Thomas Lord: Cloaked Chapter 7 (adult)

Todd had spent the afternoon watching the activity build up around the docks. It was nearing the docking time for the Daimler Odyssey. Todd began to make his way to the dock area. He wanted to be close enough to slip in and try and get Kym out of the warehouse before the police hit the place. He took his ring off and put it away, put his sunglasses on and took out his cane, then he started his walk. With any luck, Frank and Mario would leave him alone since they would have their hands full getting their charges ready for delivery.

He wandered down closer to the edge of the pier because he could make out the shape of the ship coming in. He wondered if any of the higher-ups might be around for the delivery. He would give anything to know if Gregor Daimler had any idea what his ship was being used for. He began to walk back away from where the ship was going to land, he really wanted to get fairly close to the warehouse. He was just starting to enter the general dock area when he found his path blocked.

"Pretty dangerous area for a blind man to be walking. Been keeping an eye on you since you entered the area mister. You move around real good for someone who's blind. I think you should come with us, my boss sent us to get you."

Todd didn't have much of a chance to protest when they grabbed both of his arms and took his cane. He could tell there were three of them, but that was all he could make out. The man's voice sounded vaguely familiar, but Todd couldn't place it. He allowed them to take him closer to the warehouse, all the time wondering what had made them suspicious of him.

"Here he is, Boss.  You know I think your right, but this is a real blind man's cane, seems strange he would have one if he can see."

They had brought him into the warehouse. The only light currently in the building was the sunset streaming through the warehouse windows. The lights and shadows made vision almost impossible for him. Everything meshed together so he couldn't even make out forms.

"I told you it was him. I never forget a face and his, I would remember. I don't know what game you're playing at mister, but it stops now. Hank take off the sunglasses I want to see his eyes when he realizes the mistake he made."

Todd remembered where he had heard the first voice. It had been the bar in North Carolina. He felt someone rip his glasses off and knew he was in trouble. This was one day he should have stayed sighted. These were the guys he had hoped would be rounded up in North Carolina, instead, they were here. Naturally, as always his plans had backfired. He had made Frank and company look so inept the bosses had sent in the trained mercenaries.

Well, they only thought he was the guy from the bar if he could make them realize he was truly blind they might not kill him. "I'm not sure what you thought to accomplish by removing my glasses. I assure you I'm just as blind without them as I am with them. I really don't understand what this is about I was just taking a stroll on the dock." Suddenly he was doubled over by a blow to his midsection. Of course, he hadn't seen it coming and that made it all the more a surprise. Todd would have collapsed to his knees except he was still being held by the two men who had brought him into the warehouse.

"Does that jar your memory mister? I don't know why you're pretending to be blind, but you might as well cut the act, I know differently."

Todd knew he had just been suckered punched by the guy he had kicked in Wilmington. He couldn't really blame the guy for wanting to get his own back especially if they thought he was there to spy on them. Since they recognized him from Wilmington the leader must have figured he was trying to find out something about their organization. He had no idea, that Todd already knew everything he needed to know. " Look I don't know who you think I am but I'm not pretending anything." he gasped trying to get his breath back after the blow. Before he could get another word out the guy connected again only this time he hit the side Todd had been wounded on when Christian shot him. Although healed it was still a tender area and pain ripped through him, Todd almost blacked out and knew another blow would knock him out for sure.

"Can it, mister. You're working for someone and if I didn't have an appointment to keep right now I'd take the time to find out who. Hank tie him up for now and make sure he stays quiet while the bosses are here. We'll get rid of him after they leave." The leader walked away and after a few more hits they bound him up and gagged him. The sensation of gag going into his mouth and being bound was a trigger to memories Todd hated and it sent his mind tumbling backward as he lost consciousness.

****

John was watching the second warehouse when he spotted Todd being ushered into the warehouse by several men. They were standing just inside and it appeared Todd had been taken for a specific purpose. John tried to move in a little closer to see if he could overhear what they were talking about. All he could gather from the quick conversation was that Todd had met these guys somewhere and they weren't buying his blind act as they called it. John heard the blows strike Todd and winced. Todd was taking the hits like a champ and still claiming his blindness, but it didn't sound like they were believing him. John was so intent on the conversation inside he didn't hear the man behind him until it was too late.

Blair had been hiding several crates behind John, she saw the ship coming in to dock and suddenly there was a great deal of activity in the warehouse. The men moving around the front of the warehouse looked pretty tough and then she saw Todd. She covered her mouth to keep from crying out. Todd was being taken into the warehouse by several men, but she was too far back to hear what was truly going on. Blair saw John move in closer to the warehouse, he was obviously trying to hear the conversation inside.  Suddenly she saw John collapse and then a man appeared from behind him. He began to drag John around to the entrance where he was joined by several others who took John inside.

From her position, she suddenly noticed men moving carefully through the crates. They were police from their gear, but their attention was all on the ship. The ship was safely in port now and more men were exiting the warehouse and making their way down to the ship. The men leaving the warehouse were dressed in suits, there were several Asian gentlemen and a couple of other distinguished men. They certainly weren't dockworkers. Behind them walked a young woman, she reminded Blair of the women you would see in old movies who were servants following their masters. She had that same look about her. They all ignored her but expected her to follow because it was her place. Blair looked at her closely, she was a small thing, obviously afraid of the men she followed, she looked like a puff of wind would knock her over. That had to be Kym. The group of men from the warehouse stood at the bottom of the gangplank and waited for the crews to finish with the docking procedures then they boarded the ship.

All eyes seemed centered on the ship and it's occupants, this might be the perfect time to sneak in and see if she could find Todd and John.  Blair hugged the crates as she moved closer to the warehouse. Several times she had almost run into one of the cops getting ready for the assault.  Finally, she got to the warehouse and began moving slowly in the dark to the entrance. All she needed was a moment to get in the door. Then Blair noticed the young woman making her way back to the warehouse.

Kym arrived back at the back at the entrance. She was heart sick, it looked like Tom and his help were going to be too late. "Sid, move your guys outside away from the entrance. I don't want you scaring the girls. The boss said he wants you just to provide an escort down to the ship, so no guns. We want the girls on their best behavior for the buyers. I'll be bringing them out shortly."

Blair couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had seen C..'s daughter, the girl couldn't have been any older than thirteen. C.J. said Todd was going to save the other girls, were they all that young. Blair peeked into a window watching to see where Kym headed and saw her enter a door halfway back in the warehouse. Then she watched as Kym led a small group of young girls out the door. They were all dressed up like they were going to some fancy dinner and they looked like eight excited girls going on their first dates. Kym shepherded them out the front entrance and began to walk her charges down toward the pier. Blair watched as Sid and his men moved in around the girls giving them very little chance for escape. Blair took her chance and slipped in unnoticed as the men left the warehouse.

Blair looked around trying to figure out where they might have stashed Todd and John. She saw a door being guarded by one man. It was a different one then the door the girls had exited from. She picked up an ax lying on the floor and worked her way over to the door. Suddenly there were shouts from outside and the guard took off running to the see what the noise was about. Blair ran to the door. Great, it was locked, luckily the door had a window. Blair smashed the window and looked in. John was on the floor and struggling with his bonds and Todd was next to him but not moving.

Blair was beside herself. "God Todd, hold on," she reached inside and unlocked the door and ran to Todd. He was unresponsive and clammy, she looked around for something to untie him. Running over to the desk she found some scissors and went to cut John free. "John, they took several girls out of here and then I heard shouts. What's happening? What did they do to Todd?"

"Blair, the assault's underway. You stay here with Todd, see if you can bring him around. I've got to see if I can help." John got to his feet and began to leave. "Blair whatever you do, don't engage with these people. You and Todd need to get out of here."

John left and Blair went back to Todd. She removed his gag and began to remove his bonds. She checked him out, but he didn't appear to be injured, he just appeared to be in shock. Then it hit her. Of course, the gag and bonds had brought up memories of the tomb. Todd was reliving his worst nightmare. "Todd, you need to hear me. It's me, Blair, come on now. you need to come back. You're not trapped any longer," she cut off his bonds and began rubbing his hands and arms to restore circulation. She cradled his head on her lap and continued talking to him. "Todd, it's over, you need to wake up. You promised C.J.'s daughter you would save the rest of the girls. You don't want to break that promise." She bent over to kiss him, she couldn't help herself it had been too long and she missed him so terribly. She felt him respond and she laughed and continued kissing him. She felt his hand on her cheek and look down into his opened eyes.

"Blair, what are you doing here?" he said. Todd had heard her calling him but had thought he was still dreaming. Then she had kissed him. She was here, but how?

"I'm saving you, you dolt. Are you okay? We really need to get out of here." She began helping him sit up and looked around for his cane." Boy, I wish you had your implant with you. What were you thinking coming down to the Docks like that? What if you had walked off the pier? I don't see your cane anywhere."

Todd reached over and found her mouth with his hand. "Shush, I'm fine." he reached into his shirt and pulled out the pouch and dumped the ring into his hand. Putting it on, his vision cleared and he found himself looking into her beautiful green eyes. It was foolish considering where they were and everything but he couldn't help himself. He reached over and grabbed her face and began devouring her lips, tasting her and relishing the feel of them. They were interrupted by the sound of gunfire. Todd came back to reality fast and got to his feet pulling Blair up with him. "I've got to find the girls."

"You can't, they were already taken away toward the ship by Kym. The assault team probably already has them safe." Just then they heard some footsteps rushing into the warehouse.

"You did this. You told us to leave the guns here. Well, you're going to get us out of here." Sid had his hand roughly around Kym's neck and was dragging her farther into the warehouse. "Hank, you watch the door. Kym and I are going to get the rest of the girls."

Blair looked at Todd and saw a shadow cross his face. She had seen that look the night he had accused her of sleeping with Cord, the night he had almost lost it and raped her. He was mad and he was a force to be reckoned with when he got mad. He turned to her and pointed to the desk and told her to hide. Blair knew better than to argue. Todd was all business as he grabbed the ax she had used to break into the office. He quietly opened the door and slipped out. Blair moved from the desk to the door, so she could watch Todd and make sure he wasn't going to get shot or anything.

Todd moved in a stealthy manner up behind Sid and swung the ax at his right knee. The crack was audible as Sid's leg crumpled beneath him. Sid lost his grip on Kym's throat when his leg went out and she moved quickly to one side and turned to see her savior. It was Tom, but he was different somehow.

Sid found himself with an ax at his throat and stopped moving. He looked up and saw who had taken him out. "You! I should have killed you the minute you were brought to me. When you didn't fight back earlier I thought maybe I was wrong, maybe you were blind and there were two of you. My mistake."

"You're right, your mistake. I don't like guys that treat women the way you and your men do. I thought you guys would be taken down in Wilmington, but I guess it's my lucky day. You're going to get it right here. Hank, you take another step closer and Sid here will lose his head. Kym are you alright." Todd didn't take his eyes off Sid, he just waited for her answer.

"Yes Tom, I'm fine." said Kym

"Good, you go round up the rest of the girls. Tell them they're going home."

"Alright, Tom. Thank you." Kim turned and entered the room with her charges.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Todd saw Hank move a little closer and then he saw a figure move up behind Hank. Hank froze in his steps. "Thanks whoever you are." Said Todd to his unknown helper. He had been watching Sid and could see the gears working in his mind. "Don't even think about it, Sid. I'm still a little shook up by the beating you gave me and this ax is getting a little heavy, " To show he meant business Todd allowed the ax to rest against Sid's jugular. "You wouldn't want it to go any deeper would you." he pushed a little bit and the ax head drew blood.

Sid knew a real threat when faced with one and held his hands up in surrender. Suddenly the room was filled with police. Todd backed off and dropped the ax and held his hands up in surrender too. The police started to arrest him when he heard a familiar voice. "Not him, he's with me." Todd looked over and saw John handing Hank over to the police.

Blair came rushing out of the office and threw herself into Todd's arms and began smothering him with kisses. John watched in amusement and shook his head as the police started to go get Blair. "She's with me too."

Kym opened the door and stopped seeing all the men, in front of her. "Tom, there are too many of them."

Todd held Blair and looked at Kym and then turned to the officers and said." Gentlemen we need to back off. These young girls are in need of aid but they are severely traumatized. We need to get ambulances and some female cops down here. " The officers looked at him and realized what he was hinting at and they immediately fell back. Todd walked over to Kym. " You stay with them, these men won't come any further. There will be some women here shortly to help you. You'll probably have to go in with the police, but I'll get you the best defense I can find. I promise you, you'll be free too."

Kym reached up a hand to his face. She looked into his eyes and knew he saw her. It didn't make sense but it didn't matter. Tom had said he'd save her and he had. She had noticed the woman who had been holding him when she came out of the room. She had seen the look on Tom's face and had known the woman was the one Tom loved. She looked over at her and envied her. Kym stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his cheek, then she turned and went back to her charges.

Todd glanced around and found John talking to several gentlemen. They were probably the Feds. He moved closer hoping to find out if everyone had been apprehended and more importantly he wanted to know how the children in the other warehouse and those in Wilmington had fared. John saw him and left the men and met Todd before he could go talk to them. "You need to keep your distance, Todd. They wanted to know your part in all this and so do I. How the hell did you get messed up in this anyway?"

"John, I'm just doing my job. A friend of mine gave me a lead on a story and this is what I found. Give me some answers.  Did they get the children free in Wilmington? Were they able to apprehend any of the top guys on the ship?" Todd looked him in the eye. John knew it had been his information that had netted this group, he deserved to know if the raids had been successful.

John nodded, "The raid on Wilmington went off without a hitch, but this one was a little messier. There was trouble on the ship and some of the guys seen boarding the ship appear to have disappeared. There are three people unaccounted for. I suspect two might be members of the Yakuza you mentioned. They always seem to have a way of slipping through our hands. The third gentlemen we weren't able to get an ID on before the raid, but he too has vanished. They've impounded the ship and are going to search it thoroughly. The Feds just informed me the girls delivered to the ship are being taken to a safe facility, it seems they were terrified of the uniformed cops and then they tried to offer themselves to the suits. Most of the men were extremely uncomfortable with the situation. When the men tried to say no, the girls got hysterical. Luckily there were a few women on the police force who were part of the assault group and they took charge of the girls. You made a good call, but be careful what you report. We only put a small chink in this ring.  These are heavy hitters, don't add a second target to your back. You need to come home. Your family is worried about you."

Todd looked at John. He shook his head. "Can't just yet, but let my Sister know I'm okay."

"You sure about that Todd. I saw your exchange with Sid. What was that all about?" John watched as Todd's eyes lost focus for a moment, then he found himself staring into the coldest pair of eyes he had ever seen.

"You need to forget what you saw, John, let it go. He's dealing with it," said Pete.

John felt very uncomfortable staring into those eyes. He knew he had probably just met Pete, but he was troubled by his words.

Todd's eyes lost focus again and Todd looked at John bleakly. "Sorry, touchy subject, John," he rubbed his eyes and walked back over to his wife.

John stared at him, a little alarmed by what had just transpired. He knew about Pete and what he was capable of, but something told him Pete was not the one who had taken down Sid. That had been all Todd. That was a Todd who was dangerous as well as smart. Todd had indeed changed, something was driving him and it wasn't all good.

Blair had watched the exchange with John and had seen Todd's demeanor change for an instant. Someone else had made a brief appearance to John and from John's face, she was guessing it hadn't been Tom, whoever had appeared had left John upset. Then she saw Todd's face and saw the weariness as he moved toward her. She held out her hand and he took it and brought it up to his lips.

"I knew you would find me, I just never expected it to be here." Todd smiled at his wife ruefully.

"You know me, a regular bloodhound. Hey, I found you in Key West, this was no different." Blair smiled gently. "Don't leave again, please."

"You found me fair and square. I won't leave. Come on I have a story that needs finishing. Amos is holding the presses. See you later John." he wrapped her arm around his and left the warehouse. The moon had come out and was casting its light on the dock as they walked out. Todd pulled her into the shadows and they walked away unseen.

****

They got to the curb and a taxi came up quickly, to Blair's surprise it was Emil. She turned to Todd, "Where are we going?"

"The Herald first, I need to sign and deliver my final draft to Amos, then we need to make a stop at the hospital. Lily is waiting for word." He looked at her and knew she wanted nothing more than to return to his hotel room, but he had to complete the night. Besides he had promised Lily and he couldn't let her down. Todd helped Blair into the taxi and got in after her. She snuggled closer and he leaned back and just held her. It had only been months ago when Samuel had held her close, but it felt like a lifetime. They had both been through so much since that night.

There had been a time there this evening when he had gotten lost again and she had once more rescued him. Todd shook his head, he didn't want to dwell on that moment.

Blair looked at him and noticed how quiet he had gotten. She decided it was time to get him out of his head, she reached up, turned his head and kissed him ever so gently. Todd's arms enclosed around her and the kiss deepened. They had been interrupted in the warehouse but now they were free to give into their passion.

In the front seat, Emil looked in the rear view mirror and smiled. He had been so relieved to see the good lady safe and sound and with the gentleman from the previous night. He decided to give them a slightly longer drive as he headed to the Herald.

Blair could hardly breathe, Todd was all but devouring her and she couldn't get enough. Her hands moved through his shorter hair loving the feel and silky texture of it beneath her fingertips. He paused and raised his head and she loved the smoldering look gazing down at her. She felt the warmth spread through her and couldn't help but moan as he took her lips again.

Things were getting very hot and heavy and Todd suddenly came to a realization that they were in a public taxi. He slowly back out of the kiss and gently held her face in his hands, he murmured thank you against her lips and sat back trying to once again gain his composure. Blair nestled comfortably back into his shoulder and they finished the ride in silence. The taxi pulled up to the entrance to the paper and Blair and he exited. Blair paid Emil and asked him to wait, then they entered the building.

Amos looked up as Thomas walked in with his wife alongside. "You got the story?"

"You bet, got a desk. It's a doozy. By the way, this is my wife Blair.  Blair, regale him with your tale while I finish writing the outcome tonight." Todd sat down and went to work.

Blair smiled at Amos and said. "I thought you said Samuel Toddman didn't work here."

Amos looked at her all wide-eyed "He doesn't but Thomas Lord does."

Blair looked over at Todd. She had never even thought of him using the Lord name. In essence, he had used his real name. She wondered how long he had that name in his arsenal of names. Amos seemed very familiar with him like they had worked together before. "I have to ask. How long have you known my husband?"

"I met Thomas back in 1998 when he came to work for me as a reporter. He had a raw fresh approach and he wasn't afraid to tackle the tough issues. Let me show you something." Amos led her over to a wall displaying top stories and there in print was Thomas Lord's expose' of the corrupt judge and sheriff.

Blair took a moment to read his story and was impressed at the grittiness of the articles Todd had written. She had known all along he had inherited a talent for good reporting but as editor and publisher of the Sun he had always let his hired reporters handle the stories. She glanced over at her husband wishing he would hurry up and finish his story so they could get out of there.

Amos had wandered over and was reading a little of what Thomas was writing, The story had it all. The pathos of the plight of the children set against the callousness of the men behind the slave ring was inspired. He saw Blair watching her husband closely and wondered just how long they had been apart. He still hadn't heard Lord's story and now he wondered if he ever would. Something told him he was going to lose Thomas as a reporter again.

Thomas put the finishing touches on his story winding up with the assault and rescue of the children. He hit the key that would send the story over to Amos's desk and brought up the editorial he had written the night before sending it also to Amos's desk. As he started to rise from the chair his side protested the movement and he winced. Damn, Sid must have done a little damage and in the excitement of the rescue and taking down Sid it hadn't registered. Now he was feeling it.

Blair noticed the wince and moved to Todd's side. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Blair just a little bruised it's nothing. Amos, there's your story I'll let you take it from here. I'm sure your police reporter will be able to give you the nitty gritty concerning the arrests made. I'm leaving now but I haven't forgotten I promised you an explanation. We'll talk later." Todd took Blair's arm and ushered her out of the newsroom. They were almost to the elevator when Todd pulled her into an empty office.
He closed the door and locked it, stood looking at her. Moving closer to her his hand went up to her hair and pushed it away from her face, "I've been dreaming of this moment for days, ever since I called you the other night. God, I missed you." Blair's eyes sparkled with tears her lips parted expectantly and her little tongue licked seductively. Todd drank the image in and pulled her into his arms. He started his kiss at her lips then descended to her graceful neck, all of his thoughts on her and her gorgeous body within his arms. Blair was molding herself to him like she wanted to crawl inside him and he soon found her zipper, turning her to undo the dress as he continued to kiss her shoulders.

Blair was beginning to moan and the sound began driving him crazy with desire. She turned back toward him as he removed her bra, her hands ripping off his shirt so she could run her hands over his beautiful chest. They worked their way down to his belt loosening his slacks so she could caress all of him. He was so ready and she could feel his hands finding her sweet center, bringing her that much closer to ecstasy. Todd pulled her down to the floor and began to caress and kiss every inch of her moving his tongue ever closer to her center. Blair was beginning to squirm with delight, she grasped him and kneaded, hearing him moan with pleasure at the sensations she was bringing forth, he pushed her legs apart and entered as she arched begging him for release. The feel of her around him was slick and tight as they began moving in rhythm to a song only they could hear. She cried out as she came, grinding her body ever closer working her magic on him until he found his release. Together they collapsed satiated and flush with the pleasures still swirling through them.

Todd rolled up on his elbow and stared down at his beautiful wife. he looked at her, his gaze taking in her lovely eyes, then his gaze moved downward admiring her lips and firm breasts. Blair felt her ardour begin to wake up again as his gaze moved slowly down her body. It was almost tangible like he was caressing her with it and soon she felt herself blushing from the heat of his look. She reached up and caressed his forehead and allowed her fingers to linger at his scars until they finally moved to his lips. At her touch, he lowered his mouth and took hers and they kissed slowly and sensually just savoring the moment.

When they, at last, came up for air, Todd remarked. "Oh God, I was a fool. I hope you forgive me. This is where I belong and I don't ever want to leave your side again. Blair I know I'm a mess and I'm not sure why you're still here but I'm grateful." he kissed her and waited for her to say something.

"I told you a long time ago, I would love you forever if you would just let me. We vowed recently that no matter what, this time was it. I meant that Todd, no matter what you're going through. I was hurt when you left but I understand what made you leave. I'm just so happy you finally came to your senses and realized you needed me. One thing you should know, the only way you're ever leaving me again is if I shoot you myself." she smiled at him.

He grinned back at her, "Well I wouldn't want to be the cause of my children's mother going to jail. So I guess you're stuck with me. We probably should get dressed. I still need to stop in at the hospital and see Lily, then we can go somewhere and finish this properly." he rolled away from her and got up, still moving somewhat gingerly from the bruising.

Blair saw the bruises and exclaimed. "My God Todd, why didn't you say something." she got up, her hand going to touch them.

Todd took her hand, "Like I said before, it's nothing. It'll heal and I'm alive and with you. That's all that matters." he reached down and grabbed his shirt, making note of the number of buttons missing. He slipped it on, tucking it into his slacks and watched as Blair got dressed. She saw his chest showing through the open shirt and took a quick stroke before she turned her back to him and waited for him to zip her up. Todd couldn't help himself, he caressed the nape of her neck while he finished pulling up the zipper then turned her and took a quick kiss, "We should go." Taking her hand, they left the office and headed down to a waiting Emil.

Emil dropped them off at the hospital and was asked to wait one more time. Todd and Blair entered and headed toward Lily's room. Todd stopped and removed his ring, putting it away. Although C.J. had seen him sighted, he didn't want to scare Lily. Taking Blair's elbow, they entered her room.

C.J. and Lily had been talking when she suddenly exclaimed "Ali!" He looked around and saw Blair with Todd. "Ali, did you do it?"

Blair led Todd to the bed and he looked toward his great niece. "Yes, Lily everyone is safe."

"Even Ms. Kym?"

"Even Ms. Kym." Todd reached out and Lily grabbed his hand and pulled him closer then she knelt on the bed and gave him a hug. He hugged her back feeling how frail she was again. "Are you doing okay Lily?" She let go and sat back on the bed. Todd was relieved after hearing the story of the eight girls on the ship. He wasn't sure what he would have done if she had reacted to him like the other girls had reacted to their rescuers.

"I'm doing much better today than I was last night. Grandpa and Chase came by. Chase told me all about his adventure with you. Daddy told him who you were and he got all excited. Thank you again for getting me free and helping all those other girls. Ms. Kym really did try and make things as easy as she could for us. The instructors were the real scary ones. I can't believe you came and helped us. Daddy says you just have a special way of knowing things.  I'm really glad you knew about us."

Todd felt a hand on his shoulder and realized C.J. was standing close. He turned to face his nephew and said. "You don't know how happy I am that I knew about you also, Lily," he gripped C.J.s arm letting him know just how relieved he was that they had gotten Lily free. "Lily, I'd like you to meet my wife and your aunt. This is Blair. She was a big help to me tonight."

Blair moved to stand on the other side of Todd opposite C.J. and said."Hello, Lily, I'm very glad to meet you and I can tell you for sure that your uncle was magnificent tonight. I'm so sorry you and those other young girls went through so much, but I'm very happy you're home with your family and to find out you're a member of my family too." She solemnly shook hands with the young girl and smiled over at C.J. "I hope I'll get to meet your brother Chase soon."

C.J. looked at them both and said. "I guess that will depend on how much longer you're going to be in town."

Blair looked at Todd and said. "That depends on your uncle, C.J., we'll go home when he's ready," she reached and squeezed his hand, letting him know she wasn't going to pressure him into returning home until he wanted to.

"We'll see all of you before we leave, Lily. I promise you. For now, we're going to go and let you get some more rest. C.J., you know where I'm staying. Give me a call when Chase comes back to visit. I would like to see him one last time before we go." Todd started to turn away from the bed when a small hand caught his, holding him up and then he felt her simple kiss on his cheek. It was so gentle reminding him of Hope's little kisses. "Thank you Lily." he turned and took Blair's arm. Blair saw his eyes water up and she smiled at Lily and C.J. and led him from the room.

As they walked down the hallway she said. "Yep, that's us, Steel on the outside but on the inside..."

"Not steel." he finished.

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