Memories Unlocked #38

Chapter 38

Vargas found himself taken from his cell. “Hey, what’s going on?”

The officer merely looked at him. “Someone wants to talk to you.”

“I’m not talking to anyone without a lawyer?’ Vargas scowled at the officer. “I have my rights, you didn’t even let me call anyone.”

“You’ll get your call.  Right now you’re coming with me.”

Vargas frowned but allowed himself to be hauled upstairs.  The next thing he knew he was put into an interrogation room.  A few seconds later, the commissioner walked in.

“We’ll have to make this quick.  I just learned there is already a lawyer looking to get you released.  His name is Phillips. Do you know him?”

Antonio looked at his boss.  “No, he’s not one of Bernardo’s lawyers.”

“Okay, then it’s a safe bet someone else is looking after you.  What did you find out?”

“They’ve approached Bernardo but he wanted to meet with O’Brien.  Word has come down that it’s not going to happen. Bernardo is really pissed.”

“Do you think Bernardo will give in and work with the syndicate?”

“I doubt it,  Bernardo likes his power and he’s not about to let someone he doesn’t know come in and make off with his territory.”

“I see”  Bo sat on the end of the table. He looked at the man in front of him and to tell the truth, even up close, he looked nothing like his friend Antonio Vega.  Vega had been willing to undergo some Botox treatments and some prosthetics to change his looks. His face was fuller and he wore some gnarled scars on his left cheek. He had also died his hair black. But Bo could still see a lot of Antonio when he looked at him.  “Are you sure you want to continue this? What if someone from your old gang sees you? They could mess up this whole scheme.”

“Bo, I knew what I was getting into.  Look, I made sure none of my former pals are anywhere in town. My gang dissolved years ago when we cleaned up Angel Square.  Most of them scattered and those that didn’t are dead. All of Bernardo’s men have only recently come here, they followed Bernardo from New York.  They have no real family here. I think I’m safe.”

Suddenly a cop popped his head into the room.  “The lawyer’s on the way?”

Bo stood up and rounded the table standing opposite Antonio.  “Listen, Vargas, one of my men ended up in the hospital because of your gang.  I can’t get the ones who hurt him but I have you. I’m going to see you go to prison for it.”

“That won’t be happening, Commissioner,” said a man standing in the doorway. “I’m Harold Phillips and I’m here to see that my client isn’t tried for something he had nothing to do with.  I have sworn statements from several store owners who live on the street where your officer was hurt and all of them say that Mr. Vargas never touched the officer in question. I demand you release him at once.  I’m sure the Mayor would frown if you railroad an innocent man.”

Bo exchanged a quick glance at Antonio and then growled. “Harrison, release Vargas.  Mr. Phillips, I suggest you find another more worthy client then Vargas here. He’s street scum and isn’t worthy of your trouble.” With that, he stormed out of the room. A short time later Antonio found himself on the street.

“Mr. Phillips, thank you.  You’re not one of Bernardo’s regular attorneys.  It usually takes them a day or two to get any one of us free.  Where did he find you?” Antonio took a good long look at his new lawyer waiting for an answer.

“You don’t need to worry about that.” said another man who approached them.  “I’m
Bart McKinney  I’ve been authorized to offer you a deal.  I’m not sure if you heard but I’ve been told Mr. Bernardo met an unfortunate accident last night while the police held you.”

Surprised Antonio struggled to keep his composure. “Bernardo’s dead?”

“If my sources are to be believed and I trust my sources.  Surely the police already know this? If not, I’m sure they are finding it out as we speak.” McKinney watched Vargas intensely to see how the man took the news.  He could tell Vargas was shocked but he still needed to know what Vargas would do next.

Antonio’s mind was working a mile a minute.  O’Brien hadn’t wasted any time. When Bernardo wouldn’t fall in line  O’Brien had just eliminated him from the equation. Bo was right., the syndicate meant business.  He shoved a hand through his hair. “Wow, well I guess I need to get back to my men. With Bernardo gone, they’ll be itching to make some trouble. I take it that Mr. Phillips here is your man.  What is this offer you have in mind? I need to hear it quickly, the gang will be in an uproar with Bernardo dead. I’ll need to get to them soon and settle them down.”

McKinney smiled. “Excellent, you’re just the man I hoped you would be.  We want you to work for us, You and your gang already have a hold on the people of Angel Square.  I‘m aware you’re currently running a protection scheme. My boss wants to take that to a new level.  But he needs men already in place. You would be working under me and taking orders. All you have to do is give those same orders to your men.  What do you say? Answer carefully, Mr. Vargas. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up having an unfortunate accident too?”

Antonio realized he had no choice but to accept.  Still, getting into the syndicate wasn’t the problem, getting enough on them to get rid of them was.  McKinney had made it very clear that O’Brien was still out of reach. One step at a time, Vega.  Antonio held out his hand. “I understand perfectly.  I’ll get the men to toe the line. You have us. The next step is yours.”

****  

It had been over a week since Blair and Todd had discussed O’Brien’s Syndicate.  Blair refused to back off and when she discovered that a street gang leader had been killed suspiciously she had turned all eyes on the organization.  Strangely, she hadn’t received anymore threatening calls. For his part, Todd had been working extra hard to get his legs strengthened. Just that morning he had walked the whole length of the parallel bars in the therapy room without the use of the braces.  It was the first milestone he had been working for, unfortunately, he still didn’t have the strength in his legs to climb steps and he desperately wanted to finally get upstairs in his penthouse.

He had a fantasy of calling Blair over and then greeting her by walking down the stairs.  He wanted to see her eyes and be able to pull her into his arms while standing up on his own two legs.  His stomach growled letting him know it was time for lunch and his date with Blair. He rolled his chair to the curb where Williams and the van sat waiting.  Todd positioned his chair and locked the wheels in place and reached for the seat belt. “Williams, let’s go. You know Blair is always ready to eat by now.” He started to reach for a drink when a bag was suddenly flung over his head. “What the…” he reached to remove the bag but felt his hands grabbed and someone zip tied them to his chair.

“Relax, Mr. Manning, we’re just going for a little drive.”

Todd’s heart was beating a mile a minute and he was trying to control the panic attack that was threatening to take him over. He still had some trouble with tight spaces and a hood over his head reminded him of being stuffed into a trunk, bleeding, and taking a long flight off of a cliff.  It took him a minute to steady his breathing and his mind was racing, he was rich but he didn’t have any current enemies that he knew of. Of all times to be incapacitated. Todd seethed, he was so close to being able to walk but whoever had him had timed things perfectly and he was caught in a stupid wheelchair “Who are you?”

“ Oh, I’m just someone who’s concerned about you and your family.  Let’s just say, as long as you behave yourself this will just end up being a short vacation for you.  Don’t worry you’ll be back home before you know it, but only if that wife of yours is smart. Although on that I have some doubts, she strikes me as a pretty dumb blonde who doesn’t know her place, so she’s going to learn. Sean let’s go.”  The car began to move.

Todd didn’t like that last statement at all.  His heart sank as he realized who had him. Blair wasn’t going to see this coming and Todd had a bad feeling his captivity was only the tip of the iceberg. The fact that they had taken him told him they weren’t ready to all-out kill her but they planned to make her suffer by using him.  He kept his voice steady. “It won’t work, She’ll never go along with your demands, I’m just not that important to her except as the biological father of her kids. We don’t even live together. Sure she’ll be upset if something happens for the sake of the children but she won’t lose any sleep over me.”  Laughter came from the seat across from his chair and he heard a drink being poured.

“Hah, Tsk, Tsk, Mr. Manning, you should know better than that.  We’re very thorough. We know she flew all the way to Guam to bring you home.  I must say I am surprised you haven’t been living with her though. I imagine she’s probably good in bed or maybe you just haven’t been able to get it up since your accident.  I'm guessing that’s why you’re living apart. Too bad, if she wasn’t so interfering, I wouldn’t mind having a bit of that ass myself.”

“Why you son of a bitch. If you so much as put a hand on her you’re a dead man!” Todd’s hands had been gripping the arms of his chairs so tightly as the man talked but now he struggled to break free. All he wanted to do was get those same hands around his captor’s neck.  

“Temper, temper, Mr. Manning.  She’s okay for now. You will be too, as long as Mrs. Manning stops writing her articles.  By now, the police will have found your chauffeur and I’m guessing she’s received word you are missing.”  

“This isn’t going to work.  The cops will be on the lookout for this limousine, once Williams is found.”

“Of that, I’m certain, which is why this is where we get off.”  

The van came to a stop and Todd prayed they were just going to just leave him and the car but unfortunately they had other plans.  Suddenly Todd felt a knife drive into his shoulder. He almost passed out from the pain and blood traveled down his arm. God, please let it be a flesh wound.  He started feeling dizzy and worried they had struck an artery.  Before he passed out he heard another man enter the van.

“Bart, that wound is bleeding bad. The boss doesn’t want him dead.”

"It will be fine.  He’ll be stitched up as soon as we get on our way.  The boss also said leave evidence that we aren’t kidding.  I think the blood will do just that.” McKinney checked Manning’s pulse,  “He’s still alive. Let’s move, we need to be gone before some cop sees this Limo.”  After rolling him off, they removed him from his chair and dumped it next to a garbage bin.  Then they laid him in another vehicle and left.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Memories Unlocked # 37

Chapter 37

O’Brien looked up as his second lieutenant walked into his office. “Tell me we’ve got that broad under control.”

“Sorry Boss, she’s digging in and doesn’t believe we’ll hurt her.  Do you want me to take a couple of the fellas and show her we mean business.”

“No Damn it!  That the last thing we need to do.  Thanks to her articles, the police in this town are starting to turn their eyes toward us and are beginning to believe her accusations.  They’ve stepped up their presence here in Angel Square. Right now, she doesn’t have any proof to back up her articles. If we strike at her, it will prove her articles are true.  No, we have to think of another way to get her to back off. Get me more detailed information about her family and colleagues. Maybe we can use them to put the scare into her.”

“Gotcha.  The leader of that street gang wants a meeting.  Says he wants to meet you in particular. I told him that was a no, but he’s putting up a stink.”

“I see, who’s his second in command?”

“Some punk named Antonio Vargas.  He seems to know his place. I’ve watched him back up his leader, and he’s good at keeping the gang under control.”

“Take out the leader, then we’ll negotiate with this Vargas guy.  Make sure he understands you are his connection. There will be no meetings with me.  If he wavers, take him out too. That will put a scare in the gang and they’ll do whatever we tell them.  Don’t forget I want information on that Publisher broad. She’ll drop the articles or else.”

****

Vargas stood talking to a group of men lounging around on several stoops in the Angel Square Area of Llanview.  They were keeping a loose watch out for cops as several of the men tagged an alley with their colors. Vargas spotted some beat cops headed their way and whistled alerting the men to cease what they were doing.  As the cops approached them, Vargas watched as several men started to deride them.

“Lookie lookie, it’s some of the big bad Commissioner’s boys sent to protect us citizens.”

One of the men dropped to his knees and pleaded. “Mr. Policeman, I need your help.  That bad old store owner has said he’ll harm me if I make a move to enter his store again.” The men laughed as the officer looked angrily at the man on his knees.  

“Get up, Rodrigues.  I should take you in because you trashed his store last week but Mr. Santos is afraid to press charges.”  he turned to another man sitting on the top step of the stoop. “Bernardo, break up this little gathering. The Commissioner has promised the people some protection.  You won’t be able to intimidate them much longer. We cleared Angel Square of your type before and we can do it again.”

The laughter stopped as Bernardo stood up and made his way down the stairs.  At first glance, he looked pretty mild-mannered, like he didn’t quite fit into a gang, but then you met his eyes and they were cold and pierced right through you.  You realized you were watching a predator, like a poisonous snake you gave a wide berth too. Bernardo ruled with an iron fist and his men followed because he even intimidated them.  He sneered as he stepped right into the officer’s space, making the man take a step back.

“I don’t like threats, Officer.  This is our neighborhood and if you know what’s best, you’ll tell the Commissioner that we aren’t going anywhere.  I think you need to show some respect. What do you say, fellas? Let’s teach them how to show respect.”

Carlotta Vega had been watching the officers and when she saw the gang leader stand up, she quickly called the police.   “Yes, I’m calling from Angel Square,. Send help, your men are in danger….Yes, it’s going down just across the street from my cafe. Please hurry.”  She watched helplessly as Bernardo’s men surrounded the officers.

Vargas moved quickly, behind one of the officers, and forced him to his knees, while several others took down the second patrolman. Vargas saw the second officer attempt to fight and with his hands tied up holding the first officer and keeping him on his knees, he was unable to stop the glancing blow the second officer received knocking him out. “Enough,” he commanded. The men stopped from hurting the officer any more and Vargas met the angry eyes of Bernardo.  “Don’t be a fool, you made your point. If they kill him we all go to jail. Look around, we’re attracting attention.”

Bernardo frowned,  He looked at the officer still on his knees. “You’re lucky my man spoke up.  From now on I only want to hear ‘Yes Sir’ when you see me.” Just then sirens and cars came around the corner. In the distraction, the officer Vargas was holding onto slipped his hold and began fighting with Vargas.  Bernardo and his men scattered, leaving Vargas still wrestling with the officer as help arrived.

Carlotta watched as they took Vargas into custody and an ambulance was sent for the downed officer.  She said a prayer the officer wasn’t badly hurt, but her eyes followed Vargas as he was put into the policemen’s car and taken away.

O’Brien’s man watched the whole thing play out.  It was clear to him that Vargas was the man they wanted.  He had taken command of the situation and had stopped his own leader effectively before real trouble had happened.  Although arrested, he hadn’t really hurt anyone and it would be easy for O’Brien's lawyer to get him out of jail. Vargas would owe O’Brien.  He smiled and pulled his phone to make a call.

****

Blair was putting the finishing touches on the headline.and was just getting ready to send off to the printer when Sam Rappaport entered. “Where have you been?  Starr told me Matthew was spending his time with Nora and Troy for the last couple of weeks. You just disappeared. I know you were upset about my decision to stay with Todd but going off to sulk doesn’t become you, Sam.”

Sam frowned and ran a hand through his gray hair.  Blair wasn’t far off. He had left in a huff. Although he had seen the proof in Todd’s records, he still hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that Todd was playing everyone again.  ”I had to go out of the country. I ran into Tea and she told me about the island and Todd’s time there.”

“Let me guess, she told you that Todd offered to marry her again if she would help him get the children.”

Sam was shocked. “That’s exactly what she told me.”

“I’m sure she also regaled about the fact that she and Todd had sex, right?”

Sam couldn’t meet Blair’s eyes.  Tea had done just as Blair said. He had been overjoyed thinking he could tell Blair and she would toss Todd aside after she heard that, but from Blair’s tone she had already forgiven Todd his indiscretion.  He cleared his throat. “Blair, if you know he was unfaithful to you, how can you stand there and tell me you’re going to stay with him?”

“Sam, I wasn’t so faithful myself.  You know I tried to seduce Troy and besides, what you’re not remembering is Todd got on that raft and was determined to get home to me and the children.  That in itself, tells me Tea meant nothing to him.” Blair finished stacking her papers on her desk and looked over at Sam. :”I’m surprised you didn’t ask me how I knew about Tea?”

“
           “Well, I’m asking now.  How did you find out about Tea and Todd?”  Sam folded his arms across his chest. He was pretty sure of the answer.

“Todd told me”

Sam smiled. “Aha, I told you he was lying about his amnesia.  Okay, I admit he was injured but now you tell me he told you about the island.  How do you know he isn’t lying about his walking too? Maybe he’s just pretending his disability to get your sympathy.”

“Sam stop.  I know you talked to Larry and I’ve had talks with both Larry and Troy.  Both Todd’s amnesia and paralysis were real. But Todd’s getting better, his memories are coming back to him now and he told me about the island because he didn’t want me to find out from Tea. herself.  I believe him. Am I happy he had a fling with Tea? Of course not, but I cling to the belief that Tea told Sam Vance the truth when she was rescued. Tea told her that nothing and no one could talk Todd out of getting on that raft to come home to me.  I believe that. I see his love in his eyes when I look at him every day. He wants me, Sam, not Tea or anyone else.  As far as the paralysis goes, Todd’s getting feeling now in both legs and I know he’ll be back on his feet soon. He’s not trying to play on my sympathy.  Todd’s frustrated by how slow his recovery is going. He really hates being incapacitated.”

Blair walked over to Sam and laid a hand on his arm.  “Sam, what happened between you and Todd? You were disappointed in him and shocked by what he did with Jack but if anyone understands Todd’s motives for doing things I thought you did.  Why are you still trying to find fault with him?”

Sam couldn’t stop himself, he took Blair’s hand in his. “Blair, he’s not good for you.  He’ll hurt you again and I just don’t want that to happen. We were getting closer and I felt…”

Blair pulled her hand free. “Don’t Sam. We had something a long time ago, and I know you were hoping to rekindle that but it’s not going to happen.  You’re my friend and I’ll always be grateful you were here when everything happened with Jack but my feelings for Todd never changed. I love him, Sam.  I don’t think I ever stopped loving him.”

“Hey Blair, you’re holding up the paper.  They need your final draft on that headline.”  Todd rolled to a stop when he saw Sam standing next to Blair.”Oh, … umm, Sam, I haven’t seen you in a while. Are you keeping busy these days?” Todd saw the glance between Blair and Sam.  “Oh, I get it, you’re still trying to convince Blair I’m faking everything. You used to be on my side,”

Sam faced Todd, “Yes, well that was before you pulled all your stunts and hurt so many people.  I just can’t trust you anymore, Todd. You were wondering where I’ve been, You might be surprised to know I just got back from seeing Tea.”

“Tea;, huh, I know she, and that Ross character, were rescued by Sam Vance.  I’m glad they got off that island. Is she doing okay?”

Sam was disappointed, he had hoped to shake up Todd.  “She’s fine. she told me about your stay on the island.”

“Yes well, I  still can only remember bits and pieces of my stay. You heard my memories are coming back right? I remember Ross was a regular boy scout.  If he hadn’t been there we probably would have starved. Yep, he and Tea got along great. They must have felt like Adam, and Eve once they were alone on that island without me being the third wheel.”  Todd looked at Blair, ”Um, Blair, they’re still waiting in printing.”

Blair looked from Todd to Sam and picked up her final draft. You could cut the tension between Todd and Sam with a knife.  She walked over and gave Todd a quick kiss.“I’ll be right back. Behave,” she whispered into Todd’s ear as she left.

Todd stared quietly at Sam.  “You brought up Tea on purpose, didn’t you?  You found out she and I slept together one night on the island.  You just had to come and bring Blair that news. Did you get the response from Blair you were expecting because I’m guessing not?  I might not have all my memories back yet and some of them still come at me in nightmares but I remember that night on the island. Yes, Tea and I had sex, but that’s all it was.  I woke up dreaming of Blair. Sam, do you understand? Tea doesn’t do it for me? She never did. That’s why our whole relationship was so toxic. Don’t get me wrong, I cared about Tea and I still do, but I never loved her.  She knew that. She‘s the one who gave me my picture of Blair and the kids to carry home with me when I set off on that raft. That picture was the only thing I had when I woke up in Guam and even though I didn’t know who they were I couldn’t throw that picture away.  That’s how important Blair and the children are to me. Damn it, Sam. You know I love Blair. Stop trying to come between us!”

Sam was all prepared to pounce on Todd for his acting so nonchalantly about the island and Tea and had been taken aback by Todd’s righteous anger and accusation. It hit him right between the eyes. Sam abruptly sat down on the couch. Todd was right, ever since he heard that Blair found Todd he had done everything in his power to stop Blair taking Todd back.   It wasn’t his right to do that. No matter what he felt for Blair. She didn’t feel it for him. She cared for Todd and he had known that for a long time. He met Todd’s eyes. “You’re right. I have been trying to get in between you two.  Blair’s a good woman and you’ve hurt her so many times, Todd. She deserves better.”

“She does.  But we love each other.  All I can do is try and do better for her. You know me Sam, but so does she and she’s willing to try again.  I can’t promise I won’t hurt her again, but I prayed to God when I was on that raft that if he got me home to her I would make every effort to change into the man she needs.  All I’m asking you to do is give us a chance.”

 

Memories Unlocked # 36

Chapter 36

The next few weeks after getting his memories back had been exhausting for Todd.  He had overseen the remodeling done at the penthouse and had set up regular therapy sessions at the hospital.  He continued to use the wheelchair when he went into The Sun and when Blair asked him why he didn’t use the brace more often along with a crutch, he told her the truth. He couldn’t stand wearing it..  

Every day from ten in the morning until noon, he worked with his therapist.  The last half hour was devoted to working with the brace and he hated every minute of it.  The right leg had improved immensely but the therapist still insisted he wear the brace because the muscles needed time to recover.  Todd was convinced it was unnecessary because he was now able to put all his weight on that leg without any problem. When the brace for the left leg was added, Todd felt the impact of his disability even more.  He had gotten used to the chair but for some reason, the braces made things harder. He was grateful they got him on his feet, but he hated the feeling of helplessness they gave him. He now remembered everything he had gone through to get back to Blair from Ireland, and the braces just brought that whole ordeal back into focus and also reminded him of the outcome of that return.

He could have done without those memories forever.  He had woken up several nights in a row as his memories kept coming back and more than once he had broken out in a cold sweat as all his sins came to light.  The things he had done to so many people including Blair and Vicki were beyond bad and yet both Blair and Vicki had forgiven him. He still couldn’t understand how they continued to love him but he was grateful they did.

Todd glanced out the window of the van as Williams pulled into The Manning Building parking garage.  It had been another grueling workout but the therapist said he was right on schedule and would probably be walking without support soon.  Todd was pleased and all he wanted to do was have a nice luncheon with Blair and an even better evening. He rolled into the executive office outer room and overheard Blair talking to someone on the phone.

“Look, your threats are useless.  This is America, and as a publisher, I have the right to inform the citizens of Llanview about the thugs coming into their town.  If Mr. O’Brien doesn’t like the publicity maybe he should consider finding another town to set up house in that will cater to his kind.”  Blair slammed the phone down and walked behind the desk muttering to herself’

Todd rolled over to Suzanne.  “Did I just hear Blair say the word ‘threat’?  Is this the first time?”

“No Sir, that call was the third one this week.  I’m worried. Mrs. Manning won’t take them seriously.  She says they’re bluffing to try and stop her from writing her articles.”

Frowning, he looked at Suzanne.  “I want to be notified immediately if she gets another call like that.”  He rolled into the main office. “Hey Babe, you look a bit out of sorts. Tell me which idiot here at the paper is giving you trouble and I’ll fire them immediately.”

Blair laughed. “Stop that.  No one here would dare give me any trouble now that you’re back in town.  Your reputation for instant dismissals is too well known.”

Todd grabbed her hand as she neared him and pulled her down onto his lap and gave her a kiss

.After a quick gasp, when she found herself in his lap, Blair wrapped her arms around him and returned his kiss passionately.

When they finally came up for air, Todd frowned at Blair.  “Is there anything you want to tell me?”

Blair looked at him in surprise. “Like what?”

“Like how you’ve been getting threatening calls.  Why the hell would you keep that from me? I thought we were starting over clean.  No more secrets.”

Blair put her hands on his shoulders, her eyes meeting his.  “Todd, it’s nothing. If I don’t get a threat every other week I figure The Sun isn’t doing its job.”

Todd took her hands off his shoulders. He could see on her face she had no idea of the hornet’s nest she had stirred.“This is different, Blair.  Suzanne says these calls have been from O’Brien and his syndicate. I warned you, you needed to be careful. You’ve been stepping on some serious toes  These guys play for keeps.”

 

“I’m a big girl Todd.  They wouldn’t dare harm someone from the press. “  She slipped off his lap. “You went after the Men of 21. Why is it wrong of me to go after these guys?” Blair had no sooner said the remark when she realized Todd probably had no memory of that occasion.  “Todd, I …” She paused as she realized Todd wasn’t looking at her any longer.

Todd found himself looking at Patrick and Mahoney fighting over the gun and then the shot rang out. Mahoney stood tall for a minute as Patrick backed away from him.  Mahoney collapsed and Patrick soon followed. Todd walked over and nudged Mahoney but he was dead. He then turned his attention to Patrick, the blood was spreading across his chest. Todd moved to Patrick but then backed off as Bo and the police came through his door.  The next thing he knew Marty came screaming into the room going straight to Patrick. She was hysterical trying to staunch Patrick’s wound. As Marty held him, Patrick looked right at Todd

“I’ve repaid you for saving my life in Innishcraig.”  His breathing was labored

Todd could only look on silently as Marty pleaded. “No! No! Don’t even think about dying!”

Patrick gasped continuing to look directly at Todd.  “In the end, you’ll pay for what you’ve done and you’ll know that I saved your life and the life of your beautiful daughter.  That’s the beginning of your punishment.” Patrick turned his attention to Marty telling her what she meant to him and then he died in her arms.

Todd looked on with sorrow knowing he had once again hurt Marty.  

Bo turned to Todd. “Manning, I need to know what happened?”

Marty glared at Todd as she continued to hold Patrick.  Her tone was laden with hatred as she spit out the words.  “Right, got to give them a statement. Got to tell them why all this happened. Tell how it’s all your fault and Patrick’s dead”

“Marty, I…”

She screamed. “Don’t say my name! You’re not a man, you’re a Curse!”

Just then, Blair burst in looking for Starr. She looked around and saw the carnage. Her eyes met Todd’s. “You’re a magnet for Chaos, Danger, and Death!”  Those last words reverberated through Todd and he found himself gasping for breath.

Even as she watched Todd, she realized the memory he was having was a bad one.  When he started struggling to breathe she knew she had to get him out of the memory. She sat down on his lap again and wrapped her arms around him. “Todd, let it go.  Whatever is holding you is something from long ago. Let it go. Come back to me.” His breathing got more regular and she brought one hand up to his face. “That’s it, Todd.  Look at me. I don’t know what happened, I’m sorry.”

Todd took a deep breath. His eyes met Blair’s.  “I didn’t want him dead. I just wanted to get him gone from Llanview.   He was never supposed to die. God, you and Marty were correct I’m a curse who only hurts the people he loves.”

Blair was baffled.  “Todd, who died?  I don’t understand.”

“Patrick, he died because I couldn’t let go of my hate.  He died because my articles to destroy him and the Men of Twenty-one brought the killer to my door.”

As she listened, Blair finally realized what had brought on the memories.  “Oh my god, Todd, this happened because I brought up those articles. I never should have mentioned them.  I was just trying to make a point. But Todd, you need to know something. Patrick didn’t die. He and Marty went into hiding.  You didn’t kill him. And one thing more, I never called you a Curse and if Marty did she was wrong. You’re your own worst enemy.  Yes, you’ve hurt us, but in the end;, you are the one that hurts himself the most. We’ve all had a support system but you always end up alone, and I’m not going to let that happen again.  I will fight your demons for your soul if that’s what it takes. Do you understand me?”

Todd gazed at Blair. He took in her features from her gorgeous green eyes to her silky hair.  One would never know just looking at her, just how scrappy a fighter she was. It still puzzled him how she continued to love him.  He knew one other thing, despite her scrappiness, Blair was impulsive and took chances. The memory he had just endured reminded him just how dangerous it was to play games with the mob.  She was waiting for an answer so he gave her one. “I understand. But now I need you to listen to me. I played with fire when I tried to take down Patrick and I got burned. I don’t want to see you go up in flames.  I need you to back off O’Brien’s Syndicate. I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but you should let Bo handle him for a while.” Blair started to say something and Todd put his hand over her mouth. “I’m serious, Blair.  I won’t lose you again.”

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Memories Unlocked # 35

Chapter 35

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

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

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

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

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

****

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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