in your own trash.  The trucks are already here."
    I turn around and see the first of the collection vehicles turning onto the street.  It might make us a few minutes late, but it's worth it so I can take them in.
   "Thanks, Rick.  I'll look forward from hearing from you."
    "Welcome.  Say bye to Sam, and good luck."  Sam waves as he turns and jogs back up the street.
     I wait a few minutes until the sanitation crew pick everything up and take the cans back inside.  With the trash taken care of, the laundry done, and all perishables cleared, it was time to leave.  Just one last trip to the bathroom, and we'd be off.
     "All lights off.  Nothing unnecessary plugged in.  Doors locked.  Car packed.   I think we're ready to go." I needlessly say as we get into the car.
    Sam had been quiet since Rick's visit, but out of nowhere, he finally pipes up.
    "Who was that?"
    "Oh, Rick.  Richard Morris.  He's a lawyer in moved onto the street last year.  Married, with a daughter, and another on the way.  He has been a friend of mine since high school, although we have grown apart since then, at least a little."
    "What!?" Sam exclaimed.