Port Charles Chronicles: Chapter 51 (light adult)

         John sat back in his chair, frustrated.  He had just gotten the runaround from Tomas’  pal, Calmar.   All the man had told him was that Tomas was on assignment and it was “need-to-know.”  He reached across his desk and grabbed the bag containing the bullet that had nicked Todd Manning.   Whoever had fired it, had meant business.  The PCPD lab boys had determined that the bullet was handcrafted, that made tracking down the shooter harder.  Without a manufacturer for it, they had no way of knowing if the assassin had been hired from overseas or not.  With Manning’s mother dead, and her organization in chaos, it was difficult to figure out who still wanted him dead.  Setting the bullet down, John picked up the phone, it was time for another chat with Todd.

Finding out Todd had been discharged, John started calling the Metro-Court. Before the call went through, he looked up to see Starr and Jack Manning, along with Michael Corinthos and his cousin, Molly Lansing, headed toward him.  Judging by the looks on their faces, something was bothering them.  He put the phone down and waited.

       “John, we need your help,” Starr said.

       “Let me guess.  You want to know if we’ve found out anything about your father’s shooter?”

       Starr glanced at the other three and then back to John. “Well, not really. Although I hope you find that guy soon. No, we’re here for another reason.  John, we think Tomas Delgado is here in Port Charles.”

       What the hell?  John sat up straighter. “Say that again.”

       “We think Tomas is in town, but he’s up to something, and it’s not good.”

        John glanced down at the bullet.  “Okay, this is interesting, I’ve been trying to find Tomas.  Why do you think he’s here?”

       “Because we’ve seen him.  The problem is, he’s going by another name.”

        Michael spoke up. “He’s here calling himself Lorenzo Alcazar.  A man who’s supposed to be dead.  Not only that, but he’s having meetings with Johnny Zacchara.”

       John’s eyes narrowed. “And how do you know this?” The glances that passed between the four in front of him told him they had been up to something.  

       Jack finally responded.  “Because we followed him and saw it.  We also got pictures of the two of them together, and others they were meeting with.”  He handed his phone to McBain. “There, see for yourself.”

       There was no mistaking what was right in front of him.  It certainly looked like Tomas, but the kids were right, he wasn’t in Port Charles as himself.   “I agree this could be Tomas, but he could be here undercover.”

        “Or, he could really be Lorenzo Alcazar and have been masquerading as this Tomas all along.  Lorenzo disappeared under mysterious circumstances and he’s not a good guy.  All you have to do is ask Molly’s mom or my mother.  They’ll tell you all about him,” replied Michael. 

        John flipped through the pictures, and after a few minutes had them transferred to his computer.  “You say he was meeting with Zacchara and these other men.  You don’t know why.”

        Michael and the others had gathered behind John to get a better look at all the pictures as he enlarged them.  “Those other men belong to Johnny’s Organization.  Lorenzo once ran his brother’s organization before he disappeared.  Look him up, I’m sure the FBI has a long file on  Alcazar.” said Michael.

        “How do you know these men are in Johnny’s Organization?” John looked over his shoulder at Michael.

       “Because, he tried to join Johnny’s mob after he got out of prison, that’s how.” 

        Everyone turned to see Dante standing there.  He looked pretty grim.  “I saw you kids over here. Thought I’d see what was up.  What the hell were you guys thinking? Michael, I thought you finally had your head on straight.  Spying on Johnny Zacchara could get you all killed.”

        Jack stepped forward, “We weren’t spying on Johnny, but on the guy he was meeting.  We know the guy and wanted to know why he was here in Port Charles.”  They hadn’t done anything really wrong.  “We thought John could help us figure it all out so we came here.”

       Dante looked at Molly. “I can’t believe you’re involved in this.”

       Jack bristled, he didn’t know who the cop was, but he was sure getting under his skin. “Molly was just helping me out.  Who are you anyway?”

       “I’m her cousin and the detective in the room.  Who are you?"

       “I’m Jack Manning,” he said not backing down from the detective’s stare.

       John stood up. “Jack, settle down.  None one is in trouble.  Detective Falconeri is right.  What you all did was dangerous.  The mobs don’t take kindly to being spied on.  I’m glad you brought me the pictures, but your involvement in this ends here.  If Tomas is Alcazar, we’ll handle him.  Why do you think it’s Tomas?  It could be Tomas just looks like Alcazar.”

        Jack turned to John. “Because ” he pointed to the guy standing next to Johnny on the stoop, “ he was spying on my mother and my father before he went to his meeting.”

       “What do you mean?” John didn’t like that bit of information. “Explain.”

       All eyes were now on Jack.  He swallowed nervously, “Molly and I followed him from his apartment here in town.   We wanted to see where he was going.   We were surprised when he ended up sitting outside the Metro-Court hotel.  At first, we thought his meeting was there but he didn’t leave the car.  He was obviously waiting for someone.  He didn’t move until after my mother arrived there.”

       John said. “Did he get out of the car and talk to your mother?”

      “Well no, but she broke things off with him right before we came here to Port Charles?”  Jack began fidgeting and ran his fingers through his hair as it suddenly occurred to him Tomas might be upset with his mom.  “You know he’s got a thing for her.  It bothers me that he was checking up on her.   Mom thinks he’s in Llanview.   I’m worried, on top of everything, he saw her arrive at the hotel with my father.  Tomas hates him, and he’s not going to be happy with what he saw.”

       John was curious. “What did he see?”

        Jack swallowed, the words sticking in his throat. “They kissed,” he said disgustedly.

****

Sitting back in the chair, Todd looked at Dr. Collins.  He was exhausted, he knew he had attempted way too much after just getting out of the hospital.  He had to give the guy credit.  When he wouldn’t do the hypnosis, Dr. Collins had backed off.  Instead, he had managed to get him talking about Marty and how he became the Lord heir.  He had to admit it had taken his mind off his mother and everything involving her.  The headache had subsided and now he just wanted to call it a day.  

Kevin studied his patient.  He had watched the tension leave Todd’s body as they talked, but the day had taken its toll on him.  Knowing Todd’s nerves were raw, Kevin had gone back to basics.  In a manner of minutes, he had turned the talk to his patient’s history and left the current events behind.   It had worked and although the memories were a source of pain for the man in front of him, he had slowly opened up and talked about things. The session was over.  Todd’s health still concerned him and he needed to make sure he stayed alive.  “Todd, I think we can agree that you need to steer clear of memories that bring on the headaches.  It is obvious recent events are too painful at this time.  I noticed you appear to have some sort of Mantra.  I’m guessing from the content I overheard it was something you used to hang on to your memories of Blair and the children.  Am I correct?”

Todd nodded.  He was surprised because he didn’t remember using it in front of anyone else. “How?”

“How do I know this?  You used it the first day we met.  I noticed then it seemed to stabilize you after your episode that day.  I must say you continue to surprise me.  Knowing what you’ve been through, the fact, that you protected yourself and your memories, is phenomenal.  Most men in your circumstances would have lost their minds for sure.  I think we can use that mantra and give you the means to circumvent the headaches.”

“Are you serious?”  Todd thought about the times he had recently used it and it occurred to him the doctor might be onto something.

        “Very serious.  The next time you feel the headaches coming on, I’d like you to close your eyes and take several deep breaths, then recite your mantra.  You don’t have to do it out loud.   In fact, it would be more beneficial if you make yourself think it instead of saying it.  By concentrating on it, your mother’s influence will be unable to take hold.  I can’t stress this enough.  Those headaches will get worse and then you’ll find yourself back in the hospital with no choice but the surgery.  I understand your reluctance for the surgery, so I’m trying to give you time, and shall we say, space, to put things behind you.  I can’t guarantee this will help, but I hope so.”

        “It couldn’t hurt I guess.  Sure I’ll try it.  We’re done here, right?” His whole body was beginning to ache and all he wanted to do was get back to Blair.  He needed her. He also needed what strength he had left to face Jack when they told him about the engagement.

       “We’re finished but as per your court order and because I think you really need it right now, I want to set up once-a-week appointments.  If nothing else, some doctor should be monitoring those headaches.  If you won’t see Dr. Drake, that leaves me.  Agreed?”

      “Agreed.”  Todd actually was a little relieved.  “You’re not going to believe this, but I think I can trust you, Doc.  Something’s telling me this is going to work.” He watched as Kevin filled out a card for his next appointment and took it. “I’ll definitely try to keep this one.”

      Kevin laughed as Todd left his office.  He turned and sat down at his desk and pull out his recorder.  After updating Todd’s file, he attached an addendum “Send a note to Dr. Drake:  Had a session with Todd Manning.   The patient experienced more headaches but is adamant about no surgery at this time. I will keep you apprised of his condition.”

****

A short while later Todd arrived back at the Metro-Court.  “Driver, let me out here.”  Glancing at his watch, he realized the lateness of the hour precluded going back up to the lake house. He and the doctor had talked for over two hours.  “Listen, I won’t need you anymore today.  I’ll let you know when I want you again.”  He stepped out and walked into the lobby.  He never saw the second limo move out from where it was parked.

Once inside the lobby, he headed straight for the elevator.  He was just about to the doors when Carly Jacks waylaid him.

“Hey, what’s going on up in the Crimson offices.  There have been men walking through the lobby for the last three hours carrying boxes out from there.  One of them said I should talk to Todd Manning.” Carly looked a little upset. Her lips were pursed in an unattractive frown.

Todd met her gaze.  “The Crimson offices have been closed.  I own Crimson now and with its Publishing Editor unable to work, the magazine is leaking funds.  I’m shutting it down for now.  As far as the premises go, I signed a lease.  Those offices are now the home of ME, Manning Enterprises.   Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m on my way up to those offices to check with my personal assistant.  If you had bothered to check, she would have told you exactly what was happening.”  With that, he turned and left Carly staring at him with her mouth open.  He caught a quick glimpse of her face as the doors closed.  Hmm.  It seems Mrs. Jacks just found out what it means to meet her match.  Serves her right for always being so nosy.

Minutes later he stepped out to find the offices nearly cleared and from the sounds of the voices coming from the inner office, Blair and Lucy were having a good time doing something.   He walked into the office just in time to see them modeling some very revealing lingerie.  They were so engrossed in what they were doing, neither saw him.  Not wanting to spoil their fun and his, he leaned against the door and just admired the view in front of him.

They were beautiful in their gowns. Lucy was in a vivid blue negligee that clung to her and moved as she moved.   It was lovely on her and Todd couldn’t help but admire her.  Blair however, took his breath away.  He loved her in red and the gown she wore was deep crimson with what appeared to be sparkling emerald green leaves that began at the bodice trailed down in a swirl around her body.  God, she’s stunning.  Todd’s thoughts began to wander to undressing her and he shook himself. Whoa boy, that’s going to have to wait till later.  You better call a halt to this before you get too hot and bothered.  He stood up straight again and cleared his throat.  “When’s the fashion show?”

The women jumped when they heard his voice and turned around.

Lucy gasped, standing in front of them was Todd Manning and she suddenly realized she had next to nothing on.  “Oh God!” mortified she slipped behind the rack of clothes they had been trying on.

Blair stepped forward on spotting Todd and hearing Lucy’s exclamation. “Hey there, handsome.” She sauntered toward Todd.  Her senses tingled at the smoldering look coming from him.  Todd wanted her and she could feel her heartbeat speeding up at his gaze.

Lucy actually felt like a voyeur for a moment watching Blair move toward Todd.  The sexual tension in the room had ratcheted up one hundred percent the minute Blair had moved to intercept Todd.  Snap out of it, Lucy.  She’s giving you a chance to get out and get dress.   For Heaven’s Sake, Move it!   She gathered her wits and left to dress.  

Todd stood stock still as his vision walked toward him.  Blair was all seductress.  The front of the gown was even more revealing than the back.  A sheer crimson panel flowed from the top down and Blair’s beautiful taut body was on display through it.  His body reacted instinctively and his breathing escalated. She reached him and they stared into each other’s eyes. “God, Blair.”  He pulled her into his arms, meeting her luscious lips with his own.

The moment their lips met all reason went out the door.  The outside world disappeared and Blair quivered as Todd’s lips moved from hers to her neck.  Waves of pleasure washed over her and she began divesting him of his shirt.  She wanted to be able to touch skin to skin. 

       Todd shed his shirt as she began to fondle and caress his chest and shoulders.   When her hands started to go for his belt, he stopped them,  Blair looked at him confused.  He smiled at her gently and turned her around facing away from him and began nuzzling her neck again.   With one arm around her waist, he wrapped her close as his other hand began caressing her breast. “I love you, Blair.   You have no idea how much I need you,” he whispered into her ear in between kisses.  "I want to give you the world.  You saved me so long ago and now I feel the only reason I’m still here is this connection.  It’s palpable and real and I’m clinging to it for as long as I can.”  He slipped the straps of her gown off and let the gown drop to the floor.  His hands slid down her body coming to rest at her waist and he turned her to face him again. 

        Blair stood in front of him, tears glistening in her emerald eyes, her lips were trembling and she licked them.  He was so beautiful and sincere. There had been something in his voice that scared her a little bit, a hint of desperation, but she wouldn’t let him see she had heard it.  He needed her and she was going to make sure he knew she needed him too.  She took his face into her hands and gently began kissing him.   She took her time moving from his lips to his cheek to his eyes while he continued to caress her. What had started like a firestorm now became the slow burn of a fire that would never extinguish in a flash but would smolder and burn forever. “I’m in this for the long haul, Todd.  I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered.

        A short while later, Todd rolled over onto his back and Blair nestled on his chest. He gazed at the colors of the setting sun outside the window and chuckled.

       “What’s so funny?” asked Blair.

       “I was just wondering if Lucy’s still hiding in the bathroom.” 

       “Oh my God, I completely forgot about her.” Blair sat up and looked in the direction of the bathroom.  She blushed as she realized what Lucy might have seen if she came back into the room.

        Todd laughed at her. “You’re blushing.  Lucy’s a big girl.  I’m sure she’s seen people making out before.”

       “What we did was much more than making out,” she said swatting at him lightly.

       “So, you gals started this.  I was just coming to get you to see the boys.  How was I supposed to know you two had decided to play dress up.  Although, undressing you has been the highlight of my day.”

       “Tawd!!”

       “I’m sorry.  I guess you should check and see if she’s still here. It’s getting close to dinner.”

       Blair leaned over and kissed him quickly, smiling. “You get dressed too.  I’ll be back and we’ll go to the boys.”

        Todd watched her appreciatively as she gathered the gown and headed for the bathroom.  “By the way. We’re keeping that gown.”

       She turned and smiled at him, then disappeared from view.  Several minutes later she returned fully dressed, with the gown over her arm.  “Lucy’s gone.  I spotted another exit. I’m guessing she took it.”

       “Great, I think I like her and she knows how to be discreet.  Maybe this new arrangement will work.”  He finished buttoning up his shirt as Blair joined him.  He looked at her left hand, now sporting his engagement ring.   “I guess it’s time to face Jack.  Are you ready?”

       “It’s going to be alright.  This was my choice.  Jack will have to live with it.  Starr, Addie, and Sam are all on our side.  Jack will come around.  You just have to give him time to get to know the real you.”   They boarded the elevator and headed for the floor containing Addie and the boys’ suite.
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