The night air was cooler than when they first arrived. Gabby hunkered into her uncle's embrace for warmth. He kindly hugged her close to himself to aid that endeavor. The parking garage was just down the street and it wouldn't take them long to reach it. Thomas was given the night off, so it was Don who drove this time.

Finally reaching the garage, they made their way to the VIP area where the sedan was parked. The lights there appeared dimmer than they were earlier; it seemed a few of the bulbs had burned out. "Why haven't they replaced them, yet?" Don muttered to himself, " The attendant should have called this in!" He looked around suspiciously, his innate sense of caution kicking in. His life long training allowed him to be aware of even the faint sound of breathing. Every shadow was considered!

As he was coming up to his sedan with Gabby in his arms, he stopped suddenly. Gabby started to say something, but she caught his look and kept her mouth shut. Something wasn't right. Even she could sense there was something lurking around the cars in the garage. Don quickly looked around and found a recessed area that was somewhat sheltered. He sat Gabby down against the concrete niche that provided just enough protection to keep her relatively safe. He then put his right index finger to her mouth, telling her with that to be quiet. Her eyes went wide, but he gently stroked her face to calm her. Don smiled at his niece reassuringly. Then, as he turned around, his face went serious and lethal.

Gabby watched her uncle as if for the very first time! She saw his entire body posture change from one of a connoisseur of civility to a warrior of stealth and defense. It was almost animal-like and it gave her the chills. He procured a short sword from under his coat. "Did he have that the entire time they were at the concert?" She thought anxiously. Gabby gasped and then shivered at the sight of it. He gave her a quick look back that reminded her to be silent. Then, he went back to sensing the area.

Don could tell that someone was out there - and they weren't selling Girl Scout Cookies! He crouched alongside the sedan, staying two feet away from it lest someone from beneath attempt a foolish attack. Gabby watched and then, to her amazement, Don was gone! She shook her head and wondered if maybe she had momentarily lost focus, but - no, she hadn't. Don had moved so incredibly quick that he seemed to have vanished! Just like he did only a few nights ago when Raph had been attacked!

Shortly, Gabby heard scuffling off to her right about fifty yards down from the car. There was a muffled shout, some more scuffling, and then a dull thud like someone had been thrown to the ground. She heard Don's voice, but it was subdued like he was full in someone's face, but doing so in a whisper. Finally, she heard footsteps of someone running as if their life or lives depended upon it.

Gabriella was looking towards the right where the sounds were coming from. She wondered where Don was. There was a long span of silence from when she had first heard the running steps. Gabby started to get concerned since there wasn't any viable way for her to defend herself if there were more 'attackers'. All if this intrigued her, but it was just as terrifying! What if this person was one of many? What if they had hurt Don? Gabby knew so little about her uncle and what he was capable of doing, she started imagining all sorts of scenarios. Her heart pounding in anticipation, she went into her purse to see if there was some item she could use as a weapon. The purse wasn't large so her metal hair pick stood out as the best viable choice. Taking it out, she held it as if it were a dagger. Shrinking back against her shelter, Gabby positioned herself so that she would be able to see most of her general area.

A movement to her left caught her attention and she instinctively brought her hand back across her chest, and then jabbed out towards whatever it was that was coming at her. It all happened so fast. Gabby struck out fiercely and forcefully. She had having every intention of disabling whoever it was. But, someone caught her hand before the metal pick could connect. She screamed and flailed with her other hand, kicking out towards the person with her good foot. She connected then, but the sound of impact implied she had hit something hard - Don's plastron!

"Whoa - hey, it's me, Gabby! Calm down!" Don complained as the force of her kick momentarily pushed him back away from her. " Good strike, though!" He said brightly, then coming into her view, smiling. " You okay?" and he picked her up.

"What happened?" Gabby asked as he punched the key fob in his right hand, unlocking the sedan.

" A misunderstanding. They're gone, now." he explained.

" You didn't - hurt them, did you?" she asked

Don looked at her and then at the hair pick. Looking back at her again, he asked, cocking his head, "What were you going to do with that when you thought your life was in danger?"

Gabby smiled, " Do as much damage as I could, I guess!"

" Exactly!" Don smiled, then more seriously, explained, " The man will live, although he will think twice to ever try to ambush me again. "

" Is the car safe? What if he planted a bomb or something?" Gabby wondered.

Don wrinkled his brow in surprise, and then said, " Already checked for that. It's fine. Nothing amiss, so we can go about the business of getting you to the hospital!" and Don closed her door and went around and slipped into the driver's seat.

As they drove around the garage and down the ramp to exit the garage, Gabby asked him," How do you do that? Disappear the way you did back there?" She had been amazed and spooked all at the same time when it happened.

" That, my dear Gabby, you will learn once you begin training. However, I think we will probably have to augment the physical part your education until we know for certain what is wrong with your foot. There is much to learn about our Clan that involves more head knowledge and you can do that just as well on your posterior!" and Don smiled at her.

The x-rays didn't show any breakage, but there were some blood vessels that were broken and a bruised muscle. Had Gabby iced her foot right away, the swelling probably would have been minimal. But, she had done about the worse thing for it - absolutely nothing. Just sitting like she had during the concert allowed the blood to flow down to her foot, causing much of her discomfort. The doctor recommended icing it for ten minutes twice an hour for the first day, plus elevation and minimal usage for the first week. It was advised she go slowly before resuming any normal activity. Don was relieved, but Gabby was elated! What a great excuse to not work with Leo! Of all the turtles, he was her least favorite, only because she didn't know him as well as the rest. Leo seemed so mysterious to her! He was supposed to return to Japan on Friday next week so that would mean he wouldn't be able to train her! Gabby was happier than Don expected her to be and he called her on it.

" You seem especially chipper about all of this!" he commented, eyeing her suspiciously.

" Oh, ah - well - I'm just glad my foot isn't broken is all!" she quipped, trying to sound sincere. She was happy the bones weren't broken, but the doctor's order of no activity made her even more so!

" Ah, I see." Don replied. Gabby's vocal inflections reminded him of the morning she feigned interest in meeting Mike's family, only to bolt and try to run away through the redwoods. Don commented, " Guess we'll just have to call Leo."

" Yes, I'm sure he'll want to know!" Gabby said, trying to sound disappointed.

" Right, I'm sure he will - so he can change his plans about returning to Japan next Friday! He's very committed to training you!" Don smiled at Gabby.

" Doesn't he have - things to do over there, though??" Gabby asked, her attempt at faking disappointment becoming more real by the second.

" Whatever it was that Leo had planned can wait. You are our number one consideration." Don smiled. He realized then that Gabby was not at all looking forward to working with his brother. He didn't really blame her. She probably saw her training as punishment – which couldn't be further from the truth. As he thought about it, he smiled as he wheeled her down the hall of the emergency room towards the hospital exit. Gabby sank in the chair, her good mood completely gone. She sighed in defeat and resigned herself to what was to come. At least she would have another week to mentally prepare for it!

While driving back to the penthouse, Don took his cell phone out and dialed up a number. He waited for the person on the other end to pick up. Finally, he said, " Hello, I would like to speak with Serena Brightwell, this is Don Tello!" Don paused as he waited for the person who answered to get his friend. Then, after a moment, " Hello, Serena, this is Don. I'm sorry we couldn't make your party after the performance. Gabby's foot was stepped on during the rush to the auditorium and it swelled up during the show. I had to take her to emergency to make sure no bones were broken!" He paused as he listened to her reply back. He responded, " Gabby's fine. All she has to do is ice it and keep off her feet for a week." Another pause as Serena talked on the other end.

Gabby was listening to Don's conversation and looked over to see his expression had become serious. She was wondering about it when she heard him say, " Really? You didn't do the party? Hmm... That's very interesting because we received a note supposedly from you inviting us. I was just calling to apologize for our absence. Well, guess it doesn't matter, now, does it!" and he chuckled. Serena then grabbed more of Don's attention since he seemed to be listening more. He looked over at Gabby, his face equally serious, " Is that right? I didn't know that. I haven't looked at the paper today." Don resumed watching the road, " Thanks for letting me know. But, remember, dear Serena, you can't believe everything you read in the papers!" and he chuckled, amused, though Gabby could see by his face he really wasn't.

She wondered what it was they were discussing, starting to get a really bad feeling about it based on her uncle's sideways glances at her. He seemed more agitated, listening still to whatever it was that his friend seemed intent on saying to him!

He continued brightly, chuckling some more, "My niece can't sing her way out of a paper bag, sad to say!" and then he scowled at Gabriella.

She was no dummy; it was quite obvious what her uncle was being told. The news of her singing had reached more than the area around Carmel. It had taken on a life of it's own and had made it's way clear across the country to New York in a matter of days! Gabby turned back to face the road ahead and sank deeper into her seat.

Don finished the conversation, " Right, and the next time you are out in California, don't hesitate to call me, either! It's been too long since we last had dinner together! Have a good evening, Serena!" He then clicked the phone off and was quiet as he maneuvered the car through the late night traffic.

Finally, Don spoke," Seems Serena did not have a party tonight!" Which made him wonder about a great many things. As he thought about the events for that evening, it occurred to him by the very nature of things that they had interrupted a hit job. Unknown to Gabby, her fears of a bomb were not too far from the truth. Shortly before returning to her, Don had checked out the car and found the beginning stages of a bomb under the car. The bomb had not yet been attached to the under carriage, only the wires were in place. The bomb itself was probably still with whomever it was that accompanied the person Don had managed to catch. Certainly, getting Don detoured with the phony invitation was part of the plan. The time it would have taken Don to find out that the reception was a bust would have given the thugs the opportunity to do the work. The bomb would have been set up and the perpetrators gone before Don and Gabby returned.

But, with Gabby's injury and Don's rush to get to the car, he had interrupted their plans. He didn't have a clue who he could have ticked off so badly that they were willing to kill him and his niece. It gave him the need to hurry up the process of leaving New York all the more. He took his cell phone once again and dialed. Soon, he was speaking to his valet, "Thomas, I want you to do a thorough check of the jet tonight and increase security. No one comes and goes without proper I.D.! We may have 'visitors'. " Don clicked off his phone and sighed deeply.

"What's going on?" Gabby asked, her concern now off of herself.

" Just a precaution, dear. Don't worry about it!" and Don patted her hand. He was still upset with the news that Serena told him, but currently his and Gabby's safety was a primary concern for now.

They continued on to the penthouse, but Don was especially alert to his general area, checking shadows and people as he approached the entrance to the underground garage. He took a visitor's parking spot from his assigned one, trying to end up as close to the elevator as he could. Getting out of the car, he surveyed the parking area thoroughly. He then came around to the other side to get Gabby. Taking her up in his arms and closing the door, he carried her over to the elevator. He punched the up button. Soon the doors opened and Don then allowed Gabby to stand for a moment while he reached into the elevator to push the button to the penthouse. However, they did not go in. Instead, Don picked Gabby up again and headed for the stairs!

"Don, how come we're not taking the elevator? You're not going to walk up all thirty-eight flights, are you?" Gabby was alarmed.

He replied, "All things considered, it's the only other way up! Yes, I'm taking the stairs!" and he started to climb.

"Let me walk. I can do some walking; I'm not that bad off!" Gabby offered.

" No, I'll carry you!" and that was all Don said.

About half way up, Don was still maintaining his pace and as close as Gabby was to him, he didn't seem too much out of breath. She was greatly impressed with his stamina. She didn't try to engage in any conversation with him since she was somewhat intimidated by being so near to his face. His voice was booming enough when she was just standing by him; but to be this close - and knowing his agitation was already keen - Gabby chose to remain quiet.

However, at about the thirtieth floor, Don filled her in on the Carmel news, " This appears to be an evening of news and excitement, Gabby. " he commented evenly. Gone was the anger. It was replaced with relief that his niece's foot was not broken and also with concern for their future safety due to the failed assault. Don explained, " It seems that a picture of you at the karaoke bar somehow survived! It made it's way into the Carmel Pine Cone newspaper yesterday. There was evidently a reporter there who saw you perform. This reporter has a pretty solid rep, so it's going to be work to discredit him. As soon as I get to the penthouse, I'll put Mike on it. But, it's going to be a tough go! This guy has connections with San Fran and New York papers. That's how Serena knew about you - and why she asked if you could sing!" Don never looked at Gabby; didn't have to since she was so close physically to him. At that moment, Gabby wanted to walk, she did not want to be carried by him, she wanted to just walk and be behind him.

" Maybe I can walk, now?" she suggested.

"No. Just a few more floors and we'll be there!" he said

Gabby didn't argue. Don then added, " I know that you are repentant, Gabby. All of us know this, but I hope you are realizing just how unique you are to this world!" Then, he looked at her. His face seemed sad and almost apologetic, " If it were anyone else up there on that stage, this wouldn't have been news. However, it wasn't just anyone else up there! It was you, a hybrid human-reptile, with red hair, no less, who can sing and sing pretty well, too! That's front-page news for any newspaper! We cannot have this getting out of control. Somehow, someway, we're going to have to discredit someone." Don turned back to his climb up the stairs, " I'd much prefer it be the reporter. If Mike and I are unsuccessful, though...." and his face clouded over, not wanting to tell Gabby that she might have to be the one discredited in order to keep the sanctity of the Clan intact.

" I understand." Gabby said somber and quietly.

Finally, they reached the penthouse level. Don had started to puff at about the thirty-second floor, but overall he trudged the steps pretty good for an old guy. Gabby was amazed and had a new respect for her uncle.

Once settled in and confident his security had not been compromised, Don went about getting the ice for Gabby's swollen foot. While she was shivering with her foot in the ice filled bucket, Don took cushions from one of the couches. He went into her bedroom and propped the lower end of her bed up so she would have her legs elevated during the night.

She was still in the living room, her foot practically frozen from the cold, when Don came back in from preparing her bed. "But, how can I keep my leg up there while I'm sleeping? I'm sure I'll be tossing and turning all night, especially with all that's been going on!!" Gabby complained.

Don smiled and said, " Already thought of that!" and presented a soft rope.

"You have to be kidding?" Gabby questioned.

"Nope. It works. One end will be tied to your good ankle, the other to the brace between the bedposts. You'll wear one of those knee socks so the rope doesn't rub your skin raw. It's the only way to keep your foot from moving down the mattress!"

"But, I can't sleep that way!" Gabby was not happy about being tied down, regardless of the reason. The idea of it put panic in her voice.

Don sensed it, " Don't worry. I'm making some tea at the moment. We'll both have a cup or two, just so we get some shuteye. I'm afraid the evening was a bit more eventful than even I prefer!"

" You mean, Leo's tea? That stuff kept Raph out for nearly the entire day! And what if someone tried to break into the penthouse? What if I fall out of bed? What...." she was starting to hyperventilate a bit.

Don replied, " I'm making the tea at half strength! And don't worry about someone breaking in. They can't. I own the best security systems company in the world; believe me, no one could possibly get passed my defenses that I've installed in this penthouse! And, as far as falling out of bed, you can't!"

Gabby asked, still not feeling any better, "Why?"

Don answered, smiling, "You'll have your foot tied and that will keep you put!" and then he chuckled, picking her up and taking her to her room.

Gabby had the best sleep of her life. Her foot felt better, too. She thought of Raph's amazing recovery and appreciated whatever medicinal properties were in the tea. Plus, the swelling in her foot had gone down considerably and the pain had subsided. Don was pleased as well and, much to his niece's chagrin, hoped that she might be getting back to walking on it normally sooner than the doctors had suggested.

There hadn't been any attempt on the penthouse from any would-be attacker, which came as a great relief for both Gabby and Don. He had contacted security at the Carnegie and told them what had happened - as far as getting the false note was concerned. He mentioned the near 'mugging' in the garage just as a courtesy thought. Better to make them apprehensive about future situations of that nature so that they could beef up security as a precautionary measure. But, he did not tell them about the bomb. All things considered, that was a personal attack. If only the bomb had been left behind, he would have had it disassembled and then have his team of experts in forensics determine the owner. He knew that every bomb had a signature, whether it was how it was made or the parts used. Every part would be fingerprinted, too. Don would certainly have had a name by the end of the week, if not sooner. Then, he would make a 'house call' on the one responsible for it. However, it wasn't to be, unless a fingerprint could be gleaned from the wires. It was all he had to go on, so it would have to be enough.

They left the penthouse the regular way. Gabby was able to walk a bit and insisted she do so. The night before, there hadn't been anyone up to observe her being carried. But, this was Sunday morning and more people were up and about. Don appeased her and let her get about on her own.

Gabby was apprehensive about taking the elevator since Don's willingness to trudge the 38 floors by way of the stairs seemed to overstate his paranoia. But, there were no mishaps and they met Thomas out front where he had the sedan running and waiting.

Don let Gabby in the sedan first, letting her sit lengthwise on the seats to get her foot elevated from all the walking. Then, he closed the door so he could speak with Thomas without being overheard.

Gabby watched as the two talked through the tinted windows. She could grab most of the conversation by reading their lips. Were they talking about a bomb? She watched more intently, now. She saw her uncle mouth something about getting the wires sent to the lab for analysis and running forensic tests. A comment was made about getting an all clear on the jet. There wasn't any word on the usher's name at the Carnegie; he was obviously a plant. They both wondered if the attack was linked to the photo of Gabby in the New York paper. Don mouthed 'If that's the case, then a remnant of the foot might still be operating in the city!" His expression showed anxiety and a subtle anger. Gabby wondered what feet had to do with the attack. It all sounded so strange to her, but Gabby did notice that Don's last statement seemed to bother him the most. Thomas then mouthed that he would look further into it as he had contacts that would be privy to any underworld work. Gabby was thoroughly confused by this time. But she was concerned about Don's comment regarding a bomb planted on the car. Was the jet in danger of a similar attempt? That thought really put Gabby on edge.

The old fear she had of flying started resurfacing. But, Gabby held herself in check so that Don would not start asking her what was wrong. She felt uncomfortable knowing she had eavesdropped on his conversation with Thomas. Yet the information she gleaned from doing so was enormous! Fortunately, they had to stop by the hospital first to discharge the professor. That gave her some time to decide what to do about it.

They arrived at the hospital at around eight in the morning. Don wanted to get an early start back to California so that the professor wouldn't be too tired. Gabby did not say anything to her surrogate father regarding the attack in the garage. Instead, she told him about the concert. "It was more than I had ever envisioned! It was really wonderful, Father!" she smiled at him.

Perry regaled in listening to his 'daughter' share with him about the songs and the overall experience as the nurse wheeled him out to Don's sedan. After helping him into the back seat, the nurse took the wheelchair placed it in the back of the trunk.

Gabby sat next to the professor with Don in the front passenger seat. Because the ride to the airport wouldn't take long, Don didn't feel having Gabby's leg in a sitting position would hurt her. Thomas then drove them through the New York City traffic and on to LaGuardia Airport, about ten miles away from the hospital. Gabby was gradually feeling more anxious. The closer they came to the airport, the more heightened her fears became.

Don was puzzled. Gabby refused to let her father get on the plane. She stood between her uncle and the door. The professor was still inside the car, wondering what the problem was. All he could see was Gabriella's back and it seemed as if she was talking excitedly to Don.

Realizing the possible dangers based on what she learned earlier gave Gabby a resolve to not put the professor in danger. She was so determined standing there, blocking his way that Don decided to not force the issue.

He asked her - exasperated, " Gabby, what's going on? You were fine on the way out. What gives? "

It was nine-thirty and Gabby was nearly in a panic. "Okay, give it to me straight, " she asked him, " is the plane in danger of being blown up?"

Don crinkled his brow in impatience and replied, " Of course, not. What would give you that insane idea?"

His niece looked at him with great concern on her face, " When you put me in the car back at the apartment complex, you talked with Thomas. I can read lips." That was all she had to say. Don rolled his eyes to the heavens and expelled a sigh, shaking his head. He looked at Gabby in subtle amazement and smiled.

" Is there anything you can't do?" he asked, amused.

" I can't paint. Now, what is going on?" Gabby asked, frustrated.

" Nothing! That's the truth. Until I have more information I refuse to get myself all worked up. And, that's my advice to you! Thomas is fully aware of the garage incident and has had the jet completely checked over. Again, my security measures would indicate any tampering!" Don replied, then asking," Now, is it all right that we get your father on the jet?"

Gabby was silent, then asked one more question, looking hard at her uncle, which caused Don to straighten up a bit, " Not until you tell me what 'the foot' means? "

He stared at Gabby and wondered how to answer her. The Foot had made her existence possible only because Shredder had wanted a super ninja to train according to his precepts. But, he and the Foot were a long defeated enemy of Don's and his brothers. Deciding on veiled honesty, he simply replied, " An old enemy once thought - conquered. I doubt they are still in existence, but it's one of my theories to explain our experience at the parking garage that there could be a small remnant still in New York."

" You've been in New York before since this weekend. Why would they start now to bother you?" she asked, clearly not ready to give up the discourse or let her father get on the plane.

" You ask many questions that are not easily answered, my dear! Maybe I can answer them on the plane? After all, we have five hours of flying ahead of us and I'm sure that would give me plenty of time to satisfy your curiosity!" Don answered, his voice indicating he was getting a little impatient and wanted to be on his way.

Finally, his niece decided that it was a good trade-off. She nodded in agreement, finally letting Don carry the professor up the stairs to the jet. His wheelchair followed, then Gabby, and then their luggage after that. Thomas re-parked the sedan in the hanger and returned to the jet to join them. The jet taxied out and within a few minutes was given clearance for take-off. Don wanted to be off by 10 sharp and did not want to be late getting into San Jose. He visited the cockpit and told the pilot to try and catch an air current to help speed them along. Then, he went back to his seat. By ten-thirty, they were airborne for California.