The Kidnapping of J.J. Benson

By K.A. Bennett

This fourth of July isnt like any other celebration the Bensons have ever celebrated before. This year, JJ Benson will turn twelve on the fourth of July. His family will go crazy planning the best party they have thrown for him. Starting with a barbecue at his home celebrating with a few of JJs best friends and finish the party off in the park, awaiting for the annual fireworks to begin.

Once the fireworks are off, his father discovers JJ isnt with his family. A frantic search of JJ is underway, with no signs of the boy anywhere inside the park. Is JJ Bensons disappearance because of his fathers past? Or is someone out to get Jesse Benson? This is a mystery that only Jesse can solve. Or is it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 25, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504952521

K.A. Bennett

Kathy Ann Bennett lives in a small town in Ticonderoga, New York, with her husband, Kenny, for many years. When she isn’t working or writing, she loves spending time with her family. Kathy also has many hobbies she likes to do in her free time. Whether it be reading a book on her back porch on a warm sunny day, barbecuing for her family and friends, watching wrestling with her best friends and watching football during the winter seasons cheering on her favorite team. Kathy has also written several books.

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© 2015 K.A. Bennett. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/23/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-5252-1 (e)

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I Dedicate this to my nephew, Matt. Now, maybe I won’t leave you hanging!!

And also to my family and friends, who has supported and believed in me, I love you, guys!!

It’s a beautiful warm sunny day here in the city of Bellow falls with plenty of blue skies looking over the city.

In two weeks, the city will be decorated in red, white and blue symbolizing the fourth of July, Independence day.

The city will be filled outlining the streets with people to watch the cities annual fourth of July parade and enjoy all the festivities.

For one family, this fourth of July is a special day for the whole family. J.J. Benson will be turning twelve years old this year. His whole family will celebrate his birthday at their home in the back yard having their annual barbecue and finish the party in the park awaiting for the annual fireworks to begin at dusk.

When the fireworks begin, J.J. Benson is nowhere to be found inside the park. His family frantically searches for him, only to receive worse news.

With no signs of the missing boy, the city is in a buzz……where is J.J. Benson?

Has the disappearance of J.J. Benson be the cause of his father’s past? Or is someone acting out their vengeance against Jesse Benson? It is a mystery only one family can solve!!!

I awoke with a jolt hearing a semi loud footfalls of running noises outside of my closed bedroom door. I looked over at my door listening to the noises becoming louder as the heavy foot falls got closer.

I laid back down pulling the blankets up to my chin, knowing my door will fly open with a bang at any given moment. My Uncle Bo and Uncle Luke will run in and jump on me just to sing loud in my aching ears. I laid still listening, waiting for that to happen.

My door flew open with a bang making me jump. They came flying in running in a high speed towards me. They both jumped landing on my bed, both on each side of me. They held me in place so I couldn’t escape from them. Then, they began to sing their version of happy birthday in my ears.

I instantly yelled for them to stop since I couldn’t cover my own ears. They both held me by my arms keeping me from moving as they sang. But, like always, they never listen to me. You would think that after all these years, I would just shut up and let them get their singing out of their system. Now that I’m older, it’s kind of embarrassing knowing every one in the house can hear their very loud very off key singing.

Come on! Stop it!

Happy birthday to you!!

Stop it, you guys!!

Happy birthday to you!!

It’s. Not. My. Birthday!

Happy birthday dear, J.J.!!

Please, just stop it!!!

You look like a monkey!!!!

Come off it!!!

And you smell like one too!!!!

Please! Just stop!!

They only stopped long enough just to smirk at me then at one another. I knew what was coming. Again.

No, not again!!

They sang their song all over again. Of course in my ears but much louder now, muffled by my begging for them to stop. They didn’t listen as usual holding me in place singing even closer in my ears.

I sat up at the same time that Jesse did. Both of us heard loud singing coming from inside our son’s room. We both smiled recognizing Bo and Luke’s version of Happy Birthday, making us both laugh. A sure sign that they are home for the holiday’s.

Listening to their singing brought me back to when J.J. was just a few days old. I put him in his crib after his feeding, sound asleep. Not more than five minutes later, I heard Bo and Luke enter his room threw the baby monitor. In a whisper, they both began to sing their own version of happy birthday while J.J. slept.

Jesse spoke to me bringing me back to my room barely hearing J.J. yell for them to stop. Which was our cue to rescue J.J. from any more embarrassment. I’ll go save J.J. from Bo and Luke while you go down to the kitchen. Deal?

It took me a minute to answer him trying hard not to laugh hearing their singing get even louder as they sang their song again, looking at Jesse. Deal.

We both scrambled fast tangling ourselves in the blankets, kicking them off completely. We ran together to our closed door. Jesse got there before me flinging the door wide open. We stepped into the hall hearing the singing louder outside of our room. Jesse gave me a quick kiss then we went our separate ways.

I walked into J.J.’s room now covering my ears. I don’t really blame J.J. for yelling at them for singing. Their singing really sucks!

Come on, you guys! Please stop it!!

I heard J.J. yell over their voices. It isn’t doing him any good to yell, they aren’t even listening to him. So, I guess I’m just going to get them to stop. At least they will listen to me. Okay! Okay! Okay! That’s enough of the singing, guys!

I watched dad walk in yelling for them to stop without having to yell again. You both did a great job embarrassing your nephew. Now, can you please stop singing before you both have the neighbors dogs joining in?

Luke and I stopped singing the moment we heard Jesse’s voice above our singing. It made me feel really bad for waking him and my sister up. Sorry, Jesse. We didn’t mean to wake you and Katie up.

You didn’t. Actually, I’ve been awake. I have been expecting to hear the two of you to start singing a couple of hours ago. What kept you?

We had a two hour delay. Luke told him.

Oh. That explains it. So, are you guys hungry? Katie just went down to the kitchen.

Yeah. I kind of am.

Me too. Besides, I got a few new jokes to tell Mandy.

That’s good to hear because Mandy told me she couldn’t wait for you to get home and hear more jokes from you.

Really? Cool! Come on, Bo. I want to tell her some while we are eating.

Good idea. I love to hear her laugh, it’s contagious.

See you both down stairs. Luke told us walking to the door with Bo.

I stepped aside letting them pass hearing their conversation all the way to the stairs.

Thanks, dad.

I looked over at J.J. He was still under his blankets looking relieved now that Bo and Luke are gone. No problem, kiddo.

I watched him get out of bed, listening to him complain about their singing all the way to his dresser. Sure, Bo and Luke are loud and obnoxious but that’s how they are. They are not going to change. I don’t know why they have to sing happy birthday now. It’s not my birthday yet.

I walked in a little further explaining it to him. To your uncles, it’s a tradition. They have been singing happy birthday to you since you were a baby.

J.J. sighed closing his drawer.

Yeah, I know that, dad.

I watched him set his clothes on his unmade bed looking sad. There is something else bothering him. I can just tell by the way he is acting. Okay. What is really bothering you? You sound kind of down, J.J.?

He still had his back to me not answering my question. So, I pressed on just to get him to talk.

Aren’t you a little bit excited about your birthday? I know the whole family is. Including your mother and myself. It sounds to me like you don’t care that it’s your birthday. Am I right about that, J.J.?

J.J. didn’t say anything. He put his shirt on ignoring me. That told me he wants to be left alone. I sighed giving up this conversation. Okay. Um I’ll see you down stairs.

I turned to walk out.

Hey, dad.

I turned back facing him.

Yeah?

J.J. had a small smile on his face that didn’t quite reach his eyes. I am excited about my birthday. I know the whole family is going to throw me the biggest party ever this year. It’s just that… I’m….. I’m too old to have Uncle Bo and Uncle Luke sing to me……that’s all.

I smiled seeing him differently. He sure has grown to be a wise young man. I can understand how he feels. I just didn’t see it until now. I understand, son. I’ll see you down stairs, okay? Now his smile reached his brown eyes so much like mine. Okay.

I watched dad leave my room. I sighed so glad dad understands. It’s not that I don’t love my two uncles. I even miss them at times. It’s just that I’m not a baby any more! They don’t have to sing in my room, I’m not two! Maybe I should explain how I feel about it to them. They will understand. Won’t they?

I finished getting dressed thinking about what I’m going to say to them. I walked out going over in my mind what I want to say. I just hope they understand how I feel. Maybe this birthday will be much better than last year. I thought about that as I walked into the bathroom.

I just happened to walk in the dining room when I heard Mandy crack up laughing. Her laughter rang out all through the room. Both boys sat near her laughing just as hard as she is. Mandy held a tissue tight laughing so hard, I wandered if she will pee in her seat.

I sat down across from the boys smiling at all three of them wishing I heard the joke. Mandy wiped away her tears still laughing her head off. I don’t know why she bothered to dry her eyes, it didn’t do her any good. The harder she laughed, the more her tears came.

I started to chuckle listening to her laugh. Bo is right, her laugh is contagious. With the kind of laugh that she has, she could get the scrooge to crack a smile.

The phone rang mixed in with our laughter barely able to hear it. Lucinda came out just as Luke told a new joke causing Mandy to giggle before he got to tell the rest of it. Mr. Benson, you have a phone call.

I stood up thanking her and she went back into the kitchen with a smile.

I picked up the phone just when all three burst out laughing again making me smile wishing I heard the joke. Hello?

Morning, Jesse!

Good morning, Kathy!

I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.

No, you didn’t.

Oh good. I’m calling to ask if you, Katie and J.J. would like to join us for breakfast? As you know, Bo and Luke will be coming home from college for the summer today. So, Marie is fixing a special breakfast for their homecoming.

We’d love too. But, Bo and Luke are already home. They are here right now.

They are!? That’s prefect! Breakfast will be ready in a half hour. Let Mandy and Lucinda know they are welcome to join us.

I’ll do that. See you in a little while.

Okay. See you later, Jesse. Bye.

Bye, Kathy.

I hung up and walked back to my chair sitting down. Did I hear the phone ring? Bo asked me after I sat down. It probably was your mother. Luke said to him. It was your mother. She invited all of us over for breakfast. Marie is making something special for the both of you.

Alright!! Luke yelled.

It’s going to be Christmas in July for the both of us, Luke.

It’s going to be ready in a half hour. Has anyone seen Katie?

I saw her go upstairs, Mr. Benson. Mandy told me standing up.

Oh, okay. Well, I’m going to go get dressed. Let Lucinda know that the two of you are also invited.

I’ll go do that right now. Mandy disappeared threw the swinging door. Just before it closed, I heard her say, Lucinda! I have great… Then, the door did close shut. I got up and walked out as Bo and Luke discussed what they thought they were going to have for breakfast.

I got close to the dining room when dad walked out. He stopped by me before I went in. We are going to your Grandma Kat’s for breakfast this morning.

Oh. Okay, dad.

I looked inside the dining room.

I think now would be a good time to talk with your two Uncles. He said pointing towards them. I looked inside again swallowing the lump down. You really think I should?

Yes, I do. I’m sure they will understand once you explain everything to them.

Okay. I’ll talk to them.

Good. He smiled down at me then left me standing near the doorway.

I watched dad go up the stairs until he was gone. I looked back inside. They both were alone talking to each other. I sighed trying to get the nerve to talk with them. I just know they won’t listen to me. I’m just a kid to them. I’ve asked them many times before about their singing but they always just laughed and ignored me.

So, I’m just going to march right up to them and demand that they both should listen to me! I sighed.

Yeah right. Who am I kidding? I sighed again. I might as well get this over with.

I squared my shoulders holding my head held high and I walked right up them. Uncle Bo, Uncle Luke, can we talk?

Yeah, sure. Have a seat, sport. Uncle Bo pulled a chair out for me. I sat down watching the both of them staring at me, waiting. What’s on your mind, J.J.? Uncle Luke asked me. I sighed yet again loosing my nerve with them staring at me so hard. Then, I just let it all out. I told them everything.

My talk went better than I expected it would. Not once did they interrupt me. They listened to me without laughing at me or making a joke out of what I said. They agreed with everything I told them and they both understand exactly how I felt. Uncle Bo told me I should have said something to them sooner. They even said they will stop singing in my room and only sing happy birthday to me with the rest of the family which made me feel a whole lot better. I put a big smile on my face getting ready to go to Grandma Kat’s.

We all walked out of the house in single file. Dad was the last one out shutting the door and locking it. We walked along the long driveway that connects to all three houses we all live in. We are the only ones who share a long driveway on this block. It’s not really confusing to me but maybe I should explain it a little better just so you will understand what I mean. Okay, let’s say you are standing across the street on the sidewalk looking at the only three houses that share the same driveway.

The house to your to left is where my dad’s parents live. Their names are Matthew and Samantha Benson. My Grandpa Matt is an Architect. He designs big buildings and sky scrappers to be built throughout the city. My Grandma Sam is a housewife. She doesn’t really have a cool job. Well, unless you consider taking care of Lorynn a job. Lorynn is my dad’s little sister which he adores. Can you believe she’s only seven and she is my aunt!? Well, she is. Any way……

The house in the middle is where my mom’s parents live, which is where we are heading to now. Their names are Kenny and Kathy Dawson. They are also my grandparents. My Grandpa Kenny is a very well known successful lawyer. He always gets the big cases. He never refuses any of them. I guess that’s why he gets the big bucks. My Grandma Kat is also a housewife. Most of the time Grandma Kat does a lot of charity work throughout the city. To me, she looks for any excuse to go shopping, whether it be for a benefit dinner, an anniversary party or even a birthday party. Let’s face it, my grandma Kat loves to shop!

The house to your right is my house. I live their with my parents. Their names are Jesse and Katie Benson. My dad works as a contractor at home since he can’t go to an office with an ankle bracelet on that will beep if he gets to far away from our house. He builds the buildings and sky scrappers that my Grandpa Matt designs. Isn’t that cool!? My mom is a college student just like Uncle Bo and Uncle Luke….kind of. She doesn’t really step foot in a classroom, unless you call our study a classroom. She does college courses on line on our computer. With Uncle Bo’s help, she can do all her classes that way. She is doing pretty good getting really good grades. Dad and the family are very proud of her which includes me too!

So, do you understand what I explained to you? Okay, good. Now, you know how close my family really is. You won’t see a closer family than mine are!!

I just put the last chair in it’s place thanks to Kathy’s numerous times of changing everything! Cassandra set the last plate on the table from Kathy wanting to switch to a different table cloth every time the table was set perfectly.

Kathy stared at the table with a smile. Cassandra waited for her to say that this tablecloth isn’t the right color or something like that but, she didn’t say anything.

Marie set the tray of buttered and non buttered toast on the table humming to herself. I’m surprised Kathy didn’t tell her to move the dishes differently. I think the table looks great. But, with Kathy…. I don’t know.

Now, the table looks great!

You sure did a great job with the food, Marie. Cassandra told her smiling. Thanks. You and Mrs. Dawson did a nice job setting the table. It looks great to me. They both praised Kathy for the festive look of the table. I looked at my watch saying, Everyone should be arriving soon. You all did an amazing job. That’s when the doorbell rang. That’s probably them now. Excuse me, ladies. Then, I left the room.

I opened the door with a smile. To my surprise, Tony and Lee Wilson stood on my doorstep arm n’ arm with Kayla and Melinda standing behind them, all beaming their smiles at me. I should have known that Kathy would invite them. They have been consider family for a long time. Ever since college, we have stayed very close friends.

Hi, Kenny. Are we too early? Tony asked.

No, you’re the first to arrive. Come on in. They all came in one at a time. Kathy and the two girls are in the dining room. I shut the door as soon as Melinda came in last.

I stood just inside the dining room watching Lee automatically go to Kathy hugging her tight. Kayla (Their maid) talked with Cassandra after their embrace. Melinda (Their cook) set a dish full of breakfast burritos on the table talking with Marie. I stood next to Tony talking with him when the doorbell chimed. I excused myself to answer it.

I opened the door seeing Matt and Sam Benson standing at the door smiling at me. Lorynn stood between them holding each of their hands looking up at me. Vanessa and Janet stood behind them also smiling at me. They all came in and followed me to the dining room.

When we entered, Sam went to Kathy and Lee hugging them both to her. Vanessa (Their maid) talked with Cassandra and Kayla with smiles on their faces. Janet (Their cook) joined Marie and Melinda at the table making a space for her dish of homemade sausages. Lorynn stayed close to Sam watching everyone talk. I watched Kathy and Lee both bend down eye level to her talking with her. After a few minutes, Lorynn smiled at them warmly. Matt joined in on my and Tony’s conversation. Then, the doorbell rang again. I excused myself and left the room.

I opened the door surprised to see Mike Woods standing at my door step expecting it to be Jesse and his group. Mike Woods is the cities greatest Judge the court has ever seen. I should know, I have stood before him many times in the court room. He is stern but fair depending on the case before him. Mike! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?

I have some great news to pass onto Jesse. I thought I would deliver it to him in personally. Is he here?

No, not yet. But, I am expecting him to be here soon. Come on in.

Thanks, Kenny.

I led Mike to the dining room where everyone waited for Jesse and the gang. He greeted everyone the moment he stepped into the room. He shook hands with Tony and Matt. He hugged Sam and Lee together making them smile. Kathy was the last person he hugged. It’s good to see you, Mike.

It’s always a pleasure to see you, Kathy.

Are you here on business, Mike? Lee asked him.

Yeah. I guess I am. I hope I’m not intruding in on all of you?

Your more than welcome to join us. Kathy told him smiling.

No thanks, Kathy. I just need to speak with Jesse then I’ll be on my way.

Is something wrong with Jesse? Sam asked concerned.

Oh no, it’s nothing serious. Actually, it’s good news, Sam. You have nothing to worry about.

Would you like a cup of coffee while your waiting? Marie asked him.

Yeah, that would be great.

Marie handed him a cup just when the doorbell chimed.

That’s probably Jesse now. I told everyone. I left the room again going to the front door.

I opened the door. Bo and Luke stood in front of the crowd, all of them smiling wide. Bo walked up to me first, giving me a hug telling me he’s glad to be home. Luke came up to me next, hugging me telling me he missed being here. Then, the rest of them came inside following us towards the dining room after the door was shut with Bo on one side of me and Luke on the other.

Katie and Bo went to Kathy both hugging her at the same time, almost making her cry. Jesse hugged his mother and father then kissed Lorynn on her forehead after he hugged her. It made me smile just standing here watching everyone.

It was chaos at first with everyone hugging and shaking hands talking to one another. Then, we all sat down at the table. It only took a little convincing from Kathy and Lee to get Mike to have breakfast with us. Marie and Cassandra, Janet and Vanessa, Mandy and Lucinda, Kayla and Melinda all sat with us in various places around the table enjoying breakfast with the family. Not soon after, the food circulated all around the table with everyone talking to whomever they sat next too. As always, the food was delicious which made this family gathering that much better.

After we ate, Marie and Cassandra with the help from the other girls cleared away all the dishes off the table. As soon as the dishes were gone, coffee, milk and orange juice was soon in place in the center of the table.

Mike instantly poured more coffee for himself speaking to Jesse. Jesse, I have some good news for you. I saw Sam tense up just as Mike spoke to him. I hope she doesn’t have a panic attack before we know what Mike has to say to Jesse. What kind of news?

Well, I had a meeting with your parole officer this morning.

You did? What for?

Jesse stared at Mike looking nervous. Mike sipped his coffee before he answered him. "Well, as you know, we have a meeting to discuss your parole once a month. So, at the end of our meeting today, he told me that