John glanced at Dante. He looked at the bullet lying in the middle of his desk. The kids' information had definitely added a new element to the case. “What do you think? Could Tomas Delgado really be Lorenzo Alcazar or vice versa?”
“I don’t know, you tell me. What do you know about Tomas Delgado?“ Dante asked. “And by the way, please explain that cryptic comment you made about Todd Manning. What was all that about previous captors?”
“Manning was held captive for eight of the last nine years by his mother. She went so far as to put his brother in his place and all of Llanview believed his brother was actually him.” John said.
“You’re kidding right?”
John looked grim, “Unfortunately no. Manning escaped and came home to find his brother in his place. After everything he had been put through, he snapped and killed his brother.”
“But why did his mother do it?”
“She was the director of a rogue CIA agency and into all sorts of shady deals. She wanted access to all of Manning’s money and she wanted someone she could control, hence the switch.”
“CIA, that’s pretty serious power. Tell me, could someone from her organization want Manning dead?”
“At first I didn’t think so, but this bullet tells me it’s a possibility. Tomas Delgado once worked for Manning’s mother. In fact, he was the one who turned Manning over to his mother in the first place.”
“So why is this Delgado walking around free?”
“He still has deep connections in the CIA, who have protected him.” John looked at the picture of Alcazar. “It’s possible he’s up here on assignment, playing at being Alcazar but it doesn’t make sense. Why would he pretend to be someone who’s supposed to be dead and wanted by Interpol and the Feds both.”
“Well, it is strange. Zacchara is small potatoes to the Feds. Sonny, on the other hand, would make more sense. Alcazar hates Sonny. If Tomas were really Alcazar and not just pretending, he might be trying to make an end-run around Sonny. What do you really know about Delgado?”
“Not enough it seems. I know what he told me when he exposed Manning’s brother as a fraud, and I found out about his part in Manning’s imprisonment from Blair Cramer. He was an assassin for the organization, but claimed he left the organization when he found out the men he had supposedly been killing for the government, were really targets that had been picked out by Manning’s mother.” John picked up the bullet. They had already ascertained that only a trained sniper could have taken the shots at Manning.
Dante sat down abruptly across from John. “You’re just telling me this now. Hell, he could be Manning’s shooter!” He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. He was surprised the thought hadn’t occurred to McBain.
John shook his head, “I thought of him, but everything I knew about the man told me he wouldn’t do this. Then something Blair said to me had me wondering if there was something I had missed back when Manning’s brother died. I’ve been trying to find the guy ever since. Believe me, this latest news has me wondering, but we have a problem. He was in Llanview at the time of the shooting. His sister Tea just lost her baby.”
“Are you sure he was there the whole time? John, the experts here say that bullet is designed for one thing. If it doesn’t kill outright, it is supposed to slow the target down until he either dies slowly or the assassin can get another shot. Alcazar was an illegal arms dealer. He had access to all sorts of lethal munitions. If this Tomas is Alcazar for real, he’s here for more than Zacchara’s mob.”
The uneasy feeling that had been nagging John for days, had turned into a full-blown smack on the head. He felt like a fool. He had been played by Delgado.
“Well, it looks like we’re going to see this Alcazar. You do realize, if it is Delgado, he’s going to say he’s here on assignment. We’re going to have to tread carefully and not let him know we suspect him for Manning’s shooting. Until we can get some clear-cut evidence, all we’ll be able to do is watch him. He’ll have to believe he’s got us fooled. Only then will he make a mistake.”
Dante nodded, “but we’ve got a problem. He’s going to wonder how we found out he was here. We can’t let him know the kids found him.”
“You’re right. I’m going to have to get some help. I think I can get Anna Devane to put some pressure on his handler Calmar and get him to cough up Tomas’ assignment. Then we can go to Tomas and explain that was how we found out he was here and that we’re here to help in his sting any way we can. If he believes that, then we’re in.”
“Okay, I get some eyes on him in the meantime. Tell me something, why would he want Manning dead? From what you said, I got the impression he helped you bring down the mother’s organization.”
“He did, but he fell in love with Blair Cramer. Manning had him kidnapped and framed for his brother’s murder. When we rescued him, he found out Manning and Blair had gotten back together. You heard Jack, he was watching Blair and Todd earlier. I’m guessing he wants him out of the way. I’m going to go have a talk with Manning, now that he’s out of the hospital there are a couple of things we need to discuss.” Just then, the phone rang.
****
Todd was on the phone with the front desk. “What the hell kind of hotel is Carly Jacks running. I’m in room 711 and I want to know who’s responsible for this. My fiancee’s mother was assaulted and left tied up in this room. I thought this hotel had security?” He had made the call because he wanted to give Addie time to get her composure back but in the pause, he overheard Addie’s remark about Sam. What the... Sam kidnapped. God, why? His hand was shaking as he heard a voice coming from his phone. He put it to his ear and spoke. “Prank call, are you crazy?” Hang in there Todd, Blair’s going to need you now. “Look, just get the police and an ambulance here.”
Addie looked up at Todd. “No,” she croaked out. “I’m fine.”
“Momma, you’re not fine. I want you to get checked out. “ Blair’s heart sank when she heard about Sam but she forced all her panicky thoughts down. She straightened her shoulders. “ We’ll make sure you’re alright and then you can tell us what happened. Todd called for help. We’re going to find out who took Sam and we’ll get him back. “
Todd marveled at Blair’s strength, but he wasn’t surprised. She was one of the strongest women he knew. She would get knocked to her knees and come back stronger each time. It was one of the reasons he loved her so much. “Blair’s right, Addie. We need to make sure you’re okay. Whoever did this is going to wish they hadn’t been born. No one hurts my family and gets away with it. Not now, not ever.” Blair shivered at the tone in Todd’s voice, she knew that anger but she also heard an undercurrent of fear. Todd was worried about Sam, nothing would stop him from finding out who had taken him.
Blair encouraged Addie to drink a little more water and to just rest until the EMTs arrived. Her thoughts were in turmoil. Who would want to hurt her mother and why did they take Sam? Todd was pacing and she could tell he was getting agitated. Todd had formed a strong bond with Sam which was unusual since Sam was Victor’s son. Strangely enough, Sam had never hated Todd for his father’s death, instead, the loss had just bonded them closer. “Todd, I know you’re upset but please, you can’t let your anger get the better of you.”
Todd turned to face her. “Blair, I swear if she hurt one hair on Sam’s head.” his face was thunderous.
Addie began to cry softly, “It’s all my fault. I should have kept a better watch on him.”
Blair put an arm around her mother. “Momma, don’t, you couldn’t have known this would happen.”
Blair jumped as the door slammed open and Jack stormed in. “Sam Manning, where are you? How many times have I ….” He stopped mid-sentence and took in the scene in front of him. Starr had followed him in and she too came to a halt.
Jack saw his father, standing with a grim expression, not far from his mother and grandmother. Then he saw the tears in his grandmother’s eyes. He rounded on Todd. “What did you do now, Scarface? Why’s my grandmother crying?”
Todd winced as Jack’s remark hit him hard. Both Addie and Blair gasped and Blair turned to her son, horrified by what he had said. “Jack, you take that back this instant. Your father didn’t do anything to your grandmother.”
Jack didn’t believe his mom. He ignored her request and went on the attack. “Then why is she crying? I saw his expression when we came in, he was mad.”
“He was mad because of what happened to make your grandmother cry. It wasn’t something he did, but someone else. Your grandmother was assaulted and your brother Sam has been kidnapped.”
Jack was stunned. He didn’t know what to say and looked over at Starr. Starr stood there her hand to her mouth as her mother’s words sank in. “Sam’s been kidnapped?” Her eyes met Jack’s “But that explains his message...”
Todd had moved away from the couch and his family. Jack’s anger towards him was palpable and he needed to put a little space between them, but Starr’s words made him turn around. “What message? What are you talking about?” he asked eagerly.
All of the adults waited for the answer.
“The one he sent to Jack. That’s why Jack was so mad when we got here,” replied Starr.
Blair looked at her son. “Sam, sent you a message? Please, Jack, what did it say?”
Jack looked confused. “It was crazy, Mom, I thought he was goofing around.”
“Where did you get this message?’ Blair got up off the couch and went to her son. “It’s important. Was it a text message?”
“No, that’s why I was mad. It’s on my MyFace page.”
Blair reached out with her hands anxiously. Silently urging Jack to open his computer. “Oh God, you’re sure the message was from Sam? I didn’t think he knew how to get on MyFace.”
“Well, I’ve been getting him more familiar with the new computer you got him for his birthday and he wanted to know.”
“Jack, just show your mother the message.” Todd was anxious to see what his buddy and nephew had written.
Jack frowned at the order his father had given but then realized he was right. He set his laptop down on the table and started to open it. Just as he opened his page, the EMTs arrived to check on his grandmother. The laptop was forgotten as they began their examination.
After making sure Addie was receiving proper care, Todd wandered back toward the table where Jack’s laptop was opened. The screen was blank and in resting mode. He was about to turn it back on when Dante Falconeri and John McBain arrived.
Things got hectic when everyone started talking at once. John and Dante began asking questions and fielding answers. As everything around him erupted in a cacophony of voices, Todd's attention turned back to the computer. He had to see Sam’s message. He brought the screen back up and found himself drawn to the picture of one small boy and the words he had sent. The noise seemed to fade away as Todd read Sam’s message.
Jack, I need help. I’m with dad. He’s alive. You need to tell Mom.
Todd’s breathing escalated. Sam, what are you saying? Those five words stood out and seemed to hit him straight in the eyes. I’M WITH DAD. HE’S ALIVE Todd’s head began to pound and the vision of the gun going off and his brother falling flashed before his eyes. The room seemed to dissolve into darkness.
In the middle of all the chaos, John saw a chair begin to fall out of the corner of his eye and heard a strange pinging sound. Then everything happened at once. The chair crashed to the ground, drawing everyone’s attention. All watched as Todd crumpled to the floor. John knew immediately what he had heard and ran to Todd’s prone body, he was out but there was no sign of blood. He moved away to make room for Blair and the EMT. While they attended Todd, he went to the window. There it was. A perfect hole. He glanced out the window trying to figure out where the shot originated. It seemed the assassin had made another attempt.
Blair was beside Todd as John moved away. “Todd, wake up.” He was pale and his breathing was shallow.
“Ma’am, let me check him out. Do you have any idea what could have caused this?” asked the EMT.
“He’s been very ill and only been home from the hospital a day. I know he wasn’t feeling very good earlier and said he was doing too much.” Blair replied.
“I think he just fainted. His heart rate is a little elevated but I think he’s going to be alright.” The EMT snapped some smelling salts and Todd responded.
As Todd started to come around, Blair realized she had been holding her breath. She had been so afraid Todd’s blood pressure and anxiety about Sam had caused the collapse. All she could think of was Dr. Drake’s warning about the dangers of increased pressure on the lesions and some of the possible consequences.
Todd groaned as the EMT's light hit his eyes. He tried to push it away. “Enough, I’m awake. God, my head!” he massaged the back of his head and neck in an effort to stop the ache. Suddenly he remembered Sam and the message. “Sam!” He tried to get up, even as Blair was telling him to lie still.
“Todd, take it easy, just rest a moment, we’re going to find Sam,” Blair said. “John’s here, he’ll help.”
He pushed himself up, he had to make her understand. “No, it's Sam’s message, he’s alive!”
“Of course he’s alive! My God, Todd, why would you even say something like that," Blair was distraught.
Todd grabbed her hands and looked directly into her eyes. “Blair, Sam’s with Victor. VICTOR’S not DEAD! LOOK!!!” He pointed to the laptop, only to groan when he saw it was no longer on the desk. Instead, it was broken and lying smashed on the floor. “What the hell!” Todd got to his feet with the aid of the medic and looked at the remains of Jack’s laptop, noting a familiar hole in its case. He glanced over to John, who nodded in agreement. Damn, the shooter is back.
John spoke. "Manning, don't move." He looked back out the window and then positioned himself to block any more view of the room.
Just then, Starr screamed. “Oh my God! Carly!” Starr's legs gave out and she dropped onto the couch with her grandmother. Addie although equally shocked put an arm around her.
Carly Jacks lay in a heap on the floor, unmoving.
Blair gasped and watched horrified as the EMT and Dante made their way to her.
All eyes had been on Addie and then Todd, no one had even noticed Carly Jacks enter the room. Dante went to her sprawled body, noting the single shot to the temple. There was blood pooling around her head. She had been in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Dante felt for a pulse but there was nothing. He looked at John where he stood by the window. His eyes saw what had attracted John's attention. "It's no good, she's gone." The EMT checked her eyes and they were fixed and blank. Carly was dead. Dante looked at the EMT. “I need to call this in. You know what to do next.”
John kept himself between Todd and the window and spoke to the group. ”Everyone we need to move this into another room. As you can see this has become more than an assault and kidnapping.”
The immediate shock over, everyone started talking again and John whistled, stopping the chatter. “I think we all need to calm down.” He turned to the EMTs. “Does Ms. Cramer need to go to the hospital?”
Addie spoke up. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Blair protested. “But Momma...”
The medic that had been working on Addie turned to Blair. “She should be fine. Just see that she rests.”
The other EMT turned to Todd. “You, on the other hand, should come down to the hospital. Something caused your collapse, it should be checked into.”
Todd shook his head “No”. He found himself actually grateful at that moment, for the pain still in his head. If I hadn’t blacked out, I’d be dead right now. He felt a chill run down his spine. It was a sobering thought. Don’t think about it. Sam’s the one that’s important right now, Sam and Victor.
John remained where he was standing but stopped the medic that had been helping Todd and spoke to him in a low voice. The EMT nodded and after a few words to his partner they called the hospital for further instructions. The EMT, who had talked to John, spoke up after getting off the phone. “Sir, we’re to do exactly as you request.” John nodded.
Todd saw Jack’s eyes going to his computer and before he could stop him, Jack remarked. ”What the hell happened to my laptop?”
Blair, too, looked at what was left of Jack’s computer. After Todd’s declaration, she desperately wanted to see Sam’s message. But now Carly’s death seemed to take precedence. “John, can you explain what’s going on?”
“Please, everyone into the bedroom first. This room is now a crime scene and we still need to find out what brought us here. It’s unlikely the two incidents are related.”
The family looked at John curiously, then Starr and Jack moved to help Addie into the bedroom and Blair followed.
John moved to stand directly next to Todd. “I know you understand the need for this and I don’t want to alarm the rest of them, but I’m not sure if our observer is still there or not. I don’t think he’s going to take any more action but it’s better to be safe.”
“What makes you think he won’t just take both of us out?” John had no answer. Todd moved slowly, keeping pace with John until they were out of sight of the window. Once clear, he relaxed, as did John. They moved to join the family in the bedroom.
“John, what was that all about?” Blair asked. “Why did you want all of us out of the main room?”
“This is where I answer Jack’s previous question. Someone just took another shot at Todd. Unfortunately, it appears the bullet ricochet off the laptop, and struck and killed Carly.“ He waited, letting his words sink in, then continued. “It seemed prudent to get all of you out of the room in case he wanted to make a second attempt. At the moment, there’s little we can do to help Carly Jacks, but Sam is another matter. Let’s go back to what brought us here. Addie, you said the maid took Sam. Can you describe her?”
Addie was stunned. She tried to bring her mind back to the matter of Sam, forcing herself to block out the scene in the other room. “She was my height and size and there was something familiar about her. I know I’ve seen her somewhere before.”
“Are you certain she was a member of the hotel staff?”
Addie looked at John and nodded. “I believe she was new. I saw her early this afternoon down at the pool. Sam and I came to change and then we decided to go have a treat when she came to clean the room. When I came out of my room to leave, she indicated Sam was waiting in the hall for me but he wasn’t. She had bound and gagged him and hidden him under that sheet.” She indicated the sheet she herself had spent a great deal of time under. “I was trying to free him when she attacked me and knocked me out. Right before I lost consciousness I saw her face up close. I do know her. I just can’t remember where.”
“It’s a start, Addie. We need to find out who does the hiring for the hotel.”
Dante entered the room, and upon hearing John’s statement replied.“That would be my mother, Olivia Falconeri.”
“Excellent. Dante, why don’t you go see what you can find on the new maid. Maybe, there is a picture on file. Bring it back and Addie can verify if she’s the same person who took Sam, also send for a forensic team. Let’s see if she left any fingerprints.” While he was talking, John was typing a text message to Dante.
Dante went in search of his mother and got ready to break it to her about Carly. He read John’s text message. The commissioner and Anna Devane needed to be brought up to speed quickly. He also had to break the news to his father, Sonny, and his brother, Michael. Manning’s assassin had claimed a victim, just not the one he had intended.
Blair looked out the door of the bedroom and watched the EMTs cover Carly’s body. She shivered as she realized it could have been Todd. She moved over to Todd and began looking for any scratches. Todd stopped her and held her hands gently. “I’m alright, Babe. My blacking out saved me.” He met his son’s eyes. “His bullet hit your laptop, Jack, before killing Carly Jacks”
Jack sat down with a thump on the bed. It was all too real. Sam was kidnapped and someone wanted his father dead.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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