Ted Hansen

A Very Nice Young Man

“One of the cars picked up a 13 year old boy hitching rides at Route 6 and Highway 41. The boy’s clothes were worn badly and he needed a haircut. He stated he was from South Carolina, lived with his grand parents and was on his way to be with his mother on Christmas. The boy’s name was Alvin and thought his mother’s last name was Tunney.

I told him we would spruce him up a bit for the reunion and then I would locate his mother. I took him to the barber for a haircut. No charge. Then to the department store. I asked the top man to give me a break on the shoes and clothing. His reply was ‘No charge Chief. It’s the least we can do.’

I told Alvin he could stay with us until I located his mother.

“1 The Telephone Book (no);

#2 The Blue Book, all utilities (no);

#3 Traffic Records (no);

#4 Criminal Records (bingo) Last Arrest – Prostitution.

I found her in a second floor apartment with her pimp, who mistakenly started to give me a lot of flack backed up with the laws or so he thought.

I don’t remember all I said, bit it was very explicit with no gray areas:

#1 His ass was gone during the visit (to the pimp);

#2 Absolutely no business during Alvin’s stay (to the mother);

#3 She was to give the boy a pleasant and loving Christmas;

#4 I would pick up Alvin after Christmas and take him to the bus  to return to South Carolina;

#5 If I saw any indication of disappointment in his visit, all hell would come tumbling down around her.

All went well.

Alvin gave me a hug when I put him on the bus. I think of him often. He was a very nice young man.”