The trial went very well. Laura was found guilty on all counts. Five counts of murder which she was to serve life plus twenty five for each crime, and one count attempted murder which the judge gave here 10 years for. No matter how you looked at it Laura wasn’t getting out of prison anytime soon. The judge promised Steve a transcript of the proceedings for his case in family court after the baby was born. Several months later Steve was busy in his house when the phone rang. He excused himself and went to answer it. “Hello” he spoke.

“Steve.” Oscar was on the other end.. “I need to see you.”

“When Oscar? I’m kind of busy now.” Steve replied.

“Well I was hoping now.” Oscar was taken aback.

“I’m with the decorator. We’re planning the baby’s room.” Steve explained. “Laura is going to have the baby soon and I want everything ready.”

“I see your point…” Oscar began.

“I don’t know if you do. This is important Oscar I want my child.” Steve interrupted.

“I don’t blame you. You take all the time you need. I’ll get someone else on this one.”

“Oscar if they need help, I’ll be more than happy to lend mine but right now I need to take care of this. Once I get everything picked out, she’ll do all the work.”

“Ok Steve, I’ll keep you posted.

“Sounds good I’ll call you later.” Steve hung up and rejoined the decorator in the nursery. “Now where were we?”

Three weeks later Steve approached Rudy. “How is the baby doing?” He asked. He never bothered to ask about Laura.

“The baby is doing just fine. I have it all arranged. She’s just about a month from giving birth she’ll be moved from the prison to here. She’ll remain under heavy guard. I’ll deliver the baby and then you can take him or her home.”

“That sounds great.” Steve agreed. “Will she cooperate with being here, I mean?”

“She has to. It’s one of the conditions. We don’t want your child born in prison.” Rudy reminded.

“Yea neither do I.” Steve agreed once more.

A month later under protest Laura was transferred to Rudy’s lab at the National Medical Center. She was kept under close guard though, so she was not allowed outside her room.

It was well past midnight on her third night when Rudy called and got Steve out of bed. “I just thought you would like to come to the hospital you’re about to become a father.”

“I’ll be right there!” Steve jumped out of bed and into the shower. He was ready to go in just a little over five minutes. He called Oscar before he left and told him to meet him at the hospital.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Oscar called. “I’ll meet you there!”

Steve and Oscar arrived at the same time and rode the elevator together. Rudy was standing there when they got off.

“Rudy?” Steve wondered. “Shouldn’t you be with Laura?”

“I don’t need to be. That was the fastest delivery I think I’ve ever been a part of.” Rudy smiled. “Come on Steve I’ll introduce you to your son.”

“A son? it’s a boy?” Steve smiled.

“Yea it’s a boy.” Rudy patted him on the back “7 pounds 10 ounces.”

Steve and Oscar followed him down the hall and into Rudy’s office where he had the baby lying in a small crib. “You can hold him if you want.” Rudy offered.

Steve gently picked the baby up and held him close. “I guess I better pick out a name for you huh pal?” Steve rocked him back and forth.

“That would be a good idea.” Rudy laughed.

“I think I’ll call you Todd, Todd Carl.” Steve continued rocking his son in his arms.

“Are you sure?” Rudy stood with the birth certificate ready to fill it out.

“Yes. Todd was my mom’s father’s name and Carl was my father’s name.” Steve laid Todd back down in his crib.

“Ok then, Todd Carl it is.” Rudy filled out the birth certificate and handed it to Steve. “I need him to stay here for the night anyway. Do you have everything ready at the house?”

Steve nodded. “I sure do.”

“Ok then you can take him home around noon.” Rudy told him.

“That’s just great. I can’t wait to get him home.” Steve was smiling from one ear to the other.

“Ok then we’ll see you around noon.” Rudy escorted Steve and Oscar out of the office so baby Todd could sleep.

At noon Steve was standing outside Rudy’s office when Rudy stepped out. “We have a problem Steve.” Rudy’s face was somber.

The baby’s all right isn’t he?” Steve became nervous.

“No nothing like that.” Rudy assured. “It’s Laura. She says she wants to nurse the baby and that we have to let her.”

“But that would mean she would have to keep the baby in prison.” Steve stammered.

“That won’t happen. I have your lawyer working on a restraining order till the custody hearing.”

Well that’s good. Does this mean I can’t take Todd home?” Steve sighed.

“I’m afraid so. I talked the court into letting him stay here and due to the aspects of the case the hearing will be first thing in the morning.”

“I’ll be ready.” Dejected, Steve left

The next morning Steve sat in Family Court waiting for the judge’s decision Before presenting the case Steve’s lawyer submitted the transcript to the criminal trial that imprisoned Laura Austin for murder.

Judge Marge Carson recessed the court then went into chambers and read the transcript. Twenty minutes later she reconvened the court.

“I must admit Mrs. Austin you have a lot of nerve.” The judge gave Laura and her attorney a dirty look. “I don’t understand why this case is even before me.”

Laura’s attorney stood to object.

“Sit down Miss Banks!” The judge ordered. “I don’t want to here that it’s the baby’s right to be nursed and all of that.” Judge Carson stated. “My own children were bottle fed because my work kept me busy. They turned out just fine.”

Laura’s attorney sat back down knowing what the verdict was going to be.

“Col Austin you may take you son home where he belongs. And while I’m at it just so you don’t have any trouble with your former wife, I’m terminating her parental rights. That way if she ever does succeed in getting out of prison, she will not be able to go any where near the child.”

Again Laura’s lawyer stood to object and was cut down by the judge. “Just get Mrs. Austin back to her cell where she belongs.” The judge barked.

“However,” the judge turned to Steve. “In terminating her rights it means you will not be able to collect child support from her in the future.”

“I understand.” Steve smiled. “I really want nothing to do with her.”

“Granted.” The judge signed the papers.

Ten minutes later Steve rushed to the hospital to pick up his son. Rudy was waiting just outside his office. “The court just called. We’re getting Todd ready to go. Lynda bought him a new outfit to go home in.” Rudy smiled “she said to give her a minute to get him all ‘spruced up’ as she put it.”

Steve was growing impatient by the time Lynda opened the door she carried Todd in her arms. “I’m sorry Steve, but I know more and got his clothes on when he needed a diaper change.”

Steve smiled down at his son then removed him from Lynda’s arms. “Thanks for everything Lynda the outfit is cute.” “Steve, do you want me to ride along?” Rudy offered. “I’ll sit in the back with the baby…”

That’s fine Rudy but…” Steve smiled. “I took a cab over here. I figured you’d give me a ride. So I thought it would be easier to take your car. That way you’ll have a way home. But if it’s all the same to you I’ll sit in the back with this little guy.”

“Are you still going to hire a nanny?” Rudy asked as he pulled his car into traffic.

“I don’t have to, mom is coming out here. She’s going to stay with me and take care of Todd when I have to ‘run errands’ for Oscar.”

“Run errands?” Rudy questioned.

“Well that’s what I’m going to call it till Todd is old enough to understand.” Steve explained.

“I like that version.’ Rudy laughed.

He stopped in front of Steve’s house and Steve got out of the car “why don’t you and Oscar come by later?” Steve suggested.

“That sounds good. I’ll see you later then.” Rudy pulled away from the curb and headed back to work while Steve headed into the house with Todd.

“Here we are sport. This is home.” Steve opened the door and walked into the house. “Wait till you see your room. I think you’ll like it.”

Steve carried him to the nursery and laid him down in his crib. “Now I’m going to go fix you a bottle. You just wait here.”

Todd’s blue eyes looked up at Steve as if to say ‘ok daddy I’ll be good till you get back by the way it’s good to be home.’

Steve gave him a kiss then headed into the kitchen to get a bottle ready. He was on his way back to Todd’s room when the phone rang. Steve set the bottle down on the table and he picked up the phone. “Hello?” He spoke.

“Steve it’s me.” Helen spoke “I’m sorry my flight has been delayed. I can’t possibly get out there till tomorrow.”

“That’s fine mom. Don’t worry. We’ll be fine tonight. Just wait till you see this little guy.” Steve beamed.

“I can’t wait. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Don’t worry I’ll take a cab…”

“You’ll do no such thing.” Steve argued. “Russ said he would be more than happy to pick you up.”

“Well then I’ll see you tomorrow. Kiss my grandson for me.” Helen cooed.

“I will.” Steve promised. He hung up the phone and headed up to the nursery where Todd was crying for his bottle.

“Hey there little man.” Steve sang. “Daddy’s here. Now enough of that I have what you want right here.” He picked Todd up and sat in the rocker the decorator had put in the nursery. “Now’ we’ll just drink all of this up and then take a nice little nap so daddy can get some work done. And tomorrow your gamma is coming to help take care of you.”

He finished feeding Todd, changed his diaper then put him down for a nap.

“Now a little peace and quiet” Steve said to himself. He made himself a sandwich and sat on the couch to watch the evening news. While he was eating Rudy called. “Oscar and I are planning on stopping by. Do you need anything for Todd?”

“No I think I’m pretty well set for the next few days anyway. Mom said she’ll be here sometime tomorrow.”

“Well that’s good.” Rudy approved.

“Yea, I think it will give her something to do. She’s been more or less drifting since Jim was killed in that accident a year ago.”

“Maybe she’ll move out here for good.” Rudy speculated.

“That’s kind of what I’m hoping for.” Steve admitted.

“I hope it all works out. We should be there in about fifteen minutes or so. We’re just finishing dinner.”

“Ok I’ll see you then.” Steve hung up and walked into Todd’s room to see if he was still napping.

He was surprised to see him just laying there his eyes wide open. They focused on Steve as soon as he entered the room. Steve even swore he saw the slightest hint of a smile.

He picked Todd up and carried him to the kitchen where he again fixed him his bottle. By the time he finished Rudy and Oscar arrived. Steve set Todd in his infant seat in the living room and Todd looked from one to the other as they talked.

“So” Rudy began. “How has the day gone?”

It’s been great!” Steve was ecstatic. “It couldn’t be better.”

“Well that’s good.” Rudy smiled.

“You know. When I walked into his room after his nap I swear he smiled at me.” Steve grinned.

“That’s not possible Steve.” Rudy observed “He’s only two days old.”

“I know what I saw. He smiled at me.” Steve proclaimed.

“Ok Steve. He smiled at you.” Rudy humored

“Laugh if you will I know what I saw, he’s my son, and I say he smiled at me.”

They sat and talked for a couple of hours Steve excused himself to put his son to bed and rejoined Rudy and in the living room.

He was just about to sit down when the front doorbell rang. Steve walked over to the door and answered it. “Dolenz!” Steve shouted attracting the attention of Rudy and Oscar who came running.

“Good evening Col. Austin.” Dolenz sneered.

“What the h-l- do you want?” Steve continued to shout.

“I’m surprised you haven’t figured that out. I’ve come to see my nephew of course.” Dolenz smiled…

For a moment Steve could only stare, not really hearing what Dolenz had said.

“What was that Dolenz?” Oscar broke the awkward silence.

“I said I’ve come to visit my nephew.” Dolenz continued to smile.

“I don’t think so. He’s sleeping.” Steve tried to slam the door in his face, but Dolenz held on to it.

“That’s no way to treat the uncle of your son.” Dolenz sneered.

“I’m afraid you have no claim on him whatsoever.” Oscar enlightened. “You see Laura’s parental rights were terminated. That goes for her family members as well. You have no right to see him. In the eyes of the law you are not I repeat NOT his uncle.”

For the first time Steve noticed that Dolenz had a small box with him. “It’s a gift for my nephew.” Dolenz turned to Steve. “Couldn’t we put aside our differences just this once?”

Steve pretended to think about it, then very politely said “No Dolenz it would never work, now please leave my house.”

Dolenz laid the box down on the porch. “I hope you’ll see that my nephew gets this.” He turned around and stepped off the porch.

Steve bent down and picked up the box. He gave it a little shake. He didn’t hear anything sinister so he carried it into the house.

“I’d be careful if I were you Steve.” Oscar cautioned.

“I am.” Steve carefully opened the box. He pulled out a little sailor shirt with matching shorts and socks. There was also a baby rattle.

“That was sweet of him.” Steve said. “Maybe I was too hard on him.”

“Steve don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment.” Oscar warned. “We’re talking bout Dolenz…”

“Yea I guess you’re right. I think I’ll keep the little outfit though. It’s kind of cute.”

“I’d pack it up and send it back to Dolenz.” Oscar suggested. “Better yet donate it to charity or something.”

“Come on Oscar I think Dolenz is a pretty decent fellow deep down inside. After all he is Todd’s uncle.”

“You’ll have to do what you feel is best.” Oscar sighed. “I need to get going I’ll see you tomorrow. By the way does someone need to pick up your mother?”

“I thought Russ could do it if that’s all right. I think I’m going to stay around here for a couple of days.”

“Fine, just let Rudy or I know if you need anything in between now and the time your mother gets here.”

“I’ve laid in a pretty good supply. I think I’ll be fine.” Steve assured.

“Ok then we’ll see you tomorrow.” Oscar and Rudy stepped out onto the porch and headed down the steps.

Up the street and around the corner Jeffery Dolenz sat in the back of the van listening to every word being said in Steve’s house via the microphone he had concealed in Todd’s new rattle.

The next morning Russ picked Helen up at the airport. “I suppose you’re looking forward to seeing that new grandson of yours.” Russ took her bags and set them in the trunk.

“You’ve got that Right.” Helen beamed. “I hope you get me to him just a quickly as you can.”

“I’ll go as fast as I can without breaking any laws.” Russ promised.

“Well I’ll take your word for it.” Helen laughed.

They arrived at Steve’s and Helen bounded out of the car and up the front steps. Steve was waiting for her at the door. “Hi mom” he opened the door for her.

“Steve, would you please get my bags?” Helen pushed past him. “Where is my grandson?”

“He’s taking a nap.” Steve grinned. “I’ll go get him as soon as I bring in your bags.”

Helen rubbed her hands together. “I can’t wait to see him. Imagine me a grandmother.” Then she became serious. “I’m sorry about what happened with Laura. I never dreamed she would…I’m so glad you weren’t hurt.”

“I think we’re all glad of that.” He was just about to step out onto the porch to retrieve his mother’s bags when he saw Russ set the last of Helen’s bags on the porch.

“Thanks Russ.” He picked up the bags and began to set them into the front hall. “I’ll just carry these to your room and then I’ll introduce you to Todd….”

“Oh Steve I’m so happy you named him Todd. That was my father’s name.” Helen exclaimed.

“I know that mom. His name is Todd Carl. Todd Carl Austin.” Steve carried the bags down the hall to the room he had had decorated for his mother. “I hope you like it.” Steve opened the door and showed her inside.

“Steve it’s perfect.” Helen cried when she stepped in. “I love it.”

“That’s good, cause it’s yours for as long as you want. I was hoping you would just stay with us.”

“I just might do that.” Helen gave a wary smile.

“You look tired. Why don’t you get freshened up and take a rest. There will be plenty of time to see Todd.”

“In all the excitement I didn’t realize just how tired I was. I think I’ll do just that.”

“Great” Steve walked over to another door and opened it. “Your own bathroom”

“Steve this is just perfect.” Helen gave him a kiss. “I think I might just stay on after all.”

“Well if you do there is plenty of room. We can always add on and make you your own apartment if need be.”

“I’m just as happy here.” She indicated the room.

“Well I’ll let you get yourself presentable enough to meet Todd. He’s a pretty special boy you know.”

“I’m sure he is.” Helen beamed.

“Did you get to see him?” Laura asked her brother who sat across from him in the visitor room at the prison.

“No he wouldn’t even let me in the house.” Dolenz grumbled.

“They didn’t let me see him either Wells ran off with him then instant he was born. At least he told me it was a boy.”

“Don’t worry Laura you’ll see him hopefully before the week is out.” Dolenz assured.

“I hope so.” Laura cried. “All I wanted to do was nurse him. They allow female inmates to keep their children till they are a year old. That way we can nurse them. That is the proper thing to do. We don’t keep them in our cell. They have a special section for us.”

“I’m working on it. Austin’s mother has come to help take care of the child. As soon as Austin goes out…it will be like taking candy away from a baby.” Dolenz laughed at the pun.

Steve was sitting on the couch in the living room giving Todd his bottle when Helen emerged from her room.

“There he is!” Helen exclaimed. “Oh Steve let me do that.”

“Are you sure you’re ready?” Steve laughed. “You know I kind of hate to give the little guy up.”

“You asked me to come and help out, that is what I intend to do.” Helen sat down in the chair across from Steve. “Now give me that baby and go fix something for dinner.”

Laughing, Steve stood and laid the baby in her arms. “I’ll get something started.” He headed for the kitchen.

The next morning Steve awoke to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and bacon frying. He slipped out of bed, showered and headed for the kitchen. “Boy that smells good.” He gave his mother a kiss. “Where’s Todd?”

She pointed to the infant seat on the kitchen table. “I just gave him his bottle. If we’re lucky he’ll sleep while we eat…”

Her sentence was cut off by the phone ringing. “If I’m lucky” Steve assumed “I’ll be able to just eat breakfast.” He answered the phone. “Hello.”

“Steve its Oscar I need you to come in as soon as you can.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I have something to eat.” Steve hung up before Oscar could object.

“This is perfect.” Dolenz said to himself as he sat in his van. “Oh this is so perfect.”

Steve finished his breakfast and got ready to meet with Oscar. “Now, don’t you go spoiling him while I’m gone.” Steve smiled. “I know you. You’ll pick him up every time he cries.”

“I think I know how to take care of children, now get out of here.” She pushed him out the door.

Dolenz watched as Steve rounded the corner and was gone. He crept up to the house and watched Helen cleaning up after the breakfast.

“Now, now” she cooed to the baby. “You just hang in there and gamma will get you all cleaned up, then you can take a nice nap.”

She finished her chores then carried Todd back to the bedroom where she gave him a bath. Put on clean pajamas and laid him down in his crib. “Now you be good while I clean the house.”

Todd looked up at her then closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Dolenz watched through the window as Helen quietly slipped out of the room

“You can’t be serious Oscar?” Steve protested.

“I promise Steve, it will only be for a couple of days. I’m sorry but you’re the only one who can handle this mission. Why don’t you go home, get packed say good bye to Helen and Todd then come back here.”

“I still don’t like it, but as long as it’s only for a couple of days.”

“I promise two, three days tops.” Oscar promised.

Steve walked into the house just as his mother finished vacuuming. “Steve. You startled me. What are you doing home so soon?”

“I’m only here to pack. You know Oscar. Think you and Todd can manage without me for a couple of days?”

“Of course we can.” Helen assured.

“Where is he?” Steve looked around the room.

“Taking a nap” Helen followed Steve down the hall to the nursery. “I put him down after breakfast.”

Steve opened the door and the both stepped inside. “Where is he?” Steve asked.

Helen screamed in terror as she stared at the empty crib…

Steve finally got Helen calmed down. “Mom, tell me exactly what happened.” Steve demanded. “But first I better call Oscar.”

“That’s a good idea.” Helen began. “All I did was give him a bath and put him in his crib for a nap.” Helen continued to cry….”

Steve raised his hand to quiet her. “Oscar its Steve I’m afraid I’m going to have to take a rain check on that mission.

“Why Steve, what’s wrong?” Oscar wondered.

“You’re not going to believe this. Todd’s been kidnapped.”

“I’ll be right there. Steve I’m bringing the CSI team don’t touch anything. Just sit tight till we get there.”

“Ok Oscar we’ll just sit tight.” Steve hung up and turned to Helen. “Oscar says to not touch anything.” Steve sighed.

“Steve?” Helen moved toward him “Don’t worry Oscar will find him.”

“They better hope Oscar finds them before I do. If I catch the dirty rat, he’s going to need bionic surgery!” Steve shouted.

Helen sat next to him on the couch. “Don’t say such things.” She soothed. “Let the law do its job.” She stood to answer the door when the doorbell rang.

Steve stood and followed her. “It’s got to be Oscar.” Steve presumed.

They opened the door “any word from the kidnapper?” Oscar asked as he walked into the front hall.

“Nothing yet” Steve shook his head.

“Well the crime scene Unit will get right on it. I’d be willing to bet six million dollars Dolenz took him.” Oscar showed the CSI team back to the nursery and they began their investigation.

“I brought Dolenz’ file with me it has his finger prints, they will be able to make an immediate comparison. That is if he left any finger prints.”

“Well that’s good. You’re sure it’s Dolenz?” Steve asked. “This seems a little out of his realm.”

“I don’t know who else it could be. We’ve kept very close tabs on Laura since you brought Todd home. She hasn’t been outside her cell except to visit …get this her brother Jeffery.”

“Well I guess that cinches it.” Steve steamed. “I’m going after him right now.”

Oscar held him back. “Steve wait for us to get the proof.” Oscar continued to hold Steve’s arm trying to keep him from doing something they would all later regret.

“Ok Oscar I’ll wait for the proof.” Steve sat back down on the couch next to his mother.

It took the CSI team only 45 minutes to scour Todd’s room. They dusted everything for just one print. They came up with one that didn’t belong to Steve, his mother, Oscar or Rudy.

“I think we have it sir.” The lead investigator approached Oscar. “Where is Dolenz’ file?”

Oscar pulled it out of his brief case and handed it to the investigator.

He quickly compared the prints. “That’s it. It’s Dolenz.” He exclaimed.

Oscar shook hands with the investigator “Thanks for everything Ted.”

“No problem Oscar let us know if there is anything else we can do.” Ted stated.

“I will.” He showed them to the door then rejoined Steve in the living room. “Well Steve how are we going to handle this one?”

“I’m not sure. I bet you five dollars he took him to Laura.” Steve surmised.

“I was thinking the same thing.” Oscar sighed.

Oscar and Steve headed for the door. “Where are you going?” Helen asked.

“To the prison” Oscar related. “I’m sure Steve is right and he took Todd to see Laura. We’ll hopefully catch him on their way out.”

Oscar drove and Steve sat nervously in the passenger seat. “What if we’re wrong Oscar?” Steve finally broke the silence. “Maybe Dolenz thinks that would be too obvious.”

“I don’t think Dolenz would plan ahead that far. His sister would come first.” Oscar presumed.

“I hope we’re right. By the time we get done chasing rainbows, he could be out of the City with him and across state lines.”

In the visitor room at the prison Laura was getting reacquainted with her son. “Thank you for bringing him Jeffrey.” She exclaimed. “Like I said I didn’t even get to hold him. He’s so cute. He sort of looks like you.”

“Do you think so?” Dolenz smiled.

“Oh yes very much.” Laura went on. She cuddled Todd close to her. “Todd, I hate that name. I think I’ll call you Jeffery after you uncle. I see they gave us no credit what so ever!” Laura seethed.

“I like that.” Dolenz reached down and tickled his nephew under the chin. “Yes in deed I like it very much.”

“I’m glad. Now do you think Steve will come looking for him?” Laura continued to cradle Todd close to her.

“I’m counting on it.” Dolenz smiled.

She handed Todd back to Dolenz. “Ok then I’m ready when ever he gets here.”

Steve and Oscar went as fast as they could without breaking any traffic laws. They arrived at the prison within minutes.

They stepped into the reception area and were greeted by two guards. “May I help you?” the first guard asked.

Oscar flipped out his ID “I want to see the warden!” He demanded.

“Yes sir.” the second guard ran and returned a few moments later with the warden.

“What can I do for you Mr. Goldman?” He asked

Oscar explained the situation. “We have reason to believe Dolenz brought the baby here to visit his sister.” Oscar finished.

“I’ll check and see if she has had a visitor. He quickly checked the log “as a matter of fact.” He turned to Steve and Oscar. “He’s still here.”

“Where is he?” Steve asked.

“In the visitor room” he turned toward the first guard. “Grant would you escort these men to visiting room C.”

“Yes sir.” Grant turned to Oscar “Right this way.”

Steve and Oscar followed the guard down to the visitor room. “Thanks.” Steve said “We’ll take it from here.”

Steve and Oscar burst through the door. “I’ve been waiting for you Austin” Dolenz scorned.

“I want my son Dolenz. You had now right to take him!” Steve shouted.

“I have news for you mister.” Laura sneered taking the baby away from Dolenz. “He’s not yours.”

Steve could only stare unbelieving. “What?” He barely whispered.

“I said he’s not yours.” Laura hissed.

“I don’t believe it!” Oscar roared. “He looks just like Steve.”

“That is your imagination. You’ve convinced yourself that he’s the father therefore he looks like him.”

“Well blood tests will prove it.” Oscar added.

“I won’t let them give him a blood test. I’m his mother.” Laura continued.

“Not in the eyes of the law.” Oscar argued.

“We’ll see about that.” Laura snapped.

Oscar quickly did what Steve couldn’t. He was still reeling from the blow that Laura had just thrown. He went and got the guard and once again explained the situation.

“I’m sorry Laura.” The guard spoke you have to turn the baby over. I just called the Family Court building; they informed me your rights were terminated…”

“But he’s not the father.” Laura continued to argue.

“That doesn’t matter. You have to let the courts battle that one out.” The guard tried to explain.”

“What do I do in the mean time?” Laura wondered. “I don’t understand why I can’t keep my baby. I keep telling you he’s not the father.” Laura reminded

“I understand that.” The guard was growing impatient. She had no doubt that the man in front of her was the father. “You should have said that to begin with.”

“I tried…” Laura started.

“I doubt you tried very hard. I see it all the time. You have a baby the state takes it He’s given over to the custody of relatives. Then you see how wonderful the inmates with children have it and it’s ‘he’s not the father.’ I bet you’d say he were the father when it comes time for the child support check.”

Laura didn’t know what to say.

The guard turned to Steve. “You better take you son and go.”

Steve took Todd away from Dolenz. “I don’t ever want to see you again.” He whispered.

“Oh you will.” Dolenz gave an evil smile after Steve had turned to leave.

Helen had been pacing back and forth on the front porch ever since Steve had left. She watched as the car pulled into the drive. She continued to watch as Steve slipped out of the back seat her grandson safely in her arms.

“Oh Steve” Helen darted off the porch. “Oh you found him thank goodness.”

“Yea mom but this isn’t over by a long shot.” Steve sighed as they headed into the house.

“What do you mean?” Helen asked.

“Now Laura says that Todd is not my son” Steve laid the sleeping child in his crib. “I just don’t know what to do.”

“Steve.” Oscar interrupted. Rudy says he’ll be here within the hour to draw blood. That will prove if Todd is yours.

Ten minutes later Rudy arrived. He drew the blood from Todd. “I’ll get back to you just as soon as I get the results.” He left the house and headed back to the lab.”

Steve was pacing by the phone waiting for Rudy to call with the test results when the doorbell rang. Grumbling Steve went to answer it.

“I thought I told you to stay away from us.” Steve shouted at Dolenz.

“Now, now Col Austin I’m willing to forget the whole thing provided you come with me. Little Todd can stay with his grandmother…

At that moment the phone rang. Steve ran to answer it. “Rudy?” he asked.

“Yea Steve it’s me. I have the results from the blood test….”

“Yea Rudy what do they say?” Steve was trembling.

“No doubt about it Steve, Todd is your son.” Rudy informed.

“That’s a relief.” Steve sighed. “Listen Rudy I have a couple of things to take care of.” He hung up without waiting for a reply and walked over to the front door where Dolenz stood waiting.

“So what’s your answer?” Dolenz wondered. He had a party very interested in ‘buying’ Steve and he wanted to get it over with as soon a possible.

Steve reached in and pulled Dolenz into the house. “I’ll give you your answer.” He raged “I’ll give you your answer right…”

Once again he was interrupted when the phone rang. “Don’t you move Dolenz” Steve stormed. He walked over and picked it up. “Hello.” He barked.

“Steve its Oscar have you heard from Dolenz at all?”

Steve looked at Dolenz, and then just as quickly turned away. “Yes.” He spoke. “I take it he’s there now?” Oscar asked.

“Yes. Look I’m sorry I believe you have the wrong number. The number you gave me is correct but no one by that name lives here. Maybe you have the wrong area code”

Oscar caught the ploy so he just continued to play along. “I need to see you in my office as soon as possible.” Oscar stated.

“Yes that’s quite all right. Just hang up and try it again.” Steve hung up the phone and turned to Dolenz. “Some lady she had the wrong number. Now where were we? Oh yea I was about ready to ring your neck, but I promised my mother I’d do some shopping for her. I want you to leave this house you have a beef with me, you go through me, you leave my family alone!”

“Ok this isn’t over Austin.” Dolenz smirked. “My sister will not let it drop.”

“Yea well it so happens I have blood tests that prove I’m Todd’s father her rights were terminated she has nothing. Do you hear me nothing?” Steve shouted

Dolenz nodded.

“Now” Steve began again. If I see you around my family again I’ll give you a bionic knuckle sandwich.”

Dolenz left and headed down the street. Steve watched as he rounded the corner and was gone.

“Who was that Steve?” Helen asked coming out of the nursery.

“No one important I have to go to the OSI to see Oscar about something I’m not about to leave you and Todd alone. You’re coming with me.”

“I’ll get him ready.” Helen didn’t argue she headed straight into the nursery and got Todd ready to go.

Forty minutes later Steve had his mother and son safely tucked away in Rudy’s office he headed for Oscar’s office.

“So what’s the low down Oscar?”

“Ok here’s what I know so far. Dolenz has a foreign government ready to buy you. Did he tell you he would let the so called lawsuit drop if you were to team up with him?”

“As a matter of fact he did.” Steve replied.

“Ok Steve here’s the plan. You go with him. I’ll keep Helen and Todd here so Dolenz and people can’t get him. You need to find out who these men are and bring them in.”

“I will Oscar you just keep mom and Todd safe.” Steve warned.

“I will don’t worry.” Oscar assured.

“How do I get in contact with him?” Steve asked as he got ready to go out the door.

“I’m sure Dolenz will contact you very soon. He’s got buyers with big pockets that have holes in them.”

“Ok then I’ll just wait. Hopefully it will all be over with in a couple of days.” Steve left and went home to wait for Dolenz to either call or stop by.

It ended up being the latter. After speaking to his mother and assuring himself that all was well, Steve was just sitting down to the late local news when the doorbell rang. He stood to answer it and wasn’t surprised to see Dolenz on the other side.

“I thought I told you to stay away from my family!” Steve barked.

“Your family isn’t here, they are at the OSI. Now about our deal as I said. Laura won’t continue with the lawsuit if you just come with me. I’m sure that would make your mother very happy…”

“You leave my mother out of this. I’ll do what you want just don’t hurt my family.” Steve played along.

“Then if you will be so kind as to come with me.” Dolenz motioned him outside.

“Give me a minute to comb my pretty hair.” Steve stalled.

“You have two minutes.” Dolenz was losing his patients.

“I won’t need that long.” Steve ran in the house and scrawled a quick note to Oscar letting him know Dolenz had picked him up.

“Ok Dolenz. Let’s go.” Steve followed him down the steps and out to his car.

Dolenz held the back door open so Steve could get in. Steve leaned over to crawl in as he did so Dolenz jabbed him in the back with a needle. “Nitey night Col. Austin” Dolenz smiled. “You see I just can’t risk your jumping out at the first stop light.” He loaded Steve into the trunk and sped off.

...Continued