Ben

By Linda Leonard

Avi and Matt nearly lose Ben, their son, to a hit and run accident, and Ben fears losing Rusty who saved his life. Their foster son John, whom they were going to adopt, runs away from his real mother and is returned to Avi and Matt’s custody. John deals with his past and current problems by making poor decisions which affect everyone. Martha’s illness places added strain on Matt and Avi’s marriage as they seek to care for Martha and their family. A stowaway in Matt’s barn turns into an unexpected blessing as they deal with the turmoil of life. Avi’s office is robbed and she is taken hostage. After planning a trip to Israel, Matt is shot and the trip is not guaranteed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Leonard
• Release date: Dec 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9780988364189

Linda Leonard

Linda Leonard is a retired high school teacher/librarian. She is the mother of four, grandmother of six, and an educator who has taught in the public school system for 28 years as an English/Speech teacher (including 15 years as a Speech/Debate Coach and 14 years as a yearbook adviser.) She also served 2 1/2 years as a librarian, a total of 30 1/2 years in public education. She holds a B.A. in English and M.Ed. in Speech.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Martha opened the side door and smiled as Rusty greeted her with tail wagging. Yes, Rusty, it’s time. You go ahead and meet the bus.

Rusty waited for Martha to get into her car. She slowly trailed Rusty down the long path to the highway and noticed the bus accelerating from its last stop toward the farm. She also saw a car speeding; and as it stopped to allow Ben to disembark, Rusty bolted. She watched as the car swung out and around; Rusty jumped toward Ben as the car ignored the bus’s stop signs.

Martha watched in horror as the car struck Rusty. It never slowed, but continued speeding along the highway. Looking toward the front of the bus, she saw Ben moving on the ground. The bus driver had exited the bus and was running toward him screaming, Ben, don’t move.

Martha stopped at the farm entrance gate, pulled her cell phone out of her pocket, and dialed Matt as she limped across the highway to Ben who was moaning. Matt, come quickly and send an ambulance. Ben and Rusty have been hit by a car that didn’t stop for the bus.

As she reached Ben, she dropped to her knees, Ben, don’t move. Where does it hurt?

My arm. Where’s Rusty? I saw him jumping at me and stopped. Something hit me when I put my arm out to stop him so he wouldn’t knock me over. I saw the car hit him. Ben began crying, Where’s Rusty? I want Rusty.

We’ll find him. We need to take care of you now.

Ben began calling, Rusty, Rusty.

Stay still Ben. We’ll find him and take care of him.

I want Rusty.

Sirens wailed louder as sheriffs’ cars approached. Several students were standing in front of the bus watching Ben. The driver looked at her passengers and said, Get back in the bus, now before you step out on the highway and get hit. Do not leave that bus again!

Students ran but stopped at the front, and stared out of the windshield trying to see Ben.

Two sheriff’s units stopped. Matt ran toward Ben, Ben, are you hurt?

Crying, Ben said, My arm hurts bad. The car didn’t stop. I guess Rusty jumped at me to keep me from walking in front of it. I saw the car hit him. Dad, Where’s Rusty?

Matt looked at driver who pointed toward the field to the right of the bus. Matt looked at the other officer and said, Brown, check over there and see if you can find him.

As the officer walked toward the field and looked down the ditch at the side of the road, the ambulance siren could be heard.

Ben began crying, Dad, I want Rusty.

I know son. We’ll do everything we can for him.

As the ambulance arrived Matt said, We need to get you to the hospital.

I want Rusty with me. I’m not hurt that bad, but the car hit Rusty hard. He needs help.

As the ambulance medic approached to evaluate Ben, the officer called Matt over to the ditch. Matt approached and saw Rusty twitching in the ditch. He could see blood pooling near a break in his leg. Matt descended in order to grab Rusty’s leg to apply a tourniquet. When he reached out, Rusty began growling dangerously. Rusty, it’s me, Matt. It’s okay, boy. We are going to take care of you.

Rusty growled and snapped when Matt reached out again. Matt stopped trying to grab his leg. Officer Brown said, Sheriff, be careful. I had a cousin get bitten by his dog in a situation like this. They are in so much pain that they don’t recognize voices or see the people who are trying to help. They think they are still in danger.

I know Brown, but I don’t want Ben to see him in this state. Stay down in this ditch until we get Ben in the ambulance.

As the attendants loaded Ben on the gurney, Avi drove up and ran from the car. Martha, what happened?

A car didn’t stop to allow Ben to cross the highway. It ran the bus stop sign which was clearly out. Rusty jumped to stop Ben from walking in the path of the car.

Matt approached the bus driver. What color was the car?

Green.

Did you get any part of the license plate?

No, I was watching Ben. That dog jumped before I could blow the horn to warn Ben. He saved your child’s life.

Matt called his dispatcher using the communicator on his shoulder, Cindy, put an APB out for a green car traveling south on Highway 1468. Have the occupants detained and call me. I want to speak to the driver. No, I don’t know the make yet. Set up a road block twenty miles down the road if anyone is in the vicinity. There are only three intersections in that distance. If the car doesn’t approach that point in thirty minutes, I want officers to backtrack and drive down all driveways and side roads looking for that car.

The bus driver approached Matt and said, One of the children said there were two people in the car, a man and a woman. He was sitting in the last seat and watched as it approached the bus from behind. He said the people were arguing and driver barely missed the bus.

A middle-aged boy, about thirteen, approached Matt and said, It was a green Mustang.

Son, that’s an old car.

I know. I like old cars and I want to own one. He opened up his backpack and showed Matt a couple of car magazines.

I’m into old cars. I know it was a Mustang.

Matt contacted Cindy again. Cindy, it’s a green Mustang. I don’t know the year, but there can’t be many green Mustangs in this area.

Matt stepped over to the ambulance as they were about to leave. Avi had stepped into the back to be with Ben.

I want Rusty.

Ben, I’ll take care of Rusty. I promise. Avi, hand me your keys. I’ll have Brown drive your car to the house. As soon as we find Rusty and I take care of him, I’ll meet you at the hospital.

The driver closed the door and Matt placed a call to his vet. Dr. Cahee, It’s Matt Gatti. I have a little problem here. There was an accident and Rusty, Ben’s dog, was hit by a car. He won’t let me get near him. He’s growling and snapping. He’s bleeding badly from a broken leg.

Matt, if there is anyone there with you, get that person to go behind him with a towel or some other item and catch his head and hold it so he can’t bite you. Tie off the leg to stop the bleeding. I’m on my way.

Matt handed Brown a towel he kept in his trunk and told him to get behind Rusty as he distracted him. Ring the towel around his neck and hold him while I grab his leg and tie it off. Dr. Cahee is on his way.

Matt talked to Rusty as Brown moved around his back side. He flung the towel to catch his neck and pulled down toward his back so Rusty could not escape and Matt grabbed his broken, mangled leg and tied it off in tourniquet fashion.

Sheriff, that dog looks like he’s in a great deal of pain – leg doesn’t look good either. I don’t see how the vet can save that leg. It’s clearly broken and veins and arteries must be cut the way it’s hanging. Maybe you should just put the animal out of his misery.

I can’t do that Brown. That dog saved my child’s life and I will do all I can to save his. My son would never forgive me if I didn’t try, and I’d never forgive myself. He’s my son’s constant companion. I watched him attack a snake which could have bitten Ben. I can’t end Rusty’s life. I can’t.

Matt’s shoulder communicator sounded and Matt answered. Sheriff, we have spotted the Mustang at a house on 1468, about three miles from the accident. I can see a man and a woman standing by the car, arguing.

Call for backup. I want at least two of you there when you speak to them. Bring the driver and his passenger to the office in separate cars, put them in separate interview rooms, and wait until I get there to question them. Give them time to mull over what’s going on. I don’t want them to be able to speak to each other, and don’t tell them about the accident.

I think I see a gun in the man’s hand and he’s waving it at the woman. I’m in an unmarked car so he probably doesn’t realize police are nearby.

Wait for backup. Do not approach on your own.

I hear sirens, sheriff. They just heard them, too. He’s ushering her into the house with that gun. You might want to send a negotiator and more backup.

Cindy, did you hear that?

Yes, sheriff.

Alert the swat team and get Cooley out there just in case they need him.

Cahee drove up as Matt finished his conversation. You made it here in record time.

Matt, where’s Rusty?

Down in the ditch with Brown.

"I was at a farm about half-a-mile from here.

Cahee crawled down near Rusty who could barely move his head. Matt, I don’t know if Rusty will make it. Looks like he lost quite a bit of blood; and if he does make it, he’ll probably lose his leg. It’s just dangling; I can’t reconnect all the blood vessels or muscles.

Just save Rusty’s life. We’ll worry about his leg later. That dog saved Ben’s life. I don’t want to lose him. He’s watched over my son from the time he was born. Ben can’t lose him and I can’t either. I know he’s Ben’s guardian around the farm.

Cahee retrieved a flat board from the back of his truck and all three men gently lifted Rusty’s near lifeless body onto the makeshift gurney. Brown crawled out of the ditch waiting to receive the end of the board as both Matt and Cahee lifted it. They pushed the board onto the flat ground near the ditch. Rusty’s eyes were open and he looked at the men, but could barely move his head.

Cahee said, Let’s get him into the back of my truck and put him down in the bed. He won’t move; he’s strapped down. I’ll get him to my clinic and see what I can do for him. How’s Ben?

On the way to the hospital. His arm might be broken. He’s really upset about Rusty. Please, do all you can for him.

I can tell you right now, I’m going to have to amputate part of his leg.

Just take care of him. I need to get to the hospital and check on Ben.

As Cahee left with Rusty, Matt said, Brown, get to the green Mustang address and keep me informed. I’ll meet you as soon as I’ve checked on Ben. You have my number.

Matt turned to the driver, "I’ll need a statement from you and all of the students on the bus. Please drive to the office as soon as you finish your route. Hand your interviewer a list of the names of all students on the bus.

Chapter 2

As Matt walked into the emergency room lobby, he went to an intake clerk. I’m Matt Gatti. You have my son, Ben, here. Please take me to him.

A nurse walked him to a cubicle and pulled the curtain. The bed was missing, but Avi was sitting with her head bowed. Avi, how’s Ben?

They took him for x-rays and asked me to wait here. They think his arm might be broken. The car either hit it, or it happened when he fell. Matt, he keeps crying asking for Rusty. Did you find him?

Yes, Cahee has him. If he lives, he’ll probably have to amputate his leg.

Matt, that dog has to live. I don’t know how Ben will take it if he loses Rusty. Matt, will you ever catch the people who nearly ran him down and hit Rusty?

My officers have found the green Mustang.

Green Mustang?

Yes, one of the middle school students on the bus was a car enthusiast and he knew the model. It didn’t show up at the road block, so the officers started backtracking toward our farm. An unmarked car found it at a house about three miles from us. The guy had a gun and forced the woman in the house when he heard backup approaching. Swat team is on the way now. As soon as I know Ben will be okay, I have to go there.

The curtain flew open again and the attendant pushed Ben’s bed into the cubicle. Matt helped him line up the bed in the small space. ER doctor will be here in a few minutes.

Dad, did you find Rusty?

Yes son, Dr. Cahee has him and he’s taking Rusty to his office to take care of him.

Is he going to be okay?

Doctor Cahee is doing all he can for him.

Dad, take me to see Rusty when we leave here.

It’s getting late, son. It might have to wait until tomorrow.

Where’s Rusty going to stay tonight?

At Doctor Cahee’s.

He can’t stay by himself. I want to stay with him.

One thing at a time, son. Let’s get you patched up, and then we’ll take care of Rusty.

Okay, Dad.

A man in a white lab coat walked in and said, I’m Doctor Hay. I’ve checked your son’s x-rays and he has a fracture.

Then I can leave here and go take care of Rusty.

Hold on young man. Your arm is broken. We are going to have to put a cast on it and put that arm in a sling. Are you right or left handed?

Right.

Good. At least you will still be able to write and eat without much trouble.

Turning to Matt and Avi, he said, I want to get another x-ray of that arm in about two weeks to make sure it’s healing properly. He’ll have to keep it out of the water and the bathtub.

How am I going to do that?

Hang that arm over the side of the tub and use your right hand to wash and rinse. You’ll get the hang of it quickly. Remember, don’t get it wet.

Looking at Matt, he said, I’m just the x-ray doctor. I double-check all x-ray technicians. It’s a busy evening in here. The ER doctor will be in here in a few minutes and put a cast on that arm. Do either of you have questions?

Matt asked, How did it break? Hit by a car or from a fall?

Hard to say.

Dad, something hit me and it wasn’t Rusty. It was hard and pushed me over.

Well, I think you have your answer. I guess it happened when he put his hand out to stop his dog. He told me all about it. I really can’t say if the car broke it or it happened when he fell. But, he would not have fallen if that car hadn’t tried to pass a stopped bus.

As they waited for the doctor, Avi’s cell rang. Hello.

Avi, how’s Ben?

He has a broken arm. We are waiting for the doctor to put a cast on it.

Ask Ben what he wants for dinner.

Ben, Nana wants to know what’s for dinner? She’s giving you a choice.

Spaghetti and meatballs!

Did you hear that, Martha?

Sure did.

Ben shouted, And corn.

Avi looked at Ben and put her finger to her lips. Sh... It’s a hospital and there are sick people with headaches in here.

Ben lowered his head.

Avi smiled, Ben it’s okay to talk, just be aware that everyone can hear everything you say through these curtains.

Hey, Buddy. I have to go back to work. I need to catch the guys that did this to Rusty. Okay?

Ben shook his head, yes.

Give me a hug, Buddy.

***

Hi, I’m Doctor Long and I’m here to give you a super cast. What type of superhero cast do you want?

Spiderman.

Are you ready?

Yes sir.

As he prepared the materials, he said, Mom, you have any questions?

Fractured or completely broken?

No hairline fracture, it’s a clear break. If it’s set correctly, he should have no problems after it’s healed. I don’t want him to use that arm or hand until we get another x-ray to make sure it’s healing properly.

***

Avi called a cab and on the way home, Ben said, Mom, we need to go by Doctor Cahee’s office. I need to see Rusty.

Ben, it’s getting late and Nana has dinner waiting.

Mom, please I need to see Rusty.

I’ll call and make sure Doctor Cahee will allow you see him. He might still be taking care of Rusty.

Doctor Cahee, this is Avi Gatti. Ben wants to see Rusty. Is that possible?

Okay, I’ll tell him.

Ben, he said he’s still working on Rusty, giving him medicine and cleaning up a broken leg.

Why do you have to clean up a broken leg?

Well, it was cut, too. So he’s cleaning it up.

Oh, when can I see him?

Why don’t we go home and eat spaghetti and meatballs. When your dad gets home, he can take you to see Rusty, if Doctor Cahee says it’s okay.

Reluctantly Ben sighed and said, Alright. I guess I’ll have to wait cause I can’t drive yet.

Benjamin Joseph Gatti, you are only seven years old. You can’t get behind a wheel until your dad says you can. Do you understand?

Yes, Ma’am.

***

Hi, Nana.

Oh, let me see your cast. I like Spiderman, too.

Mom, when will Dad be home?

I don’t know. He needs to take care of a situation. I think they are trying to catch the guy who was driving that green Mustang that didn’t stop for the bus. He might be a while. Let’s eat. Dad will eat when he gets home.

Then can Dad take me to Rusty?

We’ll see, Ben.

Martha served Ben’s plate and he sat pushing his food around his plate with a fork. Mom, Rusty needs me. I know he does.

Well, you need to eat so you’re strong enough to take care of him.

Reluctantly, Ben ate a few bites. Martha said, Ben, if your dad asks if you ate dinner, I’m going to have to tell him ‘very little’.

Okay, Nana, I’ll eat cause I need to see Rusty.

***

Matt walked through the door a couple of hours later. Ben had fallen asleep on the sofa. Matt whispered, Why’s he there?

Avi whispered in reply, He would not go to his room until you returned. He wants to see Rusty.

Ben moved at the whisper of Rusty’s name. Dad, call Doctor Cahee. I need to see Rusty.

Ben, it’s almost 9:00. It’s late.

Dad, who’s going to stay with Rusty tonight?

I imagine Doctor Cahee will.

I want to stay with Rusty, too. Please, Dad. I love him.

Matt called Cahee, I hate to call this late, but Ben insists on seeing Rusty tonight.

I just finished removing his leg about 30 minutes ago. He’s still pretty sedated, and I’ll have to give him pain meds for a couple more days. If you want to bring Ben down here for a short visit, he’ll have to understand that Rusty will be sleeping for a few days. You might as well tell him about the leg, too. It will make it easier when he sees him bandaged up and part of his leg missing.

Thanks Doc, we’ll be there in a few minutes.

***

Dad, where’s Doctor Cahee?

Son, give him time. He lives in the back of his clinic and it takes time to walk up front.

Matt and Ben could see the light come on in the lobby and Doctor Cahee opened the door. Come on in Ben. Hi, Matt.

Did you tell Ben about the operation?

Yes, sir. He has lots of questions.

You can talk to Rusty, but he probably won’t move. He’s still full of medicine. He needs to sleep now and will have to sleep much of the next several days. I had to give him an IV because he lost so much blood when he got hit.

Will he be okay?

If he makes it tonight, he’ll have a good chance. You ask God to take care of him. I’ve done all I can.

As they walked into the operating room, Ben saw Rusty sleeping and lying on his side. There was an IV attached to a shoulder, taped to a board. One of Ben’s back legs was bandaged above a joint.

Sir, how is he going to walk?

He’ll have a hard time getting around. Cahee looked at Matt and continued, We can fit him with a wheel device which would allow him to drag his leg around; or if you are willing to spend a little more, I know of a veteran who returned with his service dog who lost a leg in combat. He is fitted with a metal flex leg which allows him to walk almost normally. We can talk later.

Dad, I want Rusty to run and play with me. He likes to hunt. Dad, he needs a leg.

What did Doctor Cahee say?

He’d know more tomorrow, and I need to pray for Rusty.

Ben stepped over to Rusty and petted his head. Rusty, I love you. I want you to fight real hard cause we have lots of things we need to do. God, Rusty is my best friend. Please make him well. Please don’t take him home cause I need him here. Amen.

Dad I want to stay with Rusty tonight.

Ben, I live in the next room. There’s a cot in there and I have a monitor next to his cage. If he moves, I’ll hear him. You need to go home and sleep. If your dad will allow you to come tomorrow, you can sit with him all day. Go home. I’ll take good care of Rusty.

As they walked toward the front door, Cahee said, Matt, Jim Walker came back from his army tour and ended up adopting Roscoe, his service dog. Roscoe saved his life but lost a limb. He ended up spending over $2,000 for the limb, but Roscoe runs normally now. Leaving a dog with three legs produces a host of medical problems. If Rusty makes it, I can call him so you and Ben can visit Roscoe.

Ben said, Makes it. You mean Rusty could die?

Ben, he saved your life. You could have been hit by that car from what I hear. Keep asking God to take care of him. I promise I will get up often tonight to check on Rusty.

When will you be open tomorrow?

Saturday, I’ll be open at 9:00. I’ll move Rusty into my room during the day. If you wish, Ben could stay with him there. Totally up to you, Matt.

Dad, I want to stay with Rusty tomorrow.

If you sleep tonight and promise not to worry about him, I’ll make sure you get here tomorrow morning.

Ben, I’ll know more about Rusty’s condition tomorrow morning. You sleep well.

***

As soon as Ben was tucked in, Matt crawled in bed, slowly to avoid waking Avi, to no avail. Matt, what did Doctor Cahee say about Rusty?

He’ll know more tomorrow. If Rusty makes it, we can get a metal blade prosthetic leg for him for around $2,000. He knows of a veteran who adopted his service dog who had a leg amputated. I was thinking of taking Ben there next week, if Rusty makes it. I sure hope and pray he does.

Two thousand dollars is quite a bit of money.

That dog has taken care of our son. I’d do anything in my power to make sure he is well taken of. He’s taken care of Ben almost since birth. Ben was only a couple of months old when we got Rusty. I can’t count the number of times he’s kept him out of trouble.

You are going to allow Ben to stay all day with Rusty?

I’ll call and check up on him. I’ll even bring him and Cahee lunch. It would settle his mind. I think they both need each other right now. If Rusty hears Ben’s voice, I think he would fight even more to stay alive, and Ben needs to see his friend. I’d call Rusty his guardian angel. That dog is special.

Chapter 3

Saturday morning, Ben was dressed and in the kitchen with Nana before anyone else stirred in the house. Martha whispered, How did you sleep Ben?

It was hard getting to sleep because of this cast and cause I was worried about Rusty.

Well, it’s only 6:00 now. It’s going to be a while before Doctor Cahee will be open.

He lives in the back of his office. Maybe I can get Dad to knock on his door again.

"Ben, if he stayed up with Rusty last night, maybe he