The Shadows Fall: Chapter 49

Todd approached Mayor Finn's office without an ounce of caution or respect.  Pushing his way through the lobby and into her office hallway, he flounced past the secretary and tried the knob.  It was open.  She was sitting facing the window, and didn't move or respond when he came in.

"Ms. Finn?"  She did not answer.  He stood waiting and repeated himself.  "Mayor Finn?" He used a louder, stronger voice.

She turned slowly.  The woman was a shell of herself.  Her clothes had been slept in, her eyes were reddened and swollen.  She showed little expression.  "What do you want, Mr. Manning?"

"I want you to give me a story.  Sort of a way of repaying the pain and horror you put me and my family through by gas lighting me."

"Not that what I say matters, but I didn't gas light you.  In fact, I didn't even know about it until this very moment."

"Did you know about the planned attempt on my niece's life?"  She remained silent.  He continued, "Did you know about the young women selling their self-respect to big shots in this town?"

She waited.  Then she responded, weakly, "Yes.  I knew about all that.  I was involved.  It's no secret anymore."

"Well, here's your chance to get everything out to the public.  I want an exclusive, and I'm willing to do it your way."

"What's my way?  I'm no doubt going to prison, I've lost everything.  Nothing is my way, Mr. Manning."

"Your dime.  You can talk to me, explain the whys and the hows of it all, or just let it get picked up by some other rag.  What you might not get, Ms. Finn, is that I have a really good sense as to who was behind this whole thing.  I'm pretty positive I know.  And you may not realize that man was responsible for holding me captive for eight years of my life and torturing me in terrible ways every single day."

Her face finally showed reaction, as her tears welled.  "No Mr. Manning, you're wrong, I know what he's capable of.  It's part of the reason, selfishly, that I did what I did.  Some of it was greed, but later, it became pure fear."

He sat across from her.  "Then tell me.  If there's anyone who understands this fear, it's going to be me.  I just want the exclusive and the truth.  That's what I ask.  I probably deserve it."

She sat up straighter, "Yes, you do."

"So let's start with the obvious.  Say the name of the person who is behind it all."   He clenched his fists, because he knew once he heard it, then all the shadows of doubt he had about himself, and his imaginings and his mental stability would fall away.

"Carlo Hesser."

Todd was visibly moved at her words.  Closing his eyes briefly, and the reopening them, he said, "Start at the beginning."

"He knew everything about me.  He used it against me every way he could."

"All right.  What did he know?"

"I was a college girl, trying to pay for my education any way I could.  I couldn't support my self, so I started being an escort for wealthy men in the area.  Soon, that turned into being a high-priced call girl."

"We do what we have to," he attempted to encourage her by showing understanding.

"It just came to pass that I met Carlo.  I was twenty and he was thirty-five.  He and I connected on a very strong level right away."

"You fell in love."  He said with distaste.

"Yes, I did.  And he did.  He was virtually obsessed with me.  We started a torrid affair, and things developed quickly.  He had money.  He helped me stop turning tricks.  He wanted to take care of me; I wanted my education, and was getting both."  She stopped for a moment, sighing.  "Then, I found out he was a killer and a gangster.  I wanted no part of him; he had lied to me and I wanted nothing to do with him.  I left him, and he went almost mad, following me, stalking me.  I loved him, but he had lied to me and put me in danger.  I had to get away."

"So you ran?"

"I couldn't run.  I was in college and trying to make it work.  I'd call the police, there would be scenes everywhere we went.  Finally, something happened that really threw a wrench in things.  I found out I was pregnant with his child."  Todd, knowing how Carlo became possessive of his children, realized what this probably meant.  She continued, "I didn't tell him, and planned to run away.  Somehow, he found out, and his stalking continued and worsened.  Again, there were police calls, guys at the University would end up blocking his way to see me.  I knew he was dangerous and couldn't let him near me.  But, Mr. Manning, understand.  I couldn't turn him in or press charges because I still loved him.  So very much."

"I'm listening," Todd said, not understanding how someone could love Carlo Hesser.

"When the baby came, he was around, of course.  I relaxed a little, because I needed someone and I missed him.  Then..." she stopped, gathering herself, voice cracking, "the baby died."

Something in Todd flipped just then like a switch; he pictured Little Ray and what it would be like to lose him.  He swallowed.  She said, "He blamed me.  He left me and never bothered to look back.  It was like, something just snapped in him.  I moved on, and scratched and clawed my way to the top.  It took years, as you can see.  I never heard from him again, until recently."

"When?"

"Last summer, when I announced my bid for the governor's mansion.  He came out of the woodwork.  It was not long after...well, that you showed up here."

"Of course.  Makes perfect Carlo-sense."

"At first, he just made contact with me.  Talked over old times, told me he could help me win the election.  Then, he began to blackmail me.  He came up with the idea to use one of our holdings, from years back..."

"The Break Bar?"

"Yes.  We were co-owners, he was a silent partner.  He came up with the idea to run the prostitution ring as a way to get secrets from big wigs in town, so I could blackmail them into supporting my candidacy.  It seemed like a simple way to ensure my election victory.  Then it got ugly.  He started to reveal his true goals, and it made me sick, but I couldn't get out of it.  At first, he threatened to tell everyone about my previous life as a hooker; then he threatened my life, and the life of anyone I cared about."

"Go on."

"I didn't know about his gas lighting you until you said so today.  I did know, though, the kind of hatred he had to have for you and your family.  He cannot be beaten; this is an obsession he carries.  He is also obsessed with respectability and power.  Over time, I came to realize he wanted me in the governor's seat so he could get pardoned.  At the time, I wasn't even sure what crime he meant to be pardoned for, until I read about you.  Then I knew.  I felt I couldn't turn back.  And I believe part of me did not want to."

Todd waited, and she seemed to be done speaking.  He said, "I'm sorry about your child."

She said, "No matter.  It was his child.  Whatever would have happened, that child would have been tormented and used.  That's what he does.  He was not always that way, but it is who he has become."

Todd gulped again, and said, "Is there anything else?"

"No.  I just hope that I've made it easier for you to move past this.  I suppose your owed that.  I hope anything I've said will help them find him."

Todd stopped.  "What do you mean?"

"Mr. Manning, you're kidding, right?  You have your pulse on the goings on here in Llanview."

"I've been a little busy.  What do you mean?"  he repeated.

"Carlo's not at Statesville.  He escaped."

Just then, his cell phone rang.  He saw 'Natalie' on the screen and answered, "Uncle Todd, this is Natalie.  John asked me to call.  I'm sorry to tell you this, but, in that prison riot yesterday?  Two of the escaped inmates might be of concern to you."

Todd interrupted her.  "I know, I just heard.  I'll have to call you back."  His stomach flipped.

Natalie said, "Todd, wait, both Michael Leona and Carlo Hesser are at large.  John wanted you to know."  

Todd hung up without responding to her, and dialed Shaun's number.  "Meet me at the penthouse, now.  Have to talk to you."

Turning back to Mayor Finn, Todd said, "Is there anything else we've missed?  If so, I'll have to speak with you another time.  I have to go and protect my family.  Carlo and one of his henchmen are on the loose."  Somehow, both pity and anger were mixing in his mind as he looked at her.  "The story will be told correctly and accurately.  That I can promise."

"All right.  Mr. Manning?"  He turned before exiting her office.  "I'm sorry for anything additional this all caused.  I felt trapped.  I didn't want to...I was afraid to die."

"A lot of people are," he said, "but there are worse things than death."  Turning to go, he canceled the rest of the day in his mind and headed home to hold his new baby boy, protect him and bring him close.  Protect them all, and be where he needed to be.

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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 48

Carlo, in disguise, hobbled into the waterfront rooming house, stepping over a homeless man.  He needed a place to hide out and keep his identity quiet.  Having made it through the brush and away from Statesville on foot, he was both acting the part of a feeble old man and living it.  Having maintained underworld contacts, he was able to secure a large bank roll of cash, and handed the man in charge a ratty twenty dollar bill for the room for the night.  He knew the place was not going to be to his liking, but he pursued it, intentionally to throw off police and any other sneaking skulks, namely, Todd Manning and his brood.

Walking carefully up the decrepit staircase, he found his room, the door peeling, the knob barely working, and entered.  It was pure filth, and he had his survival kit with him; a duffel bag with toiletries, clean sheets and pillow case, untraceable cell phone and the money.  He had even stopped to get a few small food items to sustain him.  He had a great deal of planning to do.  He first covered the cot-like bed with the clean sheets that he had purchased, and set up a small station at the side table with the single chair by the window.  There, he lined up his food items, which he put into plastic bags in case of roaches, and his other necessities:  cell phone, newspaper, washing items and disinfectant.  It was worse than prison in this place.  But he knew what he had to do to survive it.

Cautiously, he peeked through the ratty curtain.  He could tell from the outside that he was the fortunate one to have any draperies.  He sat at the small table, and looked at the cell phone.  He searched the internet first, then finding the appropriate number he dialed.

"I'm calling to speak to a patient,"  he removed the gummed-on, gray facial hair from his chin.  "Yes?  Zeus Zelenko.  When would he be able to receive calls?  Thank you, I'll call back."  He hung up, placing the phone on the table and peeling the rest of his disguise off, taking a snapshot out of his pocket.  "That's just fine, Zeus, my son, I'll catch up with you sooner or later.  You were my creation, in so many ways.  I wonder if you would ever forgive me if you knew the whole truth?  Would you look more kindly on my actions if you knew that you were really my flesh and blood after all?  And what about your mother, Katherine, that betraying, selfish wench?  Now she has gotten all she deserves, and in no time, she will take my place in Statesville."

He opened a bottle of juice and some crackers.  Still looking at the picture, he said, "No, you will never have to know the likes of her, my son.  Let's just say reports of your death are greatly exaggerated.  I've kept your whereabouts and your identity a secret this long, and I intend to keep it to the grave.  Once you realize that everything I've done, I did for you, to make it up to you, I believe you will accept me as your father."

He finished his snack and headed to the cot to lie down.  "Yes, you and I will rebuild my empire and rise to respectability in this town once again."

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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 47

The next day, Todd and Blair were both tired, dealing with the three-hour stretches of sleep that the new baby would take.  Both of them were up each time the baby needed them.  Blair was exhausted, she turned to him when the sun peeked in and said, "The kids, school."

He said, "It's all right.  I sent them off about two hours ago."

She closed her eyes, "I have to get up.  I have to get Sam's lunch."

He petted her hair.  "He has his lunch.  Go to sleep."

He peeked over the bed, and Little Ray was sleeping in his bassinet, and one of his little hands was folded up under his chin.  Todd reached over and gently stroked his head.  The baby was so tiny, his hand completely dwarfed him.  He marveled at his shallow little breaths, and his peaceful expression.

Turning back over, he grabbed his tablet from the nightstand and typed an email:

Ramon, start the plans I made last week.  I want the nursery at The Sun ready for us in a week.  Mrs. Manning and I will both be at The Sun sometime over the next few weeks. We've got to settle in first and get used to the baby and his hours.  I want the nursery I planned to be ready by next Friday, just in case Blair wants to come in sooner.  Email me back any questions.  The details are in the plan I sent you earlier.  TM


Feeling a sense of accomplishment, he moved on to what he felt would be next.  He called Addie, asking her to come by in an hour or so to help out while he was gone.  As soon as Blair was up and awake for the morning, and Addie arrived, he would be on his way to pay a visit to Mayor Finn to try and land the biggest story since his return.

It was already ten in the morning, and Todd was surprised that he had dozed.  Turning on the baby monitor, he traipsed down the stairs to get himself some coffee and food.  In making his way to the kitchen, he was stopped short by the doorbell.  He opened the door to see Devon standing there, with a small bouquet of flowers. 

"We don't want any," he said, starting to close the door.

Devon stopped it with his hand, which Todd looked at, and then moved his eyes to the young man's face.  "Come on, give me a break, will you, Todd?"

"Todd?  Who told you to call me Todd?  It's Mr. Manning to you."  He said turning his back and leaving the door ajar.  Devon took this as an invitation to step inside.  "Hurry up, I'm a busy man.  Got a new baby.  He takes a lot of my time, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"All right.  So are you going to listen to me, Mr. Manning?"

"Todd."

Devon rolled his eyes.  "Todd.  Are you going to hear me out?"

Todd rolled a pencil between his fingers.  Sitting slouchy in the chair, with a white a-shirt and pajama pants, he said, "Maybe."

"These flowers are for Blair."

"Eh."

He placed them on the coffee table.  "Look, I saved Jessica's life, don't I get any credit?"


"What exactly do you want?  That nun did more than you."


"What a punch she gave that guy."


"Yeah," Todd laughed to himself, and Devon joined in.  "That was pretty good."


"The way she whipped her head around and just hooked him under the jaw."  Soon, both were laughing and reliving the whole event, scene by scene.

When the humor passed, Todd said, "What do you want, Devon?  Why did you come here?"

"I can't give up on Jessica.  I love her.  Haven't you ever made a mistake with someone, and then tried to prove your love?  That's why I'm here."

Todd thought about it.  "I've done that at least one hundred times, maybe more."

"So then you relate?"

"No.  Because Blair and I, we're made for each other.  We're the same kind of person.  We get each other and we can't live apart."

"How do you know Jess and I aren't like that?"

"I don't.  But neither do you.  How long have you known her?  She's fragile.  I don't want her hurt by you and your 'gigs.'"

"How long did you know Blair before you knew?"

Todd stopped, thinking back.  Blair, at Rodi's, in her white blouse with ruffled front and short, black pencil skirt.  Blair, her hair shining in the moon, on the park bench.  Blair, tricking the policeman outside his hospital room so he could escape.  "All right, you made your point.  Why did you come here though?"

Devon smiled.  "Easy.  I need an ally."

"You have to earn that.  I tell you what, I am hiring a new security team for here, and at The Sun.  With a little training, you seem to have the right stuff.  Maybe.  This will be a way for me to keep an eye on you and figure you out.  Report to this guy," he handed him Shaun's card, "and follow his directions.  My family is the most important thing in my life.  You are to put yourself above them, and die for them if you need to."


"I totally understand that.  I can do it.  I already love your family."


Todd didn't fall into any discourse about the last comment.  Instead, he stood up.  "Get going, I've got a lot to do."

"Congratulations on the baby, again.  He sure had an eventful birth.  Oh, one more thing?  Should I go see Jessica or not?"


"Give it a few days.  Ask me again Thursday."


Todd looked at the clock.  Addie was due soon, and he still had not eaten.  He got himself some coffee and breakfast, and began to go over his security plan.  Shaun was to be hired full-time, round the clock security at the penthouse or wherever Blair and the baby were.  The rest of the team would be stationed at various places:  Sam and Jack's schools, LaBoulaie, and The Sun.  He was not taking any chances, and took Zeus' warning very seriously.  Now that Moonbeam was here, more than ever, he needed to make certain that everyone was protected and there were to be no slip ups.

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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 46

Jack walked in to the hospital room as Todd and Blair were packing her things and readying her to go home.  "Mom, Dad, where's the kid?"

Todd snickered, "He's in the nursery.  We're going to leave soon.  We'll go get him or the nurse will bring him over."

"Can I see him?"  Jack asked.

"Of course.  He's your brother."  Blair answered.  She hobbled around, very weak.  Todd supported her arm whenever she moved.  He treated her as if she were made of glass, Jack noticed.  "Okay, I'll wait here.  Are you okay, mom?"

"I'm going to be.  I'm on my way.  How was your session?  Did you see Zeus again?"

Jack faltered a bit, "It was fine.  He was there.  What's wrong, I mean, is that how it is when you have a baby?"

"Somewhat."  She did not want to tell him about her near miss, nor did she want Todd to relive any of it.  "Ohhh, here he comes!"

The nurse wheeled him in.  He was wearing a little blue knit cap that was pointed on top.  He appeared to be a teeny elf.  Jack said, "Oh, snap, he's so little!"

Todd lifted him, so natural at it, and offered him to Jack.  "Want to hold him?"

"I can't...no, not yet I mean, wow, he's puny."

Blair laughed, she so wanted to hold him, but was still reeling and not sure about her strength.  She wanted to be certain she could handle it, so she steered clear for the moment.

Todd said, "Come on, give it a shot, it's easy.  Put your hand under here," he instructed, "and the support his head like this.  There you go."

Jack looked up at his parents with such a precious expression that Blair wished she had a camera.  "Wow, he's so cool," Jack said.  His parents both smiled.  Jack added, "You two made a good thing."

Todd said, "All right, you'll be holding him all the time at home.  Give him up, we've already completed our discharge papers, and we've gotta go.  You can help, take your mom's bag.  Did you bring the car seat with you?"

"Yeah, me and Williams put that bottom part into the back of the limo."

"Perfect, thanks Jack."

Blair stood wobbling.  "Todd, I have to sit down."

He helped her to the chair.  Jack watched as his father doted on her, as if she was a priceless item.  He smiled.  He'd never seen any man that his mother was with ever treat her quite the same way.

After a few minutes, Todd got Blair into a wheelchair, and Jack carried the bags.  Todd handled the car seat, which doubled as a baby carrier, and the three of them headed out.  the limo was in front of the hospital.  An older woman said, "Oh look, he got a limousine for his baby's homecoming!"

Todd smiled at her.  "Thanks, lady."

Blair said, "It's better than that, he owns it."

The three of them maneuvered getting both Blair and the baby inside the beautiful stretch car.  Blair sat back and nestled into the crook of Todd's arm, and Jack, watching them carefully, was letting the baby hold his finger and wondering at how strong the grip was.  He looked at them, and back to Ray.  "You two, you're like you just met or something."

Todd said, looking to Blair a minute and smiling into her face, "What do you mean?"

"You act like...I don't know, two teenagers in love.  Or like you just fell in love last week."

Blair said, "We did.  We fall in love every day, Jack.  At least I do."

Todd responded by brushing her hair back from her face and pulling her head down to his chest.  Jack hated to disturb them.  He didn't want to, but he knew he had to tell them.  He then realized he was afraid to say it in front of his mother, and waited until they got home so he could get his father alone and tell him.

Arriving at the penthouse building, there were balloons in every shade of blue lining the entrance.  Blair smiled, "Oh, Todd."

"Nothing too good for my buddy's homecoming."  For a moment, he wondered if Jack was feeling at all strange seeing him loving this new baby, knowing what he had done when Jack was born.  He'd ask him directly later.

Inside the penthouse, there were more balloons.  Starr had made a "Welcome Home Little Ray" banner.  Blair was pleased, and tired from the journey.  She asked Todd to help her to bed, and he put her into her favorite nightie, as he loved doing.  Then he put the baby into the lace-trimmed bassinet next to her bed, and kept an ear peeled, opening the baby monitor in case either of them needed him.

He went back to the living room, and adjusting the monitor there, he said to Jack, "I can only remember two other times I felt this way."

Jack said, "What were they?"

"When I saw Starr for the first time, but it was different.  She was older, and had lost that little baby thing.  And the second, was a tie."

"What's the tie?"

"When I first held you, and looked into your face when I helped bring you into the world, and when I brought you back and watched your mother hold you for the first time again."

Jack was not sure what to say.  He knew his father was still filled with guilt for his mistakes.  Jack, however, had somehow already gotten past that and felt his father had more than let him know what he meant to him.  He felt he should say it, but couldn't find the words.  So, he said, "Dad, you love us so much.  I can tell.  And the way you love Mom.  I know you love me."

"I do, more than my own life."

This Jack was certain of.  "I know.  I believe you.  Dad, I have to tell you something.  I didn't want to tell you in front of Mom."

"Sure, what's up?"

"It's about Zeus.  Today."

"What about him?  You can tell me anything, it's okay."

"He told me something, and it's bad.  He said that Carlo won't stop trying to get even with you.  He said he didn't think jail would stop him.  Nothing would.  He said he vowed to get revenge on you no matter what it took.  He was, like, warning us."

Todd didn't respond.  He filed the information in his head.  He was already certain Carlo had something to do with it, based on the gas lighting.  "Don't worry about it, Jack.  No one is going to hurt this family while I'm living."

"I know, Dad.  I just wanted to tell you."

***

"We seem to have things under control, finally.  Have the guards start bringing the prisoners in that lounge to their cells, a few at a time."  John closed the walkie talkie and looked to Natalie.  "What have you got for me?"

"Missing prisoners.  It's not good,"  she said.

"Give it to me straight."

"Michael Leona."

John's face looked greenish.  "The Slice and Dice."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"I knew you'd be interested in him.  He was one of them?"

"He was.   Anyone else?"

"Yeah, there's about 12 more."  She started reading the rest of the names, and they were interrupted.

"Lieutenant, there's a security officer who needs to speak with you," Brody said, bringing the man toward John.  The guard was rubbing his head, and looked disheveled.  He was wearing an orange jumpsuit, as if a prisoner.

"No, this didn't happen,"  John rolled his eyes.

"He knocked me out, I'm sorry, Lieutenant.  On the way to the cells, he was lagging, complained of a stomach ache, bent over, and when I went to see, he hit me with something.  I blacked out.  When I woke, I was wearing this."

John knew that whatever came next was not going to be good.  He steadied himself for it.  "Who knocked you out?"

"Hesser."

John grabbed the walkie-talkie and got on his channel, "Hesser's on the loose.  Don't let him out of this place.  He's wearing a guard uniform.  Scour this hell hole until you find him!"   he looked to Natalie, "Not good."

"Oh God, John."

After about thirty minutes, everyone reported back into John, and it was evident that Hesser was gone.  He'd found a way to get out, and taken his best shot.  He was out in the world, possibly headed to Llanview.  John said to Natalie, "Get on the phone and warn Manning.  Don't tell it to Blair, get him on the line personally."  He watched her head into the corner to make her call.  "Jesus."

Pushing through the woods surrounding Statesville, Carlo was struggling.  Not able to move as fast as he wanted, because of the deep forest around him, he pushed aside branches, stepped over logs, sometimes stumbling, as he attempted to put as much distance between himself and the penitentiary.  "Manning, it's coming, my boy.  It will take me quite a time, but your day is coming."  He stopped, angry with a branch that grabbed at his face, leaving a scratch.  "I promise you, you have not seen the last of me.  No one has." 

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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 45

Todd was on his cell phone, "Make sure the headline in the special edition reads, 'MAYOR FINN:  555-CALL HER' on the front.  In the bottom corner, be sure to put 'The Sun Welcomes New Son' and run that photo I sent of the baby."  He hung up.


Walking back to the nursery window, he, Viki and Addie were still watching Raymond in his little cart.  "Todd, he's so cute,"  Addie said.


He said, "I'm going back to see Blair.  It's feeding time, and she's going to be needing me to hold him."


Viki hugged him.  "I'm proud of you, Todd.  You made it through this.  And look at that beautiful son you have."


"Thanks, Sis."


She watched him go.  Turning to Addie, she said, "He's coming along."


Addie said, "He seems fine to me.  Look at that baby, he is so perfect!  He's better than any of the others."


Viki said, "I guess it would seem that way, doesn't it?"  And they both laughed.


In Blair's room, which he had filled with the most fragrant flowers he could order, everything was quiet.  She was sleeping, one hand over her belly, and her head lolling to the side.  He sat by her, taking her hand gently, and holding it.  He was hungry, and thirsty, but he didn't dare leave her.  He waited for her to wake, looking at her, watching her sleep and breathe.  He thought about how just a few hours before, she could have been lost to him, for always.  He had to push that away, because thinking of it, as Sister Rebecca said, was not something he could deal with, even in image.  She stirred.


Opening her eyes, she met his.  "Todd."


"Hi."


"The flowers.  There are so many.  It smells like heaven in here."


"Because my angel is here, couldn't have it any other way."  He brought her hand to his lips and kissed each finger gently.


"How's our little piece of moonlight?"


"He's great.  He's gorgeous.  Addie and Viki are mooning over him, as a matter of fact."


"Oh, those two.  Momma's here?"


"She was.  She has visited a few times, but she never woke you."


"Poor Momma."  She looked at him.  "Poor you.  Are you all right, Todd?  You look so tired."


"I'm okay.  Now."


"What do you mean?"


"I thought I was losing you, and Moonbeam.  And after Ray was born, and I held him, I thought I was past it, until I almost lost you again.  I was so scared,"  He said, shaking his head.  Stifling tears, he said, "I was more scared than I ever was in that chair.  I threw up, I was so afraid.  But you made it.  I can't tell you how dark those minutes were when I didn't know whether I'd hold you again, and hear you sing to me."


She touched his cheek, as always, feeling for his scar.  "I'm here.  It's okay.  You can't really get rid of me."


The nurse brought the baby, and handed him to Todd.  When he held him, he likened the feel of him to a bag of flour.  So light but also weighty, but different from the flour, he was so warm and had a sweet small breath.  He let him rest on his chest, head on his shoulder, as he readied the bottle of her milk that the hospital helped her express for him.  She was still too weak to hold him properly.


Todd held Ray and fed him carefully, and Blair watched, putting her hand on her baby's head and talking to him.  Seeing her disappointment, he crept into the bed next to her, and put his arms around both of them, so that the baby could be in her arms as it was feeding.  He supported her arms as she held Ray, supported her as well.


The nurse came in and said, "Well, that's quite ingenious, Mr. Manning.  You seem to have that down to a science."


He looked up and smiled, but could barely take his eyes off his son's face.  "He's drinking a lot."


"He's hungry," the nurse answered.


Blair said, "Look at him, Todd, he's so strong and so healthy."


He kissed the top of her head.  When Ray had finished the bottle, Todd took him back, and put him into the cart.  Blair said, "No, please don't take him."


"He's not going anywhere.  He's going to hang out here for a while with us."


She smiled, weakly, and fell into sleep again.  He leaned over the baby and said, "See, your mommy's tired.  But, that's okay, we can hang out and have boy time."


***


Natalie stood by John, watching him take control of the surrounding forces.  As he was barking orders, the FBI showed up and pushed their way in.  "Lieutenant, Joe Simons, FBI."


In the commotion, Natalie realized that reporters were in the mix, and she and a few other policemen tried to get them away, which was almost impossible.  The televisions, still blaring, were showing local news items, which included the prison riot and eventual break.  Many of the inmates had been returned to their cells, others were contained in larger areas, because it helped keep track of them and avoid transporting them back to cells where they could make a break for it.  Several of the automatic locks had been tripped; and the count was somewhere in the mid teens for missing prisoners.  Those in the lounge area were seeing the first-hand reports of themselves, and viewing the reports as they came in regarding the escapees.  She longed to get her hands on the list of escaped inmates, but knew it would not be available until later.  The newscast took a turn to a different tone, and it caught her attention.


"In other news, Mayor Kathleen Finn will be holding a press conference to express what political analysts are assuming will be her resignation and withdrawal from the gubernatorial race.  During the May Crowning at St. Anne's earlier today, an attempt was made on the life of Jessica Buchanan, which was thwarted by none other than Sun publisher Todd Manning, his wife, Blair Manning, one Devon Kelly, who was a resident of St. Anne's, and Sister Rebecca Katherine Broderick.  This attempt seems to be connected, but is unclear how, to the news that Kathleen Finn will be brought up on charges of extortion and assisting to run and finance a local brothel.  She will be leaving her race for the governor's seat behind and will be addressing her public in a press conference slated for tomorrow.  In an interesting human interest twist, The attempt on Ms. Buchanan's life was interrupted by labor pains.  Todd and Blair Manning, later became the proud parents of their third biological child this evening at Llanview Hospital.   Back to you, Monique."


"Oh my God," Natalie said, and John, who also had his ear and eyes caught by the broadcast, said, "There you go, Manning.  Be happy."


Carlo was one of the inmates sitting in the lounge as part of a large group of prisoners who were detained.  At the close of the broadcast, he was barely able to contain his anger.  He was seething, and every bone in his body wanted revenge against The Mannings for circumventing his plan.  His opportunity to return to the world and gain back respectability had been squashed by Todd Manning.  Once again, Todd Manning had won, over him, and his boiling point was reached.  He remained falsely calm, at least to the outside world, and to the inmates around him, so below him in stature, and the guards, in their stupidity.  He sat, waiting, incensed.


***


In the waiting room, Devon stood up and said, "I think it's time for me to go."


"It was time hours ago.  Why are you here?"  Jessica said.


"I got attached to you and your family.  I mean, after this, I feel like I am one of you."


"Well, you're not."


"Can ya two stop ya'r bickering?" Sister Rebecca Katherine said,  "I'm praying for the baby and his mother."


Jessica felt guilty that moment for interrupting the sister's prayers.  She folded her arms and turned her face from Devon.  He whispered, "Are you going to be angry with me forever for this?  I mean, I saved your life."


"So?  What does that mean?"  she whispered angrily.  "I wouldn't have needed saving if you didn't take that acting job to fool me and get information.  How much was acting?  We will never know."


He sat back down beside her.   "Everything was acting, okay."  She looked at him, viciously mad.  "Everything except every moment I felt something for you, and every moment we shared, and when I told you how I felt."


She looked up.  "Yeah, well, try getting someone else to believe that."  She stormed off.


He followed her, "Jess?" 


The nun was alone in the waiting room, and continued her prayers.  "Lord, help those two find some common ground so they can piece things back together," she said, "and protect that little babe and keep him and his mother safe.  And Lord, please look down on Todd Manning, and bring him some peace.  I am not certain what ails him, but it's very deep, Lord, and please give him comfort and deliver him from his pain.  Amen."  She crossed herself and stood, and turning around, she saw Todd, standing at the doorway.


"Sister.  I wanted to say thank you again."


"Oh was nothing, my boy, nothing at all.  Just doing what I do.  I like to help."


"It's more than that.  You were there for me....when...it was a very dark time.  I didn't know how to find the light.  You see, Blair is my light, and I just wasn't sure how to find it just then.  When I saw myself without her, you know what I saw?"


"No, I don't.  Tell me."


"Total black.  I couldn't even see me.  I saw nothing.  Just darkness."


"May I ask you something, lad?  Ya don't have to answer me if ya don't want to?"


"All right."


 "What has got ya so hurt?  Something's very deeply injured ya, it's as if your soul is tormented."


He sat down, because her words weakened his knees.  "I've not been a very good person."


"Nonsense, but even if it were true, has it stopped?  Are ya a good person now?  Were ya a good person before?"


"I guess I am now.  I'm working on it every day.  I was a good kid, when I was little, and something changed my life, but...I guess I'm trying to make a good life now."


"You said something changed your life.  I have a feeling that something is causing you such pain.  Did this thing lead you to do bad things to yourself or others?"


"Yeah, that's exactly what it did."


"Are you sorry for them?"


"Am I sorry for what?"


"The things that you did."


"Most of them, yeah.  I've been sorry for years.  It doesn't change things."


"You have not forgiven yourself.  Somehow, lad, you believe you deserve everything negative that has happened to you, don't ya?"


"Nothing good comes to me.  I'm always just waiting for the axe to fall."


"You forgive people who wrong you?"


"I do now.  More than ever.  I never used to, but I do, yes."


"Then you have to work on forgiving yourself, lad.  God forgives you."


He looked skeptical and started to respond, "I..."


"He does.  We are all his children.  He forgives ya.  You must forgive yourself."  She rose from the chair, "I've got to get back now, I've been missing for hours.  Everyone will worry."  She walked by him, and put her hand on his shoulder.  "One more thing, whatever happened to ya, it is over now, Todd.  No one will hurt ya anymore, and ya have to learn to comfort and love yourself enough to let go and forgive.  We all have our shadows, but they mustn't become us."  She walked off.


"Sister?"  he called, his voice cracking.  But, she was gone.


*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 44

"You're a fine looking piece of man, Mr. Manning."  Sister Rebecca greeted him as he came out of the changing room.  "If I were a bit younger and not married to the church..."  She fixed his scrubs cap on his head, and handed him a rubber band.  "Tie your hair back, lad.  I love it, many of the young men in Ireland wear their hair this way."


He couldn't say anything but something gracious to the wonderful older woman.  "Thank you, Sister."


"Now, ya had better get yourself going, before that babe makes an appearance without you."


He took the woman's hand, and in its softness, he felt a great deal of strength.  He squeezed it gently, and turned to the room, entering with a nervous twinge in his stomach.


Blair was on the gurney, her hair matted with sweat.  Doctors and nurses were all around her, and she was crying out, so much, he could barely stand it.  He took her hand, and he told her, in a whisper, "Let's bring Moonbeam home.  You can do this babe.  Squeeze my hand."


"Todd, I can't.  It's too much.  Something's wrong, Todd.  I can't."  He petted her hair, and smoothed it back.


"Shhh," he said, "None of that, you can, you will."


The doctors spoke in urgent, short bursts that were ridden with medical terminology.  Almost afraid to say something, he turned to one of the nurses who was wiping Blair's brow.  "What's happening?"


She looked at him and through her mask, he could see that she was smiling, it was in her eyes.  "It's all right, Mr. Manning.  The baby was breech; the doctor turned the baby, though, and things seem to be evening out.  She will be all right.  Just hang with her, she needs you."


He turned back to Blair, "Everything is going to be okay.  The baby's okay.  You're okay."


"I'm tired.  I can't."


"You can."  He took her hand and kissed it.  "You can.  You're a born mother, Blair.  You can do this.  I know you can.  I'm here."


"Todd," she said, tears flowing, "finally.  You're with me, you're with us."


"I know, babe."


The doctor at the foot of the gurney said loudly, "All right, Blair, when I tell you, it's going to be time to push.  All right?"


"Yes," she said.


"All right, push now.  Push."


Todd could neither make the moments go faster, nor hold onto them.  Time seemed to flash by and also drone on.  In a strange science fiction way, he felt detached.  Amazed at the proceedings: her crying, then screaming, him coaching her the way he never thought he could, the noises of the medical team, the instruments around them, the lights and the beeps, his own heart racing in his chest, her hand squeezing his in a vice-like grip, the doctor's voice with instructions.  All of it was surreal for him, because inside, he still could not let go of the ominous sense of doom that he knew had to be around the corner.  Fighting it, he cooed to her, and told he loved her as many times as he could get it out.


"There we go."  The doctor said.  It was silent.  His heart leaped into his chest.


"You did it, babe, it's over, you did it."  He kissed her forehead and waited.  Nothing.


"Todd, what is it?  It's too quiet.  No!  No!"  She cried, and broke into sobs.  The team was rushing around, and no one was telling them a thing.


He said, "Is the baby all right?"


One nurse suctioned the baby's airways and another gently lifted him and placed him on Blair's chest.  He wasn't crying.


"Todd, look at him."


Todd, beside himself with fear, looked into the baby's face.  "He's so beautiful,"  he said, tearing up.  "Why isn't he crying?"


"Not all babies cry, it's all right, some of them are into the world and just accept it.  As long as he is breathing, he's fine."  The nurse said, quietly.


Blair's voice was so weak.  "Todd, he's here.  Moonbeam."


"He's here, babe,"  he kissed her forehead again, and her eyes closed, at the same time that a monitor went off.


"She's hypovolemic, stat.  She'll need blood.  We've got to stop this bleeding."


"What?  What is it?"  A nurse took the baby off Blair's chest and moved him to the clean up area, and Todd, frantic, said, "Blair?  Blair can you hear me?"


"Mr. Manning, come with me, we'll wash up the baby and you can hold him."


"I can't leave my wife, please," he said, but he was directed with more push than pleading into the next room.  The medical team, waiting for the surgeon, had sprung into action the moment she had faded.  He walked into the clean up room, and the nurse said, "Let them take care of her, Mr. Manning."  The baby was tiny and perfect, and was looking at him.  He looked into the baby's face and said,  "Hi.  Don't worry, I'm not going to really name you Moonbeam.  But you do have a beautiful Moonpie face.  You look just like Jack.  Oh, God."  He walked to the corner, and sat in a chair, gripping his head with both hands.


The nurse walked to him, the baby dressed and clean.  "Would you like to hold your son?"


He took him, and cradled him with all of the care and caution he had in his heart.  "He's beautiful,"  he looked at the nurse.  "Please," tears came, "please let me go to my wife now.  I have to be with her."


The nurses took the baby from him, and putting him in a little cart with clear plastic sides, they named him, "Baby Manning," and wheeled him away.  Another orderly accompanied him to the waiting area by Blair's surgical room.  He sat, and realized he was going to be sick.  Putting his head between his knees, the orderly quickly fetched a basin and he emptied his stomach into it.  "Find out if she is okay, please."


The orderly left him, and before he had a chance to take in his surroundings, Sister Rebecca, Jessica, Viki and Addie were standing ten feet from him.  Viki was talking to the doctor.  Todd could not get up.  He just looked at them, and Jessica spotted him.  She said, "There's Todd."


The group proceeded to him, Viki in the lead.  He looked at her, "Sis, she did it.  She made our little boy."  He was between shock and sobbing.  Viki sat by him and put her arm around his shoulders.  "They won't tell me anything.  They took her, I don't...I don't know."  Sister Rebecca sat on the other side of Todd.  Her headpiece had been discarded hours before, and she was looking so different, he hardly recognized her.  "I can't...I can't do it Viki.  I won't do it without her."


"Now, dear, that's too much for you to even think about, eh?  Then you mustn't think about it."  The nun said.  "Did ya see ya'r baby?"


"Yeah.  I held him.  He's so perfect.  He's perfect because of her, only because of her."


"He's perfect because of both of you, Todd."  Viki said, petting his head.  She got up and walked off and Jessica took her spot on the bench.  Addie was wringing her hands and walking back and forth.


Jessica said, "Uncle Todd, she's strong."


"She was so weak, Jessica.  She was so tired.  She looked so small."  He broke.


"Now listen here, I've met the woman, she's not a quitter.  And ya best not be either.  Ya have to have faith in her,"  the nun said.


"I do.  It's me.  It's me I don't have faith in.  I don't...I can't."


Jessica went after her mother.  "Mom, he's totally shattered.  What's going on?  Someone has to know something."


"He's shattered because of himself.  He can't believe this will be all right.  Nothing in his life has ever been all right.  He's already decided it will end in the worst way possible."


"What if it does?"


"Oh, Jessy, let's not go there right now, please."


Suddenly, a door opened and a doctor stepped out.  "Mr. Manning?"


Todd could not get up, until he felt the strong hand of the nun under his arm, and she said, "It's all right, Lad, The Lord is with you."


"Yes?" he heard himself answer.


"You can see her now.  She's resting, out of the woods for the time being.  We transfused her, and stopped her bleeding.  Not too long, all right?  She needs her rest."


He pushed through the two doors, and there she was, even tinier in the bed.  He went to her side and pulled up a rolling stool to sit on.  "Blair?  It's me."


She opened her eyes and looked at him.  "The baby."


"The baby's fine.  I held him.  He's beautiful, Blair, just like you."


"He's got your eyes, I saw them."


"He's ours.  I love you."


"I love you, Todd.  I've always loved you."


"I've always loved you, Blair. "


"Can I see him?"


"I'll ask."


Leaving her side a moment, he returned, and told her, "I have to go get him.  I'll be right back."
 
Within a few minutes, Todd was wheeling his son to Blair's side, so that she could see him, along with the head nurse.  The nurse said, "Don't let her hold him, right now, she's too weak.  Hold him for her."


He picked him up and showed him to her, and she touched his little hands and face and began to cry.  "Oh, Todd, he's so perfect."


"I know, babe."


"Hi, my little Moonbeam,"  she said, "I'm your mommy.  This is your daddy."  She closed her eyes.


He gently placed the baby back into the cart, and readied, along with the nurse, to return him to the nursery, when Blair stirred again.  "Raymond Thomas Manning."


"Ray will love this."  Todd said.


"He's a ray of moonlight." 


"He is."  Todd said, choking up.  "I'm going to bring him back now, so the family can see him."


"All right."


"I love you, Blair."


"I love you, Todd." Blair said before drifting off.


*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 43

In the church, Devon could feel himself sweating, under the covering of the wig and the pressure of knowing that Mac was in the building.  Clearly there to attack, hurt, or take Jessica, Devon could barely hear anything except his own heart.  His eyes, fixed on Jessica, almost burned from his staring.  Nevertheless, during the rosary, things were basically quiet and he could keep tabs on her, simply by sitting and watching.

Todd was mocking every one of Blair's motions, as the rosary continued.  He whispered, "How long is this prayer?"

Blair said, "Shhh, it's long.  Just do what I do."

He looked to his left, and Sister Rebecca Katherine had her eyes closed, almost as if drifting off to sleep, with the beads fixed in her hands.  Looking back to Blair, he continued to do what he was supposed to, and at the same time, kept his eyes peeled for trouble with Jessica, Devon and the tall man.  Without warning, Blair said, "Oh!"

Todd said, "Oh!"

Blair stood.  Todd stood.  Blair said, "Oh my God!"

Todd said, "Oh my God!"

The church was filled with heads that whipped around at them.  Sister Rebecca Katherine woke up and stared at the two of them.  "My goodness, lasses, that's no way to carry on!"

Blair, hand on her belly, cried out, "My water broke!"

Sister Rebecca Katherine stood up also, scrambling to put her rosary away and pushed her glasses up her nose.  "Saints be praised, Lord have mercy, it's a virgin birth!"

Todd lost his nun voice, "The Hell it is!"

Devon, seeing the commotion begin, grabbed Jessica's hand and ran toward the exit.  Todd, standing next to Blair, said, "Good diversion."

Blair said, "What diversion?"

He looked down and saw a trickle of liquid on the floor.  He whispered, "Jesus, Blair, why now?"

"Like I can help it!  It's all the hot tub sex you've been after," she whispered angrily.

Sister Rebecca Katherine said, "Sister Elizabeth Arden!"

Mac was making his way through the aisle and the mobs of people to follow Devon and Jessica, when Blair cried out, "Stop him, he's a killer!"

"I'm getting you out of here, Blair," Todd, back to his own persona, pulled his headpiece off, and grabbed her hand.  "Can you walk?"

Before she answered, Sister Rebecca Katherine backed herself into Mac's path, and pulled back with her fist throwing a right hook directly upward below his jaw.  The man went sprawling onto the floor, in the center aisle, and a crowd formed around him.

"That a girl, Sis!"  Todd yelled.

"Hurry," she said, "And I'm coming with ya!  I have to be there for this miracle!"

The three of them pushed through the crowd, and burst through the front doors.  Devon, wigless, had the SUV started and in place.  Jessica, shaking, was in passenger seat.  The scene was memorable; Todd, his long hair flying behind him, Blair moaning and complaining in his arms, and Sister Rebecca Katherine, following behind, with Todd's headpiece, holding her skirts so she could run down the stairs.

Jessica simply said, "Oh.. my... God.  Is that my uncle?"

Sister Rebecca Katherine pushed in front of Todd, opened the SUV door, and helped get Blair inside.  Looking back, she noticed no sign of Mac.

After all three were inside the vehicle, Todd said, "You got a mean right hook."

"And you're a man!  At first I wasn't sure, what with that hair and all."

Jessica turned to them.  Blair, doing her Lamaze breathing; Todd, tearing the nun clothing off; the Sister, crossing herself, "Blessed be, blessed be, blessed be."

Jessica said, "Sister, this is my Uncle Todd and his wife, Blair."

"We've met dear, in a manner of speaking.  Devon, ya gave ya'r girl here quite a scare disappearing like that."

"I had to get help.  It's a long story, sister."  Devon said.

"I'm not his girl,"  Jessica said.

Todd said to Blair, "Does she take lessons from you?"

Blair said, "Shut up and get me to the hospital!  The contractions....the baby's coming."

"Not this again,"  Todd said.  "I'm not delivering this one."

Blair said, "I know, you don't know nothin' about....birthing babies!"  She groaned through the words.

"That's all right, I've delivered plenty of them,"  The nun said.

"Bless you,"  Todd said.

"Floor it!"  Sister Rebecca said.  On the rest of the ride, Devon filled in Jessica and Sister Rebecca, as well as Todd and Blair, on all of the details he could muster regarding the plot to kidnap her.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Todd carried Blair through the light crowd that had formed by the entrance.  Reporters, police and security personnel were gathered outside the doors.  Pushing through, Todd, in the remainder of the habit; Blair, in full nunnery garb; and Sister Rebecca Katherine pushed through the group, the latter yelling, "Make way!  There's a baby coming, move out!"

Todd set Blair down carefully, and Sister Rebecca came to her side to steady her.  Bringing her a wheelchair, Todd made it back to them in time to see Blair double over in pain and lose her footing.  Grabbing her by the arm, he sat her in the chair, a few reporters coming around them to see about another story.  She looked up at him, "Todd, there's something wrong."

Sister Rebecca turned to the press and said, "I have a story for ya!  Ya'r Mayor, she's corrupt as they come.  She's not what you think she is!  She's connected to The Break Bar murder!"  As the reporters swarmed around The Sister, Todd crouched in front of Blair, as the nurse came to see to her.  "What's wrong, Babe?"

"I don't know, I'm scared, Todd, I can't lose Moonbeam.  Something just feels, something's not right."

He petted the hair on the side of her head, and shushed her.  "It's going to be okay."

"Sir," the nurse said to him, "Sir?  Please complete these papers."

"We don't have time for papers, something's wrong with my wife, please, I have all the money this hospital needs, I can buy this place, please just help her!"

Sister Rebecca Katherine, embroiled with the reporters, was shouting details about the story involving Devon and Jessica, as they pushed through the doors after parking the car.  Jessica went to Todd and Blair, immediately.  Blair cried out in pain and said, "Oh my God, Todd, please."  She began crying, "No, please, don't let us lose this baby."  Her tears fell.  She looked up the nurse, "Something's wrong. I can tell."

The nurse said, "Ma'am, you have to quiet down, it's not going to help you or the baby."

She sobbed and Todd was a bundle of shaking limbs.  Trying to quiet her, he himself was terrified and unsure of what to say.  Jessica walked along side the wheelchair that the nurse was pushing, with Todd racing along the other side, and Devon trailing behind.  Jessica said, "Blair, you've done this before, it's going to be all right.  Do your breathing, you have to stop getting upset, your blood pressure will go up, and you don't want that do you?"

Blair said, "No. Owww."  She panted.

Todd was literally grayish green, as the wheelchair turned the corner, and they moved Blair into an emergency delivery room.  Jessica and Devon had stopped in the hallway to call Addie and Viki.  The doctor, coming up along side her, watched as her habit was cut from her.  Looking Todd up and down, he said, "I guess anything goes these days.  All right, Mr. Manning, is it?"

"Yes?"

"Go put these on."  Right now, we have to attend to your wife.  Let us do our jobs.  You can come back in for the delivery after we check her out."

Todd took the package that was thrust at him, and backed toward the door, shaking.  He was losing control and not sure what to do about it.  The door shut and he was standing, alone, in the silence of the hall.  He stared at himself in the reflection off the metallic door.  This is it, Manning.  You didn't really think everything would be all right, did you?  You didn't really fool yourself into thinking that this baby would be all right and that you and Blair would be happy.  Get ready.  Get ready, again.  He backed away to the other side of the hall, and found a bench there.  Sitting, he put his head into his hands and cried.

"You musn't," a voice said.

He looked up.  A kindly, older face, now surrounded by graying curls, was looking into his.  It was Sister Rebecca Katherine, and her hand was on his shoulder.  "You musn't do this."  He sniffed, wiping his tears on his sleeve, and fondled the package.  "What's that you have there?"

"The scrubs."  He leaned over, and sobbed again, between his knees.  Her hand moved to his back and she patted him, gently.

"You must get them on, and be there for the birth of your child.  Todd, is it?"

"Yeah."

"Ya can't decide already what God has planned for ya.  You musn't do that.  You must go and be with them, whatever comes."

"I don't deserve it, Sister.  He's going to take it from me, because I don't deserve it."

"Is that the way ya think God is?  Well, you're wrong.  He's not out to punish ya, my lad.  Ya do that yourself, enough, I can see.  All of us deserve love, Todd, and all of us have bad and good in us.  Clearly, ya have enough good to be making this child.  Now, go and be there for this moment in that child's life, and never look back."

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

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The Shadows Fall: Chapter 42

Jessica walked through the garden and back, around the familiar places, the game room, the solarium, under the trees where they had just made love the night before.  He was nowhere to be found.  Crushed, she went to Sister Rebecca Katherine, who was in the solarium praying, and quietly tapped her.  "Sister, I am sorry to interrupt you."

"Oh, that's all right dear.  It's getting on in the day, and we have big doings here today!  What can I do for ya?"

"Have you seen Devon?"

The nun thought carefully, and said, "Can't say that I have, not since he made his way back into the building late last night.  Ya might say he was covered in grass a bit."  She reached to the side of Jessica's hair and extracted a small twig.  Handing it to the younger woman, she said, "Haven't seen him since."

Jessica slumped to the chair, and put her ear onto her palm, resting her elbow on the table to prop her head up.  "Told you."

"What did you tell me, lass?  My memory seems to be failing me these days."

"I told you that I was afraid of ... falling for someone again.  He didn't say good-bye, nothing."

"Ah, that.  Well, let's not jump over the rainbow yet.  I'll go and check his room, will that be all right with you?"

"Yes, thank you."  Jessica stayed as the sister went to see if Devon was there.  She gazed back in her memory to the moments the night before, their time alone in the grove, him moving over her, and she trembled a little at the memory of his touch.  Sister Rebecca Katherine reappeared, not her jovial self.  

"He's gone.  There's not a trace of him.  Do you want to tell me what happened?"

Jessica began to cry, "I can't believe he left me.  He told me he loved me last night, and now..."

"There, there, dear.  Stop crying now.  You can't cry over spilled milk, they say, and you definitely can't cry over spilled whiskey."

Jessica looked at her quizzically.  "Huh?"

"Don't get yourself all upset over this.  Maybe he had to go, for some reason, and he'll contact you and let you know?"

Jessica sighed, "Maybe.  I feel foolish."

The nun said, "Love makes fools of people, it's just the way it is.  Now, let's get you some breakfast, because our guests are arriving soon and we all have to be ready for the celebratory rosary and mass."

***

Todd looked at Blair and she back at him.  "You always did make a great nun,"  he said.

"So did you, and it's not worn off either.  Glad you shaved, that never would have worked.  I like this outfit, you can't see my huge belly as much."

"Are you ready for this?"  he asked.

"Yep!  We get in, we get her, and we get out."

"Review the plan."

"Okay, we go in, we participate in the ceremony stuff, watching the Jessica carefully to make sure she's not approached by any guests.  Then, when the mass is over, we get her and just take her off with us to safety.  Does that sound right?"

"When the mass has ended, we go in peace,"  he said.

"Do you think this is going to work?"

"The very least it will do is get us in there to warn her and keep her safe."

"Devon's going to be with us, right?"

"Yeah, he said he'd meet us here.  Where the heck is he?"

At that moment, there was a knock on the penthouse door.  Todd opened it.  In his long hair and the skirts and scapular, Todd made Devon do a double take.  "Hi, I guess.  I really feel stupid in this."  Devon also had the traditional black habit of priests, with white accents and collar, which he carried in his hand.  "People must think I'm crazy.  Not sure I can do it."

"They don't think you're crazy, they think you're a priest.  Now put on the collar, and let's get out of here."  Todd said.  "I think it's better if you drive my SUV, in the limo, we'd be a spectacle."

"In the limo we'd be a spectacle?  How does it look for two nuns, one of which is pregnant, and a priest, to drive up on St. Anne's?  I mean, nothing against you two, but how can you really think you can get into there this way."

"Uh, trust me kid, we know.  Let's go.  Blair?"

"Right here, I was just getting a snack," she said, eating a chicken leg.  She threw away the remnants and wiped her hands and mouth.  "All right, let's go."

In the car, they solidified the details of the plan.  Devon would stick close to Jessica, and Todd and Blair would observe her from a bit of a distance.  All of them would keep her in their sights, careful not to draw attention to themselves as strangers.

When Devon pulled the car up in front of St. Anne's, the parking lot was overflowing with guests.  Nuns, priests, visitors, relatives, and friends roamed the area.  It was a sunny, cool spring day, just in time for The May Crowning.

"I can't believe we're doing this.  You said it worked before?"  Devon asked them, turning his head to them in the back seat.

"Yeah, and take those earphones out, before you give everything away,"  Todd said.

Devon looked in the mirror, "You're a man, dressed as a nun, and you're worried about my earphones?  Maybe, you should have just left your goatee and mustache and gone as Jesus."

Todd sneered at him, and said, "Look, we're old hats at this, what's your excuse?  Follow our lead.  Look how many nuns and fathers there are!  You'll fit right in.  Come up with a name, and act the part."

"I don't know, Father John?"

"Fine.  Pretend you can't speak English, it goes further."

After disembarking the vehicle, they went their separate ways.  Todd and Blair casually drifted among the swarms of nuns and guests, and without warning were approached by a jolly-looking sister in glasses, habit and headpiece.  "Ah, nice to see some more new faces, my dears, I'm Sister Rebecca Katherine.  Welcome to St. Anne's."

Todd changed his voice, and said, "I"m Sister Elizabeth Arden, and this is..."

"Sister Clinique," Blair responded, without thinking.  He elbowed her, and she smiled.

Todd said, "She doesn't speak much English, she's from the Holy Order of the French Quarter."

"I see, well, welcome, both of you, we'll be starting the rosary soon, just take your places in the pews."

Todd looked at Blair, "Sister Clinique?"  he whispered.

"How is that any worse than Sister Elizabeth Arden?"  she whispered back.

"At least I have two names!"

"We're going in to do the rosary now, Todd, you have to follow my lead."  She took rosary beads from her pocket and handed him a strand, which he started to put on as a necklace.

"No, you use them for praying!"  She whispered, frantic.  "God!"

"What?  I'm not doing anything."

"Just follow exactly what I do.  I know this church stuff more than you do.  One of my foster families was Catholic."

"All right.  Fine.  There's Jessica."  He spotted her across the church.  They took their seats in the final pew.  Todd noticed Devon, close behind Jessica, wearing the mustache and wig they had gotten for him.  "There's that lying..."

Blair said, "Shhhhh.  We're in a church, now remember, do what I do."

He quieted down.  As the group began to assemble for the rosary to begin, he noticed a very tall, very strong and very black man approaching Jessica also from behind.  Devon was between the two of them, and Todd recognized him immediately, and whispered to Blair, "Finn's assistant.  Right there."

Devon, who was feigning reading the Bible, turned to look on all sides, spotting Todd and Blair, both gave him a nod to the right, at which he turned, scanning all of the people, before resting on the man behind him, and turning back to his book.  

Todd said, "He recognized him."

Blair said, "Quiet."

Without warning, Sister Rebecca Katherine moved into the same pew and pushed Todd and Blair over with a bump of her ample hips.  "Goodness, I can't see a thing.  I've totally lost my glasses, or misplaced them!  I have to be cordial to my fellow Europeans, you know.  I'm from Ireland."

Todd, not in a whisper, said, "Oh great."  Blair elbowed him in the ribs, and he said, "So glad to have your company," in his nun-voice.

When the ceremony started, Blair and the nun took the beads and began to follow, all three were on their knees, and Todd was doing what Blair was doing.  She took her beads into her hand, he did the same.  She touched a specific bead, he did the same.  She knelt, he did.  She stood, he did.  All the while, he had his eyes on the new visitor near Jessica and Devon, as well.

***

John was on the walkie talkie with Bo, who had been called in for extra assistance.  "It's bad, Bo, they can't account for all of the prisoners.  At last count, about ten were missing."

"What about Hesser?"

"He's here.  So far, nothing.  I think we can safely say that this riot has developed into a break."

Bo said, "I'll get right on this, have the local papers report it with accuracy, so the citizens know what's happening.  I think we ought to ask for assistance from the FBI, John."

"I'm on it.  Already called my contacts."  They ended their talk.  John turned to several other policemen.  "Keep strong tabs on the entrances and exits.  We have to try not to let any more prisoners get past us.  Llanview won't know what hit them."

"Another three dead,"  Natalie approached John, "guards, not prisoners.  LPD just called, possible hostage situation back in Llanview.  One of the prisoners escaped and perpetrated a home invasion."

John's ire was up.  "It's getting out of hand, here, people.  Until the FBI gets here, let's try and keep it status quo."  He feared the break was going to spiral further out of control.  At this point, Hesser was where he should be; that was one relief.  He had not seen the list of missing prisoners, but would check on it as soon as the tension let up.  Right now, he needed to prevent more from getting past them and down into Llanview.

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