"Still what? Can you complete your thought?" Susannah asked gently. "Still, Sam has had to put his life on hold ever since he began sharing it with Todd and with me." "Has Sam complained about that?" Susannah pressed. "No, of course not. You know Sam." "Do you feel he is not being honest with you? Do you feel that he is holding back his feelings to spare you?" Susannah asked. "No . . . well maybe sometimes . . . I don't know, Susannah. I know Sam would not do anything that he thought would hurt me." "So you are saying that if Sam thought telling you how he really feels would hurt you he would keep it to himself," Susannah restated.

Viki thought about it for a second. "Yes, I do think that, given the circumstances, Sam would not want to burden me with his feelings." "Viki, I know that a lot has happened since our last session. Todd's developing epilepsy, all those tests, the changes in medication, Brina and Angel, the psychotic episodes, Peep, Storm, his disclosure, Todd's memories coming to the surface today, now Adam. I know you have not really had much of a chance to think about yourself, but have you given any more thought to your relationship with your father or with Sloan or Dorian?"

Viki thought back to her meeting with Dorian, right before Thomas had the first seizure. Some of Dorian's words came back to haunt her. Viki was exhausted and did not want to get into it right now. "No, I haven't really given much thought to anything besides Todd lately." Viki changed the subject. "I did have a surprise today. I spoke with Clint. He called while I was at the paper."

Susannah seemed a little surprised. "How is he and how is Jessica?" She asked. "They are both very well. It seems Jessie has a new boyfriend and he is someone Clint approves of. He says she is doing great in school and that she's very happy in Arizona. Clint seems content to be there, although it . . ." Viki stopped herself mid-sentence. "What, Viki? What were you going to say?" Susannah prodded. "Nothing, just that it was kind of nice talking to Clint again. He even seemed concerned about Todd. Unlike his father's, Clint's heart is big enough to put his feelings about the things that Todd has done aside and realize how ill Todd is. He offered to help in any way he could. I could tell he meant it. I know if I needed him he would drop everything and come back to Llanview."

"Just like old times," Susannah commented. "No!" Viki answered sharply. "No, not at all. I just think it was nice of Clint to offer. Especially given the circumstances." "Do you mean your relationship with Sam or your relationship with Sloan?" Susannah pushed. "I hurt him, Susannah. I turned on him and left him and I still don't know why and yes, that and a lot of other things. Clint knows Sam and I are living together, if you want to call it that. Well you know that we don't . . . I mean because of my problems. Susannah I really don't think this is a good time to get into this. I'm exhausted and I'm sure you are too. I think you had enough of having sessions with this family for today."

"Viki, yes I am tired. I just want you to know that I am always here to talk to you if you feel the need. It doesn't have to be in a formal session. I do however think you are about due for another one." Susannah saw Viki shift uncomfortably. "I'm not putting any pressure on you. I understand you and Sam and everyone have been through a lot in the last few days. When you are ready, let me know, or just stop by for an informal chat if you like," Susannah offered.

Viki smiled and squeezed Susannah's hand. Thank you. I will. For now I think I'd better let Téa and Kevin know what is going on. I will be staying with Adam tonight. There is always the chance that Todd may come back." Susannah realized that Viki did not want to go home. If Sam stayed away she probably did not want to face that empty bed, and if he did come home, she did not want to confront him or their problems. Either way, Viki needed to stay with Todd as much to escape her own pain as to help him through his. Susannah did not feel this was the time to discuss this with her.

Susannah patted Viki on the shoulder and stood up. She checked on Adam one more time before she left for her office. Viki stayed behind for a few minutes. She stroked Adam's head and then kissed him. He was sleeping so peacefully. Viki prayed this one had never known abuse in any form.

Viki headed out to the hallway. "Susannah told us Adam was sound asleep," Téa stated. "Yes, he had a really bad time of it until Susannah figured out what the problem was. He was sensitive to the pajamas they tried to put on him and then to the hospital gown they finally did put on him."

Kevin and Téa were shocked. "He was screaming like that because of the material touching his skin!" Téa couldn't believe it. "Yes, luckily he's not as sensitive to our touch as Susannah had originally thought, however, he is hypersensitive to anything that touches his skin. He's only comfortable in his sweat suit. He couldn't even tolerate the sheet or blanket. They turned the heat up, but I'm still worried he'll get chilled. Most of them sleep under at least two or three blankets."

"Viki, there's a seamstress in Angel Square who can whip up some blankets made out of the same fleece material as his sweats. I can contact her and ask her to make it a rush order," Téa volunteered. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you, honey." Viki stroked Téa's cheek. Viki had grown to love Téa. Not only as Todd's wife, but also because of the kind of person Téa was. Téa was someone Viki respected and would have been proud to call a friend, sister or daughter, even if she had no connection at all to Todd. "Téa, you were so good with Adam today. I'm so happy that you want to work with him." "Viki please, how could I not want to, not only for Todd but also for that little boy. He is so isolated in his world. I want him to have a chance in life. I don't want him suffering and not being able to tell anyone what is hurting him."

"I feel exactly the same way. That's why I told Susannah I want her to go ahead with the ABA program as soon as possible," Viki informed them. "Mom, I don't think that's going to set to well with Sam. He was extremely upset and agitated when he left here. What happened in there?" Kevin was concerned over Sam's meltdown. "Sam is having a really hard time with this. He blames himself for everything that happened to Todd from the time that Todd was eleven years old. Hearing Todd remember being molested and seeing what it did to him was just too much for him. Honey, try to be patient with Sam. I'm so worried about him."

Kevin was very concerned for his mother. He could understand Sam raging at his own guilt, but he didn't want him taking it out on Viki. "Well then, how do you think he'll react when he finds out you're allowing Susannah to go ahead with the ABA program?" Téa asked. "Sam's not able to handle seeing this baby suffer in any way. He is totally opposed to allowing this program and he will not be at all happy with me when he finds out. I have to do what is right for Adam. He can't go on like this. If there is a chance he can be helped, I want to give it to him." All that had transpired that day suddenly hit Viki like a ton of bricks. "Will you both excuse me? I want to go lie down for a while. I'll be spending the night with Adam." They could hear the suffering in Viki's voice.

Both Kevin and Téa knew better than to argue with Viki. As much as they wished she would go home for the night, they said nothing. "Do you think it would be all right if I went in to see Adam?" Téa asked. "I don't see why not. Just be careful not to wake him. Actually that probably is not a problem. He seems to be a sound sleeper." Viki kissed both Téa and Kevin on the cheek and headed for the family lounge.

"Are you going home?" Téa asked Kevin, before she headed in to see Adam. "Yeah, in a little while." What Kevin wanted was to spend some time with Téa. He fought the urge. He had made up his mind that he was going to get his feelings under control. He even planned on insisting Cassie meet with him in the near future. They had to discuss their relationship. He hated being in limbo. They would either make an attempt to work things out, which he doubted they could do at this point, or end it.

"I guess I'll be going. I want be fresh for tomorrow," Kevin stated. Susannah had mentioned the training session to them. "Yes, so do I. I'll be leaving in a little while. I'm going to have to arrange for someone to take over my practice completely. I don't want to have to divide my attention for now." "Téa, that may be kind of rash. Adam might not be out that much," Kevin advised. "I know, it isn't just Adam. My mind just isn't on it. I want to be here for Todd and anyone who's out. I also think your mom will need us around more, especially with Sam feeling the way he does."

Téa quietly walked up to Adam's bed. She smiled at Don, who was sitting at Adam's bedside. Susannah had ordered arm's length for Adam. Téa leaned on the side rail staring at this child. Like Viki had, she noticed how very young he appeared. The difference in the alters appearance never ceased to amaze her. She gently caressed the back of the hand that he held to his mouth as he sucked his thumb. She bent down and brushed his hair back. "I love you," Téa whispered, "I love you Adam, and Todd, I know you're in there. I love you too. I love you. I want you to come back to me. I want our family back." She kissed him one more time and left.

Susannah called Bill and asked him if he could possibly whip up one of his famous meals on a moment's notice and bring it to her office. "With one oven mitt tied behind my back, Doctor Hanen," Bill had replied. "I was counting on that. That and one of your equally famous foot massages," Susannah replied. Bill could hear the weariness in Susannah's voice. "It will be my pleasure. I will warm my hands on the dinner and then get to those feet," Bill kidded. "Hmmm, we may have to rush the dinner," Susannah joked back. "Your office in about ninety minutes?" Bill asked. "That's perfect," Susannah replied. She wanted to have time to shower and change. "You got it, and I will bring enough for you to take home some leftovers. I don't trust you to have more than ice cream and chips at your place, oh yeah, and those awful little frozen dinners you keep." Susannah laughed at Bill's accuracy. "Actually, I'm out of those dinners and only have the ice cream and chips left." "See you soon," Bill said, his tone light." They hung up. Susannah headed to the staff lounge for a quick shower.

A crowd was already sitting at the bar at Club Indigo when Sam walked in. RJ was really surprised to see Sam Rappaport sit down on one of the stools. He had not seen Sam in a very long time. Sam did not look well. He had lost weight and his face was etched with pain. "Scotch straight, wait, you know what, make it a double," Sam told the bartender. "Long time no see. How ya doing Sam?" RJ asked, stepping over to him. "I'm fine! Can't you tell!" Sam answered sarcastically.

RJ didn't want to push it. He could tell Sam was not in the mood. "Well, it was nice to see you. If you want to talk I'll be around." RJ started to leave. "Wait!" Sam called out. "Let me ask you something. You ever know a kid who was in trouble. I mean bad trouble?" RJ was surprised by this question. "Yeah, it was usually me," RJ joked.

He quickly saw Sam was not in the mood. RJ became serious. "In my old neighborhood there was this kid who was about six years younger than I was. I don't know why but he just got to me. He was skinny as hell and kind of funny looking and all the other kids picked on him. He thought he could be a big man if he started doing and selling drugs." "What about his parents?" Sam asked, gulping down his drink.

"His mother split. He lived with a stepmother and a father who used to beat the shit out of him every time he got drunk." "So what did you do? Did you help him?" "Yeah, I guess you can say I helped him. I had some guys I know go after the father. Gave him a little taste of his own medicine. Then I talked to this minister I knew. He was always trying to set me straight but I was a lost cause by then. This boy still had a chance. He found a place for this kid, a good home. Kind of like the one I grew up in, only this kid learned to appreciate it." "How did you get him out of his abusive home?" "My boys and I had a long talk with his father. We got him to see it our way," RJ laughed. Then seriously he added, "The old man didn't have much use for the kid anyway. Protecting his ass meant a whole lot more to him than keeping the kid around."

Sam ordered another double. "That kid was lucky. He had someone who was willing to go out on a limb for him. He had someone to protect him and save him. Some kids aren't as lucky. They cry out to the wrong people, to people who are too involved in their own life and problems to hear their cries. Does Hank know you helped this kid?" Sam inquired. "Nah! Don't want to spoil my rep in front of my big brother."

Sam became angry. He caught a glimpse of goodness in RJ that RJ wanted to keep hidden. Just like Todd. "What the hell is wrong with you! Why do you only want the world to see you one way? Why do you want everyone to think you're this miserable bastard who only hurts people!" "Whoa! Hey Sam, I was just kidding. Look, I used to be that way but I'm changing. Hank and I are okay with each other. He knows a couple of sides of me. For one thing he knows how much I love Rachel." "Yeah Rachel," Sam muttered. He couldn't help but feel bitterness toward Rachel. If she had spoken up when she first killed Georgie maybe Todd wouldn't be as sick as he is today. When Sam thought about it rationally he knew that Todd had always been seriously ill, but Sam needed to place blame, and Rachel was one of those he placed it on. "How's Rachel doing?" Sam asked. RJ didn't miss Sam's bitter tone.

"She's doing okay. She's out of prison and staying with her grandparents, in Chicago, for a while. She's not quite ready to face Llanview yet." "Isn't that wonderful! Rachel gets to start her life fresh and new. She gets to be taken care of by Grandma and Grandpa Hanen. Georgie and her baby are dead! Todd wants to be, but Rachel is happy. Thaaat's great!" "Yes Sam, that is great!" Sam and RJ turned around to see Nora standing there.

"Are you comparing the one mistake Rachel made with a career criminal like Todd!" Nora asked, furiously. "Todd paid for his crimes. He paid in ways you could never imagine!" Sam's voice was just as furious. "Oh here we go! One more chorus of poor abused Todd. He's a monster, Sam. The sooner you and my sister realize that the better off you'll both be." "You think he's a monster!" Sam grabbed Nora's arm. "Why don't you come to the hospital with me and take a look at that monster." "Hey man! Cool it!" RJ pulled Sam's hand off of Nora.

"My God Sam! What the hell is wrong with you? You've been hanging around Todd too long." Nora rubbed her arm as she spoke. Sam was out of control and he didn't care. He wanted to hurt someone. He wanted to hurt everyone. He wanted to hurt everyone the way he should have hurt Peter. Sam ordered another double. "Sam, I'm gonna have to cut you off," RJ warned him. "Go ahead! This isn't the only place in town to get a drink." Sam turned to Nora. "What the hell are you doing here anyway. Why aren't you home celebrating Rachel's release?"

Nora wasn't sure if she should say it in front of Sam, but she wanted to make it very clear to him that whatever his problem was he'd better not take it out on Rachel. "I came here tonight to give RJ the good news that Rachel will be coming home soon. I don't want you going near her with that attitude, Sam! She's suffered enough for what she did. She'll have to live with Georgie and her baby's death for the rest of her life." "What about her willingness to let an innocent boy go to jail for her crime. Is she learning to live with that too!" Sam shot back. "Todd Manning has never been innocent! Not from the day he was born!" Nora proclaimed loudly.

Sam wanted to hit Nora. He could not believe he felt that. Although he controlled himself, the knowledge that he wanted to hit a woman, a woman he once loved, terrified Sam. He didn't know what was happening to him. "Was this how Todd felt?" Sam wondered, "Is this what rage does to someone]?" "I don't think I'd better continue this conversation with you," Sam said through a clenched jaw. He took his drink and headed for an empty table.

"My God! What the hell has happened to him! That's not the Sam I know. That's a stranger. What on earth is Todd doing to him? He's turning Sam into an older version of himself," Nora exclaimed to RJ. Nora believed that Todd had to be completely responsible for this. As far as she was concerned Todd was responsible for every bad thing that had happened to her family and friends since he came to town.

"So Rachel has decided to come home?" RJ asked, not only wanting to know, but wanting to take Nora's mind off of Sam. He saw that Sam was in a very bad way and didn't want Nora making things worse.

"Yes she is!" Nora answered brightly. Rachel has had some therapy . . . " "I know she was seeing a prison shrink," RJ interrupted. "Yes, and she continued in therapy when she got to my parents. She still has some bad moments over what happened with Georgie, but she's doing great. She looks great and she feels great. Rachel has been doing some work with children with developmental disorders. In fact she has been working with autistic children. She loves it and is thinking of making a career of it."

RJ smiled. He always knew Rachel would be able to get herself together. He felt very proud of her. "When will she be coming home?" "In a couple of weeks. She'll be staying with us for the time being. RJ, I'd like for us to have a little family welcome home when Rachel gets back to Llanview." "Are you sure Rachel will be up for that?" RJ asked. He was afraid Nora was going to push too fast and too much Rachel's way.

"Nothing elaborate, RJ, just the immediate family," Nora assured him. "Are you going to invite your sister, she's about as immediate as you get?" RJ, who had always liked Susannah, stated. "I don't think Susannah will be any happier than Sam about Rachel's release. She's a charter member of the Todd Manning fan club." Nora's tone was bitter.

"Do you really think that's fair? Susannah is his doctor and I know she loves Rachel." RJ reasoned with Nora. "Oh yes, I forgot. She's the only psychiatrist on the face of the earth who could treat Todd. Come on, RJ. You know as well as I do she did it to get back at me for who knows what!" RJ knew Nora was way off base with that. "I know Susannah and she's not like that. She's also an expert on DID and I heard that she was Viki Carpenter's doctor. I think it's only reasonable that she would have been the first one they turned to when Todd needed help."

Nora could not believe it. RJ too! No one was immune to Susannah's spell. No one could see her side of it, not even Bo. Nora and Bo could not even discuss Susannah or Todd without it turning into a shouting match. Bo really got on her nerves when he always made it clear that he knew things about Todd that he couldn't say. Not that it mattered. There was not a thing Nora could think of happening to Todd that was more than he deserved. Nora understood that he had been abused, but she could not get past Todd's behavior to understand what drove it.

"Susannah the saint, protector of murderers and rapists, has you all fooled, doesn't she! Just wait until she releases Todd back into society. When he rapes or beats or murders someone or decides to blow us all to shreds for real or just plain sucks the life out of Viki, Téa and Sam, we can all have my sainted sister to thank. Now do you want to come to Rachel's homecoming or are you boycotting it unless Susannah is invited? Or maybe you're holding out until I invite Todd too?"

"Nora, you know I would never miss a chance to welcome Rachel home. I hope you know how much I love her and how much I've missed her." Nora did know that. She also knew that she still loved her sister. She just hated what she was doing. Susannah and Nora had been close when they were very young, unfortunately, as they grew up, they also grew apart. Nora would resent, yet at the same time admire Susannah's ability to look their parents in the eye and explain her reasons for doing the exact opposite of what they wanted her to do. They didn't like it, but somehow let her get away with things they would never let Nora get away with. "Even then Susannah had a way of turning everyone to her side," Nora thought.

When Nora thought about it, rationally, she realized that in some ways Susannah had never achieved the closeness with their parents that she had. Yet, it was a fair trade off. Susannah achieved a certain freedom that Nora coveted. Susannah was a free spirit even then. She was never one to follow. She always seemed as happy and content to have her head buried in a science project or a book as most kids would be to be to be invited to a party by the most popular kid in the class.

Even in the younger grades and then in high school Susannah had never cared if she "fit in" or wore the right clothes or was popular. On the contrary, she would usually befriend the kids who no one else wanted to be friends with. Paradoxically, in Susannah's case, her attentions were still sought, not only by the popular girls in the school, but most of the boys. "Everyone looooves Susannah," Nora though to herself.

Sam had downed his fourth double. The glass in front of him was starting to blur, but not enough to wipe out the image his mind's eye saw of Todd freaking out because Sam didn't want to touch him or of Todd remembering being molested by Peter. It was also not enough to wipe out the sight of Adam, screaming and crying because he couldn't tell anyone he was in pain. If remembering that did this to Todd, Sam did not even want to think about what remembering all the other things will do to him. "Sam, the advocate for therapy, the firm believer in facing your problems head on," Sam thought about himself. Now he doubted his own long believed philosophies. "Maybe we should have let you run off to Canada, Boomer," Sam thought through the fog in his brain.

"He doesn't look so good," Nora remarked to RJ, looking in Sam's direction. "No, he didn't look so good when he came in," RJ commented back. "Damn Todd Manning! He destroys everyone who has contact with him!" Nora angrily declared. "Sam's a big boy, Nora. I think he knows what he wants out of his life and apparently being there for Todd is what he wants. I've heard that he and Viki are an item. Maybe they had a falling out and that's what's bothering him," RJ suggested. Nora looked Sam's way again. "No, no! I know Sam. Only Todd can cause that kind of misery." Nora felt some compassion for Sam as she continued to stare his way. She started for his table.

"Why don't you give the man some space. Maybe all he really needs is to forget his troubles for a few hours," RJ stated as he held onto Nora's arm. "Let go, RJ. I think Sam needs someone to talk to. I can't just turn my back on him," Nora said, pulling her arm away. "Nora! You are not the one Sam needs to talk to. Not the way you feel about Todd. You're hardly an objective shoulder." "I don't have to be Todd's champion like the rest of you to be there for Sam," Nora said and walked over to Sam's table.

"Sam was surprised to see Nora sit down at his table. He stared at her. "Never knew you were twins," he chuckled and waved the server down for another double. "Wait, bring some coffee to the table instead," Nora cautioned the server. "Fine, coffee for the lady and I'll have another double Scotch," Sam's words were slurred.

Nora shook her head to the server. "Just coffee, please," Nora instructed. The server left. "Nora, why don't you go home and prepare for Rachel's homecoming. Go hang a banner or something," Sam snapped, not in the mood for this. Nora took his hand. "Sam look, I know I'm not the one you want to talk to. I won't pretend that my feelings about Todd have changed, but I still consider you my friend. I still care about you. If you want to talk to me, I promise to try to not let my personal feelings get in the way."

Sam rested his head in his right hand. He rubbed his eyes. "How's Viki? Is everything all right between you?" Nora asked, on the odd chance this wasn't just about Todd. "No, everything is not all right, with Viki, with me, with anyone." Sam stated miserably. "Is there anything I can do to help?" Nora offered. "Yeah, set the clock back eighteen years." Nora wasn't exactly sure what Sam meant. She surmised it had to do with Todd. She knew that Sam had known Todd since Todd was a child, not that Nora could imaging Todd Manning ever being a child.

"Sam, does Viki know you're here?" "I'm not even sure I know I'm here," Sam laughed at his own joke. "Would you like me to call her for you?" Nora volunteered. "NO! She has enough on her mind." Sam spoke loudly. "Sam I know this isn't any of my business, but are you and Viki having problems? I mean beside Todd," Nora pressed. "You're right. It is none of your business," Sam snapped angrily.

Nora looked away. She was embarrassed that she had interfered. Especially given her past relationship with Sam. Sam saw Nora's face blush pink. Instantly, he regretted his words. "Nora, I'm sorry. I don't mean to take everything out on you. I'm not fit company tonight. Why don't you just leave me alone." Sam's words were still slurred. His eyes weren't completely focusing.

"Sam, I can't do that. You're a friend and you're drunk!" Nora responded. "Fine, if you won't leave, I will!" Sam stood up and fell back down in the chair he was sitting in. Nora raised her eyebrows and gave him "a look." "Okayyyy, so maybe I'm not gonna be leaving just yet," Sam stated, sheepishly.

Nora's heart ached for him. She hated that he loved and defended Todd and that he could not see the truth about that boy, but she didn't hate Sam. She cared very much about him. "Did you drive here?" Nora asked. "Sure did," Sam responded. "Nora held out her hand, and spoke firmly. "Let me have 'em." "Sam looked confused. "Your car keys, Sam. Let me have them." "I'm drunk, Nora, not stupid. I won't be driving." Nora held out her hand insistently. "Jesus! Okay, here!" Sam tossed the keys in her palm. "Thank you," Nora said softly.

Nora sat with Sam for a while, offering silent comfort. Suddenly Sam looked panicked. He looked at his watch. He rubbed his eyes, trying to see the face that blurred before his eyes. "Damn it. I can't make it out. Nora, what time is it?" "It's a little after one," Nora answered. "Oh God! I can't believe I've been away from the hospital for so long. I have to get back!"

Sam stood again. He remained standing this time but he was shaky on his feet. "Sam, I don't think you should be alone," Nora declared, more than commented. "I'm a big boy, Nora. I can take care of myself. It's taking care of other people that I'm not so good at." Nora was about to say something negative about Todd, but held her tongue.

"Come on," Nora took his arm. "Come on where? Look I don't have time for games. I have to get back to Todd and Viki." Sam was still upset with Viki, Susannah, God and the whole world and most of all himself, still, he had sobered up enough to realize that he needed to get back. Especially if Adam was out. "That little boy has no one to stand up for him," Sam thought.

"Nora," Sam continued, "why don't you go get Rachel's bed all comfy for her homecoming and let me get back to the hospital." Nora ignored Sam's sarcasm and bitterness. She knew he was mad at the world. "We are going to the hospital. You can leave your car here and get it tomorrow. I'll drive you."

Sam didn't feel comfortable letting Nora do that. "I don't think that's a very good idea. I'll take a cab," Sam turned to leave and almost lost his balance. He clung on to the table for a moment. "Sam, I can't let you leave like that. If you break your fool neck Viki will never speak to me again. Now come on. I promise not to say a word about Todd." "Isn't Bo wondering where you are?" "Bo is out of town until tomorrow. The only one who's home is Mud. Did I ever tell you that damn pooch found his way back to our house? Now I've grown to love the stupid mutt and so I'll never get him out of our lives."

Sam smiled, weakly. He sighed and shook his head. He just wanted to get back. If Nora taking him was the quickest way, so be it. "All right, but I want to leave now, are you ready to go?" "Yes, I just want to tell RJ I'm going to get you to the hospital, safely and that you are leaving your car in the lot overnight. We'll do that on our way out."

Sam was embarrassed that he had to lean on Nora a little. They finally made it to her car. They rode most of the way in silence. Feeling uncomfortable around Sam for the first time, Nora tried to make conversation by relating some amusing stories from some of her cases. Sam didn't even pretend to listen. Nora was worried about him. She felt her anger at Todd rising. "Sam is such a good man. How the hell can you do this to him? Damn you Todd!" She thought. Nora was convinced that Todd was somehow pulling a fast one on everyone. What his motive was, she couldn't fathom.

At that late hour, Nora was able to get a spot right in front of the hospital. She started to get out. "Wait, you don't have to come in. I know how you feel about Todd and Susannah and probably Viki and me." Sam climbed out of the passenger seat and felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. Now he was sorry he had drank so much.

Nora got out of the car and locked the doors. She came around to where Sam stood, leaning slightly against the car. "My taxi here goes above and beyond curb side service," Nora cracked. She assumed Susannah would be gone by this hour and Todd and Viki would be asleep. Sam felt too bad to protest. He just wanted to get upstairs and see his kid.

Nora and Sam headed into the hospital. Despite her outward calm, Nora felt a wave of anxiety as she walked into the hospital elevator with Sam and pressed seven. It was almost as if she could feel Todd's presence in the building.

TO BE CONTINUED