Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 31

Chapter 31

          It took several days for all the fallout from the night of Todd Manning’s celebration to settle down. Two stories made the headlines. The first being, the coming out of Samuel Toddman as the Real Todd Manning and the second was the coverage of the mysterious death of International Magnate, Gregor Daimler. Try as they could to stifle the story, word leaked out that Daimler’s death was connected to the abduction of Todd Manning’s wife and two other women that night. It became necessary for Todd to step in and write an article before the sleazy tabloids wrote their own version. By writing his own story, Todd was able to keep the speculation about why the women had been taken to the more obvious story of ransom rather than the truth of what really had happened. The tabloids had run with the story and soon they had discovered some of the interesting stories floating around about Daimler, possible embezzlement from his Corporation and unconfirmed connections to crime syndicates. Todd and his family breathed a collective sigh of relief as the attention moved onto Daimler and away from them.

A day after Todd’s story broke, Blair received an unexpected call from Renee.

“Blair, I know we’ll never be friends but I wanted to apologize for what Daimler did to you and your sister under my roof, and I called to ask for your help.”

“Whatever you want to ask must really be important. I know how much you hate to have anything to do with me”

“You’re right, but this is about family. No one was more surprised than me to see C.J.with Todd the other night, much less finding out he was married and his wife had been abducted. I'm calling for Asa’s family. Clint, Cord, and Tina, they’ve been worried sick about C.J. Surely you can understand I want to get them back together again. It’s something Asa would have wanted.”

Blair listened to Renee’s pleas, she knew Renee still cared deeply for her great-grandson. But she wondered how Renee really felt about Kym. She knew Kym was Daimler’s daughter and by now she knew all about Daimler’s seamier dealings.

“I want to meet your sister and get to know her. You don’t have to help, you don’t owe me anything, but I’ve been trying for years to reconcile C.J. with his family. I’m hoping your sister might help me do just that.”

“Are you so sure, Renee? Do you really think the Buchanans and the Roberts would welcome someone with Kym’s background into their insular little group?” Blair couldn’t help but sound bitter, as far as she was concerned C.J.and Kym should stay well away from the Buchanans. She loved C.J. and was overjoyed he had married Kym, but they were both better off back home in Georgia.

Todd had been listening to Blair as she responded and detected the anger and pain in her voice. Whatever Renee had asked had struck a nerve. He gathered from Blair’s answer that it had something to do with C.J.’s estrangement from his family. He reached across the table to hold Blair’s hand and gently rubbed the palm with his thumb. She looked at him and entwined his fingers with hers as she made a decision.

“Renee, I don’t think I can help you at this time. I feel it should be C.J.’s decision to reconcile or not and I don’t think Kym would want to be used as a means to make that happen. She’s been used most of her life. Right now, she doesn’t need any more pressure from unknown family members.” She hung up, unable to stay on the phone any longer, her eyes filling with tears. She knew it was illogical, but she couldn’t get over past hurts

.

Todd got up and walked around to his wife and gathered her into his arms. After all these years it still stung that a former Madame had the respect and love of many in Llanview and that no matter how hard she tried, Blair would always be considered the town slut to those self-righteous hypocrites. 

Blair wiped her tears and pulled out of Todd’s arms. “Kym hasn’t been doing too well with all the media hype about Daimler. I thought I would take her into Philadelphia tomorrow and have a girls morning out. Will you be able to work around that?”

Todd knew she had changed the subject because she was upset that Renee had gotten to her in front of him. “Can’t say I understand this girls day out thing but go, I doubt Kym has had many of them. I’ll even watch the kids”

Blair laughed, wondering who would be watching who, and flung her arms around him gleefully. He had asked no questions, yet she knew in her heart he had understood.

***

          The next morning, Todd was home from the paper to help watch Sam and Hope. He had wanted to be at the house regardless, because of the men coming that day. Starr had just gotten home from classes and he took the moment to grab a coffee and headed out to the terrace for some peace.

The Sun had been flying off the stands as the events surrounding Daimler’s death and his subsequent secrets had come to light. From his accidental death from the balcony of the Palace Hotel to the stories of his involvement in human trafficking, Gregor Daimler was big news. Todd had finished one final article entitled The Death of a Despot by Thomas Lord and had faxed the copy to Amos. It was only fair that Thomas Lord’s last article should be printed by the Savannah Herald first. It was a fitting ending to his series. Amos’s response about scooping the great Todd Manning, Publisher of The Sun had brought a belly laugh from Todd as he read it. Amos loved the quirkiness that was Thomas Lord and he informed Todd that he would accept any and all articles Thomas Lord cared to send his way. In a separate email, Amos informed him that Addie and Cassie were fine as were Joshua and the children. 

Todd strolled to the outside table and sat down opening his copy of The Sun. He smiled as he read the latest news. There had been more casualties as a result of Gregor’s misdeeds. Uchin and his cohorts had been found dead in their cells twenty-four hours earlier and the Mayor was under attack because their deaths had followed a previous death still under investigation that had occurred while the prisoner had been in police custody. Todd was behind the push to discover why the Llanview Police department was so ineffectual when it came to keeping their prisoners alive. Vicki had wanted him to stand down on the article but there was a problem in the LPD that needed to be found and he was determined to find it. Even, John and Bo had agreed something was rotten in the department.

Todd was distracted suddenly by the yelling coming from inside the house. Hope and Sam were running screaming through the house and Starr was trying to chase them down, She struggled to corral them because there were workers in the foyer and she didn’t want the children getting hurt. It seemed, while examining Gregor’s suite, Natalie had come across the laptop lying on the floor. She had opened it to discover it was still connected to the cameras a Dragonheart. After making note of the connection she had tagged the computer and sent it to the lab for further study. Before returning home to be with Liam, Natalie had informed John of her discovery and he had called to let Todd know about the cameras.

Todd got up and reentered the house. He walked into the foyer and watched as the workmen removed yet another offending camera. He reached into his slacks, his fingers finding the comb Blair had worn that night. It had been delivered that morning with a note from John saying it wasn’t necessary for the investigation. His hand clenched around it as the picture of Blair on the bed flashed through his mind. He was trying hard to keep his emotions under control for Blair’s sake but the comb brought that night back like it just happened

.

The pain in his hand brought him back to the present and he pulled his hand out of his pocket and looked at the fine cuts made by the comb’s teeth.

“Damn the little piece bit me,” he removed the comb and taking his handkerchief carefully wiped the blood off the teeth and then wrapped his hand with the cloth.

“Yeah, not as in control as you’d like everyone to believe are you?”

“Shut up Pete, and back off.”

“Big bad Todd, talks tough but can’t handle the truth.”

“What is the truth, Pete? You told me to face myself, I’ve been doing that. Is this rage really me or you? I can’t tell the difference anymore.”

“Maybe that’s your answer.”

“What the hell do you mean? Pete? Pete?” Todd stood there a moment and a chill ran through him. He walked into his office and shut the door. He sat down behind his desk and pulled out his phone. His thoughts were going a mile a minute. “Ray, I need to talk. Have you got some time?... No, not here. You’re kidding, right? Yeah, I’ll be there but I must be nuts.” Todd ended the call. “Starr, I’m going out. Do you and Shaun have everything under control here?”

“Sure Dad we’re fine. Are you going to be back by the time Mom returns?” Starr waited for an answer and realized her Dad was lost in his thoughts. “Hey Dad are you all right and what happened to your hand?”

Todd heard her words and looked at his hand. “It’s nothing. Don’t wait dinner, I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone."

***

Todd parked his car in the visitor’s parking lot. and sat there looking at the one place he had sworn never to return to, Statesville Prison. He stepped out of the car and walked to the gate. He waited for the guard to arrive, his palms were sweaty. “Stop this Manning, you’re no longer an inmate. Get a grip.” The guard asked his name and business. Todd looked surprised he thought every guard here knew him but this guy was obviously new.

“The name”s Todd Manning and I’m here to see Ray Martino.” The moment he had spoken his name the guard’s eyes had widened. The man might not have known his face but he certainly knew his name.

“Say you’re the guy responsible for Carlo Hesser and Ivan Kipling being our guests. Right on, Mister. They’re a pair, I bet they would love to see you. ...Yeah right.” He laughed at his humor and opened the gate. “If you go over to the building on the right, they’ll get you to Dr. Ray.”

“Yes I know, I’m familiar with the set-up,” replied Todd as he walked away. He couldn’t stop the shudder that ran through him as the gate slammed shut behind him.

***

          A few hours earlier Ray was finishing with an inmate when the call came through. He was surprised to hear Todd voice on the other end. It didn’t take long to realize Todd’s call wasn’t social. He hadn’t had a chance to congratulate Todd the night of the party, there had been a lot of people wanting his time that night and Ray had only been able to stay a short time. He had talked briefly with Blair and had found out Todd was holding up pretty good since recovering from the coma. Now he wondered if that was really true, there had been something in Todd’s voice that said otherwise and the fact that he had agreed to come to Statesville spoke volumes.

           The phone rang and he picked it up. “Yes, Okay I’ll get him. Thank you.” Ray walked into the visitor’s lounge and saw Todd staring out the window, his hands were in his pockets, a childish trait that would always be part of Todd’s makeup, but there was nothing childish about the man across the room. His stance was strong and he gave off the impression of a man used to power and wielding it. Ray knew the hidden strengths his friend had and he knew his weaknesses, Todd was not happy to be there. Even as he watched, Ray saw Todd take his hand out of his pocket and look at his watch. It was obvious he wanted to be anywhere else but the prison. “Todd, I glad you found the time to come here. I’m sorry, I couldn’t meet you someplace else but my day is going to be pretty full a little later on.”

Todd turned at his name and relief washed over his face. He really needed to talk, but the atmosphere was dragging him down. “You do have someplace we can talk in private?”

“Sure Todd, let’s go to my office.” Ray led the way down the corridor, Todd, as always, silent, followed Ray. He moved so quietly, Ray turned around to make sure he was still there. They entered his office and he offered a chair to Todd.

“No thanks, I don’t think I could sit down right now.”

“It’s up to you Todd. You wanted to talk, we haven’t had a session in quite a while. In fact, our last one was way before you mysteriously disappeared. I know a lot happened after you disappeared. Those were some excellent articles Thomas wrote, but I’m guessing Thomas isn’t your Tom. What happened, is he the reason you went missing? Is Thomas Lord a new Alter?”

Todd looked at Ray in surprise. “What?...No,... Thomas is just an alias I used to stay hidden. But the reason I disappeared, is why I’m here.”

Ray nodded, he had had a feeling something had occurred that had driven Todd to disappear, now Todd was ready to talk about it. “Let me ask this Todd? The reason you left all those months ago, does it have any connection to the events that took place the night Blair was abducted?”

Todd stopped pacing. Ray knew him well.

“You know my issues, Ray. I’ve been trying to come to terms with my anger toward Peter Manning and everything he did to me. I thought I had succeeded, until the night I took down Carlo Hesser and Ivan Kipling. I let Pete have full rein that night and I stood back and watched as he tortured Hesser and Kipling. The problem happened when I realized I was enjoying it. A part of me was reveling in it. After it was over, I realized I was still a monster, I had buried that part of me and put all blame on Pete. After all, he was my violent part, I was free and clear of all my past misdeeds while Pete was around.” Todd looked over at Ray, wondering if he understood him.

“That’s what you’ve done isn’t it, you think Pete is the only one who could do the violent things because he was created by your anger for the terrible things Peter did to you. You felt like you separated your anger from you when he was created. You did, but now Todd, you know why he was created and you‘ve been attempting to take back your power by overcoming the rage.”

“You think I want to control the rage myself and I’m letting the anger back in? Are you crazy?! That anger is the very thing I’ve hated about myself since the night I raped Marty. What do you mean? Why would I be letting it back in?” Todd stared at Ray like he was seeing an alien.

“Todd the whole purpose of our session was to come to terms with your alters and to integrate with them. Why do you think your monster has returned? “

“Ray, I came this close to killing Hesser that day when he took Blair from the courthouse. With Pete’s help, I had managed to separate Hesser and Blair from Kipling, but he still held her and threatened to kill her if I didn’t drive him to freedom. Pete lost it and attacked but as he was strangling Carlo, I was suddenly back in control and the feel of his windpipe giving under my fingers was heady. I was killing him, not Pete.”

“But Todd, You didn’t kill Hesser. Why?”

“Because Blair asked me not to. As I came to my senses, I knew Hesser was dying because of me and I let go. Once again I realized I hadn’t lost control of Pete, I had lost control of myself.”

“You said once again, I take it this wasn’t the first time. Care to tell me another time you lost control.”

“The night of the raid in Savannah I was attempting to get to Blair’s sister and help her free the girls in her charge, unfortunately, the bosses of the slave ring had changed the guard on me and I ran afoul of some mercenaries I had met previously. I should say they had met Pete and the encounter hadn’t ended well. I didn’t have my ring on at the time and so I was blind as a bat. The new guys were immediately suspicious and didn’t believe I was blind and beat the shit out of me. The next thing I knew Blair was untying me and we watched as the guards came rushing back into the warehouse looking for hostages. I lost it when they took Kym and threatened her and the girls. The one guy I took down, the leader, ended up with a damaged knee but I almost took his head with an ax. That’s how out of control I was.”

“Did you kill the man?"

“Of course not, but it wouldn’t have taken much on his part for me to go over the edge.”

“Yet you didn’t and I’m guessing Blair was watching? Todd, ask yourself. Why do you regain control over your baser instincts when Blair is around?”

Todd thought only for a moment. “Because I love her and I don’t want her to think of me as a monster. She’s the only one who never let my past bother her. She accepted me as I was. There was only one time that my monster came out to her.“

“What happened when he did, Todd?“

“I came close to raping her Ray, but I couldn’t do it. At that moment I was so hurt I hated her and wanted to hurt her back, but I didn’t. She saw me that day and the strange thing was she forgave me and loved me in spite of it.”

“You controlled yourself that day because you loved her. I think you’ve always been able to control your monster, I want to try something. Have a seat Todd, I think it’s time you and Pete talked again not just in your head but face to face.”

Todd sat down he wasn’t sure if Pete would show. He hadn’t had a chance to tell Ray about that but he was curious to find out what Ray thought was going on.

“Excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.” Ray got up and left.

“Samuel have you been listening. The things he ‘s been saying about letting the anger in and wanting my own control, does that make sense to you?”

“Yes, Todd, you and Pete are more alike then you can imagine.”

Before Todd could get more out of Samuel, Ray came back into the room with a Mirror. He placed it down on the desk and sat down to view Todd. “You know how this works, tell Pete to come and talk.”

“You heard him, Pete. You wanted to talk earlier. Get out here, let's finish our talk.”

Todd watched as Pete began walking toward him in the mirror but there was something wrong. Pete looked different. Todd wondered if he had developed double vision At first glance it looked like Pete with his leather jacket and insolent sneer but the face wouldn’t stay in focus, “What the hell, Pete you said something earlier. What did you mean by it?” Todd rubbed his eyes, he then shut them going inside, but it didn’t help Pete didn’t look right or feel right.

“You said it yourself Todd, you said you couldn’t tell the difference between us anymore, look at me, Todd. Damn it look at me!”

“No, wait, I said I was having a hard time telling the difference between your anger and mine. What’s that got to do with the way you look. What’s going on? Why are you changing after all these years?”

“You’re so sure I’m the one who’s changing. Get real. I’ve known since the other night the way of things. Samuel pointed it out to me, and I knew.“

Ray was fascinated Todd had forgotten he was there and something he was seeing was bothering him greatly. “Pete, sorry to interrupt but what happened the other night?” Pete looked over at Ray, the transformation on Todd’s face was harsh. Pete had little love for the therapist and he had always been opposed to the sessions.

Pete sneered. “You don’t fool me, Doc. You know what’s going on, why else would you ask for this? The other night,... I’ll tell you. He almost killed Gregor Daimler for hurting Blair and he wouldn’t let me out to finish the job. He had the situation in hand and he didn’t need me. The fuck didn’t need me and now this is happening. I think you’re going to have to explain it to him he can’t see what’s right in front of him. You idiot, look at me.”

Todd shook his head and gazed at the mirror. He watched as Pete’s youthful face changed and aged the long hair slowly changing to a shorter cut. The sneer was still there but the more he looked at Pete the more he saw himself. “I don’t understand. Why are you beginning to look like me?”

“What did I tell you, Doc? Todd I’m gone G-O-N-E gone. You don’t need me. It ‘s been fun. I gotta say, Hesser and Kipling ..what a way to go out.. Doc, explain it.”

The silence in his head at that moment was deafening. Todd stared at the man in the mirror and watched the leather coat fade away with the last vestiges of his images of Pete.. “He’s not there anymore. I don’t understand? We were just fighting earlier today and now he’s just not there.”

“Samuel talk to me. Have you seen Pete?”

“He’s gone, Todd .”

“What the hell! He can’t be gone just like that. Please tell me, I need to know. Ms. Perkins? Tom?? “

           “I can’t answer that. I don’t know.”

            Todd closed his eyes and collapsed back in the chair. He took a deep breath. Samuel was still there.

            Ray touch his friend’s arm. “Todd, I’m sorry.”

“Explain it to me, Ray, why now?”

“You weren’t ready earlier. You were still absorbing all the revelations about your so-called father and you still needed them, especially Pete. You couldn’t let Pete go until you understood you could handle the anger by yourself. You can you know. Sure it alarms you when it hits you hard, and you’re enraged but you’ve found a way to temper it. It will get easier. You’re not a monster. Blair knows that because you showed her the real you long before your rage appeared. Like you said, she loves you.”

Todd sat there letting Ray’s words sink in. He ran a hand through his hair and stood up. “I need a drink. Got to get out of here, too many bad memories. The next time we meet at Rodi’s.” He nodded at Ray and left.

Ray turned the light on his desk; that had been a session he hadn’t expected. He walked to the window and watched his friend depart. Definitely a puzzling man. Ray left his office heading for his group therapy session.

Todd’s thoughts were all over the place as he left Ray. “Could it really be? Pete, the monster, and me, really one and the same.” Even as he voiced it he realized the truth of it. It also came to him that it wasn’t a disaster like he had been imagining all along. He stopped just outside the building and looked back at a part of his life he was finally finished with. As he walked out, he left the past behind and the gates clanged shut resoundingly.

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Todd Manning, Engima Chapter 30 (mild adult)

Chapter 30

       Going home proved more difficult than expected. John waylaid all of them as they were leaving the Palace and insisted on getting their statements. Several hours later and completely exhausted, they left the station to find limos waiting to whisk them home. John watched as three separate cars departed and went to retrieve Natalie. She belonged at home with Liam.

      It was near dawn and the sun was making its way up over the trees as the Limo pulled up to Dragonheart. Williams looked back to find Mrs. Manning fast asleep in Mr. Manning’s arms. “What do you want me to do sir?”

“Pull the car under the trees, Williams. Give me the keys and go to bed. We’ll be fine.”

Williams closed the door as quietly as he could and departed to his quarters. Todd reached down and grabbed the throw at his feet, being careful not to disturb Blair. He opened it to cover them both and paused as Blair made herself comfortable against his chest. His hand gently stroked her bruised face and with a soft kiss on the top of her head he rested his own head and drifted off to sleep.

           She looked down at him. He was so handsome. There were so many people, but they were shadows and only Todd stood out. The first time she had seen him in a tuxedo, he had taken her breath away. It had been a revelation. Now she gazed down at him, strong and confident. He filled his tuxedo like he had been poured into it, her hands itched wanting to run over his broad shoulders and down his chest. My God, the magnificent man at the bottom of the stairs was her's and only her's. “Todd,” she whispered, the name floated down and he looked up. His beautiful smile lit the room and the crowd disappeared. They were alone, soft music playing as he ascended the stairs. His hand held out, he waited as she joined him and then he twirled her into the dance. They were dancing on the clouds moving effortlessly together. She felt his hand holding her securely around the waist. Then the lightest touch moving to her bare back as he caressed her and she melted deeper into his arms. His breath was warm and sinfully sensual against her skin and she shivered in delight.   Blair was in heaven as his soft lips moved from the pulse in her neck and found their way to her waiting and eager mouth.
   
    Blair sighed in her sleep and nestled closer as her dream deepened. Todd stirred and he shifted as she got more comfortable.

    They were lying together and he slowly removed her gown until only the soft furs beneath them caressed her skin. She stretched and purred at the sensation of the furs against her skin and looked at him kneeling above her to removed his Jacket. His silk shirt molded his chest and her breath began to come quickly. She reached, her hand sliding up his chest as the clothes disappeared and he laid his lean body down beside hers. She began licking and tasting his muscles, eager to explore him …. OH, he tasted so good. Blair drowsily nibbled and traced circles on his abs with her fingers feeling the rise and fall of his chest and hearing his gasps at each movement. Her fingers found his belt and she worked it free all the while continuing to caress him with her lips.

    Todd was awakened by his body coming to life with every caress. He peered down to discover Blair nuzzling and kissing him and then felt her hand move to his waist.  In moments, she had freed him and moved lower with her ministrations. She was purring as she worked, thoroughly involved in him. Her little sounds succeeded in only making him harder. Todd knew she was going to complete her mission soon. but he didn’t want to be the only one receiving pleasure. His hands now freed from holding her began their own caressing.
  
     Still caught up in her dream, Blair responded to Todd’s caresses, moving into them as her skin seemed to ignite with heat, OH!!! She didn’t want the dream to end, it felt so good. Suddenly he took her face into his hands and pulled her to his lap. He kissed her and she opened her mouth sighing. His tongue invaded, every tactile nerve came alive and Blair awoke, sensations flooding her as she realized her dream was true. She had no idea where they were and she didn’t care. She moved to straddle him, her body on overload. His mouth moved to capture her breast as she rode him. Time stood still.

She dropped onto his chest, listening to his heartbeat once again and stroked his muscles as she lay there. She looked up to see him gazing down at her. She shivered as excitement rippled through her. There was admiration in that gaze, as well as hunger. It pleased her to know she had that effect on him, but she so wanted him to know the effect he had on her. She reached up with her hand and began tracing his scar. “Do you have any idea what you do to me? When you look at me with these beautiful eyes, I turn to jelly. There are times I have to stop myself from coming at you and tearing your clothes off. Usually, those times are when you’ve done something so atrocious and then turn around and make up for it in a way I don’t even see coming. You’re a mass of contradictions and it’s maddening as all get out, but it just makes me love you more.” Her fingers had come to rest on his lips. “You drive me crazy, Todd Manning”

“I know,” he replied.

She was just getting ready to sock him for such a smug comment when she saw it. It was the smile from her dream and it beamed at her. She sighed and melted into his embrace.

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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 29

Chapter 29

John immediately picked up the phone. “I know Daimler’s out on bail, where did he go?”

      Todd stood back as the men crowded around John’s desk.

    “Daimler had to stay in town, and there are only a few hotels.” Bo offered.

    Shaun’s phone rang. “Hello? Starr, why are you calling? WHAT? What do you mean she’s not there? OK, thanks.” Shaun looked at the others. “Vivian’s missing, too.”

    John’s desk phone rang a second time. “What have you got? Really? Figures.” The phone returned to the receiver, “The bastard’s got a suite at the Palace Hotel!”

    “I’ll call Renee.” Bo headed to another phone. “John, get some backup. We’ve gotta do this right.” Bo looked around the room, then, “Anyone seen Todd?”

    “C.J.is missing, too.” Shaun noticed. “John, if Vivian is there, I want to go, too.”

“With C.J. and Todd on the loose, we’ll need anyone we can get. Someone’s going to have to keep them out of it. Let’s hope we’re in time.”

***

Daimler admired the suite. Uchin had done well; The Palace was actually quite acceptable. Now, he merely had to wait. Room service had just delivered his cognac. Gregor had procured a laptop. According to his friend, Hesser, there was a feed into Dragonheart, and he was going to use it for all it was worth. Switching on the laptop, the picture of the foyer popped up. The party was in full swing. “My dear Mr. Manning. There you are, with your beautiful wife. My lovely, if not slutty, beautiful first daughter. You have no idea what you are in for tonight.” He watched as they danced, knowing it would not be long.

        The phone rang. “Everything ready?”

     “Yes, as soon as they are separated, get them. Get them both. Call me when you have them.” Hanging up, he poured a cognac. He had such plans for them tonight. Uchin had been wanting his time with Kym for quite a while. And Blair - Blair was going to be introduced to her father the correct way.

          He had been watching the evening unfold on his laptop and Room Service had just delivered his meal when he noted the unusual activity in the foyer.  He couldn't help smiling as he watched Todd and the men gather.  "Did  you lose something, Mr. Manning?"  As he finished his steak, the call came through. “Excellent. Bring them up.”

         A few minutes later, Uchin and his men escorted the women in. “Kym, my dear, it’s been so long.” He walked to his daughter and caressed her cheek, smiling as she cringed at his touch. 
“Such a bad girl. And bad girls need to be punished. Do you agree?”

      Unable to stop herself, Kym replied, “Yes, Daddy.”

    “Excellent.”

    Blair blurted out, “Kym, don’t, don’t forget C.J.”

    Kym shook herself, realizing she had fallen under her father’s spell once again. She started struggling in Uchin’s arms.
  
    At Blair’s outburst, Gregor turned and slapped her. “Shut your mouth, slut.” Daimler looked at the third woman being held. “What’s this? Looks like we got a present. And who are you, my caramel-colored beauty?”

    Vivian shuddered.

Blair’s lip was bleeding and she was unable to believe what had just happened. “You bastard. Todd will kill you for this.”

“My dear, why do you think you are here? I’m expecting him. I want him to see you when I am done with you.”

    “She’s all yours, Uchin.” They watched as he took Kym out of the room. Daimler turned to Uchin’s men holding Vivian. “You two take her to Suite 1114. Do not touch her. She’ll be perfect for one of my more exclusive clients.” Vivian looked at Blair and started to cry as they took her from the room.

    Blair was praying in her heart that Todd would find them all before it was too late

***

Todd rushed up to the counter at The Palace. “Renee, what room does Daimler have?”

    “Todd, you know I can’t give out that information. Why? I thought you had a party. What are you doing here?” “I need to know where this man has a room. I believe he has Blair.”

    Just then the phone rang. “Why, yes, Bo, he’s here. I don’t think he’s going to wait. I’ll try.”

    “Todd, Bo says you should wait for the guys to get here? What is he talking about? C.J, what are you doing here?”

    “The same thing Todd is.   Grandma, we need your help. This Daimler guy has my wife. Please, what room does he have?”

    Renee looked worried. “C.J., who did you say the name was?”

    “The guy’s name is Daimler, Grandma.”

    “Like Blair’s last name?”

    “The same.”

    “Let me look.”

    Todd paced wildly in front of the counter, “Come on Renee, hurry up.”

    Renee answered, “There are 4 suites registered to Daimler. Is that going to help you? They are on two different floors.”

    " What are the numbers, Renee?” Todd bellowed.

    “Suites 1114 and 1115 and 1209 and 1210. But Bo said to wait . . .”

    “Gotcha.” And they raced to the elevators. “Send them up! They might be needed.”

***

Blair found herself alone with her father. She wondered if she could take him. He didn’t look like much. She was younger, she made a dash for the door, only to find his hand in her hair, pulling her back. Her jeweled comb went flying. She struggled in his arms. “My dear Blair, don’t fight your father. It’s time we got to know each other. After all, I knew your mother and your sister. You shouldn’t be left out.”

    Blair struggled all the harder. “Let me go.” 

The strap on her dress broke, and he turned her toward him roughly. “You will stop this minute. I am your father.”

“You’re just the bastard who took my mother against her will. And then you hightailed it out of there when you found out she was pregnant. I owe you nothing.”

“Maybe not. Still doesn’t change the fact it’s time for a little schooling, Daimler style. You’re a little older than I like, but you’ve got the looks. I’ll just close my eyes and think of you as younger.” He hauled her toward the bed, she pulled free and rushed to the door. He caught her. “That’s enough.” Slamming his fist into her jaw, he knocked her out. Carrying her to the bed, he laid her in place, quickly tying her hands to the headboard. “Now, let’s see. You like your men rough, otherwise, why would you have picked that prison scum, Todd Manning?”

He began to prep her, carefully tearing a portion of her dress around her breast, and hiking it up around her hips. He went ahead and took his feel; he smiled as her body responded to his touch even though she was out and just beginning to revive. “It’s too bad you’re not my type. You’re just too old for me, my dear. But he doesn’t know that.” Daimler pulled her panties down to her feet and opened her legs once again stroking her as she began to moan. “Yes, that’s it. You’re all ready for him now. Now, we wait.” He poured another cognac. “It shouldn’t be long.”

***

Bo and John along with Shaun and a few other men moved into the palace. Bo moved to the counter. “Where are they, Renee?”  

           “Is it true someone has C.J.’s new wife and Blair? I never saw Blair come in with anybody.”  

 “You wouldn’t have, it happened not too long ago I sure if Blair and the others are here, they’re upstairs by another means than your main elevators but Renee, tell us, where did Manning and C.J. go?”

    “Bo, oh my god! They went up to floors eleven and twelve.””

    She watched as they moved away. Suddenly John stopped and turned. “Which rooms Renee,”

          “Eleven 14 and 15 and Twelve 9 and 10” she replied quickly.

***

    The elevator ride was interminable. They had been stopped several times by people getting off and C.J. realized Todd was about ready to lose it as the elevator neared the eleventh floor.

    “God, this thing is slower than molasses,” Todd said as soon as they were alone in the elevator.

     “Have you got a plan, Uncle Todd.  Do you really think the girls are here?”

    “I’m certain. This is just like something Daimler would do, he knows I’m coming for him.  Besides, why would he have need of four suites?”

    “You’re probably right but how will we know the right one?”

    “We’ll have to search them all?” Todd got quiet and CJ looked over at him. He was watching the display as it came to rest on the 11 and the hotel doors opened. Todd stepped from the elevator and began to move quickly down the corridor to the two Suites on that floor.

     Together they burst into suite 1114 and were met by two men obviously in Daimler’s employ and they appeared to be guarding a door to the bedroom. All hell broke loose and the four of them were soon swinging at each other.   After a couple of blocked blows to his body, Todd managed to sneak in a wicked right cross to the jaw and watched as his opponent tumbled back, stunned. Knowing better than to give the guy a chance to get back at him. Todd grabbed the nearest lamp and smashed it down on the man’s head, letting the lamp fall to the floor with the man.   He turned as C.J. was struggling with another guy, but then he watched his nephew duck a punch and turn and give a roundhouse kick to the man’s face, even from across the room he heard the jaw break and watched teeth fly. The man was down. They were headed for the interior door when John and Bo entered.
  
    “Are there any more?” Bo inquired, his gun pulled
.
“I don’t think so,” Todd went to open the door, but John pushed him aside.

C.J. moved to contain his uncle, knowing just how volatile he was at the moment.

“Let them do their job, Todd. We don’t know if there are any more men but if there are we don’t want to get the girls killed.”

As they waited to find out who was behind the door, Todd began moving back toward the hall.  

CJ noticed the movement and was puzzled, “What?”

“I don’t think Blair or Kym are in there. Something in my gut tells me it’s someone else. Daimler isn’t here and I’m sure Blair is with him, I just feel like neither are on this floor.” Todd looked at C.J.and knew C.J. could feel what he was feeling. They left the room and heard Bo say, “My God. Vivian.” There was a  quick look at each other and then they headed out, calling the elevator.

“Shouldn’t we check the other suite just to make sure?” asked C.J., following his uncle, who took off down the corridor to the stairs entrance, no longer able to wait for the elevator.

“Daimler would want the top floor,” he said as he sprinted up them two at a time. Reaching the top, he came out into the corridor. “I should have come here first.” They neared suite 1209 and together kicked in the door, watching as Uchin came out of the room partially undressed. C.J. heard Kym yell. He bowled over Uchin and they began wrestling on the floor. Kym came to the doorway saw her husband fighting and looked at Todd. “She’s next door. Please, go save her.”

Todd spun and left C.J. to fight his fight. Daimler belonged to him. He crashed through the door yelling “Blair!” and pushed into the bedroom coming up short at the sight before him.

She was lying on the bed moaning, bruises already starting to show on her face.

His brain took in the picture but it didn’t register. Another time and another place filled his head with images. He was filled with rage at the girl lying beneath him and nothing would satisfy that rage but getting his pleasure from her. He took her savagely and then sat back and laughed as his pals Zach and Powell had their turns. She had ceased fighting and her eyes stared off into space blank and full of tears. His rage had been satisfied and he left her laughing. The images faded and then the scene in front of him came back into focus. Todd sucked in his breath as he felt like he had been kicked in the gut, everything, the torn dress the bed sheets in disarray, her face, “Oh God, her face!” Things were spinning, “No.. not my Blair.” He wanted to throw up. It couldn’t be true...” NOOOO...” He stumbled to the bed, and suddenly, Samuel took charge. Todd was in no shape: he had retreated, unable to cope with his thoughts “My God, Blair.” Samuel knew what Todd was thinking; they all were. He had to make certain first that she was all right. Samuel touched her face to get a better look at it and began untying her. “Blair, sweetheart it’s me, Samuel, you’re safe.” He had just gotten her untied when the laughter started. Samuel’s hand stilled. The laughter was so cruel and only one other man had had a laugh like that. He turned to see where it was coming from. 

     Daimler moved into the room laughing and clapping his hands. “Well, well, I never expected to meet you. But I must admit you’re an improvement over that barbarian. You control your anger well, Mr. Toddman. Such a pity. I was aspiring to see him groveling on the floor after he saw what I did to her. But you, I can see you would appreciate the care I took to present my picture. Beautiful Blair, so feisty, my, I’m amazed how she likes it so rough. And, as you can see it did turn a little rough.”

    Daimler’s glee and hints were too much. Samuel envisioned Daimler’s pudgy hand on Blair and he felt the bile in his mouth, as Pete begged to be released, and then it happened. The coldness swept through him, Samuel jerked and found himself looking back out Todd’s eyes, he looked around and realized Pete was still with him and Pete said quietly “Shit.” Todd, in all his fury, had taken over. Samuel had been clenching the towel he had just removed from Blair’s hands and now Todd was wringing it, thinking of all the ways he could use it to silence Daimler once and for all.

    Gregor noticed Samuel’s movement and it fascinated him that Toddman was holding it together so well, but he was beginning to see a crack in his facade. He had noticed a shimmer of sweat on Samuel’s brow and he watched as Samuel began clutching the towel he held. “Ah, Mr. Toddman, so you’re not so immune?” Gregor started laughing again.

    Blair was trying desperately to wake up, her head pounding. She could hear Daimler taunting Samuel, and from his words, she knew something was wrong. She had to wake up; Todd needed her. If Samuel was out, something bad had occurred. She took a moment to feel around her and realized her dress was in disarray and her panties had been removed. What if Todd had found her like that? She envisioned a picture of what he must have seen. That must be why Samuel was out. Todd must believe Daimler had raped her but she knew he hadn’t, she could tell, she remembered her father saying she wasn’t his type. “Come on Blair, Todd’s not going to be able to hold in his anger much longer.” She moved her head and couldn’t suppress the moan that escaped. Before she could force her eyes open, she felt Todd leave the bed.

    With a cry of rage, Todd sprang for Daimler, his laughter acting like a catalyst, releasing the rage that had been contained for so many years. All it had taken was Blair’s moan to pull the trigger. He struggled to wrap the towel around Daimler’s neck, but Gregor’s arms had gotten in the way and now Daimler was like a bear wrestling with him. They crashed into the table and chair but neither lost their hold. They continued to move around the room, each struggling to find an opening or advantage.

    “You Monster, you dared to lay hands on my wife and act like it’s nothing. You’re the lowest scum on the earth who feeds on broken children and revels in their distress. I wish I had never discovered you and your connection to Blair.” Todd went limp and it pulled Gregor off balance and his grip was broken. Todd quickly whipped behind Daimler’s back, bringing the towel up under his chin and began to push his knee into Gregor’s spine cutting off his air with the towel.

    “You fool, women are nothing, they were put here for our pleasure.” Gregor was beginning to have trouble breathing and stumbled to his knees, putting Todd off balance. With the kick of his leg, he knocked Todd backward and the towel went flying. Gregor moved away, putting some space for the moment between him and Todd. He looked as Todd struggled up. “Your father Peter knew that. We used to have long chats about you. When you raped that party girl, I thought you might have promise. But then you turned weak. You met that girl, some religious nut, and decided to try and play by the rules. You were useless to me then. The next thing I knew you’re taking up with my slut of a daughter. Man, you’re pitiful, she walked all over you and stomped on you and here you are defending her honor. Wake up man, she’s not worth...” 

            Todd roared and plowed into Gregor, his hands closing around Gregor’s neck as Gregor’s arms began closing tightly around his body. “You bastard,” Todd yelled, as images of a man slightly younger than Peter got all of his father’s attention. You should try to be more like Gregor, Todd, yes, I know he’s a grown man and you’re just a boy, but that young man is going places. Todd could remember hating the smug look the man got on his face when Peter would congratulate him on a particular business feat. All those feeling of jealousy he had felt toward that man came back in that instant, he hadn’t recognized Gregor and had only associated him with Blair and Addie.  To realize now he had his hands around the neck of the jerk Peter Manning had liked, was karma. He squeezed harder.  He had hated the man then but now after what he had just done to Blair, he was going to rip his head off. 
  
           Blair had been listening to everything and had slowly begun opening her eyes, the pain had receded to a mere throb and she forced herself to sit up and began to pull herself together. “Todd, you have to stop. I’m all right, he didn’t hurt me.” She stood up but had to grip the headboard as the room swam before her eyes. As the room righted, she again tried to get his attention. “Listen, Todd, he’s lying to you! He’s saying things to hurt you, you have to stop!”

Gregor whispered, “Yes Todd, listen to her. You’re killing me here. I’m her father. Is that what you want to go down?”

“You’re not her father, you never were. You’re just a sperm donor.”

Gregor continued to squeeze. He sensed, he had only one hope to get rid of Manning. He turned struggling to breathe and kept his pressure on Todd hoping to make him pass out before he himself was killed.  Their bizarre dance was headed for the balcony.

  At this, Blair became panicked. “Todd! God damn it!  Listen!”

Blair’s cry got through. The cold anger seemed to seep away, as her words penetrated. What was she saying. Gregor didn’t hurt her. Could it be true? Back to his senses, Todd slammed his arms down through Gregor’s, breaking his hold and pushing free. The momentum pushed Gregor over the edge. Blair screamed as Todd rushed to look down.

He found Gregor hanging just below, holding on by his fingertips. Gregor looked up. “Help me. Come on, hero. You can’t let me die.”

“Why not? You would have let me.”

Blair was beside herself, frantically trying to get his attention. “Todd, do something!“

 Todd looked at his wife. “But he hurt you. You want me to save him?”

“I want to save you, Todd.”

Todd reached over to try and grab Gregor’s suit sleeve. “I can’t reach him, Blair. He’s too far down.”

“I’m losing my grip, you have to help” Gregor looked down and back up at Todd.

Todd scowled, there was no time to get more help so he turned to Blair. “ Blair, give me the towel!”

With Todd’s anger once again under control, Pete screamed in frustration. ”God Damn it, Todd, let him die!” He ignored Pete’s cry and prepared to help Gregor.

Pete looked at Samuel “How can he save the guy? Two minutes ago we all wanted him dead. Especially Todd.” 

“You’re right we did, but it’s not our choice, it’s Todd’s. Can’t you feel the difference? Even you Pete. Did you ever ask yourself why you want the guy dead?”

“The mother-fucker hurt Blair.”

“Yes he did, but you’ve done that and more, long ago. What’s changed now?”

Pete looked at Samuel ,”I don’t know, spit it out.”

“It’s obvious Pete, you love her, too.”

Pete glared at Samuel “You’re full of it,” and walked off, kicking a chair as he went.

“Gregor, can you grab this?” Lowering the towel, he tried to get a foothold on the edge of the balcony, bending as far as he could without getting off balanced himself.

Gregor grabbed the towel but he had only one thought in his head. He pulled, attempting to bring Todd down. Blair screamed as Todd started to fall, she grabbed hold and pulled him back with all of her strength. Feeling himself go off balance, Todd instinctively let go of the towel and attempted to stop his fall, his arms flailing until he felt Blair’s hand grasp his and pull.  He fell on top of her as she stumbled to the floor. He looked into her beautiful eyes full of fear and then relief as she realized she had saved him. Gregor’s scream ripped the moment apart as Gregor fell to his death unable to hold on with only one hand after Todd had released the towel.

He lay on top of her and for just one moment all he wanted to do was take her right then and there. He pushed that thought away and concentrated on the present. They were both breathing hard from the exertion of everything that had just happened and his ribs felt cracked in several places from Gregor’s bear hug. Blair’s face was a reminder of the picture he had seen when he had entered the room. “Are you all right?”

“Eh, I’m a little bit beat up, but otherwise, I’m fine Todd. He didn’t do it, you know. He just wanted you to think so.”

Todd looked at her bruised face. “He really did a number on you.”

“You can kiss it and make it feel better, but I want to go home.”

            He gently kissed her busted lip and cheek and said. “That will have to do for now. Let’s go home.”

As they left the room, they walked into John. “He’s not there, you’ll find him at the bottom somewhere, among the ants.”

“And before you get all Robocop on him, it wasn’t murder.” Blair chimed in.

“Oh?”

“No.” 

John took one look at her face and nodded. “I’m glad he got there in time, Blair. You all right?”

Protectively, Todd put his arm around her. “She’s just fine.”

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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