The Mysterious Samuel Toddman: Chapter 30

 Blair and Vicki followed the ambulance as it left the cemetery. Vicki knew they were in for a media circus. There was a sizable crowd at the gates.  Most were wondering who would need an ambulance in the middle of the night at a cemetery. Everyone loved a good ghost story and when word had come into the Banner's Newsroom of the EMT call to the cemetery, they had wasted no time getting a reporter to the scene. In typical fashion for reporters, The Banner's investigator had managed to get a ringside seat outside of the crypt. He had managed to get pictures of the name on the crypt and one, of the man being carried out on the gurney.  As he was about to head back in, the reporter spotted some of The Sun's reporters also there. It was going to be a race to see who scooped who tonight.

 Once outside the gates, the ambulance had gone to the hospital with sirens on. When Blair pulled in behind the ambulance at the ER, she and Vicki watched as they wheeled Todd in. Blair looked over at Vicki, she had been quiet for the drive to the hospital, they both had been lost in thought. Blair wondered if Vicki was up to what was about to take place now that Todd was home. But then again, she wondered if she was. Blair and Vicki joined Starr as they stood outside the room where the doctors were working on Todd.

 "How's he doing?" Blair asked.

 "Mom, he had another attack in the ambulance, they had to shock him to bring him back. Mom we can't lose him again. We just can't." Starr replied anxiously.

 Vicki looked at her niece. " Your father is the most stubborn man I know. He won't let a thing like a heart attack take him out. I'm sure of it." Deep in her heart Vicki prayed that was true. She really wanted to be able to see him with his eyes open and wisecracking some joke about how Lord Hearts are really made of Rubber, and they always bounce back.

 The doctor finally came out to talk to them. "Mr. Toddman is stable and holding his own right now. The attacks have ceased, but his heart is very weak. If he makes it through the next 24 hrs without another attack, he'll probably pull through. We're going to send him up to CCU soon, do you know if he has any family here?"

 Vicki spoke up, "Yes, we're his family, he's a cousin of mine. Will we be able to see him."

 "That shouldn't be a problem, but they'll probably only allow up to two at a time." said the Doctor.

 "If I may, I'd liked to take first watch. I need to be here when he wakes up. Starr, you should go home to Hope, and come back in the morning. You too Blair. Thank you for saving his life in that awful place. If you hadn't followed him there we would have lost him for sure. You understand why I need to be here. It's been so long. and for some reason I think he needs me too." Vicki looked at them both silently pleading for their understanding.

 Starr knew her aunt had just found her brother again. She, on the other hand, had the knowledge of the last few days to keep her hopeful. Her dad had survived so far, she would pray that he would make it through the night. The morning wasn't that far off. She would go to Dorian's and give her daughter a kiss, and make arrangements to come back without making Dorian suspicious. She looked over at her mom. "I can do that Mom, let's let Aunt Vicki spend some time with him. Just let me go in and give him a kiss from me and Hope.   You can drive me home and check on the boys too."

 Blair looked at Vicki and Starr and knew it was the right thing to do. She didn't blame Vicki for wanting some alone time with Todd, she had already gotten some great time with him and had hopes there would be more, but Vicki had just found out he was alive. It was fitting she should have some time with him right now. " Certainly Vicki, it's only fair. I agree, I think he needs you right now, too. Do you want me to call Charlie and let him know where you are?  I know the last few days have been in such turmoil concerning Jessica and Natalie. Are you sure you're up to this?"

 Vicki said, " I'm stronger than you think. Todd was in that crypt for a reason and I sense it had to do with Victor again. If he's battling demons then he needs someone who's been there to battle with him. I’m going to do just that. I'll be fine.  I would appreciate if you would call Charlie but don't alarm him, he's been through some rough times too. Starr, go give your father some encouraging love. I'll wait."

 Starr went in and stood by her father's head. She leaned down and whispered in his ear. " Dear Sir Dragon you must rest, I and Princess Shorty would be lost without you. How else are we going to get back up to our castle in the sky? We love you!" She gave him a kiss on the forehead and let her mother say goodnight to him too.

 "Goodnight Todd, we're not finished yet. Remember you and me against the world, I'm holding you to it." Blair gently kissed his lips and moved some hair off his face. She stood up and left the room with Starr. "We'll be back in the morning, take care of him," she said to Vicki with a hug and then they left.

 Vicki went to her brother's side. He looked so tired and pale. She looked at the monitors and for now his heart was beating pretty regularly. She couldn't help but think of the cruel joke that life had played on them. The last time she had seen Todd in this hospital was when their father died. Todd had been trying to get Victor's bogus will to Mitch replaced with one that would keep the Lord money and holdings in the Lord Family, but he had failed. What had been so touching about the moments following Victor's death was that Todd had been concerned for her more than anything else. He had wanted Victor to own up to his crimes against Vicki and had felt like the old man had managed to cheat Vicki once again.

 Vicki sat down next to Todd and just looked at him. She knew the man on the bed was her brother like she knew how to breathe. She felt the connection immediately like strings that had gotten knotted up and couldn't get untangled. It was ironic that she was sitting here praying that Todd's heart was stronger than hers had been. What a joke, all of her father's machinations to get a heart to make him immortal.  It was obvious the Lord heart was no bargain.  Both She and Todd were proof of that.

 Todd started moaning, the doctors had said he was sleeping. She could see his eyes moving under his lids. He must be having a nightmare. She reached up and took his hand. "Todd, it's alright, you're safe. I'm here. You're not alone." for a moment his hand had grabbed onto hers like a vise then it slowly relaxed, she let the air out she had been holding. For a brief moment Todd's heart rate had increased and started beating irregularly. She had been so afraid it would seize again. For a while he seemed to rest peacefully, then he took a turn, his temperature started to spike and he began to toss and turn. Suddenly he grabbed her hand.

 "Vicki" he whispered. His eyes were opened but she didn't think he was aware. "Vicki we've got to get out of here. You can't stay. You're not safe here. Father's here, he's coming for me. He wants my heart, he told me. If he sees you, he'll hurt you again. You need to get help. I can't escape for long. They were holding me down Vicki. Peter and Victor; they told me I was worthless. Vicki, I tried to get free, but Peter wouldn't let me go. He told Father he would hold me and Father could do what he pleased. God, Vicki I tried.. I tried to get free but I couldn't I was bound I couldn't get loose. Vicki, Father! Vicki, he smelled like Death, I saw Him. He was standing over me with a knife and he said he wanted my heart. I thought I saw Sam, but then I couldn't see him anymore. Vicki, you have to get help!”  

 Todd’s eyes looked at a place behind Vicki and suddenly he squeezed her hand hard. “Look out Vicki, he's here, Father's here, go hide. Don't let him see you. No Father, don't take my heart, PLEASE NO!" Todd started to get up.
.
It was everything Vicki could do, to keep Todd on the bed. Alarms had started going off and soon the doctors and nurses were in there. The heart doctor gave Todd a sedative and stayed till his heart once again stabilized. The sedative put Todd into a deep sleep where he wouldn't dream.

 Vicki watched anxiously as the doctors settled Todd once more. Her own heart was doing a number as she recalled what she had just heard. Was it possible that what she had just heard, was what Todd experienced in the tomb the night he disappeared? If it were true then no wonder he fled those memories. Todd's trauma with his father Peter had already done a number on him years ago. What if Blair had been right. Blair had believed that Todd had been encased with Victor. Could Mitch had been that cruel. Todd had talked about Victor's smelling of Death. My God, he'd been buried alive. He couldn't have lasted long without oxygen. If he was deprived too long, he must have truly believed he was with Peter and Victor. Someone had removed Todd from the Tomb. Most likely it had been Mitch and someone had carved that second scar. In his delirium Todd had been seeing Victor come at him with the knife. When he thought Victor was indeed going to take his heart , Samuel must have taken his place. It was beginning to make sense. That's why they had never met Samuel earlier. In Todd's mind Samuel was Sam, the man he had always counted on and loved like a father. Todd had turned himself over to Samuel for protection.

 Vicki's eyes filled with tears as she realized everything her brother went through that night. She'd had believed like everyone else that her brother had once again done something horrendous when he disappeared. She couldn't have been more wrong. To top that guilt, was the guilt of knowing that she had accepted Walker as her brother without really investigating if were really true. Of course they had all been fooled by Walker. What didn't excuse her was that she hadn't helped Blair more right after Todd disappeared. If she had put her contacts to work when he first disappeared all of the last eight years might have been different. She wiped her eyes. It was behind them and none of it mattered now. Now she was here and she would stand behind him and help him get his life back. First they had to get him better. Then they would face the firestorm that was about to overtake Llanview.

 Todd was resting more comfortably. Vicki took the moment to step out and get some tea from the nurses station. Everyone had been very supportive because they thought they were watching over her cousin. Luckily no one on staff knew her brother except Marty and Marty was currently having her own problems at St.Anns. She took the tea back into Todd's room and sat down again. The doctors reported that his vitals were improving and they were removing him from the critical list. He was still considered high risk for another heart attack so he was remaining in CCU for the time being. They were also concerned that he hadn't come around yet, and had ordered certain tests to make sure he hadn't sustained any neurological damage from lack of oxygen. Vicki prayed that the tests would come back negative. It would help if he would wake up. Vicki heard the door open and looked to find Blair entering the room.

 "How's he doing, Vicki, has he been awake yet." Blair inquired. She was carrying a bag with her. " I've brought you something to eat. You have to take care of yourself, Todd has no idea you've had your own share of heart troubles. He would never forgive me if I let something happen to you. I talked to Charlie and Natalie, they know you're here and I told them they didn't have to come up that I would keep you company. They both seemed a little relieved that I was going to be here because of what they're going through right now. You can go if you need to and I'll call if he wakes. Has he said anything?"

 "I'm not going anywhere till all of the tests come back and he awakes. I need to be here when he does. You need to sit down. Something happened last night and I think it was crucial to Todd's sanity, you need to hear this. " Vicki gestured to the chair close to her and Blair sat down. " Last night, Todd was semiconscious for a time, he began telling me something, I don't think he was really aware  at that moment; I believe he was reliving his last moments in the Tomb the night he disappeared. Blair, I think you were right. I think Mitch sealed Todd in the tomb next to our father. The terror he lived during the time he was in there played havoc with his mind. What he went through was real to him and when he could take no more he left, and Samuel took his place. I also think Samuel is Todd's way of hanging on to Sam. He received that second scar that night and I think Mitch gave it to him. From what Todd told me, I don't think he has any memory of Mitch actually cutting him. I think Samuel took over before that occurred."

 "My god Vicki, You really believe Todd was entombed with Victor for a time. He must have been terrified. It's a miracle he's not insane. Did he say anything else?" asked Blair.

 "He didn't have a chance. His heart started acting up and it took several long minutes to stabilize him. They gave him a sedative to make him sleep deeper and he's been sleeping quietly for the last few hours. They've taken him for a couple of neurological tests to make sure he didn't sustain any damage when his heart stopped. That's what I’ve been waiting for and also some sign he might be waking up." Vicki got up and walked around a little bit. "Blair, I know there were reporters at the cemetery last night.   Have you seen anything yet?"

 "I haven't seen a paper this morning. You're right, there must be some questions out there now. I'll go to the gift shop and get the papers. Who knows what they saw last night?" Blair got up and headed for the door." I'll be right back."

 Vicki wandered over to her brother. "Todd, I'm sorry. After everything you went through with Peter, you shouldn't have had to deal with our Father. All your fears of the man and what he did to me, played on your mind so much you were unable to separate illusion from reality. Please come back Todd, it's time to wake up. We can face your terrors." She gently stroked his cheek, thinking of all he had been through in his life. She looked up to his eyes and realized he was looking at her. "Todd, are you awake? Can you hear me?" She held her breath because she wasn't sure if she was talking to Todd or one of the others.

            "Hi, Sis. Miss me?" Todd smiled. Todd looked at his sister for the first time in eight years. She was as beautiful as he remembered, the years had been kind to her. She had some tears in her eyes so he started to reach for them. "Ow, what the hell.." he winced, his chest felt like someone had been using it for a punching bag.

"Easy, just take it easy. Todd you've had three heart attacks in less than 24 hours. You need to lie back and relax, I'm going to ring for the doctor." Vicki reached for the call button and pressed it. The doctor arrived quickly and checked out Todd, then spent the next few minutes explaining to Todd everything that had occurred concerning his attacks and subsequent treatment. Vicki watched her brother closely as he was being examined. She could tell Todd was still experiencing residual effects from the trauma he'd recalled. She saw the tightening of his jaw as the doctor was feeling along his ribcage, she knew he really didn't want to be touched. Todd had watched the doctor the entire time waiting for any move that might hurt him. Vicki saw Todd's tension release as soon as the man left, then Todd turned his gaze back to her.  She smiled at him and finally answered his question. "Yes Todd I missed you. Now I know you're feeling a little spent but are you up to a few questions."

Todd grimaced he had a feeling he knew what her first question was going to be. That day in the cemetery when she was blasting him for his betrayal he had never felt so bad. He had almost admitted the truth but had known she wouldn't believe him. He let her believe the worst, because she hadn't been totally wrong. He had used her. He knew what Victor had done to her and how she had struggled with her alters. It had been cruel to use that to his advantage. Now she knew the truth. She knew he also had alters and she knew he lived with them very differently than her.  It was time to admit the truth and take the consequences. He looked at her and nodded. " Go ahead."

"Todd, are you alone?" Vicki asked quietly.

Boy, he hadn't expected that. Might as well get this over with. "No." he replied.

Vicki takes a deep breath, " Can I talk to Tom ?"

"Wow, this is a great room!  Hi Vicki. long time no see. Boy, Todd sure has missed you. but I took care of him when he was gone. Gee, that was a long time. He hasn't been up for very long and we've been working night and day to get him out." Tom said.

Vicki sat stunned. She had speculated that Todd knew his alters, but she never realized how much control he had to come and go. "Tom thank you for taking care of him. Can I talk to him again."

"Sure thing, Hey Todd she wants to talk to you again." Tom was gone.

"I'm sorry Vicki, I really am. What we did was unforgivable. This might sound strange, but they're like my brothers. They've kept me company for so long, that when I went catatonic they took it into their own hands to help me out. When I regained some control everything was out of my hands. I didn't want to go to jail, so I let them retain control. The day of the trial is a blank for me, I remember being with Tea briefly the night before but don't remember anything again until Tea and I were at your lodge. When I came back I knew it was best to let you continue to believe I was a pretender. I just wanted to be here with whatever family I had. As always I messed up again." Todd stopped talking. He was finding it hard to breathe.

            Vicki had been listening intently, letting him talk. When he suddenly stopped. She looked up and saw the monitors. Todd's heart rate was increasing again. She quickly went to him. Cradling his hands in hers, she began reassuring him "Todd, it's alright. I'm not upset. I understand more than you know. Don't panic, take your breaths as slowly and deeply as you are able. That's it, I've got you. I'm not going anywhere right now. Blair's going to be here shortly. Starr and the baby will be here later. Relax. Don't try to talk anymore. There you go. It's ok, go to sleep." Vicki watched as the heart rate slowed back down. When she looked back at Todd he had fallen asleep again. She tried to move her hands, but he gripped them tightly, so she sat next to him on the bed and let him hold them till he was fully asleep. She sat back down in her chair and rested her head in her arms against the edge of the bed. She was tired and drained by the events of the last few days, the tears welled up and started flowing as she sobbed quietly for her brother. Though half asleep he heard her, Todd gently laid his hand on her shoulder and fell back asleep.

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Failings of the Fathers: 78

"Come on, buckle in," Todd said, putting a safety belt on his son.

"Daddy, buckle the belt?  We're fwying."

"Yeah, we're flying.  We're going to take off in the air.  See the wing?"

The little boy looked out the window, his light brown curls tied back, the way Todd used to tie his, in a low-hanging ponytail.  He realized his own hair was getting longer, and he wasn't sure which way to go with it.  Ray said, "Wing!  Is that a wing, Daddy?"

"Yeah.  That's it."

"Mommy said we see clouds."

"Yep."

"Can I jump on clouds, Daddy?"

"No, Buddy.  Only in here," he said, pointing to the little boy's head.  He rumpled his hair.

Sitting in his own seat, near Blair, he put an arm around her.  "We're on our way out of this Godforsaken place."

"Yes.  Are you all right, Todd?"

"Me?  I've got my One True Babe with me, and my son is alive and okay.  My kids are home, waiting.  What could be not all right?"

Timothy was sitting by Ray, and said, "Now, see when we take off, the ground will look far away."

"Far away?"

"Yes, Lad.  The ground will look far away, and the sky will look close."

"But the sky is up there!"  The little boy said.

"Yes.  And we will be up there, too."

"Like birdies?"

"Like birdies," he agreed, palming the little one's head.  His heart felt a pang of loss, and at the same time, fortune.

John was in another seat, apart from the others.  Bitsy was immobile, in a seat next to him.  For a private jet, there was a great deal of room.  He was on his phone, finishing calls before lift off.  He wanted Natalie to know he was making his way home.

In the corner of his eye, he spied Todd and Blair, looking at each other in a way he knew was uncommon and resonant.  She was smiling, and he moved in to kiss her.  

That's a sight for very sore eyes.  

"I'll be home soon.  He's fine, everyone's fine.  Love you, and Liam," he said, with a pressing urge to kiss and hug his son.

It had been a long day.

***

"I know it's getting late, but I think we need to make an exception, eh?"  the nun asked, as the boys were heading upstairs for bedtime.  "Someone's on their way home and expecting to see ya!"

"Mom and Dad!"  Sam called out.

"Yes, Little Muffin, y'ar parents.  They're on their way."

"Did they say . . . is . . ."  Jack wasn't sure how to ask.

"Little Ray and Grandpa Timothy are coming, too!"  she announced.

"Yay!"  Sam ran around her.  "Yay, yay, yay!"

"Oh, Sam, slow down, y'ar making me seasick, ay?"

"Sorry!" he said, plopping on the couch.

Dorian came into the room, just as the nun was finishing her announcement.  "Did you say they are on their way back?"

"Yes.  It's a bright day in the fields, I'd say."

"I suppose, yes."

"Timothy, Ray, Todd and Blair, on their way back."

"Timothy?"

"Yes.  He's been back here and gone once already, but on his way home as well."

"Ah, I see."

"So, what would ya like to do, children, to welcome them?"  the nun asked.

"Make a poster?"  Sam said.

"That sounds fine, Sam.  Run and get some paper from the art supplies and some things to draw and color with."

"What about Grandma Bitsy?"  Sam suddenly asked.

"She's on her way, as well.  She's going back to Mountainview for a while."

"Okay," he said, running off.

Jack said, "So, Sister, what really happened?"

She sighed, and waited until Sam was out of earshot.  "Y'ar father was shot.  He's all right, just a shoulder wound.  Y'ar Mam was punched in the face, but she's also all right.  The Wee One is fine, not a hair touched on his head."

"And?  I know there's more.  I'm not a kid, really."

She knew he was right.  In front of her eyes, he had gone from an angry, screwed-up teen to a young man, approaching adulthood, in the few years she had known him.  "Bitsy is catatonic again, she shot Peter Manning through the forehead.  Y'ar father offered himself to get Peter to let the baby and Blair go.  Were ya expecting anything less?"

"No.  Not from Dad."

"Ah, ya understand him."

"I have for a while, I just . . . didn't always know it or show it."

"Yes, well, y'ar growing up."

"Maybe," he said, sitting down and crossing his ankles on the coffee table.  "I'm glad he's dead.  No matter what, he ruined Dad's life.  Or tried to."

"Jack Manning, I've told you not to do that with your feet,"  Dorian reminded.

He brought his legs down.  "How long before they get here?"

"An hour or two.  Not long," the nun said, as Sam returned with the goods.  He was ready to create his welcome home poster, and the nun took him into the kitchen.  Jack was staring at Dorian.

She said, "Is there something I can do for you?"

"No.  Just wondering how you're going to get in good with Timothy when he finds out what you think of my father, again."

"Now, Jack, anger talks."

"Yeah, it does.  And here's mine.  If you want to keep Timothy around, you had better not let him get wind of the kinds of things you said about my Dad a few days back.  He thinks of my father as a son, and he won't like it."

Jack folded his arms.  Dorian unfolded hers and sat at the other end of the sofa.  

What he had said was blatant truth.

***

An hour or so later, Sam put the finishing touches on his poster, just as the doorbell rang.  He ran, like a little hellion, to the La Boulaei foyer, and opened it without asking who was there.  He jumped toward Todd, then stopped, seeing his arm.  "Dad!  Mom!  Yay!  But Dad, what happened?"

"It's a long story, come on, hug me first," Todd said to the boy.  He obliged, and there were more hugs, all around. 

Jack said, "God, glad you guys are all right," and took Ray, putting him up into the air, and the boy giggled.  

Ray said, "We fwew.  In the sky."

"I know.  It was really cool, wasn't it?"  Jack asked.

"Yeah, really cool."  Ray said.  "Ganpa sat next to me."

Blair hugged her sons over and over.  Finally, Jack said, "Mom, you hugged us five times already."

"I just missed you guys," she said.

"We missed you, Mom!"  Sam said, "Look!"  He held up his poster.  "Sister Becca Thrin helped me."

Blair admired it, as did Todd.  Timothy was still behind them, as the greetings were exchanged. 

Dorian appeared at the foot of the staircase and locked eyes with him.  There was an exchange between them of looks, with expressions somewhere between intense recognition and profound longing.  As the family moved toward the living room, he stood, waiting, and she said, "Mr. Broderick."

He said, "Dorie," and moved toward her, at which time she flung herself into his arms, and he kissed her like there was not going to be another chance.  He said, "My goodness, I missed ya."

She pulled back from his face a bit, and said, "I missed you, as well.  Very much."  Then, she ran her fingers through his silvery hair, and said, "I'm so sorry about Aiden, Timothy."

Though he attempted stoicism, he broke down into her arms, and buried his face in her shoulder and neck.  She held him, and they remained, together, in the foyer.

Sam said, "I'm happy you're home.  I don't want to go to sleep without you."  He looked at both his parents, and they could tell that he was still feeling the trauma of what had happened.  

Todd said, "You won't have to worry about that.  When we get back, we're all having a slumber party family night in our room."

"Yay, I love those!"  Sam added.

"Hey, what about me?"  A voice said from the doorway.  Everyone turned to see Starr, standing in the arches of the living room doors.  

Blair went to her bruised and battered daughter immediately, and hugged her gently.  Todd stood, from where he was, and just looked at her, purpled and looking uncomfortable.  She hugged her mother, and the others, and stared back at her father.   He said, "Shorty," softly, and  they went toward each other.

She said, "Dad," and went into his arms.  She put her head against his chest.  He said, "Everything is all right now.  He's dead."

"And of course, you're included in the family night sleep over," Blair said, going to her husband and daughter.

Starr was still lost in her reconnection with her father.  "Was it bad?"  She searched Todd's face with fear in her eyes.

"It was what it usually is.  It's done.  Bad enough, and through."

"You were hurt."

"Yeah, I was.  But I'm okay."

"Dad, your brother, your father, all you went through."

"It's over, Starr.  I'm . . . sorry he hurt you."

She cried softly onto his chest.  "I'm sorry that you didn't have a father like mine."

Blair saw his eyes well up, and he ran his good hand along her hair.  He didn't answer; he couldn't find words.

The kids packed up and got themselves ready to go home with their parents.  Todd said, "We're going to have a great family night together, all of us.  You too, Shorty, and Peanut."

She said, "Let me go get her ready then."

Blair was cradling the baby in her arms.  "Todd, I missed her so much."

"I know.  Me, too.  My little sack of sugar."

"Was she good, Momma?"

"She was beautiful," Addie said.  "like my beautiful girl."

Williams was there and parked outside, just as Starr came down the stairs with Hope and an overnight bag.  The Mannings congregated in the foyer, and Timothy said, "Y'ar beautiful family, Todd.  Y'ar a fortunate man, My Boy."

"I couldn't agree more," he said, and handed his baby daughter back to her mother.

They loaded into the limousine.  As they took off and left La Boulaei behind, Todd said, "We're going home."

The kids reacted as he feared; they seemed apprehensive to see the house again. 

"Unforgettable is our place.  It belongs to us.  No one can ruin that for us.  Not a smarmy old bear, and not a crazy, bad man."

"Dad's right," Starr said.  "Unforgettable was a gift for Mom.  No one should be able to ruin that."

"I'm kinda scared," Sam said.

"I understand, but you shouldn't be scared.  No one is going to hurt you anymore."  Blair said.

"He was a bad man, right Dad?"

"Yeah, he was a bad man, Sam."

"He's not coming back," Sam said, more like a question than anything.

"No, he's not."  Todd said.  "No one's going to hurt our family, ever again."

Sam scooted closer to Todd, "I'm glad.  He was a really bad man, Dad.  He was really mean.  Was he mean like that when you were a little boy, Dad, like me?"

Blair wistfully looked out the window, and Todd said, "Yeah.  He was.  But I don't want you to worry about that.  You asked me before, and I don't want you to think of it anymore."  He held the boy's chin gently in his hand.

"Okay, Dad," Sam said, and leaned his head against his father's chest.

"Daddy, the bad man is gone."  Ray said.  "Tell Sam."

"I did, Ray.  I told him."


Blair, pushing the tears back, said, "This is where we belong, Todd."

"Yeah.  This is."  He pulled Sam, who was now drifting off into sleep, closer to him.  Hope was sleeping as well, and Jewel was yawning and peering around the cab of the car.  

Todd said, "And you," pointing to Jack, "you and I will be having a conversation about closing doors in the house with girls visiting."

His son got red in the face and said, "Okay, but do we have to talk about it now?"

"No.  Just sayin.'"

"Dad, I'm glad you tell me off.  I need it sometimes," Jack said.

"Everyone does, once in a while."  Todd answered.

I'm not just your son, I'm me.  

Just me.

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Todd's Saga 36: Schemes

Blair walked out onto the stoop and began looking around the area in front of the door.  “I swear Todd, I refuse to dig through the garbage.  It there isn’t a card out here, I’m not looking further.”  Suddenly she caught a glimpse of something shiny under a couple of bushes.  She moved closer to the bushes to see if it was a card.  Sure enough, it looked like something that might have been attached to a gift basket.  Unfortunately, it appeared to be well protected by several large and thick bushes. “Great!  Just how am I supposed to retrieve that?” She looked around for a stick or another item long enough to reach it, but there was nothing but twigs on the ground.

She gripped her belly. “Okay, Baby, it looks like we have to go in to get it.  Your daddy is going to owe me big time.”  Holding onto a tall planter just off the sidewalk, Blair slowly dropped down to her knees and began crawling under the bushes.  It was a tight fit since the baby was so far along and she was finally forced to stop, unable to go farther because the bushes were too thick “Damn it!  I know I can reach it.  Stretch Blair.”  She lowered her head and reached forward, her fingers catching the edge of the card.  Using her long nails, she pinned the card to the ground and pulled it closer until she could get her whole hand around it. “Yes! I‘ve got you.  Now I’ve just got to get out of here.”

She started to back out slowly but suddenly her hair got tangled in some branches. “Shit!” she said as she tried to free her hair.  Having freed it, she started to back out again only to feel someone tap her rear end. “David, get your paws off me.  Wait until I get out of here.  We are so going to have a talk.”

“Darling, if anyone is going to have a talk with David it will be me.  Blair, what are you doing down there in your condition? “

“Dorian?” Blair squeaked and finally brought her head out of the bushes.  She turned around to look up at her Aunt. “Where have you been?  Tony’s been trying to find you since you left his house.”

Dorian looked down at her niece.  Her hair was every which way, and there were a few twigs sticking out at odd angles.  She smiled gently and reached to remove them.  “I went to see Adriana.  After helping out Tony,” she frowned and cleared her throat.  She reached down to support Blair as she pulled herself off the ground and helped her dust off.  She continued. “well, I just needed time to think about things.  Somehow I’ve got to make David understand about Carl without losing him.”

Blair looked down at the card in her hand.  She grinned mischievously and then giggled.  “I think I know exactly what we can do.  Dorian, if we play this right, there is a good chance we’ll both get what we want.”

Dorian recognized the gleam in Blair’s eyes. “Well let’s get inside.  Something tells me you’re about to resurrect the Helmore twins.”

Blair laughed.  “That might be a little hard to pull off given my condition but, believe me, you’re going to love this idea.”  She linked arms with her aunt, and they entered the house.

****

Bo sat there stunned.  "Clint was being drugged.  God, how did we all miss that?”

Natalie had been sitting quietly as her mother explained about her father   She tried to remember back to the night he had been taken to the psych ward at the hospital.  She had insisted on seeing him.  Matthew had left, and the doctor had walked her back to where they had her father.  As she walked around the curtain, she saw him struggling, and the orderlies were holding him down as the nurse pulled out a syringe.  Natalie struggled to remember what happened next; suddenly she wasn’t looking at a nurse, instead, standing in her place was Alison Perkins.  “Oh my God”  She looked at her mother and Uncle Bo.  “They did something to me that night.  I remember now.  Alison Perkins was standing over Dad.  She even looked at me and began to laugh.  I remember screaming but then I was back in the waiting room, and a nurse was shaking me, telling me I  was having a bad dream.  I just believed her.”

Bo stood up. “Natalie, I think we need to know if Jeffrey King’s fingerprints are on that basket.  I like the young man but if he has anything to do with this organization, it’s time we found out.  Viki, you said Clint was still in danger from Alison and her people and that's why he can’t come home.  Tell me where he is and we’ll put him in protective custody.”

Viki shook her head no. “I can’t Bo.  According to Ms. Vance, Alison Perkins has many people looking for him.  We have no idea how deep the organization goes.  For all we know, they may have someone in the department.  I trust her.  She’ll keep him safe.  For now, we must continue to show our concern for Clint and act like we're trying to find him.  It’s what the organization expects us to do.”

Natalie stood up and donned some latex gloves.  She then picked up the basket.  “I’ll take this down to forensics. I should have an answer for you shortly.”

Bo opened the door for her and told Fish to help her.  As he shut the door, Natalie, in a hurry, walked directly into John McBain.

 “Fish, help!  I don’t want to drop this.” She then turned her anger on the man blocking her.  “Idiot, why don’t you watch where you’re going?”  Natalie struggled to balance the basket in her hands and then stopped stunned as she realized who steadied it. She stared into two mesmerizing blue eyes.  “John?”

“Hey Lieutenant McBain, long time no see,” said Fish with a smile. “Where have you been?”

John stared at Natalie, then he responded to Fish’s inquiry.  “It’s Agent McBain now Fish.  I’m back with the FBI.  Is the Commissioner available?”

“Sure, he’s in his office with Mrs. Banks.” Fish turned to Natalie. “Here let me take that.  Sorry, I was putting on gloves when you bumped into the Lieutenant. Just tell me where you want this to go.”

Natalie looked at Fish.  “It’s going to my lab,” as she started to follow Fish she glanced back and saw John knock on Bo’s door. “Great, now the basket has another set of prints.  Looks like I’ll be wading through more than a couple of sets.  I’ll have to exclude John’s, and Nigel’s from the other ones. At least theirs are in the system.”

****

Bo was handing a cup of tea to Viki. “Come in,” he said in response to the knock.  He looked up and was surprised to see John McBain standing in the doorway.  “John, what brings you to Llanview?  The last I heard, you had left Port Charles for parts unknown.”

John looked at Viki and back at Bo.  He glanced at Bo’s desk and noted that a file was opened on the desk. He also noted that Bo made no attempt to hide the file from Viki.  The only conclusion he could come to was that Viki already knew what was in it.  He then realized Bo had asked him a question. “That’s true, but it seems my case just became entangled with another one.  I’ve been looking into the attempt on the life of one of the Supreme Court Justices and I was following a lead concerning a particular tattoo.  During my investigation, I found out you made inquiries about that same tattoo.  I was already headed here to talk to you when I received a call from my superior.  He informed me that an anonymous file was delivered to our federal offices and it has stirred up a hornet’s nest.  He told me some of the contents of the file and wanted me to find out what you know.  What he described to me sounds exactly like the file I see on your desk.  Bo, out of curiosity, where did you get that file and why is Viki involved?”

Viki took a sip of her tea, she could see Bo was trying to decide how best to answer, so she spoke up first.  “John, have you seen Natalie?”

John looked at Viki curiously.  He had a feeling Viki’s question was more than it seemed. “Yes, I just ran into her out in the squad room.  Don’t worry Viki, I’m only here on business,  I won’t make any attempt to see her or Liam while I’m here.”

Viki frowned. “That would be a shame, John.  I think Natalie would very much like to see you.  But if you saw her in the squad room, then I’m sure you also saw the basket she was carrying.  You see, the basket was sent to me.”  She waited patiently for her words to sink in.

It took a moment but then John realized what Viki was saying.  He glanced again at the pictures on Bo’s desk.  Pictures of baskets similar to the one sent to Viki.  Now he understood.  “But why target you?  From what I’ve been told they’ve targeted Congress.  What possible reason would they have to get you?”

Viki shrugged.  “Perhaps it has to do with the fact that they targeted Victor, Todd, and Clint.  I’m not sure.  Luckily, the same source who sent these anonymous files warned me.  Now Natalie is trying to find out who was responsible for getting my basket to me.”

“Wait a minute.  What do you mean they targeted Victor, Todd, and Clint?  Victor’s dead, the last time I saw Todd he was taking on Sonny Corinthos in Port Charles, and Clint’s the reason everything went sour between Natalie and me.  What do they have to do with this Organization?

Bo slid a chair towards John.  “Sit down, there’s a lot you need to catch up on.”

****

Across town, Blair and Dorian finished their lunch.  Much to Dorian's frustration, Blair had kept the conversation about Adriana.  Now Blair started to clear the table and she put a finger to her lips indicating Dorian needed to be quiet.  As Dorian watched, she pulled an electronic bug out of the floral centerpiece and proceeded to put it inside a jar and closed the lid.  Then she stuck the jar in the dishwasher and turned it on.  She wiped her hands and turned to Dorian. "That should give us some privacy.  I know you've been chomping at the bit wanting to ask questions about Tony," Blair quickly changed her words after seeing Dorian's face, "okay Todd, but believe me, they can wait.  While you were in Paris, Todd was able to find out a little bit more about Carl's plan.  He believes it's a plot to gain control of Congress."

Dorian's shock at seeing the bug turned to annoyance at Todd's fanciful imagination. "Really, Blair, I know Carl is Alison Perkins' brother and that he deceived me, but do you seriously believe he's planning something so outrageous."

"When you arrived, you asked me why I was down on the ground.  I was looking for this, it belongs to a basket David has in his room"  She passed the card to Dorian.

Opening it, Dorian read the sentiment and who sent it. "David has a basket that was sent to me?"

"Yes.  Last night he was drinking some of this when I arrived home."  She opened the refrigerator and pulled out the leftover wine.

"Blair, that's a very fine wine.  Of course, I'm  a little upset David started drinking it without me but I don't see why this gift from Carl is anything to be alarmed about."

"Todd has proof that Carl's organization is putting the drug from the compound into numerous bottles of this very wine.  Those bottles were placed in gift baskets and sent out to members of Congress.  He thinks Carl wants control of you.  Before you laugh at the idea, you should know David's been acting extremely weird even for him.  Do you know he's out looking for a job because of something I said to him last night? Todd thinks David is following my suggestions because of the drug."

Dorian looked at the card in her hand and back at the bottle in Blair's. "You really believe that, but  you can't know for sure that the wine is drugged."

Blair nodded, "that's true but how else do you explain David's behavior.  Shh, there's the front door.  It's probably David. Now you can see for yourself."

Moments later David walked into the kitchen. “I did it, Blair.  Dorian’s going to be ....”  He stopped when he realized Dorian was there.  “Dorian!  You’re home.  I thought you were staying away because you were regretting getting back together.  I’ve got a surprise for you.  I’ve got a job.  A real one. I wanted to show you that I’ve changed.”  He put his paper down on the table.  “I’m going to sell insurance again,” he said proudly.

Blair was trying hard not to laugh at David’s declaration.  He was so sincere and Dorian was looking at him like he had two heads.

David noticed the bottle of wine in Blair's hand.  “We should celebrate, don’t you think.  You’re home and I’m going to show you I can be a better husband.”

Before Dorian could say anything.  David took the bottle and grabbed two glasses from the shelf.   He poured the wine and handed a glass to Dorian.  “Cheers,”  he chugged his down and poured a second.  “Drink, it’s good stuff.  I’ve got another whole bottle that I’ve saved so we can have a nice reunion.”

Dorian pretended to take a sip.  “David, maybe you should slow down and tell me all about your day.  I’m really excited to hear about this new job, why don’t you sit down.  I’ll be right back, Blair wanted me to look at something right before you got here.  I promise I’ll be right back.”  She patted his cheek, and David got a big goofy smile on his face.

“Sure Dorian, I’ll just sit down here and wait for you.” he drank some more of the wine and sat down.

“That’s good, don't move.”  She walked over to Blair, took her elbow, and moved her out of the kitchen. “My God, how fast does that drug work?”

“I’m not sure how fast it works, but I do know it last a while in your system.  David had several drinks last night, and he was still under the influence this morning when he went looking for the job.  I’m betting this latest dose will just keep him pliant even longer.” she giggled. “I can just see him selling insurance.  Don’t worry, Dorian.  Sooner or later the drug will leave his system and he won’t be any the wiser.  For now, go enjoy it and remember he’ll do whatever you tell him, including leaving you alone to spend time with Carl this evening.  Don't you see Dorian?  We can use this wine to our advantage now.  We'll pour the second bottle into another label and you can serve it to Carl tonight.  If we play our cards right, by the end of the evening, we'll be able to make Carl do whatever we want
.
Dorian thought about what Blair just suggested. Blair's comment about getting what they both wanted suddenly became clear.  The wheels began turning in her mind.  She smiled wickedly as she envisioned what she would do to Carl and gave Blair a little hug. “I hate what I’m going to do to David, but if this works, Carl Peterson will never know what hit him.”

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Failings of the Fathers: 77

"Doctor, as long as my son is all right, I'm perfect," Blair said, looking to the man in the teal scrubs.

"He's all right.  Nothing to worry about physically.  I am sure you'll help assure that emotionally, he has support."

"Of course."

"Nothing more than a cracked lip and some swelling here on the cheek.  Any headache?"

"No."

"Then I'd say you're fine.  Just keep an eye on head pain and any vomiting in the next few hours."

"I will," she said, standing.  She then thought about it, and said, "My husband, is he . . ."

"He's fine.  No damage caused by the bullet, except the typical.  Some scarring."

"Scarring," she said, "Hmf.  He's okay with that."

"Clearly.  I don't want to ask how he's gotten the ones I saw.  But, Mrs. Manning, I'm hoping your family can move forward.  Let's hope this will be the last scar."

"Yes, let's," she said.

***

"This one wants his mother, and now!"  Timothy said, as Ray squirmed in his arms.

"She's in there," Todd said, pointing. 

 In a flash, Timothy was gone, and then back, plopping next to Todd on the plastic waiting-room chairs.  "Son, are ya all right?"

"I'm fine.  Ray's fine, Blair's fine, Momma's alive, Peter's dead.  I'm fine."

"Are ya really fine?"  Timothy kept at it.

He paused, "Yeah.  I'm okay, Old Man."

"I . . . have something to tell ya . . ."

Todd sucked in breath.  "I know.  I figured you did.  You wouldn't have left him."

"No.  Not this time.  I wanted to be there if there was an ending.  And," he paused, as Todd looked at him out of the side of his eyes, "there was."  His voice wavered on the last two words.

Todd looked straight ahead, and his father did as well.  Both of them stared into the passageway in front of them, as a few people passed by.  Finally, Todd said, "Was he at peace?"

Timothy sniffed.  "Yes.  From what we can tell."

Todd nodded.  "Okay."

"I rushed home right away.  Wanted to be there for ya.  Y'ar very important to me, Todd.  Y'ar family and ya are my world.  Ya know that."  Todd didn't answer, but Timothy saw his Adam's apple move in his throat.  "Do ya?  Do ya know that?"

He nodded slowly.  "Yeah.  I know that."

"I figure this.  Ya know how to be a father, and really be a father to those boys.  Which means ya deserve it back.  Even now.  I hope ya never doubted that for a minute."

Todd lied.  "Nope."

"Y'ar as much my son to me as Eric was.  And I'm telling ya that from the base of my old Irish heart."

Todd finally looked back to the man, who was now looking at him.  "I am, huh?"

"Ya are.  Ask anyone.  Ask that cantankerous nun we both know.  She's got a handle on it."

"Hmf.  I almost forgot about her.  She knew this was coming."

"She didn't.  Not exactly, but did she know something?  Yes.  She did.  She had several knowings."

Todd didn't say anything for a few minutes.  Both he and Timothy sat back and somehow relaxed against the hard seats.  Then he said, "Momma."

"Is she all right?"

"I hope.  Right now, no.  But maybe she will be."  He looked right into Timothy's eyes.  "She talked."

"Did she now?"

"Yeah.  She did.  She talked after she shot Peter through the middle of his forehead.  Everyone cheered and jumped for joy."

"Ya know that's not true."

"No, but it felt like it, in here," he pointed to his chest.  "I felt like . . . the world changed just then. Like, somehow, things were changing in front of my eyes."

"It was ending.  Ya were reacting to the end of forty plus years of pain.  It's a freedom that can't be measured, eh?"

"Hmf," he nodded in agreement.  Then, "I had a brother, for a few months.  Now, I don't."

"No, ya don't."

"I'm sorry about your son, Dad."  Todd said.

Timothy's face broke, and he fought to put it back together.  "Thank ya," he croaked out, his voice raspy with intensity, "I'm just glad I don't have to say those words to ya.  There's nothing this painful.  Nothing like it in the world."

Todd reached out and hugged his father, albeit awkward at first.  He didn't often initiate embraces, except maybe with Blair or his kids.  But he did it anyway, knowing it was needed.  The older man patted Todd's back, firmly, and pulled back.  He said, "Son, let it be over and put it to rest.  The failings of that man are not your problem anymore."

They were greeted in the next moment by Ray, running toward them, and jumping up onto Timothy's lap.  "Ganpa, piggy wide?"

"Ya want a piggy-back, do ya?  Hmm, how do we ask?"

"Pwease?"

"Why I think it can be arranged, don't ya, Daddy?"

Todd said, "Yeah, I think it can.  If it's okay with Grandpa."

"Yay!  Piggy wide!"  Ray called out, as Timothy lifted him onto his shoulders and went around the sitting area and into the hallway.  Todd could hear his son's laugh floating back.

Blair sat next to her husband.  "I'm good, which means, we can go home to our kids, now.  I miss Jewel so much it hurts.  Physically."

He put his elbows on his knees and perched there, still watching Timothy and Ray.  "Glad you're okay.  Aiden's dead, Blair."

"Oh, Todd," she said, softly, "I sort of thought so, when I saw Timothy show up.  I'm . . . very sorry, My Love."  She rested her chin on his shoulder.

"Thanks," he said.  "I never really got to find out what it was like to have a brother.  I mean, really have a brother.  It was short."

"It was.  And I'm sorry for your loss.  It's very sad."

He nodded, and she reached up and petted his hair, running her hand down along his face and scar.  She thought about it, and said, "It's fading.  Or it has, so much over time, Todd."

"Yep."

"It's been a lot of years since I first saw that scar on that face of yours, Mr. Manning.  That long, beautiful hair you had."

"That long beautiful hair you have," he emphasized, touching hers gently.

"God, I love you, Todd."

"I love you, too."

"We're lucky today."

He nodded.  "One more thing to do," he said.  "Will you help me?"

"If I can, yeah, of course."

"I want to see Peter."

Her face drooped with the unexpected comment.  "I . . .  why?"

He gulped, "I've got to, Blair.  I have to see him, dead."

"He was."

"I have to," he persisted, and she could see it was what he needed.  

"All right, we'll do that, then."

"Okay.  I want to ask McKnight-in-Black to set it up for me."

"Well, here's your chance, he's coming right now," she nodded toward the policeman as he made his entrance.

***

For the last few hours, including when he was lying on the cellar floor, with the cold cement against his back, he'd thought about getting this chance.  Now, standing outside the morgue, with Blair on his good arm, he thought it over again.  He had so many things to say to Peter Manning, and he was perfectly willing to do it then.

So what he's not alive to hear me?  He's out there somewhere.  His nasty spirit is floating around, probably ready to haunt me.  

He wanted the chance to say it all, even if the asshole was dead.  He'd run it over in his head so many times.  

Put in his face what he did to Momma.  What he did to . . . me, as a child.  As a teenager.  As a man . . .

John interrupted his thoughts by coming back through the doors.  "It's arranged, Todd.  Are you sure?"

"Positive," he said, and ire was beginning to smoulder in his eyes.

Blair said, "Thank you, John."

"Blair, it's not a pretty sight."

"My husband needs me, I'm there," she said.  Todd covered her hand with his on his bicep.

When John walked off, Todd looked into Blair's deep, green eyes.  "You don't have to."

"I know.  I want to.  I want to  . . . share everything with you.  Even if it's hard."

"Okay," he said, as the tech came forward and brought them into the room.  A body was on the table, under a sheet.  The sheet was blue, not white as it was in so many television movies.  They stood, together, and waited.  

The tech said, "Are you ready?"

"Yeah," Todd said, and Blair averted her eyes for the moment of reveal.  The tech removed the sheet, and there was Peter Manning.  Aside from the hole in his forehead, he just seemed empty, still and surprisingly harmless.  

The tech said, "I'll be right out there," and pointed to a room with a window for viewing.

Both of them stood, silent, looking at the shell of Peter, lying on the gurney.  The light above them was almost piercing in its brightness.  Both stared at him, and then Blair directed her attention to Todd.  His reaction was not what she expected.  He didn't rant.  He didn't swear, curse the man to Hell. 

He just stood and stared.

She waited.

Finally, he said, "You miserable bastard."

She tightened her grip on his arm.

"Those rapes at the hospital?  You remember all that, Dad?  Well, they finally got the guy.  And guess what?  It wasn't me.  For the first time in my life, I'm innocent.  How about that, huh?  Matter of fact, I was the one who finally figured out who it was.  And now, it's over.  Now I know this must come as big news to you, that your son isn't as rotten as you thought.  But let me tell you something Dad, this isn't the first time you've been wrong about me."

He swallowed.  It seemed like yesterday; a door in his mind that opened, and he could almost walk into it and experience again.

"You've been wrong about me, plenty.  And I know, that I have screwed up, plenty.  And I figured something else out, too.  I've been screwed plenty, too.  By you.  Nothing was ever good enough for you, Dad."

I didn't remember.  None of it.  Not then.

"If I wanted to be your son, I had to be the biggest, the toughest, the strongest.  The Superstar.  The Bigshot.  That's a loser's game, Dad.  And I'm not playing anymore.  And I didn't come here to ask you if it's okay . . . I don't even care what you think."

But I did.  I wanted him to accept me.  Why?  He . . . did things . . .

"You're not hurting me anymore, and I just wanted to let you know that."

"Todd?"  Blair said, softly.  

"And from here on in, I'm not just your son, I'm me.  Just me."

"My Love?"  she whispered, "Let's go, Todd.  He can't hurt us, anymore," and she began to gently move him away from the body.  He relented, then started to follow.

"I'm me.  Just me."  

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Failings of the Fathers: 76

"Thanks, Ole Buddy, for coming to get me.  Glad I got to see Starr before I headed home," Shaun said.  He sounded groggy but seemed no worse for the wear.

"It's what I do, Bud.  Wish I could have done more," Perzno said.

"Starr was quiet, on purpose, so the kids wouldn't be as scared.  No one had time, really." 

"I still can't forget that," Perzno said.  "Can't forget what I saw when I came off the roof."

"I can't forget her face.  I helped raise that girl, when her father was away.  Love those kids like they were my own."

"It's not your fault, so don't start that.  You were drugged.  They found you near the door.  You were trying to get to the kids."

"A needle in my foot, I can remember that much.  I knew, after I realized what the pinch was, that the kids were in trouble.  I just couldn't make it to them."  Shaun seemed forlorn.  He was in a wheelchair and would be for a while.  

"What about the kid?  The littlest one?"  Perzno asked.

"He's still missing.  His parents went to go and get him.  If I know Todd, he'll make it happen, whatever it takes."

"Was this about money?  Manning's got more than Gates."

"More than Gates?  Isn't the expression, 'More than God?'"

"I don't use that one.  God doesn't have money, and I don't think He'd like it."  For a minute, the copterman went silent.  Then Perzno said, "God was with those kids that day.  The baby wasn't even touched."

"Thank Todd's mother for that.  She made that basket.  The baby probably was sleeping and went unnoticed."

"That's The Man Upstairs' doing,"  Perzno said.  "I've learned a lot in my life, and one of those things is that you can't underestimate the power of people, love or God."

"Amen.  Sounds right to me."

"You feeling okay?"

"I feel fine.  A little tired, out of it, maybe.  When I get home, I plan to get that house as close to normal as I can for them, if you'll help me."  Shaun said this as Perzno shot him a glance of disbelief.  "The Mannings will be back, and with their son, you can bet on that."

***

A while later, Blair was in the waiting room, with an ice pack on her lip and cheek.  She'd insisted on Todd being taken care of, but refused any attention herself until she knew he was fine.

She looked up to see John, and the stranger, aside Bitsy on a gurney.  She got up and ran to her mother-in-law, and looked into her face.  She recognized the look immediately.  "She's gone.  Inside herself, to her safe place.  She . . . saved her son."

John knew what Blair meant, right then, and nodded stoically. She said, "Momma, it's okay.  You rest, and then when you're ready, you come back to us."

The moveable bed was rolled away, and she looked after it.  Ribsky went off to make a call, and Blair said, "What do you want to know, John?  She shot him.  She shot him through the head, and saved me, Todd and our son by doing it."

"I wasn't doubting that, Blair."

"Why not?" she looked at him, and pain was in her eyes.  "Is it because you saw the room, and figured out what he'd done to them all those years?"

"I didn't need to see it, but, yeah, that's part of it."

"I am glad she shot him.  He . . . made Todd put his gun down, on the ground, while he held one to my baby boy's little chest."  For a moment, she'd forgotten where Ray was, until she remembered she'd made Timothy take him to the cafeteria and get him a snack.  "He would have killed us all. or worse."

"Likely.  The local authorities have taken over.  Ribsky and I came here with her.  Thought it would be better."

"Can you imagine that John?  Someone holding a gun against Liam's little heart?"  she said.

"No, Blair, I really can't.  I wouldn't even want to."

"Who is that guy?" Blair asked, nodding toward Ribsky.  "He's been hovering."

"He's an ex-cop, married to Connie Bensonhurst's sister.  Just showed up out of concern."

She gulped.  "The man Todd met.  Connie, she's dead, John.  She was dead when we got there."

John just looked at Blair, expressionless.  "Upstairs?"

"Yes."

"Do you know how?"

"She looked . . .:" she closed her eyes for a moment, "beaten to death."

"He turned on her.  Possibly, she was trying to protect your son.  That's what I'd guess."

Blair sighed out, and it was ragged with emotion.  "He was checked out.  The doctors said nothing was wrong with him.  He wasn't . . . physically hurt," her voice cracked.

"Well, that's something, huh?  The little guy is going to be like new, soon."

"He's seen so much," John could see her facade of strength crumbling.  "He might never be the same.  He was there when Todd and Peter were shot.  And who knows what Peter . . ." she sobbed.  "He can't even tell us what Peter did.  He's too little."

John instinctively wrapped his arms around Blair and held her.  She cried into her hands against his shoulder.  

They were interrupted by a voice.  "Hey, unhand my woman, McBatman." Todd said.  When they both looked at him, he was standing, with his arm in a sling, and a broad smile across his face. 

John let go, and Blair went to him, his free arm pulling her close, and he winced, slightly.  He smirked at John, and then, teasingly said, "Don't be making time with my wife, McBain.  Not a cop-ly thing to do."

"Got it," John said, and turned to find Ribsky.

Blair said, "You're all right," into his eyes.

"Yep.  Amazing what some blood and a few stitches and band aids can do."

"Stop, it's worse than that."

"No, not really.  How's my boy?"

"He's fine.  The doctors said he's okay."

"Peter didn't touch him?"

"No.  No physical injuries."

Todd knew what it meant.  His son had no visible, physical wounds.  But what kind of emotional damage had been done to his little boy?  He swallowed, and said, "Well, he'll see his namesake."

"He's the namesake, and I agree."

"Okay," he said with finality, and she let him hold her with his good arm, and she closed her eyes.  When she pulled back, she winced again as her face touched against his sling.  He said, "Hey, you need attention for that.  I wanted to pull his head off his body when he hit you.  The only thing holding me back was Little Ray.  We just had to find him."

"I know.  You did everything right, Todd.  I was so proud to be your wife today.  Again."

"Why, you're not proud other days?  Okay, I see how it is."

She smiled, "I'm proud every day.  I was more proud today."

"Do I remember that Ribsky guy?  Was he there, or was I seeing things?"

"He was there.  He's here, too, over there, I think.  Making calls."

"Does he know?"

"I guess.  John might have gone to tell him more.  I don't know."

"Maybe," Todd said.  "Where's my father and my kid?"

"In the cafeteria.  A Manning tradition: eating."

"I want to see him, Blair.  I want to hold him, and let him know I'm okay.  He's my boy."

"I know.  I know you do.  They'll be back in a few minutes.  You could always call Timothy on your cell?"

"Let's get you checked out first, by a doctor?  Then we can all go home, if things are all right."

"Okay," she finally agreed.

"Okay," he said, relieved she was safe and warm, against him.

***

Bitsy was with a doctor who had completed her evaluation, and had repaired her forehead with a butterfly bandage.  He said, "She'll need to be watched.  Just to ascertain if there is a concussion here.  I can't ask her any questions, as you can see, she's catatonic."

The nurse said, "All right, Doctor, I can let the policemen know."

John stepped into the cubicle.  "That won't be necessary, I heard everything."  He flashed his badge.  "I'll be taking custody of Mrs. Manning."

Bitsy did not respond.  She stared straight ahead.  John said, "Bitsy, I know it's hard right now, but things will be all right.  Todd is fine, and Blair and Ray are, too.  You're going back to Mountainview for a while."

She didn't move or acknowledge him.  She was lost in her own world.

He saw the curtain open, and Todd and Blair stepped in.  Todd said, "Momma?  You okay?"

She didn't respond.  He looked at Blair.  "She's gone."

"I know, My Love.  I think she thought you had died."

"I'm not dead, Momma, okay?"  He said, touching her arm.  "I'm all right, thanks to you."

She didn't look at him, and he walked out of the area, pushing the curtains aside as he went.  

Blair said, "Momma, we love you," and followed him.

As he made his way into the sitting area, he stopped a doctor.  "Hey, check out my wife, will you?  She was hit with a large backhand.  I don't like the way her lip looks.  Can you check her out?"

"Just have her go into the third cubicle and wait, someone will be right with her."

He put his hand out, "There you go.  Get going.  I want us home by a decent hour so we can regroup with the kids.  Sam's gotta be a total mess right now."

She obeyed him after a light kiss on the unmarred side of her lips.  

***

Ribsky put a hand on his hip, and shook his head.  "She was his girlfriend, wasn't she?  At least, signs are pointing that way.  She told us he was dead.  Maybe she didn't know.  Maybe she didn't realize that he was still living."

"Maybe," John said, but he was doubtful.  Cell phone records would answer everything.  He'd pass the info to the local police in the morning.  "it's possible she knew nothing."

"Who I am kidding?  She had to know.  Her reaction to Manning when he came to us . . . when I think of it now, I'm sure she knew.  She was cold.  She . . . denied everything.  The man was a sick . . . a monster."

"I'm sorry," John said.

"It's going to hurt Pamela."

"Her sister?'

"Yeah, my wife.  It's going to ruin her.  She's a social worker.  She sees abused kids every day.  It won't be easy for her."

"I don't know what to say."

"There's nothing to say.  Manning was not lying to us.  He was brutalized by that man.  I saw it all over him when he visited.  It's sick."

"That's the right word for it."

"That room.  I've been a cop a while.  I don't think I ever saw something like that.  Ever."

"I haven't either, but there's always a first time," John said.  "Comes with our territory."

"Well, it had better be my last.  The guy, Todd?  He must have had some life."

"That's an understatement.  Let's go get off our feet for a few minutes.  Then, we can finish questioning Blair."  John said.

When they rounded the corner, Todd was sitting in the waiting area, his arm in the sling, his head tilted back.  His eyes were closed, and as they approached, careful not to wake him, he spoke.  "I'm not sleeping.  Just have a mother of a headache."

He opened his eyes and John and Ribsky were standing, looking down at him.  John said, "Manning.  Glad your son is all right."

"Me too.  What's up?  Hey, Ribsky, I'm . . . sorry about Connie."

"I'm sorry, too.  She . . . seemed to be helping out your father."

"I don't call him that anymore.  He never was a father to me.  He's not my father now.  My father's in the cafeteria with my little boy, feeding him pancakes, likely."

"You've changed, Todd.  Since I met you.  A great deal."  John said.

"I guess.  Don't we all change, every day?"  Todd answered.  "That's what my therapist says."

John nodded, and sauntered off in response to a phone call on his cell.  Ribsky sat beside Todd.  "So, you were serious, and you weren't lying."

"Yep, and nope."

"I'm sorry for any pain that my sister-in-law helped cause."

"Don't apologize.  You're not her.  She was her own person.  Made her own decisions."

"Is your son . . . okay?"

Todd looked at the man, and studied his face a moment.  In his eyes, Todd thought he saw fear for what could have been done to his boy.  He saw that house.  He knows.  He knows the truth.  "He's great, it seems.  He's got no physical injuries, and we have a therapist who can help him with the trauma.  It won't go unattended.  He'll have the help he needs.  Maybe if I . . . well, anyway, he's going to be okay."

"You were going to say, 'maybe if I were given help when I was his age,' right?"

"Maybe."  Todd folded his arms.  He turned away and stared straight ahead.

Ribsky thought that was a sign that Todd was closing down, but he continued anyway.  "You'd be right, if you were thinking that.  Dead on.  If the system didn't fail you, years back.  If your situation was under control by a person strong enough to handle it.  If you did this, if your mother did that.  Truth is, Todd, it's all ifs.  There's something today that's not an 'if,' and that is that your family is safe, putting things back together.  You're done with the likes of Peter Manning.  Your mother, well, I don't know much there, but she has finally got to have some peace.  Your wife has you and her son back.  It's over."

Todd shot a quick glance at the man.  Todd didn't respond, but he made eye contact again.

"Over.  I don't know everything that has gone on in your life, but just being in that cellar for fifteen minutes told me everything I needed to know.  It's over, and there's no looking back for you. I can still remember the day you came to my home, and looked for answers.  I'd dare say, you've made it and gotten them.  Your boys are safe, your journey with this over.  Make sure it stays that way."

Todd's eyes were brimming, and he fought not to give in to the emotion.

The man went on.  "Like I said that day, you have to move on.  That's what being a father is about.  And you know that, because you're a good one.  From what I can see, you're a very good father who did everything he had to for that little boy.  It's behind you, and see that it stays there," he said, getting up and walking off.  

Todd watched as the man went out the doors of the emergency room, signaled by a whoosh of electronics and then a sliding close of the exit.

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The Mysterious Samuel Toddman: Chapter 29

Starr glared at Samuel. "You can't do it. You know you're not strong enough. My god Dad, you had a heart attack several days ago and I know you're still having problems. If you try to face your secret now, you'll kill yourself. Why don't you just wait a few more days at least? Dad, you don't have to be Todd Manning any more. Let Walker be him. Just be Samuel. I love all of you and I'd rather have you as Samuel then not at all. You know you can survive just the way you are, Dad. Do that, and be happy. I'm not going anywhere and Mom's right here too. Please?"

 "I can't just be me anymore Starr, I don't feel all here. With each memory that has returned I realize I'm missing something. I'm here to help Todd and he should be here. Don't you see, Todd made me keep his place so he wouldn't be lost forever. I can't usurp his life, I'd be just as guilty as Carlo Hesser." Samuel walked over and gave his daughter a hug. "It's going to be alright. I'm not the only one who'll be helping Todd. We'll put up as much of a united front as we can. I need you and your mom and Hope to be here. You will be our lifeline. I'm counting on it. Now I have to go out. There are a few matters I need to take care of before this evening. I hear Hope. You go check on your daughter, I'll be back later." Samuel smiled and left.

 Starr watched him leave feeling helpless. She started up the stairs to Hope when her cell phone rang, it was Dani, Starr debated answering but couldn't. Dani wanted to talk about Walker and Starr just wasn't ready to face him yet, much less be reminded of how different he and her dad really were.

 Samuel got down to the garage level and got his car. He wanted to see a few people today and let them get a glimpse of him. If everything worked out tonight Todd would be back. Samuel wanted some of the people who knew him, to get used to the idea he might still be around. It was about time he got everyone questioning who Todd Manning really was? It had been eight years since his face had been seen in Llanview. Well, today it was going to be seen again. Might as well start at the papers. Let's see how observant some people are. Samuel parked his car down at the end of the block from the entrance to the Sun. He got out and took a stroll to the front entrance. Good, the security guard was still the guard Briggs had hired long ago. Now to have some fun. "Hey, Phil, everything quiet today. You're looking good, have you been working out?" asked Samuel. The guard looked at him and replied "Everythings great, Mr. Manning. Thanks for noticing I have been working out." Samuel nodded his head and sauntered off. He wondered how long it would take the guard to realize what he had seen. It didn't matter right now but a few days from now it would.

        Next, Samuel decided for old time's sake to check out Todd's old haunt, the police station. If he got lucky maybe he could give Nora and Bo a quick look. He walked in, thinking of all the times he had been brought in by the cops, Samuel was amused when he remembered all the times Todd had been turned loose for lack of evidence.

     An officer came up to him. "Sir, is there something we can do for you?”

“Yes, I was wondering if Commissioner Buchanan or his wife might be in? Oh yes, they are, but they look busy.  I'll just wave and try and catch them later when they are free. Thank you, Officer." It was perfect, they were both in Bo's office. Samuel moved to stand in front of the window to the office. He stood there for just a moment staring, then he caught Bo's eyes. He smiled and gave a little wave. Then he quickly turned and exited the room before the shock had worn off. It was delightful, Nora had seen Bo's expression and turned to see what Bo had been looking at. Samuel had given her a quick wink also. He quickly disappeared into the mass of people going to and fro in the hallway. He knew Bo wouldn't be able to move that fast.

 He still had to give Vicki and Tea a glimpse before tonight. Especially Vicki since he was headed into the cemetery tonight. He just had this feeling, if Vicki knew he was around, she might come looking for him. He was hoping that would be the case. First though he'd check on Tea. He got out to Manning's home. There were a couple cars there, so they appeared to be home. They were coming out together. This was perfect. He could get in another jab at Manning and let Tea see him at the same time. He pulled up behind their cars and rolled down his window. They had started coming toward the car as he said "I just wanted to say what a couple you make. Have a good day." The whole time he was talking to them he kept his eyes on Tea. He had made sure she got a look at him before he drove away.

 Llanfair wasn't far from Manning's house. Samuel got out at the back of the estate and headed for the back patio one last time. Vicki was working with her roses. He stopped and watched her. Should he say something or not. Samuel wanted to step forward and let her see him.  He wanted to be able to touch her gentle face and hear her scold him.  She, above everyone else, deserved to know he was alive. He stood in the shadows ."Vicki," he said. 

 Vicki turned to see who had spoken, the voice had sounded familiar. She saw him standing under the tree, she couldn't see his face. “Excuse me, but if you wish to talk to me, could you please come out of the shadows." Vicki started to walk closer.

  "Stop Vicki."  Samuel stepped from the shadow and let her see him. 

  "Todd?" Vicki whispered. She wasn't sure what she was seeing. "Todd is that you?"

  "No, Vicki, I'm Samuel, Todd isn't here right now. Yes, you heard correctly. Todd isn't here with us at this moment. I need you to just listen. I am your brother, your real brother. I'm here with Rodd and Tom and Pete and Ms. Perkins, and yes, Todd. Something happened and we've been lost. Tonight we hope to come home. I had to see you, I needed to tell you how much a part of me you are. You've been by my side these last years keeping me sane. I know you don't understand anything I've been saying. If the worst happens tonight, I don't want it to be like the last time I disappeared. I wanted you to know I love you. If after tonight I'm unable to come and explain fully, you can talk to Blair or Starr. They know everything. Take care." Samuel turned and left quickly before Vicki could say or do anything to stop him. If she knew what he was going to attempt. She would try to stop him and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to say no to her.

 Samuel was definitely feeling the pressure. Blair and Starr had been on his case since he had gotten home. Starr had called Blair and told her his plans. Talk about a united front. Samuel recalled how Todd must have felt when they had ganged up on him. Still he had to stick to the Plan. "I've heard what you're saying, but this has to be done. Wait for me.  I hope to be home by midnight. If I'm not, then come looking for me." He held open his arms and took Blair and Starr in. "I want to come back. You've given me hope that there is a life for me here. Trust me." Samuel grabbed the flashlight and left.

 Blair and Starr followed close behind. They dropped Hope off at Dorian's and headed for the Cemetery. Blair knew he was headed there because he had disappeared there. She was sure the trauma had occurred the night he disappeared. Whether he wanted help or not, she and Starr were going to be close by. His brain and the alters might be ready for this encounter, but both she and Starr felt his body wasn't. If it gave out they wanted to be there to save him.

 Night had fallen, Vicki was pacing back and forth still trying to take in what had occurred earlier. She had seen Todd, she was sure of it. Not the man she had thought was Todd all these years but the original. She had seen his face and heard his voice. She recalled the last time he had said goodbye to her. It had been after she had chastised him for using her illness to get out of jail. She had been so hurt and so mad that he would do that to her. She remembered how his voice had cracked when he had said he was sorry. His voice had cracked today when he told her he loved her. Try as she might she had never heard him say that before. Todd had always kept his feelings well hidden. But it wasn't Todd who had said it, was it. He said his name was Samuel and that he was one of Todd's alters. Surprisingly, that hadn't been a shock. She had always suspected that Todd did indeed have DID.

 Samuel had spoken of something that was taking place tonight, he had sounded so ominous. He had sounded like he was saying goodbye again. Why had he shown himself if he was just going to leave again? Something Samuel said reminded Vicki of his disappearance eight years ago. He had said they had gotten lost and then he had mentioned the time he last disappeared. That was the time of Sam's death. Todd had been the one they all had thought killed Sam, but it had turned out to be Lindsay. Father's ring had been found at the scene, but she knew Todd had been the last one wearing it. How had Todd lost the ring? Blair had been sure Todd had been taken by Mitch and it wasn't until Walker came that they found out that was the truth. She couldn't think of the current Todd right now.

  All her thoughts were on Samuel.  So the new alter was named after Todd's good friend. Vicki wondered if Samuel or Todd knew that Sam was dead. If he didn't that was going to be a shock. Samuel had told her that Blair and Starr knew what was going on. She had been trying to get a hold of Blair, but her phone was turned off and she hadn't had any luck with Starr either. Vicki stopped as a thought occurred to her. Whenever Todd had needed to think, he had always ended up at Victor's crypt. Was it possible he had gone to the cemetery tonight? That would be easy enough to check.

 It was already dark by the time Blair and Starr arrived at the cemetery. Samuel had already been here for a while. They didn't see him among the headstones. They would have to go in deeper. Blair looked at Starr. "I think I know where he might be. I think he's at your grandfather's crypt."

  "Mom, why would he go there?" asked Starr 

 "Because that is where Mitch held him long ago. Whatever happened that night must have been horrible," said Blair. "Here it's this way. I hope he's alright."

 The sun was setting when Samuel arrived at the cemetery. They were all present, Todd and the other alters. This was something they would all face together up to a point and then it would be he and Todd. He walked through the gates of the cemetery and began moving among the headstones. A cold chill had settled around him. As he went through the headstones, he found himself having to watch his step the ground was uneven, suddenly he tripped. Samuel went sprawling on top of a grave. His flashlight was beaming at the name on the stone. Samuel went very still. "No! It couldn't be. He couldn't be dead. Sam!  Please tell me I'm reading this wrong!" Samuel saw the date March 14th, 2003. “NO!!!!!” Samuel screamed in despair. He staggered off the grave. Running away, he had to get away. Samuel and Todd were both reeling and it was all he could do to catch his breath. Why hadn't he remembered? What else was ahead? He kept running, then falling to his knees he started to cry. Through his tears, he looked up and realized what was in front of him. Suddenly his very breath seemed to turn frosty, he was at Victor's tomb.

 Todd stared at the scene in front of him, that tomb beckoning to him.  It seemed to be welcoming him.  Samuel no longer had control, he watched as Todd got slowly to his feet. Todd took slow unsteady steps toward the door. Something was waiting on the other side. He had no choice. He had to know what awaited him. Pushing open the door Todd stumbled into the crypt. He remembered Mitch taunting him, telling him that Sam was dead. He had thought his heart was breaking. The only man who had ever treated him like a son was dead. He had wanted to kill Mitch three times over, but he couldn't, he was bound. Todd stumbled to the floor staring at the tomb that held his father, then he wasn't on the floor any longer, he was laying next to his father watching the lid drop down.  “No, don't!"

  He tried to scream, but he couldn't, he was gagged. Darkness, Mitch's taunting voice then silence but it wasn't silent for long. He was laughing, that hated voice was laughing at him again. No, he had to get away. Father was laughing, he was coming, he was going to hurt him again. Todd couldn't move. 

 "You miserable excuse for a son, can't you ever do anything right? You're weak, I'll teach you some strength. You can't hide from me." Todd could see him grinning as he pulled his belt free. More laughter coming from across the room Todd couldn't see who it was. 

"Bravo Peter, he's a disrespectful whelp.  Hmmph, Lord heart. He doesn't deserve it. Let me have the heart. I know what to do with it, he's not worthy." 

The gag was gone, but he couldn't breathe it was so hard to breathe, the old man, the pervert was leaning over him, he wanted to gag, the smell so overwhelming, he had to get out of here . “Can’t breathe.”  That dead smell, what was it?  There was that laughter again, fingers grabbing at him holding him down. 

 "Victor I hear you like them young, he might be a little long in the tooth for you but he's such a girl. Here I'll hold him have some fun." Those hands tearing at him 

 "No don't touch me!! LEAVE ME ALONE!! " He couldn't breathe , so cold, so dark.. Wait a light.  Someone coming toward him, "Help!, Someone help," Sam, it's Sam, He'll help, he always helps "Sam Help me!" 

 " I can't Pal, I'm dead, You're on your own with this one." 

 " NO, WHERE DID HE GO? SAM!!!!!" CAN'T BREATHE, GOT TO GET SOME AIR!" Hands grabbing him holding him down, that hated voice, "Get away..leave me alone.. please let me be.. I'll be good..let me be...can't ...breathe......too hard to breathe...hurt everywhere got to breathe”   What's that?  A knife, no he wants my heart. “GOD DON'T LET HIM TAKE MY HEART!” utter Darkness…

  Samuel looked up that knife inching closer, the voice taunting "I'm going to mark you so you'll never forget me. L FOR LAURENCE, " Samuel felt the knife touch below his eye then carving down his cheek, then no more pain just silence..

  Todd's eyes flew opened, agony shooting through his chest! God not again! Can't breathe! "Blair..Starr ...Someone help"..There she was. He knew he could count on her."Vicki, help me! Please!" and he passed out.

 “TODD! My god what's the matter?" Vicki knelt down. She tried to feel for a pulse. She heard footsteps behind her . Turning she saw Blair and Starr enter the tomb. "Something's wrong I can hardly feel a pulse. What is it?"

 "Aunt Vicki call 911. Mom, he's having another attack. You have to do something." said Starr.

 "Starr, help me lay him down. You breathe for him and I'll do the chest compressions. Ok, now, that's it ..again...again...wait .let me check, no keep going...again... Come on Todd, I'm not going to lose you a third time. Again Starr...again..." Blair prayed the ambulance would get there soon.

 Vicki knelt beside her brother. Looking at Blair she asked, " The ambulance is on the way. What did Starr mean by another attack? When was the last one?"

 Blair looked over, "He had an attack several days ago. He wouldn't go to the hospital, you know how he hates them. Samuel insisted on coming here tonight, he said he had to free Todd. Was he successful? Did he talk to you before he passed out? Was he Todd?"

 "I believe he was. Oh god, what has he been through? Where has he been? Keep him alive, Blair. I think I hear the EMTs. I'll get them." Vicki got up.

 Todd was in bad shape, but they managed to get his heart going again. Blair had Starr go with her father. She offered a ride to Vicki and headed for her car.

  Vicki took a look around shaking her head and sobbing. "You ruin all of us. Now you might have taken your son too. Will it never end?" she closed the door and left the dead where he belonged.


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