Chapter 9: Leonardo- Secrets

Add ten years

Don, April, Casey, Splinter, and Mikey had just arrived when Raph looked up.

"Leo," Don breathed as he stepped forward, tears starting to glisten in his gaze.

Mikey moved forward and gently pressed a finger to Leo's hand.

There was no response save a soft whimper.

"Oh my son," Splinter breathed, tears trailing down the old rat's cheeks.

April and Casey stood at the foot of Leo's bed, fighting tears.

He was so weak.

Someone cleared their throat at the door causing the whole group to turn toward the doorway.

A cop stood there.

Raph got to his feet.

"Is there a problem officer?" Raph managed.

"Yes I'm afraid there is. Leon Hernadez has been missing for quite some time, and missed his parole check ins," the man stated.

"Parole?" Casey sputtered.

"He's a criminal who got out of jail simply because of the mutants being considered citizens. A murder, he was on death row until all you mutants got fully recognized," the man expanded, "and because of that he's been on a tight leash but his leash broke…so I have to do this."

The man strode forward and gripping Leo's thin wrists he cuffed Leo to the side rails on the bed, despite his family's protests.

"I'm sorry we have no way of knowing whether or not someone got hurt while he was missing," the cop stated, "I'm also sorry that I'm going to have to ask you to leave, especially you and your wife sir. He's particularly hostile to humans."

"I'm not leavin'," Raph spat.

"Sir do not make me arrest you," the cop said firmly, gesturing toward the hallway.

"Samuel," a man ordered.

The cop turned to see another man, glaring at him.

"Keller," the cop muttered.

"Get the hell away from Leon, Samuel," Keller growled, "you've better get out now and give me those cuff keys or I'll arrest you for harassment."

"You might have a soft spot for the freak because he helped your wife move in but after reading his wrap sheet I can't believe you even trust him. I'm under orders from the sheriff," Samuel sneered.

"Over my dead body," Keller spat, "Get out."

Samuel walked towards Keller and glared, the two men seemed to be bristling with rage. Keller snatched the keys from the man and watched him leave, knuckles whitening over the keys.

He turned to the them.

"Jack Keller," he introduced himself, bowing to Splinter.

Splinter dipped his head.

"Can you please explain?" Splinter inquired.

"Sadly, what he told you is true…but Leon was released from prison because there was evidence found that he was innocent of the crimes he'd been charged with. He's denied the rebuttal, but I have reasons to think he's being forced to admit to the crime. Can't say much. Oh sorry, I'm Leon's neighbor and parole officer."

Splinter frowned sadly, stroking Leo's cheek softly.

"So are you sure he's…?" Jack asked.

"Hamato Leonardo," Splinter finished for him, "yes. My son had this scar in this exact spot."

Splinter turned Leon's head gently to reveal a faint scar on his temple.

Jack nodded silently.

"LEon!" a boy's voice broke through the silence, followed by a young boy of roughly eight shooting between them and scrambling onto the bed, gripping Leo's shoulder.

"Leon?" the boy sobbed, "mom he..."

"I know Ty, Jack….he can't afford this." the woman said as she pulled Jack aside.

"He also can't afford not to be in the hospital right now," Jack whispered back, "Sam, he's very weak."

"I can see that, I also know that he can't stay here, with them," she nodded toward the group.

"Why?" Jack muttered exasperated.

"Leon's told me secrets you know that, things he's trusted me to know. Please trust me, he can't stay here and he can't be around them. For their as well as our safety. Jack…remember the shadows in our windows? They came back last night." Sam whispered urgently.

Jack frowned.

"I can't simply tell his family, who haven't seen him in ten years that they can't be near him," Jack hissed.

"Please Jack," she whispered, "trust me."

"You don't have to worry about the medical costs," Don said suddenly, "I can cover everything."

Don stood trembling at his brother's side, desperate not to lose him again.

There was a knock on the doorframe causing everyone to look up.

"Thomas?" Jack asked.

"I've got bad news Jack. We found three bodies…and Leon's DNA on them," Thomas said softly as he approached Sam and Jack.

A/N: Well RL is really kicking my butt lately, so busy…I feel like the white rabbit. Anyway. Here's another chapter I promise to have at least one more up next week.