Memories Unlocked # 35

Chapter 35

Blair felt flushed down to her toes and it wasn’t from all she had to drink.  Todd had just claimed her and her heart felt ready to burst.  The rest of dinner was a blur, she was so happy.  The waiter arrived with the check and she signed it, giving him a substantial tip.

Todd raised his eyes at the amount she left the guy.  “Isn’t that going a little overboard, Blair?”

She laughed.  “I’m in such a good mood, I want everyone to share in it.  Besides, even you are generous occasionally.  Come on, your color is definitely better.  Dinner was just what you needed.  Call Williams and we’ll go see the Penthouse.”

“Williams is here.  He arrived while you were touching up your makeup.  He’s waiting outside in the van.”  William’s arrival had been very fortuitous.  He had given the medication to Todd and then returned to the van.  The pills worked quickly and when Blair returned he could tell the pain was lessening. He had to give it to Dr. Wolek, the medicine definitely made a difference in how he felt.

“Good, let’s go.”  She once again took charge of his chair and Todd let her.  He knew she needed to feel needed.

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From the moment he rolled into the lobby from the parking garage, Todd felt a calm come over him.  For the first time since arriving in Llanview, he didn’t feel out of place. Anticipation filled him and he eagerly rolled to the elevators.  

Blair had stopped to talk to the new doorman.  She turned around to introduce the man to Todd but was surprised to see him already heading for the elevators. “Todd, wait for me.”  She walked quickly to catch up with Todd. “You don’t even know which…. “ She paused, seeing the elevator Todd was waiting on.  “I don’t understand. How do you know this is the elevator for the Penthouse floors?”

Todd looked up at her “I read it.,” and pointed to a small sign. PENTHOUSE SUITES.

Blair turned a soft shade of pink.  She giggled  “I’ve been coming here for years and never saw that.”  The doors opened and they entered.

The ride up seemed interminable to Todd.  He now understood the expression ‘Butterflies in the stomach’  It was like the very air was charged with energy and something momentous was about to happen.  He looked down at his legs and rubbed them.  He still couldn’t get over the fact that after months, he was finally having feeling, not just a faint touch-like feeling, but real Honest to God feeling in his left leg.  He gave a side glance over to Blair.  He could tell she was nervous.  Her hand kept going to her hair, pushing it back behind her ear.  A very delicate ear too.  She was his wife. His.  That made him stop and think, just when had he gotten so possessive?  She looked down at him with her beautiful green eyes and smiled.  Then it hit him. God, I’ve fallen in love with her.  There it was, that feeling flowed through him.  He had been holding her off because he felt she deserved a husband that loved her and he thought he couldn’t do that without his memories but now he realized he didn’t need the memories.  All he needed was to truly be her husband and father to his kids.  If his memories came back then great but now he could at least proceed to a more normal relationship than the one they had been stuck in for the last month.  He reached for her hand. “Blair.”

Just then the doors opened, they had reached their destination.  Blair looked questioningly at Todd. “What is it?  Did  you change your mind?”

He dropped his hand.  “No, it’s nothing. Let‘s go.  I’ll tell you later.”   He wanted to renew the relationship but he still needed to get back on his feet.  He let Blair take the lead and watched as she pulled some keys from her pocketbook.  She unlocked the door and entered. stepping back to let him roll inside.    Glancing at the two doors that separated him from the main room, a feeling of trepidation hit him.  He recognized them, which was a good thing, but why did he fear to see what was beyond them.  He hesitated to open them.  He had had enough bad memories and if he was starting to remember, he wanted something good.  Before he could even think, Blair slipped past him and opened them.

Todd looked into the room and breathed a sigh of relief.  Nothing happened.  Slightly disappointed, Todd entered the room.  After everything else, he had expected the place to mean something to him.  He glanced down the hallway to his right and then noticed pictures sitting on a table by the wall.  He moved to them.  They were pictures of Starr when she was little.  He realized there were no pictures of Blair and he turned to ask her why?  “Blair, why don’t I ,,,” Blair was near the spiral steps leading upstairs and suddenly the room shifted.

He was standing in the middle of a sea of stuffed animals that covered just about every piece of the sleek black leather furniture that filled the room.  Blair stood in front of him, dressed in a pale yellow suit, her long hair past her shoulders and the look in her eyes was pure happiness.  “Todd, We can do whatever we want.  The baby will be fine, everything will be fine”  She kissed him and then led him to the stairs.  Standing on the first stair, she turned and kissed him again,  She started to go up but paused and this time kissed him hungrily. Todd was breathing fast The scene shifted again.

Blair was dressed this time in a beautiful black and white dress her hands were on his lapels “I’m not very hungry, are you?”

He replied, "No, Do you want something to drink?”

She stroked his face and moved past him to stand on the stairs and turned.  “I don’t want anything, but you.  Can I have you?”

Todd could hardly catch his breath, as once again the scene changed.

He carried her across the threshold. “Welcome home Mrs. Manning.”

Blair smiled at him, and laughed, “You can let me down now.  You carried me all the way from the elevator.”

“I thought I was going to carry you until I grew old.”

“So this is the new you, huh.” Blair reached and caressed his cheek. “Total romantic.”

“Well, why not, I’m with my One True Babe.  Floating on a cloud all night. I love you, Blair. Welcome home.”  Todd was struggling to breathe and his chest was beginning to hurt.  He reached for his head.   He didn’t even realize Blair was trying to talk to him. Memories were returning so fast.   Blair gazing out the windows as fireworks exploded. Blair on the stairs in a beautiful white pantsuit, her hair short, looking at him lovingly.   It was all too much, Todd passed out.  

Blair had turned around as Todd called her name.  She waited for him to finish his question and then she realized he wasn’t looking at her  “Todd”  He didn’t respond and Blair saw him breathing heavily then he raised his hand to his head   Before she could even move she watched him slump in his chair.  She crossed the room and went down on her knees beside his chair.  “Todd, what happened?”  He wasn’t coming around and she was frantic.  Unsure why he had passed out, she ran to the kitchen and grabbed a towel, and wet it down.  As she came back into the living room she saw his head move.  She knelt down again and ran the cloth over his forehead, his eyes fluttered then slowly opened. “Oh Todd, thank God!” He didn’t say anything at first,  just looked at her, then he reached up and tangled his fingers into her hair.

“I guess this means you’ve forgiven me.  I love you, Blair.  I know I don’t deserve you or the kids but I had to come home.”

Blair gasped.  Had she heard right?   “Todd, of course, I’ve forgiven you, I told you that when we found you.”

Todd frowned. Blair’s answer didn’t make sense,  “What do you mean found me?”  He suddenly realized that Blair was kneeling next to his chair.  A wheelchair.  The last few months of his life flowed into his mind and joined his past memories.  

Blair was worried, Todd was acting weird.  First passing out and then waking up all confused.  “Todd, maybe we should forego this visit,  I’m worried about you.  You passed out for no reason and now you’re not making any sense.  Todd, don’t you remember?  Starr, Jack and I found you in Guam.  Maybe we need to go back and see Dr...”

Todd reached up and put his fingers on Blair’s lips shushing her.  “Relax Blair, I’m fine.” Before she could say anything else, he pulled her up onto his lap. “I’m better than fine, Mrs. Manning.”  He covered her lips with his and kissed her.  Months of hurting and longing on the island, then the month being with her and not really knowing her, fueled his hunger.   This was his Blair.  His beautiful wife and mother of his children and she had forgiven him.

Blair was surprised.  The intensity of the kiss was overwhelming and she wrapped her arms around his head and passionately responded.  When they finally came up for air, Blair leaned back away from him.  She reached up and caressed his cheek.  Something Todd said to her a few moments before the kiss suddenly hit her right between the eyes.  “Todd, did you just say you love me?”

Todd grabbed her hand and slowly kissed each finger.  “You always say I never tell you.  You’re right.  I don’t.  But that’s because you know it’s hard for me.  It’s just that it’s been so long.  I felt I had to let you know again.”

Blair’s head was reeling not to mention her body was seriously getting turned on by Todd’s little gestures.  “Todd, how do you know that. I never told you…” Then Todd smiled softly at her and Blair realized what he was telling her. “ Oh My God! You got your memory back!” She squealed with glee and hugged him, kissing his face and scar and then capturing his lips with her own  It had been so long and like the time in the stables, Todd and Blair couldn’t taste each other enough, but when Blair went to remove his shirt Todd found himself stopping her.  Blair looked at him bewildered. “Why are you stopping? “

Todd was silently cursing.  If Blair removed the shirt then she would see the surgery site, not to mention that Dr. Wolek had given him explicit instructions to take it easy or he could possibly cause more problems.  “Blair, I want this as much as you, but I just don’t have the strength right now.  Getting my memories back hit me hard.  It’s a lot to digest.  Since I can’t take you upstairs like I would like to, will you let me have a raincheck.”

Blair felt let down but then she recalled her fears when Todd dropped unconscious in the chair.  It had definitely been a shock to her and could imagine the toll it had taken on him.  She controlled a grin that almost escaped as Todd shifted in the chair and she realized by the bulge in his slacks that he was telling her the truth.  She leaned over and buttoned his shirt up.  “Okay, I understand.  But I’m calling in that raincheck, as soon as possible.  Todd since your memories are back, there’s no reason to stay here.  Let me go ahead and finish getting La Boulaie ready and you can return home.”

Todd was torn.  He wanted to be back with Blair but he also wanted to be whole and now that he had his memories back he also realized he could no longer live in the mansion.  There were too many memories, Dorian and Kelly aside, his actions even before remarrying Blair had been convoluted and cruel.  Sam and Vicki had both warned him and he hadn’t listened.  He had to find a way to fully trust Blair again and leave their past in the past. Guam had been an eye-opener.  Separated from his past, it had given him a new perspective.  Without a past, or legs, Todd had dug deep and found a man he could actually like.   The big question was, could he continue to be that man.  Already he knew he shouldn’t be keeping Blair in the dark about his legs. “Blair, I just need more time.  Honestly. I’m struggling with LaBoulaie.  I know I bought the mansion for Starr, but I can’t stand the place.  It’s poisonous to me.  I feel comfortable here.  Please, just let me get back on my feet.  Who knows it might be sooner than we think.  Then we can discuss our living arrangements.”  

Blair slid off his lap. She had already reconciled herself to his living in the penthouse.  Now that she understood better why he was reluctant to live at LaBoulaie she realized she was alright with it.  “Okay, I’ll tell the workers to report here instead of LaBoulaie, but I’m not letting you hide up here from me or the kids.  You just told me you loved me and I’m holding you to it, Pal.  No backsies.”

Todd held his hands in surrender. “The last thing I want to do is take that back, I promise.  I do love you and I need it to be for keeps this time.”

With tears in her eyes, Blair leaned back over and sealed his promise with a kiss.          

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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 14

Chapter 14

         She listened to his breathing and knew he had fallen asleep. The door to the room opened and seeing the doctor, Blair stood back up beside Todd. He looked so peaceful at that moment. She looked at the doctor. “He just fell asleep, that’s all it is, isn’t it?” The doctor did a quick check and nodded. Blair had been holding her breath and released it. “Thank God. Do you think he’s back to stay?”

        The doctor didn’t want to give her any false hopes, but the stats looked good. “I‘m pretty sure Mr. Lord is back with us. I’m amazed he stayed awake as long as he did. The attack was a strong one and we both know his heart needs the time to recover. You should take some time to rest too. He’ll be in and out for the next few hours.”

        Blair shook her head. “He needs to see me when he wakes, and I need to be here when he does. He said something to me earlier and I promised him I wasn’t going anywhere. Do you understand?” Without even realizing she was doing it, she moved his hair off his face.

        The doctor saw her expression and knew she wouldn’t leave. He had seen that kind of devotion a few other times during his career. Thomas Lord was a lucky man. “Alright, but think about getting some rest. You’re no good to him if you collapse,” he left to check on some of his other patients.

        Blair couldn’t tear her eyes away from his face. A part of her wanted him to reawaken, but she knew he needed his sleep. It suddenly occurred to her that Vicki needed to be called. She and Tea both had been keeping contact. The calls had been short since Hesser’s assassins were still in the picture. Things had died down after the verdict had been announced. Hesser and Kipling both had been given life sentences. Somehow, Hesser’s new attorney had managed to keep Carlo off of death row for the murder of his first attorney. They had pleaded diminished capacity due to a drug interaction and the jury had recommended leniency.

         John had insisted they continue to keep Samuel’s whereabouts off the radar, so they were communicating with throwaway phones that couldn’t be traced. Blair wondered if it was even necessary anymore. It had all been quiet since Todd was shot.

         Blair pulled a chair close and sat down next to Todd. Then she pulled out her phone to call Vicki. She waited for someone to pick up. “Hello... Yes, Nigel, is Vicki home?...I’ll wait....Vicki, Todd’s out of the coma....Yes, just this afternoon....Things were scary at first. He went into cardiac arrest. After they got him stabilized, he just woke up....No, the doctors can’t explain the heart attack or the sudden awakening. He appears to be fine, no effects from the coma. Vicki, there’s another miracle, he can see. Oh, Vicki, I thought my heart would burst when he opened his eyes.... I’ll give him your love. Take care Vicki.” she closed the phone and looked at him. He was getting a little agitated and she leaned in. “Shh, it‘s alright. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” He quieted at her words and she gently took his hand back into hers and laid her head down on the bed to rest.

          Todd awoke to a lot of hustle and bustle in the room and his hand still entangled with Blair’s. In the light, he could see the signs of exhaustion on her face and wondered how many sleepless nights she had sat at his bedside. He began to play with the strands of her hair close to his hand. He was entranced with the way they clung and wrapped around his fingers. It was like finely spun silk slipping through them. His fingers moved to slide the hair off her face and wandered down feeling her soft breath blow across them as they made their way to her lips. He was tracing them when he felt her response. It was the lightest kiss, on his fingers. Her eyes met his and she raised her head, moving upward to kiss him properly. This time slowly and sensually she captured his lip with a small nip and followed it with the tip of her tongue seeking entrance. He granted her request deepening the kiss and responding back in kind. He finally had to call a halt, when he realized he was having a little trouble breathing.

          She raised her head puzzled at his withdrawal, then noticed his discomfort. “Oh God Todd, I’m sorry. It’s been so long.” She stopped talking as his hand went to her lips.

          “Shh, just need ...to ..catch ..my breath.” Todd laid there and realized just how weak he was. “Never ...knew...sleeping …” he paused again. Trying to draw in more air but finding deep breaths were out of the question. “could ...drain you.” The nurse chose that moment to come in and take some vitals and saw that his oxygen reading was down. She hooked him up to the oxygen and Todd began to feel stronger. Looking over at Blair, he saw her fretting. “Relax, I guess I’m not going to be doing any marathon running just yet.” He peered mischievously at her. “We’ll just have to keep them shorter and more frequent.”

           Blair met his eyes, puzzled for a moment by his comment then she laughed as it hit her. “I think that can be arranged.” She immediately made good on her statement. She giggled as they finished and he grinned back. Blair reached for his face unable to keep her hands off him. She was so happy to be talking and joking with him. She had news from home but wasn’t sure if Todd was ready to hear it.

        Todd saw Blair get pensive. “Hey, where did you go just now?” his hand caught hers as she started to take it away. “What’s bothering you?”

         “I don’t know if I should even bring this up. You shouldn’t be worrying about anything but getting better right now.”

         “Blair, tell me. What’s going on?”

         “John called yesterday and told me that Hesser is finally being shipped to Statesville today.”

         “You told me I was in a coma for a month. I thought Hesser would have been transported to Statesville before now.”

           “There were complications from his injuries, his doctors have only now released him.” Blair watched as Todd got very still.

           Todd remembered how close he had come to killing Hesser. He could still feel the give of Carlo’s windpipe beneath his fingers. “You almost did it, but you lost again. She’ll help me keep you at bay.”

         “Are you so sure of that, remember just because you have control now doesn’t mean I can’t take it back.”Todd gasped he hadn’t expected an answer. It was strange, like a disembodied voice in his head. He felt cold. The monster still lived. He shuddered knowing it was right. There had to be a way to free himself of it once and for all.

        “Are you alright Todd?"

        “I’m just cold. Guess I’m overdoing it.” He needed to shake off the dread he was feeling. Blair covered him with a blanket and felt his forehead, the last thing he needed was an infection. Todd took her hand away. “Thank you, I’m okay really.” His stomach growled and it suddenly occurred to him, he was hungry. “Any chance of getting some food around here?”

          Blair laughed. “I think we can find you something, but it will be light. “

        “Okay. How about Chinese?” he replied with a straight face.

         “Toddddd. I just told you...” She saw the twinkle in his eyes and knew then he was teasing her. “OOOOh, You stop that.”

         “Seriously. This liquid diet thing just isn’t hacking it,” he rolled his eyes at his IV. He was having fun getting a rise out of her. She was always so cute when she got flustered. “Come on Blair, look at me. I’m wasting away here. I need some real food.” At that moment, he realized he spoke the truth. The IV might be providing him with nourishment, but he felt as weak as a kitten.

        “Okay, take it easy, will you let me slip out and see what I can do for you?”

          His heart skipped a beat when he realized she would have to leave the room. He was afraid to lose sight of her. It was irrational, but he couldn’t shake the fear this was all just a dream.

         Blair watched the color drain from his face as she made the suggestion and knew he wasn’t ready to be separated yet. She couldn’t blame him. In her own way, her fear, that he would drift away again, was just as palpable. “Never mind, I’ll call Starr. She’ll bring us both something. Will that work?” He visibly relaxed. Before calling Starr, she rang the nurses' station. A nurse came to see what they needed and left to get the doctor’s approval for some solid food. She returned with a list of items Todd could begin with and Blair made her call. As she read the list, Blair smiled. “You’re in luck, how does Egg Drop Soup sound.”

         Todd leaned back against his pillows chuckling. “Bring it on.”

         After Blair got off the phone with Starr, she turned her attention back to Todd. “How are you doing?”

          “I’m sorry Blair, I should have listened to John from the get-go. I really thought I had enough on Gregor to just make him leave town.”

          She was surprised he had brought up Daimler and then she realized it had been the last thing he remembered. Of course, it was still on his mind. “Hey, you had no way of knowing he would come after us. I told you he disappeared. They found blood in his office, but there was no sign of him.”

          “I don’t like it, Blair, I’m afraid he’s going to want to get Kym back. She was under his thumb for so long. She might not be able to resist if he makes a play.”

         “That won’t happen, Todd. C.J. and Joshua are keeping a close eye on her. They’ve also hired some professionals to maintain security around the orchard. There’s no way he can get close to her right now.”

         “But he disappeared off that damn ship again. Hurt or not he’s dangerous.”

         “Todd, there’s nothing you can do. You just woke up. Your wounds might be healed, but you’re a long way from recovered. You’re also still a target, at least for now.”

          “Damn, didn’t John tell Bo I was shot. They could have spread the news, that Samuel was seriously wounded. It might have taken that monkey off my back.”

          “As a matter of fact, the Banner broke the story two days after you were shot. Your condition was stated as critical, but your whereabouts were kept secret. It’s still unknown if the news made a difference to the ones who took out the contract.”

          “Yeah, but I was out for a month. No one’s made any attempt on me, right?”

          “Right, John said there’s a possibility the contract on Samuel has been cancelled. He’s just waiting for some confirmation.”

           “Great, if we get that, then we can go home. With Gregor gone, I can’t do much more here. I want my life back, it’s been long enough.” he was frustrated. He had lost another month with his Blair and his kids. From Jack’s reaction, he was almost back to square one with Jack. He needed to change that. “Blair, what’s going on with Jack?”

          “Jack’s been pretty withdrawn since you were shot. That, coming so close on top of Jake’s death, was hard for him. He’s been acting out at the school here, getting into fights. He needs his father now more than ever.

          “I’ve got to get out of here. The sooner the better.”

           “Um, I think you’re going to need to gain some strength back before you can come home, Todd. You haven’t moved since the surgery. I don’t think you’ll even be able to stand right now.”

            “Well there’s only one way to find out,” he pulled the covers aside, his legs felt like lead weights but he was determined to move them. He sat up struggling to slip his legs off the bed.

          “Hey Todd, stop that.” Blair pushed him back down. “Now isn’t the time. I want you home as much as anybody.” He started to protest and she covered his mouth. “Hush. Forget it, mister. When the doctor tells you it’s alright, then you can try and leave that bed.”

         Todd glared at her over her hand but stopped trying to say anything. He knew she was right, just trying to move that little bit had taken it out of him. Of course, he would never admit it to Blair.

         The door opened and Starr entered with some food. From the look on her dad’s face, she figured he was upset about something. “Looks like I got here just in time. What’s got you all riled up?”

           He managed to look a little abashed. “Nothing some food wouldn’t cure. Please tell me I can eat now.”

           Starr laughed and soon they were eating. About halfway through his soup, Todd realized he couldn’t eat anymore, even though he wanted to and he was finding it hard to keep awake to talk to Starr. He laid the spoon down and leaned back against his pillow looking at his daughter chatting with Blair. They were beautiful together. Starr had grown up into a lovely young woman. Try as he might he couldn’t keep his eyes opened and sleep took him again.


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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 13

Chapter 13

         He was walking in the park. It was muggy out. It was over and he felt so alone. He had been searching for quite a while and had given up hope Then he came upon her and it looked like she had been crying. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was really quite beautiful all in white. “My God, You’re okay!”

         She looked up. There were tears in her eyes. “Oh, I hoped you would come. No, I’m not okay. How could you do this to me?” She swiveled on the park bench turning away from him.

        “Whoa, what did I do?” He hated when she was upset with him. He wanted to go to her. He needed to feel her close to him, but something was stopping him.

         “You went off and left me again. I don’t understand why you do that? I thought you loved me?”

           “But I do. Don’t you see, I’m not good for you. You got hurt because of me. I never wanted you to get hurt.” Why was she doing this to him? She had ended up in the line of fire because of him. Couldn’t she see that?

              He was being deliberately obtuse. She turned back to him, “Do you even hear yourself? You don’t want me to get hurt, so you leave, but that is what hurts me the most. I fell in love with you, all of you, the good and the bad. I knew what I was getting into. When are you going to realize I need you desperately? You complete me.”

             Unable to stop himself, he sat down next to her on the bench. The park was immaculate. He had never seen it so clean. It was strange and peaceful. There was something about her that always made him feel calm. He had been in such turmoil when he thought she was lost to him and now sitting next to her suddenly filled him with such joy. He looked into her eyes still sparkling with tears. “I’m not worth it, you know. I destroy everyone I love. Without me, you can be happy and find someone who’ll take care of you instead of hurt you.”

            She reached and touched his face, “It doesn’t work that way for me. I can’t love them the way I love you and it always ends. You’re the only man I want. If I can’t have you, I might as well die.”

            The alarms were going off. “We’re losing him! Raise it to 200. Clear...” the monitor showed a flat line. “Again!”

            He gripped her arms. “Don’t you ever say that. You have to keep living. If you were to die it would be all over for me. I can live with this emptiness as long as I know you’re around.” He hugged her to him, afraid she would get up and leave before he could make her understand.

           She had gotten the response she wanted and she nestled deeper into his arms. “Your life doesn’t need to be empty. Just stay with me and we’ll both be complete. I love you, Todd, totally and always. Don’t leave me. I’m here, you just need to come take me.” She put her hand over his heart and he felt a warmth spread through him. She stood up to leave but held out her hand. “Come on, it’s time to go.”

          “Put it at 250... Clear!...” Still no response.

          “I don’t understand. Go where?”

            “Don’t worry. It’s where you want to go, I promise you. You said you wanted what was best for me. Come with me.”

            He wanted that warmth, he needed it to exist. He reached for her hand and the warmth surged through him, enveloping him in her love.

            They were standing in a clearing. Their home stood beautifully bathed in a golden sunrise. “You built that for me. Can you feel the love that radiates from it? You poured your love for me into it. I felt it the first moment I saw it. It’s a strong place built by a strong man. You always underestimate your worth. You’re a survivor and I know the real man you hide from the world. You don’t have to hide from me. Love is waiting for us through those doors. Will you come home and let me prove it to you “ She smiled at him pulling him toward their home.

          He took steps to follow her, it was all he ever really wanted, her and a home.“Raise it to 300.     Clear!....” suddenly they heard a beat. “Okay, we got him back.” The doctor checked the stats. The heartbeat was getting stronger, but they knew it was touch and go with him. “Stay with him, I’ll talk to his family.” The doctor looked at his patient. The man was a bloody miracle. By rights, he should have been dead several times over but for some reason, he refused to give up. The doctor had been sure he was going to have to finally give his family some bad news, but the man had surprised them all again.

          They were waiting anxiously as he came out the door. “We got him back. I know all of you want to go into him, but I’m going to keep it to only two at a time. His condition is still critical and we aren’t sure what brought on this latest episode.”

          The nurse was trying to make her patient more comfortable when she noticed the tears. “Mr. Lord, can you hear me?”

         Everything was so foggy. He had taken Blair’s hand and then she had disappeared. Try as he might, he couldn’t find her. Heartbroken, the tears began to fall. In the distance, he heard a voice. They seemed to be trying to reach someone. He didn’t think anyone else was around. Maybe if he could find that voice, they would help him find Blair. He headed in the direction of the voice.The monitors showed a very steady heartbeat, but his pulse was increasing, “Mr. Lord?”

         He moved his head. The nurse went to the door. “Doctor, I think he might be coming around.”

         The doctor looked over at the group. He met her eyes and said. “Come with me.” His eyes swept the rest of the group, “All of you. If he is coming around, seeing all of you might be just what he needs.”

        They followed him into the room and the Doctor went up to his patient. There were definite signs he was waking up. “Mr. Lord can you hear me? Open your eyes,” his head again moved and the doctor looked at the woman standing beside him. “Talk to him. He might respond to your voice.”

         “Hey, it’s time you woke up. I think you’ve had a long enough nap. Don’t leave me hanging here. Open your beautiful eyes.”

          The fog was lifting. Suddenly he heard it all play out in front of him. Daimler’s voice mocking him, and Blair’s declaration of love as she was taken away. He recalled getting away from Daimler and struggling to reach the gangplank knowing that John could help him rescue Blair and the rest of her family. The last thing he remembered, as the bullets ripped through him, was that Blair was gone. How could he be hearing her voice? It sounded heavenly. That had to be it. Had God actually let him into heaven? “Who are you kidding Manning? The devil is playing tricks on you. You’re dead and the devil is tormenting you.”

          “You idiot. You’re not dead.”

            “Pete?”

           “Damn straight! Do you know how long we’ve been trying to reach you? Never mind. Open your eyes, stupid. You’re keeping her waiting.”

          “Who?"

           “Who do you think? Come on, if you don’t have the nerve, let me out.”

           "Shut up, Pete” Todd struggled to open his eyes. God, they felt so heavy. Slowly the light filtered in, he marveled at how bright it was. Then his eyes began making out some shapes but only one stood out. As he looked, the image became sharper and he saw her standing above him. Her emerald eyes were shining with tears. He reached up to make sure she was real.

           Blair’s heart soared as his eyes opened. She grabbed his hand and began kissing it and sobbing for joy at the same time.

          “Blair?” it only came out a whisper but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. He was afraid if he looked away she would disappear again.

           “It’s alright, don’t talk, save your strength. It’s me, I’m fine, we’re all fine.” She knew what was running through his mind and she wanted to put it at ease. “You’ve been gone so long. I was beginning to think you didn’t want me anymore.”

          Todd gripped her hand at those words, his eyes filling with tears again. “Never. Need you always.” He could barely get the words out. He didn’t know how she had gotten free from Daimler’s men, and it didn’t really matter. He hadn’t lost her, that was the most important thing. Holding tight to her hand, he took the chance to look away. He could see, he couldn’t believe it. There were actual colors and shapes and faces. Starr and Jack, Addie and Kym, C.J. and the kids; it was unbelievable. They were there for him.

           Vicki had tried so many times to make him feel like part of the family, but he had never been comfortable except with her and Jess. To the rest of her family, he was the black sheep they didn’t really want to acknowledge. He had been okay with that. but he had admitted to himself the envy he felt for those who were welcomed. None of that mattered anymore.

          His eyes came back Blair. “God, I love you.” His breath caught as she leaned and kissed him. He closed his eyes feeling the softness of her lips on his, his tongue escaped to part them, eagerly seeking to take all she was offering.

         “Mrs. Lord, I need to check him out.”

          His eyes flew open in a panic. “No! Don’t go!” he was almost crushing Blair’s hand.

          “Mr. Lord, you need to calm down. I won’t make her leave. I just need her to give me some room.” The doctor watched as Blair maneuvered around the head of the bed carefully, not letting go of her husband’s hand. Then he began his examination. After a few minutes, he smiled and said, “Everything is looking good. Just keep him quiet. I really would like him to have as little excitement as possible. I urge you all to keep your visit short.” The doctor and the nurse took their leave and the family moved to gather around Todd’s bed.

          They all started talking at once, and Todd just stared. He didn’t know who to answer first or even what to answer. His gaze fell on Addie and Kym. “How?”

           Blair saw who he was looking at and answered. “John, that’s how. He called for backup when you boarded the ship and then he saw Sid and his cohorts take us aboard. John and his men were ready for them when they brought us out and quickly turned the tables on them. We were watching from the dock when John yelled at you. Sid is the one who shot you. He’s dead.”

         “Gregor?” Todd looked at her, he needed to know if they caught him.

          She shook her head. “He disappeared.”

          Todd could feel a weight pressing down on him, his whole body ached. His chest felt like it had when Sid and company had gotten through with him. He couldn’t stop the wince as he moved to get a better view of everyone. Gregor was still out there somewhere and there was no telling when he might enter their lives again. But he wouldn’t worry about the man now. Starr had moved up close to the other side of him after the Doctor had left. “Hi Shorty, how’s Hope?”

         Starr smiled tremulously and touched her dad’s face. “She’s fine and misses her dragon. I’m so glad you’re finally awake. Do you think you can stay out of trouble for the rest of the year? You’re giving me gray hairs.”

        He smiled, she had always been able to wrap him around her finger. He certainly couldn’t have her turning gray before her time. “Hey, I’ll try but I’m not making promises.” He looked over at Jack who was watching him rather seriously. “Jack, are you okay?”  

        Jack gulped and nodded hastily, then ran out of the room. Todd frowned but didn’t say anything.

       “I’ll go get him, Dad,” said Starr.

        “No, let him go. I understand." he paused, catching his breath "So dry." Starr quickly got some water and held the straw as her father drank. "Thank you. You should go, too. You’ve got Hope, she needs you." he rested a moment "I’m going to be fine. Not going anywhere.”

         Starr frowned but gave him a quick kiss and promised to return with Hope.

         Todd watched her leave then looked back over at Addie and Kym. “I’m sorry, I bungled... You both got caught. I hope you’ll forgive me." he had to stop again, it was so tiring just talking. "I thought I could handle Gregor. I was wrong. I won’t underestimate him again.”

        Addie moved closer and gave him a kiss. “You did nothing wrong. Just get better, Blair needs you.” Then she walked to Blair, gave her a hug and exited the room.

       Kym joined Addy and looked at her brother-in-law. “She’s right, you know. All you’ve done since I met you, is try to help me. I was a stranger and you still came to my aid. Because of you, I’m free from Father, and I’ve met my half-sister. I’ve got a family and it’s all your doing. You take it easy and get better, I’m glad you’re back in the land of the living.”

       As Kym left, Todd wondered what was in store for all of them now. Suddenly he found himself being hugged senseless by Lily. “Oh gosh, I’m so glad you’re awake. It‘s been so long. Daddy kept telling me you would wake up but you sure took your time. We came to see you and took turns with everyone. I got a chance to have a long talk with Kym and we’re working on our issues together. Kym’s been staying at the orchard with us. It’s great. She’s discovering life on a farm is different, but she tells us she’s enjoying the adventure.” She paused to catch her breath.

         Todd smiled and said before she could start up again. “Thank you for coming and keeping watch. Thank you, too, for my kiss.”

         Lily’s eyes widened in surprise. “You felt that!’

        “I did. I’m sorry, I couldn't tell you at the time.” Lily responded to his words by giving him another quick kiss. Todd met his nephew’s eyes. “C.J. it means a lot... that you’ve been here.”

        “Best buds forever remember?” C.J. smiled at his uncle, his thoughts went to another time. “Ali, Ali out. You saved me, and you’re a hero. Best friends forever, you’ll never forget....”

        “I’ll never forget. C.J.” Todd found himself back in that room watching his little buddy leave and holding superhero. C.J. and Sarah had given him his life back, he would always owe them.

         Chase tugged at Todd’s hospital gown. “Hey, don’t forget me. I’ve been here too. I’m happy you’re back, Ali. Everyone has been pretty down because you slept so long. How did you do that? I hate staying in bed all day. You can’t have any fun if you’re asleep.”

          Todd laughed and even though it hurt he felt better. “You know what, Chase, you’re right. It’s so much easier. I think I’ll try and stay awake more....I’ve had plenty of sleep, don’t you agree?”

         “You sure have, you been asleep for over a month.”

           Todd looked in shock at Blair. “I’ve been out for a month?”

            Blair nodded.

          “Was Samuel in charge?”

           “No Todd, all of you were out. You’ve been in a coma since they brought you out of surgery. Do you remember anything about that time?”

          Todd wracked his brain. He felt a certain uneasiness because he sensed something had occurred while he was out, but whatever happened remained elusive. He wasn’t sure he wanted to search for it either. “There’s nothing I can remember, just a strange feeling." he met her eyes. God, no wonder I'm so weak. "I don’t want to go there, I awake now and I’m determined to stay awake." Todd looked back at Chase. "Chase, thank you for coming with your sister and father... hopefully I'll be up for a visit to the farm soon.”

          “You bet Ali. See you.” The boy gave Todd a thumbs up and grabbed his sister. “Come on Lily. Dad, hurry up.”

          “I’ll be right there Chase.” C.J. turned back to Todd and Blair. “You do what the doctors tell you and we’ll be back here to see you later. It’s great to see you awake. Take care of him, Blair,” and with that, he left to go after his children.

        Blair looked at Todd, he was pale from earlier but his eyes were clear and she wanted to drown in them. She sat down next to him on the bed. ”It was a shock wasn’t it, finding out how long you were gone from us. Don’t let it bother you. The doctor said you were looking good. It’s hard to imagine but just a short while ago, they were trying to restart your heart.” She put her hand on his heart, feeling it beating underneath.

         Todd covered her hand with his. Feeling her warmth radiating from her, an image of another moment flashed through his mind. She had been crying on the park bench and told him she wanted to die if he wouldn’t stay. She had touched him and he had felt such warmth, but then lost her. No! His heart lurched, no more losses. “Don’t ever leave me, Blair, I can’t . . .” his voice cracked.

         She frowned at his choice of words. “I promise to be here always. I’m through running away.” Blair stayed close and they quietly talked. She told him more about John’s rescue of her and the others.

         Her voice trailed off mid-story and Todd looked at Blair. She was staring into space. “Blair, what is it”

          She refocused on him and gave him a hug suddenly.

          "Hey what’s the matter?”

          She was laying against him clutching him tightly. “Todd, when I heard John yell, I looked up and watched those bullets hit you. Everything slowed down, it was like, a movie or something. You tumbled down the gangplank and laid there broken and bleeding. I couldn’t stop the blood. You were so pale and quiet. John kept telling me you were alive, and I could only hold you. Things became a blur of sirens and feeling you turning cold in my arms” Todd wrapped his arms around her shivering body as she recalled the night. “The doctors say you’re a miracle once again. I thank God every night because I swear you really have nine lives. You must have been a cat in your other existence. Or somebody upstairs likes you more than you realize.” she relaxed in his embrace, listening to his heartbeat.

           He hugged her in response, knowing how close he had once again come to losing it all. Maybe she was right. Someone upstairs kept giving him these second chances. How many more were they going to give him? He sure as hell wasn’t going to try to find that out anytime soon. Todd felt sleep overtaking him and although he tried to fight it, he lost and drifted off with Blair lying in his arms.


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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 12

Chapter 12

         A gasp went through the whole room, as all looked to see who would walk through the door. Manning had been shot down and killed only a few days earlier.  Hesser wondered if Samuel was going to walk in and claim his identity. Kipling, too, was curious if their visitor from the day before would enter.   A hush fell over the room when the newly dead Todd Manning walked into the courtroom surrounded by guards.  Pandemonium reigned for several minutes as the defense lawyers had to regroup under this new threat.  The crowd watching had started to talk and the judge quickly called the room to order.

        Jake looked around the room and spotted Tea and smiled reassuringly.   He then went up to the witness box.

         “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

           “I do”

           “State your name.”

            Jake hesitated. He looked over at Nora and she nodded. “Jacob Boudreau”

             The courtroom erupted again.

            After a few minutes with everyone talking at once, the judge brought the room under control again and turned to his prosecutor. “Counselor, would you like to explain?”

            “Yes, Your Honor.   Mr. Manning was in protective custody following the attempt on his life.   I was unaware he had petitioned the court for a legal name change.  This document just arrived Your Honor stating that Todd Manning is now legally Jacob Boudreau, but he was already on the docket to appear as Todd Manning.  With the courts’ permission, I request a change of name for my witness from Todd Manning to Jacob Boudreau.”

            “Let the document showing the official name change be entered and you may proceed with your questioning of Todd Manning now Jacob Boudreau.” The judge held up his hand silencing the defense who would have protested. “The witness stays gentlemen, only his name changed.”

            “Mr. Boudreau, for the sake of those present here, why did you petition for a name change?”

           “Because it was my real name up until 2003.  I wanted it back.”

            “Please explain.”

            “I was grabbed off the street in Philadelphia while I was there on business.  I was beaten to a pulp and found myself in a clinic when I awoke. That was when my treatments started.”

            “I see, so you couldn’t remember your name at the time you awoke?”

            “That’s just it, I told them I was Jake Boudreau, but they told me I was delusional and said the treatments would help me see the truth. They kept calling me Todd Manning and said I needed the treatments to help me regain my memories. Through a series of excruciating treatments, I began to accept that I was Todd Manning and that I had a wife and children waiting here for me to come home. I was told as long as I kept up my prescriptions and took them faithfully, I could live a relatively normal life and have no worries of a relapse.”

           “So you’re telling us, they told you, you were Todd Manning and all about his life, is that correct?  You believed you were this Manning and came here when?”

           “I arrived in town in 2003 and came into town as a man known as Walker Lawrence. I was told that would help me re-establish myself slowly back into Llanview until my wife Blair and my daughter Starr could adjust to my being alive. I then took over my life as Todd Manning.”

          “Why have you decided to change your name at this time?”

           “Because for the last eight years I’ve been living a lie. I’m not Todd Manning and never have been. I was brainwashed because of someone’s sick idea to further the cause of science and make big bucks doing it. I was a guinea pig, for lack of a better word.”

         “Do you know the man who brainwashed you?”

          “Yes.”

          “Is he here in the courtroom?”

           “That’s him sitting next to Carlo Hesser. My doctor and handler Ivan Kipling.” Jake pointed to Ivan. He got only a mild reaction from Kipling, but he hadn’t really expected any. Ivan was a cold fish and Jake could feel his anger rising. He forced himself to keep it in check.

          “Mr. Boudreau, how did you find out you had been brainwashed?”

          “The day I awoke from my coma after being shot, I met the man I had replaced.  Headaches, that had been occurring for over a year, began to get severe and I started remembering bits and pieces of my real past. The doctors discovered that I had two implants in my brain that were deteriorating.  After their removal, my real memories came flooding back including the atrocities done to me during my stay at the clinic. The first attempt on my life was their way of silencing me before I remembered. Unfortunately for the ones in charge, it, plus the most recent attempt, failed. I owe my life to the real Todd Manning.”

         “For clarity’s sake, you know that Dr. Ivan Kipling is the doctor who implanted the microchips into your brain and gave you the treatments that made you believe you were Todd Manning. Is this true?”

         “Yes, he has been my doctor for the last eight years. I went to him a little over a year ago complaining of blinding headaches and he gave me some medicine he said would take care of the pain. My wife and a doctor at the hospital discovered that what I had been taking wasn't pain pills, but some type of hallucinogenic. Those same pills put me into a coma for several months after I was shot. The memories have been returning swiftly and I remember clearly Dr. Kipling telling me the treatments were necessary for my sanity. I was told they hurt because I was trying to fight my treatments. In order to avoid the pain, I gave into the images and let them take me over. Now as memories of my real life return, I realize the damage done to so many people by the man sitting in that chair.”

        “Thank you, Mr. Boudreau, I have no further questions.”

        The defense attorney for Dr. Kilpling rose. “Mr. Boudreau, you say you recall Dr. Kipling giving you those treatments at his clinic, but then you tell us you were on mind altering drugs recently. Are you asking us to believe you have an accurate memory after your mind was tampered with? Isn’t it a fact, that your doctor’s prescription said you were taking pain pills. What makes you believe you were being given drugs instead?”

         “I believe it because I went through the withdrawal when they had to clear the drug out of my system. My pills were tested and found to be laced with a concentrated drug designed to keep one’s psyche compliant and under control but too much of it causes severe side effects. The same side effects I had begun experiencing right before I was shot. As to my mental state, I’ve been examined by several renown psychiatrists and all will attest to my sanity. There is nothing wrong with my memory about my life before I became Todd Manning. I have very clear memories of my life before, during, and after the clinic. In other words sir, I’m fine and I know who took me, who programmed me and what I’ve done these last eight years.” Jake looked directly into the eyes of the attorney and stared him down.

         The attorney knew he had made a mistake. He had tried to make Boudreau look unstable in the eyes of the jury and had only succeeded in making him look stronger. “Thank you, Mr. Boudreau. I have no more questions Your Honor”

         “You may step down Mr. Boudreau.”

          Jake got up and walked slowly back to sit down with Tea and Blair. The marshals remained standing at the back of the courtroom keeping an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously.

          Nora gathered herself. It was time for Samuel and she prayed he would hold up under cross-examination. “The prosecution calls Samuel Toddman to the stand.”

          Samuel took John’s elbow and allowed him to lead the way. He took his seat after being sworn in.

        “Mr. Toddman, what is your reason for coming here today?’

          “Carlo Hesser and Ivan Kipling experimented on a number of people to satisfy government contracts for clandestine projects. As one of their victims, I wanted to tell my story.”

          “Before we hear your story, could you tell us how you lost your sight.”

           “I was on my honeymoon when the implants in my brain flared and caused me to take a tumble while riding a horse. My doctor found the implants and removed them, but their placement resulted in my blindness. It was like adding insult to injury because I had already lost eight years of my life and my memory because of the implants. “

          “You have my sympathy. Could you tell us what you now remember? Take your time.”
    
          "Eight years ago I became aware, it was when Mitch Lawrence gave me this scar, after having his goons beat me near to death. My next memory was waking in extreme pain and being wheeled down a hallway. I was taken into a room and he introduced himself as my doctor and said I was to begin treatments. What ensued was horrific.” Samuel felt his pulse begin to speed up as the dull pain began to build in his head. “Todd, I’m not sure we’re going to be able to do this.” 

           “Hang in there Samuel, if the pain gets too intense, we stop. Try telling only the bare minimum maybe the implant will settle back down.”
           “Mr. Toddman, are you okay?”

           Samuel realized Nora was trying to get his attention. He took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, did you ask a question?”

           “Mr. Toddman, you stopped talking is something wrong?”

           “My apologies, I’m developing a bit of a headache. Where was I? Oh yes, the doctor. He was a cold man with silver hair and mustache, cold eyes, and his most distinguishing feature was his damn black hand. I remember feeling anxious, as well as in pain when I met him. Rather than trust him, he brought out this feeling of fear. Something I quickly learned had been spot on.” Samuel gritted his teeth as the pain once again began, he controlled his breathing trying desperately to get out the tale. “The doctor hooked me up to this machine and as I watched he pushed the lever. From that moment on the torment began.” Samuel reached for his head, no longer able to fight the pain.

           “Mr. Toddman, you are obviously in distress, can you continue?” Nora looked at Samuel worried he was going to bring on another heart attack.

           “I just need a moment,” he had broken into a sweat trying to fight the pain. "I need to get this out. The machine I was hooked up to was designed to interact with the implants they had inserted into my brain and one by one...” he gulped and again pressed his hand to his head. “It stripped me of my memories. Envision someone taking small slices of your skin and peeling it off piece by piece. That was what was going on with each treat...ahhh...” Samuel stopped once again as he dropped to his knees, the pain in his head overwhelming him.

      “Mr. Toddman!” Nora turned to the courtroom and signaled Larry to come forward. “Doctor please.”

         Larry and Michael had already gotten up and were making their way to Samuel’s side. Blair was on her feet, but Tea and Jake were keeping her back.

         Everyone in the courtroom was watching the drama unfold. Hesser and Kipling looking at each other as they realized the damage Samuel had just done to the case. Sympathy had already been given to him by half the jury members when he had taken the stand in his blind condition, this added distress was working on them even more.

        “Your honor could we have a moment while the doctors evaluate my witness.”

         “Granted counselor, but I can only allow a few minutes, if your witness is unable to continue, we will proceed without him.”

           Samuel was struggling to think, he knew there was something that would make some of the pain go away, but he couldn’t clear his thoughts. The pain was beating down on him.

           Larry quickly began checking to make sure Todd’s heart was holding up. He and Michael got Samuel back into the chair. Michael began talking quietly to Samuel who seemed oblivious to them. Michael decided to try and reach Todd. “Todd, if you can hear me, I need you to come forth. We need to know exactly what is going on. Todd!”

           Todd was as muddled as Samuel, but he heard Michael and forced his way to the surface. “Michael” he whispered. "Michael find the ring.” Todd could feel himself slipping fast.

            Realizing what Todd was trying to tell him, Michael began searching Todd‘s pockets and located the ring. He had seen the ring react with Todd’s head once before, so he carefully palmed the ring and brought it up to the back of Todd's head. Michael almost jerked his hand away as the connection between the ring and Todd’s implant sparked. Todd visibly shuddered and he took a deep breath. Larry listened to his heart as the beating returned to normal and his pulse rate slowed down.

          “Todd, you need to stop. I insist. I won’t allow you to kill yourself. You’re still recovering from your head wound, your heart is on the edge of a full-blown heart attack and the implant left inside can also take you out. Is Hesser worth your life?” Even as he asked the question, Larry knew Todd’s answer.

       “I’m staying. I’ll get through this. There isn’t much more to tell. The worst is over.” Todd raised his head and straightened his shoulders to prove he could finish his testimony.

         Larry and Michael knew the argument was over. They stood up and nodded to Nora, Michael spoke. “He wants to finish. We’ll stay here if it’s alright with the court.” He looked toward the judge, who agreed.

         Todd spoke to the courtroom. “My apologies to all, the last few months have been very trying and the attempt on my life by Christian Vega almost finished me. Samuel survived by taking off for Paris because he feared for his life even though he couldn’t figure out why. When his memory returned, he brought us home. Both he and I have struggled to get our memories of the time in the clinic straight and it is a painful process. The implants were two fold, they could extract information, but they also were designed to keep the memories hidden. If the original owner of the information attempted to remember he was incapacitated by extreme pain. The kind of pain Samuel and I just experienced. You see, it turns out not all of my implants were removed.” Todd stopped talking, he knew what was coming next.

        “Excuse me, I’m confused and I’m sure this court is too. You talk like you’re not Samuel Toddman. “

        “I’m not.”

        “You mean Samuel Toddman is the name you took when you had no memory of your real self.”

         “No, I mean Samuel is one of my alters. When I almost died at the hands of Mitch Lawrence, Samuel was born. Samuel lived for me until I recovered sufficiently to retake my life.”

          “If you’re not Samuel Toddman, then who are you?”

          “I thought that was obvious by now, I’m Todd Manning.” Todd felt relieved he could finally lay claim to his name again.

         You could have heard a pin drop at that moment. The shock factor of his announcement was palpable. Then all hell broke loose. John had just a moment to see the laser marker appear on Todd’s chest. He yelled, “Michael! Get him down.” He pulled his gun, as the shot just missed Todd, who was pushed quickly by Michael. More shots could be heard, and suddenly a woman screamed.

        Todd was being held down by Larry when the scream carried over the other sounds in the room. Tea was screaming Blair’s name. Todd’s blood ran cold. He shook loose of Larry’s hold and staggered off the stand. Silence ruled in the courtroom now except for Tea’s sobbing.

        “Blair, My God! Michael get me to her.” Todd was frantic. The crowd parted as Michael guided Todd to his wife. Larry joined them. Todd heard her moan near the floor and he dropped to his knees, he didn‘t need his sight to know it was her. Gathering her in his arms, he felt the wetness covering her blouse. “Oh god, he can’t do this to me, not again. Blair you‘ve got to hang in there. Larry’s right here.”

         “Todd, you need to let me check her. Please.” Larry was trying to get Todd to loosen his hold. With Michael and John’s help, he was able to pry Todd loose and Larry began his examination. Larry opened her blouse to get a better look at the wound. Blood was pumping out fast and Larry knew a major artery had been hit. The EMTs, on standby for Todd, came into the room and Michael and Larry went to work on Blair trying to find and clamp the bleeding, but it soon became obvious that her heart must have been nicked, too. Todd had been listening to them work and could hear Blair’s breathing getting shallower. He got still and said in a quiet voice. “Michael, give me my ring.”

          Michael had forgotten he still had it and reached into his pocket to pull it out and pressed it into Todd’s hand.

          Todd felt the stickiness of Blair’s blood on the ring from Michael’s hands. He gulped and placed the ring on his finger, then looked down at his wife as his vision cleared. His breath caught at the sight of all the blood and one look at Larry’s face told the rest of the story.

         “Todd, I’m so sorry. There’s nothing we can do.”

          Todd shook his head and gently pulled her back into his arms. “I’m sorry Blair, I should have stayed away. This is all my fault.” He struggled to cover her with her blouse and Michael handed him a towel. He draped it carefully over her, there were too many prying eyes.

          She opened her eyes and saw him looking down at her. Barely whispering, her breath getting thready, Blair spoke, “Shh, you didn’t do this.... I urged you to come home. I love you and I wanted you back in my life.“ It was a struggle to get the words out and even more of a struggle to lift her arm, but she needed to touch him one last time. “My beautiful man,” gently her fingers found his scars. “You and me, always and forever.” She closed her eyes, and her hand dropped. A surge of pain went through him as he felt her heartbeat cease. His head was pounding, and in the background, the incessant beep was getting louder. He laid her down on the floor, and through tears and rage, he looked from right to left wildly for the man responsible. With steady steps, Todd walked toward Carlo.

          Everyone was watching as Todd reached Carlo. “You did this. I warned you yesterday, I would see you pay for your crimes.” Before anyone could stop him, Todd had his hands around Carlo’s neck. The muscles in his hands spasmed and Todd’s grip became deadly. The implants that had caused everything, to begin with, were taking their own vengeance. Todd couldn’t stop his hands and didn’t want too. Pain shot through his whole body as his heart seized and he and Hesser toppled to the ground. People were yelling, but Todd was fading. He knew only one thing. Blair was dead and it looked like he would be joining her soon. He gave himself over to the pain, with nothing left to live for. He saw her moving away from him and with his dying breath, he called to her. “Blair.”


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