Battle the Dark: Chapter 2

Since the whereabouts of both Carlo Hesser and Michael Leona, The Slice and Dice, were unknown, Todd had beefed up security even more.  Devon, now a member of Shaun's security team, had show great promise and efficiency, and had been working at The Sun to secure things for the nursery Todd was creating there.  Shaun had the penthouse; he was on duty 24 hours a day, and was paid well, aside from being housed, at Todd's expense, in Penthouse 3, directly next door.  At the press of a button, Shaun could be summoned during the night.  In the daytime, when Todd was not there, he was in the penthouse at Blair's side.  It was arranged that if Todd was ever out during the evening, Shaun was there as well.

So far, so good.

John McBain had been heading up the ranks in the search for Carlo Hesser and Michael Leona.  John felt certain that they had left the state for safety, but also knew that no bit of revenge was enough for Hesser.  Calling upon all personnel that he could, Bo, who had been reinstated as police commissioner, was deploying as many men as he could without seeming biased.

Todd had been home since he'd brought Blair there with Little Ray, rarely missing a beat when it came to his son's first weeks of life.  On occasion, he found himself lost in the little face, and the wonder of it.  He enjoyed cradling the little piece of him and Blair in his large hands, and marvel at his perfection.  Blair was happy to have Todd with her; in her recovery from her difficult birth, she was comforted by his help.  

Unlike her expectations, he was an irreplaceable force in caring for the baby.  He was up at every feeding, whether or not she was.  He changed him, washed him, and sustained both of them with his devotion.  She barely had a chance to exert herself before he was there, asking what could be done.  Grateful, she had let him know that she was on the mend, and soon would be able to do most of it herself, giving him a break.  He was not accepting that, however.  "I want to be part of everything in his life," he said, "because I've never done that before with any of our other kids."  She remembered smiling sweetly when he had said that, and kissing his lips, scar and the tip of his nose.

After several weeks of getting acclimated to Raymond's feeding schedule, things settled down into a routine.  Blair was ready to try and work from home, when Todd decided to surprise her with the finished nursery.  Requiring that she brought the baby with her to The Sun on the first day she ventured out, following his instructions, knowing that throughout their lives, he had always, and would continue to, bring her joy and welcome curveballs. 

Walking into the office, she was greeted with strange, I-know-something-you-don't smiles and hellos.  Ramon, Todd's personal assistant, practically saluted them when they walked in.  Todd just smirked and walked them to the elevator, sending them to the top floor where The Sun offices were housed.  Turning the key to his office, he opened the door and brought the baby in, Blair following.  "I still can't believe what you did with this place, Todd.  It's just like it used to be."

"It cost me a pretty penny, but it was worth it.  Reminds me of...well, you know.  The best of times, Blair.  The best of my life."

Did he seem wistful?  "It was, but we have more, you know that.  More are on their way."  She ran a hand on his arm, and having been without her, physically, for the better part of two months, he couldn't hide his reaction to her touch.  She sat on his lap, and smiled, whispering in his ear, "I know you want me.  I want you, too, so much."

The office door pushed open, and Ramon, looking a bit embarrassed, had Devon on his trail.  "Sir, Devon says the arrangements are ready.  If you like."

Blair got up off Todd's lap, and straightened her skirt.  "Thank you, Ramon."  Todd said, and the man turned and left.  Devon remained.  "Devon, what's up?"  Todd cleared his throat and pulled himself together, ignoring the gradually dulling ache of wanting her. 

"Everything is to your specifications, sir.  If you're ready, I can escort Mrs. Manning.  And the littlest Manning."

"That sounds perfect, Devon."  Blair headed to the door.

Todd said, in a whisper, "Make sure when you bring her back, you let her in and close the door behind you," he said, winking.

Devon led Blair down the hallway to another office.  The door was closed, and he said, "Mrs. Manning," extending his hand to have her open it.  When she turned the knob, she was overcome.  Inside was the most beautiful nursery she had ever seen.  It was decorated white and blue, and mostly white.  In the center of the ceiling was a huge sun, surrounded by the planets.  The rest of the ceiling was a pale blue, with raised cushions in the shape of clouds to absorb sound.  When the lights were dimmed, the room turned to a dusky sky, with the pale pink and orange light of the end of the day.  "And when it's naptime," Devon said, shutting the lights.  It seemed like millions of stars started to glow in the darkness, with the sun in the center taking on a softer, pale orange light from within, and the whole room transformed to a gorgeous nighttime skyscape. 


The far side of the room, just as Todd's office, was a wall of windows.  He'd brought in a crib, a playpen, a changing area, and created a bath suite off the side of the office, for her use as well.  Everything they could have wanted was there.  In the side chair by the window, sat a woman.  This almost startled Blair, at first, because she had not noticed her.  She stood.  

"Hello, Mrs. Manning.  I'm Genevieve.  I've been hired as the full-time Nanny.  Anything you need, I'm here to give."

Blair walked to her and shook her hand, "I'm Blair.  Please."

"Nice to meet you, Blair."

Blair turned to Devon, and said, "I just have to run back and thank Todd."  She blinked back tears, "This is more beautiful than I could have imagined.  Genevieve, can you take care of Raymond for a few minutes?"  The woman nodded, and took the carrier from Blair.  "He'll probably just sleep."

Devon escorted Blair back to the other office, at which she threw the door open and said, "Oh Todd!"  and watching her run inside, did as his boss asked and closed the door behind her.

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