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 realize 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 breathe 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 the 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, or how he got his hands on this painting.  This used to be in the vault gallery that Jake set up.  If Carlo had access to that, then someone in my organization is still helping him.  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.  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.”

To my readers of "Don't Shoot the "Messenger"

          Here it is folks the final chapter of 'Don't Shoot the "Messenger" ',  I hope all of you have enjoyed reading my version of Todd and his family.  If you haven't read the other books in this particular series, I hope you take a look at Todd's tale as it started, in The MST or The Mysterious Samuel Toddman.  I assure you there will be more stories for Todd and his family at a later date.  I'm going to leave this version of Todd for a while to concentrate on my book Port Charles Chronicles over on The Real Todd Manning Fanfic Hub.  I hope you'll join me in Todd's and Blair's journey in Port Charles.

Thank you for your viewership.
Karena

Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 64

            A week after Mitch’s funeral, Alison received a smuggled message. Eager to hear from Kipling that all had gone well, she was unprepared for the news within.

               My dear Mrs. Laurence. It is with regret that I have to inform you that your package did not make it back to us as planned. Unfortunately, we can only surmise that an error was made and your item was destroyed in shipping. WE will be unable to send you a replacement as it was one of a kind.


            Alison looked at the paper as the words slowly made sense. No! he can’t be dead. It was all faked. “NOOOOOOOO!” Alison screamed and then collapsed to the floor.

The guard came running as she heard the scream and found her charge lying passed out on the floor. Calling a second guard, she entered the cell to determine if Alison was actually unconscious. She looked at the prisoner in the next cell as she felt her pulse. “What happened?”

“Hey don’t look at me. That crazy momma was reading something then she screamed and landed there. That’s all I know.” The prisoner then inquired. “Is she dead?”

“That’s none of your business, go back to what you were doing. “ The guard picked up the paper the prisoner mentioned. It was blank. The lady really was a fruitcake. Whatever had happened, she had fainted for real and so she was moved to the infirmary.

When Alison woke up, she looked around and realized she was in the infirmary. “Please, I need to get out of here. I need to find my husband, I just got a message and he’s missing.”“

All the nurses figured she had finally lost it since her husband had been dead for more than a week “No dear, your husband died over a week ago. You went to his funeral.”

“No, you’re mistaken, he wasn’t dead. I spoke to him, he was alright. He’s not dead he can’t be dead.” She tried to get out of the bed and finally succeeded, only to be held by the nurses as she attempted to leave the infirmary. She fought them as they tried to give her a shot to calm her down. “You’re all lying. My husband isn’t dead. The doctor promised he would be alright.”

The doctor and nurses had no idea what Alison was referring to but were afraid the strain of the delusion she appeared to be in would jeopardize the child. She was put in restraints to keep her in bed and a mild sedative was prescribed to keep her subdued and under control. It was decided that Alison would remain in the prison ward until the birth of her baby. Once the baby was born, she would be transferred to a facility specializing in those criminals with obvious psychiatric problems.

****

Ray Martino had agreed to take on Natalie as a client at Todd’s request. It was now three weeks since word had come down about Laurence’s death. Natalie, still coming down from the drugs that had been in her system, had taken the news hard. He was the father of her babies, and she had felt like she had betrayed him. Little by little, as the drugs cleared her system, Ray had managed to break through some of the conditioning Laurence had instilled in her. As her memories of her previous life came back, the time on the mountain seemed to fade. Ray had been very careful not to even talk about rape, even though he suspected Natalie had had sex with Mitch because he had control of her. Natalie refused to even think of giving her babies up. She was still under the impression she had used her own free will every time Mitch had come to her.

Ray looked at his patient. “Natalie, you understand what we’re going to attempt today, is that correct?”

“Yes, you want to hypnotize me to help me remember my first few days at the colony. I’m not sure what you hope to accomplish. I joined The Messenger willingly. He saved me and made me feel welcome when my whole family left me.” Natalie looked at Ray. She was struggling with her own family because she resented them for leaving her. John was the only one she wanted to be around because he was her dream lover. The only other thing she had been happy about was when she remembered Liam was her son. No matter how many times Vicki and John had tried to point out that Mitch had lied to her about her own son, she had turned a deaf ear to them. The Messenger would never hurt her that way.

Ray knew he was in for an uphill battle with Natalie, but he was hoping by the end of the session he might finally break through to her and open her eyes to the real Laurence. “Good, you understand. I’m going to videotape the session so you’ll be able to see what, if anything, happens. Is that alright with you?” Natalie nodded.

“Good, then let us begin.” Under hypnosis, Ray watched the story of Natalie’s abduction play out. He saw her stretch her arms over her head as she recalled waking up bound. Then he felt like a voyeur as she lost focus and began responding to an invisible voice. Calling out things like ‘I’ve been bad’ and ‘I deserve to be punished.’ He turned his eyes away as she offered herself for punishment and sex, all the while clearly under the influence of some drugs. It was even more disturbing when she told of her second day and he saw the agony on her face as she endured some sort of suggested pain and remorse and finally she knelt at the feet of her ‘Savior’ and begged him for his help, then rose and began to disrobe. Ray immediately woke her from the hypnosis before she had done much more than unbutton a few buttons on her shirt.

Natalie awoke from the trance and noted she had undone her blouse. She quickly closed it. “My apologies Dr. Martino, I don’t know why I keep making passes, I can’t seem to help myself. Please tell me I didn’t make one to you.”

Ray was aware of the hyper-sexuality that Natalie had developed as a side effect to the drugs she had been on.  He quickly assured her.“You didn’t, and I believe Dr. Leven can better explain that side effect to what you’ve been through.  What happened just now, was one of your memories coming to the surface because of the hypnosis.  I’d like you to once again take a seat on the bed.  I’m not sure you’re ready to view what I just taped.  I want to call it a day and we’ll take this up in a few more days when more of your memories surface.”

“No, I want to see what happened.  Everyone keeps telling me these tales about The Messenger.  If they are true I want to know.  He was the father to the babies I’m carrying.  I need to find out about him for their sake.”

“Very well, but I will stop the viewing if you find it too disturbing.” Ray had her take a seat next to him and he turned on the recording. He observed Natalie as she began watching and noted the change in her almost immediately. She began to rub her stomach and grip her skirt tightly in her fist. She was clearly agitated by what she was seeing.

Natalie couldn’t believe what she was watching. It couldn’t be true. Slowly a memory filter in

.

Where am I?. God, I’m naked.  What do they want? Someone’s coming. Please help me. Where’s my son? So thirsty, do I dare drink? It ‘s just water. Oh No ! They drugged me.

Natalie’s eyes were glued to the vid as she watched what transpired after she was drugged. She suddenly felt very sick to her stomach. “Oh God! What did I do? “ She looked over at Ray and saw his sympathetic look. “Stop it, no more.” She got up, shaking her head, unwilling to believe what she had just seen but unable to deny it. She was almost to the bed when a pain ripped through her. She doubled over and dropped to her knees. “My babies!”

Ray moved to help her unto the bed and pushed the call button. “Ms. Banks is in need of medical help STAT. Natalie, hang in there.”

Natalie could only moan, her insides were burning and she knew something was wrong with the pregnancy.

The nurse arrived quickly and began checking Natalie out. She went to the phone and immediately called for the OBGYN.

Ray stood back. This was the last thing he had wanted to happen. He had been assured by Natalie’s doctor that her pregnancy was stable at the moment. They had been uncertain what would happen as she withdrew from the drugs, but everything had been fine so far. He prayed he wasn’t the cause of her distress. The doctor arrived and after a quick exam determined Natalie was having a miscarriage. Natalie was still in her first trimester but from the looks of things, there appeared to be a major problem. Ray left Natalie’s room and called John and Vicki. She was going to need someone close to help her get through this latest development.

***

When Alison had reawakened for her drug-induced nap she was thinking much clearer. She realized they were going to let her stay in the infirmary and she used that to the hilt. It had proven much easier to get mail in and out after she was there for a few days. She convinced one of the nurses to help her reach her maternal uncle and soon she had a correspondence going with Kipling and no one was the wiser. She finished writing a quick note to him as a different nurse came in to check on her. “When is my husband going to come visit? He called me yesterday and said he was delayed.”

The nurse smiled gently. “Alison, you shouldn’t worry about him. You know it just raises your pressure and that’s not good for the baby.”

Alison let her voice raise. “You’re lying to me. You’re keeping something from me. I know it. I want to see my husband.”

As Alison began to get agitated again. The nurse called for the doctor. He arrived and headed to the medicine cabinet. Realizing she had overplayed her hand, Alison attempted to stop him from injecting her with any more sedative. She was fighting with him when her first contraction hit. As she doubled over from the pain, the doctor set the sedative down and encouraged her to lie back. A quick exam verified she was in labor. The next twelve hours were the longest Alison had ever lived through.

Alison felt like the baby was trying to rip itself free of her, and all she could do was scream. “Damn you, Mitch! You should be here. Why did you go away?” Her heart was heavy as she knew finally that Mitch would never see his child. She had to find a way to escape and her best chance was going to be from the mental institution. Kipling and Hesser had promised to help her but first things first, she had to get her baby safely born. The baby was big and Alison began tiring as the contractions strengthened. When the baby’s heartbeat started to drop, the decision was made to take the baby surgically. Alison was prepped for surgery and a c-section was performed. Alison’s last thought as she went under the anesthesia, was a prayer for her baby.

Several hours later Alison awoke. As her vision cleared she saw the nurse looking down at her. “My baby, when can I see him?”

“Oh my dear, I’m so sorry. Your baby didn’t make it. The cord wrapped around his neck and cut off his blood supply. There was nothing the doctors could do to revive him.”

Alison couldn't believe what she had just heard. “Nooo! He was fine, he was kicking and everything. He can’t be gone.  What did you do to my baby? I want to see my baby.  His father will get you for this. The Messenger will send down fires on all of you for taking his baby.” Alison continued to rant and attempted to get out of bed, determined to go find her son.  She was inconsolable and a second nurse had to come help subdue her.

The first nurse administered the sedative and shook her head.  At that moment she felt very sorry for the woman. She had lost both her husband and her child in the space of a couple of months and now her sanity too was gone. Orders had already been sent down that Alison Laurence was to be transported to The Sitwell Institute as soon as she was able to travel. The ambulance was outside waiting for her.

In the back of a black unmarked sedan, Ivan Kipling picked up his phone. Carefully balancing Mitch’s child in his one arm, he spoke. “It‘s finished and we come out winners all around. The lovely Mrs. Laurence will be going to her new home by the end of the day and will no longer be a problem for us. ... Yes, he’s a fine baby boy. He’ll be an excellent asset to our organization. We should be home for dinner.”

Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 63

The morning light filtered into the suite, as Todd woke. For the first time in over a week, Blair was back where she belonged. She was lying across his chest, a way she frequently ended up. She had once told him she just loved hearing his heartbeat under her and when she was having a restless night, it calmed her.

            His fingers began playing with her silky hair absentmindedly as he recalled the laughter and joy that had filled their room the previous night. It had been great. Right in the middle of all the happy thoughts, the reality of yesterday’s news hit him like ice water. Mitch was dead. “Samuel, what do I do? I can’t tell her right now. She’s happy, I don’t want to spoil things for her.”

           “Would you want her to keep such a thing from you?” Samuel inquired.

           “Hell no, but after everything she’s been through I’m afraid to bring him up.”

           “So you’ll lie to her, tell her you’re headed up to Philadelphia on business. Is that fair? This whole new relationship has been based on being truthful. Are you going to risk that and go back to lying when it suits you?”

           “Damn it, I wouldn’t do that again, but I’m scared she‘ll disappear.”

           “Todd, she’s stronger than that. I’m betting she’ll hold up better than you think. Tell her. She needs to know.”

            Blair had awakened as Todd was stroking her hair. When his hand stilled, she looked up at him to see if he had fallen back to sleep, but he seemed to be staring off in the distance. “Todd, are you alright?”

           Todd blinked and brought his focus back to Blair. “Good morning, I was talking to Samuel. I need to tell you something. I found it out yesterday but didn’t want to spoil your homecoming.”

           Blair felt slightly queasy at his words. She wrapped her arm around him and held him closer. “What is it, Todd? Don’t hold back. It’s about Mitch isn’t it?”

            Even as she said his name, Todd felt her shiver against him. “Alright, here it is. Mitch is dead.” He waited for a reaction, unsure what he would get.

            “Please tell me he was found gutted like the pig he was.” She said, her shivering stopped.

            “I wish I could. Unfortunately he died of a heart attack, according to his death certificate.”

             Blair pushed herself off his chest and sat looking down at him. “Are you serious? A heart attack.” She threw off the covers and climbed out of bed. “Damn! Damn! Damn! It’s not fair. I wanted him to suffer.” She paced angrily, grabbed one of the pillows and threw it across the room.

Todd jumped out of bed and quickly reined her in. “Hey! You’re supposed to be taking it easy, not raising your blood pressure. Come on, sit down and take some deep breaths.” He led her back to the bed and they sat down next to each other. He held her hands and looked into her eyes. “ I feel the same way you do. I wanted to throttle someone yesterday. That’s why I have to go into Philadelphia this morning.”

Blair frowned. “I don’t understand, why Philadelphia?”

“That’s where his funeral is taking place at 11:00 a.m., I’ve got to be there, I need to make sure he’s put in the ground, never to return again.”

“Todd, I want to go with you.” Blair reached for his face. She could see the turmoil in his eyes as he questioned the validity of the facts.

“No way Babe, I won’t take the chance of you losing this baby because of him. Trust me on this. I’ll make sure he’s good and dead. I promise.” Todd took her hand and kiss her wrist.

As much as she hated to admit it, she wouldn’t risk her child just to get revenge on Mitch. “I would have loved scratching out his eyes, even if he was dead. You’re right though, I’ll stay home.”

Todd chuckled “That’s my she-wolf. We’re going to be alright. Mitch is the final loser in all this.”

Blair looked over at the clock. “You better hurry and get ready. I take it you want to get there during the viewing.”

“You’re right, I need to make sure someone isn’t trying to pull a fast one on us.” An hour later, Todd peeled away in his car, headed for Philadelphia.

At Llanfair, Nigel was getting last minute instructions from Master Clint.

“Nigel, I want to make certain you’re okay with this plan.”

“Sir, you told me not too long ago that I was a member of this family. I’ve seen the harm that Mitch Laurence exacted. If he has in fact found a way to hoodwink the authorities, then I have no qualms helping you and Mr. Manning with your plan. In fact, it would be an honor to be your standin on this one.”

“Thank you, Nigel. You’re a good friend. You better get out of here then. Manning doesn’t have a whole lot of patience.”

Yes, sir. I’ll call you when I head home.” Nigel looked at Clint, who nodded, then calmly reached for his morning paper as Nigel departed..

***

It had been a strange ride from Llanview. Alison had been humming for most of the trip her hands rubbing her stomach. It was almost as if she didn’t realize she was going to her husband’s funeral. John overheard her talking to the baby at one point.

“Don’t you worry little one, Mommy is going to see Daddy and everything will be alright.” Alison smiled to herself, her thoughts going back to the message she had received shortly before hearing about Mitch’s death.

Don’t believe what you hear. All part of Plan.

Kipling.

P.S. I trust your acting skills, my dear.

The foolish police had no idea who they were dealing with. It was all too easy.

John looked over at the officer driving. He, too, had heard the comment and only shook his head. It was obvious Alison was in her own little world when it came to Mitch. They arrived at the funeral home with an hour to spare. All had been arranged to give Alison a special viewing of her husband privately. The officer who had driven the car and two Philadelphia police officers blocked all doors leading into the room where the casket was displayed. They weren’t taking any chances that someone might attempt to free Alison. Several other officer were also available to ensure order during the funeral.

John stood back and let Alison approach the casket by herself. He would have his own chance to make sure it was Mitch. For now, he felt sympathy for Alison. She was one crazy woman and she had shot Vicki, but in her own warped way she had been deeply in love with Mitch Laurence. Now she had lost him and she would soon be losing the baby she was carrying to Family Services. The child would be placed in the system and found a good home elsewhere if there was no other family member able to take care of it.

Alison approached the casket. Speaking loudly for the Lieutenant’s hearing, she said. “Oh, my poor sweet Messenger. How did this happen? You were so alive, so virile. It’s not fair after everything we went through to save you.” Alison bent low as if to kiss her husband, but in reality she whispered close to his ear. “My sweet, soon you’ll be free of your troublesome past and the police will bother you no more. I trust Kipling. I await the day when we will be reunited.” She kissed his lips, her hand touching his face briefly. Raising her handkerchief to her face, she inhaled the onion oil it had been drenched in and immediately tears began to flow down her cheek. She sobbed heavily and collapsed in a chair. She watched covertly under the guise of crying, as Lieutenant McBain headed to check out Mitch.

John looked dispassionately at the man lying in front of him. He even took a moment to unobtrusively take a pulse. There was nothing. The mortician had done an excellent job on Mitch, he almost appeared to be sleeping. “ You’re lucky you’re really dead Laurence, if I had gotten to you first, this would have been a closed casket funeral,” he said softly. Signaling to the officers, John walked to Alison and drew her into a second room. It was reserved for family and had a private window to view the funeral. John had been pleased to see the private room when they arrived, the last thing he wanted to do was fend off followers of The Messenger.

Todd arrived at the funeral home just as the service got under way. He had let Blair believe he wanted to get there before the service, but in reality, he had used the time to gather a couple of things he would need and then he had met with Nigel. After making sure all their plans were lined up, Nigel had left to complete his task and await Todd’s arrival. Todd had, in turn, headed for the funeral.

He spent the next few minutes checking out the facility. A call made to the funeral home on the way to Philadelphia had informed him that Mitch was slated for cremation following the service. Upon hearing that Todd was now convinced it was a fake out. Mitch was going to make sure the police got some ashes, they just wouldn’t be his. As Todd rounded the corner of the mortuary, he spotted a hearse parked outside the crematorium. Under the normal circumstance that would have seemed usual practice. The big difference was that it wasn’t just parked, it was manned. The driver was waiting for something. “I’ll get to you later,” Todd said under his breath and headed back into the mortuary searching out the funeral director. He located the office and knocked.

“Come in,” came the reply.

Todd entered and letting his shoulders slump began what he hoped would be a sincere act. “Excuse me, sir. But I wonder if you could possibly help me out. My name is Walker Laurence and I just now arrived in town for my brother’s funeral. Unfortunately, I was too late for the viewing. My brother and I were estranged for a number of years and his death hit me hard. I realized I would never be able to repair that fracture, but I was hoping you could give me a few minutes alone with him following the service.

“Oh, indeed sir, please accept my sympathies. We had no idea he had anyone else beside his wife. You are aware I hope, that per his wishes he is being cremated.”

“Yes, I called ahead since I knew my arrival was delayed.”

“Dear me, that was you. I do apologize. I would never have delivered that information so bluntly if I had known you were his brother.”

“That’s quite alright, but now you see why I would like a few minutes with him. I have so much to say and I know there isn’t much time.” Todd covered his face with his handkerchief and let his shoulders shake giving the impression he was upset.

The director moved from behind his desk, “Sir, if you wish to compose yourself, I’ll return and get you when the service is finished and you may have some time alone with your brother.”

***

While Todd had gone to the mortuary, Nigel headed for the cemetery they had picked for the funeral. He pulled up to the modest offices and entered. “Excuse me. I’m looking for the director of this cemetery.’’

A distinguished gentlemen around fifty came around the counter. “I’m Harold Jenkins, the director here. How may I help you?”

“My name is Nigel Gladstone and I’m here for my employer. He was recently informed of the sudden death of his brother. This morning his brother was flown into Philadelphia. When my employer arrived to receive his brother he was told there was a problem, a health issue. You can imagine his dismay to find out his brother hadn’t been properly prepared for the flight.” Nigel managed to let his voice catch to indicate his feelings for his employer. “I’m sorry I‘ve served Mr. Laurence for a long time,” he took out his handkerchief and wiped his eyes. “I’ve never heard my employer so upset. He wasn’t even allowed to view his brother.”

“That is positively dreadful. Are you alright, can I get you some water?”

“I’m fine. Mr. Laurence is like a son to me although I would never presume to let him know that. I promised him I would take care of things and so I’m here. I’ve been instructed to prepare a decent funeral for his brother as quick as it can be arranged. Money is no object but we would like the best you can offer us on such short notice.” Nigel knew the director was fully engaged in the problem and wouldn’t think to ask for the red tape items normally needed for a funeral. His suspicions were confirmed by the next words out of the director’s mouth.

“My dear sir, of course we’ll be glad to accommodate your employer. You said your employer was getting his brother this morning. Am I to assume he would like the funeral to take place today?”

“He would. He lives here in north Philadelphia and has always admired this cemetery. Mr. Laurence thought his brother would feel at peace in such a restful site. He also requested that it be in a secluded corner if there are any plots left.”

“We have a lovely garden at the back of the cemetery that I’m sure will fulfill your needs. If you come with me, I’ll begin arrangements immediately.” By 12:00, the plot had been picked and the cemetery was preparing the site.

***

John kept an eye on the people who came to give their respect. He couldn’t believe how all of them could have followed Laurence so blindly, but Alison was living proof that there were some who didn’t need drugs to keep them attached to Mitch. When the service ended, he allowed Alison a few more minutes with Mitch and then escorted her out to the car. “You remain here. I’m sorry for your loss,” he said to her, and turned to the driver. “Keep an eye on her and I’ll go see when the ashes will be ready for pick up.” Then he turned and re-entered the Mortuary. He never saw the lone figure standing by Mitch’s casket as he passed the salon and headed for the director’s office.

Todd stood looking down at his long-standing enemy. “Well, you certainly look dead, but looks can be deceiving.” Mitch lay in repose, his hand atop a bible. Todd reached in and touched Mitch’s skin. It was soft to the touch and not quite as cold as Todd would have suspected. “Wow, whoever embalmed you is a master, or is he.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small knife. Very carefully he made a small cut just under one of Mitch’s fingernails and watched fascinated as blood emerged. “Kipling’s good. He found a way to make it appear you died of a heart attack. I can’t find a pulse but dead men don’t bleed. You haven’t been embalmed and I’m guessing there’s more to this plan. You’re probably not going to stay zombified much longer, Kipling had to give you something to help you breathe if you came to before they could get the casket back in their possession.” Todd searched the casket but came up empty and then realized there was one other hiding place. He carefully removed the bible and opened it.

Minutes later, Todd heard footsteps coming his way. He leaned over and sobbed against his brother, “I sorry this ended the way it did. I know you’re going to your just reward.” He stood up when the director touched his shoulder. “Thank you for these minutes, you have no idea how much it meant to me. Tell me is there a door to the crematorium. As there is no graveside service, I would at least like to see where my brother will finally rest.” He was directed to a side exit and Todd left making his way to the crematorium. Now it was time to make the acquaintance of the driver of the hearse.

Coming up alongside the driver, Todd peeled off fifteen one thousand dollar bills and tapped the side of the window. He fanned the money so the driver could see the total amount. When the window opened he spoke. “There’s been a change of plans. I’ve been instructed to tell you ‘Thank you’, and you’re to get lost for a while. This should go a long way towards a nice vacation.”

“You serious, mister? Wow, I never would have thought the boss would be so generous. My wife would love a long cruise. Here’s the key, but how am I going to get home.”

Todd pulled another fifty from his pocket. “Take a cab on me.” He watched the guy leave and then spotted the door to the mortuary, opening. He grabbed the man’s hat and put it on and hit the button unlocking the back door. He strolled back and opened it, standing behind it for cover. All the mortuary people could see was his hat and eyes. Sure enough, they headed towards him instead of the doorway to the crematorium. Saying nothing, they pushed Mitch’s casket in, nodded, and returned back to the mortuary. As Todd pulled away, he saw John McBain walk into the crematorium. Obviously, John wanted to make sure Mitch met his end too.

Shortly after getting on the road, he received the call he had been waiting for. “Talk to me.”

“It all been arranged, Sir. All you need to do is pick up a friend of mine. He knows the cemetery and will be your driver.”

“Thanks Nigel, see you soon.” Todd drove to the location Nigel had given him and picked up an older gentleman, who took over as driver of the hearse. An acquaintance of Nigel’s, he had been happy to help.

“Nigel informed me of your brother’s tragic death. It is a shame you had to drive him this far on your own, but we’ll make sure he gets a proper sendoff now. You may call me Smythe, sir. Please accept my deepest sympathy, Mr. Laurence.”

“Thank you.” Todd had to hand it to Nigel. Arriving at the cemetery driving the hearse himself would have been highly suspicious. Nigel was definitely on the ball.

Smythe turned into the entrance of an old established cemetery and made his way down the winding streets to a secluded back area where Nigel was waiting with a minister and the cemetery director. The five of them carefully carried the casket to its resting place. Nigel placed a bouquet of flowers on top as Todd shuddered . The minister looked at him with sympathy as did Smythe and the director. Little did they realize he had shuddered because it galled him that Mitch was even getting this send off. But he had to keep playing the part.

He squared his shoulders like he was trying to get his emotions under control and watched stoically as the casket was lowered into the ground. As part of the graveside service, family was usually given the option of having the minister recite something at that point or waiting until the casket was completely covered. Todd had Nigel inform the cemetery of his wishes for the latter. At the signal from the director, a small bulldozer quickly filled in the grave, then departed leaving Todd with the minister, Nigel, Smythe and the director beside him. After a few words from the minister, everyone moved away to give Todd a moment alone.

“Well, this is it, you bastard. You’ll never harm my family again. I’m sure they’re waiting with open arms for you down in hell.” Todd turned and walked away never looking back. As he neared Nigel, he said. “He’s dead Nigel, you can rest easy tonight. Pass the message on to Clint.”

“He’ll be pleased to hear that. Are you alright, sir?”

Todd looked over at Nigel in surprise. “I’m fine, this is one chapter of my life that is finally finished. Nigel?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Thanks for everything.”

“They’re my family, too, Sir.” Nigel left to finish his job. He thanked the Minister and the director for helping expedite the rushed service. Then he took one last look at the grave, turned, and walked to his car, where he waited on Todd and Smythe to leave.

Todd let Smythe drive the car back to where he had originally picked him up. When Todd began to reach for his wallet, Smythe stopped him. “You’re a friend of my friend. I hope the rest of your day is more pleasant.” Smythe nodded and walked away.

Todd got in and drove back to the mortuary, parking the car next to other hearses and walked to where he had left his car. He raised his head, straightened his shoulders, and took a deep breath. It was over. He got into his car and headed back to Dragonheart and his family.

***

Mitch woke up a little disoriented and then remembered where he was. At first, he panicked. The thought of being enclosed in the casket scared him, but he forced himself to calm down. Relax, you idiot. Kipling told you this might happen. Think, he told you what to do. God, I thought there might be a little light in here. Mitch felt around trying to open the lid. It was stuck down good and solid. He slowed his breathing determined to not use up the air in the box, the last thing he wanted to do was have to use the little oxygen cylinder. He didn’t know how long he laid there, but the air in the box started getting heavy. Damn it, what’s taking them so long? I should have been back to Kipling’s by now. He wanted to start yelling but he couldn’t take the chance the wrong person might hear him.

A short time later Mitch began having trouble breathing. Something’s not right. Enough of this shit. I’m going to start yelling. Someone was going to pay for leaving him in there for so long. Kipling and Carlo were probably having fun at his expense. “Carlo! Kipling! Get me out of here!“ There was no answer and Mitch began fumblings for his bible. He opened it and reached in for the cylinder. At least he could get some good breaths and space them out until they decided to let him free. His hand pulled the cylinder out, but it wasn’t the mini oxygen tank. The shape was all wrong, there was no mouthpiece. A chill went down Mitch’s spine as his fingers pushed the button he found. The voice was easily recognized and Mitch could only stare into the darkness as the words reverberated through his coffin.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

Vengeance is mine sayeth “This” Lord.

May you rot in Hell forever.

Rest in Peace Mitch Laurence Rest in Peace

“NOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!” In desperation Mitch began clawing at the interior of the box. It couldn’t be. Kipling had assured him that no one would suspect he was alive. Yet somehow Manning had figured it out. Where did Manning have him? The man didn’t have the guts to kill him. He was probably playing this trick on him and then the police would let him out and take him away. Mitch reached the wood on the underside of the lid and began punching his fist into it repeatedly in the same spot. Thanks to the nanobots in his system, he was in excellent shape. He had told Kipling to get one of the cheaper models. No sense spending good money on a fake funeral. Now he was grateful, he felt the wood beginning to give and finally rammed his fist through.

Unthinking, he opened his hand and brought it down instantly, and to his horror, he felt dirt, thick and cool began pouring through. He struggled to grab the torn fabric, then pushed it up into the dirt and stuffed it into the hole. The fabric held, but Mitch knew it was only a matter of time. He would be dead soon from lack of oxygen. Do unto others as they do unto you. Manning had done just that. He started laughing. “Until we meet in hell, at least your lovely wife will always have a remembrance of me.” As he slowly gasped for air, his hand dropped heavily to his side and touched the switch on Todd’s device lying next to him, turning it back on. The last words he heard were “REST IN PEACE MITCH LAURENCE, REST IN PEACE.”.

Evening fell as the last rays of sunshine fell on the new grave. A small flag marked the grave, where a permanent gravestone would soon reside. Written on it was M. Laurence. 7/27/2012.