All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com
This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now
Note: Once again, I would like to thank Colin for his support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors. His suggestions and comments have been a significant contribution to the development of this story.
Chapter Twenty-Two: New Horizons
Daniel met with Paul and Michael Saturday afternoon. They discussed the arrangements for Sean and Daniel wanted to discuss the television station's coverage of the story. Daniel believed having Sean at the hospital was a good opportunity to make contact with Brad, if they could get the message out. Paul had talked with the station and advised that they wanted to follow this story step by step and asked for more information. They called Jon Caruthers and put him on a speaker phone. Daniel then turned to Michael.
"Michael, we need to understand Sean's condition in layman's terms. The station will follow the story but needs sufficient information so they can build one segment on top of another. Frankly, at the moment I can't say that I fully understand except that he has heart trouble."
Michael gave his friend an understanding smile. "To say Sean has a heart condition is an oversimplification. He has what we believe to be a malfunctioning heart valve. The problem valve can be thought of as a check valve. As blood flows from the lower chamber to the upper chamber this valve prevents any backflow. In Sean's case, there is some backflow, we don't know how much. Common symptoms are difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, he tires out quickly, and chest discomfort such as tightness or a feeling of being squeezed."
"The condition is called mitral stenosis. It's unusual to find it in a boy as young as Sean. It's much more common in adults. Our concern here is what caused the problem. A common cause is a prior history of rheumatic fever, but it may be congenital. If it is congenital, then there is a good probability he has other problems that will need to be addressed. This is where Brad is critical to us; he would, or at least we hope he would, be able to tell us if Sean had rheumatic fever. If not, the condition is most likely congenital and the surgeons can be prepared for additional problems."
Daniel thought about what Michael said. "Mike, can the problem be treated with drugs or some kind of therapy?"
"Daniel, it is being treated with drugs now. You saw what happened several days ago when he tried cutting back the dosage. The drug treatment is becoming less effective. I'm afraid that without surgery soon, the boy won't make it for much longer."
Jon Caruthers interjected. "Daniel, this is what we would label as a text book human interest story. We're talking about an abandoned child forced on the streets by existing laws and then separated from his brother, his only remaining family. If we tie this into his illness and medical personnel being hindered by lack of information, we should be able to stir up a lot of emotion and support. With this type of story you shouldn't have any trouble getting medical personnel to volunteer to help the boy."
Daniel responded. "Jon, that's good for Sean. Right now our number one concern, of course, is to help the boy. When we know he will be okay we'll use the story to attack the system. Unfortunately, if things don't work out for him there is still a story we can use to attack the system, but let's hope for the best."
"In the interim, is there any way we can use this to step up our campaign to locate Brad? I have this instinctive feeling that if we can let Brad know where Sean is, he may appear."
Jon continues with the line of thought. "Daniel, with this information I'm sure we can increase the number of announcements. Let me get with my superiors for the final approval. Then, I will need to talk with Paul and Michael for some technical information. I should be able to get back with you within the hour. Will that schedule work for you gentlemen?"
Michael and Paul nodded in agreement, so Daniel spoke for the group. "Jon, that works for us. I'll assume you have both Paul and Michael's cell numbers, that would be the best way to contact them."
After the conference call ended they discussed how to tell Sean. So far, no one had told him of the plans to travel to Orlando the next day or what would happen to him there. Another problem was Sean's charge, Danny. They decided Daniel and Michael would speak to Sean first, so the two men headed out to the recreation area to find him.
Michael spotted Sean near the volleyball courts and signaled for him to join them. Sean trotted over, but slowed as Michael offered his hand. Sean didn't know what they wanted, but took the offered hand. They walked slowly away from the other boys.
"Sean, do you remember when you were sick several days ago because you didn't take your medicine?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you remember that you and I talked and I explained to you we were going to make arrangements for you to have some more tests so we could find out how sick you are?"
The trio reached the edge of the grove. The other boys could see them if they looked, but should not be able to hear them. Daniel and Michael sat down; Michael motioned for Sean to sit with them. Rather than sit between the men, Sean sat in Michael's lap.
"Yeah, I remember."
"Well, arrangements have been made for you to get those tests on Monday. Right now the plan is for you, me, and Mr. Daniel to leave hear tomorrow right after lunch. We will be going to the hospital in Orlando where they will do the tests starting Monday morning."
Sean just looked at Michael not knowing what to say. Michael knew the boy was confused and getting scared.
"Sean, let me show you what we think is wrong. I'll use this stick to draw a circle in the dirt. Now, that's your heart. Actually, your heart isn't quite that perfectly round, but this will work for what we want you to see, okay." The boy nods his head. "First, let's divide the heart into two sides left and right. Now, let's divide each side into two parts giving us four parts in all, each part is called a chamber. Now, your problem is over on the left side between these two chambers. Understand so far?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Alright. Blood comes from your body through a tube located about here and flows into this lower chamber which is called the ventricle. Now, when the heart beats again the blood flows through a one-way door letting it go into the upper chamber that we call the atrium. Ever try going through a door and the only way to go through was to push. If you tried to pull it open, it wouldn't open?"
"Yes, sir. I bumped into 'em sometimes, too, 'cause you had to pull instead of push."
Daniel and Michael laughed at that answer. As Michael spoke to the boy he could feel the boy getting tense and scared.
"Well, Sean, the door between the lower chamber..."
"The ventricle!" Sean corrected Michael about the name.
"...that's right, the ventricle, and the upper chamber..."
"The atrium." Sean interjected.
"... that's right, the atrium, is called the mitral valve. That is where we think there is a problem in your heart. The mitral valve should open only one way letting blood flow from the ventricle to the atrium. In your case some of the blood is flowing back into the ventricle. This backflow prevents blood from circulating properly through your body."
Michael could feel the boy just trembling now. Sean slowly lifted his head, turning to look at Michael. He wasn't sobbing, but tears ran down his cheeks.
"Dr. Mike..... am I gonna die?"
It was everything Daniel and Michael could do not to break down themselves. They knew they had to be strong for the boy. Daniel looked up and saw Danny standing only a few yards away from them. The boy knew something was wrong and was looking for someone to tell him everything was alright. Daniel held his arms out to Danny as Michael put an arm under Sean's legs and turned the boy into him.
"No, Sean, you're not going to die. I know this is real scary for you, but you have to remember that Mr. Daniel said he would never let anything happen to any of you. Remember when you were sick several days ago and he sat with you all night. He sat there to watch you and protect you."
"He gave me his bed." The boy said it through sobs. He now had his face buried in Michael's shoulder and the tears ran hard. All the fears, the heartaches from loss of home and family, the lonesomeness from missing his brother, were coming through. Michael held the boy and let him cry.
"Mr. Dan'l, Sean okay?" Danny ran into Daniel's lap, straddling one of his legs and wrapping his arms around the man's neck. Danny looked over to his mentor. "Sean? Sean, you okay?"
Sean tried to reach a hand back to his little charge. He wasn't okay and didn't want the boy to see him cry, but reached out for him. Daniel shifted his position so the two boys could touch hands for a moment.
"Danny, why don't you and I go for a little walk and leave Sean and Dr. Mike here to talk. You can see Sean again in a little while, okay."
Danny nodded his head and the two walked away, leaving Sean and Michael alone. They walked to the dining hall where Daniel got a cup of coffee for himself and an ice cream bar for Danny. They sat at a table to talk.
"Danny, do you remember when Sean was sick a few days ago?" The boy nodded. "Well, Dr. Mike and I are taking Sean to a hospital where he can get some help and get well. When he comes back he will be able to play with you again."
"Mr. Dan'l? Can I go and be with Sean? He needs me."
"Danny, you can't go tomorrow. The doctors will take care of Sean for us, but I will stay there until I know he is okay. When the doctors say he can have company we will take you to visit him. If you want to help Sean, do you know what you can do?"
"No, what?"
"You can be a good boy and do some of the things Sean has tried to teach you. Can you do that?"
"Yeah, I guess so.... How long will he be gone?"
"I'm not sure, but we hope it's only a few days. When I know how long though I'll be sure to tell you, okay? While we're gone is there someone you want to help take care of you?"
"Evan", Danny responded with hardly a moment's delay.
"Evan? Why Evan? Is he a friend?" Daniel asks.
"Yeah, and he's funny. Him and TJ and Kyle play with me sometimes in the pool."
"Then Evan it is. I'll ask him tonight."
The boy smiled at Daniel with ice cream running down his chin and dripping onto his belly.
Daniel sat in his office waiting for Michael to return from his talk with Sean. Paul came in and let him know Jon Caruthers was on the phone.
"Jon, what can I do for you?"
"Daniel, glad I could catch you. The station wants to do a full series on Sean. By full series I'm talking not only about his illness, but how he mentors Danny, his life before he was picked up, and the search for his brother. Quite frankly Daniel, this is one helluva human interest story that we can milk for a lot of good will for your program. We'll also admit that it helps with our community image. Everybody wins."
"Jon," Daniel responded, "I'm not offended by what you are suggesting or saying. I've thought about the same thing. Guess I've been concerned though that we might not have a good ending. I know that should something happen to Sean, it's still news and could be leveraged to help other children. Right now, though, I'm not sure how I would handle something bad happening to the boy."
"I've called the priest and asked him to meet us at the hospital tomorrow just in case Sean wants to speak with him. You know, I can't decide if that's the right thing or if that would scare Sean, so I've decided to ask Sean about it tonight."
"Daniel," Jon responds, "maybe I've called at a bad time. We understand your commitment to the boys and the project. We thought you would be receptive to the additional exposure. Of course, we're assuming that Sean will be alright. We're also hoping that Brad shows up. Maybe it's a bad time to say this, Daniel, but think of the public reaction you could get if we can get Brad to tell us what life on the streets is really like."
"There's not much time to explain it now, but Elizabeth will be the primary reporter. Daniel, do you think you could bring little Danny with you? Elizabeth wants to use him as a lead for introduction. We understand you don't want him around the hospital too much because of his age and relationship to Sean. Elizabeth said she would care for him at her home. Seems he made friends with one of her boys around the pool when they visited."
Daniel knew Jon was right but he had to pause and think, particularly about Danny. "Jon, I know you're right about the publicity and I'll bring Danny, but if things start getting too heavy or I see the boy is having trouble with what's going on I'll pull him. Danny's welfare has to be my primary concern."
"Understood," Jon answered, "we'll begin laying the foundation on tonight's 6:00 o'clock news. We'll also make extra appeals for Brad beginning tonight. We've been told by our news affiliates some of the newspapers will be running an appeal with pictures beginning tomorrow. We'll meet you at the hospital."
At supper Daniel announced that Sean was going to Orlando for tests and hoefully, a cure and that danny would be going with them. He believed it was necessary to tell the boys as much as he reasonably could about what was happening. If the boys ever thought he was not being open with them about their fate, he knew he would lose their trust.
That night Michael kept Sean and Daniel kept Danny. He was certain none of them, including little Danny, had gotten much sleep.
Since Paul was the public relations person for New Horizon and could focus on the publicity plans with the station, Daniel asked him to join them.
As Paul drove the van toward the hospital's main entrance they could see the television cameras waiting. The station, as promised, had begun a more intensive schedule of announcements to help locate Brad. Daniel scanned the crowd of people waiting on them. He hoped he could recognize Brad from the drawings but didn't see anyone that resembled Brad's sketch.
People rushed the van; blinding camera lights shown in their eyes. Daniel and Michael knew the boys would be scared. They had tried to prepare them, but reality cannot always fit into words. Michael put an arm around Sean and held him close. Daniel picked up Danny. The boy had a death squeeze on Daniel's neck. Elizabeth stepped between the men holding a microphone. The lights came on and she began.
"Ladies and gentlemen we are pleased to introduce you to Daniel Thompson, the director of the New Horizons Project. Today Daniel, and his associates, have brought young Sean to the hospital to begin tests. He is the boy you have heard so much about in our appeals to locate his brother, Brad. Once again, Brad, if you see this please contact either our television station or Mr. Thompson here at the hospital. Accompanying Daniel and Sean are Sean's doctor Michael Worthington, who is also the doctor for New Horizons, and Danny. Many of you may remember seeing Danny on our live interviews where he opens introducing himself as Danny 02780. Sean is Danny's big brother and mentor ."
"Daniel, we know you are in a hurry and we don't want to make the boys nervous. We wanted to take this moment to introduce you again to our audience and let you know that all of us, those hear and those watching on their televisions, are thinking of Sean and wish him well."
"Thank you Elizabeth. We would like to thank the station, the hospital and everyone who has so generously donated their time and skills to help Sean. I'm sure that when Sean leaves here he can anticipate a much different life. Also, we would once again like to ask that Sean's brother, Brad, please contact us."
Elizabeth turned to face the camera. "Those words of appreciation from Daniel Thompson, the head of New Horizons, thanking the hospital and staff for their generous contributions, and once again pleading for Sean's brother to make contact."
Daniel listened to Elizabeth's closing remarks as they entered the hospital. This was Michael's domain. Daniel had signed the necessary administrative papers to allow the tests. Now, he stepped back to allow his friend to take control and look after Sean. Paul remained outside to discuss interviews and tend to last minute details with the television station.
Daniel sometimes got premonitions that alerted him to something about to happen. This time his sixth sense told him they were being watched. He believed that Brad was either watching them or close enough that he could check on his brother's condition without being too conspicuous.
Daniel had discussed the possibility of Brad showing up at the hospital with Jon and Elizabeth. They all agreed there was an excellent chance that he would show. The problem was that they did not know when he would show up nor what he would look like if he did. After four months the boy's hair could grow longer, or he may have shaved most of it off. Dying his hair or changing the style of clothes he wore would also be a simple, but effective way to prevent recognition. Daniel's experiences as a young teen allowed him to empathize with Brad.
Danny's anxiety was evidenced by the death grip he had on Daniel's hand so after Michael let him know what room Sean would be in Daniel decided to take a look around. He could familiarize himself with the hospital and let Danny focus on exploring a new environment. As they walked through various waiting rooms or coffee shops, Daniel made a point of mentioning New Horizons and Brad's name loud enough so most people would hear him.
He had hoped that if Brad heard his name he would guess who Daniel was and make contact. If Brad heard them there was no contact.
Daniel made their way to Sean's room and stood in the hallway watching the medical team hookup monitors and intravenous drips. Danny watched intently as all these people fussed over his big brother. The boy was both curious and afraid of what he was seeing. People wearing medical greens moved in and out of the room. Daniel, aware of Danny's anxiety, whispered words of support and comfort to the boy occasionally. After a few minutes Paul and Elizabeth joined them in the hall. Elizabeth's motherly instincts focused on Danny.
"Hi, Danny. Do you remember me? I visited you at Fort Ogden three or four weeks ago with my two sons. You played with one of them in the pool, remember?"
Danny acted shy, holding onto Daniel. He studied Elizabeth's face for a moment before showing a look of recognition. When he remembered, he showed that smile with his head cocked to one side that charmed anyone who met him.
"Well, I know where there's a real nice ice cream shop downstairs. Would you like to join me for an ice cream and then we can come back here?"
Danny looked at Elizabeth and then at Daniel who encouraged the boy by letting him know he would be right there waiting for him to come back. Danny then left with Elizabeth.
As they watched Danny and his new friend walk off hand in hand Paul brought Daniel up to date on the plans. "Daniel, the station wants to run a full series on Sean beginning with his life before he and Brad were put on the streets and continuing through his treatment and recovery here. I've given them as much information as we currently have. They're hoping Brad will make contact while Sean is here."
"I am too, Paul, " Daniel answered as he turned to look inside the room. "I have a sixth sense telling me he's close, maybe even in the hospital. I've been trying to put myself in Brad's position to figure out how he'll try to contact Sean with minimal risk. He'll be worried that if Sean sees him, he'd cry out before he could be warned to keep quiet. He'll probably choose a time when there are only a few people around to prevent an escape if he felt he had to run. I think he will try at night. I believe it strongly enough that I'll be staying in Sean's room at night. If Brad comes I'll be sitting there in the dark waiting."
Daniel sat in the darkened room watching over Sean. He positioned a chair behind the door so that no one could see until after they had entered the room. Several times an orderly had passed along the corridor pushing an empty wheel chair. Each time he passed he slowed and looked into Sean's room. The orderly looked about the right age but Daniel couldn't see him well enough to be sure it was Brad.
The door to the room began to open slowly. Whoever was there was being hesitant. Daniel took in a deep breath and held it; he froze in his seat, not wanting to make a sound. A hand wrapped around the edge of the door. A shadow was cast on the floor. Daniel exhaled when he recognized the night nurse. She came to manually register his heart rate, temperature and blood pressure. Her activities woke Sean.
"Mr. Dan'l, that you?"
"Yes, Sean. Now go back to sleep and get some rest."
"I can't," the boy replied, almost in a whimper. "Mr. Dan'l, I'm scared. I don't like it here."
"Easy Sean," Daniel tried to comfort him. "I know it's a lot different than being with the other boys but these tests have to be done. Just think, when all this is over you should be able to run and play just like all the other boys. You might even get in some dumb kind of trouble and I might have to paddle that little butt of yours."
"That's okay," said the boy, his eyes reflecting no concern or fear of this man. "You wouldn't hurt us."
"No, Sean, I wouldn't deliberately hurt you and I won't let anyone else, either." Daniel said in a soothing tone. "Sean, I think your brother might try to contact you here. Actually, we're hoping...."
"But, Mr. Dan'l, Brad won't" the boy interjected in a pleading voice, "he'd be afraid of being caught and sold as a slave."
"Sean, you need to understand that love will give people courage to do things that common sense says they shouldn't. I think your brother cares enough about you that he will take the risk. Now, if he does you need to let him get in this room so I can talk with him. Sean, we can offer Brad a safe haven at New Horizons the same as you have."
"You can really do that, Mr. Dan'l?" asked an amazed Sean. "How? When? I mean ...."
"That's why we went to Tallahassee a few days ago. The agreement has been modified to let us accept boys off the street and give them a chance. In fact, the Governor named the amendment to our agreement Brad's Rule." Sean thought for a moment and a smile grew on his face. "Now, young man, you need to get some rest. I'll be right here."
Sean was sleeping again within a few minutes. Daniel, too, was tired but knew he didn't dare close his eyes. More than once he had to stand and stretch to avoid falling asleep. Once more during the night a nurse entered to take Sean's vital signs. The balance of the night was quiet. Paul and Michael came in with Danny shortly after day break. Danny looked first at Sean and then to Daniel.
"He's okay Danny, he's just sleeping." The boy walked over and stood next to his mentor, looking intently at all the tubes going into his arms and wires attached to his body. The only part of this that Danny understood was that he didn't like it.
"Mr. Dan'l," called out a sleepy Sean, "I gotta, Mr. Dan'l."
Daniel walked to the boy's bedside. "I'm right here Sean."
Sean opened his eyes and saw Dr. Mike, Paul and Danny. He looked at Danny and with a forced smile asked "What'sup, little man?"
Without hesitating Danny asked, "Sean, you okay?"
"No, Danny, I'm not. I gotta pee. You need to move so I can get up. Then I'll be okay, promise."
"Hold it right there," Daniel stopped him from moving. "You're not going anywhere. You need to pee, we have in-bed service facilities for that. Danny, look in that cabinet and hand Sean that shiny pitcher."
"Oh, no, Mr. Dan'l," Sean said emphatically, "I don't wanna use that thing. I want a real bathroom."
"For now, Master Sean," Daniel spoke in a stern voice, "this is your real bathroom until the doctor says otherwise. Give me a hard time and I'll call one of those nurses in here and she can give you a catheter, then you won't have to worry where the bathroom is. How'd you like that?"
"What's a catheter?" Sean asked, knowing it couldn't be good.
"It's a plastic tube the nurse sticks in your penis. It runs all the way in to the bladder and allows your pee to drain when it needs to. It drains into a clear bag similar to one of those hanging on that pole. The difference is the bag is strapped to your leg."
Sean just stared at Daniel, shaking his head all the while the man talked.
"The pitcher's fine, Mr. Dan'l, it's fine. Uhhh....Mr. Dan'l, do I have to keep this gown on. It sticks me and don't do any good any ways."
Daniel turned to look at Michael. Michael thought for a moment and then told him he could take it off. The nurses would remove it anyway for some of his tests and to give him a bath. Michael added the last part just to get a reaction from Sean, and he did. Sean didn't hesitate to remove the hospital gown.
A nurse came in as Sean was removing the gown. She let them know Sean's first test, an angio-gram would be in about an hour. Another test, an echo-cardiogram was scheduled for the afternoon. She couldn't resist teasing the boy.
"Careful you don't catch a cold young man. Also, better watch out for some of these young nurses, they'll be chasin' a good lookin' fella like you, especially a good lookin' naked fella like you."
Sean looked stunned, then blushed crimson.
The three men and Danny sat with Elizabeth having breakfast while the test was run on Sean. Elizabeth was asking Michael about the test. She was looking for details for the morning news segment. Michael explained that a dye was injected into the blood stream. The dye allowed blood vessels to show up on an x-ray. Tracking the dye allowed them to determine if there were any blockages in the main arteries that might cause trouble either now or during surgery.
As they spoke Daniel noticed the orderly pushing the wheel chair. It was the same orderly that slowed as he passed Sean's room. Now, though, he appeared to slow as he passed their table. Daniel noticed the wheel chair had the number '10' stenciled on the back. After he passed and was out of hearing range, Daniel told his companions what he observed yesterday and this morning. The big question was whether this was Brad.
After a leisurely breakfast the group decided they should head back. They wanted to be in the room when Sean was brought in. The adults got a coffee to go for themselves and chocolate milk for Danny. Daniel asked how long the cafeteria would be serving breakfast. He noticed that Sean didn't get breakfast before the test and knew he would be hungry.
As the group waited for Sean they discussed interviews in more detail. The station wanted as much detail from Michael as he thought a layman would understand. While they talked Danny put his head in Elizabeth's lap. She instinctively ran her fingers through his hair and rubbed his back. The boy was sleeping. Daniel looked up just in time to see the suspicious orderly pass the room.
Daniel stepped into the hall to follow the orderly, he had disappeared. Paul joined Daniel with a quizzical look. Daniel explained he thought he had just seen the suspicious orderly again. The two men walked in opposite directions hoping to spot him. At the end of the second hallway wheelchair number '10' sat abandoned. Daniel looked in nearby rooms. After ten minutes no one claimed the chair. Did the orderly suspect he was being watched him and run? Daniel returned to Sean's room.
When he returned to the room Daniel voiced his suspicions to Elizabeth and Michael. If he was correct the orderly would show again shortly after Sean's return. Daniel explained he hoped to be able to approach the boy without making him panic. There was no way of knowing if Brad had gotten the safe haven message or, if he did, that he would accept. Elizabeth knew this was breaking news and the station would expect something big. They agreed Elizabeth would accompany Daniel when he approached the boy. She could use a small hidden camera to record the events. However, it was critical that they not cause the boy to panic and run.
Sean was wheeled in wearing another hospital gown. The boy didn't look very happy.
"Mr. Dan'l, the nurse said I had to wear this thing when they took me for tests. Do I?"
"Sean," Daniel answered with a half smile, " the hospital has its rules. Maybe the nurse didn't like wheeling a naked boy around or she was afraid some of those good lookin' young nurses might want to attack you. You're in your room now and can take it off if you want."
Sean didn't hesitate to untie and remove the gown in front of Elizabeth. Michael and Paul helped him get back in bed with all the connections. Danny waited for the two men to finish then climbed up on the bed with his mentor. Sean moved over to give him room.
"Mr. Dan'l, can I have something to eat? They wouldn't let me have anything before the test. Oh, and, are they doin' any more tests today?"
Michael spoke before Daniel could answer. "Sean, you're probably on a restricted diet while these tests are being run. But, if someone wants to get you some jello for a snack that would probably be okay."
Paul asked the boy what flavor jello he'd like. Sean answered with a 'not my idea of something to eat' expression and chose red. Danny chimed in with "me too?" as Paul headed for the cafeteria.
Michael continued talking with Sean. "Sean, this afternoon they will run an echo- cardiogram. Did anyone explain that to you?" Sean shook his head. "Well, what they do is put a clear gel on your chest and stomach. Then they press something that looks like a computer mouse against your body. Using ultra-sound the mouse sends a picture of your heart beating to a screen. What the doctor sees will help them decide how to treat your problem."
While Michael spoke to Sean, Daniel observed Elizabeth taking notes. He also stepped behind the open door and was watching people move through the hall. Only if someone looked directly at the opening where the door hinges were would anyone know he was watching them. The orderly appeared again pushing the always empty number '10'. The orderly paused outside the door as though he was trying to listen. After a short pause, he moved on. Daniel followed and saw him enter a room marked 'staff'. The wheel chair was left in the hallway.
Daniel debated whether this was the right time to confront the person he thought to be Brad. He chose to talk with Sean one more time. He wasn't quite sure enough to approach a stranger.
"Sean, talk to me about Brad again. Did he have any distinguishing features like a scar or a mole, or anything most people wouldn't have that would identify him."
Sean thought for a moment then remembered something. "Yes, sir. He has a mole here on his left cheek. Our mom used to tease him saying it was a beauty mark. He'd get mad and say only girls have beauty marks; boys have moles. Have you seen Brad, Mr. Dan'l?"
Daniel was now sure that he had but didn't want to get the boy's hopes up just to have them dashed. "Not yet, Sean, but we're still looking. Ms. Elizabeth is doing broadcasts from the hospital and pleading for him to come in. If he shows we'll let you know."
Daniel was now certain the orderly pushing number '10' was Brad. He signaled for Paul and Elizabeth to follow him out the door. In the hallway Daniel let them know he was sure Brad was in the 'staff' break room down the hall. They could see the wheelchair still standing alone.
Paul positioned himself outside the door. He hoped to be able to stop Brad should he try to make a break. Daniel and Elizabeth walked in. Elizabeth moved to be able to take an angle shot of the young man with her hidden camera. Daniel walked up behind the young man and spoke.
"Only girls have beauty marks, boys have moles."
The young man turned and stared at Daniel. His first expression was surprise, then questioning, and finally panic as the boy searched the room for an escape. Seeing no escape the boy eyed Daniel who handed him an envelope. The boy took the envelope without taking his eyes off Daniel. When he did look at the envelope he looked back to Daniel, confused.
End Chapter Twenty-two
To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com