by Rob Edwards
“A meeting?” Delton asked.
“It would be an opportunity to break the ice,” Rena Blossom said. “If Miss Higgins could meet you, I’m sure she would feel satisfied that you have the best intentions of her son at heart.”
“Delton would be happy to do that,” Taysha said. “Wouldn’t you, Delton? You’d love to show this woman how excited you are to work with her kid.”
Delton looked from Taysha to Rena. Shrugging, he said, “Sure.”
“Excellent,” Dr. Fitzpatrick said, with a relieved sigh.
“But I need y’all to know somethin’,” Delton said. “I can tell her this niceness and everything, but then I have to do something with this kid, and I don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Dr. Fitzpatrick slid the large manila folder across the table in front of him. “We have prepared an extensive study packet for you.”
Rena reached over and tapped at the folder with her forefinger. “In here you will find an in-depth explanation of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and how children on the spectrum are affected. There is also a summarization of Noah Higgins who is dealing with a more profound diagnosis of ASD. You will discover what the challenges are that he faces in life, what challenges you may face in working with him, as well as several options for activities and games to try with him.”
“This isn’t everything though,” Dr. Fitzpatrick added. “As you were told when you agreed to this project, one of the major outcomes we are looking for is for you to be able to test for, and excel at, Advanced Behavioral Analysis certification.”
Delton flipped the top of the folder open. The small typewritten pages overwhelmed him at first glance. “Autism, huh?”
“Do you know what that is?” Rena asked.
“It’s like…” Delton looked up at her. “How do I put this delicately? He ain’t that smart?”
“That’s actually a very common and unfortunate misconception,” Rena said, scooting her chair closer to Delton.
Delton closed the cover of the folder, smiled, and gave Rena his undivided attention.
“The truth is that autism has nothing to do with intelligence. There are many, very brilliant people who suffer with the condition. Autism is a developmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to interact normally with others. Some, like in Noah Higgins’ case, do not even have the ability to speak. Autistic children also have behaviors that are restricted and repetitive. They may not be able to run and jump well, but that doesn’t matter to them because they want to spend their time doing things like stacking cans of food to a certain height, then dismantling the structure, and starting over again.”
Delton’s smile faded, and he pursed his lips. “How is it you think I can do anything for this boy?”
Rena tapped again on the folder. “I have put together a list of specific activities you can attempt, that will challenge him in positive ways.”
Delton opened the folder and flipped through the top few pages.
“There isn’t anything in here you can’t try with him. The activities will increase in complexity as time passes, your studies continue, and you gain more experience and comfortability with the subject.”
“The subject?”
“The boy…uh…Noah.” Rena said. She put her hand on the folder. Delton looked up. “I want to warn you though, this will take an enormous amount of patience and focus. You will be tested like you’ve never been tested before.”
“That’s no problem,” Taysha chimed in. “He’s up to any challenge. Aren’t you, Delton?”
Delton looked back down at the papers; flipped through a few more pages. “I guess.”
Transcript from phone conversation from Two Rivers Correctional Facility between HAYES, DELTON, B. (576684-GT) and Danna G. Hayes, sister of the incarcerated. May 25, 20xx.
DBH: “Hey, Dann. How ya doin’?”
DGH: “Hey. You was supposed to call me days ago. Let me know when you was getting out.”
DBH: “Yeah, well, I don’t know just yet.”
DGH: “They are letting you out though, right?”
DBH: “There’s a chance. But I gotta take care of some stuff first.”
DGH: “What?”
DBH: “I gotta do something first.”
DGH: “What you gotta do?”
DBH: “I gotta work with a kid who’s got autism.”
DGH: “What kid?”
DBH: “There’s this kid. And he has autism.”
DGH: “Since when do they have kids in jail?”
DBH: “No, they’re not here. It’s a program.”
DGH: “Delton, what’s goin on? You was supposed to be getting out so we could hang out together.”
DBH: “I know. I will. It’s just going to take a little longer is all.”
DGH: “How much longer? This is bullshit.”
DBH: “Danna. Listen to me. When I talked with the parole board they acted all concerned that I didn’t have my high school diploma, I didn’t have a place to live, or even a job lined up. They wanted me to get some experience doing something so I don’t end up right back in here in a couple a months.”
DGH: “So they tell you you gotta babysit some stupid kid?”
DBH: “He ain’t stupid. He’s got autism.”
DGH: “I don’t care what he got. They making you do a bunch of shit so you can’t be out with me.”
DBH: “Well, maybe this could be a good opportunity for me.”
DGH: “Opportunity for what? Taking care of someone else’s family instead of taking care of your own?”
DBH: “Danna, don’t be like that. I’m doing what I gotta do to get out of here.”
DGH: “No. You rolling over like the dog they want you to be.”
DBH: “You’re acting like I have a choice. It’s not like I can just say, naw, I think I’ll just skate instead.’”
DGH: “No. But you just said it’s a good opportunity for you.”
DBH: “It might be.”
DGH: “So you want to do it.”
DBH: “I’m willing to give it a shot. I’m gonna go meet the mom as soon as I’m done talking to you.”
DGH: “Fine. If you’d rather go hang with someone else’s family rather than being with me, that’s great.”
DBH: “I never said that.”
DGH: “You said you wanted to do this.”
DBH: “That’s not what I meant.”
DGH: “Delton, kiss my ass!” LINE DISCONNECTED
DBH: “Stop acting…” “Danna?” “Danna?” “Danna!” “Mother….” LINE DISCONNECTED
Chapter Seven
“I’m Judith Higgins,” She said to the guard at the gate at Two Rivers Correctional Facility. “I’m supposed to meet Dr. Warren Fitzpatrick in Building E.”
The guard turned to a computer monitor in his shack. “Yes, Miss Higgins, I have you right here.” He handed her a lanyard with a neon green visitor tag hanging on it. “Put this around your neck, and please keep it visible the entire time you are within the walls.” He leaned out the window of his guard house and pointed. “Stay on this road past two buildings, then make a right and you’ll see Building E. It’ll be the third building down on your left.”
Judith draped the lanyard over her head. “Thank you.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Following his directions to the letter she soon arrived at Building E. She parked next to Dr. Fitzpatrick’s maroon Buick. Dr. Fitzpatrick burst out the door before she even got out of her car. “Mrs. Higgins, I’m glad you agreed to meet today.” He held out his big hand.
“Miss Higgins.” She shook it. “But please call me Judith.”
“Okay, Judith.” He walked her to the door and opened it for her. “Miss Blossom and I met yesterday with Mr. Hayes, and Mrs. Williams, his counselor assigned to this project by the prison system. And I have to say, we were both very impressed by the young man. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised when you sit down with him. He seems like such a sharp guy.”
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br /> It seemed to Judith that the good doctor had changed his personality chip. He’d replaced the “arrogant asshole” chip with the “used car salesman” chip.
“Sharp, huh? That’s good to hear.”
The building was nothing more than a brick box on the outside with a large E over the door. Once inside the small foyer, they had to wait in front of a thick glass door, while someone peered at them through the video camera in the upper right corner. Satisfied they were no threat, the door buzzed and Dr. Fitzpatrick pulled it open with a loud clack.
Inside the tiny lobby, the building appeared much older than it had from the outside. Once white walls had long ago become a dingy gray. Streaks and scrapes marred the finish, and large dings and chips dotted the surface, highlighted by the bright white drywall underneath.
“Will Rena not be joining us?”
“Not today,” Dr. Fitzpatrick said. “She had a family wedding something or other, and couldn’t get out of it.”
The squeak from Dr. Fitzpatrick’s left shoe echoed off the walls of the spartan room. Judith could tell he was struggling to hide his irritation that Rena wasn’t there. It made more sense now that he was going over the top to be nice, probably relying on his assistants to take on that role with people. Having to deal with this on his own today was probably eating him alive inside.
They walked down a hall, past a break area that was filled with the smell of fresh brewed, very strong coffee, turned a corner to another blank hallway with doors on the right, spaced every ten feet apart. He opened the first one for her, and she entered. This room was small, just enough space for a table in the center with two chairs on each side. The walls were clean, charcoal gray, and the room was lit with two long bright fluorescent tubes in the center of the ceiling. In one of the chairs sat a very young, African American man, arms crossed, looking none too happy.
Dr. Fitzpatrick made the introductions. “Miss Judith Higgins, let me introduce you to Mr. Delton Hayes.”
“Hello, Delton,” Judith said, doing her best to be upbeat.
“Hey,” the man said with a curt nod.
An awkward silence followed, before Dr. Fitzpatrick tried to move the meeting forward. “Okay...ahhh…” He pulled out the chair across from Delton for her. “Why don’t you sit here and we can all have a meaningful discussion.”
Good Lord, this guy truly did not know how to deal with people. She took the seat and looked at the man across the table. Not a man. A boy. A boy in prison clothes. Sitting there, arms folded, waiting for her to do something. This was who Dr. Fitzpatrick and Rena decided was a good match for her son? Looking at him now, it didn’t seem like a good idea. What could this man possibly teach Noah?
Dr. Fitzpatrick pulled a chair around to the end of the table. He sat down with a big, dumb smile and looked back and forth at them. “Well, this is nice.”
There was an awkward silence. Judith looked at Dr. Fitzpatrick, who looked as uncomfortable in this role as a squid in a desert. And Delton sat quietly, staring intently at one of the many scratches on the table. Clearly he did not want to be here. If this was supposed to be the program that turned his life around, he didn’t appear to be putting too much effort into it. Nor did he seem to care.
“Okay,” Dr. Fitzpatrick said. “Shall we talk about Noah?”
“Yes. Let’s,” Judith said. “What do you know about autism, and why do you think you make a good candidate to work with him on this project?”
Delton sighed, leaned forward and put his elbows on the table. “I told the doc here and his girl that I didn’t know nothin’ about autism. They said it was okay and gave me a bunch of stuff to read and things to go through about your boy and all. Said it was easy so…”
“That’s not exactly how the conversation went,” Dr. Fitzpatrick said.
“Have you read any of the things they gave you?” Judith asked.
“I skimmed through some.”
“Miss Blossom did say that you were capable of the activities given to you,” Dr. Fitzpatrick cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses. “But it would also require a great deal of patience.”
“Mr. Hayes,” Judith said. “How interested are you in being a part of this program?”
Delton flattened his hand on the table in front of her. “Truth?”
Judith shrugged. “That’s why we’re here.”
“I’m pissed about it.” Delton leaned back and crossed his arms again.
Judith’s mouthed dropped open. She looked over at Dr. Fitzpatrick, and shook her head.
Dr. Fitzpatrick avoided her glare and spoke to Delton. “What is upsetting you?”
“I’m pissed because I have to jump through hoops for everyone.”
“What?” Dr. Fitzpatrick said.
“I’m in this program because the parole board can’t trust a black man to learn from his mistakes and make something of himself outside the walls.”
“Tell me you’re kidding,” Judith said.
“I ain’t kidding,” Delton snapped. “If I was white, I would have been let out.”
“That is such bull,” Judith said, scowling. “You’re behind bars because of the stupid decisions that you made, not because you’re black.”
“You don’t know why I’m in here,” Delton said pointing at her. “You don’t know nothin’ about me, or my situation,”
“Okay,” Dr. Fitzpatrick said, holding has hands up. “Let’s relax and have a conver…”
“You’re in here because you robbed a store with a gun,” Judith said, pointing back. “I do know because I actually took the time to read the files I was given.” She knew her voice was growing steadily louder, but she couldn’t hold herself back. “I have a job and a special needs son to take care of, I’m not just sitting around in some jail cell, and I still found time to read your file. That’s what you do when something is important.”
“In Mr. Hayes’ defense,” Dr. Fitzpatrick, clearly rattled now, tried his best to speak calmly, “he just received his file yesterday.”
“Man, this is bullshit.” Delton jerked his chair away from the table with a loud screech across the cement floor, startling Judith and Dr. Fitzpatrick. “I didn’t sign on to be lectured by some uppity white woman who don’t know nothin’ about nothin’.”
A door opened in the other side of the room and a guard stepped in.
Judith fought back angry tears. There was no way she was going to let this little prick know he got to her. She glared at Dr. Fitzpatrick. “Oh, you’re so right, Doc. I feel much better now.” She jumped up, and her chair fell backward, clattering to the cement floor. She slammed open the door and rushed out.
Dr. Fitzpatrick was right on her heels. “Miss Higgins.”
Judith stuck up her hand and shook her head. He stopped his pursuit. Tears streamed down her face by the time she reached the exterior doors. She slammed both open loudly and exited the building, bursting into a full-on cry when she reached her Kia. She sat in her car and wept hard for several minutes before turning the key and driving away.
Chapter Eight
The guard opened the door to the interrogation room, and nodded for Delton to enter. When he did, he was met with Taysha’s scowl, jaw clenched tight as a vise. He dropped into a chair.
Taysha jumped up, reached over and smacked him on the side of his head.
Delton rubbed his head and glared back at her.
“Oh no, you don’t give me a look like that.” Taysha walked around the table and smacked him again.
“What the hell you doing?” Delton rubbed his head again.
“I’m trying to knock some sense loose in a place where I don’t think there is any to begin with.”
Delton shook his head. “You wasn’t there. You’d a probably hit her too.”
“No I wouldn’t have, Delton Benjamin Hayes. Because I’m not plumb stupid.” She raised her hand again, and Delton covered his head with his hand. “What in the whole great green world were you thinking?”
�
�I don’t know.” Delton shook his head and looked at the table. “I don’t know.”
“You was acting all excited, like you wanted to impress Miss Rosie Blossom. What happened after we all met?”
“I talked to my little sister.”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“She was upset.”
Taysha walked back to her chair and sat down. “All right then. Let me hear it.”
Delton looked up at her. “Where did you learn to be a counselor—the army?”
Taysha pointed a finger at him. “Don’t give me anymore lip. Just tell me about your sister.”
Delton sighed. “Well, when I told her about the parole board sending me into this program ‘steada letting me out, she flipped. I tried to explain that it might be a good opportunity for me, and she took it to mean I was more excited to be with this kid than be with her. Then she hung up on me.” Delton shook his head again and looked at the wall. “That was just before I met with Miss Higgins. By the time I got in there, I was so upset about Danna, I kinda lost it with the mom and the doc.”
“Yes, you did.” Taysha said. “Which means you blew it for your little sister too, because you won’t be getting outta here anytime soon.”