Thomas Lord: Cloaked, Ch. 17

The marshal had been a good shot and the assassin was still alive. Brody went with the doctors to keep an eye on him. Michael left Todd in Larry's hands while he went and made arrangements to gather his surgical team.

John and the marshal met Bo at the ER door and John took them out to the assassin's rental, where a long-range rifle and scope were found in the trunk. Bo collected the evidence and sent it back to the lab to check and see if the rifle was the same gun used in killing Jake Boudreau. Then Bo went and checked on Todd and Blair, Larry was just finishing putting a bandage on Todd's upper arm. "Todd you might like to know we think this could be the man who shot Jake. If he is, we hope he'll talk and bargain, giving us a few more names. Interpol intercepted another group of men that had been following the decoys around Europe. Carlo's partners have to be getting concerned about the manpower they're losing, as they continue to try and get you. They should realize Hesser and Kipling have a lot more witnesses against them now than just you. Quite a few people witnessed the shooting this afternoon. I hope the capture of this man puts a stop to the attempts on your life."

Todd slipped his shirt back on. "You and me both, Bo. Did you hear any more from Nora, on the Judge's rulings, concerning the trial going forward?"

"The trial had been postponed indefinitely until a new lawyer can be retained for Hesser and Kipling. Nora is also filing new charges, of first-degree murder, kidnapping, assault, unlawful escape, and other minor infractions. Everything is on hold until Hesser recovers. I talked to his surgeon. Hesser's going to live, but he has lost the use of his voice, for now, seems his vocal cords were damaged." Bo gave Todd a look that said a lot of things unmentioned between them. "I hear you're going ahead with the surgery. I'll inform Nora. Good luck Manning. We're keeping the protection on you until we know for certain this is over."

After Bo departed, Larry made arrangements for Todd's admittance to the hospital. He then promised to call Vicki and alert her to the latest happenings.

The press was all over the place from both the Banner and the Sun trying to determine who had been shot at. John and the police were able to keep them in the dark, saying it was an unbalanced man who had attacked an employee of the hospital and then attempted to shoot an officer in the hope of being killed himself. The man had been successfully taken down and no one had been killed. When asked about the attempted escape of Carlo Hesser and Ivan Kipling; the press was given the story that the attempt was aborted, and Hesser and Kipling were back in custody, although the death of their attorney was a regrettable loss. Vicki waited until the reporters headed out to write their stories before going to the side entrance of the hospital and making her way to Larry's office.

Todd looked up when Larry's door opened. She stood there looking great, and when she smiled it filled his heart. It always amazed him how close they were. "Hi, Sis."

She saw him and noticed the torn shirt and the lines around his eyes and could only think how relieved she was that he was alive. "Todd, Thank God, you're okay. You had us all so worried."

Todd knew he owed her an apology, but all he could do was grin at her a little ruefully. He wanted to come back with one of his one-liners but couldn't. Instead, he walked to his sister and gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek.

Vicki looked into his eyes and saw some residual pain behind them and knew he was once again putting on a brave front. Her eyes fell to his shoulder and started to reach for it when he grabbed her hand.

"It's nothing Vicki, just a scratch."

"Larry called and said Michael was going back in. Why?"

"You know me, I just can't seem to get enough of him." this time he grinned full out.

Vicki couldn't help but give a little laugh. He was incorrigible. She turned to Blair and although smiling she asked. "He won't tell me,  Is it the implant?"

Blair nodded, "He's experiencing more problems."

"Hey, I'm right here. Really, it's going to be alright."

The surgery was scheduled to take place that evening and Blair and Todd caught Vicki up on the events of the day. Todd came clean about the effects of the piece of the implant still inside him and the necessity for the surgery. He told his sister about Hesser's actions, which had almost resulted in him killing Carlo.

As he recited the story, Vicki watched the feelings of fear, hatred, and horror play across her brother's expressive face. She had felt those same feelings long ago when she had attacked her father. Her instincts told her that Todd had disappeared because he thought his monster had reawakened, and he had felt the need to take his monster away before he hurt the ones he loved. Luckily for Todd, Blair's love for him was his saving grace.

"Todd, when are you going to believe that you'll never be like Father or Peter Manning. You have more love in your little finger than the two of them combined," the nurse came in to get Todd ready for surgery. Vicki walked over to Todd and looked down at him on the bed. "I'm quite proud of my little brother these days, Amos has been sending me your articles. They're excellent and I've requested permission to reprint them in the Banner. You be strong, I know you have many more such articles in you." she squeezed his hand and stood out of the way as they wheeled him from the room. As Blair got ready to follow him, Vicki said, "Get him home to us Blair. He needs you most of all." Blair smiled and followed Todd. Larry took Vicki to the observation room where they sat and watched Michael begin his work.

Over an hour into surgery and Michael was becoming concerned. They had gone to the site the CAT scan had indicated the remainder of the implant was supposed to be, but it wasn't there. Todd's vitals were beginning to deteriorate the longer they worked inside his head. There had to be some way to bring it to the surface without causing injury to Todd. Then it hit Michael. Maybe it would come to the surface if the other implant was close." He turned to where Blair was standing in the room. "Blair, you have Todd's ring. Right?" Blair nodded. "Good. Bring it here. It might help us locate the missing piece. " She handed the ring to the nurse, who swab it with a sterilizing cloth and handed it to Michael.

Michael attached the ring to a pair of delicate pincers, and held the ring as close to the brain as he could get it; then he maneuvered his camera inside Todd's skull, to scan the brain, shedding a minute light on the crevasses, in the area of the brain, where the implant might be hiding.
As he looked, a tiny electrical spark leapt from the ring to an area just to the left of Michael's light. Michael carefully moved the light to that spot and watched another spark leap from the ring. The second spark caused Todd's body to spasm. Michael and his team watched fascinated, as not just one, but several foreign objects, half the size of a bb, seemed to find their way to the surface. He carefully inserted a vacuum tube and captured the objects.

Michael thought they had all been found when another electrical spark occurred in the area where the second implant had affected Todd's eyesight. Michael, keeping a watch on Todd's vitals, inserted a thin but magnetic probe into Todd's brain at the site. He began to carefully draw it back into the tube and watched as it cleared the brain. At its tip was an octagonally shaped ball bigger than the miniature bee bees but obviously part of something else. As Michael removed the ball he paused to go look at both the octagonal item and the even tinier balls under a microscope. The octagonal item showed an edge that appeared to indicate it had broken off from something bigger, but what was all the more intriguing, was that it held a number of the little balls. Further magnification informed Michael that he was looking at a state-of-the-art nanobot, designed to receive and transmit information. They were truly amazing pieces of engineering on such a minute scale.

Michael passed the ring carefully over Todd's skull but no further items came up and the ring had ceased to spark. Michael set the ring down on the tray with the items he had removed and went about his business closing up Todd's head. Todd's stats started to climb and Michael breathed a sigh of relief. He nodded to Blair that she could come and stand by Todd as he finished up. "I think we got everything this time Blair. His stats are improving, now we wait and see the outcome of this surgery. We won't know if any more problems will occur because of the surgery until he wakes up."

Blair took Todd's hand into hers and squeezed it, "It's all over Todd, you rest now." the nurse brought her a chair. Blair went to sit down and looked over at the ring and shuddered. The pieces Michael had removed from Todd's brain had gravitated to the ring and covered it. Michael, could you please remove those things from Todd's ring." she said in revulsion.

Michael glanced over to see what was bothering Blair and found it equally disturbing. He picked up the offending tray and took it to the side where he carefully removed the balls and the broken implant. Those he put into another specimen bottle and returned the ring to Blair, who gingerly put it away. Putting his hand on her shoulder he said. "We're going to take him to recovery. You and Vicki can stay with him there." She got up and followed her husband out. Michael took a last look around and pocketed the jar with the remaining implant parts. He prayed that was the last time he would see Todd in his operating room.

Todd came awake slowly. His eyelids felt so heavy, but he forced himself to open them. It didn't do much good, everything was dark. He closed them and prayed the darkness was because no lights were on, but he had a sinking feeling that wasn't the case. There was a movement to his right and he opened his eyes again, still darkness. "Who's there?"

"Todd, good you're awake, how do you feel?" Blair asked.

"I feel like someone's been poking around in my head. Blair, I can't see you, not even a little bit, do you have the ring?" Todd didn't want to panic, but the total darkness was alarming.

"Todd, Michael said that you might not have any vision for a couple of days, your brain needs time to heal from all the poking around, there was some swelling. He found the piece of the implant that broke off and discovered that it was filled with minute nanobots, some of which had fallen from the container and migrated to several areas in your brain. The retrieving of those took some doing, but Michael is pretty sure everything is now out." Blair took his hand, "Todd, you'll just need to let things heal naturally. I have your ring, but Michael wants you to heal first. He's not sure it's going to work any longer and he doesn't want to hamper your recovery. I want you to wait before trying to use the ring again."

It wouldn't do to get upset, at least not yet and he had to admit to himself the vision problem was something he could handle. It had just been a bit of a shock to wake up in total darkness after he had gotten used to some light and shadows. "What time is it Blair?"

"It's mid-morning Todd, the surgery was just last night. Vicki stayed until you came out of recovery. She said she'll be back. Bo stopped by. The forensics came back on the rifle found in the assassin's car. It's the same gun that killed Jake."

Todd absorbed the news with a grain of salt, he wasn't ready to let down his guard as far as Hesser's partners went, and he needed to get back to Savannah to find out if Kym was still okay. He had never intended to still be in Llanview, especially in the hospital. Thinking about Savannah reminded him of Vicki's words, just before he was taken into surgery. He remembered the warmth that filled him at her words. She was proud of him, it was amazing. He had to admit he really felt he was making a difference with his articles, but that just made him want to get back to the kids. "Blair have you talked to the kids and explained why we haven't returned."

"I talked to Starr, everyone is fine and there have been no sightings of any strangers in town. Momma got the boys off to school for their first day. I simply let them know the trial was delayed because I didn't want to scare them about the surgery." Blair reached up to move his hair off his forehead taking a moment to caress his cheek before leaning in to taste his lips.

Todd reached around her waist and pulled her closer taking his time kissing her back. He couldn't see her, but she smelled like sunshine and flowers, her hair tumbled over his face and it was fragrant with the scent of a mountain meadow. Todd released her when he heard footsteps entering the room, it was a man from the sound of it. He waited for some hint or words that would tell him who the latest visitor was.

Blair smiled at the man entering. Michael had proven to be a good friend and an excellent doctor. Michael reached the side of Todd's bed and looked at his patient. "Todd, How are you doing, any significant pain?"

"Just a dull throb which wouldn't be so bad, but it's awfully dark in here. I don't suppose you could turn on a light or two. Surely the hospital can afford a light bulb." Todd turned his head to "look" at Michael.

Michael had to smile at the man's bravado. Todd was a unique man and his strength of will was incredible. "You know I'll speak to the janitor about it. In the meantime, hold your hands out for me," he watched as Todd stretched out his hands. "Now make a fist and release," he noticed only a slight tremor in Todd's hands and the fingers responded without delay. His motor skills appeared to be working correctly. Michael nodded at Blair. "It looks like the problems you were experiencing yesterday are diminishing, but Blair informed me of the other day when you had chills and dizziness. I'm concerned about those symptoms so I asking you to refrain from using the implants for a couple of days, I have a theory and I want to see if it comes to fruition. Please bear with me."

Todd didn't know what to make of Michael's request, "I'll do it if you can give me a reason Michael."

"Very well Todd, your symptoms are indicative of certain withdrawal symptoms. I'm afraid your body was getting high from the implants. I want to make sure you are free of that."

"You've got to be kidding me right? That would mean I was addicted to the implants. How is that even possible when they were only being worn externally."

"The electrical energy produced by the implants in your brain was probably causing excessive amounts of endorphins to be released into your system and your body was on a high all the time. When you stopped using the ring and watch, and removed them from proximity to the parts still in your brain, your body crashed and you felt ill. I just want to make sure the effects are no longer going to be a problem."

Todd wasn't sure he liked the idea he had become addicted to anything. He hoped Michael was wrong, but only time would tell.

Blair and Todd were taking a walk around the room when Vicki arrived with Tea and Dani. Dani didn't say anything, she just stood there watching her real father maneuver around the room. She hadn't seen him since the night he collapsed and was brought to the hospital, the night following their one and only meeting. Everything had gone haywire after that encounter. The man she thought was her father had turned out to be another man entirely, and just when things were getting squared away with Jake, someone killed him.

It had been a rough two weeks getting over his death and trying to help her mom cope with Jake's loss. Dani took a good look at her father. According to her Aunt Vicki, he had just had his third operation to remove implants similar to the ones Jake had removed. Unfortunately, Todd had been blinded by his implants but he was making the best of it, it looked like.

Vicki spoke, "Well it looks like you're recovering pretty quickly." They all watched as Todd turned toward the sound of Vicki's voice.

He grinned "What, this? Naw, I'm just practicing my fencing moves." to emphasize, he used his cane like a sword and whipped it around in the air. "Hi, Sis, what's new?" Vicki moved into the room followed by Tea and Dani. "Who did you bring with you?" Todd heard the sound of extra footsteps.

"It's me, Todd, and Dani." Tea answered.

Todd didn't know what to say, He hadn't had a chance to talk to Tea in the courthouse. He had known for quite a while that Tea had been deeply in love with Jake so he was sorry for her. Dani, too, had experienced yet another loss and needed to adjust to the fact that she still had a real father just waiting for her to give him a chance. "Tea, I'm sorry about Jake. He didn't deserve any of this."

Tea walked forward and hugged Todd. She had watched him in the trial and had found out just how traumatic everything he and Jake had been through. She remembered how terrified for Samuel she had been when he had relived his story for the defense attorney and almost killed himself to tell it. Hesser and Kipling had tried to escape because they saw the writing on the wall after Todd's and Samuel's testimony. Because of Todd, they had been unsuccessful and were now facing murder charges too. "Thank you, Todd, it means a lot to me that you said that. I glad you survived what those men did to you. Blair's lucky to have you back and you need to get to know Dani."

Todd was never really comfortable with hugs unless it was Blair's but Tea had needed the bit of comfort and he cared for her in his way. He hoped Tea's last words meant that maybe Dani was going to give him a chance after all. Then he felt a gentle touch on his arm.

"Todd, I just wanted to say, I'm sorry for the way things got left the last time we met, and I would like a chance to get to know you after all the dust settles. Mom says you're leaving again for a short time, but I hope when you return we can get that chance."

Todd grabbed her hand as she started to pull away and said."Daniella, more than anything I want to get to know you. I'll only stay away until we're sure no more hired help will be gunning for me. You and your mom are pretty safe since the killers believe they got Todd Manning. Even if word gets to them about my real identity, I don't think they'll bother you. Blair and I will keep the rest of the family safe until we get an all-clear from the Feds and John. When the threat has been defused we'll be home." he would have given anything for a hug from her but she wasn't quite ready for that so he let go of her hand. "You two should hang in there, this will be over and maybe all our lives will be able to return to some type of normalcy."

Tea chuckled, "For us maybe, but that word will never be in your future, Todd."

He grinned but at the same time felt some sorrow because Delgado knew him well and normalcy and Todd Manning did not go hand in hand.

Vicki came back into the conversation. "Tea and Dani could you give me a moment with Todd." Tea and Dani walked over to talk to Blair while Todd turned his attention to his sister.

"What's up, Vicki?"

"Todd I got a call from Amos Caulfield. He said I should let Thomas Lord know that several of the men taken to jail the night of the raid have been freed. He also said his source in the precinct overheard those same men vowing to find the man that put them in jail in the first place. Todd, do you know that man? Is he an informant of yours?"

"I guess you could say that Vicki, I don't want to go into it, but thank you for giving me the information. Damn it, of all the times to be totally blind." Todd cursed his fate. He knew exactly who had just gotten freed from jail. They were after him, but they might try and go through Kym to find him. He was helpless to give her aid right now. If they hurt her trying to find him... He didn't even want to think about it. CRACK!

All eyes turned to Todd as they watched him drop the two pieces of his cane to the ground. Todd stared straight ahead, everyone in the room knew he was livid. They just didn't know the cause. Blair moved first. "Todd? she walked and put a hand on his arm. "What is it?" She looked at Vicki "What happened?"

"I brought him some news from Amos Caulfield. I guess it's worse news than I thought. Todd, I know I upset you, but there is nothing you can do about it right now. I'm sorry."

"Todd talk to me. What got you so upset?"

"Blair, I'm afraid for Kym. I think she's in danger now more than ever." Todd turned and reached for the bed that was close by. "I shouldn't be here. We were supposed to be back there by now, she needs protection," he pounded his fist down on the mattress in frustration.

"Todd, I'll call John maybe he can help. In the meantime Michael said you shouldn't get excited, you need to find a way to calm down."

Dani had a sudden idea, a way she could help that might calm Todd down. "Todd I know you're upset about something, I'm kind of thirsty, maybe you could walk with me and tell me about Starr when she was little. I'll tell you a little about me too."

Todd had whipped around at Dani's voice. Damn, he had forgotten she was there. Then her words sunk in. He actually brightened up, she wasn't scared of him and she wanted to talk. Blair was right, there was nothing he could do that minute for Kym, but he could spend some time with his daughter. "Are you serious Dani?"

"Yeah, if you would like to, that is."

"Let's go. Help me get my mind off my troubles." Todd held out his hand and Dani saw the approval of her mom, Aunt Vicki, and Blair. She gave him her elbow and they exited the room.

Todd held onto Dani's arm and as soon as they cleared the room he said, "Dani, I know this is a little awkward for you. We don't really have to talk if you don't want to. I appreciate that you were just trying to change my mood and I'll admit you did a good job of that. I can tell you have a lot of your mother in you. She always was good at reading me."

Dani looked at her father, it felt weird to be walking with him like they were old friends, when, in fact, they were strangers. She knew all about his sordid past and she knew what had happened to him the eight years he had been gone. Starr had given her the full story and she admitted to herself it would be fair to give him a chance. But how do you get started? He was right about her mom, he had known her for some time and at one time they had loved one another. If they hadn't, she wouldn't be standing here walking him down a hallway. "It's okay Todd, I figure if we never spend any time together, then we're never going to get to know one another. You were pretty angry in there. Do you want to talk about it?"

"I'm sorry about my anger, I'd just heard something that has me very worried about a friend and I'm not in any position to help right now. It's not your problem. I need to think about something else. Tell me about the things you did when you were little. I want to try and picture you in my mind."

Dani found herself blushing and she was grateful he couldn't see her face. "I was a normal kid I guess, Ross my dad..." she paused she hadn't thought about Ross again until they found out Jake wasn't her father.

"It's okay Dani I know Ross raised you. So he was your dad during all that time. I never cared for the guy, but that was just me. I did know he would look out for your mom when I left the island to come home to Blair. Your mom didn't tell me about you. I can't say it would have made a difference or not at that time, all I could think about was getting home to Starr and Jack. Now all I can do is apologize for not being there when you were born. My kids mean the world to me and you're my daughter. That means you have a place in my heart right alongside Starr and Jack. Hey, I've got to get to know Jack, just as much as you, and it's been a struggle for us too. I know you came to love Jake when you thought he was me, so I know you're feeling his loss and Ross'. For now, just think of me as someone who would like to get to know you from the beginning, and there's no pressure for this to be any more than that. How about just telling me how you grew up?"

They had reached the vending area, and Todd reached into his pocket for some cash, handing it to Dani to get something. After getting something for both of them, Dani led him into the sunroom and they sat down to continue the conversation. "When I first found out my dad was a rapist, I wanted to puke. Then I met Starr and she had an entirely different view of you. She only knew a father who loved her and did things with her, as she was growing up. That was Ross for me. I had no idea he wasn't my dad. He was there when I hurt myself tumbling off a surfboard for the first time. He would tell me these outrageous stories of when he was a bodyguard and when his father took him out and taught him survival training. Then when I got older he taught me how to conquer my fear of heights by teaching me to cliff dive. He was amazing to me. "

"Yeah, he was a regular Robinson Crusoe when we were on that island together. That's why I knew your mom would be okay. I'm glad he was good for you. If you don't mind me asking, what happened between your mom and Ross? "

"I don't think I'm the one who can answer that. I just know Mom and Ross split, and Mom put me in a boarding school to keep me away from him. Then I found out about you. Although at that time, Jake was you. I hated you, Mom wanted to get back together with you, and all I saw, was the man who raped someone, trying to get back with my mom. I couldn't believe she wanted you over Ross." Dani had been watching his face and she knew it bothered him when she talked about hating him. She didn't really want to hurt him. "Then Mom got really sick and we were told she was dying of cancer. After her death, I had no one, but Jake to lean on, although Blair and Starr helped me a lot. I found myself leaning on Jake and being glad I still had him. Then we found out Mom was alive. Jake and my mom loved each other very much. I loved Jake too, he was good to me and loved me. I don't hate you any longer for your past, but I don't know you. So I guess we'll have to just take this one day at a time and see where it goes."

Todd had been taking it all in. He had heard the love for Ross in her voice immediately and a part of him was jealous. He knew he didn't have a right to feel that way, and he wondered if he had stayed on the island how things might have been different. The problem with that thought, there were no do-overs. He had made his decision to come home to his family and Tea had understood. Of course, like always he messed it up, but none of that was Tea's fault. He still hadn't caught up on the whole Tea had died story, but eventually, he'd get it from Blair. He had found it intriguing that Blair and Tea were friends when they used to be such enemies. He still had issues with Jake, but they would never be played out. The man was dead and as much as Todd hated it, Jake had held a place in the hearts of all of Todd's family, and he would just have to get past it. "Dani, I'm glad you don't hate me for my past any longer. I wish I could forgive myself so easily. I've made a whole lot of mistakes and I'm really trying hard to not make them again."

"I think you're very brave to take on someone like Mr. Hesser and his partners. Jake said they were terrible men and I know he was having a tough time coping with the things he did under the influence of those guys. If he had survived he would have testified against them too. Mom said they got the guy that killed Jake. If he's been captured, why can't you come home right now?"

"Dani it's not necessarily safe yet. The men who work with Carlo are dangerous and they wouldn't just send one man. I have to go on the theory that there might still be another person or persons out there gunning for Samuel Toddman. It is important that I don't make you, your mother, or my sister and two nieces potential targets, so I have to leave again. But I'm sure there will come a time when they'll stop hunting and that's when we'll come home. You need to think sooner than later. I think Mr. Hesser might have burnt his bridges with his partners when he murdered his lawyer in front of so many witnesses. I'm hoping the partners will sever ties with Hesser and cut their losses before they get caught too." Todd finished his drink and turned toward his daughter. "Dani, I have to go back to where I've been this last month. I left something unfinished there, that has to be tied up. It concerns that friend I told you about earlier. She helped me and I owe her."

"I understand I'm glad you're helping someone, Starr told me about that side of you. I think I like it. Todd, I'm sorry about your sight. I was kind of hoping for a picture like the one you made of Jack. And I think it would be interesting to meet Tom. Mom said he's very sweet. Well, there's still plenty of time."

"I agree, Dani, the guys would like to get to know you too. There will come a good time for that, I'm sure. I believe we've been out in the open long enough. You need to take me back to my room." Todd realized he had been careless, what if Hesser still had people in the hospital, he might have just added Dani as a potential target to get to him.

"Relax Todd, you and Dani have been under guard since you left the room. No one but my people saw you enter here and no one will see you leave either," said John coming up beside Todd. " Dani, to be on the safe side, my officer will see you back to your mom. I've got you, Todd, we've been called to the courthouse. The judge decided to call a special session. Hesser's new lawyers are trying to call for a mistrial and the judge isn't having it. Here comes Blair, we need to go."

Before Todd could say anything, he heard Dani's goodbye and felt John's elbow in front of him. "I guess we're off then. Blair?" he asked.

"I'm right here Todd, " and she took his free hand.