Short #1: Blair's Memory by SCOUT

Blair settles into her favorite chair on the poolside patio of La Boulaie with a glass of wine in one hand and an old photograph in the other. She leans back into the cushion and sighs. She is still amazed, and maybe even the teeniest bit doubtful, about Tomas’ story. The coincidence of him finding her wedding puhoto at some back-alley flea market in Paris…it’s nearly unbelievable. Blair gently runs her fingertip over the image of Todd’s face. Todd’s old face. A slight smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. That night is singlehandedly the greatest memory of her life. God, she was so happy then. The happiest she had ever been. If she were to close her eyes she knows she can still feel his hands around her waist as they danced. He was gripping her so tightly, as if he were afraid to let go of her even for a moment.

They sway slowly across the dance floor…moving almost as if in a dream. Todd’s hands are warm and solid on her hips. She can feel the blood-warmth of his skin even through the fabric of her gown. Her stomach does a little flip as she thinks of the tiny spark of life deep within her. She tries to send their baby all of the love she feels right now. This new baby is going to make everything ok. Give them both back everything they lost after the miscarriage. The memory of that pain is still so fresh, a sting which never truly eases, but Blair knows that they will love this child all the more for it. She wants this baby to grow up happy, and healthy, and strong, and very, very spoiled…

“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” Blair murmurs.

Todd watches her intently.

“This is all I’ve ever wanted,” she says.

Todd smiles at her, but she can see a shadow of pain cross his green eyes. He seems sad, as though the idea of her wanting only him isn’t good enough. Like she deserves better somehow. Blair places her hand on his cheek and sighs. Then she places her hand on his other cheek, the scarred one. She wants him to know that she loves all of him…the darkness as well as the light.

“I love you Todd.”

He leans in and covers her mouth with his lips, their bodies fitting perfectly together, the spark deep inside growing warmer…

Blair gives her head a little shake as if to clear her mind. That was a long time ago, she thinks. Everything is different now. So many lifetimes have passed since that wedding night…nothing is the same…not even Todd’s face. Things had never been the same between them after that golden wedding night, but the contrast of Todd as he was then to the man she knows today is staggering. So much of her wants to believe that he is the same man she used to love…but uncertainty nags at her brain…

A noise from behind snaps Blair from her reverie.

“Mom? What are you doing out here?”

Blair looks up to see Starr, worry etched all over her pretty face.

“And what are you doing with that old picture of you and dad?”

Blair gives a sad smile. “I was just looking at this and remembering…remembering old times…and thinking…maybe your father really was the great love of my life.”

Starr looks distressed for a moment before launching into a litany of reasons why Blair should most definitely not be thinking thoughts like that. But Blair is only half listening. She realizes that after all of the things that have gone wrong since their wedding night, she and Todd got one thing very, very right. Their baby did grow up healthy, happy, strong, and so beautiful.

Blair’s heart fills to bursting. She feels such love for her daughter in this moment. And for her father too…wherever he might have gone.

Todd's Dilemma

He sat there thinking of everything he had found out in recent days. He had been so sure the man posing as him was a fake, an impostor. Now it appeared the man was as in the dark as he was. He had so many questions and Baker had only managed to add to them.

Baker said he wasn't Todd Manning, but of that he was certain. He was Todd Manning. Still Baker talked like he was someone else entirely. Was Baker trying to fool him or was Baker under some misconceived notion he was someone different. Baker thought he had something and he had no idea what Baker was looking for. Todd thought back to those few moments just before Baker shot him. It was like Baker thought he was an agent of theirs. That he had been sent on some mission and failed to complete it without being seen. The guy was clearly mistaken, but why was he acting so certain. Could the other Todd Manning actually be the man they were looking for? Why had they protected the other Todd Manning? Why had Baker said it was a shame and that he had had high hopes for him?

God it was so confusing. One thing was sure though. Agent or not, Baker had come with the intention of killing him. If he hadn't had the good sense to buy the vest he'd be dead now. Todd's ribs still ached and were bruised from the shots he had taken at close range. Whoever had held him prisoner for eight years had decided to cut their losses.

Todd's thoughts returned to the other Manning. He had held a gun to the man's chest and Manning hadn't retracted his statement that he was Todd Manning. The guy really believed it. Why, and where had he come from eight years before. The news show said he had arrived as Mitch Lawrence's brother. Could Mitch have planted him in Llanview, and if not Mitch, then who? Todd really didn't want to think too much about Mitch. He recalled his last view of Mitch but when he did it, he got dizzy. The agency said he had been catatonic for eight long years. Todd just had this feeling it had to do with Mitch. Todd tried to remember some of his other enemies and only managed to come up with two other names: Powell Lord and Carlo Hesser. Powell Lord was dead according to the news story. Could Carlo be behind this? Why such an elaborate switch? What would Carlo gain by putting someone else in his life?

Todd leaned back resting. Louie had left, but not before giving him someone who might help. That help was going to arrive soon and Todd found himself wondering how he had gotten to this point. He had hated cops for a long time, stemming back to his days following his rape of Marty. Now here he was getting ready to ask for help from a cop. When Louie had said the cop's name it had rung a bell. Baker had asked if he had given it to John McBain. Baker had wanted to know why McBain was looking into the man on the file and Todd had wondered why his picture was on the file. Todd had tried to tell Baker he didn't know anything, but it had been useless, and then Baker had sent electrical volts through him. That electricity had really done a number on him for a while. He had struggled to remember who he was and it had finally come back to him. If Baker didn't like John McBain then Todd sure as hell would. He needed help, who better than the cop the agency didn't like. His thoughts came back to the present when he heard the footsteps.

"Come out, Come out wherever you are."said McBain.

Todd peeked through the crates he was hiding behind and recognized the guy from the airport where he had seen the other Manning for the first time. So that was McBain. Well Louie said he could be trusted. "It's now or never." he thought and slowly stood up "Here we go Todd. It's time." he walked around the crates and stepped out so McBain could see him.

TM Return Scenario: TM with Jack and Shane

Todd had a rough night after leaving Dorian's house. His thoughts had been in turmoil listening to Starr talk to Jack about "Growing Up Manning". What disturbed him was Starr's comment about how they all made mistakes. Just what kind of mistake had Starr made. He was really worried about his son. Jack hadn't sounded very sincere when he had told Starr about that woman's death. In fact, he had been a little callous about the fact that a friend of his was going to take the rap for him. What had happened in his life that made Jack so unfeeling or was he really as unfeeling as he sounded.


The next morning, Todd was outside La Boulae, he saw the confrontation between Manning and Jack, and then Blair had gotten involved in the argument. Jack had taken off. Todd knew he'd never be able to find the boy now that he had his father's car. He shook his head, he needed to talk to somebody. Todd thought long and hard, there was someone he used to be able to go to for advice. God he hated this, his memories kept flitting in and out. Given a chance he would get the guys who did this to him, but he couldn't do it yet. Alright he'd do it the hard way. He found a spot to sit down and started going through the memories he remembered. He had a daughter, her name was Starr. She had a mother. That was Blair. He had a second wife. Her name was Tea. Tea was married to the other Manning. He had a son. His name was Jack. Jack and Starr had a little brother, his name was Sam. "OK now Todd think, what about some brothers or sisters of your own." Suddenly a face flashes through his mind. She's older than him. She's his mother? No that isn't right. His head snaps up. She's not his mother, she's his older sister and her name is Vicki. Vicki lives at Llanfair. That's it, he'll go to Llanfair.


Arriving at Llanfair, Todd begins making his way up to the house when he hears two boys shouting at each other. It's coming from the carriage house. Todd goes to the front of the house and sees his son Jack and another young man in a very heated argument.


"What are you doing here? Did you come to gloat because Your Dad got you off. We both know you were responsible for my Mom's death. What do you want Jack." Shane was barely holding it in.


"Wait Shane. I came to say I'm sorry. It wasn't supposed to go down that way. I never meant for your mom to die. You've got to believe me." Jack says.


"I don't believe anything you say, you're letting Brad take the fall and I know you put him up to it. You're a coward Jack. You're hiding behind your dad's money. You don't even care that Brad's going to prison. You're just glad you're not. Get out of here." Shane tries to shut the door, he knows if Jack makes one more excuse he'll blow.


Jack can't take anymore. He said he was sorry what did Shane want. "You don't understand. I'm just a kid like you. We didn't mean for this to happen. If you had just come instead of your Mom. but no, you're a wimp, you let your mom fight your battles." even as he said it Jack knew he was wrong but it was too late to take it back.


Todd couldn't believe what he was hearing all those memories of the taunting he had done to Marty. It had never been his fault. It had always been her fault. He had been so wrong and now Jack was doing the same thing. He was backpedaling and trying to put the blame on Shane's shoulders. God, his son was like him. Before he could step out and say something. Shane bolted out of his doorway and tackled Jack. Both boys were getting in blows. Each of them mad for their own reasons and taking it out on the other. He watched, only planning on stepping in if one or the other got vicious. He knew the anger and fear that drove both boys. Then he noticed Shane beginning to struggle, he seemed to be having trouble breathing. Jack hadn't noticed and was still pummeling away. Todd moved in. Something was really wrong with Shane and he had to stop Jack. "Stop this." he pulled the boys apart and had to hold Jack off Shane. Shane had fallen to the ground trying to breathe. Todd looked down at him and back at his son. "Hold it. Can't you see there is something wrong with him. " Jack stopped fighting his hold and looked down at Shane. He knew what was wrong.


Jack looked at the man holding him and said. "Shane's having an asthma attack. Shane where's your inhaler."


Shane is struggling for air and reaches into his pocket and then looks in horror at the Jack and the strange man. " Gone!' is all he's able to get out.


Todd takes charge immediately, instructing his son to look around on the ground where the boys were struggling. After some quick searching Jack finds the inhaler and crawls quickly to give it to Shane.


He sits there next to Shane watching to see if the inhaler is going to help. Todd gets down to check on Shane. "How are you doing? " Shane' s color is coming back and he does appear to be breathing easier. " Let's get you back inside." Todd offers his hand and raises Shane off the ground and walks him back to his house. He turns and looks at Jack on the ground still and says "You come too. Looks like you both could do with some first aid."


Todd helps Shane to a chair and asks where the first aid kit is. Shane points to a cabinet in the kitchen, Todd nods to Jack indicating he should get it.


Jack finds the kit and brings it back to the table and sits down. He's watching the strange man. Jack wonders who the guy is but he's glad the guy stopped him. If something had happened to Shane on top of his Mom, he would have felt even worse. No one believed him when he said he was sorry. Why was it so wrong to be glad he wasn't in jail.


Todd started cleaning up Shane first and making sure his breathing was back under control. " Your going to have a beauty of a shiner there. Do either one of you want to tell me what the fight was about?"Todd looked at both boys but neither had anything to say. He tried one more time. " Hey impartial ears here it won't go any farther than this room."


Shane blurted out, "He killed my Mom!"


Jack yelled back, "It was an Accident."


"Whoa there both of you." Todd turned to Shane. "That a pretty serious accusation. Do you have proof? Look fellas this sounds pretty bad, think of me as someone you can talk to who won't judge. There are obviously two sides to this story and I'd like to hear them both. You guys up for that. Do you both think you can sit here and listen to the other's story without interrupting." he looked at both boys and continued to clean them up.


Shane glared at Jack but nodded and Jack glanced at the stranger and knew he had to talk to somebody who wouldn't judge him. Jack glanced over at Shane and reluctantly nodded too. Todd took a deep breath. They were both willing just to listen to what the other had to say. He had a feeling Jack was the one that was going to be sitting on the hot seat. But Jack needed to face his actions head on. Listening to Shane's side of all of it might be just the thing.


Todd pulled up a chair and sat down facing them. He turned to Shane and said. "The floor is yours. How did all this start?"

TM Return Scenarios: TM and Vicki

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview # 5


It was nearing sunset, TM found himself walking the grounds at the cemetery. He had spent the day trying to recall more and more memories. One image kept popping up in his mind and it had led him to the cemetery.
There it was, that god awful mausoleum, he got to the door but could go no further. The day came back to him with blinding clarity. Waking up to find himself handcuffed to the wall. Then Mitch's taunting about Blair and Sam and how his own family was no longer safe from Mitch, because Mitch was going to show him the errors of his ways. He would have to pay for not heeding the messenger. When Mitch had returned he had hinted that someone had died and Mitch had let him think for a moment that Blair was dead. Then Mitch had dropped the bombshell that Sam was dead. Todd's world had crumbled around him and then Mitch had ordered the unthinkable. Todd was bound and gagged and laid in the tomb with his dead father Victor.
Todd looks on horrified as the lid to the vault was lowered and then darkness and then oblivion.


For eight long years Todd had existed in oblivion. For him the year felt like 2003 but he had been told and now realized it to be true that it was 2011. Mitch had taken eight years of his life Todd slid to the ground against the door sobbing as the enormity of all that had passed hit him.


Vicki had been setting flowers at the graves of her three husbands and stopping to talk to them but with the sun setting it was time to return home. She had to walk past her father's mausoleum on her way to Llanfair, as she rounded the corner she spotted him sitting there sobbing. She walked up to see if she could offer some comfort. "Excuse me, are you alright."


At her voice, Todd raises his head and sees his sister standing above him.


Vicki finds herself staring into the face she thought she would never see again. Her brother is staring up at her looking for all the world like some lost soul. She stoops and reaches out "Todd, what is it? What has happened?" It doesn't even occur to her that she shouldn't be saying those words. All thoughts of the Todd she has known for the last eight years are forgotten for the moment, as she touches the face of the man in front of her. His look is so anguished that she can't help herself and she embraces him to give him the comfort he obviously needs at that moment. After a few moments she feels him pulling back so she releases him. She takes a good look at the man in front of her. He's older but seems okay. His eyes are haunted by something and then he starts to stand up. Vicki reaches for the wall of the mausoleum to stand back up when she feels his hand come out to support her.


Todd helps his sister regain her feet. Then he just looks at her. The years have been kind but she seems to have a sense of sorrow about her. "Are you Okay Sis?" All the thoughts and feelings that had hit him are drifting away as he takes in the picture of his sister in front of him. "Long time no see, huh."


Vicki laughs "That's an understatement" Even as she says the words she suddenly realizes that not only is it an understatement there was definitely a problem here. She looks at the man in front of her and feels that she is indeed looking at Todd but if this is Todd standing in front of her then who is the man they all believe to be Todd. "Where have you been all this time?


Todd runs his hand through his hair and tries to think of an answer that would make sense. " I'm not sure. They told me when I woke up that they had been taking care of me for eight years. I'm not even sure how I got there. My last memory before I woke up was Mitch putting me into Victor's vault. I thought they were lying to me. No way could I have been out of it for eight years. But, My God, Vicki it's true. It is 2011, I've lost eight years."


Vicki was stunned. Todd was telling her he had been catatonic for eight years. Eight long years he had been trapped in his head. Thirteen years before he had been lost in a catatonic state when Sam had tried to bring to light Todd's past with Peter Manning. She turned and stared at her father's tomb as Todd's other words sunk in. She had know Mitch had been responsible for Todd's disappearance in 2003. But Walker had never told them about the circumstances around his disappearance. Oh God, Todd had been laid next to Victor's Body. Had that forced Todd to retreat. "Dear Lord, Todd, you're telling me Mitch actually placed you in with Father!"


Todd looked at the crypt. Suddenly he just wanted to get away from it.
"It doesn't matter, I... I need to get away from here. It's done, I can't get any of it back. I... I've got to go."


"But wait, where are you going? You can't just leave. You show up after eight years and you're just going to go again? Why would you do that?" Vicki grabs his arm. "Don't leave, we need to talk. I need to know everything you can tell me. Let me help."


Todd stops, nods and holds out his hand. Vicki takes it and they leave the cemetery.

TM Return Scenarios: TM and Tea

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview # 7


It was cool that evening on the docks. He had needed to get out and there hadn't been any signs of the agents in over a week. He figured the docks weren't that frequented so he was probably safe. The docks had many memories associated with them, some he really would have liked to have kept buried. But that wasn't going to happen. The memories were returning quickly as he had shaken the effects of the shock they had given him. He found himself walking near the area where he saw Tea with her brother Del.
He sat down on a piling remembering his love for Tea and his problems giving her what she really needed from him. He had been screwed up royally after coming home from Ireland. It hadn't been fair to Tea when he had gotten her mixed up in his war with Blair. Early in their marriage Tea had tried to get him to reconcile with Blair, but he had found Tea sneaking under his guard and before he knew it, he cared for her. That reminded him of the one honest moment he had with her on the dock. He had gotten all upset because Tea was wearing a necklace with an A engraved on it and he had assumed Andrew had given it to her but instead of getting mad she had informed him that it had belonged to her mother. As she had taken it off to show him, it had dropped in the river. After he had retrieved it things had gotten better. Of course he had messed up again when he assumed she was seeing a bum and that had turned out to be her brother Del.


He stares out across the water and another memory comes back as he sees waves on a beach and Tea beckoning to him from the water. For one sweet moment they clung to each other convinced that they weren't going to get off the island, but then his thoughts had drifted back to Blair and Tea had known where his heart would always be. He knew there was a place in his heart that belonged to Tea. But the reality was that Blair and his children had the rest. At the sound of footsteps on the Dock behind him he quickly stood up and moved into the shadows.


She walked to the edge and tore something up and tossed it away. She was upset, he could tell by how still she had gotten before she had torn the paper up. He had always admired that about her, she could be cold as ice in the courtroom but inside she burned red hot. "Hey Delgado, what's got you so steamed up." he moved out into the moonlight so she could see him.


Tea froze when she heard his voice. The words were something Todd would say and the voice sounded like Todd but there was something different, she waited to turn to him and closed her eyes hoping to hear something else. She didn't have to wait too long.


"I really hope that's not something near and dear to your heart, I don't relish taking a swim tonight." he said coming to stand behind her.


Tea opened her eyes and took a deep breath. With her eyes closed all she had seen was the Todd of old. In fact she didn't remember her husband ever bringing up the incident that had happened so long ago. She was afraid to turn around, afraid of what she was going to see.


"Delgado are you alright? Tea talk to me." Todd frowned. He didn't want to scare her but he was about ready to turn her around if she didn't answer him.


"Oh God what have I done?" cried Tea.


"Hey if it's making you upset I'll go get them for you." he started to take off his shoes when he felt her hand on his arm. He looked up into her eyes glistening with tears. "Really, I'll get them for you."


She shook her head no. She brought her hand up to his face. "It's really you isn't it?


"Uh, yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm me. I mean I'm still getting my thoughts back together but I'm still me. You okay Tea." he wasn't sure if she even realized her hand was still on his face.


Tea dropped her hand and looked at him sadly. " I thought I married you and now it's too late." She kissed him and said "Goodbye Todd."

TM Return Scenarios: TM and Starr Part 2

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview #6 Pt. 2


TM found himself being hugged and although pleasant, she was beginning to cut off his air. "Um I can't breathe." She let go of him abruptly. He looked at this beautiful young woman standing in front of him. This was his Starr all grown up and with a daughter. As Starr reached to take her daughter's hand, he noticed she wasn't wearing a wedding band. She was awfully young to be a mother of a little two year old, if he had guessed the little girl's age right. What had happened? In order to give his daughter time to compose herself TM crouched back down in front of the little girl and said "I think it's time we let the bug so back home. He's probably missing his family" He removed the bug and set it down close to the hedge. Then he stood back up and gestured to the bench he had vacated just a short time earlier. Starr nodded and they sat down.


He wasn't sure whether he should start the conversation or let her take the lead. It saddened him to realize that he had missed out on eight years of her life and he figured she had questions as to where he had been all these years. Those questions were going to be hard to answer. How do you explain to your daughter that you've been out of commission for eight years because of a mental problem. Even he was having trouble with that explanation and he lived it. "You must have a lot of questions, but before you ask them could you answer one for me. What's your Daughter's name?"


"Her name is Hope" replied Starr.


"I see. She's reminds me of you at that age." said Todd, he looked at her and said "I'm sorry I wasn't here. It looks as though a lot has happened while I've been gone."


Starr finally gathered her thoughts. "I'm sorry too. I reacted rashly, but when you called me Starr, all I saw was the dad who had left so long ago, standing in front of me. The thing is, you can't be my dad. My dad has been here all these years. He doesn't look like you but that's because he had plastic surgery because of injuries sustained in 2003. Who are you and how do you know my name? Why are you acting like I'm your daughter?"


TM was stunned, one minute she was hugging him and calling him Daddy and now she was telling him he couldn't be her dad because her dad was someone else. He knew there was a man in town claiming to be Todd Manning. It became painfully obvious that he was going to have an uphill battle proving he was the real Todd Manning. Even his own daughter didn't believe her own eyes. "You are my daughter. I'm not sure what I can do to make you believe that. I'm aware there is another man in town who claims to be me. He's not. I'm sorry you don't believe me. I haven't been back in town for very long and I'm trying to get my life back on track. I came here looking for you and your mother. You're the first one I remembered when I came to."


"What do you mean, when you came to? You're not making any sense." asked Starr.


"Very well, I'll go back to the beginning. A couple of weeks ago I woke up in a strange facility where it appears I had been a resident for eight years." Todd looked at his daughter," I was catatonic for the entire eight years. My last memories are from 2003. I'm still trying to adjust to the fact that I've lost so much time. Only a few minutes ago you hugged me, calling me Daddy. I begging you to give me a chance. I came looking for you because I love you. Something in you responded to me. Deep down you know I'm really your dad. I need your help Starr, just like all the other times. You helped me with Tea all those years ago. You were the one who made it possible for me to return after being lost on the island. As mad as you were at me back then, you wouldn't let your mom send me to jail. Please Starr don't turn your back on me now."


He was so sincere and when he started talking about the times she had aided him, she recalled those instances and so many others. Again she found herself drawn to him, he was hurting. She sensed a certain confusion about him. Was it possible, could he have been so traumatized eight years before that he had entered a catatonic state. Her mom had told her of the period when she was younger that her dad had been catatonic. At that time he had only been in that state for a short time. What could possibly have transpired for him to be out of it for eight years. Her thoughts went back to those first months with Walker. He had said he knew her dad was alive but that he couldn't come home just then. Had Walker known that her dad was catatonic. Had he lied to them all these years. If Walker had lied then it was possible her dad was indeed sitting opposite her. The man in front of her was asking her to trust her gut. Starr decided then and there it was time for the old Starr to come out. She had been playing things safe for far to long because of Hope and now she felt something inside herself she hadn't felt since the last time she had schemed with her dad. Suddenly she smiled and said. "Okay, I'm going to go with my gut. My head is telling me one thing but my heart is telling me something else. I'm not sure I understand everything that is going on but I'm going to help." She looked directly at him and said "I'm going to help my Dad!"

TM Return Scenarios: TM and Starr Part 1

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview # 6


It had been a long morning, She and her mom had just come from taking Hope to see her Daddy. They had gone so Cole could see Hope but also because he needed to know what his mother had been doing. It had been so hard to tell him about Marty's latest deeds. But they couldn't keep the truth from him. Starr made the decision to bring Hope to the park after leaving Cole, she wanted Hope to have some happy memories about the day.


It proved to be a good decision as Hope soon had her Mom chasing her around the park. Starr as breathless as Hope kept her moving, but she relished the time she had with her daughter. With all the unusual and dire things happening it was a relief to have a little fun. Starr took Hope's hand and decided it was time for a little quieter adventure and they began exploring for bugs. Hope had a lot of her mother's curiosity and soon they were crawling through the bushes looking for different insects.


TM walked through the park remembering times with his daughter Starr. He had gotten hold of Starr's kite and then asked her help to get a note to Tea. She had always been willing to help him with his schemes. TM sat down on the bench where he and Blair had once sat. It was a pretty area. He heard a child's laughter coming from behind him so he turned and watched as a little girl crawled through the hedge behind him intent on following something. Suddenly he spotted the insect she was stalking. The beetle was walking sedately across the grass and the little girl was creeping along behind it totally absorbed in it's movements. She reminded him of the time Starr had been so fascinated with bugs. Blair had been horrified at Starr's obsession with the creepy crawlies.


Blair put her foot down on the obsession with bugs after Starr started bringing them home. Todd turned Starr's attention to reptiles and Blair gave in. Before they knew it Starr had snakes and and iguana and any other lizard she could find or get her hands on. Todd continued to watch the little girl when he suddenly realized that she was so busy following the bug that she was almost on top of the bike path. She was headed on a collision course with several bike riders. he jumped up and swooped to grab the child just before the riders got there. "Whoa little one you almost got squished just like that bug. " Hope looked down and saw that her beetle was dead and started to cry. Todd set her back down on the ground and quickly found a different bug and picked it up, Hope stopped crying watching the bug walk on Todd's hand she held her hand out and Todd care fully transferred the bug, all the time telling her to hold very still and not try and grab it. As he handed her the bug, he heard a voice calling. It sounded familiar, but he wasn't sure where it was coming from. He spoke up. "Excuse me but if you're looking for a little girl she's over here on the other side of the hedge."


Starr had been panicking when she had lost sight of Hope. Now her heart stopped. She hadn't heard that voice in a long time. She rounded the hedge and saw a man crouched down talking to Hope. His back was to her so she couldn't see his face. Hope was laughing watching a beetle crawl up her arm. Hope saw her Mommy and said "Mommy look bug." At Hope's statement the man turned his head and looked up. Starr stopped cold. It couldn't be. She was trying to breathe in slowly as she walked toward her daughter.


Todd stood up, the young woman was obviously concerned. " I didn't hurt her, she was crawling into the bike path so I figured I should stop her. When she saw the bug she was following had died I gave her another one, I hope you don't mind." The young lady still wasn't saying anything. She was staring at him like she had seen a ghost, then he took a good look at her. She looked like someone he knew but he couldn't quite remember. Then it hit him. She looked a little like Starr. Could it be? Was he standing in front of his daughter? The more he took in her features the more he saw the little girl he remembered. He had to ask, he needed to know. "Starr, is that you?"


When he had turned to face her, she hadn't been able to do anything but stare. He hadn't changed that much. The scar was on his right cheek where it always had been and the tone of his voice especially when he was talking about Hope was so reminiscent of the times they had talked about Jack. She had missed that voice. He was talking about giving a bug to Hope. It was so typically him, but when he suddenly said her name the floodgate burst open. "Daddy" was all she said as she rushed into his arms.

TM Return Scenarios: TM and Marty

Scenario for TM's Return To Llanview #3


Tomas and Todd escort Marty up into the mountain. Todd says "Okay, we're all in agreement then. You're going to stay here with Liam until the search for you dies down. That means no more wandering around town looking for revenge right now. The cabin is well stocked with enough food to last you for a couple of weeks. I'm going to try and bring you some baby supplies, I wish you would reconsider letting me take Liam back to Vicki's. Let's get you inside."


Tomas opens the car door and Marty emerges with Liam. When he reaches to try and help her with the baby she brings her gun up. "Stay back Tomas, I'm going along with this because I won't have to watch my back night and day but don't think you're going get the disc. I have it safely hidden so both of you do what you have to do to keep John and the police from finding me. We'll all be happier."


Tomas and Todd exchange glances and know for the time being a mad woman hold their lives in her hands. Todd grabs the extra items they brought with them and they walk to the door. Todd unlocks the cabin and they enter. Marty looks around happily and talks quietly to Liam. " Oh look Liam our new home. Isn't it lovely. Don't you worry. when the time is right we'll reunite with your Daddy. I promise." she set him down and turns to Tomas and Todd. " Well thank you so much for your hospitality but I think it's time you gentlemen leave. I need to put my son to bed. Remember guys, you keep my secret and I'll keep yours" she watched as they left. and locked the door behind them. then she set about making herself and Liam comfortable.


TM kept looking back, he was pretty sure he had lost them for the time being but dark was approaching. The area looked familiar and he had a feeling there was someplace close he could take shelter for tonight. He broke into the clearing coming face to face with a big cabin. "Yes," he thought, he knew he had remembered right. He didn't see anyone around so he took the chance and went up on the porch and found it under the window box. He opened the door and entered, this was going to work great. He knew he had hidden here before and knew it was the wrong time of year for anyone to come to the cabin, He walked over to the sink to get some water. He was so thirsty, then he heard footsteps on the stairs."Damn, I thought it was empty." he pulled the gun he had gotten from the guard and moved quietly behind the stairs and waited for the person to finish their walk down. He didn't want to hurt whoever it was but he needed to make them understand his need for shelter.


TM watched as she finished her walk down the stairs. When she made the turn for the Kitchen he stepped out from his hiding place. In stunned silence they saw each other, then in some weird moment they spoke simultaneously "You! Why is it always you?"


TM stared at her like he was seeing a ghost. Images flashed though his mind: first he was straddling her on a bed, then he saw her sitting on the floor cradling a body and yelling at him. The memories flooded back and with them the remorse and self loathing. "My God, Marty!"


Marty likewise was revisiting her memories. He was holding her down, then he was carrying her up the side of a mountain, a chat on a rainy evening by a fire but then her heart wrenched as she saw herself cradling her husband, more images of shouting matches and strange talks as the emotions rushed through her. "You!" she yells "You're going to ruin everything. It's what you do. Why can't you leave me alone?"


TM takes a step towards her but she backs away quickly. She's definitely spooked and acting more hyper than he remembered. "Marty wait, I'm not here to hurt you." Then he hears a baby cry. "What?... he starts for the stairs but Marty beats him to them.


"You can't go up there, you stay away from us. Haven't you hurt me enough." She stands there staring at him wildly.


TM realizes he still has the gun in his hand. He sticks the gun away and says "Marty I swear I won't hurt you. Go, go check on the baby. You're safe with me I promise. " he backs away to give her space as she rushes upstairs. He runs his hands through his hair. He takes some deep breaths as he walks to the couch. This really complicates things. Where the hell had she come from and who's baby was upstairs. he hears footsteps behind him on the stairs and turns around to find a gun aimed at him. But it wasn't the gun that was disturbing it was the fact that Marty had a baby in one arm and the gun in the other. It wasn't like Marty to endanger a child like that. "So Marty, is this how it going to end? You're finally going to take your revenge. Surely you're not going to do it with the baby here." he saw her take her eyes off him to look at the baby and he made his move and had the gun from her before she realized it.


Marty screamed in frustration, and the baby began crying.

TM Return Scenarios: TM and John McBain

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview # Two


Louie takes his new friend Tim to the back alley of Rodi's and tells him to wait. Slipping in the back door, Louie lets his eyes adjust to the gloom and sees his friend John behind the Bar. "John, I've got this friend who could really use your help but he's afraid of cops. I told him you were a good guy and that you'd listen to his trouble and help him. Are you willing to help I've got him stashed out back."


"That depends Louie, is he wanted for something? " asks John.


"Nah I don't think so but he's got some major players chasing him for some reason. Let me go get him." Louie heads out the door, and returns moments later talking quietly to the guy next to him. John looks up as they near and walk into the light. He pauses what he is doing as the man from the CIA files walks toward him.


"Uh hi, Louie said you might be able to help me. I remember this place I use to come here I think. It hasn't changed that much. I need a place to stay. I can help out around here, clean up after everybody leaves I'm in a little bit of a jam." TM looks over his shoulder nervously.


John's curiosity is peaked. He recognizes the man standing in front of him, at least his face. John wonders what the connection is between this stranger with Todd's old face and Manning. The stranger is definitely nervous about something. He pulls out several beers and indicates a table in the corner. He, Louie and the stranger go sit down and John asks, "You do know I'm a cop right? If you're involved in anything illegal I can't help."


The stranger nods and says. " I haven't done anything illegal that I know of. A little over a week ago I woke in this strange room and was told I had been there for eight years. I thought the people who had me were nuts they kept trying to find out if I knew where 'it' was and I have no idea what 'it' even is. I ... They had me strapped to a chair and they did something...when I awoke again I've been trying to piece together my memories. I know I have a daughter, I remember her mother's name, and another woman who used to be my wife, Louie showed me a paper. The Sun or something. I feel like it use to belong to me but it said the publisher had been recently shot. I don't understand what's going on. The people that had me are chasing me for something. And all I know is the answer to my questions and my life are here. The only thing I know for sure is my name is."


John took a sip of beer, looking intently at the man opposite him. He didn't seem crazy just confused. "You really have no idea why these men are after you? Do you have any idea where you were for eight years?"


The stranger looks at John and realizes if he isn't straight forward with this guy he won't get any help. "All I know is this. It was some kind of secret installation and I don't know where. I managed to escape when they came to kill me and I hopped onto a plane. I don't even remember where it landed. All I know is that they followed me and tried to kill me again and then Louie helped me out and I've eluded them for the time being. I know that sounds like something weird but it all happened. How about it? Will you help me?"


John made the decision to help, he wanted to keep on eye on him and he knew this man was tangled up in the mystery surrounding Todd and Tomas. "You can have the apartment upstairs, but you probably ought to keep a low profile don't worry about helping out down here for right now. When I'm certain you haven't brought trouble here then you can help out. You and Louie tell the cook what you want to eat. I have to get back to work. By the way, do you have a name?"


The stranger looked at him and said, "Just call me TM."

TM Return Scenario: Blair 2

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview # 4


TM was grateful to John for the apartment. He realized he had stayed there before. It seemed like another lifetime. Well, he had a place to stay and thanks to Louie some clothes but that was it. He couldn't even go get a job because he had no ID. It didn't matter at the moment, what mattered was that he was finally home and he could start looking for his family. It was getting later the evening crowd would be hitting the bar soon which meant for the time being he was stuck in the room. He wasn't sure if the agents had followed him into Llanview but he knew it was no time to get careless. He found some paper and began making a list.


Downstairs in the bar, the place was waking up. John had come back and asked if his house guest was upstairs and his bartender replied in the affirmative. John debated going up and chatting some more with him when he noticed Blair enter. He nodded and she made her way to him. " Blair what has you slumming tonight."


"Hi John, I don't know I'm still questioning whether I can trust Tomas. I don't know what it is with the man but I feel like he's hiding something and I'm also wondering why Todd changed his story. Do you have any thoughts on the subject." she asked.


"Have a seat Blair," he poured her a drink and said, "I think you should be careful Blair. I'm certain he's in this up to his neck and now I think both he and Todd are suddenly working together. That Classified File you found in Todd's office also is part of this, I'd bet my job on it. The whole thing smells of a cover up of some type. Just don't take everything he says at face value, but you're a big girl or you wouldn't have come calling. Hey how about doing a set with my band, you would certainly add a little class to this joint.


"Sure John, it'll take my mind off Tomas for a while. I'll go pick something out with them." Blair rose and took her drink over to the group by the stage. After a small discussion,  the band got up on the stage and began playing.


Upstairs TM heard the band beginning it's set. He decided that he might go down just for a quick listen. As he neared the bottom of the stairs he heard a familiar tune start. He paused. John had someone singing, she began "Wake me up I must be dreaming, I can't believe that you are real." TM walked around the corner and just stared. She was beautiful. It was like it was yesterday listening to her for the first time. He had done it just to liven things up that night. They had both been down in the dumps, she over Cord and him because of Sam Vance. They had played their most pathetic game and he had won again but this time the loser had to do something for the winner and he had asked her to sing. It had been a revelation to hear her sing. TM moved through the crowd and found the pillar he had stood in front of that night. He leaned against it and listened.


Blair was finishing the first verse and was beginning the second. Even as she was singing, she remembered the first time she had sung Simply Love. Her eyes roamed the room until she found John at the bar and she smiled. As she was nearing the end of the song she caught a glimpse of a figure standing by the pillar, there was something familiar about him. Her eyes adjusted once more as she finished the final phrases. "Simply lo oo ove, Simply ..."their eyes locked "Love." Blair's breath caught, was she seeing things. She took her eyes away for just a moment to acknowledge the crowd and when she looked back he was gone. She wondered if he had been real but his eyes, she couldn't forget those eyes. A small chill ran down her spine and her heart started racing. It had been like yesterday, with him standing there watching her. She recalled that night, Todd had tricked her into performing. When she had started singing that song at first, Cord had been on her mind but then as the song continued she had found herself thinking of the relationship she and Todd had developed. It had been funny how fitting the song had been for their relationship, even more so than her and Cord's.


John came up to her noticing she was looking around. "Hey, that was great.
Are you looking for someone?"


Blair replied "I thought I saw Todd." she was distracted and continued to search the crowd.


"Manning hasn't been in. He's been avoiding the place since the shooting," said John.


Blair brought her focus back to John." No, he's not the Todd I meant. John, I know this is going to sound crazy. But I thought I saw Todd with his old face. You know, the one who's picture was on that file. I swear I saw him watching me sing."


John debated telling her, but since TM had left the moment she was finished he figured his guest wasn't ready to see Blair yet. John had noticed TM moving into the bar and had watched him as he watched Blair.  Now he was more curious than ever about that file. Something was going on and he was more determined than ever to figure it out. "Blair it probably was just the lighting, you just imagined the guy."


"You're right John but still..." just then the sounds of "Unforgettable" carried over the voices in the bar. Blair's eyes went to the jukebox just in time to see a figure move away. "Excuse me, John" and she moved to follow the gentleman walking away.


TM had made the decision to get out of there quickly when their eyes had met, but he hadn't been able to leave. He had seen her looking around and then he knew he had to see her. TM walked over to the jukebox and there it was. He punched in the number and listened as strains from the song filled the air. Then he made his way heading back toward the stairs to his apartment.


Blair followed him and saw he was headed upstairs. She entered the stairs once he reached the landing and made her way up. As she reached the top she saw him enter a room. With her heart pounding, she made her way down the hallway. She knocked tentatively all the while praying she wasn't wrong. The door opened and time stood still. "God, "she thought to herself as she gazed at him."He's beautiful."


"Hello Blair," said Todd.

TM RETURN SCENARIO: Blair 1

Scenario for TM's Return to Llanview. # One


Blair exited the Manning building, as she headed to her car she looked toward the building that housed Todd's old Penthouse. She looks up and is surprised to see light in the window of the Penthouse. Something isn't right. The Penthouse is supposed to be closed up. Blair looks at her watch it's getting late, she should be heading home but she can't get over this feeling that something is about to happen. Thinking she might have been mistaken, she looks up as she nears the building. There is definitely light coming from the penthouse. She decides to check it out. Blair nods at the doorman and makes her way to the Penthouse elevator. She's filled with trepidation as the elevator comes to a stop.


Blair steps out into the hall and heads for the door. music is emanating from with in. She recognizes the song . It's one of her favorites. Todd use to play it all the time. She finds herself humming it, "My One and Only Love" as she reaches for the door. Strange it's unlocked. Blair turns the knob and enters quietly the Light she saw is coming from several candles around the room. It's surreal she thinks, the effect of the candles and the music yet everything in the room is covered. Just as she starts for the stairs a voice from behind her says.


"Hello."


Blair spins around, she sees a man in the shadows. He looks so familiar even though she can't see his face. He moves forward and the candlelight catches his features. "My God, it can't be." the words come out. "Are you real?" Blair is stunned he looks the same but different.


" Are you alright?" he says. Then in answer to her second question he looks down at himself and say " I think I am." He looks up "You look familiar do we know each other. I came here looking for my daughter but I guess she's gone. It's been such a long time." he walks past her to the window and stares out. "I didn't mean to be away so long."


Blair's heart is racing as he passes her to go to the window she almost reaches out. He's sounds like Todd but he's acting so strange and he can't be Todd, Todd's at home with Tea. As he's talking she hears the longing in his voice for his daughter. "What's her name, your daughter?" she asks.


"Starr" he replies. " I can't find her or her mother? I really thought they would be here. I'm trying to remember where else I could look for them but nothing is coming to mind. I hope they don't mind me staying here. I thought if I stayed they might come home."


Blair's heart is breaking. His Daughter's name is Starr and he's searching for Starr and her mother. My God what happened to him. "Todd" she whispers.


He turns around. "Yes? I'm sorry I didn't ask your name." He looks at her waiting for a reply.


"Blair, my name is Blair." she says.


Todd stares at her for a moment. Then he closes his eyes, he whispers to himself "I have a daughter, her name is Starr, her mother's name is...Blair!." he opens his eyes and suddenly his face lights up " It's you, you're really here. My Blair." he moves to her. "you are so beautiful in this light." he takes her into his arms and gently kisses her.

Who's the Real Todd? AKA SAMUEL TODDMAN

Passionate 4 Todd: AKA Samuel Toddman