Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 65

            Blair lay in Todd’s arms looking over at the nursery. She was now safely into her eighth month and so far so good.  The partitions had been backlit and were providing a warm glow to the room. She looked over and really studied them, noting something in them she hadn’t noticed before. Every partition had a small black dragon in it. In one, he was flying over Sleeping Beauty’s castle as the prince led his princess into the courtyard. In another, he could be seen keeping a watchful eye, just inside the trees, on Snow White as her prince awoke her.  Amazingly, he sat curled atop Cinderella’s coach as she went to the ball, and lastly, he was depicted as the Beast in the panel of Beauty and The Beast. Todd had once again put his own spin on his fairy tales.   She giggled softly as she remembered his fractured fairy tale the night she lost it over Max. She snuggled closer and drifted off to sleep.

It was early morning, Todd awoke suddenly when he felt Blair jerk in his arms. “Babe, what is it?”

Blair felt a contraction hit her. “I think I’m in labor.”

“What! No! It’s too early.  Are you sure the contractions are for real?  Maybe it’s just one of those Braxton Hicks things.” He gasped as her hand suddenly grabbed his side tightly.

“I don’t think it’s them. God!” She panted quietly through gritted teeth and then took a deep breath. “ We need to go. Now! There’s still time. My water hasn’t broken yet.” She rolled over and climbed out of bed.  Grabbing her robe. “I’m going to alert Starr.  She and Cole can stay with the boys.  Get Williams.”

Todd jumped into his jeans and grabbed a t-shirt, picking up his cell at the same time. “Williams, bring the car around it’s time.”

Starr was hugging her mom and encouraging her to be calm as Todd exited their suite. “Mom, don’t worry about a thing.  I’ll get the boys up and we’ll be ready to drive down when Williams gets back here. Now take it easy and remember your breathing.”

Todd insisted on taking the elevator down, he didn’t want to hurry the labor any faster because Blair walked the stairs. The doors had just closed when Blair reached for his arm clinging to it as she had another contraction in the elevator.  Todd decided it was time to start counting how many minutes were between each one.  They headed out the door and found Williams waiting with the door open.  “God Blair, I can’t believe this is happening again. Why can’t your babies ever wait until the right time?” He said as he lowered her into the car.

Blair looked at Todd, astonished. “They come when they’re ready to come. Do you think a couple more weeks would have made this less stressful?” She shook her head and grabbed his hand again as he settled next to her. “Here comes another one. I think we have time to make it to the hospital.”

“Babe these contractions are only about four minutes apart.  At this rate we won’t even make it off the mountain.”  Todd shook his hand as soon as Blair released it.  Seeing her look , he commented “Hey you just don’t realise your own grip.”

Blair gave him a glare then thought better of it.  He was doing his best. “Just don’t panic. You’ve already delivered your son.  I trust you if something happens and you have to deliver this one.”

Todd paled at the thought and reached for the liquor cabinet.

“Don’t you dare, Mister? I need my husband sober. We’re going to be alright, just tell Williams to pick up the pace a little bit.”  Blair bit her lip, as another wave hit her, and couldn’t quite stifle a groan.

“You heard her, Williams, drive as fast as you can and still get us there safely.”  Todd sat there patiently timing Blair’s contractions.  He had decided the best way to save his hand was to give her his arm to grip instead. He helped her breathe through the next two noting the time between was getting closer. “ You’re doing fine Blair.  That last one didn’t seem as bad.”  

“Speak for yourself.  I’m getting the feeling your daughter is anxious to make an appearance.”  To prove her point, she gripped his arm again and began her breathing   She was using Todd’s dragon watch as a focus point, as she rode the contractions from start to finish.

Seeing that the contractions were now only two minutes apart, he decided to put in a call to John to see if they could get a police escort once they hit the city. “John, sorry for the early call.  We’re on our way into town. The baby is coming and she’s not wasting any time..  Can you help?” He listened and then closed the call. “John will have a police car meet us as we enter the city.  That should expedite the lights.”

They just cleared the mountain when water gushed out, soaking the limo floor. “Oh, God, we’re not going to make it.” Blair cried as a hard contraction took her. They were coming every minute now and Blair was almost hyperventilating as she tried to breath through them. They had picked up the escort but were a good twenty minutes still from the hospital. “Todd, I’m sorry.”

“Babe, what are you sorry about? We’re almost there. Just hold on, it won’t be long now.”

“Todd, there is no more time, the baby’s coming. You’re going to have to deliver her.”

“Damn.  Williams pull over now. Get Llanview hospital on the phone and tell them what’s going on. You’re sure, Blair?”

“I’m sure, Todd. I want to push, it’s time.”

With the limo stopped, Todd went to work. He reached into the liquor cabinet and grabbed out the whiskey and took out his pocket knife. Luckily, he had grabbed his good pair of shoes, so he took out one of the laces. Using the liquor he sterilized both the lace and his pocket knife and then help Blair get comfortable on the bench seat.  As he covered her from view he heard a knock on the window and opened it.

“Is everything alright in there? Why did you pull over?” It was Officer Fish.

“Everything’s fine. Fish, see if you can find me a something clean I can wrap the baby in. She’s coming now.”  Todd didn’t wait to see if Fish understood him or not.  He turned back to Blair.  She had been breathing hard, trying desperately to avoid pushing until Todd told her to. Todd looked and saw his daughter’s head crowning.  “Okay Babe, push when you’re ready.”  

Relieved to be able to push, Blair gave her daughter a shove. 

“Okay Babe, her head is out, and here comes her shoulders.  One more push, Blair.” As she pushed, Todd’s daughter dropped into his hands.  He caught her gently, wiping her nose and clearing her mouth.  She started making small little cries as her lungs filled.  The sound was clear as a bell.  He laughed and looked at Blair.  “She’s here, you did it.” 

She was tiny and perfect and she was breathing on her own.  Todd cut the umbilical cord, and tied off both ends then laid his daughter on Blair’s tummy.  “She’s beautiful. And so is her mother.” He reached up and smoothed away Blair’s tangled lock of hair from off her face. “I love you, Mrs. Manning.”

With her hand on her child, Blair replied back. “I love you, too.”

Fish arrived back, obviously out of breath, but handed a nice clean tablecloth into the limo. They could hear the ambulance in the distance. “How is it going?” He asked.

“Great, she’s here..” Using water from the bar, Todd cleaned off his daughter the best he could and wrapped her up. Then he laid her in her mother’s arms.  Once the ambulance pulled up, Todd took his daughter back and let the EMTs remove Blair to the ambulance. There they worked on Blair making sure all afterbirth procedures were covered.  Once she was settled, the baby was checked out and placed in the incubator for transportation to the hospital. As they left, Fish offered to still provide an escort for the limo and Todd made it to the hospital right on the tail of the ambulance.

Less than an hour later, Todd and Blair were allowed to see their daughter. She weighed in at four pounds, eight ounces, but she was breathing on her own. The doctors insisted she spend at least one night in the NICU nursery just so they could monitor her if any problems arose.  The moment they mentioned problems, Blair had gotten alarmed. But her fears were quickly laid to rest, when the nursery staff told her they “didn’t really expect any trouble, the baby was doing fine.” 

  

Dr. Conklin checked on Blair and said she too had come through the delivery with flying colors.  Later, Blair and Todd sat in the NICU nursery taking turns holding their little girl.  One of the nurses came over and told them their other children had arrived.  Todd picked up the baby and moved to the window so all of them could see her.  Through the glass, he heard their remarks.

“Dad, she’s beautiful.” said Starr. She looked at her dad standing there so proud, knowing this was the first time he had truly been in this position.  He had missed her birth and fumbled Jack’s, but this time everything was as it should be. ‘ I love you” she lip-synced to him. He nodded back with tears in his eyes.

“Wow, she’s sure is tiny. Will we get to hold her?” asked Sam.

“Sure Sam, but you’ll have to be very careful.” replied Starr.

Jack looked at his little sister and was glad she had arrived okay but he couldn’t help feeling a little sad as he recalled what he had been told of his birth, and how it had played out.

Todd saw Jack’s face as he looked at his little sister and then watched it change from happiness to sadness.  He knew instantly what Jack was thinking about.  He kissed his daughter’s forehead, smiled at his kids and walked the baby back to Blair.  After a few words to her and the nurse, he headed for the door of the nursery, shed his gown and went outside to talk to them directly.

“The nurse said if you gown up, you can go in and see the baby.  She’s allowing it since we’re the only ones here this early. Starr, why don’t you take Sam in and help him. Jack and I will be in there next.”  Todd said.

He waited until Starr and Sam were through the door. Then he turned to his son. “You were a big help to me today.”

Jack looked at him in surprise. “What do you mean?’

“I had to deliver your little sister.  If I hadn’t delivered you all those years ago, things could have gone a lot different.  I just kept remembering everything I did to bring you into the world and it calmed me down.  When you were born, I was a basket case.  Sam and Doctor Troy MacIver talked me through it by phone.  I thought your mom was going to shoot me because I was so inept.”  Todd met his son’s eyes.  He knew his had unshed tears in them.  “You were a beautiful baby, early, like your sisters.  I didn’t know that at the time.  If I had,  I might have known you were mine. I can be pretty dense when it comes to common sense.” He took a moment to wipe the tears out of his eyes with the back of his hand. “I can’t take back what I did. It happened and I’ll always regret it because it cost me all of you for a long time.  But, Jack, you’re my flesh and blood and you’re now a big brother to a little sister. You have my permission to be very overprotective of her.  Remember, you helped bring her into the world.”

Jack swallowed hard, fighting his own tears as he listened intently to his father. He had been feeling down, but now he actually felt a little cheered up. Even though his birth hadn’t turned out the way he would have liked, it now had been turned into a reason to be happy.  He had helped his little sister be born. Wow. “Can we go see her now?”

“Sure, let’s go.” Todd puts his arm around his son’s shoulder and walked back into the nursery with him.

***

A couple of days later the house was filled with activity as all were preparing to welcome Blair and the new baby home.  Everyone was busy when the doorbell rang.   Todd happened to be coming down the stairs and went to open it .  “Yes?’  

“Delivery for Mr. and Mrs. Manning.” 

Todd looked at the object the man was holding.  It appeared to be a picture judging by the shape of it.  Who would be sending a picture to them?  Maybe Tomas, he had finally gotten his gallery reopened.  Todd reached for the picture,setting it inside, and handed a tip to the delivery man.  Todd hated surprises, even if this might be from Tomas.  Todd was going to check it out carefully.  He lifted the picture and headed for his office.  Once inside he shut the door, and took his time looking at the wrapping around the picture.

“What’s the matter Todd?” Samuel inquired.

“I don’t know.  Someone sent this, but I’m getting a creepy vibe from it.”

“You don’t think it’s safe?”

“After this last year and a half, would you?”

“I guess not.  But this is a happy day.  Leave it until tomorrow.  Go get your wife and new baby.  We’ll deal with the picture later.” 

“You’re right. I don’t see any wires or anything.  What kind of harm can a picture do?”  

Todd stepped away from the object and glanced at his watch. “I’m late, Blair’s going to have my head.”  There was a knock on his door.

“Dad, you better hurry.” Starr said as she opened the door. “By the way, I found this envelope sitting on the floor in  front hall.” She handed it to him .  “Don’t forget Mom’s waiting.”

Todd looked at the envelope and a chill ran down his back.  Opening it, he pulled the note free of the envelope.

My Dear Sir,

     My congratulations.   Your latest plan was faultless.  Once again I underestimated you.    I understand your lovely wife has given birth to a new daughter, please accept my humble gift to celebrate the event.  I look forward to our next encounter.

Sincerely,

C. H.

Todd crushed the letter in his hand.   It can’t be.  He’s supposed to be in jail.   Todd tore  open the paper covering the picture.  His heart lurched as he recognized the portrait. That son of a bitch.  He stared at the painting Samuel had done of Blair crying over an empty cradle.

My God, Todd, he didn’t?   Samuel whispered in his head.

Damn right he did!  That bastard just threatened my daughter.  I don’t understand how he got out of jail.  There’s no way I can let Blair see this.

You’re right. You need to get rid of it. Give it to Williams and have him dispose of it. There’s nothing we can do about him right now.  Blair’s waiting for you.  

God, Samuel, you don’t think? ...I’ve got to get to Blair.  Todd recovered the portrait and took it with him to the car. He had Williams put it in the trunk and gave him his instructions regarding the disposal. Then he got in the limo.  The whole ride down the mountain his heart was racing. 

Todd, you need to calm down.

I can’t.  What if he already made good on his threat?  Am I going to get to the hospital and find out my child is missing?

Blair would have called if there was a problem.  Carlo wants to scare you.  You can’t play his game.  Seriously, he’s not going to make his move right now.  With everything that’s happened with Mitch, I think it’s safe to say he’s decided to take a backseat for now.  We’re lucky he has such an ego.  Forewarned is forearmed.  You know he’s out now.  Before we had no idea.

Todd realized Samuel had made some good points.  Carlo had obviously been out for some time and hadn’t done anything.  You’re right.  He loves dramatic gestures. This was his way of getting under my skin and making me get careless.  Thanks, Samuel, Blair and the baby are fine.  They’re coming home and I’ll handle Carlo the same way I handled Mitch, if he even comes close to my family.

The limo pulled up in front of the hospital and Todd left Williams waiting at the entrance, he practically ran down the hall trying to get to Blair’s room.  Relief washed over him as he stood in the doorway looking at his wife and baby.  She was sitting on the bed, holding the baby, talking to some official looking person. He smiled, there was no way her homecoming was going to be ruined by Hesser. 

“One last thing before you go.  What name do you give your daughter?” Said the registrar.

Blair smiled over at Todd.  “You made the decision  You get to tell her.”

Todd walked over and stood next to his wife and child. “Her name is Belle Kymberly Manning.” He held out his hands and Blair handed him his daughter.  She was so tiny in his hands, he marveled at every perfect little part of her.  For someone so small she had fought to survive right alongside her mother. “ Belle,” he whispered close to her head. “it’s time to go home.” Holding his daughter close to his chest, he held out the other hand to her mother. “Are you ready to go, Blair?”

Blair took his hand. “With you?  Always, Todd.”

My Brother's Keeper Epilogue

A short while later, Todd pulled into the emergency room bay at the Pine Valley Hospital.  He was being chased by several police cars, who pulled in behind him.  The officers emerged from their cars with guns drawn.  Todd stepped out of his car with his hands raised. “Officers, there is no need for guns.  My brother is seriously injured, and I needed to get him here a quick as possible.  I’ll be glad to answer your questions if you’ll let my wife get him some help.”

Blair peered from the car. She watched as an officer came to the door his gun still trained on Todd.  He opened the door and looked in.  Victor was struggling to breathe, and his color was off.

The officer lowered his gun “You may step out, Mam.”  He helped Blair from the car.  “You go with that officer.  I need to have a few more words with your husband.”

Blair looked at Todd, reluctant to leave him, but he nodded and she hurried through the ER doors to get help.  In seconds, a gurney was outside the door, and the officer that had been with Blair emerged along with a couple of orderlies.  They soon had Victor on it and were wheeling it into the hospital.  Todd and Blair spent the next few minutes explaining how they had found Todd’s brother badly beaten and brought him to the hospital.

The officer, who had waylaid Todd, now asked.  “So you just found him like that?  You didn’t see who did that to him?”

Blair and Todd both replied “No.”  Luckily, the officer chose not to pursue the matter further.  He gave Todd a ticket for speeding and went to find the doctor to check on Victor’s condition.

Blair looked at Todd, then whacked his shoulder. “Are you crazy?  You almost got yourself killed by those guys.  Why didn’t you just stop when they tried to pull you over?”

Todd rubbed his shoulder. “You said to hurry, and I meant it when I said I had to get Victor someplace still alive.  You were with him in the backseat.  You know he wasn’t waking up.  I figured once they saw him they’d drop the reckless endangerment charges.”

“Todd, we just lied to the police.  This story is going to come out sometime, and they’re not going to be too happy with us.”  Blair stopped.  Just thinking about how much more trouble they might be in, was giving her a headache.  She sat down and began rubbing her head carefully.

Todd dropped to his haunches beside her.  “What’s the matter?  They did hurt you, didn’t they?  I want you checked out.”

“Todd, I told you I’m all right.  It’s just a headache.  I can hear Bo now, he’ll be reading us the riot act for going it alone again.”

“I don’t give a damn.  If he and Nora hadn’t been so intent on pointing their fingers at me, maybe Victor could have been found sooner, and you wouldn’t have been taken.”  Todd sat down next to Blair and pulled her into his arms.  As she rested her head on his shoulder, his free hand reached for her temple, and his fingers gently began to massage her forehead.  “Blair, when that call came into my office, it was Deja Vu all over again.  I kept hearing Mitch’s voice taunting me.  Back then I was desperate for you to let me back into your life.  I got a little crazy and ended up bungling everything.  When Calmar got on the line, I vowed that this time I would do it right.”

She hugged him.  “I remembered that time too, but this time I knew things were different.  We’ve both changed a lot in the last eight years, but one thing has remained constant in my life.  I never stopped loving you.  The last few days brought all of those feelings surging to the top, and for the first time in a long time, I knew you were there for me no matter what.”  She moved her head to listen to his heart.  “Yes, it’s still there.  For years, you tried you so hard to make people think you didn’t have one, but I knew it was there from the start.  Just like I knew you would do anything to make me happy the night we made Starr.  I’m happy, Todd, and you did that.  Your love makes me happy.”  She snuggled deeper into his hold and rested against him.  She felt the gentle touch of his lips against the top of her head and smiled to herself.  She was home where she belonged.

Todd held her and knew the minute she nodded off.  He had noticed the bruising on her face and temple.  It was obvious she had been hit or had hit something, and he was going to make sure she got looked at.   He heard a commotion at the entrance to the Emergency room and from his vantage point, he saw three familiar figures come into the room.  One was nursing a shoulder wound and the other two looked like they had been rolling around on asphalt.  It was their attire he recognized.  They were Calmar’s men.  His reporter’s mind wanted to know what had happened.  They had been fine when he had pulled away from the exchange site.  Who or what had attacked them and why?   Not wanting to disturb Blair, he sat there just observing the ruckus.  Then he saw Officer Brody walk in with several other gentlemen in law enforcement.  Their eyes connected, and Brody gave him a look, then turned his attention to the three prisoners.

“What’s Brody doing here?” Blair said.

Todd looked down to her. “I haven’t the foggiest.  But if I were to take a guess, I think he was following me.  I also think he’s the reason Calmar’s men look so beat up.”

“You mean you didn’t order Baker to do that?”

“Hell no! When did I have time to order Baker to do anything?   His orders were to keep Calmar pinned down and keep him on the defensive until we were out of there.  Then he was to leave.  If Brody was following me, he must have attempted to capture Calmar and his men after we left.”

“I don’t see Calmar here.  Do you think he got away?”

“Possibly.  He did have a plane standing by.  He’s the least of my worries right now.  I wonder what Brody told the cops?”

“If you’re right, he saw the whole exchange.  They’re not coming over here, maybe he left your name out of it.”

“Maybe?   But it won’t be long before he contacts Bo if he hasn’t already.  The minute Bo arrives he’s going to want answers.  For the time being, I hope they leave us alone.”  Just then the ER doctor who had been in with Victor came out.  Todd stood up and moved to him.  “How’s my brother?”

“Your brother appears to have sustained numerous blows to his upper body and they broke a couple of ribs.  One of the ribs punctured his lung, causing it to collapse.  We’re preparing him for surgery to remove the rib and inflate the lung.  He will need complete bed rest for at least a couple more weeks, but he’s going to be all right.”

“Is he awake?”

“Yes, you may see him but keep it short.   We’ll be taking him to the OR soon.”  The doctor started to leave.  

Todd frowned when he saw Brody approach the doctor.  Blair joined him and took his hand.  “Let’s go see Victor, worrying about Brody and what he’s up to, won’t help anything.”  She pulled Todd through the curtain and then stopped at Victor’s bedside.

Todd looked down at a man he had a one time hated.  They were identical twins. and they would always have some connection because of that but that’s where it ended.   “So, I’m waiting.”

Victor looked up.  “For what?” he whispered.

“Your thanks.” Then Todd reached out mentally as he waited for an answer.  It’s over Victor.  You got your life back and I got mine.  It ends here.  You stole eight years of my life and I just saved yours.  You owe me big time and I’m collecting. Have you got that?

Victor’s eyes narrowed.  I hear you, but it’s not over.  Still. “Thanks”  he choked out just as the curtain was flung open.  Todd and Blair stepped back, as a frantic Tea rushed forward and began touching Victor’s face.  Todd saw Bo out in the hallway.  He was deep in a discussion with John and Brody.  The orderlies interrupted Tea’s reunion to take Victor to surgery.  Todd and Blair watched as she walked alongside demanding answers and giving orders.

Blair tugged at Todd’s sleeve. “Let’s go, Todd.  Tea’s here now and he’s going to make it.”

Before they could make their escape. Bo stopped them. “Hold on you two.  I thought you learned your lesson when you attempted to trade Natalie for Blair.  Do you realize you all could have been killed this time, Manning?”

Todd straightened his shoulders and turned to face Bo. “I knew exactly what I was facing and I decided it was worth the risk.  Blair and Victor were going to be killed if I didn’t cooperate.  Shit, I sent Louie to John.  Since he’s here, I’m guessing you got the compound and everyone there.  Your man Brody, over there, brought in the three who were holding Blair and Victor.  I think everything went pretty smoothly actually.”

“You do know Calmar made his escape?  Aren’t you worried he’ll try to get you again?”

“Calmar got what he’s been looking for.  When he finds out you took down his organization, he’ll probably just disappear for a while.  He’s all alone now.  I’m betting the CIA will be looking for him.  What’s to worry about?”

“Damn it, Manning, I should arrest you for that stunt you pulled the night before last.  But for now, I’d just like the name of the man who helped you out there today.”

“What man?”

“Don’t do that Manning.  Brody said someone had Calmar targeted. He also said that same someone shot one of Calmar’s men before the guy could shoot him.”

“Sounds like whoever it was, did Brody a favor.  Sorry Bo, I don’t know a thing about it.”

Bo was furious.  He was used to Manning flagrantly ignoring the law, but he had no proof Manning had anything to do with the unknown shooter, and Brody never saw the man.   He stopped and took a deep breath.  “The doctors say Victor is going to make it.  How about you Blair?  Are you okay?”

“I’m dandy, Bo.  I just want to go home.”

“I need an official statement from you, Blair.  You were kidnapped”

“Why?”

“We’ll need your testimony to help convict these guys.”

“Fine, I’ll give my statement at your office, tomorrow.  Don’t know how much good it will do you, I never saw anyone but the guy who took me to begin with.”

“Very well, tomorrow at my office.  You’re not going to stick around until Victor is out of surgery.”

Blair looked at Todd, who shook his head no, and back at Bo. “We know he’s alive.  I want to let the kids know before they see it on television.  Now, can we go?”

Bo nodded.  Brody, John, and Bo watched as Todd and Blair left.

John turned to Bo. “ Manning might have saved Victor’s life, but I get the impression he’s still doesn’t feel all fuzzy for his brother.”

“I think you’re right.  One son of Victor Lord Sr. was a headache, two will probably be the death of me.  Nora is going to be fit to be tied after all this.”  Bo saw the Pine Valley Police Chief walk into the ER.  “Brody, arrange for the transfer of your three prisoners and then write up your report.  The same goes for you, John.  The CIA wants an update as soon as we can give it to them on that compound.  Also, I want to talk to Louie tomorrow, too.  Get him there, John.  For now, I better fill Chief Hubbard in on what’s happened in the last 48 hrs.  Then I’ll find out how soon we can get Victor transferred to Llanview Hospital.   Tomorrow’s going to be another long day.”

****

Todd and Blair had headed home, but after Blair dozed off in mid-sentence, Todd took her to the ER at Llanview hospital, insisting they look at her.  

After some x-rays and blood tests, the doctor returned with the results.  “You sustained a minor concussion and your blood test revealed that there are still traces of a sedative in your system.  You can go home, but someone will have to keep an eye on you tonight,” said the ER doctor as he faced Blair.

“I can do that.  Is it okay for her to sleep?” Todd asked.

“Yes, but if you can’t rouse her.  Get help immediately.” the doctor wrote on her chart and released her.

Blair had smiled to herself when Todd had gotten all protective of her. Now she sat in the car and looked at him.  “Umm, just how are you going to keep an eye on me, tonight?’

“Easy, I’ll just spend what’s left of the night at La Boulaie. I let you out of my sight yesterday morning and you ended up kidnapped.  If I have to, I’ll sneak in, but I’m staying, no arguments.  We need to make a quick stop at the office and then I’ll take you home.”

Todd and Blair walked back into his office.  She watched in surprise as Todd walked to his safe and opened it.  He removed a small handgun from his pocket and put it away.

“I didn’t know you had that?  You’re lucky the Cops didn’t know it either.”

“Well, I was hoping I wouldn’t have to use it.  I stuffed it down under the car seat when I got out at the hospital.”

“Where do you think Calmar will go?”

“Don’t know, don’t care.”

“Now that he has the chip, it will be business as usual for him, won’t it?”

Todd stood there for a minute, then burst out laughing.

Blair sat up.  “Why are you laughing?  What Calmar and his guys were doing hurt a lot of people.  I know you gave him the chip to save me, but I wish you could have avoided it.  The truth should have come out.  Now he’s gotten away with it.”

Todd moved to his desk.  There on the monitor was the reason for his mirth.  He turned to face Blair, grinning from ear to ear.  “That‘s just it, Blair.  The truth is already out there.  I warned Calmar if he tried to double-cross me, the secrets would come out.  I meant to be back here earlier.  Only my password was going to stop the leak.   Don’t you get it?”  Blair shook her head, bewildered.  Todd turned the monitor so she could see what he saw.  “The information went out over the net.  Everything on the chip can be read by anyone.  Joe Schmoe can read it, heck anyone in law enforcement or government, here or around the world, can read it..   Calmar is finished.”

Blair stood looking at the picture on the Monitor, that was playing over and over.  A little bomb exploded and a skull appeared cackling “So Sorry!”  Then she realized what Todd was telling her.  She started giggling. and hugged him. “Looks like he got the same treatment Max got in the end.   Nothing like one of Todd Manning’s cyber bombs to ruin your day.”  

Todd chuckled and folded her close to his heart. There was only one thing left to do. “Blair, it’s over.  I’ve been wanting to do this since I got home.” He reached into his top drawer and pulled out a small box.  Going down on his knees, he opened the box and he looked up at her.  “This time there are no secrets, no lies.  All I have is me.  I love you and I want you back.  Mrs. Manning, will you marry me?”

Blair looked down at Todd.  He never failed to surprise her.  With her heart filled with love, she gave him her answer.  “Yes, I’ll marry you, Mr. Manning.”                                                                         

My Brother's Keeper #17

Blair woke a second time.  Her arm ached where they had grabbed her and injected her with a needle. It was hard to focus, and her mouth felt like it had cotton in it.  Whatever they had given her was slowly wearing off. She was leaning against someone, and even through her fog, she realized the person next to her was in worse shape than she was.  His breathing was labored, and she heard a slight whistling sound when he breathed.  It has to be Victor.  He was in the room with you.  If they grabbed you, they must have also taken him.  Even with her eyes blindfolded, she sensed someone else was nearby.  She tried to sit up straighter to relieve her shoulders and arms and discovered her hands were now tied behind her.  She groaned softly and collapsed back against the seat.  A voice she didn’t know spoke up.

“She‘s waking up, Sir….I understand.  No, still no movement from him.  Yes, very well Sir.”

Blair had no idea who her captor was, but she wondered if he was conversing with Tomas or Calmar.  If Todd was right, they were the ones who had been holding Victor all this time.  As her brain began to clear, she realized she was in a car, and they were obviously headed someplace.  Think Blair.  You’ve left the compound.  If they wanted you dead, they would have already done it.  They’re going to use you to get to Todd.  That has to be it.  Blair began to work on the rope binding her hands.  She could feel some give in them.  If she could free her hands, then maybe the opportunity would arise to remove her blindfold and see where they were.

“Lady, take it easy.  We’re just going for a little ride.  If you behave yourself, you’ll see your boyfriend again.  The blindfold is for your protection.  The less you know the better.  I really don’t want to have to kill you.  Sorry about the hands, Boss’ orders.”

Blair stopped messing with her bonds.  “What do you mean, I’ll get  to see my boyfriend?”

“Just what I said.  It’s all arranged.  He gets you two, and we get what we’ve been searching for a long time, provided he doesn’t play dirty with us.”

“This man next to me is hurt.  He needs a doctor.”

“Yes, well, unfortunately, that can’t be helped.  I’m taking you where I’ve been ordered.  When we get there, if everything goes as planned, you’ll soon be with your guy.  You’re lucky.  Not everyone ends up with a happy ending.  When the time comes I’ll let your hands free and you can help your friend there.  In the meantime, I suggest you relax, we’re not far from our destination now.”

Blair sat still and decided to just keep her ears opened.   Maybe her captor would make a mistake, and she would find out who he was reporting to. She sat there running over his words to her. “You’ll soon be with your guy.” Her guy had to be Todd.  Of course, it’s Todd.  After the stunt you pulled with him last night, it has to be..  That’s what put all this in motion.  She clung to the idea that Todd was on his way to rescue her again.  This time, she just knew he would succeed.  The ride wasn’t much longer as she felt the car begin to slow down.  She heard the sound of airplanes in the area.

“Here we go, Lady.  Just do as I tell you, and this will be over soon.”   

****

 Todd pulled onto the access road leading to the alternate runway not in use that day.  Up ahead, he could make out two vehicles sitting next to a hangar.  There was a plane close by. “You’re not planning on staying around are you, Calmar?”  He sent a text message and slowly drove to the meeting ahead.

His phone rang, and he looked at the message on the screen.

The enemy has been neutralized, and the target has been acquired, proceed.

Todd continued his drive toward the vehicles.  Right before departing he had gotten a shock when Victor reached out to him only to fall silent immediately.  It had taken everything in him not to panic.  Todd’s hands gripped the wheel, he was terrified for Blair.  This was all too reminiscent of the time Mitch had Blair.  You’re not that same guy.  You’ll save her this time.

He slowed to a stop and waited, looking around trying to make sure Calmar wasn’t going to double-cross him.  He opened his door and stepped out, remaining by the car.  “Okay, you bastard, the next move is yours.”   He watched as Claude Calmar stepped out of the opposite car.

“Mr. Manning, it’s nice to meet a man who’s motivated to be on time.  My colleagues should be arriving with my cargo any minute.  Let’s complete our business, I have a flight to catch.”  As he said that an ambulance arrived and parked next to the cargo hold of the airplane.  “There it is, really let’s get this finished.  You have my chip, and I have Ms.Cramer and your brother.  It’s a simple exchange.  You give me the chip, and you get them.”

“I want to see them.  I need to know they’re all right.”

Calmar turned and spoke quietly to his driver who stepped out of the car.  His face was covered so Todd couldn’t identify him.  He walked over to the second car.  The driver of the second car exited, his face also masked.  They opened the back doors and reached in.  The driver of the second car pulled Blair out.  She stumbled against him, he stabilized her and removed her blindfold while Calmar’s driver and a third man, drew Victor from the car.

“There, you see, they are still alive,” said Calmar looking at his prisoners and back to Todd.  Now it’s your turn.  Show me the chip.”

“Blair, are you okay?”  Todd yelled across the space.  She looked all right, but she was swaying in the man’s arms and Victor was obviously hurt.

“Uh-uh, Mr. Manning,” Calmar spoke, as the driver clamped a hand across Blair’s mouth.  “No conversing until I see my chip.”

Reluctantly Todd pulled the briefcase out of the car and opened it to reveal the chip nestled inside.  He walked it halfway across the gap, then closed it.  He was trying to keep cool, but his hands were sweating. You better hope your plan works, Todd, or you’re all dead. “You, Calmar, can come here and examine it, but you need to bring Blair and Victor with you.  This way, neither of us are close to our cars, and maybe, just maybe, we can resolve this without any betrayals.”

“Not a very trusting soul, are you Mr. Manning?” Calmar smiled benignly.  “But I must admit, you’re very clever.  You figure my men will hold their fire if I’m between you and them.  I commend you.  Very well.” he turned, and his men brought both Blair and Victor to him.  With a nod to Blair, he put one of Victor’s arms over his shoulder and Blair took the other.   She had never been happier to see Todd.  Now all she wanted to do was get to Todd so the three of them could get out of there.

Todd watched as they moved towards him.  He noticed Victor was being drugged across the space. His brother appeared to be barely conscious.  Then Victor spoke quietly in his head.  

I’m faking it.  This is perfect.  When we get to you, I’ll wrap my arm around his neck, and he‘ll give us shelter all the way back to your car. You won’t have to give up the chip, and we can take Calmar with us and turn him in.

Stop, don’t do anything.  I’ve already got it covered.

Todd, you can’t trust him.

I don’t, but I’m determined to get us out of here in one piece.  I don’t give a damn about the chip.  I just want this nightmare over.  You might be awake, but even I can tell you’re in no shape to hold him for long.  You’re just going to have to trust me.

I hope you know what you’re doing, Todd.

The conversation stopped as Calmar, Blair, and Victor arrived in front of Todd.  He opened the case and held a magnifying glass over the chip so Calmar could read the identifying number, then he closed the case.  “Satisfied?”

Calmar nodded.

“This is how we’ll make the exchange, you get the briefcase as soon as my brother’s arm is around my neck.  Blair, can you hold him if Calmar lets go?”

“You bet.” She tightened her hold around Victor’s waist and wrist.

“Let go, Calmar, and step back so you’re between them and your goons.” As Calmar moved as ordered, Todd swiftly took his place and turned himself, his brother, and Blair until they were facing Calmar.  Even as he turned, he saw a gun being pulled out of Calmar’s pocket.  “I’d put that away if I were you.  That is if you want to live.”  He said as Blair gasped in alarm.

Calmar looked puzzled, he looked around and his men had their guns trained on Manning and his group. “I think you’re mistaken, it’s you three who are in trouble.”

 

“I think not,” Todd looked Calmar in the eyes. “You’re a heartbeat from death. Look down.”

Calmar looked to see a laser mark directly over his heart.  “So, you doublecrossed me and brought help after all.”

“Hey, I’m just protecting myself and these two.  If you’re looking for your own snipers, they’ve been taken out.  You lower those guns, and the case is yours.  Then we’ll all walk back to our cars.  No one has to die, but until we’re safely away from here, you’re targeted.   Do you understand me?”

Calmar chuckled softly,  “Now I understand why you were the more dangerous of the two sons.  Irene feared you and I could never figure out why.  I guess I got my answer today.  Well played, Mr. Manning, well played.”  He lowered his gun and ordered the other three men to do likewise. “My case, please.”

Todd set the case down and slid it in Calmar’s direction. “Back up to the car, Blair.”  He kept his eyes on Calmar making sure he was doing the exact same thing.  As soon as Calmar reached his car, Todd spoke again.  “Stop, Calmar.  If you make any further move to get back in the car or on the plane, you’re dead.  Once we’re gone, you’ll be free to go.”  As he and Blair reached his car, he shifted his hold on Victor, taking the majority of his weight off Blair. “I’ve got him, Blair.  Open the rear door.”

Blair released Victor and noticed he seemed steadier than when she and Calmar had walked with him.  She did as Todd asked and then watched in surprise as Victor gingerly climbed into the back.  He collapsed onto the seat and laid there, his eyes now open looking at her. “Hi, Blair.”

“What? I thought…”  She was interrupted by Todd.

“Blair, ask your questions later.  Get in.  We need to move.” Todd kept his eyes on Calmar as Blair climbed in opposite Victor. Then he opened his door and got in immediately.  He turned the car on and proceeded to back down the road.

****

About a thousand yards away, Brody lay on the ground, his rifle in hand.   Moving surreptitiously, he had managed to get to a vantage point where he could see what Manning was doing.  He had watched the proceedings with interest.  John had told him to back up Manning.  When Calmar, Tomas’ superior, stepped from one of the two waiting cars, he was surprised. “Why are you meeting with the CIA, Manning?”  What was even more astounding was what he saw next.  He watched as a blindfolded Blair Cramer was taken from the second waiting car, and then his eyes widened as Victor Lord Jr. was also removed from the vehicle. “I’ll be damned!  It’s an exchange.” Okay Brody, what are you going to do next?  John told you to watch.  Hell, Manning is outnumbered.  Does he really think he can pull this off?  

Brody ran a hand through his hair and readjusted his rifle  This time he used his scope to check out what the three extra men were doing.  None of them had moved as Calmar, Blair, and Victor had started towards Manning.  So far, so good, but he’s never going to let you leave, Manning.  His scope zeroed in on Calmar.  He put his hand on the trigger when he saw Calmar reach for a gun, but stopped as soon as a red spot appeared on Calmar’s chest.  “Whoa, It looks like you’re as smart as Bo kept telling us, Manning.  You’ve got some help after all.  I hope you don’t do anything stupid with that help though.  I’d hate to have to haul you in.”

Brody scanned over to the cars and saw Calmar's men lower their weapons.  “Well, it must be your lucky day, man.” He continued to watch as Calmar backed up to his car while Todd and his group made their way to safety.  Manning’s shooter had never wavered from his target, and it looked like Calmar wasn’t taking any chances.  “Hurry up and get out of there, Manning.  I’ve got some kidnappers to round up.”

As soon as Todd’s car left the area, the red target lifted and disappeared from Calmar’s chest.  Brody heard Calmar yelling at his men and watched as they jumped into their cars, it was clear they had been ordered after Todd.  This time Brody didn’t hesitate.  With a pull of the trigger, he let go of a shot.  The front tire on the first vehicle blew causing the car to swerve out of control.  It smashed into a light on the edge of the runway and came to a halt, its driver temporarily stunned.   Brody quickly fired more shots at the second vehicle racing down the runway. The second shot missed, but his third took out the front tire on that car.  It was headed for the first car but was unable to completely avoid it.  Brody watched it careen off the stationary first car and launch skyward, it flipped and rolled coming to a stop on its roof, the men inside dangling from their seat belts and struggling to get free as the car started on fire.   

Calmar looked around trying to find out where the shots had come from.  No one was appearing so he made a dash for the plane. Getting on board he yelled. “Get this plane in the air. Now!”

The plane started moving just as Brody got off the ground running towards the first car.  The driver came out shooting wildly, but soon crumpled to the ground in front of Brody, he was clutching his shoulder.  He dropped the gun and put his good hand in the air as Brody reached him.  “Don’t shoot anymore, I give up.”  Brody kicked the gun away and handcuffed the guy to the car door.  He looked around trying to find the man who had taken the driver down, but he knew that was pointless.  Whoever had backed Manning was a professional and was long gone.  Brody heard screams coming from the second car.   He looked at the man on the ground. “You’ll live, but now it seems your friends are in need of help. Don’t go anywhere?”

Sirens could be heard, as he approached the second car.  With his gun still drawn, he yelled at the men inside the overturned car to toss their weapons out.  There was no hesitation, the guns came out the window and Brody holstered his gun and went to work trying to get the door open.  He was still struggling to free the men when a fire truck from the airport pulled alongside and started foaming the fire, effectively putting it out.  With a rush of adrenaline, Brody gave one last pull and the door popped open.  He and the firemen reached in to help the men still trapped.  Neither man was seriously injured, and the paramedics began checking the men out.  Airport security was the next to arrive and Brody soon found himself doing some fast talking.

“Look, I’m an officer with the LPD and I was ordered by my Lieutenant to follow a man. I was told to watch and only help if needed. When I arrived I observed my charge meeting these gentlemen. To my surprise, I realized two citizens of Llanview were being held against their will by these culprits.  My charge was endeavoring to make an exchange for their release.  The men accepted the exchange and allowed my charge and the kidnap victims to leave.  Unbeknownst to my charge, these men began pursuit as soon as he drove off.  That’s when I reacted.”

The head of Airport security handed Brody’s ID and gun back to him.  “So you’re telling me, you stopped these men only after the exchange took place?”

“Yes, Sir.  If you’ll allow me to call my Commissioner, I’ll be glad to give you a more detailed account later.”

A paramedic walked up and spoke quietly to the head of security.  He turned back to Brody. “They’re taking your prisoners to the hospital for treatment.  You can ride with me, and one of the police officers will follow in your vehicle.  Police Chief Hubbard will most likely want to hear this story as well.  Come along.”  Brody followed, knowing he had very little choice.  It was going to be a long night.

****

When Todd figured he was out of sight of any further trouble, he pulled over to the side of the road and stopped.  Then he turned to check on Blair and Victor.  “Blair, are you alright?  You were kind of shaky when they hauled you out of the car.  I swear if they hurt you, I’ll give Baker orders to fire.”

Blair got a lump in her throat.  The raw concern in his voice made her feel all warm inside, like being wrapped in the softest blanket.  She reached forward and put her hand on his arm.  “Todd, I’m okay.  Don’t call Baker, let Calmar go.   You got Victor back, and now that Calmar has what he wanted, he’ll leave us alone.”

Victor started to laugh but ended up coughing and moaning instead. Blair and Todd both looked at Victor in alarm.

“That doesn’t sound good.  Are you going to make it, Victor?”  Todd found he was actually a little worried about his brother and it was a strange feeling.

 Victor looked at his brother in surprise and tried to get the coughing under control,  When it stopped, he spoke carefully. “What this?  Concern?  I’m shocked.”

Todd scowled.  The last thing he wanted was to find himself getting close to his brother.  “Hey, I just don’t want you to die before Bo and Tea see you.  They were so sure I had something to do with your death.  Blair, see what you can do for him.  I’ll try and find the Pine Valley hospital.”

Blair squeezed Todd’s arm in encouragement and smiled at him.  She had heard the concern in his voice, also.  His sarcastic reply in the face of Victor’s comment was something Todd did to protect himself.  “I’ll help him, just get us there.  He’ll make it, he’s as stubborn as you.”  As Todd turned back to continue driving, Blair tried to help Victor get more comfortable on the car seat, but the extra movement was more than Victor could take. Blair looked over her shoulder at Todd.  “He passed out again. You’d better hurry.  They really did a number on him.  What is it with you two?  You attract trouble like magnets.”

Todd glanced back and caught her eyes and grinned.  “But that’s why you were attracted to me.  Admit it, Blair, you like trouble.”

She laughed softly, “I guess I do.  I’ve been drawn to you from the moment I met you.” She got serious. “I realized earlier, that no matter what you get into, Todd Manning, I’m going to find a way to be by your side.  I’m not letting you go this time.”

“Good, because I’ve decided the same thing.  You’re the one, Babe.  If it weren’t for Victor, I’d show you just how much I mean that.  Hang on.”  With that, Todd floored it.