While they were walking back from escorting Jason, Don had called ahead on his cell phone to let Thomas know they would need a ride to the hospital. He wanted Mike and Devon to be taken care of as soon as possible since their injuries were far worse than his own or Raphael's. He learned then that Cassandra's wounds were in need of immediate care, as well. Therefore she would not be part of Gabby's debriefing.
Both Don and Raph wanted to talk with Gabriella before heading down the hill to the doctors. They knew that this was more important than their injuries. The pain killers the EMT had given both of them was working rather well. It would suffice until Thomas could get them to the hospital later.
By the time they returned to the house the ambulance had already left.
******
Before Cassandra had gone with the transport and before Don and Raph had returned, Gabby confronted her. She asked her friend as she stood on the patio with her, "Why were you in the forest? Why did you challenge Seth like that?"
Cassie looked at the girl and smiled, saying, "I have my reasons, dear. When I'm done at the hospital and back in my shop, I'd like for you to visit with me; before your wedding on Thursday, if that's possible. Then, I will tell you. Be patient. All good things come to those who wait!" and then she kissed Gabby on the forehead and slipped into the ambulance.
Now, Seth was quietly sitting next to Gabby on the couch in the living room. His arms were wrapped around her. She was leaning into him as she rested her head against his shoulder, nestled in his embrace. She sniffed once or twice, but for the most part she was quiet.
Seth had already figured out who Cassandra was as far as Gabby was concerned. However, it was Cassie's call on this one. She had made it perfectly clear that she would do the telling; the look she had given Seth said as much.
Now, he waited for his uncles and father to return to the house to debrief them. He knew that Gabby would not be punished, but she would certainly be told exactly what was what as far as how she behaved in battle.
Shortly after Gabby and Seth returned from the woods, Rahab, Gaele, and Riahna had taken the professor back to his house . They wanted to give Gabby time to come down from her experience and to prepare for the debriefing. Thomas waited nearby to help the man back to the cottage.
The professor was very tired from the stress of worrying, but he was also quite relieved to know that his daughter was not harmed. He was, in fact, impressed when Cassie told him that Gabby had been somewhat responsible for the victory in the forest.
Before he went with Thomas and the others, though, Perry commented to her, "You're training has served you well, my dear Gabriella! I am certain that Don and the others are quite proud of you!"
However, Gabby wasn't so sure. The look on Don's face after the battle told her that he had been mildly displeased with her. She had vaguely remembered someone telling her to do something while she was engaged against the last fighter. But she had been so caught up with the battle that she didn't understand what was being said.
She was blinded and deafened to what was going on around her, believing with her whole heart that her opponent was Jason. It wasn't until Raph had a hold of Gabby and calmed her that she realized Leo had ordered her to stand down.
She was angry at first to be denied the kill. But when Leo and Seth disarmed the fighter yet did not execute him, Gabriella became confused.
"Why didn't Leo kill him?" she asked her father angrily.
Raph had then replied, "We don't kill, Gabby, unless there isn't any other way or someone proves to be more dangerous alive than dead. We don't even know who this person is."
"I do!" she exclaimed intently. She remembers shaking in rage and from the aftermath of her fight.
Returning her thoughts back to the professor, Gabby only told him, "I'm glad that you are okay, too!" She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. Then she watched as Thomas gently took the professor by the arm and slowly led him to the guest house while Rahab and her daughters led the way.
Now, as Gabriella sat on the couch she was mortified that she would have even considered killing anyone. She remembered only a few months before how she had planned on murdering Jason. Yet thinking back to that time she knew even then she couldn't do such a thing. Her intended act was subconsciously a cry for help. Since then Gabby had come to believe she could never kill anything. Life was too precious, even Jason's, and most especially her unborn child.
Yet only a few hours ago, she had gone from being a pacifist to going full barrel into a killing frenzy – and it frightened her.
"Seth, how could I have become so lethal?" Gabby moaned softly. "I was ready to run that sword right through him!"
He only held her tighter and kissed the top of her head. She was shaking and Seth could tell that Gabby was moments away from crying. Just the tension in her voice as she forced her words out told him so.
Soon, Seth sensed Don before his uncle even made his presence known. Gabby saw him moments later as he hobbled into the living room. She sat up and took a deep breath. She had a feeling that Don was going to reprimand her for not complying with Leo's orders. Gabby could not look at her uncle for fear of seeing disappointment – again – in his eyes. She studied the cuticles of her nails instead.
Raph soon followed and it only intensified Gabby's anxiety. Fortunately she was past her morning sickness and for that she was grateful.
Seth immediately stood up and took Gabby with him. They stood at attention before the two turtles.
"We have taken the last fighter and released him. Leo is making sure the boy complies with getting off our property." Don announced. He waited for his niece's reaction.
Gabby's eyes flew open in that instant as her rage returned. "How could you do that?" she nearly shouted. Forgotten was her earlier contriteness. Now she just stood there in complete shock as she stiffened up in anger.
"Because, Gabby, he has a mission to do. If he fails us he will pay the price by the end of the week. If he succeeds, we will all be a little safer." Don explained.
"It was Jason, wasn't it?" she demanded to know.
"It is not for you to be concerned about. Let us…" Don replied, but Gabby interrupted him.
"I-want-to-know-who-it-was, Don. I have a right to know!" she exclaimed fiercely.
Don narrowed his eyes and looked intently at her as she stood there glaring at him, "You do not have any rights, Gabriella Perry!"
She cringed back from his words and with the intensity Don used. Gabby was still upset but now it was tempered by caution. She realized in that moment that Don was implementing a tribunal against her. He never used her full name unless he was really upset. Gabby stood there frozen to the floor as she clutched Seth's hands. She started to shake.
Don softened his composure as he saw his niece tremble. He said to her, "I am quite pleased with how well you fought today, Gabby. You have taken your training to heart."
Her composure calmed down just a little.
Don continued, "But you failed to comply with Leo's command to stand down. The whole reason why we have curtailed your training was to protect you and your unborn child. What you did out there today, although commendable for courage, was foolish on your part. You could have been severely injured and, in so doing, have endangered your baby. "
Gabby's voice was soft and full of emotion, "I'm sorry."
"Yes, I believe you are. Now, I would like for you to tell me what you experienced out there when you refused to stand down." Don asked. He knew but he wanted Gabby to tell him.
"I wanted … to kill him." She replied quietly. Gabby was ashamed to even say the words; they disgusted her so much.
"Yes, that much was obvious. But, what I want to know is where your mind was at the time. What did you see?" Don inquired.
"See? I don't understand. All I saw was my opponent and all I heard was the swords clanging together. Everything else was …just not there."
"Hmm…okay. Did you sense anything out there, then?" Don asked.
Gabby thought about it and realized that there was a moment when her fighting had taken a turn. She answered her uncle, "When I first took up the sword and when I was still on your side of the field, after a few parry's with one of the intruders I started to anticipate his strikes. Then when I was done with him and went to help out Seth and Cassandra, when I thought their fighter was Jason, everything sort of slowed down. Not my actions but … well … his. I saw more clearly what he was going to do long before he did it. That is until I slipped and fell."
"And your intent was to kill him if you hadn't of slipped?" Raph asked. He watched his daughter's expression and realized that she was mortified.
Her voice was almost inaudible, but Don and Raph heard it clearly, "Yes." Gabby hung her head in shame.
Don observed her and smiled. She had already done to herself what chastising he had planned for her. There wasn't any need for him to add to the weight she was already bearing. He stepped towards her.
In the next instant Gabby felt Don's strong arms around her. She sensed no anger in him; only compassion. Her emotions crumbled.
He whispered softly, "I am glad to see that the thought of taking a life – even if it would be Jason's – bothers you. Practicing ninja is not about killing but about respecting life. We only take it if and when our own is in danger and if that life proves to be a perpetual threat. Even then we try very hard to find other ways to avoid such a permanent solution."
He continued to hold her as she wept.
He stroked her head affectionately, telling her, "You have discovered today what it is about 'going ninja', though. It is not an easy thing to experience since it heightens much of what we are feeling. It's almost like a veil has been removed from our eyes and we can now see clearly. Before your father or any one of us ever experienced this, Gabby, we were taught well the rules of engagement. Considering what Jason did to you and your lack of training in this area, you were clearly out of control today. Once you have your child your next training will focus on these rules and on self restraint. Without that what you experienced today would be as dangerous as having a gun without a safety clip. Do you understand?"
Gabby nodded her head and sniffed. She looked at her father and saw that he was smiling at her.
Then it was his turn to hold her.
He encouraged her, "I was quite proud of you, despite everything else. You have a lot of natural ability. But, I agree with Don on this issue. From this point on I want you to take it easy and no more sword-fighting, okay?"
Gabby didn't have a problem complying with that request. As far as what she was currently feeling she never again wanted to pick up another sword. At least, not until after the baby was born.
Despite her revulsion to killing anyone, Gabriella had to admit to herself that going ninja was quite a rush, all things considered.
******
Mike and Devon had to be hospitalized for the next couple of days until their injuries were proven to be free from infection. They were pretty well set to go home, but the doctors wanted to be certain that there wouldn't be any complications.
Raph and Don both sported casts and the prognosis for their recovery was excellent.
"As far as I'm concerned, when this arm is as good as new I'm going to start some in-depth training!" Raph exclaimed. "I never felt so old as I did out there in those woods!"
Don concurred. "Yep, I couldn't agree more, brother!"
The two of them were walking into Mike and Devon's conjoined rooms. It was late Saturday afternoon, the day after the fight.
"Hey, who's getting old? Not me." Devon remarked with a laugh. He was propped up in his bed enjoying the remains of his dinner.
"Yeah, well, guess what, kid?" Raph exclaimed, "As soon as you're completely healed I'm going to personally kick your butt across that gym! No way are you ever going down like that again!" Raph then closed the door of the hospital room to ensure privacy.
"It was a fluke, Pops. If that sword hadn't have been there I would have whipped that sucker's sorry behind yesterday!" Devon retorted quietly.
"Ah huh, right. Okay, just the same I think we're all a little rusty. It would only benefit us if we went back to the old routine of katas and mock battles. That forest is too perfect for us not to take advantage of!" Raph said seriously.
Mike commented, "Well, you can certainly use my gym, but sooner or later you two are going to have to return to your own place. I think Rahab is about tapped out with having company. You know what they say, overnight guests and fish shouldn't hang around longer than three days!" and he laughed.
"Then that means we must really be stinking your house up pretty good!" Don replied with a chuckle. "After the wedding on Thursday we'll be out of there, Mike. Raph, you want to stay at my place?" he asked his brother.
Raph replied, "Nope. Thanks for the invite but I have my own digs. Not as fancy as yours but it's all I need. I have to start making my self known around there again. At least I've kept the rent up." And he grinned.
Mike then inquired, "So how's Cassie doing?"
Don replied, "She's back at the shop. The hospital kept her overnight for observation. I had Thomas drive her home this morning. The break tore some ligaments but they'll heal. She'll have to wear a cast for bit longer, though, because of it. I don't think she'll have as much movement in her arm as before, though. It was a nasty break. "
Mike then asked, "So, how'd we do on the clean-up?"
Don sat down on one of the chairs and groaned just a little, "My guys took the one that was killed and dressed him up a little to look like a drug deal gone wrong. Only way we could have handled that one without complications. The others that survived were taken to my compound in San Jose. They'll be interrogated by Thomas and re-educated. I think a little time behind my bars will do them all some good; especially that chief of police's kid. I've already talked to his father and told him vaguely about the gang his son was involved with. He trusts me so I was able to convince him about my intervention. I really don't want to off his son, if you know what I mean. He's just a kid who rebelled against his dad and others in authority. Once we're done with him he'll be glad to go home and say 'yes sir'!" Don chuckled to himself.
"Well, hopefully he'll realize the error of his ways and that things could have ended up a lot worse than they did!" Raph snorted in amusement.
"Have to handle this boy differently, though, than the others." Don explained, "He's been separated from his friends so he won't know what kind of interrogation they'll be going through. Hopefully we'll glean more information out of them than what we did from Jason. More importantly I want those kids on our side. So we'll be giving them positive reasons to comply. We don't need to enforce the lies the Foot has been feeding them."
Devon was quiet while he listened to his uncle. When Don was done, he asked him, "So, it was Jason after all?"
"Yes, Devon, it was." Don answered and then commented, "But he has a mission to complete. I expect some results from him by Monday. If I don't hear from him then Raph and I will be busy trying to track him down."
"Where are you going to meet with him?" Devon asked casually, cocking one eye brow up.
Don knew why his nephew was so curious. He replied, "Not for your concern. Your dad, Leo, and I will handle it. Just heal. That's your job and an order from me!" His look was stern but understanding.
Don knew that Devon wanted to know the location of where Jason was going to be because he would probably tell Seth. Then who knew what either of them would do if they met up with Jason on their own. Devon probably couldn't do much given his injury, but Seth was not so handicapped. Don wanted to follow through with his promise and make sure that Jason ended up in Australia. That is if the boy did as he was told.
As hard as it was going to be, Don's plans were to educate Jason to a point where the boy's prejudice against him and his family would be eliminated. Killing the boy would only strengthen the hate some people had for them. Don didn't get where he was on flexing his physical power alone. It was his determination to enlighten those that were willing to listen and learn that he and his brethren were only concerned with good and helping others.
It was a tough task given the nature of human's to be so distrustful. Still, it paid out quite well in the long run. Don would never forgive Jason for abusing Gabby the way he did, but maybe along the way Jason's attitude would change. It was this kind of change that Don valued above everything else. It was the reason why he and his family were able to walk above the sewers in the first place.
******
On Sunday Mike and Devon were released. They were given mega doses of antibiotics to ward off any further chance of infection and then instructions for a return checkup. Of course Mike was well versed in how to take care of injuries of this nature. He was, after all, the clan medic in their youth. Leo knew quite a bit about healing herbs so as far as developing complications it wasn't going to happen.
Gabby was not in the house when Seth returned with his uncle and brother. Don, Leo, and Raph were out and about making sure that Jason stayed in town. They were working covertly so as not to spook the kid, but they wanted to be certain he would follow through. If he tried to bolt, then that would have been his decision regarding their offer. After that it would be just a matter of 'dressing' him up to explain his demise.
"Where's Gabby?" Seth asked his mom as she walked in with them.
Rahab was tired since she had spent the previous day at the hospital with them and part of the night. It was only through Mike's insistence that she return home. Getting into her own bed by four in the morning and then having to be out of the house by eight to pick her husband up didn't give her much time to rest.
"She decided to spend the morning with the professor." Rahab replied, yawning.
Just in that moment, Gabriella came running into the house nearly hysterical. "It's my father –the nurse said he's not doing so well! We need to call an ambulance!" She cried, "Hurry!"
With Devon slowly following because of his injury, all of them ran quickly out the back of the house and towards the guest cottage.
Both Don and Raph wanted to talk with Gabriella before heading down the hill to the doctors. They knew that this was more important than their injuries. The pain killers the EMT had given both of them was working rather well. It would suffice until Thomas could get them to the hospital later.
By the time they returned to the house the ambulance had already left.
******
Before Cassandra had gone with the transport and before Don and Raph had returned, Gabby confronted her. She asked her friend as she stood on the patio with her, "Why were you in the forest? Why did you challenge Seth like that?"
Cassie looked at the girl and smiled, saying, "I have my reasons, dear. When I'm done at the hospital and back in my shop, I'd like for you to visit with me; before your wedding on Thursday, if that's possible. Then, I will tell you. Be patient. All good things come to those who wait!" and then she kissed Gabby on the forehead and slipped into the ambulance.
Now, Seth was quietly sitting next to Gabby on the couch in the living room. His arms were wrapped around her. She was leaning into him as she rested her head against his shoulder, nestled in his embrace. She sniffed once or twice, but for the most part she was quiet.
Seth had already figured out who Cassandra was as far as Gabby was concerned. However, it was Cassie's call on this one. She had made it perfectly clear that she would do the telling; the look she had given Seth said as much.
Now, he waited for his uncles and father to return to the house to debrief them. He knew that Gabby would not be punished, but she would certainly be told exactly what was what as far as how she behaved in battle.
Shortly after Gabby and Seth returned from the woods, Rahab, Gaele, and Riahna had taken the professor back to his house . They wanted to give Gabby time to come down from her experience and to prepare for the debriefing. Thomas waited nearby to help the man back to the cottage.
The professor was very tired from the stress of worrying, but he was also quite relieved to know that his daughter was not harmed. He was, in fact, impressed when Cassie told him that Gabby had been somewhat responsible for the victory in the forest.
Before he went with Thomas and the others, though, Perry commented to her, "You're training has served you well, my dear Gabriella! I am certain that Don and the others are quite proud of you!"
However, Gabby wasn't so sure. The look on Don's face after the battle told her that he had been mildly displeased with her. She had vaguely remembered someone telling her to do something while she was engaged against the last fighter. But she had been so caught up with the battle that she didn't understand what was being said.
She was blinded and deafened to what was going on around her, believing with her whole heart that her opponent was Jason. It wasn't until Raph had a hold of Gabby and calmed her that she realized Leo had ordered her to stand down.
She was angry at first to be denied the kill. But when Leo and Seth disarmed the fighter yet did not execute him, Gabriella became confused.
"Why didn't Leo kill him?" she asked her father angrily.
Raph had then replied, "We don't kill, Gabby, unless there isn't any other way or someone proves to be more dangerous alive than dead. We don't even know who this person is."
"I do!" she exclaimed intently. She remembers shaking in rage and from the aftermath of her fight.
Returning her thoughts back to the professor, Gabby only told him, "I'm glad that you are okay, too!" She kissed him on the cheek and hugged him. Then she watched as Thomas gently took the professor by the arm and slowly led him to the guest house while Rahab and her daughters led the way.
Now, as Gabriella sat on the couch she was mortified that she would have even considered killing anyone. She remembered only a few months before how she had planned on murdering Jason. Yet thinking back to that time she knew even then she couldn't do such a thing. Her intended act was subconsciously a cry for help. Since then Gabby had come to believe she could never kill anything. Life was too precious, even Jason's, and most especially her unborn child.
Yet only a few hours ago, she had gone from being a pacifist to going full barrel into a killing frenzy – and it frightened her.
"Seth, how could I have become so lethal?" Gabby moaned softly. "I was ready to run that sword right through him!"
He only held her tighter and kissed the top of her head. She was shaking and Seth could tell that Gabby was moments away from crying. Just the tension in her voice as she forced her words out told him so.
Soon, Seth sensed Don before his uncle even made his presence known. Gabby saw him moments later as he hobbled into the living room. She sat up and took a deep breath. She had a feeling that Don was going to reprimand her for not complying with Leo's orders. Gabby could not look at her uncle for fear of seeing disappointment – again – in his eyes. She studied the cuticles of her nails instead.
Raph soon followed and it only intensified Gabby's anxiety. Fortunately she was past her morning sickness and for that she was grateful.
Seth immediately stood up and took Gabby with him. They stood at attention before the two turtles.
"We have taken the last fighter and released him. Leo is making sure the boy complies with getting off our property." Don announced. He waited for his niece's reaction.
Gabby's eyes flew open in that instant as her rage returned. "How could you do that?" she nearly shouted. Forgotten was her earlier contriteness. Now she just stood there in complete shock as she stiffened up in anger.
"Because, Gabby, he has a mission to do. If he fails us he will pay the price by the end of the week. If he succeeds, we will all be a little safer." Don explained.
"It was Jason, wasn't it?" she demanded to know.
"It is not for you to be concerned about. Let us…" Don replied, but Gabby interrupted him.
"I-want-to-know-who-it-was, Don. I have a right to know!" she exclaimed fiercely.
Don narrowed his eyes and looked intently at her as she stood there glaring at him, "You do not have any rights, Gabriella Perry!"
She cringed back from his words and with the intensity Don used. Gabby was still upset but now it was tempered by caution. She realized in that moment that Don was implementing a tribunal against her. He never used her full name unless he was really upset. Gabby stood there frozen to the floor as she clutched Seth's hands. She started to shake.
Don softened his composure as he saw his niece tremble. He said to her, "I am quite pleased with how well you fought today, Gabby. You have taken your training to heart."
Her composure calmed down just a little.
Don continued, "But you failed to comply with Leo's command to stand down. The whole reason why we have curtailed your training was to protect you and your unborn child. What you did out there today, although commendable for courage, was foolish on your part. You could have been severely injured and, in so doing, have endangered your baby. "
Gabby's voice was soft and full of emotion, "I'm sorry."
"Yes, I believe you are. Now, I would like for you to tell me what you experienced out there when you refused to stand down." Don asked. He knew but he wanted Gabby to tell him.
"I wanted … to kill him." She replied quietly. Gabby was ashamed to even say the words; they disgusted her so much.
"Yes, that much was obvious. But, what I want to know is where your mind was at the time. What did you see?" Don inquired.
"See? I don't understand. All I saw was my opponent and all I heard was the swords clanging together. Everything else was …just not there."
"Hmm…okay. Did you sense anything out there, then?" Don asked.
Gabby thought about it and realized that there was a moment when her fighting had taken a turn. She answered her uncle, "When I first took up the sword and when I was still on your side of the field, after a few parry's with one of the intruders I started to anticipate his strikes. Then when I was done with him and went to help out Seth and Cassandra, when I thought their fighter was Jason, everything sort of slowed down. Not my actions but … well … his. I saw more clearly what he was going to do long before he did it. That is until I slipped and fell."
"And your intent was to kill him if you hadn't of slipped?" Raph asked. He watched his daughter's expression and realized that she was mortified.
Her voice was almost inaudible, but Don and Raph heard it clearly, "Yes." Gabby hung her head in shame.
Don observed her and smiled. She had already done to herself what chastising he had planned for her. There wasn't any need for him to add to the weight she was already bearing. He stepped towards her.
In the next instant Gabby felt Don's strong arms around her. She sensed no anger in him; only compassion. Her emotions crumbled.
He whispered softly, "I am glad to see that the thought of taking a life – even if it would be Jason's – bothers you. Practicing ninja is not about killing but about respecting life. We only take it if and when our own is in danger and if that life proves to be a perpetual threat. Even then we try very hard to find other ways to avoid such a permanent solution."
He continued to hold her as she wept.
He stroked her head affectionately, telling her, "You have discovered today what it is about 'going ninja', though. It is not an easy thing to experience since it heightens much of what we are feeling. It's almost like a veil has been removed from our eyes and we can now see clearly. Before your father or any one of us ever experienced this, Gabby, we were taught well the rules of engagement. Considering what Jason did to you and your lack of training in this area, you were clearly out of control today. Once you have your child your next training will focus on these rules and on self restraint. Without that what you experienced today would be as dangerous as having a gun without a safety clip. Do you understand?"
Gabby nodded her head and sniffed. She looked at her father and saw that he was smiling at her.
Then it was his turn to hold her.
He encouraged her, "I was quite proud of you, despite everything else. You have a lot of natural ability. But, I agree with Don on this issue. From this point on I want you to take it easy and no more sword-fighting, okay?"
Gabby didn't have a problem complying with that request. As far as what she was currently feeling she never again wanted to pick up another sword. At least, not until after the baby was born.
Despite her revulsion to killing anyone, Gabriella had to admit to herself that going ninja was quite a rush, all things considered.
******
Mike and Devon had to be hospitalized for the next couple of days until their injuries were proven to be free from infection. They were pretty well set to go home, but the doctors wanted to be certain that there wouldn't be any complications.
Raph and Don both sported casts and the prognosis for their recovery was excellent.
"As far as I'm concerned, when this arm is as good as new I'm going to start some in-depth training!" Raph exclaimed. "I never felt so old as I did out there in those woods!"
Don concurred. "Yep, I couldn't agree more, brother!"
The two of them were walking into Mike and Devon's conjoined rooms. It was late Saturday afternoon, the day after the fight.
"Hey, who's getting old? Not me." Devon remarked with a laugh. He was propped up in his bed enjoying the remains of his dinner.
"Yeah, well, guess what, kid?" Raph exclaimed, "As soon as you're completely healed I'm going to personally kick your butt across that gym! No way are you ever going down like that again!" Raph then closed the door of the hospital room to ensure privacy.
"It was a fluke, Pops. If that sword hadn't have been there I would have whipped that sucker's sorry behind yesterday!" Devon retorted quietly.
"Ah huh, right. Okay, just the same I think we're all a little rusty. It would only benefit us if we went back to the old routine of katas and mock battles. That forest is too perfect for us not to take advantage of!" Raph said seriously.
Mike commented, "Well, you can certainly use my gym, but sooner or later you two are going to have to return to your own place. I think Rahab is about tapped out with having company. You know what they say, overnight guests and fish shouldn't hang around longer than three days!" and he laughed.
"Then that means we must really be stinking your house up pretty good!" Don replied with a chuckle. "After the wedding on Thursday we'll be out of there, Mike. Raph, you want to stay at my place?" he asked his brother.
Raph replied, "Nope. Thanks for the invite but I have my own digs. Not as fancy as yours but it's all I need. I have to start making my self known around there again. At least I've kept the rent up." And he grinned.
Mike then inquired, "So how's Cassie doing?"
Don replied, "She's back at the shop. The hospital kept her overnight for observation. I had Thomas drive her home this morning. The break tore some ligaments but they'll heal. She'll have to wear a cast for bit longer, though, because of it. I don't think she'll have as much movement in her arm as before, though. It was a nasty break. "
Mike then asked, "So, how'd we do on the clean-up?"
Don sat down on one of the chairs and groaned just a little, "My guys took the one that was killed and dressed him up a little to look like a drug deal gone wrong. Only way we could have handled that one without complications. The others that survived were taken to my compound in San Jose. They'll be interrogated by Thomas and re-educated. I think a little time behind my bars will do them all some good; especially that chief of police's kid. I've already talked to his father and told him vaguely about the gang his son was involved with. He trusts me so I was able to convince him about my intervention. I really don't want to off his son, if you know what I mean. He's just a kid who rebelled against his dad and others in authority. Once we're done with him he'll be glad to go home and say 'yes sir'!" Don chuckled to himself.
"Well, hopefully he'll realize the error of his ways and that things could have ended up a lot worse than they did!" Raph snorted in amusement.
"Have to handle this boy differently, though, than the others." Don explained, "He's been separated from his friends so he won't know what kind of interrogation they'll be going through. Hopefully we'll glean more information out of them than what we did from Jason. More importantly I want those kids on our side. So we'll be giving them positive reasons to comply. We don't need to enforce the lies the Foot has been feeding them."
Devon was quiet while he listened to his uncle. When Don was done, he asked him, "So, it was Jason after all?"
"Yes, Devon, it was." Don answered and then commented, "But he has a mission to complete. I expect some results from him by Monday. If I don't hear from him then Raph and I will be busy trying to track him down."
"Where are you going to meet with him?" Devon asked casually, cocking one eye brow up.
Don knew why his nephew was so curious. He replied, "Not for your concern. Your dad, Leo, and I will handle it. Just heal. That's your job and an order from me!" His look was stern but understanding.
Don knew that Devon wanted to know the location of where Jason was going to be because he would probably tell Seth. Then who knew what either of them would do if they met up with Jason on their own. Devon probably couldn't do much given his injury, but Seth was not so handicapped. Don wanted to follow through with his promise and make sure that Jason ended up in Australia. That is if the boy did as he was told.
As hard as it was going to be, Don's plans were to educate Jason to a point where the boy's prejudice against him and his family would be eliminated. Killing the boy would only strengthen the hate some people had for them. Don didn't get where he was on flexing his physical power alone. It was his determination to enlighten those that were willing to listen and learn that he and his brethren were only concerned with good and helping others.
It was a tough task given the nature of human's to be so distrustful. Still, it paid out quite well in the long run. Don would never forgive Jason for abusing Gabby the way he did, but maybe along the way Jason's attitude would change. It was this kind of change that Don valued above everything else. It was the reason why he and his family were able to walk above the sewers in the first place.
******
On Sunday Mike and Devon were released. They were given mega doses of antibiotics to ward off any further chance of infection and then instructions for a return checkup. Of course Mike was well versed in how to take care of injuries of this nature. He was, after all, the clan medic in their youth. Leo knew quite a bit about healing herbs so as far as developing complications it wasn't going to happen.
Gabby was not in the house when Seth returned with his uncle and brother. Don, Leo, and Raph were out and about making sure that Jason stayed in town. They were working covertly so as not to spook the kid, but they wanted to be certain he would follow through. If he tried to bolt, then that would have been his decision regarding their offer. After that it would be just a matter of 'dressing' him up to explain his demise.
"Where's Gabby?" Seth asked his mom as she walked in with them.
Rahab was tired since she had spent the previous day at the hospital with them and part of the night. It was only through Mike's insistence that she return home. Getting into her own bed by four in the morning and then having to be out of the house by eight to pick her husband up didn't give her much time to rest.
"She decided to spend the morning with the professor." Rahab replied, yawning.
Just in that moment, Gabriella came running into the house nearly hysterical. "It's my father –the nurse said he's not doing so well! We need to call an ambulance!" She cried, "Hurry!"
With Devon slowly following because of his injury, all of them ran quickly out the back of the house and towards the guest cottage.
