Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Todd had his chauffeur drop him off at the Banner and walked into the lobby. He was anxious to see her. He had come to rely on her in a way he had never thought possible. He opened the door to her office and stood, watching her. She was in the middle of something with one of her reporters and didn’t notice him. In the past, he would have interrupted, but for now, he just wanted to look at her.

“Okay Gerald, this will work, but make sure we get signed waivers before printing it.” Vicki looked up from the paperwork just as Gerald left her office and saw him standing there.
“Todd?”

“Yep, just me.” He grinned, he always got a kick out of surprising her.

“But when did you get back? How are you?” Vicki walked toward him, wanting to give him a hug but holding herself back.

“I’m fine, maybe a little thinner. A coma kind of puts a crimp in your eating habits. So how’s business?” he sauntered past her and into the room. He picked up a copy of the current story and took a hard look at it.

Vicki grabbed the paper, “The Banner’s doing great.” She wanted to scream, he was so frustrating sometimes.

Todd looked startled, “What’s the matter? Why are you mad?”

Vicki tossed the paper down. “You, your attitude. You almost died and yet you walk in here and act like it didn’t mean anything. Why do you do that? Why won’t you let me worry about you?”

He hadn’t meant to get her upset. She knew how he was.

“Hey, calm down,” he held up his hands in mock surrender. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m glad you care. I need you to care. I’m just not great when it comes to mushy hellos.” He met her eyes. “I came here because I wanted to see you. I missed you, Vicki.”

She shook her head and gave a small laugh, her anger evaporating as quickly as it had appeared. “Oh, Todd” She couldn’t say anymore.

“Can I have a hug?”

“But you hate hugs.” She studied his face to see if he was serious.

“Well, I’d take one now, as long as you keep it between us.”

Vicki acted quickly before Todd changed his mind. What surprised her, even more, was the hug she got back. She held him at arm's length. “Does your being home mean it’s over?”

“I don’t know. The contract on Samuel was withdrawn. So there are no more attempts on my life. I’m not sure it’s over though. There’s trouble concerning The Sun.” He slipped free of her arms and her piercing eyes.

“What kind of trouble?”

“Nothing I can’t handle now that I’m home.” He moved a little bit away from her. “You look good, sis.”

“You’re evading my question. Don’t go off and do something impulsive.”

“Give me a little credit, Vicki. I just found out about it. Even I can’t get into trouble this fast. Stop worrying.”

“That’s what I do, remember?” she smiled lovingly at him.

“Oh yeah, “ he grinned a little sheepishly at her. “Look, I got word down in Savannah from the managing editor. There’s been a rash of foul-ups and small catastrophe’s that have hit the paper in the last couple of weeks. One whole issue was printed backward and shipped before it was spotted. Three separate incidences of shipments of issues arriving at the outlets late. It’s like someone has pulled strings to make The Sun look bad.”

“It’s been in a bit of a flux with Jake dying. There were bound to be a few problems with no one at the helm.”

“Damn, how could Kelly just go off and leave like that.”

“Todd that’s unfair, she wanted to go home to her son. You know what it’s like to be separated from your children.”

“I didn’t have a choice, Vicki. Kelly’s been away from her son all this time and now all of a sudden she’s feeling motherly.”

“Todd, enough! Kelly just found her way back with Joey and she wanted to reconnect with her son, too. You’ll manage without her. You and Blair were a good team once before, you can do it again.”

“Alright, I’m sorry. I’m not sure if I want Blair involved. These complications at the Sun are just too convenient.” His cell phone went off suddenly and Todd answered. “How bad? I’ll be right there.”

“What is it, Todd?”

“There’s been an accident and injury. Something to do with the press. I’ve got to go.”

“By all means, you should go. Todd, I’m glad you’re home.”

He took the moment to kiss her cheek before rushing out.

Vicki touched her cheek, that little gesture by Todd always moved her. She walked to the window and looked over at the Manning building. Todd was right. This accident on top of everything else wasn’t a coincidence. Someone was definitely causing trouble.

…

Todd walked into the building noting the ambulance already in place at the curb. There was a large crowd of onlookers by the printing press. “Everyone clear out. Give these guys some room.”

The group looked to see who had just spoken and amid murmurs, they hurriedly left.

Todd joined the EMTs as they worked on his employee. Todd recognized the man as one of few people who had been employed by him when he started The Sun. “How is he?”

“He’s alive, sir.”

“Good.” Todd noticed the man awakening. “Is he out of danger? I need to talk to him for just a moment.” Someone had started playing for keeps and this poor guy had gotten caught in the middle.

“Give me one minute.” He moved closer to the man and read his name tag. “Phil, take it easy. Do you remember anything?”

“Do I know you?” Phil asked groggily.

“You tell me?”

The face above him came into focus and Phil recognized a man he had known from long ago. "Mr. Manning? Is it really you?”

“The one and only, Phil. They’re going to be taking you to the hospital, but I need to know what happened?”

“All I remember was turning the machine on like always, then nothing.”

Todd nodded. “Okay, We’ll figure it out. You just recover.” He looked at the EMTs. “You should probably go now.” He backed up and got out of the way as they wheeled Phil out the door. Todd wandered over to the press. The switch was charred where Phil’s hand had been in contact with it. Suddenly there was a spark and Todd caught a whiff of smoke. He saw some sort of vapor rising from behind the switch. He placed his hand on the wall thinking to get a closer look at the mechanism but quickly pulled it back away again. The wall behind the switch was hot to the touch. Great, a fire. If he didn’t get it stopped quickly, it would probably make it impossible to find the sabotage. He walked to the fire alarm and pulled it, then went in search of an extinguisher. Employees were streaming from the building when the firemen arrived. They found Todd standing with an extinguisher in hand, spraying down the switch.

“Sir you need to leave. We’ll take it from here.”

“I can’t leave, I need to know if the switch was tampered with.”

“That’s our job sir, you need to go.” Just then smoke billowed from the ceiling tiles above and Todd found himself being escorted from his building.

He stood out on the street and thought back to the day he had bought the building from Asa. The old coot had gotten a handsome amount for the Omega building, but it had been worth it to Todd. That day Blair had been happy. Now someone wanted to take that away. Deep inside, he felt a cold anger building and this time he didn’t try to stop it. Whoever was behind this had gone from dirty tricks to endangering lives. Okay, you want a fight, you‘ve got it.

Now you’re talking Todd, but you know who’s behind this as well as I do. This is Daimler’s handiwork.

The Monster was right. Daimler had made his first move. I’ll handle this.

You’re kidding yourself, you need me.

I said I’ll handle it.

  The voice went silent, but the cold rage remained. Todd came out of his reverie, just in time to see the Fire Marshal headed towards him.

“We got it put out before it got out of control inside the walls and ceiling, one of my men said you were concerned about sabotage. You were right. The switch that started all this, was definitely tampered with. It appears this was a deliberate act. We found evidence that someone stripped the wires and rerouted them to the “on” position. Whoever pushed that switch would receive a dangerous shock. Your quick thinking with the extinguisher kept that wiring from being damaged by the fire.”

“Thank you, I think. Is it okay to return inside? I’d like to see the inside of that switch.”

“ I believe you should wait for the police. My men still need to do a thorough run through of the entire building to make sure there aren’t any hidden fires we don’t know about. There’s still a lot of smoke in the building.”

Todd was deep in thought and waiting on John to make an appearance when he felt a hand on his elbow and looked into the concerned eyes of his sister.

“My God, Todd, what happened?”

“Isn’t it obvious, the joker has upped the game from pranks to attempted murder. A guy who’s worked for the paper since I built it was almost killed today. It was odd Vicki, I saw him laying on the gurney and knew him. The years seemed to drop away for a moment. That guy was hurt because someone is out to get me, only this time he’s using my paper.”

“Todd, talk to the police. Promise me you won’t try and handle this yourself.”

“I can’t make that promise Vicki. Here comes John, you should go. I’m afraid you’ll be in the line of fire next and I don’t want that.” He put his hand over hers. “Go home.”

He watched as she left, looking around trying to see if anyone was showing any interest in her. He relaxed a little seeing everyone’s attention was still on the building.

John raised an eyebrow as he approached Todd. “When did you arrive back?”

“Yesterday. As you can see, someone knew about it, too.“

“How do you figure that?”

“Everything was fine here yesterday. This was just done last night. It was a welcome home to me.”

John took a minute to talk to the fire marshal and then he and Todd entered the building.
Todd was disgusted. The printing room was a disaster. No paper would be going out today. His only hope would be if Vicki allowed him to use the Banner’s Presses. He and John made their way over to the wall and switch where it had all started.

“This looks like the place,” John remarked facetiously

“You’re a riot, John.”

John picked his way past the remains of the wall until he could get an up-close look at the switch. He noted the scorch marks on the inside of the box. “I’m guessing this is where your employee was shocked”

“Good guess. There were also marks on the outside of the wall but those are now destroyed. The EMTs had just removed Phil when I came to look at the switch. I smelled smoke and saw the sparks, that‘s when I pulled the alarm. Whoever did this could have hurt a lot more people if I hadn’t stopped to take a closer look.”

“So I’m guessing you have someone in mind for this, Todd”

“I’m leaning toward someone, but I've got nothing concrete to go on right now.”

“Would you care to share?”

“Not yet John. I just don’t have enough information.”

John had an inkling who Todd had in mind but he didn’t want to push. There was the matter of the sabotage and injured employee to work on now. He called Natalie and told her to bring down the forensic team, they might be able to secure some fingerprints from inside the switch box and wiring. It would give them a starting place. “Natalie will be here soon. How did you find out about it?”

“I got the call from the managing editor while I was at the Banner. I came right over and the rest you know.”

“Can I speak to this editor?”

“I guess. I'll get him here.”

Todd knew the guy but not well, he had been hired by Jake. Still, he was able to point him out to John, when the guy walked through the doors. “Len, it is Len, right? Could you give the lieutenant and me the short version of what took place here when Phil got hurt?”

“Well, it’s just like I told you on the phone, Mr. Manning, they were getting ready to run the front page, when the copy editor noticed a glitch in the main article and called me down to double check it before we printed. I gave the okay to the change needed and Molly, that’s the copy editor, reset the page. She gave Phil permission to run the page and then all hell broke loose.”

“What do you mean?” asked John.

“Well Lieutenant, Phil reached for the switch and all of a sudden he was jerking and unable to let go. The lights in the room dimmed and one of the copy boys had the presence of mind to tackle Phil breaking the link. Some of the guys went to work trying to revive Phil, Molly called 911, and I called Mr. Manning”

“I see and all of this stuff worked just fine yesterday?"

“Yes, sir. Mr. Manning, what do we do now?”

“Are there any employees still here?“

“Everybody but the printing room staff is still here.”

Todd made a quick call. “Thanks, Sis, I’ll owe you one.” he hung up and looked at Len. “Okay, the Banner is allowing us the use of their printing facility, paper, and ink for today’s run. Get the staff and get over there. We can still get a paper out. Get moving Len."

Len knew from his voice that Manning was serious. He hadn’t worked for this Manning but he had heard stories. If he still wanted to have a job he needed to get this paper out. “I’m on it, Sir.”

Todd looked at John, “I’d like to be kept informed if Natalie finds anything. Not that I think you’ll get anything, but everyone makes mistakes. I ought to know. I’ve made my share over the years. I’ll be at The Banner.“

John watched Todd leave, knowing one mistake Todd wished he could take back. He had made an enemy of one man he might not be able to beat.


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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 18

Chapter 18

        As they pulled into the clearing Todd asked the driver to stop and stepped from the car. Todd held out his hand for Blair to get out with him. She took it, exiting the car, uncertain what he was up to. Todd instructed the driver to take the kids to the side entrance. He stood with his arms encircling Blair, facing the house and watching the setting sun cast a rosy glow down on Dragonheart. “A short while ago, I stood right here and you told me that our house was proof of my love for you.”

       “Todd, we haven’t been home in ages, what are you talking about?”

       “It’s hard to explain.  I think I was dying and you brought me here. There was this glow surrounding the house and the air was warm and welcoming. The house seemed to be inviting me into its safe arms. Then you spoke two little words. For one brief moment, I lost sight of you, but I knew I could find you again, all I had to do was listen.” Todd paused and hugged her close, knowing this time she wasn’t disappearing. “Then I heard you. Thank you.”

       “Todd, what were the words?”

       “Come home.” He said it softly, whispering it in her ear and he gently kissed her cheek.

        Blair felt a tear drop on her cheek. She didn’t understand everything he had gone through, but somehow her love for him had pulled him back to them, and she was thankful.

         She turned in his arms, “Welcome home, Todd.” The passion of his sudden kiss threatened to overwhelm, but she regained her control and eased back bringing the kiss to a close before she fainted. Wiping her lipstick off his lips, she grabbed his hand and said, “Let’s go in before the kids wreck the place.” Laughing, she pulled him toward the front door and Todd followed, this time holding tightly to her hand.

        They walked through the front door just in time to see Jack and Sam sliding down one banister while Hope and Starr slid down the other.

        “What the hell?”

         At the sound of Todd’s voice, the giggles stopped and all eyes turned to him.

        “You guys started without me and that is so unfair.” They all watched astonished as he dashed upstairs and flung a leg over the rail. Sam and Jack yelped and jumped off knowing he was headed their way. Before Starr and Hope had even gotten clear, Starr watched as her mom followed suit and came down their side. Todd rode down like a pro, but Blair discovered there was a certain technique needed for a smooth ride and after one go, she decided to just watch from the bottom. After several more trips, Blair called a halt because her heart couldn’t take anymore. It had been more unnerving and precarious than she had thought it would be, and the thought of one or more of them falling was just too much. “Alright, enough. There’s still unpacking to do and we need to get some dinner.” She shushed their groans and they all headed up to their rooms.

        Todd moved into the living room and put on some music and got a couple of drinks. Handing her one, he grinned. “Here, you look like you could use a stiff one. I’ll tell them the banisters are off limits unless I’m around. I don’t want them hurt either.” He worked to keep from smiling even more when Blair took a big gulp and almost choked. “I’m sorry. It was my design, I always wanted a sliding banister.

        Blair looked at him. “Are you serious?”

        “Yeah!” he laughed at her expression. “Listen, Peter was the last one to believe in fun.” The look of disbelief on her face was too much. “Okay, I’m lying, you know why I designed the banisters that way. Sliding down them is just an added bonus, I know it scares you, so no more sliding.” He reached and cupped her face, “I just want you happy.”

         After the excitement of finally being home wore off, Starr took Hope and headed out to find James.  Jack and Sam retired to their suite to play games. Todd took Blair’s hand and walked out to the back terrace, looking down on Llanview. “It’s chillier than I thought, stay here, I’ll be right back.” Todd ducked back inside and grabbed the throw lying across the couch. “Come here,” he held opened his arms. She walked into them and leaned against him as he wrapped the throw around them both.

        “Hmm, cozy.” She hugged his arms around her tighter. “You realize this really isn’t a good idea. You have been living the better part of the last six months down south. The doctors would probably read you the riot act.”

         “I’m fine, Blair. You were there, I got a clean bill of health.” He could tell she wanted to say more, but he squeezed her. “It’s time to get back on track. I need to petition the courts and get my name back. The Sun is under attack by persons unknown. This is where we belong.”

        “I know you’re right, but I’m worried. This attack, why now?”
    
        “The Sun is vulnerable. With Jake dead, no one’s been running things. Someone is making an end run, hoping to get past my blockers. It’s got to stop.”

         “What are you going to do?”

           “Find out how they’re doing this. I was under the impression that Jake and I were the only stockholders. I bought my shares out from under Carlo, but now I’m wondering if Jake only thought he had control of his shares.” Todd rubbed her arms and realized she was shivering. “Let’s go back inside, you’re cold.”

“I’m not shivering because I’m cold.  I’m scared, wondering what else Hesser and his cohorts did to Jake and us.”

        “I need to talk to Tea. Maybe she can find something in Jake’s papers. It’s possible he signed something giving them his shares. He might not have known.”

       “Todd, if he did, then what?”

        “Then we’ve got a problem. Let’s not talk about it, now. It’s getting colder.” He felt a chill, his gut tightened and there it was. That feeling, like being wrapped up in ice; so cold it burned.

       “What do you want?”

        “You know what I want. I want out. You need to keep your focus. She’ll bring you down, she makes you weak.”

         “No! You make me weak. Go away!”

         “You’re a fool. She almost destroyed you before.”

         “Shut up!” He didn’t realize he had spoken aloud until he felt Blair turn in his arms.

         “Todd, what is it?”

          He looked bleakly at her. “I don’t know if I can keep it contained. It goads me.”

          It only took a second to figure out what he was referring to;  his cold anger, or the way Todd saw it, his demon. “Come with me.” She led him back in.  She knew Starr had returned home and took him upstairs to Starr’s room. Together, they watched Starr put Hope down for the night. She saw his face soften and the tension leave his body as Hope called him into the room for a goodnight kiss.

         “Goodnight, Dragon! I love you more than peaches.” 

          Todd laughed.“Let’s see you beat that.”  Blair sighed with relief.



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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 17 (Mild Adult)

Chapter 17

        He woke to the sounds of Blair in the shower. Picturing her standing there lathered up and letting the water flow down her was hard to resist.

         “Behave yourself, you almost did yourself in last night. You don’t need to ravage her 24/7.”

          “Speak for yourself, Samuel. I quite like the idea.” Todd leaned back against his pillows, his arm under his head. “She’s hard to resist, that toned body, those gorgeous lips. Admit it, you’d love to be in there helping her wash. Stroking those fine muscles, you with your painter’s eye and touch. You want her as much as I do.” He was turning himself on thinking about her. “Damn, I’m nuts sitting here talking to you.” Todd hopped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. He opened the stall door and stood there admiring her lithe body. She was about to shampoo her hair.

           Blair turned at the sound of the door and saw Todd staring openly at her. He stepped in and took the shampoo bottle from her and put some in his hand.

           “Turn around Blair,” his voice husky. She tingled with anticipation as she turned.

            Todd began to slowly work the foam into her strands, the silky texture of her hair became mixed with the scent of orange blossoms and other tantalizing smells. He moved closer letting her feel how excited he was. Blair moaned and would have gotten closer, but he held her away as he finished her hair, then he turned her back to face him. He pulled her into his arms. “Go ahead, lean back and rinse, I’ve got you.”

          Blair was already breathless and the action of leaning back in his arms moved her hips nearer to his. He was so ready for her, and she ground her hips against him in response. Water cascaded down her back rinsing her hair, but Blair had only one thought, she squirmed closer, moaning, letting him know he was driving her crazy.

          Todd knew she was beside herself, but he waited until he was sure her hair was free of the suds. She continued to writhe against him pleading. He lifted her and entered as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

           Blair gasped and sighed as he settled her. Now firmly secure around him, she relished how he filled her and she began her ride. His mouth played along her neck and every so often she felt a delicious little nip. It was heady and her belly and groin rippled in reply.

         Todd nuzzled her neck and felt every quiver and movement as she rode him. She was heavenly to touch, her skin was like finely woven silk, smooth and slippery. She glistened with moisture, the droplets sparkled reflecting the overhead light. His lips captured those droplets, tasting her as she shivered in delight. The moment was upon them, he gyrated unable to stop, letting loose with a cry of pleasure. Their shouts mingled with the sound of the water splashing and then he let her down, clasped her face and tenderly kissed her pliable lips.
           
           Blair wound her fingers into his hair kissing him, feeling his strong muscular body rubbing hers, they were so close she could feel his heart beating.

           Todd raised his head looking at her. “Hi, Blair.”

            “Hi.”

          “How’s your morning going so far? I’ve got to tell you, mine’s pretty good right now,” he said, grinning.

           Blair laughed and hugged him. “Mine’s been downright spectacular so far.”

          “Great but look, I’m turning into a prune so what say we get out of here?”

           “Whoa mister, you need to finish with your shower, wrinkles or no wrinkles. I suggest you make it quick.” She laughed and stepped away and out the door before he could stop her.

             Todd laughed and made quick work of his shower, anxious to get back to his wife.

             Blair was putting on her makeup when he strolled out of the bathroom in just a towel. He was great to look at. His hair was swept back and glistening, still wet from washing. She watched his chest muscles move making note of the brief discomfort he felt as he slipped on his shirt. He slipped into his shorts and grabbed his slacks.

         “See anything you like?”

           Blair jumped realizing he was talking to her. “Everything,” she smiled then got serious. “I also saw you twinge a moment ago. Maybe we should slow down a little bit. You’re still recuperating.”

         “It’s nothing, a few sore muscles. Where you’re concerned, I’ll never ease up. If something makes you happy, that’s all it takes for me.” He strode over and offered his hand. “Let’s go eat, I’m starving.”

***

        Todd was on his laptop when the phone rang.

          “Hello”

         “So it’s true, you’re back in the land of the living.”

          “McBain, nice to hear your voice too. I hope you have some good news for me.”

            “I think it’s what you’ve been waiting for. Interpol just contacted Bo and told him the contract against Samuel has been withdrawn. Looks like somebody decided to cut their losses.”

            “Possibly...”

            “That’s kind of cryptic. I thought you’d be overjoyed.”

            “Let’s just say I think something else is in the works now. Don’t get me wrong I’m glad no one’s gunning for me. Blair and the family will be glad to hear we can get back to Llanview.”

            There was silence on the other end and then John said. “Okay, you don’t feel like sharing right at the moment. If I were to hazard a guess, would this something else have to do with the man on the ship.”

         “Score one for the detective.”

           “Todd what’s going on?”

          “I received an unexpected call just before leaving the hospital yesterday. He didn’t like my gift to him I guess.”

           “I know you scored a hit, Todd, we found the blood. You’re telling me he’s making it personal.”

           “As personal as it gets, John.”

           “So what are you doing about it?"

           “Me, I’m biding my time. I’ve been trying to find out where his call came from. Hold on a minute. Something just came up on my laptop.” Todd opened the message and frowned. “John, someone’s after The Sun. Tell Bo, we’ll be coming home soon. I’ve got to go.” Todd stood up, he wrapped his arms around his chest. Damn it! Who are you and just what are you planning?


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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 16 (Mild Adult)

Chapter 16

          The call from Daimler left his legs steady when he exited the car and walked into the lobby of the hotel. Blair rushed to meet him. The way her body molded to his was sending all sorts of erotic notions to his brain and his body responded. He didn’t even mind that they were embracing in public. He was in the middle of kissing her thoroughly when Starr cleared her throat.

          “You two might want to take that somewhere more private.” Starr smiled when they both parted.  Todd kept his hold on Blair’s waist, his hand continuing to caress the toned waist underneath his fingers, and started walking to the elevator. As they passed an older couple they overheard them talking. “Young kids just don’t have any sense of propriety. In my day, that kind of display was frowned on."

           Todd could feel Blair trying to contain herself. Her body trembling. He looked to see if she was angry at the remark, and saw her pressing her lips together and the hint of a smile beginning to escape. They entered the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, she burst out laughing, along with Starr.  Perplexed at their reaction, he suddenly realized the absurdity of the overheard remark. He started chuckling, then just let it out, laughing so hard tears began forming and he felt a little light-headed from it. Hope and Sam started laughing because the adults were. Todd, Blair, and Starr looked at the kids and it set them all off again. They were still going at it when they got off at the penthouse floor. Todd tried to get his composure back, still grinning as they neared the penthouse. Upon entering the suite, Todd was brought up short by Addie’s visitor.

           “This is a surprise. Who’s holding down the fort at The Herald? I didn’t think you ever left that place at this time of day, Amos.”

          “I’m just visiting with a friend. We became quite chummy when we were waiting to see if you were going to survive the night you got shot.” Amos looked at Addie and smiled.

           Todd caught Addie’s eyes and raised his eyebrows. She actually blushed and dropped her eyes. “Why you old coot, she’s sweet on you,” thought Todd, taking a closer harder look at his editor. Didn’t Amos already have a girl? Better not be stepping out around Addie. He liked Amos and he was a good friend, but Addie was family.

            “Addie told me you were coming home today and I wanted to give you some news. It appears that your articles have captured the nation’s attention. It seems states all over are beginning to enact laws to fight the problem. That was an impressive series of stories Thomas, and I’m hoping you plan on sticking around and writing more.”

           Todd looked at Blair and back to Amos. “I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be here Amos. I appreciate the offer, but something else has come up that will probably require us to leave soon.” Blair gave him a puzzled look. “I’ll explain later,” he responded to her and turned back to Amos. “That being said, I want you to know I’m grateful you let me run with the story. I hope you can stay a little longer, maybe we could have a little chat. Sit, continue your talk with Addie, I just need to talk to Blair in private for a moment.” He grabbed her hand and led her to their bedroom.

           “Todd, I know it’s been awhile, but we can’t do it right now, not with Amos out there in the living room,” Blair says pulling her hand free.

            Todd looks at Blair flabbergasted. ”No! That’s not why I wanted time alone. I wanted to tell you I got a call from Gregor right before leaving my room. Blair, he’s not finished with us.”

          “Oh God, what did he say?”

          Todd walked to their bed and sat down. He sat her down next to him. “He wanted me to know he felt our game had only been derailed and that it was back on track since I survived. I’m pretty sure he’s still in The States.”

         “What is it with you two? Why can’t you both agree to leave each other alone?”

          “It’s not going to happen, Blair. I damaged his little enterprise and I hurt him. He’s got partners to answer to. I cost him a lot, he can’t let that slide. Don’t worry I’ll handle him.” You threw down, Gregor, now get ready for my response.

           Blair looked into his eyes and saw the fire in them. He was actually looking forward to taking on Daimler. “You really want this don’t you?”

           “Hell, yeah I do! He threatened to take you away from me permanently, and I thought he had. Do you have any idea what that did to me?”

            Blair heard the fear in Todd’s voice. “But I’m fine, he didn’t succeed. If I asked you to leave this alone, would you do it?”

             Todd looked her square in the eyes. “No. It’s not an option. He’s already made the first move. I’ve playing catch up.”

           “But he’s dangerous.”

            “So am I.” The tone of his voice was positively frigid, even his posture changed. She felt she was staring into the eyes of an ice statue. Blair recognized him and felt a chill go down her spine. She hadn’t seen this Todd since that night in the warehouse. She had known what he was capable of when she had married him and had even faced him one time herself. He had come so close to raping her, but at the last minute, he had stopped himself. God help Daimler if this Todd faced him.

           Todd noticed that Blair got quiet and realized he had dropped his guard for a minute. He got off the bed and put a little space between them. He closed his eyes, striving to smother the icy anger that had washed over him like a wave. “I’m sorry Blair, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

            Blair moved to stand behind him and embraced him. “Don’t ever do that. I’m not scared of you. I know exactly what you’re capable of and I know the strength it takes to harness that anger.” she turned him to face her. “Todd, you hide that part of you extremely well and I think it scares you more than me. I saw you nearly take Sid’s head off and I witnessed you almost kill Carlo, but both times you stopped yourself. I believe with all my heart that you’ll never again let it take you over.” She took his face in her hands. “You’ll need everything at your disposal to fight Daimler, so use it. Remember, you’re in charge.” His lips found hers, and this time no prying eyes were watching.

           A little while later Amos and Todd walked out on the terrace to have their chat.

            “You had us all worried that night. What on earth were you thinking to go to the docks handicapped the way you were?”

            “I had a hunch the ringleader might still be in town. I figured if I let myself be caught, I’d get to meet him. It worked.”

           “So you met this guy, the head honcho. Who is he?”

            “I can’t tell you, Amos. I have nothing to tie him to the slave ring. Things got bad shortly after I met him. Somehow he had Blair and her family. I was helpless.” Todd paused for a moment. “Amos, he taunted me and said that he had plenty of contacts who knew how to school and treat someone like Blair. He was crowing when he said he could make money off of her, Cassie and Addie.”

           The anguish and frustration that Tom must have felt were evident to Amos as he saw him take a stiff gulp of his drink and heard the catch in his voice. “Tom, I’m sorry, that had to be rough.”

           Todd shook his head, and took a deep breath, clearing the memory. “That’s alright Amos. It’s over. When he said those things, I went ballistic and attacked him. I knew if I got to John, I could save Blair. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the shooter, and as they say, the rest is history.”

           “So you don’t know what happened to the guy after you attacked him?”

             “I know he didn’t get caught and I know my shooter died.”

            Amos studied his friend, his reporter’s instincts told him there was something Thomas wasn’t saying. He watched Thomas move to the rail. “Are you going to leave it at that?”

            Todd’s hands gripped the rail tightly. “Would you?”

             “If someone had threatened my family in that way, I’d want him dead. He didn’t die on that boat, so I’m guessing you’re not done with him.”

             “You’d be right, but this is now personal, even more than you realize, Amos”

              “Tom, it’s obvious this guy’s got a lot of pull and the funds to stay out of reach of the law. How are you going to find him?”

             “I’ve got my own sources, Amos. I’ll find him.” Todd’s voice had gotten soft but ominous, his posture changed as he stiffened with suppressed anger.

              Amos could see, by the vein pulsing in Tom’s neck and the way his hands were strangling the rail, that nothing was going stop the young reporter from finding the man. “Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid, good investigative reporters are hard to come by.”

               At his words, Todd relaxed and turned back to Amos with a grin. “Is that your way of saying you’ll miss me?”

               “Damn straight, your stories a great for circulation.”

               “You wound me, Amos. That’s all I am, good copy?” Todd gripped his heart in mock pain and chuckled. He was grateful for the banter he wanted some space from Daimler for the rest of the night.

              “Well sure, you didn’t think it was your sparkling personality, did you?”

               Todd couldn’t help laughing. “Good one Amos.” It was true, no one could ever accuse him of that. Still smiling, Todd changed the subject. “So what’s going on with you and my mother-in-law?”

            Amos was startled by the question, almost choking on his drink., “I find her a charming woman and from what I got from our conversations, she’s pretty fond of you.”

            “You didn’t really answer me. How long have you been seeing her socially? I’m not blind, there’s more going on than just friendship.”

            Amos stared hard at Tom. “Why the interrogation?’

          “Just curious. I seem to remember another lady friend of yours helping us out recently. Addie just seems taken with you. “

           “The lady friend you're talking about is just that, a friend. Not that it’s any of your business. I like Addie. We enjoy each other’s company. That’s all I’m saying on the matter “

           Todd nodded in acceptance, letting go of the thought of the previous girlfriend nonsense. “You’re right Amos. It really isn’t any of my business. I guess I’m just being overprotective right now after recent events. I’m pretty fond of her too. I just don’t want her hurt.” He looked at Amos. “You understand right?”

          “I understand Tom”

         Blair and Addie came out on the terrace and interrupted. “Okay chat’s over, we’re hungry. Todd, you just got home, so I say we order up from room service. Amos, please stay. I’d like to hear more about the reactions to Tom’s articles.”

          It was late when Amos took his leave. Todd was worn out but happy to just be sitting beside Blair. They were enjoying one final drink on the terrace. The view was beautiful, lights from the neighboring buildings and the ones between the hotel and the ocean looked liked diamonds against the dark night. A mild breeze was blowing in from the ocean, the rustling curtains were the only sound heard. The overall stillness of the night wrapped around them.

           Blair was being held gently in Todd’s arms and she wrapped them tighter around her. It had only been a short while ago, that Todd had been unresponsive to anything. “Todd, do you remember anything about the time you were in the coma?”

           Todd didn’t answer her at first. He remembered waking up from that strange dream he had been having about Blair and their park bench. He also recalled a night when he overheard C.J. and Lily but beyond those few things, nothing was clear. “It’s all pretty foggy. I get these flashes, but I can’t grasp them. The more I try, the more I get this feeling of dread. Whatever I was thinking or dreaming, is something I don’t want to relive.”

        Todd tilted Blair’s face up to his. “This is something I do remember. You were the one who brought me home. I know I’ve said this before, with you it just gets easier. I love you.”

         Blair ran her fingers over his scars and down his jaw. It was a strong jaw on a strong man. He was her man and the father of her children. “You are all I want. We’re strong together Todd, and our enemies need to beware.” Whispering in her breathy manner, “That includes my so-called father.” She stood up and held out her hand. “Let’s go to bed.”

         His breath caught as an image of her all in white with her hand outstretched popped into his head. A wave of warmth seemed to radiate from her and for a moment she seemed surrounded by a soft light. He reached to take her hand and felt that warmth encompass him. The aura around her faded and he stared in wonder at her. “You take my breath away.” He led her to their bed. With gentle hands, he removed her robe watching the silk fall gracefully to the floor and pool at her feet. He slid his hands slowly up her arms ending at her beautiful neck. They captured her face and his thumbs rubbed against her lower lip and his fingers traced her expressive eyes. She closed them and he felt her quiver under his touch.

          Even with her eyes closed, Blair’s hands were doing their own exploring as she released his robe from his broad shoulders letting it fall to mingle with hers. With every stroke of his fingers, the tremor deep within was growing and her breath was coming faster. He suddenly lifted her and lay her on the bed, moving his hand ever lower on her body as his lips sucked and teased her nipples. Blair arched in pleasure, aching for more. There had been nights when she had gone to sleep crying, afraid he was never coming home. She couldn’t stop her tears from falling and Todd suddenly noticed them. He stopped, confused, “Blair what is it?”

        “Don’t stop, I just missed this. I thought I would never be this happy again. Please, I need the  touch of your hands on my body.” Her eyes were sparkling with more unshed tears. “Only you make me feel this alive.”

         Responding to her plea, Todd leaned in and took her generous mouth. His hands and tongue continued their exploration, as her moans of pleasure increased. When her cries escalated, his body reacted in kind. His own breathing became frenzied, he felt intoxicated. She was insatiable, finally turning the tables on him and taking control; equally intent on making sure Todd was as satisfied as she was. When he could no longer stand it, his body demanding release, he flipped her onto her back and slipped into her like a glove as she tightened around him, slick and ready. They moved together, her pulsating around him in counter beat to his movement until the final note climaxed; then incredible silence, only their breathing heard. He dropped beside her on the bed finding her hand, feeling her warmth, and felt it flow from her to him. He raised her hand to his lips. In the barest whisper, he said. “You are my home,” kissed it, and fell asleep.


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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 15

Chapter 15

          He relaxed back into his chair and reached for his aged cognac. He couldn’t stop the twinge of pain coming from his left shoulder, having underestimated Todd Manning again. His thoughts went back to that last moment on the ship.

        The blow had come out of nowhere and had caught him completely by surprise. He looked down in shock as the realization hit home that Manning’s cane was buried deep in his shoulder. Stunned he watched as Manning left the room. As the pain began to register, he heard the gunshots and reached for the hidden panel. He made it into the passageway letting the panel shut behind him, then he took stock of the injury. How on earth had Manning found enough force to push a cane into him? Gregor pulled the cane free and stared in amazement at the blade protruding from the end. “Clever Manning. I never suspected this.” He dropped the cane and grabbed his handkerchief stuffing it into the wound to stop the bleeding.

          Gregor put pressure on his wound and made his way down the stairs to the waiting launch. The gunfire had ceased, but it was obvious Manning had brought some help. Sid should have been on the lookout for strangers on the dock. That obsession to get “Tom” had clouded his mind and given Sid tunnel vision, and now Gregor found himself on the run and wounded because of it. He would get Sid if the cops didn’t.

          His shoulder was still bleeding profusely. He spoke to the captain. “Get me over to the Chinatown dock.” It took about fifteen minutes to make the trip, but the captain insisted on his payment before docking. Gregor cursed as he fumbled to get his wallet. If he hadn’t been in such pain, he would have wiped the smug look off the captain’s face. He paid the man and left the boat. It was a short walk to Uchin’s establishment. He pushed open the door and entered, heading straight to Uchin’s office. His partner’s bodyguards were standing outside the door, but gave way and opened the door when they spotted him.

          “Uchin, get me a doctor!”

            Uchin had spun around from his computer as soon as he heard the door, but he hadn’t been prepared  for the sight in front of him. “What the hell, Gregor,” he nodded to one of his guards and offered Gregor a seat. The guard had standing orders and a doctor would be there quickly. “Who?” he looked at Gregor.

           “My damn son-in-law. He took me by surprise.”

            Uchin leaned against his desk and pulled a silk handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Gregor. “I thought he had disappeared. What’s he doing here?”

          Gregor took the cloth and stuffed it against the now soaked one at his shoulder. “Hell, he’s the guy who caused the raid. I just found out. To top everything else the man is blind. I thought I had him dead to rights. But he proved to be more resourceful than anticipated.” Gregor indicated his shoulder.

          “Where is he now?”

          “Dead, I hope. Gunfire broke out as he left my office. I’m guessing Sid and his pals might have gotten him. I chose to get out of there. By the way, your launch captain needs a lesson, take care of it.”

            Uchin was used to Gregor giving orders and knew it was easier to give into his demands then bother asking why. He walked around to his desk and pushed a button. The second guard entered. “The launch captain forgot the rules, teach him,” he watched his guard leave. “Do I need to worry about the police showing up here soon.”

            “I left in the middle of the firefight. I don’t think the police are aware a launch left the ship.”

             The first guard returned with an older Asian gentleman who took one look at Gregor and went to work.

           “Anything else I can do for you, Gregor?”

           “I need a place to lie low till this heals.”

          “Consider this humble establishment your temporary home, although I’m afraid it won’t be up to your usual standards.”

           Gregor nodded, silently he agreed with Uchin’s assessment of his restaurant. Uchin was a minimalist and Gregor was fond of opulence. He would suffer the indignity having to remain here, until sufficiently able to remove himself to one of his more accommodating homes.

           He had hated Uchin’s establishment. Smells of stale smoke and cheap perfume battled with grease and sweat from the restaurant below and permeated Uchin’s apartment. The noise level from the gambling room had been non-stop. After a week there, he had reeked. He had spent that week carefully moving his money around, staying one step ahead of his corporation investors. By week's end, every bit of his money had been secreted away and the Corporation wouldn’t discover the loss until he was damn ready. The president of the company had initiated the investigation and had no idea everything was going to lead right back to him. “Poor slob, he’ll never know what hits him.” Gregor’s scapegoat would take the fall at the corporation while his hands remained squeaky clean. With his money secure, the only thing remaining was getting well enough to leave. Uchin’s doctor finally gave the okay and Gregor had headed to his home in Philadelphia.

         Gregor’s thoughts returned to the present, he had experienced some setbacks because of his adversary, but he knew Manning now, and wouldn’t underestimate him again. He took a sip of his sienna-colored cognac and raised his glass. “Round one to you, Manning.”

***

        Todd was taking steps rather gingerly trying to avoid his giggling granddaughter and Sam. They were trying to help but were laughing so hard at his awkward steps. Their laughter was infectious and he couldn’t help making his steps even sillier just so he could listen to them. He had spent the better part of the last two days getting his legs to cooperate and hold him up. The doctor had agreed to let him go home but only if he could walk the whole hallway. He had just finished that in front of the doctor when Starr had shown up with Hope and Sam. When they had insisted on helping, it had turned into a circus act. Hope had grabbed one hand and Sam the other but since he was still a little unsteady, the balance was all wrong and his steps had wandered all over the hallway. Hope wanted to go one way and Sam the other until suddenly, they crossed in front of him. That was when Todd had had to do some real fancy footwork to keep from falling over. It was those steps that had set the kids to laughing. The actions of the three of them and the laughter had drawn the attention of the nurses and soon even they were laughing. Somehow they made it back to his room without any spills and Todd collapsed into his chair pulling Hope up onto his lap. Sam sat down on the chair arm and reached over and gave Todd a quick hug. Todd looked at Sam. “Thanks, Sam, what was that for?”

         Sam shrugged. “I miss my dad. You’re going to stay now, right?”

          Todd recalled his own mother’s death and hugged Sam to reassure him. “You bet.”

         “Yes!” Sam gave Todd another squeeze.

          Todd looked up as Starr entered with his discharge papers.

          “You’re all set Dad, let’s get you home. The nurse will be in to bring you down to the car. Come on kids.”

           Todd watched them leave and got up to gather his belongings, as much as he hated the idea he knew he’d have to wait for the nurse. He was close to the bed when the phone rang. “Hello?” A pause at the end of the other line brought his attention closer to the anticipation of the sound he awaited.

           “I hear you’re going home today. Congratulations.”

            Gregor.

            Todd”s hand tightened around the phone. “Thanks, you really need to upgrade your help, Daimler. They’re sloppy.”

           “You know, you’re right.  Money doesn’t buy what it used to. We didn’t get a chance to finish our talk, you left so abruptly.”

           “I figured I said all I needed to.  Seems I didn’t get my point across quite the way I had intended.” There was no quick retort. Todd smiled.

             “Enough with the niceties. The game’s on.”

            “You should leave well enough alone, Gregor. I hate to lose.” Todd hung up abruptly on Gregor. He squared his shoulders. Here we go again, guys.
***

           Gregor slammed the phone down. He reached for his shoulder, the wound refused to heal properly. His doctors told him it was fine, but Gregor was sure something was still wrong with it. At that moment, he would have liked to have had Manning’s neck between his hands.

***

         When Todd heard Daimler’s voice, something in him shifted. He grabbed a pillow and sent it flying across the room. Adrenaline began pumping through his body as the anticipation of a fight with Gregor resurfaced. Todd had to move and began pacing, his fingers moving rapidly by his side and he mentally counted down what he would like to do to Gregor. Ripping him from limb to limb would be a good start. Maybe just cutting off his pecker would work. He certainly wouldn’t be able to harm any more young girls. “Easy Todd, let’s not go overboard. He’s a scumbag, but you don’t want to go to jail, think creative.” Todd felt alive again in every sense of the word. He loved scheming and had missed the action of getting under someone’s skin. 

          He chuckled knowing he had done just that for a brief moment on the phone. Daimler had called hoping to get a rise out of him and he had managed to turn the tables. Daimler made the first move, now it was his turn. It was a dog eat dog world and to remain a top dog sometimes you had to do ugly things. A cold laughter burst from Todd’s lips and he caught himself. “Quit fighting me, you need me for this fight.” “No, you’re nothing but trouble..” “Oh please, give it up. I am you. You can feel it. You said it yourself, you’d like to take the man apart piece by piece. Let’s do it, it’ll be fun.” Todd stared hard at his reflection. “Forget it, I’m doing this my way.” He looked away from the mirror and ran a hand shakily through his hair. He took a deep breath grateful for the silence. Daimler was a hound that needed to be put down and Todd was going to make it happen. “I’m coming to get you, Old Man.”

         The nurse arrived with his wheelchair and Todd took his seat, looking forward to getting home. He had plans to make. He wasn’t sure why but he felt Daimler was still in the States. “First order of business, find out where you called from, Gregor.”

          
          “What was that Mr. Lord?”

          Todd looked up at the nurse. “Sorry just thinking out loud.”

          She stopped the wheelchair and they waited as Starr pulled up. Within minutes, Todd was headed back to his family, “Okay Gregor, now the game begins.”


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