Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 17:20:46 -0800 (PST)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Ch Twenty-Two

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