Kevin held onto Viki’s hand tightly. He nodded. “Jess and her boyfriend were with dad in his car and they were hit by a drunk driver who came at them head on.”
“Oh my God,” Viki squeezed Kevin’s hands. “How bad?” she asked in a low fear filled voice.
Kevin was trembling slightly. “It’s bad. Jessie’s boyfriend was killed and she and dad are in extremely critical condition.”
*****
Todd sat straight up when he heard Saber.
“Stop thinking about that precious wifey of yours and focus on what you have to do. Be practical. It’s for the best that Viki is away and you chased Téa out of your life. You don’t want them interfering when the time comes and Blair and Sam get you out of here. Blair, Sam and whatever Mickey Mouse staff Blair hired will be easy to con. You don’t want Téa and Viki in your life now. Look at the bright side. Téa will have someone to turn to after you’re gone. It’ll be harder on her if she still loves you when it happens.” Saber knew Viki and Téa would not be as easily fooled or controlled as Blair and Sam. “You’ve got to make sure that lady doc of yours stays out of the picture too. She has no legal rights, but she could try to keep you from doing what you know you have to do. You be a man Todd. For once in your life don’t be a little girl wuss. You know there’s only pain and suffering for you here and for everyone who’s close to you. Don’t blow the one chance you have to end the pain. Be careful. Don’t talk to Sam about this if anyone can hear.”
*****
Kevin and Téa noticed that Timmy’s speech didn’t sound right, even for Timmy. They also noticed that his jaw looked to be at an odd angle. His teeth seemed to be mashing together.
Before they had a chance to call to Susannah, Timmy dropped the remote and cried out in pain. He grabbed his jaw and mouth and then his neck. Timmy’s head was cocked at an odd angle to the side.
Kevin cradled Timmy in his arms. “What’s happening to him?” Kevin called out frantically.
“It hurrrrrrts,” Timmy managed to get out. His upper and lower teeth were tightly clenched together.
“Oh my God,” Téa cried. Everything from Timmy’s neck up seemed to be at some odd and painful looking angle.
“The medication you gave him is doing this to him!” Sam bellowed angrily.
Sam stood frozen. He stared at what was happening to Timmy as if he were watching a movie. Blair’s words, “Doctor Hanen might believe that no one would ever suspect her and look into her private business or like the PI I hired suggested . . . there’s nothing criminal about taking money from Asa. Doctor Hanen and Asa might believe that it could be explained away if someone should ask,” played over and over again in Sam’s mind. He desperately wanted to get to Viki before she left. He knew he couldn’t add to her grief. Sam felt completely alone.
*****
Kevin pulled Timmy to him and held him tightly. “You’re my boy. I’d never, ever leave you forever.” A thought stung Kevin’s mind. He knew he could never in good conscience make that promise to his son Duke. Yet he also knew without a doubt that it was true in Timmy’s case. He still had no idea why this child . . . this part of Todd . . . got to him the way he did. Kevin kissed the top of Timmy’s head. “Will you take good care of Téa and Daddy and Doctor Hanen and everyone here for me?”
Timmy nodded. He held up three fingers. “You call me dhis many times ewewyday?”
“Pinkie promise. Not one day will go by when I don’t call you three times.” Kevin realized that promise could only extend to Timmy. If Todd came back, Kevin would be the last person he’d want to talk to.
*****
Sam walked to the lounge near Timmy’s room. Téa followed.
“He seems to be okay now. He took the news about Kevin and Viki leaving better than I thought he would,” Téa said once she and Sam were seated.
“Didn’t he suffer enough to please you?” Sam snapped.
“Wha . . . Sam, what the hell do you mean by that?” Téa couldn’t believe Sam said that.
“I don’t want you around Timmy or Todd or any of them anymore.”
Téa’s blood ran cold. “Sam, you can’t mean that?”
“The hell I can’t. I let them call you today because of the circumstances. From what I understand, Todd doesn’t want you here and neither do I.”
*****
Dorian leaned against the front door after she closed it. She rolled her eyes. “As if Todd was never violent with her when he was himself,” Dorian murmured. She sighed loudly. “Perhaps I went a teeny bit too far when I had that young college student transfer that money to Susannah Hanen’s account,” Dorian said to herself. She knew it was too late to change that now. She hurried upstairs to start calling the staff she had on standby.
*****
“Sam, psychiatric treatment for Todd was ordered by the courts.”
“Psychiatric treatment, not hospitalization. Viki is giving you consent to keep Todd here, not the court. I will make sure that Todd and the alters continue to receive psychiatric care.” Sam looked at his watch. He saw that Blair had more than enough time to get Starr over to Dorian’s and to get back home. “I’m going in to wake Timmy up now. Please leave the prescriptions at the nurses station. I’ll pick them up on my way out.” Sam sounded cold and detached.
Susannah forced herself to stay calm. She knew she could not legally stop Sam from taking Todd from the hospital without a court order, forever. Nevertheless, she could stop him from doing it tonight. “It’s my opinion that Todd is not stable enough to leave the hospital. It’s the hospital’s right to request a hearing and a mental health review officer will come to the hospital. He or she will hear arguments for and against keeping Todd hospitalized. The courts are closed now. Other than extreme emergencies, no one can request a hearing tonight. Sam, do you really want to put Todd through that hearing?”
*****
“Hello,” Blair said breathlessly into the phone. She had been running around ever since she left Dorian’s. She had stopped at a convenience store to pick up some foods she remembered Todd liking. When she got home, she had gone from room to room checking windows. She was very happy that she had shatterproof glass placed in all the windows and the terrace doors and added high security locks. Blair had that done shortly after Matthew Allen pointed out that she needed a safe environment for Todd to live in. Blair tried to think of everything she had done to babyproof the penthouse and Dorian’s when Starr was a baby. She knew there was a chance the baby or Baby Todd could come out. Then Blair realized that she’d need to go through the medicine chests in all the bathrooms, in case there was something there Todd could harm himself with. To be on the safe side, Blair hid almost everything . . . razors and razor blades, aspirin, Tylenol, alcohol, even the children’s medications she kept in Starr’s bathroom. Blair was just about to head to the kitchen to tuck away any sharp objects when she heard the phone ring.
*****
“Ay dios mio, what is he thinking! Todd isn’t safe enough to leave the hospital. Look what happened just few hours ago. What if he’d been home when he became that angry or when he had that dystonic reaction? Doctor Hanen, please, we have to do something to stop Sam.”
“Téa,” Susannah said softly. “We might not be able to. Todd is not here by court order. He’s already been here longer than most courts in Pennsylvania order hospitalization. I know you don’t want to go against Viki’s wishes and neither do I, but if she were here I’m sure she would not want Sam to do this. If you still want to try to get guardianship of Todd . . .”
“Of course I do,” Téa cut Susannah off. “I’ll file a petition to become Todd’s substitute guardian first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Damn it!” Téa declared. “I know Blair is behind this. She saw Sam’s vulnerabilities and she pounced on them like the snake that she is.”
*****
Susannah stopped at the nurses station to make sure everyone was up to speed on what was going on. She then headed for her office. Once she was seated at her desk, Susannah picked up the phone. “Hi, it’s me . . . I won’t be able to make dinner tonight.I need to stay here. I. . .” Susannah’s voice broke. “Bill, do you think you can come here for a while. I . . . I need you.”
Bill told Susannah he’d be right there. He knew how difficult those words were for her to say. Something had to be very wrong.
*****
“Yes! Dorian I told you. I need something in writing that proves Todd will have the best of care here,” Blair said into the phone. “I know the bank records alone are not proof that Asa paid Doctor Hanen to hurt Todd. It still looks bad for her and it’s all I have. She will! . . . Oh thank you Dorian . . . No, I don’t know for sure, but there is a chance that Todd can come home with us tomorrow and I’m so happy that you were able to get at least one of the nurses and techs to be here by tomorrow . . . I know . . . I love you too . . . I never would have been able to do this without you . . . she is . . . did she talk to you or Mel or ask anything about her daddy? . . . what did you say . . . that’s good. I don’t want her to get any false hopes that she can come home in a day or two . . . Yes. As soon as I know anything I’ll call you. . . You too . . . Night.”
Blair hung up. She was exhausted and wired at the same time. She did feel better knowing at least some staff would be there if Todd became ill or had some kind of episode. Blair jumped when the doorbell rang. “Oh my God, maybe Sam was able to get Todd out of there tonight,” Blair said to herself, out loud. She ran to the door and pulled it open. “Téa! What the hell are you doing here?”
Téa pushed past Blair and walked into the apartment. “We need to talk.”
*****
“You heard me Téa! What the hell are you doing here?” Blair’s tone and stare were filled with venom.
“Is Starr upstairs?” Téa asked calmly.
“That’s none of your damn business. I want you to get out of here, NOW!”
“Blair, I don’t think you want Starr to overhear what I have to say. If she’s upstairs, we need to go to the kitchen or out on the terrace.”
For a moment, Blair’s anger turned to panic. “Has something happened to Todd?”
“Not yet,” Téa replied. “And I want to make sure that nothing will. If Starr is upstairs can we please talk elsewhere?”
Blair’s fury returned. She walked up to Téa until their faces were only inches apart. “Starr is at a sleepover tonight.” Blair mentioned nothing about it being at Dorian’s. “Is that the game now Téa? You’re coming on like Todd’s big protector? You’re the only one he needs protecting from!”
Téa told herself on the way over to the penthouse that she would not let Blair get to her. She knew that one of them had to stay rational. Todd’s life could be at stake. Téa took a moment to calm herself. She looked around. She noticed the windows and terrace doors looked different. Téa took a closer look at everything. She saw that all sharp edges of the furniture in the room had been cushioned and the unused electrical outlets had socket guards in them. Téa also realized that this was a school night. It was unusual for Starr to be at a sleepover on a school night.
“Planning on having another baby Blair?”
Blair stepped back in surprise. She hated that Téa could always see right through anything she did. “What’s going on Téa? Are you bored because Kevin is out of town?”
Téa ignored Blair’s remark. “Todd flew into a rage earlier today. He hurt several staff members and would most likely have hurt himself badly if he hadn’t been stopped. Blair, it took over a dozen staff members to keep him safe. Do you honestly think you and Sam can keep him safe here?”
Blair’s eyes were filled with fear and fury. She knew that Téa had definitely figured out that this is where they were planning to bring Todd.
Blair hated Téa for many reasons, most of all because Téa was not merely a rival, she was a rival who always bested her. Blair hated losing Max to Luna and Cord to Tina and his family, but at least she was able tell herself she was superior to these women. It was different with Téa. Téa . . . intelligent . . . highly educated . . . beautiful . . . loved by Starr . . . by Viki . . . respected by everyone in town . . . able to reach something in Todd that Blair knew in her heart she had never been able to get close to. Blair had always believed that Todd would eventually come back to her, no matter what, if she wanted him. That was until that day in the park. Todd was calm. He wasn’t acting out of rage. Blair let him know she wished they could go back to what they had, and still he chose Téa and left her crying on a park bench.
Blair grew up with nothing and no to love her. She never developed a bond with another woman. It was only as an adult that Blair was able to bond with two women that she did not consider rivals, first her mother and then Dorian. Blair didn’t trust women because she saw them the way she saw herself. Her ability to get any man she wanted from any woman was the only real talent she thought she possessed.
Blair thrived on revenge. Even though, in the long run, she would end up hurting herself more than anyone. The immediate gratification of seeing her perceived enemy hurt was like a drug to her. She craved it. With Téa, Blair could never get that gratification. Over and over again, Téa found a way to come out on top. Blair hated Téa more than she ever had any other woman. The thought of Téa being the one Todd loved and wanted made Blair’s skin crawl.
“Sam and I can keep Todd safe from you! What’s the matter Téa? Did we put a crimp in your plans? What are you more afraid of . . . that you’ll lose access to Todd’s money or the chance to watch him suffer!”
Téa did not allow herself to lose her cool. “I know you’re not trying to hurt Todd. Nevertheless, that will be the result. Blair, Todd is not ready to leave the hospital. He can be a danger to himself and to everyone around him. He still has physical problems. They’re helping Todd there. Don’t take him away from that. He’s making amazing progress. He’s bonded with Doctor Hanen and the staff. Todd needs that. He needs to feel the love and caring these people show him . . .”
“Oh you like that, don’t you,” Blair cut Téa off. “You like that he’s become so dependant on you and everyone at the hospital. You love that you and the Buchanans got him to trust you and believe that you care about him and love him. You liked making a fool out of him. Thank God he was finally able to see through you. Didn’t know that, did you? I wouldn’t stand by and let all of you hurt Todd and play him for a fool. How much are they paying you Téa? Wasn’t Todd’s money enough for you? Are you getting paid by Asa too or is getting serviced by Kevin enough payment for you?”
This time it was Téa who got into Blair’s face. “You made him feel stupid for trusting Bo and Nora and Kevin didn’t you? You took that away from him? Why do you always have to make him feel bad about himself? Does it make you feel like more?”
“All I did was save him from being made a fool of and being hurt by all of you. Todd needs to know who his enemies are. All of you have him so twisted around with all the drugs you’re giving him that he can’t even recognize whom they are anymore. Did you and Kevin get off on that? Did you need to know that Todd thought both of you care about him to make fucking each other more enjoyable?”
Téa trembled with anger for a second. Then she collected herself and spoke. "You’ve always had a problem with me being Todd's wife. You never stopped resenting that Todd chose to stay with me. You won't believe the truth about Kevin and me just being friends because you would love nothing better than to get me out of Todd's life. Blair, can’t you just accept that you and Todd are no longer married?"
"I have always had a problem with you being Todd's wife because you are his bought and paid for wife. What's the problem Téa? Wasn't five million enough for you? Are you holding out for the rest?" Blair spat out.
"You always wanted to keep stringing Todd along. You had to make sure he was always there for you," Téa accused.
"What the hell are you talking about? I never strung Todd along," Blair angrily denied.
"Yes you did! You were always showing up at the penthouse, trying to gain Todd's sympathy. You walked in there like you were so sure you were going to get Todd to do exactly what you wanted him to. You never stopped pulling his strings and treating him as if he were your puppet. You were the one who broke up your marriage to Todd, Blair, and it was long before I came into the picture. You lied to him every chance you got. You sided with everyone else against him. You always wanted Todd to take care of you and fight your battles for you. I heard about the way you used Todd to seek revenge on half the town. As long as Todd could do for you and put your needs before his own, you loved him. When did you EVER put his needs before yours! When did you ever care about what was going on inside Todd’s head. You never had any regrets for those you hurt and you couldn’t understand it when Todd had compassion for some of his victims. You never encouraged that good part of him. You only encouraged the worst parts. You couldn’t brush aside Todd’s tortured past and mind fast enough because it didn’t fit in with the fairy tale life you wanted Todd to give you!" Téa threw things into Blair’s face that she had been holding inside for a long time.
Téa's words stung Blair, because there was truth in them. Nevertheless, Blair still came back at Téa. "I may have lied to Todd when I got him to marry me the first time. That was because I needed the money to help my mother." Blair defended her actions before continuing. "At least I didn't out and out prostitute myself for five million . . . and it's not enough for you! You still want more. You pretend to be here for Todd . . . loving him . . . acting devoted to him and those precious little children . . . the only reason you do that is because you want it all. You want every dime that Todd has in addition to revenge on him. And as far as all Todd's other needs go," Blair smirked, "I think I was able to satisfy them a lot more than you, his Latina nanny, ever were.” Blair thought she was hitting on Téa’s most vulnerable issue, and at one time she would have been.
As soon as Téa heard Blair say that, she realized something had changed. It was the way she felt about herself. Téa had learned a tremendous amount about what drove both her and Todd to feel and act the way they did. Her perspective on her past relationship with Todd had changed. She could understand things she never could while they were happening.
It was more than that. Between her sessions with Susannah, her talks with Viki, and most of all Todd’s reactions to her and the things he had said and done over the past few months, Téa knew that almost from the start Todd had connected and bonded with her. She also knew that Todd had made love to her in ways that were just as meaningful as the physical act, in some ways more so. Téa suddenly realized that Blair’s taunts had lost their power. Téa’s understanding of Todd’s relationship with both of them transferred the power to her.
"Todd had sex with you, Blair, because you made sure he lived to please you. It was Todd taking care of your needs, not the other way around. Todd was used to allowing his body to be used just to please someone and to earn their love."
Téa's words were like a slap in the face to Blair. She did not want to believe there could be any truth in them. She did not even want to think about what Téa was alluding to. Instead, she threw some of Téa's actions back at her. "At least I never cheated on Todd while I was still married to him . . . or was fucking Andrew some new age version of marriage counseling?"
“I know I did things to hurt Todd.” Téa owned up to her mistakes. “I’m sorry for them and Todd knows I’m sorry for them. Me Blair, I’m sorry for them. I took responsibility for what I did and I didn’t try to make Todd think my mistakes were his fault. I didn’t look around for someone else to blame either. Other than saying ‘excuse me’ if you step on someone’s toe, when have you ever admitted that you were at fault for anything? All you ever did was fling accusations at Todd . . . at me . . . at everyone . . . for taking things away from you . . . for ruining your life . . . you’re not a kid in an orphanage anymore. You’re a middle-aged woman. When the hell are you ever going to accept the responsibility for your own actions!”
“When are you! You did this to Todd, you and Kevin . . . Doctor Hanen, and the rest of the damn Buchanans. Well it’s over Téa! Sam and I are going to take Todd away from all of you.”
“No, what you’re going to do is take away Todd’s only chance for a life . . . a safe, relatively normal life.”
“The only thing we’re taking Todd away from is making himself a target for revenge. We’re taking him away from being used by you and the Buchanans. All of you thought Todd would be a sitting duck once you got him to believe that Kevin and Bo and Nora of all people actually liked him and cared about him.”
“No! You did what you always do. You took away any good feelings Todd could have about himself. You reinforced his belief that no one could ever forgive him or care about him. You made him feel like an unlovable monster that can’t be part of the world. Why Blair? Why have you always needed to do that to him? What did Todd ever do to you that you didn’t push him to do? He never wanted to hurt you by taking Starr away from you. He only wanted to keep you and Dorian from cutting him out of her life. Why do you have this need to isolate him? Are you so insecure that you think the only way Todd will ever have anything to do with you is if he has no one else in this world?”
Téa saw by the look on Blair’s face that she struck a nerve. Téa softened her tone. “Blair, please, if you really do care anything at all about Todd, don’t do this. Don’t place him in danger. Don’t take away his chance to recover. Don’t use Sam this way. You know Sam is holding on by a thread. If anything happens to Todd, it will destroy his life too. It will do the same to Viki and your own child. How will you face Starr if something happens to the father she adores with all her heart? Starr is not a baby anymore. No matter how you spin it, eventually she’ll learn that you were the one who hurt her daddy. Please, if you truly care about Todd you would want what’s best for him not what is best for you.”
Blair stared into Téa’s eyes. For a fleeting moment, Téa’s words got through to her. Oh my God, if something does happen to Todd, Starr will never forgive me, Blair thought to herself. Then Blair thought about everything she believed Téa had taken from her. She thought about the images of Téa and Kevin in those pictures she had seen and about catching Kevin, half-naked, in Téa’s hotel room. She thought about some of the things she had seen the hospital do to Todd and some of the children. She thought about Todd’s reactions to what she told him about Téa and Kevin. She remembered the way he defended Téa. He couldn’t believe Téa would do that to him. Blair knew Todd never had any trouble believing she’d cheat on him, hurt him, or betray him. She saw a look of trust and love in his eyes when he spoke of Téa that she never saw in connection to her. It was the same with Todd’s tone. Man, she has him fooled, Blair thought angrily. The longer I leave him in her clutches, the more he is going to believe that she loves him and he loves her. He’ll never see that it’s his money she loves and revenge that she’s after. Todd is the father of my child. He belongs with his family, not with her! Blair thought to herself as the reality of Téa’s words were replaced with feelings of hatred and jealousy.
“There’s no judge here to convince that I’m a bad mother Téa! I would never do anything to hurt my little girl and you know it!”
“Focus Blair! It’s Todd we’re talking about. You won’t be getting back at me by doing this. It’s Todd you’ll be hurting and that will hurt Starr. This isn’t a game of besting each other anymore. Don’t make Todd pay the price for your insane jealousy.”
Hatred filled Blair’s being. “Jealous! Of you! You’ll never be anything more to Todd than the live in help, Chiquita!”
Téa shook her head and smiled to herself. Just as Blair’s digs about satisfying Todd sexually couldn’t get to her any more, she knew, without a doubt, neither could this. Téa had learned far too much about herself and about what was truly important. Blair’s words missed their target by a mile.
“Sorry, Blair, that old song has lost its effect. Does that really help you? Do you think so little of yourself that your ethnic background is all you think you have over me?”
For a moment, Blair’s mouth hung open. Blair looked into Téa’s eyes. If looks could kill, Téa would be dead where she stood. “You’ve said what you came for. Now get out!” Blair ordered through clenched teeth.
Téa knew how volatile Blair could be. Nevertheless, she had to try one more time. Téa moved closer to Blair. “I believe that a part of you really does care about Todd. If you every truly loved him, put him first. Don’t let the demons that drive you cause you to do something that can destroy Todd and Starr.”
“GET OUT!” Blair screamed. “GET OUT!”
Téa tried one more thing. “Todd has asked me to get out of his life. If I promise to stay away from Todd’s unit when he is out, will you talk to Sam and try to convince him not to try to take Todd out of the hospital, at least until Viki is back? Then all of you can make that decision together.”
Blair calmed down and studied Téa for a few moments. All she could feel was fear. Téa had outsmarted her on every move. Téa was a threat to her. She didn’t trust her. “Trying to buy time?” Blair spat out.
“What?” Téa had no idea what Blair was talking about.
“You want Todd left in that hospital for just a while longer, is that what you’re saying . . . just long enough for you to put the final stage of your plan in motion. You want to make sure to kill any trust Todd has in me and in Sam. You want to make sure he stays there long enough for you to destroy him completely. Will that be your welcome home present to the Buchanans? FORGET IT! NOW YOU GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HOUSE! THE TERRACE IS A LOT HIGHER THAN THAT SECOND STORY WINDOW! GET OUT THE WAY YOU CAME IN, BEFORE YOU’LL BE SORRY THAT YOU DIDN’T WHILE YOU STILL HAD THE CHANCE.”
Blair didn’t frighten Téa. However, Téa realized that Blair was beyond being reasoned with. The more she tried the more paranoid and filled with hatred Blair became. Before Téa closed the door behind her, she turned and said, “Don’t be the one to take Starr’s daddy away from her. She’ll hate you for it.” Téa closed the door.
Blair picked up a silver candy dish and threw it against the door. “YOU BITCH! YOU FUCKING WHORE BITCH! GETTING TODD AWAY FROM YOU WILL BE THE BEST THING I CAN EVER DO FOR HIM.”
*****
“Do you think it would help if I talked to Sam?” Bill asked after Susannah told him what was going on.
“No. I’m afraid that Sam would see it as one more person lined up against him. He’s in trouble Bill. His thinking is becoming more disorganized. He’s distrustful of everyone except Todd and Viki and possibly Blair.”
Bill put his arm around Susannah’s shoulder as they sat on the couch in her office. “I wish I could tell you that I’m sure any judge or hearing officer would never hand Todd over to Sam, but I’ve seen the way these things go down.”
“So have I and that’s why I’m scared to death for Todd,” Susannah admitted. “I’m limited in what I can say. A doctor can’t predict the future. I can’t testify that Todd will definitely not comply with his medication or that a dangerous alter will definitely come out or that Todd will try to take his own life. All I can do is testify to the possibility, and that doesn’t carry much weight with most judges and hearing officers.”
“You sure you don’t want to call Viki?” Bill inquired.
“Yes. Kevin was right. We can’t add this to Viki’s burden. How could I ask her to leave her critically injured daughter and ex-husband to rush back here? How can I even add the burden of knowing that Sam might be a danger to Todd to everything she already has to face? I don’t believe for a minute that Sam would change his mind, even if Viki were to speak with him over the phone. Sam is beyond being able to understand what he’s doing. He perceives this threat to Todd and that’s what’s driving him . . . that and this overpowering need he has to make things up to Todd. Todd’s ex-wife, Blair, might be encouraging Sam’s perceptions.”
Bill sighed. “Okay . . . worst case scenario . . . some idiot judge or hearing officer allows Sam to take Todd out of the hospital . . . what then? Surely no one would allow Todd to just stop therapy . . . a court ordered therapy?”
“No, Todd would still have to see a therapist as an outpatient. That won’t keep him safe. I know Todd is still suicidal. In fact, I’m sure that his thoughts of suicide have escalated. Then there’s the threat of Saber. He truly believes that Todd can die and he won’t. Who knows how many other internal persecutors there might be? There’s Todd’s physical health. It’s crucial that he stays on his antiseizure med and that he gets regular feedings in addition to what some of the alters will eat. The PEG tube needs meticulous care. Then there are Todd’s trust issues. Even if he chooses to leave here, he will feel abandoned by all of us. He will believe that he was just a job to us and that we never truly cared about him.”
Bill saw Susannah’s eyes well up with tears. He stroked her cheek. “I think in some part of Todd’s mind, he knows how loved he is by you and the staff.”
“Maybe,” Susannah said softly.
“What about your feelings in this?” Bill asked gently.
“It’s my responsibility to keep Todd as safe and healthy as possible,” Susannah responded.
Bill placed his hand on Susannah’s heart. “In here, Susannah, in here. Forget that you’re Todd’s doctor. Forget your professional responsibilities. Forget what this could do to Todd for just a minute. Tell me what this is doing to you.”
Susannah burst into tears. “I feel like my child is being ripped out of my arms. I feel like I will never see Todd again if he leaves here. He’s making so much progress. A few months ago he didn’t even know where he was. He didn’t recognize the people who love him. He shut himself away and lived in darkness. I finally feel I’m getting to do what I’ve wanted to do since the moment I first laid eyes on Todd. I’m helping him get his life back.”
Susannah smiled. “You should have seen Todd that first day. Tom was out. He was at Viki’s. He was sitting on the floor of his room playing a video game. He looked up at me with those big frightened eyes of his . . .” Susannah’s voice trailed off. “Oh God, Bill, I’m terrified. I know something terrible will happen if Sam takes Todd out of here. I know it.”
Bill held Susannah tightly as she continued to sob.
*****
Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn
Scottsdale Arizona
**
“Listen, lady, I can buy this hospital and you’ll be scrubbing toilets here instead of trying to keep patients from their families.”
“Asa!” Renee knew Asa was losing it. Hearing about Clint and Jessica’s extensive injuries was terrifying enough. When they were told that Clint had also suffered a mild heart attack while in the ER, Asa began trying to bully his way in to see his son.
“Asa, stop it,” Viki ordered.
“Jesus, Pa, you’re making a bad situation worse,” Bo remarked.
“I’M making it worse,” Asa shouted.
“Grandpa, they said they’d let us in to see Jessie and Dad as soon as possible. Let them do their job,” Kevin tried to reason.
Asa looked at his watch. “I’m giving them ten more minutes and then a herd of wild stallions won’t stop me from seeing my son and granddaughter.”
Renee took Asa’s arm. “Come on. Let’s sit down.” She led him to some chairs.
“I’m sorry,” Bo apologized to the nurse Asa had threatened. “My father is out of his mind with worry.”
“Apologies accepted,” she replied graciously. “It should only be a few more minutes until they have Mr. Buchanan settled in the TICU. That’s the unit where post-op patients with multi-system, traumatic injuries go. It may be a while longer before you can see Ms. Buchanan. She’s still in the PACU.”
“PACU?” Nora asked.
“It the Post Anesthesia Care Unit . . . the recovery room.”
“Are they awake?” Viki asked anxiously.
“Mr. Buchanan is, although he’s groggy. He’s mildly sedated and on a lot of pain med.”
Viki’s lower lip trembled. “Is Jessica in a lot of pain?”
“She is not fully awake yet. Her surgery lasted a lot longer than her dad’s. She will be experiencing quite a bit of discomfort when she wakes up,” The nurse gently confirmed. “We’ll try to keep her as comfortable as possible. We’re waiting for another bed to open up in the TICU.”
Another nurse walked over. “Mr. Buchanan can have visitors now, one at a time, for five minutes at a time.”
For a moment, all of Clint’s family exchanged looks.
“Asa, you go,” Viki offered.
Asa took Viki’s hand in both of his. “You sure? I know my boy. He’ll be mighty happy to see your face instead of this old mug of mine.”
Viki smiled. “I think Clint will be very happy to see that old mug of yours. You tell him I’ll be in to see him in a little while.”
Asa faced the nurse. “Does Clint know that Jessie is . . .” Asa’s voice cracked with emotion. “Does he know how badly she’s hurt?”
“Yes,” the nurse answered. “He asked about her the moment he was able to and he asked us to level with him.”
“That’s my boy,” Asa said softly. He followed the nurse to where Clint was.
“Renee,” Kevin began, “You think Grandpa’s holding up okay?”
Renee nodded. “Darlin’ I think your grandpa has the strength to get through whatever the Lord throws his way.”
“Can I get anyone some coffee or something to eat?” Nora asked.
Everyone shook his and her head. They all took a seat.
“How’s Todd doing?” Bo asked. “I didn’t want to bring him up while Pa was around.”
Viki sighed. “He had a very violent episode today.” Viki looked at her watch. She realized that it was the next day. “Make that yesterday. He had to be heavily sedated and restrained.”
“Did he have a painful session?” Nora asked.
“No!” Kevin said sharply. “A painful visit from Blair!”
“Kevin, we don’t know that for sure.” Viki tried to be fair.
“Come on Mom. Blair comes to visit and the next thing we know Todd’s freaking out all over the place . . . demanding Téa leave . . . telling her he loves Blair and not her . . .”
“He what?” Nora interrupted.
“Yep. Right after Blair left, Todd suddenly tells Téa that he wants to go back to Blair and that he wants a divorce. Then the next thing we know Todd starts screaming Téa’s name and breaking everything in sight, including some of the staff.”
“Oh my God!” Renee and Nora both exclaimed.
“Was anyone hurt badly?” Bo asked.
“No, but they were hurt enough to need a trip to the ER,” Kevin responded.
“Was Todd still in restraints when you left?” Bo asked Viki and Kevin.
“No,” Viki responded. “Actually, he was doing much better. He was quite rational. He was upset because he couldn’t come to Arizona with me.” Viki’s voice broke. “Todd loves Jessie very much. He wanted to be there for her and for me. Kevin was at the hospital right before we left for the airport. Todd was sleeping peacefully.” Viki looked toward Kevin to reaffirm what he had already told her.
“Yeah,” Kevin licked his lips nervously. “He was sound asleep,” Kevin lied. He got up and walked toward the doors that led to the small hallway that led to the TICU. “I guess Dad is okay or we would have heard Asa bellowing.”
“Viki?” Nora asked. “Téa is not actually going to agree to divorce Todd, is she?”
“No. At least I pray not. She was very upset, and rightfully so, but I think once she calms down, she will understand that Todd didn’t mean a word he said.”
Kevin wanted to tell Viki that Téa had rushed over to the hospital the moment Timmy needed her, but he couldn’t without letting her know Timmy was out.
“So Sam is taking care of Todd?” Bo questioned.
“Yes. He offered to come to Arizona with me, but I would not leave Todd without at least one parent.”
“Do you really think leaving Sam alone with Todd is such a good idea?” Nora blurted out. “Oh, Viki, I’m sorry,” Nora immediately apologized as soon as she saw the look on Viki’s face. “You know I care a great deal about Sam. It’s just that he . . . he . . .”
“I think what Red means,” Bo took over for a very flustered Nora, “is that Sam hasn’t really been himself lately. Who knows? This might just be what Sam and Todd both need . . . to be there for each other. It’ll probably do them both a world o’ good.” Bo did not want to add to Viki’s worries.
“Sam loves Todd with all his heart,” Viki defended him. “He’d die for that boy. Everything Sam has done has been for Todd.”
Renee put her arm around Viki. “Everyone knows that. Sam is the father Todd should have had from the start. Todd might not have been my favorite person, but my heart does go out to him and I’m happy he has someone like Sam to be there for him.”
Viki gave Renee a gentle hug.
They all jumped up when a doctor came toward them.
“Jessica Buchanan’s family?”
“Yes. I’m her mother and this is her brother, grandmother, uncle and aunt.”
“Jessica is being moved to the TICU. We had to remove her spleen and repair a laceration to her liver. She had an epidural hematoma. We evacuated the blood mass. We had to put a chest tube in because one of her four broken ribs punctured her left lung. Her left tibia and fibula were fractured. We had to place some screws in her leg to hold the bones in place. She’s young. With some physical therapy she should be fine. What concerns us most now is the chance of more bleeding, infection, blood clots and intracranial pressure. Jessica is being monitored for all of those.”
Kevin and Bo winced at the mention of all of Jessica’s injuries.
“Is she out of the woods?” Kevin asked.
“She’s still critical. I’d be more comfortable saying yes to that if everything goes as expected within the next seventy-two hours. We still have to watch out for blood clots for the next couple of weeks.”
Renee squeezed Viki’s hand.
“Does Jessie know her boyfriend died?” Kevin asked in a trembling voice.
“Jessica was very altered when she was brought in and then slipped into unconsciousness. I can’t be sure, but I don’t think she realizes what has happened,” the doctor answered.
Viki and Kevin quickly glanced into each other’s eyes and nodded.
“If she wants to know what happened, should we tell her? Is she strong enough to hear it?” Kevin asked.
“Take your cues from Jessica. I think she’ll let you know how much she wants to know. Keep in mind that most likely she will not remember the accident itself. Jessica’s short-term memory might have been affected. We won’t know anything until she wakes up . . . even then, she’ll be sedated and receiving a lot of pain med.”
“We understand,” Viki confirmed. A tear trickled down her cheek. “Please have someone let us know the second we can see her.”
“It will probably be another thirty minutes or so,” the doctor replied.
“Thank you,” Viki said softly.
“Yeah, thanks,” Kevin added.
After the doctor left, Renee hugged Viki and Bo placed his arm around Kevin’s shoulder. They offered silent support and comfort.
*****
“I swear to ya Son, if that miserable drunken bastard that hit your car wasn’t already dead, I’d kill him myself.”
Clint moaned as he tried to move. “They’re tellin’ me the truth about Jessie . . . she pulled through?”
Asa gently placed his hand on Clint’s shoulder. “Take it easy Son. Jessica is a Buchanan. You don’t think some low down sorry excuse for a human being who gets behind the wheel of a car drunk as a skunk is gonna get our Jessie. Last I heard they’re just waiting for a bed to open up and they’ll be bringing her right here. Then we can all keep an eye on her. I’ve already got some of the best nurses in Arizona lined up to give you and Jessie round the clock care. I’m flying in the best doctors from around the world to check both of you out. You don’t have to worry about a thing. Your Pa is gonna take care of everything.”
“You said Viki and Kevin are here?” Clint asked. He grit his teeth from the pain any slight movement caused him.
“Yes. They’re here. Son, let me tell them to get you something for the pain. I can see it’s bad.”
“No, not yet, I need to talk to Viki before I get all doped up.”
“She cares Clint. She flew all this way . . . even tore herself away from that crazy brother of hers. Some good could come of this. Maybe this is your chance to put your family back together.”
“Stop it Pa. Viki is here for Jess. She has her own life now.”
“With Sam Rappaport? Gimme a break. He’s even more of a loser than that Sloan Carpenter. I think this just might be the wake up call Viki needs to figure out what she lost. You play your cards right and I’ll betcha Viki gives Rappaport his walking papers. Maybe he can take that psycho brother of hers with him.”
“Pa, don’t you say crap like that to Viki. You hear me . . . oooommmm,” Clint moaned.
“Okay, okay. Take it easy. I’m not gonna say anything to upset Viki. We got lots more important things going on here than the likes of Sam Rappaport and Todd Manning.” Asa looked up. “I see that nurse over there is giving me the evil eye. I’ll tell Viki you want to see her next.” Asa squeezed Clint’s hand. “You hang in there Son. Everything’s gonna be all right. Your pa’s here now and you know that even the Grim Reaper knows he would have to get through me before I’d let him take my kin.”
Clint smiled. “I think he knew that Pa.”
Asa patted Clint’s shoulder. “I’ll go get Viki for you.” Asa took one more look at his child before he left the room.
*****
Bo placed his arm around Kevin’s shoulder. “Kev, I know you’re scared out of your mind, but you pacing like a lion in a cage is not gonna help. Would you like to sit down and talk to me?”
Kevin sighed. He wanted to tell Bo that on top of all of this, he was worried sick over Timmy and over keeping a secret from Viki. Kevin could guess Viki’s reaction when she found out. “I think I need a cup of coffee or a soda or something,” Kevin announced.
“I’ll get it for you,” Bo offered.
“No!” Kevin answered too sharply. In a softer tone he added, “I really need to get out of here for few minutes and calm myself down. Tell mom I’ll be right back, okay.”
“Sure, you got it,” Bo promised.
Kevin looked for the nearest payphone.
“Seven West, Marcia speaking,” the voice on the phone said.
“Hi, Marcia, it’s Kevin.”
“Kevin, how are Jessica and Clint?”
“They’re both in critical condition. They expect my dad to survive.” Kevin’s voice broke. “They’re still not sure about Jessica.”
“Oh, God, I’m sorry to hear that. Kevin, you and your family are in our prayers.”
“Thank you. How is Todd doing? Is Timmy still out?”
Marcia wasn’t sure if Susannah wanted Kevin to know that Sam wanted to take Timmy out of the hospital and planned to try to take him out the next day, so she said nothing about that. “Todd has been asleep for hours. We do believe it’s still Timmy who’s out.”
Marcia didn’t add that they knew this because Timmy had cried out, in his sleep, for Kevin, Téa, and his mother several times. Each time Sam wore a pained expression. Marcia and the rest of the staff hoped Sam was having a change of heart. Sam had not said a word to anyone in hours. He would nod off for a few minutes and then awake with a start and look at Timmy, as if he feared the little boy would be gone.
“I’ll let you guys know if there are any changes, if not, I’ll call in the morning. If Timmy wakes up before you hear from me, please tell him that I will be calling him.”
“I’ll make sure to leave word for the morning shift, if Timmy is not awake by the time I leave,” Marcia promised Kevin.
“Thanks . . . bye,” Kevin hung up. He started back for the TICU waiting area.
“Your mom just went in to see Clint,” Nora informed Kevin as soon as she saw him.
“Good,” Kevin said softly. He sat down and stretched his legs in front of him.
