Dance with the Devil: Chapter 76

One week later, Todd Manning was able to walk out of General Hospital on his is own with the aid of crutches with arm braces.  The doctors had said his recovery was proceeding at an amazing speed and, while he would need to continue with physical therapy, he was able to be released.  With Jack, Starr and Blair, he got into the car and finally left the hospital, he hoped, for the last time.

“So I figure that everyone will be back at the house, right?  Viki’s got a whole big party planned?” Todd inquired.

“What makes you say that?” Blair asked, but knowing he was right.

“Cause it’s my sister,” Todd answered.  “Come on, when has she not found a reason to through a party?”

“Maybe the party isn’t for you,” Starr piped in.  “Maybe she’s having one for Leo.”

“Leo?”  Todd said.  “Who’s Leo?”

“That’s what Victor and Tea named the baby,” Blair explained.  “Leo Thomas Lord.”

Todd’s eyes side toward Blair.  “Thomas?”  A supremely satisfied smile crossed Blair’s face.  “God, I really do hate that name.  Where did they come up with Leo, though?”

“It was Tea’s father’s name, Leon,” Jack supplied.

“The three of them got up here yesterday and they made a request of us, which I was actually really surprised by,” Blair said.  After a pause, she told him, “They want us to be his godparents.”

Now Todd’s look turned to one of confusion.  “Us, godparents?  St. James barely survived us getting married in there.  I doubt it would be standing after a christening with the two of us.”

“That’s what I said, after which I also expressed some strong words to Tea about her witch hunt of you,” Blair said.

“Aunt Viki and Aunt Tina nearly had to pull Mom off of Tea,” Starr said, a hug grin on her face.

Todd’s head lolled on the back.  “I missed another cat fight between you two?” he harrumphed.  “You need to throw the hissy fits at each other when I’m around.  I haven’t seen one of those since you sent her out the window at the Palace.”  He took a breath and then asked, “How is Delgado doing?”

“Well, Larry Wolek said they were able to save the kidney, but she’ll be on medication for the rest of her life and she may need a transplant later on down,” Blair told him.  “The drugs she was given also impacted her ability to have children.  The doctors have advised against it.”

“So, no more grandkids for Victor Lord Senior?” he commented, then leered at Blair.  She wanted to give him a dirty look, but had to chuckle at the thought.  Behind her, her kids rolled their eyes and made gagging noises.

At that point, the car pulled up to the front door of their house and the family got out of the car.  Starr held open the door for her father as he maneuvered his way in.  Then, he nearly fell to the floor when a loud “WELCOME HOME!” boomed in his ears.  He managed to regain his footing and scowled at Starr and Blair,  “A party for Leo,” he snarled at them. 

Starr merely shrugged her shoulders.

Then Todd looked around the foyer again.  Of course, there was Viki, Clint, Tina and Cord.  Sarah, Natalie and John were there and Liam was holding one end of a banner that repeated the sentiment he had just heard.  He then looked at the middle of the banner, and smiled at Sam before seeing the Liam’s cousin, Ryder, holding the other end, with his mother Jessica and sister Bree right next to him.  Behind them was Victor, Tea and Danie, Tea holding her son.  This was the first time he had seen the baby since the night he was born and he was stunned to see how much he resembled his mother.  Standing near Victor were Carly Jacks, her son Michael and her young daughter, Josslyn, with Molly Lansing also in the background.  And standing behind Viki were Addie Cramer and Dorian Lord, the former with a glowing smile on her face, the latter her typical plastered expression straining her mouth. 

Todd really didn’t know what to say, even though he had figured this would be happening.  He could go with a genuine, heartfelt saying, thanking everyone for being there, but he also knew that just wasn’t him.  So, he decided to go with his patented sarcasm.  Turning to Viki, he said, “What, Kevin and Joey couldn’t make it?”

Before Viki or Clint could offer a retort, Tina stepped in.  “Well, they may not have come, but there is someone here who I know you haven’t seen in a long time.”  Stepping out of the study was a young man, seemingly in his late twenties, dressed in a Navy uniform.

Todd was truly speechless for a minute, then uttered a questioning, “CJ?”  His nephew offered him a big smile and they embraced, not having seen each other since he had left town with his mother when Starr was a baby and he had returned from Ireland.

“Uncle Todd!” he replied.  When they broke apart, he couldn’t keep the smile off his face.  Then he said, “Mom and Dad called to tell me everything that happened to you and I had some leave coming, so I knew I had to come.”

“It’s so amazing…I never thought…” he sputtered.  For a minute he remembered the little boy who helped him hide, who gave him the action figure for a Christmas present, who took his job as usher so seriously on a lovely fall day at St. James.

Blair was loathed to break up this family moment, but she could tell that Todd, who wasn’t as steady as he thought, was near collapse.  She finally stepped forward and whispered to Todd, “Maybe we can take this party into the study so you can sit down.”

“Ah, I’ve been sitting and laying down for weeks now, I really want to go run a marathon right now,” Todd cracked, until he saw the look in Blair’s eyes.

“As your physical therapist, I will object to that.  You still have a lot more work before you can even ditch those crutches,” Carly called from the back of the group.

Finally Todd moved out of the foyer and everyone followed him.  He sat down and then turned to Tea.  With a somber look, he held out his hand.  “I’d, um, like to meet my youngest nephew, if it’s okay.”  Tea turned to Victor then bent down and held the baby out to Todd.  When he was secure in Todd’s arm’s, his uncle said,  “Hey, there.  I’m sorry it took so long for us to meet.  I’m your dad’s better looking brother, but you can call me Uncle Todd.”  Leo gave him a smile, which Todd returned, saying to him before he handed him back to his parents, “When you’re older, we’re gonna have a little talk about how it’s not polite at’all to scare me like you did five months ago.”  He looked back up at Tea.  “He’s a great looking kid, Delgado.  I see he takes after his mother.”  Victor shook his head from behind his wife as Todd added, “I truly am happy for the both of you.”

Tea was at least gracious enough to say, “Thank you.  And I am happy for you and Blair.”

“Yeah, she told me about you offer.  And I agree with her.  I’m still kind of afraid to go into a church now, but I do have an alternative for you in the godparent department,” he offered, then turned his head to Tina and Cord.  “They would be better candidates for that job.  Especially Cord.  He’s always been almost too good to be true.”

Tea looked to Victor, who once again rolled his eyes.  But he made not vocal protest at his twin’s suggestion.  Instead, he said to Todd, “I guess this means you want it all back, huh?”

Todd looked over at Jessica and then answered, “Well, let’s have a talk later.  There are some things I’ve sort of been holding out on you.”

With narrowed eyes, Victor and Tea moved off to talk to Tina and Cord.  While her parents were huddled with her aunt and uncle, Sarah came over to Todd.  “Well, it’s good to see you so vertical.”  Then she asked,  “How are you really feeling?”

“Feeling well enough to plan a wedding, which I’d like to talk to you about.”  As Sarah sat down next to him, her brother joined them, as did Blair.  “The best wedding I had with Blair had the two of you in it.  So, we discussed it, that when we get remarried, we want you two to be a part of it again.”

Sarah smiled.  “Thank you.  And this time, we won’t have to sneak out of the house to be there.”

Todd laughed at that, then said, “We’ll work out the details, but I wanted to give you a heads up.”

They moved off and Todd found himself looking at Viki.  Her cool demeanor told him he was in trouble with her, and he knew exactly why as she said, “You had to make a comment at my sons, didn’t you?”

“Well, if I can’t make a crack at Kevin, then I wouldn’t feel alive,” Todd replied, offering her his best innocent smile.  “And boy, do I feel alive!”

“You drive me crazy, but I do still love you,” she finally said. 

“You going back to Llanview now?  I got plenty of mother hens here,” he told her, pointing to Blair and then Starr. 

“Well, I will be going back, but you’re not getting rid of me that easily.  Plus, Clint told me that he’s opening a permanent office of BE here in Port Charles.  And guess whose running it?”  Viki told him with a gleeful smile.  Her eyes burst with joy as she turned to Cord, who was still talking to Tina, Victor and Tea.

Todd followed her gaze and let out a groan.  Blair chuckled at his obvious disgust until he told her, “You really want me to let Tina plan our wedding, cause if you keep this up, I will.”  Blair looked suitably horrified and then returned his disgusted looked at her red-headed sister-in-law.

The evening wore on and the entire event was actually subdue.  Dorian didn’t come near him all night, and that suited Todd just fine.  Addie gushed over him and promised Todd and Blair that she’d be right there to help out any way she could.  Todd had always liked Addie and was reassured that his kids had at least one grandparent who was semi-normal.  Liam and Ryder were off playing with Joss, Bree and Sam, while the older kids, his included, weaved their way in and out of conversations.  He soon noticed, though, how Starr and Michael and Jack and Molly disappeared and eventually figured out they had slipped away for more privacy. 

Then Todd looked at his watch.  He signaled to Blair, who gathered Victor, Tea and Jess up and moved them to the dining room.  There, Todd sat at the table, a number of papers in front of him.  When they were all seated Todd began.  “Since I’ve been up here, I learned some more about the circumstances surrounding our birth.”  He then launched into an overview of the relationship between Irene Manning and Edward and Lila Quartermaine.  “In the end, Edward made Victor promise to set up the trust fund for us, but the old man made it more of a contest.  Whoever got to it first got it all,” he said as he slid Edward’s affidavit to his brother.

Victor read it over then handed it to Tea.  “And what, you were never going to tell me about it?” he asked snidely.

“It was an option,” he admitted in all honesty.  “But, seeing as how you expanded the Sun and all the holding while I was incapacitated for eight years, as well as how I’ve continued the expansion up here in Port Charles, I have a deal for you.”

Victor read over the legal papers Todd gave him.  “We split everything?”

“Not so much that.  I give you forty-nine percent of the Port Charles Sun and you give me forty-nine percent of the Llanview edition.  You have controlling interest down there and I have controlling interest up here,” Todd explained. 

“If I’m reading this correctly, it does sound like a fair deal,” Tea said,  “which automatically makes me suspicious.”

“If you want to alter any word you don’t like, be my guest.  My no-good lawyer protested very loudly when I told him, and in all honesty, I still trust you at least a little more then I trust Lansing,” Todd said. 

“What about you, Jess?” Victor asked.  “You’d get screwed in this deal if we agree.”

“Actually, I would ask that you keep her as managing editor.  She did a great job while I was on trial for your non-murder and after I came to and decided to stay in Port Charles,” Todd suggested.

“I really would like to stay at the Sun.  I mean, I can always move over to the banner.  Mom would take me back in a heartbeat if I didn’t have anywhere to go,” Jessie said, channeling a bit of Tess to aid her.

Victor smiled at her.  “I’d love it if you stayed.  Besides, I can’t have the Banner pick up any steam.  We need to put it into it’s grave already.”  Jess retuned his smile.

They were about to get up when Todd asked Tea to stay.  She looked over at Victor but nodded her head and the other three left.  She turned back to Todd.  “This is about Daniella, isn’t it?  If you are threatening to tell Victor, I’ve already done that,” she began defensively.

“This is about Danie and I’m glad you’ve spoken to your husband about it.  How did he react?”  Todd finally asked.

She sat back down slowly.  “He took it better that I thought.  We had a long talk with her also.”

“Good, cause I had a talk with her as well.  And I stand by what I told her before.  She is a wonderful addition to this family.  I really do see hear as a niece.  And I know that my name is on all the paperwork but I have here signed papers handing over all parental rights to Victor if you want it.”  He handed her those papers.  “What do you say, Delgado?  Give Danie the father she really wanted.”

Todd handed her a pen and she looked over the papers, signing and initialing where needed.  Todd did likewise and handed them back to Tea. 

Then Tea surprised him.  “I had a talk with Victor and he knows how much you care about Sam.  And, by his own admission, he was never really the best father to him.  So, with Blair’s approval, I have paper for you to adopt Sam.”

Todd was stunned, but he read over the paper and signed them immediately.   As he stood up, he saw Victor talking to his daughter and smiled.  Tea followed his gaze and moved over to them.  She showed Victor and Danie the papers and they all embraced, eventually walking over to Viki, who was holding little Leo. 

Blair saw him return to the entrance of the study.  “Another family reunited,” she said to him.

“Yeah,” Todd answered, then showed Blair the adoption paper for Sam.  A tear fell down her cheek as she looked over at Victor, who merely nodded his head.  Then Viki approached.

“I have decided that we need a family picture.  Maybe several, one of each of ours.  So, can you please join us?” she asked.

Todd gave her a glare that melted at the sight of his eldest sister’s smile.  Then the furniture was moved and Tea was seated on the couch next to Danie, with Leo in her arms and Victor behind them.  Next up was Todd and Blair with Sam between them and Jack next to his mother and Starr next to her father.  Tina and Cord opted to stand next to the fireplace with their children.  Lastly, Clint and Viki placed themselves on the couch with their daughters next to them (John sitting next to Natalie) and their grandchildren on the floor in front of them.  There was one final picture needed before one large group shot.  Viki and Tina sat in the middle of the couch and their twin brothers sat on either end, Todd next to Viki and Victor next to Tina.  The two men who hadn’t known about each other until a little over a year ago, who didn’t share the same face, but did share nearly thirty years worth of memories, seemed to, at the moment the flash went off, have the same thought.   But Viki, more mother to them then sister, shot each of them a fierce look and everyone gathered laughed, realizing what had just happened.  They instead smiled almost genuinely as the flash went off.

It was this picture, along with the one of him, Blair and his kids, that he placed at the center of his mantle in his home.  All the family he would ever need.            


*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.

Dance with the Devil: Chapter 75

The next morning, Helena Cassadine was trotted into John McBain’s former office at the LPD, having spent an uneasy night in lockup.  John looked at the elegantly dressed prisoner, who had not one hair out of place.  “How was your evening, Mrs. Cassadine?” he asked politely.

“I wish to speak to my attorney,” came her reply. 

“Well, I spoke with your step-daughter, Alexis Davis, but she said she wouldn’t be representing you.  Do you have the name of another attorney we can contact for you?”  John got no reply.  “Alright then, is there anyone else we can contact on your behalf, say your grandson, Nikolas Cassadine?”  Still no response.  “Well, then, nice having this chat,” John concluded, signaling the officer to remove the suspect.

“Wait, don’t you want to know what happened to Mrs. Lord?” Helena asked.

“Well, as I can’t speak to you without an attorney present, I guess I’ll have to wait,” John said.  “Unless you want to talk.”

“You’ll want me to talk, or Mrs. Lord may become very ill,” Helena told him.

“Is that a threat?”

“More like a warning.”

John thought about it for a minute.  “I’m guessing you want something for your information.  Sorry, but I’m all out of great-grandsons.”

“I want immunity from prosecution for my information,” Helena said.  “If you can promise me that, then I will tell you everything.”

“Well, I can say with certainty that won’t be happening.  You’ve been arrested for kidnapping, attempted murder, unlawful imprisonment and a whole laundry list of crimes.  And that’s just in this case.  I’ve found you on Interpol’s most wanted list for multiple murder inquiries, some going back nearly half a century.”  John sorted through papers on his desk until he found the one he was looking for.  “A Kristen Bergmann, murdered in the late 1960’s.  And here’s an interesting one.  One Irina Cassadine, your daughter, is it?  I’m sure my boss, Commissioner Devane up in Port Charles,  will want to speak to you about that one.” 

Helena remained imperiously silent.  Just then, there was a commotion in the squad room.  John walked past the prisoner before saying, “Have a seat, Mrs. Cassadine.  We are not done talking.”  He opened the door to find an unknown man arguing with an officer. 

“I want to see my grandmother,” the man said.

“Nikolas Cassadine?” John asked as the man turned around and nodded.  “John McBain, formerly of  Llanview Police Department, now with the PCPD.  Thank you for coming.”  He led Nikolas off to the side.

“I heard from my aunt about what my grandmother has been up to,” he said.  “You have her in custody?”

“Yes, in fact, she’s right in the next room.  We were just having a chat.  Would you like to join us?” John asked.

Nikolas followed him into the office.  Helena turned in her chair at the sound of the door opening.  “Nikolas, what a wonderful surprise.  And here Lt. McBain thought I’d be left all by myself.”

“Grandmother,” Nikolas said simply.

“And how is my wonderful great-grandson?” Helena asked, gushing.

“Spencer is doing just fine,” he answered, smiling at his grandmother’s obvious distaste of the name.  “Unfortunately, I had to leave him when Alexis called me about you, because there was, of course, no way I would bring my son within a hundred miles of you.”  He moved closer to the older woman.  “My aunt filled me in on Sam and her son.  And then I spoke to my sister.”  Helena just glared at him.  “I knew our family was twisted, but I will admit, that caught me off guard.  And you knew about it all this time.  That my father raped Alexis and left her pregnant and that Sam was the product of the crime.” 

“That little mouse seduced my son and got herself into that state on her own.  Sam Morgan is not fit to be a Cassadine,” Helena said, chin raised.

Nikolas let out a hallow laugh.  “Samantha is more of a Cassadine then I even am.”  He turned to the cop.  “Lieutenant, may we speak in private?”

John nodded and Helena was removed from the room.  He then turned to Nikolas.  “Mr. Cassadine, I’ll tell you, I thought I had witnessed the world’s strangest family last year when I saw a mother take pride in the kidnapping and torture of one son and the brainwashing of another.  Yours, though, takes the cake.”

“Really?  I’d like to meet them.  We can compare notes,” Nikolas said as he tried to come off nonchalantly.  “What has my grandmother done now, besides the attempted kidnapping of Sam’s son?”

It took John a good half-hour to got through the whole convoluted story about Victor Lord, Jr, Allison Perkins and Heather Webber, adding the side notes of Todd Manning’s shooting.  Nikolas asked a number of questions throughout the discussion.  Then McBain told him of the talk he had just had with Helena.  Nikolas stepped to the side of the office and made a quick call.  When he was through with that, he turned back to the detective.  “I believe I have a way to get my grandmother to talk, since no lawyer will be forthcoming.  I will ask you to allow me leeway for the time being.”

“Whatever, you need, within the confines of the law.  I just want the information she has on whatever she has done to Tea Delgado,” John agreed. 

Helena was escorted back in.  Nikolas look over at her.  “The lieutenant tells me you have made a threat against a woman, Tea Delgado.  You will tell me what it is you have done to her.”

“I can be assured you have secured immunity for me, Nikolas?” she asked.

“Why would I do that when I would like to see nothing more than you lock away for the rest of your life?” he asked.

“Then I have no more information to give,” she retorted.

Nikolas nodded and walked to John’s desk.  After dialing a number, Sam’s voice came through the speakers.  “And how are you and my nephew doing?” he asked.

“Alexander and I are fine.  He wants to meet his uncle,” Sam replied.

“I will be there shortly.  We can sign the papers then.  Alexis sent them to me and I am sure you have your copies,” he said as he pulled out legal sheets from his jacket pocket.

Helena became curious.  “What papers?”

“Oh, the papers to abdicate the title and turn it over to Sam for her son,” he said.

“You cannot do that.  You are the Prince,” Helena stated.

“Its was never a title I wanted for myself, much less my son.  Uncle and I got into this argument many times when I was growing up,” he said.  “Now, I’ve learned that I am not even the firstborn of my father and although that honor goes to my sister who cannot herself take the title, she has a son she can pass it on to and for the time being act as a regent.”

John had to smile at the exchange.  He may not have understood all the details of what was going on, but he could tell from Helena’s reaction, this was not close to anything she wanted.  John decided to allow Nikolas more time to play his game.

“There is one way you can stop this.”  He eyes his grandmother carefully.  “Tell the detective everything, and I mean everything he needs to know and I will stop all of this.”

“I would listen to my brother if I were you Helena.  I have no problem in running Cassadine Industries, with the help of my mother, of course,” Sam said from the other end.

With that comment, John realized that Helena had been caught.  The woman’s entire demeanor changed and she slid her eyes over to McBain.  He, in turn, looked to Nikolas and smiled as he said, “Well, played, Mr. Cassadine.  Well played.”

Victor Lord, Junior had been only lightly dozing in the chair next to Tea when he heard the door open.  There, he saw Danie hold the baby carrier.  He checked and saw his wife was asleep then got up and walked into the hall to be with his niece and son.  “When did you get here?” he asked has he hugged her.

“Just now.  Natalie and Liam cam down with us.  We all figured that Mom would want to see the baby as soon as possible,” she said looking over his shoulder.  “How is she doing?”

He looked back into the room.  “Well, the doctors think she’ll be alright, but they want to make sure, so she’s going to be here a few days.”  Then he picked up his son.  “But I bet she’ll feel a whole lot better when she sees him.”  He tilted his head towards the door and they went it. 

Tea began to stir when she felt soft skin beside her.  Opening her eyes, she saw Victor holding a baby.  For a moment, she shook her head.  “No, it’s a dream, they’re dead,” she whispered.

“No, Mom, they are here, alive,” Danie’s voice told her.

“Mija?” she asked, disbelief in her voice.  Danie launched herself into her mother’s arms.  “Oh, Dios, it is you!”

“Mom,” Danie cried, the tears falling from her eyes.  They parted and Victor stepped forward, a baby in his arm.

“There’s someone here who wants to meet you, Mom,” he said, a goofy smile on his face.

Tea’s held out her arms and accepted the baby.  Now, it was her time to cry.  “On my God, this is really happening,” she said in amazement.  Then she looked down at her son.  “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment.”  As if understanding, he grasped her finger and held on tight.  His blue eyes lit up and he even seemed to laugh.  “Victor Lord the Third,” she whispered.

Her husband’s eyes dimmed momentarily.  “Yeah, about that name…” he began hesitantly.  Then he rubbed his son head.  “I can see why you would want him to have that name.  But in all honesty, it’s a name that carries too much weight with it.  Hell, Viki didn’t even want to give it to her son.  And I have to agree with her.”

Tea looked at him.  “I wanted to honor you…”

“I know that.  But now, you don’t need to.  I’m here and I think he needs a different name,” Victor replied.

“Do you have any ideas?” Tea asked.

Victor looked over to Danie.  She nodded and he turned back to Tea.  “I was thinking we should name him after his uncles.”

“You want to name him Todd?” she asked incredulously.  “How can you…I don’t understand…”

“Well, your brother’s name is Tomas and legally Todd’s name is…”his voice faded off.  “Tea, I hate to admit this but if it wasn’t for Todd,  he wouldn’t be here.”  When he continued to get that look from Tea, he chose a different tactic.  “Hey, look at it this way.  Todd’s always hated that name.”

Before she could answer, Larry Wolek rushed into the room with some nurses.  Tea and Victor looked around at them as she handed the baby off to her husband.  “What’s going on?” she asked, getting worried.

“We need to get you into surgery, right away.  We learned what Helena Cassadine did to you,” he said to her.  “The sooner we can get you into the OR, the better it will be.   

As they nurses moved around the wires, Tea looked at Victor.  “Leo, after my father Leon.  Then we can add the Thomas,” she told him as the wheeled her away. 

Victor stepped into the hallway holding his son with Danie standing next to him.  He turned to her and looked at his son.  “Can you tell the family about this?” he asked.

Danie was not sure of what he meant.  “What do you want them to know?’

“That it looks like Tea will be alright.  And that the newest member of the family is Leo Thomas Lord,” Victor said as he kissed his son’s head.  


*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.

Dance with the Devil: Chapter 74

Dr. Larry Wolek had decided to semi-retire a few years ago, but had kept his name attached to Llanview Hospital.  Every so often, he was asked to come in and help out, if they were short-staffed.  That was why hew was in the emergency room that night as they brought Tea Delgado in, followed by a man who looked remarkably like his brother-in-law, Victor Lord Jr.  The EMT’s were firing off information as the man hovered over the lawyer laying on the gurney.

“Sir, you’re going to have to step back while we take a look at her,” Larry said.

“No, I’m staying right here.  Work around me, Larry,” Victor said.

Dr. Wolek was stunned into silence but when he finally regained his voice, his request came much firmer because of whom he realized he was dealing with.  “Victor, you can’t stay right next to her.  Look, can you at least move to the side of the room?  Please?”

Victor looked at him, then kissed Tea’s hand.  “Hang in there honey,” he whispered as he stood off to the side.  He watched Larry, eagle-eyed as he and the nurses when to work. 

“Blood pressure is good, heartbeat is slightly elevated,” Larry said, knowing the other man in the room would badger them if he wasn’t kept informed. 

“We found her unconscious in the cemetery and we think she was injected with something,” the tech informed the doctor. 

“Okay, run a blood test for toxicology.  Start her on an IV and saline.  She is dehydrated,” Larry said.  He looked over to Victor and eventually pulled him outside.  “Do you know where she’s been recently?”

Victor shook his head.  “She was kidnapped a few weeks ago, I think, by this lunatic, Helena Cassadine.  The woman also had my son, but we managed to get him back yesterday.”

“Yeah, Viki called to tell me and let me know about my son “ Larry informed him as he looked the other man up and down.  “Forgive me for asking but how are you…I mean, Todd…”

“Don’t worry about me now, make her better!” he yelled like a child making a demand.

Larry nodded and went back into the room.  Victor paced back and forth in the hallway when Jessica found him.  “Victor what happened?” his blonde haired niece asked.

“We found Tea at the old man’s grave, but she was unconscious.  Larry is working on her now to figure out what’s wrong.  Helena should be in custody if John’s done his job correctly.  Other than that…” Victor said as he peeked in the room.  He could see that Tea’s eye were open and she was talking to Larry.  He barged into the room “Tea?”

She smiled at him weakly.  “Am I dead or dreaming?” she asked.

“No, not dreaming and certainly not dead,” he replied, cupping her cheeks as he kissed her.  “You’re alright?”

“Well, we have her on fluids and we want to watch her for a few days, but right now, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with her,” Larry told him.  He could tell neither one of them was paying attention to him so he excused himself. 

Jessica Brennan saw him come out of the room.  “Uncle Larry, how’s Tea doing?” she asked.

Larry gave her a smile.  “Right now, everything seems alright but I want to keep her for observation.  I also want to get in touch with John McBain.  He may have some more information if he’s questioning this Helena Cassadine.”  He looked back into the room.  “You may want to call your mother and let her know.” With that he walked off.

Jessica made he way to the lounge and called Viki.  When the other end picked up, she immediately told her mother,  “They found Tea.”

Back at the hospital in Port Charles, Viki sent up a silent prayer of thanks.  “That’s wonderful news!  Did the get Helena?”

“From what little I got, they seem to have her under arrest,” Jessica told her.

“Is Victor there?  Can I talk to him?” her mother asked.

“One minute.”  Jessica walked back to the room and entered.  She smiled at Tea as she handed the phone to her uncle.  “Mom wants to talk to you,” she said.

Victor took the call.  “Viki?”

“Victor, how is Tea?” his sister asked.

“Well, she seems fine, but the doctors, they want her to stay for observation,” he informed her.  “And I agree with them.  It all feels…too easy.”

“Do you think she’s like to see her son?” Viki asked, a smile on her face.

At that suggestions, Victor also smiled.  “I think she’d like that.”

“I know Natalie said she wanted to get back to Llanview.  Liam misses his father, so I’ll see what she says about taking the baby along with her,” Viki said.

“Thank you.  I would really appreciate that,” he responded then added, “Tell…tell Todd and Blair the good news for me.”  With that he ended the call.

Viki went back into Todd’s room, he was laying there, talking with Jack about sports when he saw her return.  “Is everything alright?” he asked.

“Ah, that was Victor and they did get Tea back.”  With that said, cheers went up from Starr and Jack.  Blair merely smiled, her memories of her last visit with Tea tempering her reaction.  Todd actually seemed happier about the news.  At last, something seemed to be going right for his evil twin and it had a great affect to lessen any guilt Todd had been feeling for the last few months. 

“I need to call Natalie and see if she’s willing to take the baby back with her when she goes home.  Excuse me,” Viki said as she stepped out.

Jack made a face at his aunt.  “Why does she keep calling him, ‘the baby’?  His name is Victor the Third, right?”

“I think I heard it said some time today that your uncle doesn’t want to give your cousin that name,” Blair said.

“Seriously, would you like to have that name, Jack?” Todd asked.  It still sent shivers down Todd’s back.  He could still remember the conversation he had with the man who supposedly returned from the dead all those years ago telling him he would have been named Victor Lord Jr., if given a say.

Jack had thought it over.  “I can see a point there.  Has he thought of a name yet?  It’s just weird  He was Victor Lord the Third, now, he’s just ‘him’ or ‘the baby’.  They need to give the kid a name already.”

“I think they should name him Todd,” Starr piped in.

“Yeah, like that’ll happen,” Todd snarked.

“Seriously, dad, you delivered him.  I would think you’d be honored,” she replied.

“Starr, as sweet as that sounds, I still have a lot to atone for, not the least of which being that because of me, Delgado thought her son was dead, and then she nearly lost him for real.  I’m the last person they’ll name the kid after,” Todd said.

“Wait, I have a suggestion,” Blair said.  “How about Thomas?  Think about it.  Both of that little boy’s uncles are technically named Thomas.  The anglicized version of Tomas and---”

“Blair, please don’t say it,” Todd said as he put his hands over his ears.  “You know I’ve always hated that name.  Why do you think I’ve always gone by Todd?”

“Thomas Todd Manning,” Blair finished, a smug smile on her face. 

Todd’s head dropped back onto the pillow.  “You know where the Thomas comes from?”  Three pairs of eyes were on him.  “Peter Manning’s father was Thomas.  Irene wanted the name Todd, as we learned from the journal, but Peter had to put in his two cents and stuck Thomas at the beginning.”

“So you were named after your grandfather?” Jack asked. 

“Thomas Manning was no more my grandfather than his SOB of a son was my father,” Todd retorted, his face reflecting his emotions.

Jack looked over at his dad then at Starr.  She shook her head, indicating to drop the topic.  Then she grabbed her bag.  “I think Jack and I should head home.  We’ve been here for how long and I need a shower.  I also want to see the baby.”  She walked over to her dad and kissed his cheek, then did the same with her mom.  Jack did a manly fist bump with Todd and allowed his mother to give him a kiss and ha hug. 

When the walked into the hospital’s hall, he grabbed his sister’s arm  “What is the deal with Dad and his childhood?  I don’t even really remember us talking about it before he came back, with Victor.”

“Jack, there are some things he’s never really talked about.  All I know is that he was abused by Peter Manning and so was his adoptive mother.  It got so bad for her, she left and had to leave Dad behind which broke her heart and Dad’s.”  She looked back at the door to the hospital room.  “Come on, let’s go.”

Back in the room, Blair sat on the bed and took Todd’s hand.  “You know, for you, mentioning Peter Manning’s father name is really opening up.  Is there more to that story about Thomas Manning?”

“You know, Blair, I’m kinda feeling tired.  Maybe you should call the kids and go home with them,” he suggested, trying to avoid the conversation.

“Sorry, but I know this tactic, and it won’t work on me.  Come on, I know you the best and I know you never mentioned a grandfather,” Blair told him. 

Todd turned to her, and took her cheek in his hand as he pulled her in to a kiss.  When they broke apart, he said, “He died just after Bitsy left.  He was a real traditionalist, real old-fashioned.  He didn’t know why she had left and really hated her…until he caught Peter beating the crap out of me.  He warned Peter that if her didn’t stop, he’d tell someone about it.  It didn’t occur to me until I learned that I was adopted what he meant.”

“He would have contacted Victor Lord, you mean,” she reasoned.

“Or at least someone connected to the trust.  But Peter stopped for a few months.  Then Thomas died and the beatings continued.  I hated him for it, initially.  I was too young to put all the pieces together so I misunderstood things then.  That’s why I never went by his name.  And even after I finally understood, Todd just stuck.  I guess now..I see that he was trying to protect me,” Todd admitted.  He let out a sigh.  “One day, in the near future, before we get remarried, I promise you I will sit down with the kids and answer any questions they have about me, my childhood.  I never wanted it to touch them, but if they have questions, I give them answers.”

“Before the wedding?” Blair asked.  When Todd nodded, she repeated it with a smile.  “Before the wedding.”  Then another pause before a realization dawn on her.  “You know, when we do get married, and I hate to mention this, but we’ll be tied with your sister for marriages.”

“What, Viki?  No, trust me, we will never get near Viki Lord numbers.  I mean, this is going to be, what, number eight for her?”  Todd asked, counting the many husbands of his sister off in his head.

“That’s not the sister I was talking about.”  Blair’s eyes slid to him.  When he gave her a perplexed look, she explained further.  “Tina and Cord just had wedding number four to each other last year and this will be our number four as well.”  Todd looks shifted from confused to horrified as he fully understood what she had meant.  Then Blair added insult to injury when she said, “Well, you and Tina have always been more alike then even you realized.  Think about it, you both came back from the dead, you both act stupidly and impulsively, even if you mean well, you have both insisted on how much you loved Cord and I and how we would always belong together.  Maybe the doctors were wrong.  Maybe it’s you and Tina who are the long-lost twins.”

Todd looked about ready to curl up and die.  Thinking back on it, Blair was right, not that he would admit it to her.  But he scrunched his face into so many different contortions, showing the pain of her words, that Blair nearly fell off the bed laughing.  Soon enough Todd was laughing too and it felt good to laugh.  It felt good to laugh and to be alive.    

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.

Dance with the Devil: Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Todd Manning had never been real big on rules.  That was why when he had been moved out of ICU later he had asked his nurse to look the other way and let Blair, Starr and Jack stay in the room the night.  Liz was by now aware of his charm tactics and agreed, since the room he was in was larger than the standard rooms.  So, as it got late, Jack and Starr grabbed chairs and put their feet up on a window sill while Blair managed to fit herself on the bed next to Todd.  This was how Viki and Tina found the family the next morning.

“Will you look at them,” Tina said with a smile.  “They all looks so cute!”

Viki smiled as she walked up to the bed and gentle nudged her brother.  “Good morning Todd.  Feeling any better?”  He opened his eyes and mumbled something at her.  Then he turned to Blair and saw her slowly awaken.  

Blair looked up bleary-eyed at Viki.  “Oh, I must have fallen asleep here last night!” she said, trying to act innocent.

Viki smirked at her.  “Yes, that’s why Nurse Webber gave me that winking smile when I walked past the nurses station this morning,” she replied.

Tina had roused both of the kids and they all gathered around the bed.  “How are you feeling this morning, Todd?” the redhead asked.

“Well, Tina, I was in the middle of a very…stimulating dream until some people had to come and wake me from it,” he told her, his eyes sliding to Blair, who blushed. 

“Dad, please!” Starr exclaimed, her hand going to her ears. 

Todd chuckled.  He did enjoy teasing his family with inappropriate comments.  “Fine, I’ll tell you.  With Blair falling asleep next to me last night, I could fell the weight of her on my legs.  So, I am doing better.”  He looked around, but just saw his sisters.  “We’re my evil twin?”

Viki threw Tina a look, but Todd didn’t seem to notice it.  “Ah, he went to keep an eye on Manning Enterprises.  Said something about an agreement you two worked out for his to run it while you’re recovering.”

“Yeah, I figured I’d better get well soon, so I have the strength to take  him apart when the time comes,” Todd said.

“Or, here’s another idea,” Viki offered.  “You can come to an agreement about managing the inheritance.  I’m sure that was what was intended for it in the first place.”

Todd chose to ignore his sister’s statement.  Changing the topic he asked, “Where’s Victor the Third?”

“The baby’s back at your house,” Viki replied.  “When we left here last night, we picked up some things for him and he was still asleep when I left to come here.  Danie and Sam are being good older siblings and watching over him.”

“Victor also said he was going to have the baby’s name changed when they were able to free Tea,” Tina piped in. 

“I can understand that sentiment.  I sure as hell am glad I’m not named Victor Lord,” Todd commented, then looked at his eldest sister.  “Sorry, sis.”

“Well, I understand why you feel that way.  Victor certainly shares it.  That’s why he wants to change the baby’s name,” Viki said.  “Now, about you.  Have you spoken to the doctors?”

Just them, Danny Wolek walked into the room.  He smiled at the assembled family that was there.  “Hello Aunt Viki, Tina.  How are you feeling today, Todd?” he asked.

“Like I’m being pecked to death by the mother hens,” he said, pointing to Viki and Tina.  “Seriously, I really would like to get out of here, like, now.”

“Well, I‘m here to tell you, you’ll be taken down to the physical therapy room and we’ll see how well you do in there.  From that, we’ll get a workout plan in place for you.”  A nurse same in with a wheelchair and Todd was put in it and wheeled away. 

When he left, Blair hung back with Viki as the kids followed their father.  “What’s really going on with Victor?” she asked.

“He got a call last night from Helena Cassadine.  She wants to meet him in Llanview today at two, at the cemetery.  He went back with John McBain last night and they are going to come up with a plan to rescue Tea,” Viki explained. 

“You didn’t tell Todd that,” she noticed.

“Victor doesn’t want Todd to know and I agree with him.  Todd is feeling a tremendous amount of guilt about this entire situation, which he should.  But with his recovery, I don’t want him to be burdened any more,” Viki said.

The two women made their way down to the PT room to find Tina, Starr and Jack there with Carly Jacks. Todd was on a mat on the floor.  The blonde was exercising Todd’s legs, stretching them out and back.  “Okay, how does that feel?” she asked.

“Hurts like hell,” he replied, a wince on his face.  “Haven’t felt this much pain since my football days.  But I’ll take the pain.  Least I know I have feeling down there.” 

After doing that for a few minutes, Todd got back into his chair and wheeled himself to a set of parallel bars.  “Now, I want you to lift yourself up onto the bars when I tell you,” Carly ordered.  “Blair, why don’t you stand at the other end and Jack and Starr, you two go on either side of your dad.”  With everyone in position, Carly then said.  “Todd, when you’re standing, I’m going to pull the chair away a little.  Now, try standing.”  Todd looked as Blair as he pushed himself off the chair and gripped the bars.  “That’s good, Todd., that’s good.  You want to try taking a step?”

Still looking at Blair, Todd nodded.  Without even being told, he took one step, then another, then another towards Blair.  His kids took the  steps with him, ready to spring into action should their father fall.  Todd made his way down as Carly wheeled the chair behind him.

“That’s it, Todd,” Blair said softly.  She was reminded of Starr and Jack when they were learning to walk.  With each step they took, she would hold her breath, waiting and watching.

“Come on, dad,” Starr said, encouraging him as he moved. 

Jack watched him, eagle-eyed.  “You’re doing it, Dad!  Come on, one more step.”

Finally, Todd reached the end of the bars.  He looked at Blair and, as he reached out for her, collapsed into her arms.  Blair managed to brace him as he fell and held him up as Carly scooted the chair over to him.  Once he was sitting down again, he smiled.  “Look ma, not hands.”  The family all laughed as Todd and Blair kissed.  When they parted, he said, “Now we can start planning that wedding.”

In Llanview, John and Victor were sitting in the cop’s office at the station, going over the final plan with a few other officers.  Victor hung back, staring at a picture he had found the night before at Llanfair.  It was of him and Tea on their wedding day.  He was still looking at it when his phone rang.  He noticed the number and alerted John.  “Where is my wife?” Victor asked as a way of answering.

“She’s with me, Mr. Lord.  And you will get her back, if you follow my instructions,” Helena replied.  When she was met with silence, the conversation continued.  “You were given control of Manning Enterprises by your poor, paralyzed brother, Todd Manning, correct?  With carte blanche power?”

“Yes,” Victor replied, his mind working to figure out what she wanted.  “You want Manning Enterprises?  What are you going to do with a newspaper and a few magazines?  I don’t see you as a football fan.”

“Those assets are worth a great deal of money when separated,” Helena said.  “Nearly one hundred million dollars.  I told you there would be a price to be paid and that is it.  Since you failed to bring me my great-grandson, I will take your brother’s company instead.  And don‘t worry.  I have a lawyer here to draw up the paperwork.”  With that, the call ended.

John looked at Victor when he hung up his end.  “You have the power to sign over those assets?”

“Yeah, I have an agreement with Todd.  He gave me the power before he went into surgery,”  Victor replied, leaning against the desk.  “And I guess the lawyer she mentioned is Tea.  Which means they’ll be ironclad.”  He thought about it for a minute.  “It’s a risk I’ll have to take to get Tea back.”

“Okay then.  It’s almost two.  Lets get into position.  We all know the drill,” John said, coming off like some corny sports coach. 

They headed to the cemetery and Victor waited by the place were the crypt had been.  Viki had it dismantled after Jessica’s bought of DID in 2008.  Most of the remains had been reburied right on that very spot, with the exception of one.  Victor Lord’s grave was clear on the other side of the cemetery, away from the rest of his family.  He looked around again and saw the spot where Joe Riley and Ben Davidson were buried.  Then he noticed one other grave.  Walking over, he stared at his name on the tombstone.  A shiver ran down his spine.  Here it was, the evidence of the lie that his family, especially his brother, had been told about him.

“Yes, it is disconcerting to see your name in a place like this,” a voice  told him.  He turned around to see Helena Cassadine standing behind him, alone.  “I remember when I needed to put my beloved Stavros’ name in stone, even as I worked to have him nursed back from the grave.  No parent should have to bury a child.”

If Victor hadn’t known how sick and twisted this woman was, he would have felt sorry for her.  But he had come to learn the about her and all he felt was disgust.  “Where is Tea?” he asked.

A menacing-looking man approached with a briefcase which was handed to Helena.  “First things first, Mr. Lord.”  She opened it up and took out a legal document.  Closing the briefcase, she handed it to him to use as a desk and gave him a pen.  “For you to sign.”

“I’m not signing anything until you tell me where my wife is,” Victor stated firmly. 

“She is here.  Once you sign these handing me over Manning Enterprises, I will tell you can find her,” Helena said.

Victor took the paperwork and turned away from her.  He perused it, trying to buy time for McBain’s men, who were scouring the cemetery.  At last, he heard the signal and turned back to Helena.  “No, Mrs. Cassadine, no deal,” he told her quietly

All of a sudden, shouts of “Freeze!” could be heard from every direction.  McBain came forward, gun in hand.  “Helena Cassadine, I’m placing you under arrest.  Hands where I can see them!”

Helen looked towards Victor.  “I see you still can’t keep your part of the bargain.  You’ll soon learn the consequences for that.”

Victor’s eyes went wide and he began running around the cemetery, shouting for Tea.  At last, over by Victor Lord’s plot, he saw a lot of activity.  “Tea!” he shouted as he ran.  When he reached it, the cops and paramedics were there.  He tried to get to Tea, but was held back by a number of police officers.  “Let me get to my wife, damn it!  Let me go!” he shouted as he desperately tried to break free and get to her.  “Tea. NO!”      
  
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.

Dance with the Devil: Chapter 72

On the way back to the Manning estate, Viki and Victor picked up a few baby items at Wyndhams.  They got home and were accosted by Danie and Sam, who were eager to see the baby.  After an hour, Danie managed to get Sam to bed and Viki helped Victor with his younger son.  As the child slept in a playpen, Victor hung on the side and just watched him.  His sister stood in the doorway, keeping and eye on the father and son.  Eventually, she was noticed.  “I never had Sam when he was this small,” he told her.  “He looks so peaceful, doesn’t he?”

“Yes,” Viki agreed.  She looked at her brother.  “Little Victor Lord, the Third.”

The father shook his head.  “No, that’s not going to be his name.  I don’t know why Tea even thought of that one.”

“She was honoring you,” Viki reminded him.  “She wanted her son to have something to connect him to you and that name was what she felt would do it.”

“And you didn’t shutter when you heard it, Victor Dalby Lord, III?”  Victor knew that name still got to her.  Hell, it still to him.

Viki grimaced, remembering Tea holding the baby and introducing him to the family.  She could still see the look on Todd’s face as he turned to see how Viki would react.  Though there was more going on that day for him regarding the baby, shoe could tell Todd was still worried about his sister. 

As he stood up, Victor saw Viki’s reaction.  He looked back at his son and then headed out the door, Viki following.  He leaned against the wall and let out a breath.  “The first thing we’re going to do when we get Tea back is choose a different name.  I don’t want my son to live under any shadow associated with that name.”  He then looked at his watch.  “I want to get to he station, see if there’s anymore news on the search.”

“I think I’ll go with you,” his sister said.

“No, I’d like you to stay here,” he replied.  Then he saw the look Viki gave him and realized it was not a suggestion.  “Fine, I’ll tell Danie, have her stay with Sam and the baby.”  A few minutes later, they were headed out the door.  Arriving at the police station, Victor saw McBain.  “Any news on Tea?”

John McBain  looked over as Victor and Viki approached them.  He knew that look on Victor’s face meant business.  “Well, we have bad news and we have good news.  Unfortunately, they found the GPS tracker Ewen put onboard.  We lost the trace up near Lake Champlain.”

Impatiently, Victor asked, “That’s the bad news, right?”

John offered a smirk as a response.  Then he said.  “They, however, didn’t find the wire trace Ewen also put on the satellite line in the yacht.  That’s the good news.  We know from that where Helena is because that can be moved, even off the yacht.  Plus, we did get some more information out of he two accomplices.”  John sat on the edge of the desk as he began his explanation.  “Seems Allison was following Tea all the way from Llanview when Blair sent her up her for Starr.  She may have actually snatched her earlier, but Todd went looking for Tea when she never showed up in court.  He found her unconscious in a hotel parking garage and was trying to get her to the hospital in Tea car, while Allison followed.  She says she witnessed everything that happened, the birth, the complications and Todd seeking help from Heather.”    

Victor absorbed the information and pointed to the interrogation room.  “She in there?”  When John made the slightest nod, Victor headed over the door and crashed in, finding the police commissioner with Allison.

“Mr. Lord!” Anna yelled, but he didn’t stop until he had Allison backed up against a wall by the collar of her shirt. 

“You saw everything that happened the night my son was born and you DID NOTHING?” he screamed at the woman.  “Why?  WHY DID YOU NEED MY SON?”

Allison merely smiled.  “He was repayment, for the sins of a father…and a grandfather…and an uncle for that matter.”

John and Anna were trying to pull Victor off the prisoner before he did any more damage.  “Victor, it’s not worth it,” John warned.

“Where is Tea?  WHERE IS MY WIFE?” came Victor’s next question.

Before an answer could be said, Victor’s phone rang.  He released Allison to answer it.  Before talking into the cell, the voice on the other end asked, “Do you still want your wife?”

Victor looked to John and mouthed Helena.  John moved to a desk and started a trace on the call.  Then Victor turned his attention to the caller.  “Where is Tea?”

“Meet me at the cemetery where the Lord family crypt was tomorrow at two.  And this time, come alone,” Helena ordered.  With that, the call ended.

Victor looked at Anna.  “She’s in Llanview.  I’ve got to get down there,” he said as he walked past Anna towards the door. 

“Wait, Victor,” John said.  He was on the phone.  “Okay, you got that?  Yeah, get back to me after you’ve looked into it.”  John ended his call.  “I just had the LPD check.  No yacht pulled up into a slip.  However, a flight landed about fifteen minutes ago at the private jet at the airport.  It matches the radar signature of a Cassadine jet.”

“So, she got off the yacht somewhere up near Lake Champlain and flew to Llanview,”  Anna said.  “Well, in a way it makes sense.  This all began, from your ‘death’ in Llanview.” 

“Anna, Victor and I are going to head back down to Llanview now and get into position.  I’ll alert the LPD of the situation,” John said.

“You heard her say no cops, right?” Victor said.

“Yeah and if you think you’re going to this meeting alone tomorrow, you really are crazy,”  the cop replied.  “Look, we’ll come up with a plan on the way back to Llanview, but there will be authorities at the cemetery tomorrow.”

At that, Victor reluctantly agreed.  He moved over to Viki.  “Stay with Danie and the boys, please.  And don’t let Todd know.  He’s got too much on his plate.”

His sister just looked at him.  “Victor, stay at Llanfair.  We’ve already got security in place there,” Viki told him.  When he nodded, she gave him a hug.  “Be careful.”  With that, Victor and John left.

Viki made her way back to the mansion and found Danie up.  “What’s going on?” she asked.

Viki sat her down.  “Victor got a call from the woman who has your mother.  He’s going to meet her tomorrow back in Llanview.  John McBain went with him.”

Danie got up and grabbed her bag.  “I want to be there,” she said.  “I want…I want…”

Viki wrapped the girl in an embrace.  “I know you want your mother,” she said, soothingly.  “But your father wants you to stay here.  I’m going to need help with the boys anyway.”

At that, a cry came over the baby monitor.  Danie quickly wiped her eyes of the tears.  “I’d better go check on him,” she said.

Viki stopped her.  “We’ll both go.”

When they got up to the room, Danie went in and picked him up.  “Hey, little guy, what’s the matter?” she asked.  He smelled fine and had eaten before being put down.  As Danie held the baby, his tears subsided.  “Is that all you wanted, to be held?  Or do you want your mommy, hum?”

Viki watched as Danie walked around the room, singing and swaying with the baby in her arms.  He seemed to be smiling as she did that.  Viki sent up a quiet prayer that this family would eventually be reunited.  Eventually, she made her back downstairs when the doorbell rang.  When she opened it, she was relieved to see Clint standing outside.

Walking in, he kissed the top of her head.  “John called me to let me know what was happening,” he said after they parted.

“Yes, Victor got a call while we were at the station.  He was about to strangle Allison Perkins,” Viki said.  “If I didn’t already know she was crazy, I would definitely have figured it out by now.  She said that this whole kidnapping/baby switch was all to pay for his sins, his and Todd’s and father’s.”

“Viki, in all the years we’ve known Allison, she’s never been right in the head,‘ Clint told her. 

“Well, whatever the case, John and Victor are headed back to Llanview and they’re going to come up with a plan.  God, Clint, I just hope Tea’s alright in the end.  I don’t know what my brother will do if she’s not.”

Clint put an arm around her and she leaned against him.  “Hey, I also stopped at the hospital.  The doctors ran some more tests on Todd and they say all is looking good.  In fact, they may even want to have him try standing tomorrow.”

Viki sighed with relief.  “Well, at least Todd’s getting better.  Were Blair and the children still there when you left?”

“Yes,” Clint said, “and I don’t think they’ll be moved until he leaves the hospital.  Blair won’t even hear of leaving him.”

“Okay, well, I told Victor I would stay here with the kids.  Danie’s with the baby, who according to Victor will not have his name, and Sam’s asleep.  I think I may try to catch some shuteye now,” Viki said.

Clint nodded.  “I got you a change of clothes, and one for me.  We’ll stay here the night and go back to the hospital in the morning.”  He kissed her again as they stood.  “It’s been a long day and you need your rest.  Besides, if all turns out the way we all hope, you’ll be dealing with not one, but two ornery brothers soon.”

“Gee, thanks for mentioning that to me,” she replied with a laugh as she made her way upstairs again.  Danie had gotten the baby back down and had turned in herself.  Sam had been asleep since they had gotten home and nothing ever seemed to wake the boy.  Viki made her way to a bedroom and after changing climbed in, falling asleep in Clint’s arms.


*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.

Dance with the Devil: Chapter 71

Blair, Starr and Jack were hovering around Todd’s bed.  “God, Dad, you had us so scared,” his daughter told him.

“Yeah, what took you so long to wake up?” Jack asked.

“Jack, I don’t care.  I’m just so glad you’re awake,” Blair said to Todd. 

Todd looked at the three of them.  He lifted the mask off his mouth and nose again to say, “I love you all.”

Nothing further could be said because the doctors came in.  “We need to see how he’s doing,” Dr. Harmon told the family.  “Can you give us a few minute?”

It was Todd who replied, “They stay.”

Starr pulled her brother back from the bed.  “We promise to stay out of the way, but please, let us stay.”  It wasn’t really a question.  But when Matt nodded his head, Jack and Starr back up to the window, but Blair stayed at the bedside, Todd’s hand firmly in her own, with neither one of them intent on removing them.

Matt went to the foot of the bed and pulled out a needle.  “Even though it’s still early in your recovery, I want to just check something.  You may not even feel anything.  If that’s so, it could just be the pain meds in your system, so don’t panic.”  That said, the doctor proceeded with the test.

In the room, everyone named Manning held their breath.  Blair then looked at Todd’s face which was frozen in a wince.  “Todd, did you feel that?  Did you feel the needle prick?”

“Yeah, a little bit.  Not the greatest amount of pain I’ve ever experienced.  Sure as hell didn’t hurt like when you took the bullet out of my shoulder,” he said.

The sounds out of the room made everyone in the hallway jump.  Viki and Tina were holding each others hands in anticipation and Sarah had the baby when Danny Wolek came out.  “Danny?” Viki asked, hope in her voice.

He nephew nodded.  “It is looking like the surgery was a success,” he said as he smiled.

“Oh, thank God!” Viki cried as she and Tina embraced.

“Cane we…can we go in to see him?” came Tina’s question.

“Can you wait a bit?  I don’t think you’ll get Blair or the kids out of there without dynamite right now and we don‘t want too many people in their at one time,” he told his aunts.  “Also, Dr, Harmon has to run some more conclusive tests just to make sure there’s no post-operative complications.”

“Look, I think I’d better get this little guy home and get back to the station, see if there’s any update,” Victor said.  “Besides, you’ve got a brother and a sister who I know are dying to meet you.”

Viki turned back to Victor.  “Why don’t we come with you, give Todd time with Blair and the children and give Sam and your Danie the good news.”  When Victor nodded, she turned back to Danny.  “Please tell them we’ll be back in the morning.”  As Danny Wolek nodded, the rest of the family left the hospital.

Back in the room, even with their children there, Todd had his eyes locked on Blair.  The oxygen mask had been replaced with a tube soon after and he raised his head to meet her lips.  In full view of Jack and Starr, they kissed and stayed that way until the other two people in the room began to make gagging noises.  Todd turned his head and smirked.  “You two better get use to that,” he said and two sets of eyes rolled back. 

Danny walked back in. “So how are you really feeling?” he asked.

“Well, hungry, for one thing.  A nice porterhouse would probably be enough.  And a glass of single malt, twenty-five years, at least,” Todd told him.

“Well, unfortunately, it’s only going to be ice chips for the rest of the day, then we’ll get you back on solids with breakfast tomorrow,” Dr. Harmon rained on his parade.

“Oh, God, not hospital food!  A burger from Kelly’s at least?” Todd bargained.

“We’ll see,” Dr, Harmon said as he made his way out.

Todd turned back to Danny Wolek.  “Where’d the two mother hens go?  I thought for sure they’d be in here right away.”

“Well, we do try to keep the number of visitors in the rooms down to a minimum and I didn’t think Starr or Jack would want to leave.  Besides, your brother wanted to get his son home and he said something about going to the police,” Danny informed them.

“What, I got abandoned for the kid?  I’ve just been through a very traumatic experience!” he exclaimed, but with a mischievous glint in his eyes. 

“Todd,” Blair gently warned.

“Maybe we should go home, anyway,” Starr offered.

“You will do no such thing.  I want you to all stay here.  In fact, go get yourself something and bring it back for mom too.  We’ll have diner as a family,” he told the kids, then added, “or at least, you will.”

Jack looked at Starr and shrugged his shoulder.  “Sure, whatever.  Mom, a burger okay for you?” he asked.

“Yeah, thanks Jack,” she replied.

“Get me one too and fries, please,” Todd tried one more time.  Starr just shook her head and followed Jack out the door.  They made their way to Kelly’s and found Michael and Molly there.   

“Jack, how’s your dad doing?” Molly asked as she approached him.  Behind her, Michael eyed Starr expectantly.

“He’s awake and he had feeling in his feet!” Starr couldn’t hold back her glee.  Michael ran up to her, picked her up and spun her around.  Molly gave Jack a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.  “The doctors a very confident in a full recover.” 

“Oh, that’s awesome!” Michael said.

“How’s your dad feeling?” Molly asked.

“Well, he’s really hungry but they don’t want him to eat just yet.  But we get to torture him while we eat,” Jack said.

“Oh, and the other good news, well a least partly, is that Uncle Victor’s son is back,” Starr said.  Then she added sadly, “Helena Cassadine took Tea as a hostage for her escape, though.”

“I’m so sorry,” Molly said as she hugged Starr.  “That woman really is a curse on everyone in town.”

“John McBain is on the case.  We’ll get her back, I’m sure of it,” Starr eventually said.  “Listen, we need to get dinner and get back to the hospital.”  It only took a few minutes for the food to be done and the Manning children left, telling their friends they would call them soon. 

When it was just Michael and Molly left, the teenage girl turned to her cousin.  “I think we need to accept the fact that we’ll never be rid of Helena Cassadine.

As Molly was saying that, Helena sat in her cabin on a yacht going up the St. Lawrence River.  She was sipping a glass of champagne when the door opened and as associate brought in Tea Delgado.  “We also found this, Mrs. Cassadine,” he said, hold a tracking device.

“Excellent, Avrim.  You may go now.  Mrs. Lord and I need to have a chat,” Helena said.  The door closed and Helena put down her glass.  She smiled at Tea, almost friendly.  “Well, welcome back to the land of the living.  It is a pleasure meet a kindred spirit.”

“What are you talking about?” she asked as she tried to door, only to find it locked.  “From what I’ve seen, we are nothing alike.”

“Oh, but I think we are.  We are both ruthless, a quality that many find unappealing for our gender.  We are both devoted mothers, at least to one of our children, and we both will do anything to get what we want,” Helena listed, an elegant finger rising from her hand as she counted off.  When Tea continued to look at her confused, Helena elaborated.  “Well, your legal reputation precedes you.   How you got Todd Manning, I’m sorry, Victor Lord off on kidnapping that poor woman, Margaret Saybrooke a few years ago, well, it was brilliant.  You showing your devotion to my great-grandson while he was placed in you care  by Mr. Manning shows a remarkable maternal instinct and marrying both of Victor Lord’s sons to get a place in society, a place you always wanted, well, it is something I can understand.”

Tea stood there, openmouthed.  She didn’t know what to say.  “We are nothing alike,” she repeated as she came to the slow realization of what Helena was saying. 

“You were in essence the other woman between Todd and his wife, Blair, is it?”  Helena asked.  “Unlike I, whose husband was taken by the  governess, you managed to win the man and raise the child, at least for a little while.  Then, of course, there is your daughter, Daniella Manning.  But then she isn’t really Mr. Manning’s child.  How do you think he will react to that?”

“He knows the truth,” Tea admitted.

“Oh, silly me, I meant Mr. Lord.  How will he react to learning that they child you presented him with three years ago isn’t really his?”  Helena asked.  “A volatile temper, that one.  Much more unpredictable than his brother.”

Tea turned back to Helena.  “What are you going to do with me?” she asked.

“Well, Mr. Lord ruined my initial plans and now I must think these things through.  But don’t worry.  As soon as I know, you will.”  Helena went to a table and rang a bell.  Avrim returned.  “Take Mrs. Lord, or should I say Ms. Delgado, back to her stateroom and get her something to eat.  We have quite a journey ahead of us.”

“Wait!  Can you answer me one more question?” Tea asked.  Helena waited expectantly.  “Will I get to see my son?”

“All in good time, my dear.  All in good time.”  Tea was taken back out of the room.  Helena went back to her glass and took another sip, planning her next move.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.