The Fourth Life: Chapter 39

Tea, her skirt covered in blood, stumbled, zombie-like, into the emergency room waiting area, and saw the scene.  Todd, hysterical, his family, Patrick, John, the nun, Timothy.  Her heart ached too much to manage her way over there.


She sat on the chair, and doubled over, letting the tears come.  Zeus was critical; he had been shot in the chest.  He was undergoing surgery, just as Blair was, and his was to repair a damaged heart.  Sister Rebecca Katherine noticed her, and left the group for a moment, sitting next to her.  "Dear.  Is he all right?"


"I don't know.  He's in surgery."


"Did they lose him on the way?"


"Yes, twice."  she was at her stoic best.  Staunch and firm in her ability to maintain herself, she was composed.


"Did he speak to ya?" the nun said.


"Yes.  He told me," she faltered, "that he loves me."


"That's good.  He'll be all right, he'll come through."  The nun spoke from a place more certain within her than any other.  "He will.  Then you will have a decision to make, eh?"


Tea frowned, "I'm not sure what business it is of yours."


The sister chuckled, "Todd described you perfectly, Tea.  It's not my business, but you're alone, dealing with this.  And you need someone to tell you that he's going to be all right, and that you'll be able to make that life with him that you so want to make, if you're able to let go of your pride long enough."  She stood up, and Tea's eyes followed her.  "I must go back, Todd will need me.  Zeus will be all right."  And she walked off.


Tea, not sure what to make of the strange visit, rested her hand in her forehead and cried. 


***


John said, in a voice only Patrick could hear, "Should we get a doctor?  Manning's over the top.  He needs a sedative."


"He won't be taking that," Patrick said, "He has to let this out.  I've known him for a long time, Lieutenant.  Blair is his safe harbor.  Throughout his life, when he was without her, let's just say he didn't do well."


"I've seen glimpses of that.  Since he's been back."  John said.


"If she dies, you'll have a man crazed with revenge and hatred on your hands.  If the baby is dead, which I suspect she is, Blair'll be the only one who can contain him, that she will."  Patrick said.


A doctor, in scrubs and a mask, came into the sitting area.  "Mr. Manning?"


Todd stood, up, though wobbly, and took several steps toward him, "I'm Mr. Manning," he said.


"Your wife's been shot through the right side of her stomach.  The bullet passed through her and left through her back.  It missed her spinal cord by about two inches."


He took in air, raggedly, and waited.


"She came through the surgery satisfactorily, and we've given her medication to keep her unconscious.  That is most likely for the best, as it will give her time to recover and rest.  Sometimes, we need the body to shut down to preserve itself.  With what she is facing, she'll need to be kept subdued."


He said in a small voice, "Sommer?  I mean, the baby?"


"Yes, the baby is dead, Mr. Manning.  However, we will have to do another surgical procedure to remove the fetus, because of the gunshot trauma, it's not advisable to leave the stillborn infant in place."


"Fetus?"  Todd shouted, and Patrick assumed his place behind him.  Tea's head whipped toward the commotion from across the room.  "It's not a fetus.  That's my daughter..." he faded, "That's my baby daughter."


Larry walked in, rushing toward them, and said, "Dr. Mannard, I'll be certain to explain things to Todd."


The doctor said, before leaving, "I'm so sorry for your loss, Mr. Manning."


Larry said, "Todd, I got here as soon as I could."


"What is all this?  Why are they saying all these things?"  Todd asked.


"Because, it's true, Todd.  It's true."  Larry said.


Todd, grabbing his forehead with his hand, and pacing in a circle, came back to Larry and said, "What does all this mean?"


"They have to take the baby, Todd.  With the shooting trauma, Blair is not strong enough to give birth the baby.  She's twenty-six weeks along.  The typical solution is to have the mother carry the infant until labor occurs naturally, or is induced.  She's just not strong enough."


He sat, and Larry sat right beside him.  The family and friends were close enough to hear the horrifying outcome of the incident at the courthouse:  The Mannings had lost their fourth life.


The realization of Larry's words set in.  She'd have to give birth to a dead child.  He didn't want to think about it.  A sudden and prevailing calm came over him.  He said, "Do whatever you have to to help her."  Then, he said, "Did the baby die at the courthouse?"  He flashed on Hesser's face, passing by him, the edge of a grin hidden.


"No, the techs said they had gotten a heartbeat in the ambulance."


Todd turned to Sister Rebecca Katherine, who walked to his side and placed a hand on his shoulder.  He said, "She knew."  Then he turned back to Larry, "She knew that Sommer was dying, inside her."


"That's very well possible," Larry said.  "Todd, I'm sorry.  But you know what I am going to say next.  Blair has to be your priority.  This is not going to be easy for her."


Todd wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.  "I know.  I know.  She's lost two other children."  He looked up to Patrick, who was still standing guard, "and one was yours."


Patrick said, "Yes, it was.  Brendan.  My son."


Todd said, "I'm, I'm sorry for calling you a stupid mick earlier."


Patrick shrugged, "I've been called worse, and at less crucial times.  It felt like the old days, Manning."


Todd smiled a slight smile, despite everything.  Then, "Thank you, Larry.  When can I see her?"


"She's not awake, Todd, but you can see her any time.  Come with me, I'll show you to her room."  And the two of them departed, as Marty was making her way out of the emergency room, cleaned up as much as possible.  The nurse had given her scrubs to wear, and she walked to Patrick and said, "I feel at home in these."


"You were your old self, Miss Margaret Saybrooke, when you went into action to help Blair."


She smiled, "I felt like I was my old self, thank you very much."  Then she said, "Where's Todd?"


"He's gone in to see her.  She lost the baby."


"Yes, I know.  When I saw where she was shot, I knew there was no chance of the baby surviving, or at least, little chance."


"Poor Blair," he said, concern written all over his face.  She automatically hugged him around his chest, and he closed his eyes, bringing her close, and resting his chin on the top of her head.


***


Todd walked into the cubicle where Blair was being kept.  It was the recovery room, and was surrounded on all sides by equipment and monitors, and greenish curtains.  She had tubes up her nose, and in her arms.  One of her hands was resting on her belly, which was still round, like it was not a day before.   He sat by her bed.  "Blair, can you hear me?  It's me, Babe.  I'm right here."


Nothing.


He took her hand, which looked very small and was very cold.  "I'm sorry, I didn't know.  I should have protected you and Sommer.  I'm sorry.  But I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."


She didn't move, but he saw she was breathing, and could see her heartbeat on the monitor, steady and regular.  He put his hand on her belly, and said, "Sommer."  He felt nothing, where just hours earlier, in the courtroom, he had been touching what he believed to the the baby's head, and feeling it kick and move around.  It was a very active child that they enjoyed watching push against the side of her mother and show her hand or her foot.  Gone.


He bent his head, and resting in on the side of the bed against Blair, he cried, openly.


***


Sister Rebecca Katherine went to Starr and Jack, who were sitting by the windows.  Jack was staring out, very quiet.  Starr was talking on her phone, at first, to who sounded like Addie.  She hung up, tearfully, and said, "Thank you, Sister, for being here."


"Oh, Starr, that's all right.  The least I could do.  Jack, you're worried about your father?"


Jack said, "Yep.  And my mother.  What if she dies?"  He looked at the nun with tears brimming.


"None of that talk, young man, your mother is not going to die, Dear."


"How do you know that?" he said, angrily.


"I don't know how, but I do.  I know she will make it."  Sister Rebecca Katherine sounded so reassuring, Jack said nothing more.  She continued, "Jack, your father is a human being.  One who has been so tormented.  It was natural for him to lash out and to fall apart.  You mustn't be afraid, dear, of seeing that part of him.  It's who he is.  Most of what he believes is good in himself is tied to your mother."


Starr said, "I've never thought I underestimated the power of Mom's love for Dad.  Until now."


"Children, everything will be all right.  They'll lean on each other.  They'll make it through.  They have you, and your brothers."  The nun said.


To Jack, Starr said, "That reminds me.  I'll call Shaun, and he'll take Sam.  Sam will love it, and then you'll go there, too."


Jack said, "I'm not leaving here."


"You will, Jack.  We all will.  We can't stay here overnight."  Starr reminded.


"Why dontcha all go to the penthouses?  You'll be close to your mother, and you'll be able to come back and forth more easily, eh?"  The nun suggested.


Starr said, "Great idea.  I'll arrange it.  Good luck getting Dad out of here."  Sister Rebecca Katherine realized that Starr was right.  How would she get Todd out of the hospital?  


Timothy was still waiting for her, engaged in a conversation with Viki.  John had left.  He was on a mission to determine the identity of the shooter and make an arrest.  Patrick had gone, taking Marty back to St. Anne's, and promising to return to help keep a lid on Todd as needed.  Tea was at the far end of the emergency waiting area, making calls.  Sister Rebecca Katherine saw her get up and go back to visit Zeus, and as she passed, she made eye contact with her and the nun nodded.  


Then the sister said, "Starr, I am going to get your father.  He will probably need our support.  Be back soon, with him, I hope."


She entered the emergency area and gave Blair's name.  After retrieving a special pass, she wandered through the corridors, looking for the assigned room.  She saw a little curtained cubicle, with his feet underneath, and knew she was in the right place.  She opened the curtain, "Todd?" she said, breaking the silence.



"What?"  He said, cruelly, then, "I'm sorry, I just..."


"Don't say anything.  Just come with me, you need a break from here, lad.  You won't be strong enough to help her if you don't care for yourself.  Look at ya.  How long has it been since you even had a sip of water?"


"There's a water fountain, right there, I'll get some in a minute."


"Your children want to see you, Todd.  They're worried and hurting, too."


He looked at her, and she felt the strongest sense of pity.  His eyes were bloodshot, red-rimmed and swollen.  His beard was growing in and stubble dotted his face.  His hair was disheveled from running his hands through it.  He said, "Where are they?"


"In the waiting area.  Darling, you must be strong. I know it is hard."


"It's impossible.  Without her, I feel...I feel like jelly, Sister."


"I understand.  Come with me, dear, she's sleeping now, and needs her rest."


She brought him to his children, and Starr, who spotted him from across the room, got up and raced quickly to him, hugging him and crying.  "Oh, Dad, is Mom okay?"


He wrapped his arms around his daughter.  "It's all right, Starr.  Jack, come here." He put out his hand to his son.  Jack didn't move at first, then got up as his father kept his hand outstretched, and Todd pulled him into the embrace by the nape of his neck.  "It's okay, Son.  Your mom will be all right."


After a few moments, Todd said, "I want you all to do whatever Sister Rebecca Katherine tells you to do.  If she tells you to leave, you leave.  If she tells you to come to the hospital, you come.  If she tells you to eat, sleep, whatever, you do what she asks."


Starr said, "We're going to the penthouses.  Shaun is there with Sam already, I called him."


"Good," he said, letting go of them.  "And Jack, no drinking.  It's going to be tough, but that won't help.  I know, I've been suffering longer than any of you."


Starr was amazed that her father had even an ounce of snark left.  Jack said, "I gave it up, Dad, remember?"


"Let's make it stay that way.  You're gonna have to feel this, and feel it deep.  It's part of..." his voice cracked, but he gained it back, "living."


Starr and Jack left, but not before each telling Todd that they loved him, and him answering back.  He looked at the nun.  Viki had since gone, and Timothy had walked home, or at least they believed he had.  He said, "You've been my biggest supporter lately.  What do I owe this to?"


"Nothing, lad.  You're my charity case, eh?  I adopted ya."


He pulled her into an impromptu hug, and said, "Sister, I love ya," in his best brogue.


She said, "You really don't have that accent boy, it needs a great deal of work."


Over his shoulder, she spied Larry, coming closer, and looking like the bearer of bad news.  She said, "Todd, I'll wait over here.  I need to get off my feet for a bit," and walked away, heading to the chairs that lined the windows.


He turned, "Larry, what's up?"  He wiped his eyes.


"We've done a lot of tests, Blair's set for the next surgery, that I discussed with you earlier.  Todd, I have to talk to you about something else."


He gulped, and said, "What is it?  Go slow, I'm not sure what else I can take right now, Larry."


"There's a very good chance, Todd, that Blair won't be able to carry another child.  I wanted to be up front with you about it, so that neither of you is mislead.  She'll be coming around after the second surgery, with many questions, and I don't want you unprepared."


Todd said, "Very good chance?"


Larry answered, "Nothing's a sure thing when it comes to this kind of thing, but with the rupture of this side of her uterus, her age and the fact that she's already lost children, it's likely that if she does become pregnant, she will ever carry to full term."


He stumbled back a few steps, and Larry's hand shot out, instinctively.  "Todd, sit down, here," and he directed the younger man to the seat.  Looking down at him, he said, "You're on a dangerous path, Todd."


"What do you mean?"


"You suffer from PTSD.  You're depriving yourself of rest, food, water, and the stress must be insurmountable.  I know you don't want to hear me but, while she's in surgery, you should go home and get some sleep.  Even if it's a few hours.  What will happen when she comes to, and you're nowhere to be found or can't be strong enough to help her?"


Todd listened, still reeling from the previous news, and said, "I don't know.  I don't even know if I am capable of it."


"You are.  You know that.  Now please, get home and get some sleep."


Todd waited until Larry was out of his view, and went back to the chairs by Sister Rebecca Katherine.  He said, "Go take care of my children, please?"


"Of course, but you need to go home, Todd..."


"Please?"


She got up, "All right, if this is what ya want.  But you need to rest."


"I will, I promise, I just...I can't..."  You're going to leave me, Todd.  You always have.  "I can't leave her."


She understood, and touching under his chin, he suddenly felt all the exhaustion he was enduring, thick, like syrup around him.  She said, "I love ya, my boy.  Call us, please.  Call us when her surgery is done," and she was gone.  The emergency room waiting area was mostly empty, except for a very large woman with three kids running around her, eating chips, and a small, frail old woman next to her small, frail old husband.  He teared up, seeing them, still holding onto each other, after the years had passed them by.


He closed his eyes and saw Blair, under him, her face tilted toward him, as they had just finished making love to each other at the penthouse the last time he left her.  She had said, breathy, "No leaving?" with a question in her eyes.  


He had said, "No leaving."


"Never?" she'd asked.


"Ever," he'd said.

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Dance with the Devil: Chapter 48

Todd rolled into the office of Dr. Ewen Keenan the next morning.  “I think may need another session, like now,” he said.

The psychiatrist looked up at him and offered a genial smile.  “What seems to be the problem, Mr. Manning.”

Todd took a deep breath, than launched into a description of whatever it was that happened the night before.  Ewen listened, made notes and asked a question here and there.  When he finished, Todd asked, “So is this another symptom of the PTSD?”

Ewen shrugged his shoulders.  “It’s possible.  You were taken from your family for eight years, beaten, tortured.  When you finally escaped, you came home to find you had been replaced within your family, as a father, husband, brother.  That would have some effect on anyone.  Tell me, what was your reaction when you first met him and when you first found out your were twins?”

Todd thought back to the night at the Banner, when he encounter the other man in his office after he had taken Sam.  “I wanted to know who he was and why he had taken my life.  He laughed at me and said that it had always been his.  When we next encountered each other, it was in front of my family, Blair, Tea, the kids.  It was more of the same back and forth.  And the day we found out we were twins, neither of us really believed it.  The story we were told was almost freakish.  It sounded like something out of a horror movie.”

“Who told you the truth?  What was their reason for withholding it in the first place?” the doctor asked.

“Our mother was under arrest and brought to my sister Viki’s home.  There, Irene Manning told us the whole sick truth, about how she had hidden Victor all his life and how she had planned this for years,” Todd told him.

Ewen got up from his desk and walked around to the front.  “Did you know your mother at any point before that day at your sister’s house?”

“I never met her in person.  She supposedly died when I would have been eight.  But, she left behind a diary and whatever knowledge I had of her, I got it from that,” Todd smiled at the memories of reading Irene’s diary for the first time.  “From reading it, she sounded like a young woman who was put in a terrible position by someone who was more powerful then her and that forced her to make decisions that she hated making.  She said she wanted to keep me, but she would have never been able to support me and my sister Tina.”

“I spoke to your sister Viki about the discovery about your paternity.  When you found out you were the son of Victor Lord, what was your reaction?” Ewen asked next.

“Well, shock.  It’s not every day you find out your father was a billionaire media mogul who was also a vicious pedophile, not that I knew that part at the time,” Todd said.

“When did you find that out, Mr. Manning?”

Todd flashed back to the foyer of Llanfair, Viki on the stairs, wigging out on him after he questioned her again about their father.  He must have been out of it for a few minutes himself because he heard Dr. Keenan call him back.  “What?” he asked, momentarily stunned.  “Right, finding out about Victor Senior.”  He took a deep breath.  “It was the night before Blair and I were getting remarried.  I went to tell my family about the wedding that would the next day.  Tina wanted me to not go through with it, but Viki offered me best wishes.  Then I asked her, I insisted she tell me about our father.  I wanted to know what kind of man he really was, not that story the book told.  She didn’t want to, she begged me not to make her answer the question.  But I pushed and pushed and she...lost it.  One of her alters came out.  I managed to get her back and then she told me.  She told me he had raped her since the time she was young.”  Todd looked up at the doctor again.  “I know what your next question is going to be.  How did that make me feel?  I realized, I was my father’s son.  I was a rapist, he was a pedophile.  Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, eh doc?”

“I won’t say that.  Your past crimes, while maybe not expunged, have been for the most part overlooked by many, including and especially your family.  You have a woman you love and children who clearly adore you.  I’ve done my research on Victor Lord.  He was at least controlling of those around him, his eldest daughter loathes the very thought of him, as so you, your sister Tina, while unaffected by his history, doesn’t seem to give him much thought.  You have lived under his shadow for as long as you’ve known about him.  I suspect your brother, in taking on your life for eight years, has been too.”

“Then what did my dream, nightmare, hallucination mean?”

“Well, from what you described, it seems as though you were working through some of your feeling…guilt, remorse.  Now, if it was you communicating with your brother, I can’t really say.  From a professional standpoint, I think you are finally allowing yourself to work through the issues in your life.”

Todd left the doctor’s office feeling better about getting some things off his chest, but still uneasy about his experience the previous night.  As he made his way to the nurse’s station, he was surprised to see Tina there.  When she caught sight of him, she came over.  “I’m glad I found you here,” she said as she walked behind him and began pushing his chair to the elevator.

“Whoa, what the hell are you doing?” he asked, trying to stop her.

“We have a lunch date,” she stated.

“Sorry, but we have not nor ever will have a lunch date.  I’m libel to shoved it down your throat,” he remarked.

“We are having lunch at the Quartermaine Estate with Edward Quartermaine himself,” Tina told him as she pushed him in.  As the door closed, she went to face him.  “Mr. Quartermaine wants to meet with the both of us, so shut up and let’s get going.”

When they arrived at the mansion, the maid, Alice, let them in and showed them to the living room.  Edward was there, at the table.  He looked up and said, “Mr. Manning, Mrs. Roberts, it’s a pleasure to meet with you personally.  Before we begin, this is for you, Mr. Manning,” Edward said as he handed over an envelope. 

Todd opened it and read over the papers.  It was an affidavit stating that Todd Manning alone was entitled to the trust fund left by Victor Lord.  “Starr told me about this.  Thank you,” he offered.

“I still don’t see why you would need it, as your brother is dead, but Starr seemed insistent on it,” Edward told him.  He took a step back to look at the two of them.  “You are the very image of your mother, dear.  I still remember that holiday we spent together, before your mother had the boys.  You were so excited for Christmas morning you wanted to wait up all night for Santa.”

“Oh, Mr. Quartermaine, I am so sorry I didn’t recognize you the night you had us all over.  I can’t explain it, but when my daughter Sarah was showing us the pictures, suddenly I remembered,” Tina said to him. 

“My dear, you were very young when I knew you.  I didn’t expect you to remember me,” Edward assured her.  He then turned to Todd.  “You know, I almost regret that you father never lived to see the business success you became.  Most people who come into the fortune you inherited would have blown it on a frivolous lifestyle.  You followed your father’s career path, taking a struggling paper and turning it into a leading tabloid.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!” he said too enthusiastically.  Todd looked at the old man in disgust and made a beeline for the patio.  Edward was surprised by his reaction and turned to Tina.  “Was it something I said?”

Outside, Todd took a deep breath of the late summer air.  “‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’  Thank you for reminding me,” he said out loud.  All his life, he had tried to run away from the legacy of Victor Lord.  He had been convince that the whole family was cursed and wanted his children not to be judged as the grandchildren of the old man.  Now, here he was, in a new town, still in the shadow cast by his father. 

Edward came out to of the living room with Tina trailing.  “I am sorry, I certainly didn’t mean…”

“Yeah, but you are right.  I am like the old man, professionally and personally,”  Todd admitted.  “You know, I can still walk around Llanview--well, not walk, but you know--hang around and they still see me as the rapist.  I have always been afraid that that would rear its head again…” His voice just trailed off.

“Todd, how many times do Viki and Blair have to reassure you of that,” Tina said as she sat in a chair.  “Viki told me about the day at Victor’s when John read the initial DNA results and you found out about him and Marty, about how disgusted you were by that fact.  If that incident can evoke that depth of feeling from you all these years later, that should be your reassurance.”

Todd gave her a strange look.  “Are you turning into Viki?  Because, quite frankly, there is only one Viki allowed in this family and you are so far out of the realm of possibility for filling that vacancy when it come up, it’s not even funny.  Jessica is more the heiress to the title of family wisdom giver then you will ever be,” he informed her mockingly. 

Tina narrowed her eyes at him as Edward chuckled,  “You two are rather reminding me of Alan and Tracy right now.  You two can get on each other nerves but you do love each other, that I can see.”

Tina smiled, but Todd replied in a stage whisper “Don’t tell her that,” as he chucked a thumb at his sister. 

They returned to the living room as Edward continued.  “Is there anything specific you would like to know about the time your mother stayed with us that you don’t already know?”

“Uh, well,  Sarah said something about your son and our mother.  What was the story with that?” Tina asked.

Edward got lost in a memory as he explained.  “My son Alan had finished medical school and when he met her I think he was smitten with her.  He thought you were the cutest thing and if things had worked out differently, I was sure he would marry her.  But, Victor stepped in and it fell apart, though not before Alan laid into him.  Victor was terrible to Irene and Alan nearly punched the man.”

“I have a question.  Did you ever meet Peter Manning?” Todd spoke up.

“He and his wife, Barbara I believe, came to the hospital to collect you.  She was a lovely woman who was cooing over you the minute she held you.  Peter…Peter was rather cold and aloof.  He was discussing the arrangements with Victor more than he was paying attention to you.  It was something Alan had made a few remarks to me about.  He even tried to talk your mother out of the who idea, but she…she lost the will to fight it, especially after she saw how much Peter’s wife fell in love with you,” Edward told him.  “What ever happened to them?  Did they ever see the man you became?”

Tina looked at Todd and took his hand.  Even though they were never close, she knew from talking to Viki that Peter was still a scar on Todd as much as the one he wore on his cheek.  Todd looked down at their intertwined hands and actually appreciated her being there.  “Peter and Bitsy, Barbara, they split up when I was nine.  He beat her, she turned to booze, it was a mess.  He kept custody, probably because of the trust fund Victor had set up and I never saw her again.  She finally died when I was fourteen.  As for Peter, once I was pardoned for the rape, he was done with me and died of a heart attack later that year.  It was on his deathbed that he told me I was adopted and well….you can figure out the rest.”  Todd released Tina’s hand and began looking around the room.  “Look, Mr. Quartermaine, as nice as you have been, I’m a busy man,” he said rather politely.  “I need to get back to work.”

Edward could tell that the younger man had been uncomfortable since his comment about Victor Lord.  “I can have me driver take you wherever you need to go, if you would like.”

Todd nodded and left his sister with the Quartermaine patriarch.  He was driven next door and when he arrived back, went into the study.  The pictures that had been given to him were on the desk.   As he stared at him he tried to imagine for a minute what his life would have been like, if Victor Lord had not interfered.

Meanwhile, a door was unlocked and inside stepped two women.  One, dressed elegantly, walked over to a man on a bed.  Looking over him a minute, she returned to the door where her associate remained.  “What have you done with him?  He is incoherent and barely conscious!” she exclaimed. Then, she realized something.  “You gave him too much.  He may not survive and if he doesn’t, years of planning will fall part.”  The woman looked back at the bed.  “Dump him somewhere.  We need dispose of any evidence of this part of the plan.”  The other woman left and the speaker returned to the bed.  “This whole plot has been a fool’s errand since Irene was shot by her son.  I should have especially pulled the plug on it after your brother walked on the murder charges,  Oh well.  My only hope is that you die before anyone finds you.  And, we still have you wife and son.  I am certain I can find some use for them in the long run,” she said before she closed and locked the door.



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Dance with the Devil: Chapter 47

Todd had a fitful night’s sleep, punctuated by the memories of his crimes.  Then, it was as if a fog lifted.


He found himself standing in front of the French doors of the library in Llanfair.  He looked out into the garden, then turned around as he heard the approach of footsteps.


Standing in front of him was Victor.  With almost comic timing the twins asked each other, “What are you doing here?”


Then Todd looked down at his feet.  “Why am I standing?”


Victor gave him a perplexed look.  “What the hell are you talking about?”


“I was shot in the back and they couldn’t get the bullet out of my spine without some risky surgery, which I will hopefully be having soon,” Todd told him.  “Wait, if we’re supposed to have this twin connection thingy, wouldn’t you know this?”


“Dude. I’ve been so drugged up lately, I can’t feel anything,” Victor said.  He looked around the room.  “What the hell are we doing here?”


Todd thought about it for a minute.  “Beats me.  I never did like the style of this room, hell, this whole house,” he remarked snidely as he turned back to his brother.  “Where are you?  You asked me for my help but I have no idea how to even find you, even if I wanted to.”


“I don’t know.  It’s been a long time since I’ve known anything,” Victor said as he sat down.  “So, what did you do to make Blair want to shoot you?”


“Why does everyone think it was Blair who shot me?” Todd questioned.


Then, in unison again, they remembered “Max.”


Todd sighed.  “No, it was not Blair, just another crazy woman I stupidly got involved in,” he muttered.  When Victor’s look showed he wanted more information, Todd redirected.  “Let’s not talk about my shooting, let’s talk about yours.  How did you even survive my murder attempt?”


“Ah, you didn’t shoot me,” came his response.


“Yes, I did.”


“No, you didn’t.”


“Yes I did!”


“No, you DIDN’T!”  Todd looked at Victor and Victor smirked back.  “You really think you shot me?  Well. I’m honored I pissed you off enough to make you want to kill me, but that medal  is reserved for someone else,” Victor said.


“Fine, if I didn’t shoot you, then who did?” Todd asked.


“Tomas Delgado,” he said, as if he was giving Todd the answer to two plus two.


Todd’s mouth hung open.  “Tomas Delgado.  Your brother-in-law Tomas Delgado.”


“Uh, yeah.  I saw him, clear as day.  I was leaving a voice message for Shaun and he walked in and shot me,” Victor insisted.  At that answer, Todd broke out into hysterical laughter.  In fact, he was laughing so much, he had to sit on the couch.  Victor put his fists on his hips, starting to get more annoyed than usual at Todd.  When his twin finally calmed down, Victor asked him, “Mind letting me in on the joke?”


Todd had to wipe tears out of his eyes.  “I thought I had killed you.  I remembered it sometime after the fact.  But I got scared that I would lose everything I had just gotten back, especially Blair.  And Tomas was circling her so to get him out of the way.  I kidnapped him and framed him for the murder.  A murder,” Todd laughed again, “that he actually did commit.”


“Yeah, well, when I get back, I’ll see that he pays,” Victor grunted.


“He already has.” Todd said.  When he saw Victor’s look, he explained,  “They found him in the Llantano River today.”


Victor put his head in his hands.  “How’s Tea handling it?” he asked.


Todd blinked, thinking of Tea.  “She hasn’t been having an easy time of it since your…um, death.”  Todd got up and walked back over to the French doors.  “Shortly afterwards, she found out…she was pregnant.”


Victor smiled.  “I’m a father?” he asked, almost giddy.  Then he saw Todd turn somber.  “What happened?”


“It…very…complicated,” he said slowly, trying to decide how to explain the last few months.  He took a deep breath.  “Starr had some legal issues out of town and Blair asked or Tea insisted on representing her.  I was already there and told her to go home, that I would take care of it.  But you know Tea,” Todd tried to stall.  He looked back at his brother.  “I found Tea in the garage of her hotel and tried to get her to the hospital but she was in labor and there was a storm.  There were power lines down and we got stuck and the only shelter was a buss stop so, I had to deliver him there.”


“Him?  It’s a boy?” he asked, the smile getting wider.


“He wasn’t breathing or barely was.  Tea insisted that I take him to get help.  But the only help I found was a crazy woman who tried to resuscitate him but couldn’t,” Todd informed him.  Victor slumped into a chair.  “Then, it just so happened that another woman who had just given birth collapsed into the shed I was in and when I heard her baby crying I went to pick him up.  That was when Tea found me and assumed it was her son.  I tried to correct her but crazy lady came back and thought it was the baby that needed help until I showed her the woman in the shed, who she just happened to have a grudge against.  She told me this woman was abandoning her son because it wasn’t her husband’s and he didn’t want it then convinced me that everything had worked out for the best.”


Victor launched himself out of the chair at his brother.  “You switched the babies?  You switched my dead son for another kid?  WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?”


“I DIDN’T WANT TO HURT TEA MORE!!”  Todd shouted.  “I thought I had killed you, took you away from her.  I couldn’t bare telling her the baby was dead.”  He shoved his brother off of him.  “But then, my luck just got worse.  The woman, Sam, did actually want the baby and was devastated by it death.  But that’s not the worse part.”  Todd went back to the couch and fell into it.  “When the ran test on the baby Tea had in her arms, he had a disorder only found in people from a particular part of the world, and it wasn’t Puerto Rico.  And the baby that died had hemophilia, which Tea was a carrier for.  When the babies were switched back, the ran a DNA test to confirm and here’s the really weird part.”  Todd met Victor’s eyes.  “The dead baby was, in no way, hers.”


“Then where is my son?” Victor asked.


“The authorities are investigating it, as well as your shooting…and now Tea’s disappearance,” Todd admitted.


Victor walked around the room.  “So, my wife and son are missing, you’ve been shot,” he paused, “how’s Sam?”


It was Todd’s turn to smile.  “He’s doing real good, actually.  He’s happy, healthy.  He seems to love Port Charles.  We’re all taking real good care of him.”  Then, almost wistfully, “You’re lucky to have him for a son.”


Victor nodded.  “And Danie is she alright?” he asked, desperate for news.  When he saw the hesitation of Todd’s response, he feared the worse.  He stood up straight.  “Tell me…tell me if there’s something wrong with your daughter.”


Todd had a decision to make.  He hoped that this was just a dream and not that he was actually communicating with his brother.  If it was, he would be alright.  If not, well he’d have time to come up with a better reason for lying.  “Danie is fine.  She just came up to see me with Viki and Clint.  When Tea was taken, she wasn’t there.  She’s staying at Llanfair now.”  Todd walked over to Victor and put his hand on his brother’s shoulder.  “Look, Danie and I, we really haven’t bonded.  And although I love, she’s much more your daughter than mine.  I was thinking, you should stay your father when you get back.”


Victor snorted.  “You mean if I get back.  Who knows, maybe I’ll be gone for eight years.  That would be poetic justice, wouldn’t you say?”


Todd didn’t answer.  “We’ll get you back.  Do you have any clue where you could be?”


“I’m seeing things, but it’s unfamiliar,” Victor admitted.  “I’ve been in a room most of the time, tied to the bed.  That nutcase, Allison Perkins was here with me.  She was reading me this story she wrote, based on Viki’s life, where she did say Blair was the love of your life.  She mentioned Jessica and Natalie, Tea, Starr.  I tried to ignore her, but well, she’s like a cockroach.  You can’t seem to kill her,” Victor explained.


“Yeah, we know Allison has you.  We saw you on CCTV in the park in Port Charles with her.  You looked drugged up and out of it.  Jack’s friend actually recognized you,” Todd said.


“Jack’s friend?”


“Yeah, Molly Lansing-Davis, the daughter of the lawyer who got me acquitted of your murder,” came Todd’s answer.


“And how did you get off on my, um…murder?” Victor asked.


Todd flashed his best devilish smile.  “I pleaded temporary insanity due to post traumatic stress disorder.”  When he didn’t get a response from Victor, he said, “Well, you try spending eight years with out mother, alone, being tortured.  I dare you not to lose your mind.”  Then Todd got serious.  “Look, I don’t know what’s happening, but is there any information you can give me to help?  Anything?”


Victor closed his eyes.  “Before they started giving me the heavy duty drugs, I remember being moved.  I…I think I saw a sign for, New York?”


“Oh, so, your not in Pennsylvania anymore?  Well, it’s not like New York is small!  Come on, I think I may need more than that!”  Todd yelled.


Victor turned around to the entrance to the library.  “Did you hear that?” he asked.


“Hear what?” was Todd’s reply.


Victor walked out to the foyer and back out.  “I heard a door open.”


Todd shook his head.  “I didn’t hear anything,” Todd said as he turned back to the outside entrance to the estate.  When he turned back, Victor was gone.  “Hey, Victor?  Where’d you go?”  He ran out to the foyer, but no one was there.  “Junior, I swear, if you’re hiding on me…” Todd realized he was alone in the manor. “Great, well I got one clue…he’s in New York.”


Todd’s eyes opened up and he found Blair with her arms wrapped around his chest in bed.  He looked at the clock.  It read four thirty-two.  He closed his eyes, but the memories of what had just happened were fleeing him.  Careful not to wake her, he managed to get into his chair and go into the study.  He wrote down as much as he could remember.  But he asked himself: was it a dream, or had he really been talking to his twin brother.    

Message to the Readers from Cloud

Hello all,
Once again, I write to thank you for the overwhelming response to my books regarding the character of Todd Manning and of course, kudos as well to the other writers here as well!


I write this tonight to explain a little about my personal writing process.  I create a detailed plan for each book, and also outline how it reflects back on older books and feeds into the next.  Just out of respect to you, the readers, I want you to know that I am currently writing the 8th book in this series.  The Fourth Life is the 4th book (coincidentally) and the books do build on each other.


I share this information with you because many of you have asked me to do various things in the plot, whether in emails or in comments, and I must tell you that I don't write as I go.  Your comments don't fall on deaf ears, it's just that the books are already written by the time they are posted.  Each book is carefully plotted out before writing, and leads to the next one.  So, though I'd like to have your input on how the story should go, and enjoy reading all of your comments, the books are already written when published and lead to the successive ones.  


I believe that writing about Todd Manning will not be pretty, because his life is not.  He's a fascinating, imperfect character who leans more toward the dark side than the light, and therefore, his story will be complex, sometimes upsetting, but always have a redeeming quality somewhere along the way.  


I realize I could write a series of light books and then I get stumped.  I picture writing Blair and Todd as friends with another couple, maybe Shaun and Vivian, and have them paint the Evans' apartment, or plan a musical to raise money for Sam's school, or even have Vivian and Blair get a job while Shaun and Todd attempt to make dinner.  Unfortunately, that's not what I think makes Todd interesting or reflects the characters properly.  It's certainly not what has drawn us to Todd and Blair over the years.  It is difficult to write light stories for these two complicated and unusual lovers.


All of the events have a purpose, including causing conflict to resolve, and building future stories.  The purposes may be revealed in the current book or even down the road.  I love to write, love to read your comments, and appreciate all of the time you donate to reading.  I hope, fervently, that you will stick with me through this journey and enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed writing!


Email me at any time at kaycloud0110@gmail.com - and please, keep commenting about what you like and dislike!  I appreciate it all.


Sincerely,

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Cloud is the author of several Todd Manning Novels here at The Real Todd Manning Fanfic Hub.  She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and is also a published poet.  


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

The Fourth Life: Chapter 38

Mac put his black suit coat on. He returned to the courthouse, at which he was lingering earlier that day, posing as a reporter in the crowds.  He'd seen Manning's spectacle, of grabbing his pregnant wife and kissing her, in front of the cameras.  "It's a shame," he said, "that they won't have the chance to see Hesser put away."  He had his special 9 mm, the one he purchased at a gun fair in the South, and put it into the case.  The case looked more like a business brief, in case he was seen.  He had lodged a small pebble in the service entrance of the basement of the courthouse, and another one in the vestibule that lead to the courtroom where the Hesser trial was taking place, in case he was stopped.  He was certain to get back in, either way.  Now, traffic was decidedly less, and he wanted to plant the briefcase where he could access it with ease the next day.


He had researched what to do, and found the idea of a lead-lined, mock briefcase on a website.  Carlo was eager to provide the funds needed to attain it, and gave Mac numbers to call, with the untraceable cell phone, and get the item.  And here it was.  Heavier than he had imagined, it had an artificial side panel for papers, pens and other items, and a center compartment for the gun.  His time in the Marines had not failed him, and the training, kill or be killed, was still as fresh as it were when he arrived at boot camp years back.


He approached the main doors, behaving as if he were a lawyer or other professional, entering  as customary.  He went through the doors and saw the metal detector.  Here was where he struggled a bit with this composure, for if the lead briefcase did not work, he would certainly be caught and the whole thing would be over.  Kathleen, who had just been released, would be dead.  He'd never hold her again.  He would be in prison, and dead soon after.  This had to work.


At first, Hesser had made it seem like a dream come true for Mac Hennessey to work for him.  All the talk of money, millions, and islands, and Kathleen, had sounded like a way for her to have what she had longed for, and him to have her and the money.  It was a perfect arrangement.  When he failed with the bomb, Mac had seen a complete turn around in Carlo, to where he would threaten to kill them more than offer anything.  And, his way of describing how she would die, was so horrible, he had vomited the first time he heard it.  So, he was on his way up the stairs, to the courthouse, with the gun, as a test run for the following day.  How he had gotten a press pass was indescribable, but it was done.  He had done it all.  His military training did pay off and helped him to manufacture every element.  But, he wondered if it would help him appear cool and calm enough to make it through the detector.


"Good afternoon," the guard said, putting his hand out for the case.  

Mac responded, and put the case on the belt himself, so the guard would not notice the weight.  The case began to slide along the belt, as the guard also checked Mac himself with the scanner, and Mac stepped through the walk-through checker as well.  Nothing beeped, and he turned his eyes sideways to see his case, being x-rayed, and the contents flashing on the screen:  papers, folders, pens, a miniature stapler, a cell phone, a money clip with some cash, and a book.


At the end of the belt stood a female guard, petite and blonde, and he was in action.  "Let me get that for you, it's a nail breaker," he said, kindly and smiled his most charming smile.  


She smiled back, and said, "Sure."  He lifted the case and walked off, having made it through the barrier and into the courthouse.  Standing there, he felt a wave of relief and a second one of nausea.  He now had a decision to make; plant the gun somewhere in the Hesser trial area, or try and get through the more-trusted guards that would probably be on duty during the active hours the next day.  


Entering the courtroom, without someone seeing him had been task enough.  Once he was inside the one labeled for Carlo's trial, he scanned it.  The whole front wall was glossy, black marble.  The furniture was mostly a cherry color, and the room was spacious and airy.  It had been recently remodeled, but keeping to its original, 1890s design, there was a balcony above that ran the whole perimeter of the room, except for the front.  Then, it hit him.  He climbed the small staircase to the left, and entered the balcony.  At first intending to plant the gun and return the next day, he realized that his best option was to lie down and sleep there, on one of the bench-like seats, until morning.  He would not have to deal with any guards at the door.  If he were found, he would use his press pass and feign exhaustion, that he fell asleep while working on a story and intended a nap.  The gun would be hidden well away by then.  One concern was the cleaning crew, but he was certain from the amount of dust on the balcony level, that they were not very efficient.  


It became even better when he noticed that the small staircase did not stop at the balcony, but continued up.  He followed the stairs and found that they lead to a room above the courtroom, that resembled a storage area, with several copiers, seeming defunct, old cases of paper, and other office supplies.  He checked the copiers.  Inoperable.  Dust-laden.  Perfect.  Beaurocratic waste paid off.  


First, he hid the gun under a specific pew, so that he could grab it at a moment's notice.  His hands were now gloved, as to keep from leaving any prints.  Then, he established an area, toward the back center, where he could fit underneath the pews and wait, unseen.  This meant, at any given moment, he would be able to hide behind the balcony barrier, point and shoot, and then still scramble away unnoticed through the small staircase that lead to the service entrance.  He'd already decided to leave the briefcase behind, and had thrown it into a large garbage can.  All he had with him was the gun, a stenographer's pad, and his gloves.  Yes, this would work.  He was certain.  He would shoot, and before anyone even realized where it was coming from, he would be up those miniature stairs, where most would assume he would go down to get out of the building, and follow there.  He would go into the room above, and somehow get out before questions were asked.


His plan established, he located himself where he planned, and laid down, and realized it was going to be quite a long night of discomfort.  But, in his training, he had done worse, and in his time in Desert Storm, even worse.  Compared to those memories, this was a breeze.  He planned to stay awake as long as possible, getting a few hours of rest close to dawn.


He awakened the next morning to the noise of people, shuffling about.  The courtroom was open, it was early, but a few people were filing in, here and there, reporters were getting their perches around the door, and staff members were coming in and out of the courtroom to organize their schedules and plan.  The judge was not there, yet, and Hennessey realized that at his current location, directly across from the front wall, the judge would just have to raise his eyes and see him.  So, he crawled, using his elbows, to the right side of the balcony, which would be seen only at the left by the witness and the judge if they happened to look up.  It was less likely they would, since the jury was at their right, and there was nothing to the left but a long wall with paintings they had seen for a whole day already.  So, he made his choice and relocated.  Waiting.


He dozed off.  An hour later, the courtroom was filling again.  Through a small slat at the bottom of the balcony barrier, he could see everything, from a lying position.  He also realized at that moment, that he could feasibly shoot through it as well.  He could shoot, roll as far away as possible, and crawl to the staircase, and up.  It had to work.  She was worth it and so was his own life.  He knew if he failed this time, Hesser warned, he would send his worst man to brutally rape, torture and kill Kathleen, and he would be murdered as well.


He had already made a plan, in case something should go wrong.  He would escape, return to his childhood home of Trinidad and disappear.  He would find a way to bring her with him.  Inside though, he knew that nowhere was safe from Hesser and it would take a miracle to be hidden enough.


He saw Zeus Zelenko, the first witness on the witness list, enter the courtroom with an attractive Hispanic woman on his arm.  Later, he saw The Mannings, she in a lavender maternity suit and he in gray and purple.  "They dress alike," he said to himself.  "Very connected people."


The court came into session twenty minutes later, and Mac was developing sweat on his brow and face.  It would be too conspicuous to do anything about it sans wipe it with his glove.  He had finished the bottle of water he brought with him, and found that his mouth was exceedingly dry, but he would bear it.  He would have to.  It was dryer in the desert of Kuwait, where he at times went a day or two without any liquid.  He would bear it.


Zeus was called to the stand, and he made his move.  Putting the nose of the gun through the slat in the balcony and lying on his side was not working as well as he thought.  He could not be assured of a clear shot and he only had one, or two, at the most.  So, he pushed himself up onto one elbow, and then crouched, silently, still remaining below the balcony barrier line, but able, at any given moment to bring the gun up, balance it on the rail, and aim and shoot.


Tea was holding Zeus' hand today.  She wasn't behind him, she was next to him.  They had gone to dinner together the night before, and had talked past one in the morning.  He was feeling better than he had in months just having her near him.  She whispered, "First, the judge will say some things to recap the proceedings.  Nothing long, it's like housekeeping.  Then, you'll be called."


He nodded, and squeezed her hand.  Across the way, The Mannings, looking more worn, but as stylish as the day before, were sitting with no possible room for air between them, hands clasped together on her lessening lap, in somewhat matching attire.  He whispered, nodding toward them, "Think we'll ever be like that?"


She rolled her eyes, "I certainly hope not."


He wasn't sure of her ever-growing disdain for them, but knew it went back to the days when Manning was married to her.  From what he had gathered and seen, though, the wedding hadn't made much sense.  To him, and probably all the other casual observers, It was always clear that Todd and Blair were in love with each other.  He said, "They love each other.  Very much.  That's all I meant."


She said, in a whisper, keeping one eye on the court, "Don't let a little dinner and conversation get you overworked."


"The prosecution calls Zeus Zelenko."


He looked at Tea and said, "Here I go."


He went, and for a moment, the second he let go of her hand she felt a pang of longing.  She pushed that aside and touched her hand where he was just holding it, looking down to her ring, the one she still wore.  His ring.  How long are you going to fool yourself, Delgado?


After being sworn in, the DA began, "State your name for the court."


"Zeus Alexander Zelenko."


"Mr. Zelenko, when did you first meet Carlo Hesser?"


"***


In the same room, Sister Rebecca Katherine was praying.  That morning, she had awakened with a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, and at first, asked for Maalox, thinking it was indigestion, or at least, hoping.  When it did not pass, she knew that something was going to require a great deal of prayer, and readied herself for court.  She had already said her part, and gave her testimony, but nothing was going to let her miss the goings on and the support she could give to her 'son' and his wife.  Because of traffic, she and Timothy were late, and had to sit toward the back of the room.  But, she managed.  Blair, who was uncomfortable with her legs bent in front of her, had gotten an aisle seat, and moved legs a slight bit into the walking space as to stretch them more.  Sister Rebecca could see Todd's hand, on Blair's belly, rubbing it absently, in small circles.  She also saw Marty and Patrick, behind them, and John McBain, to the left of them,  She prayed, and used her rosary.  She closed her eyes, and soon after, dozed.


She woke again when Timothy nudged her.  "You'll miss the proceedings, eh?"


She focused her eyes on the judge and Zeus, and her eyes continued upward as she prayed.  There was a sky light, made of stained glass, that let a great deal of light into the room, and it was splaying down, in rays, through the colored panels.  She studied it for a moment, hearing the testimony, and then moved her eye to the side, where she caught glimpse of something moving.  At least she thought.  At that moment, the testimony and prayers both become secondary, as she realized what it was she had seen.  The gunmetal gray nose of a weapon was perched on the rail, a gloved hand holding it, and just as a figure rose up to get view, she screamed, "There in the balcony!  Duck down Mr. Zeus!"  in her brogue, and everyone's attention shifted.  In seconds, so much happened.  Tea screamed, a shot was fired, the another, Zeus dove or fell to the ground, and Todd was on his feet to get Blair out of the room.


"Oh my God, he's been shot!"  Tea shrieked in piercing tones, as she ran to him.  


Todd, trying to help Blair to her feet, said, "Babe, come on, let's get out of here," before noticing that she was slumped over the chair at an awkward angle, and the side facing away from him was splattered with blood.  Panicking, he yelled, "Someone get an ambulance!" and Viki, Timothy and Sister Rebecca Katherine ran to them.  


Viki said, "Oh my God," when she saw Blair's right side covered in blood, and said, "was she hit?"


Todd was frantic.  Viki had only seen his face this way a few times in her life.  He said, "Babe, talk to me.  Please?"


Sister Rebecca Katherine's hands were shaking, and the beads were rattling between her fingers.  In the commotion, no one saw the man go out, the guards were rushing to evacuate the room.   Patrick was on his feet, Marty was at the side of Blair, and John had drawn his gun and was on foot toward the balcony stairs.  Hesser, lead by the guards with his hands in chains, turned to the spectator area and connected eyes for one brief second with Todd.  He had a very thin and concealed smile creeping on his lips, that was readable only to those who had experienced him first hand. 


That was all that was needed.


Todd ran, jumping the spectator barrier and attacked Carlo, full-on.  In his rage, he spouted, "Fuck all this letting go bullshit, I'm going to kill you!"


Patrick followed suit, jumping the rail and grabbing Todd by the shoulders, saying to the guards, "I've got him," and Timothy was right behind, attempting to hold one of Todd's arms.  Patrick finally got a hold on both of Todd's biceps, and held him fast.  He said, "Manning, your wife, she needs you.  This isn't where you need to be."


Todd, as if slapped, looked at him, and ran back, jumping the rail again, to Blair's side.  She was stirring.  Marty was frantically compressing the area, and Todd noticed that even she was speckled with blood.  He said, "Blair?  Blair?  Talk to me, babe, please?"  his voice shattered, "Don't leave me, no leaving, remember?"


Across the room, Tea was already running along the gurney in her heels, as the EMTs made their way across to Todd and Blair.  She opened her eyes and looked up to him.  "I don't know why I'm here," she said.


The EMTs pushed everyone away, but he sprang back, and swallowed, "You're okay.  Stay with me."


He saw her eyes moving to the ceiling, to the light rays coming in through the stained glass, and she said, "It's daylight.  There's God coming down, Todd."


He sobbed once and said, "No, there's no God coming down, look at me, Babe, look at me."


Viki burst into tears and turned away, burying her face without hesitation in Timothy's shoulder.  Sister Rebecca Katherine was praying at record speed; her lips were uttering words so quickly, no one could have kept track of what she was saying.  Patrick moved Todd out of the way of the paramedics, and steadied him by his shoulders.


Todd said, "I know I deserve the worst, but please, not this.  Blair, don't leave me."


Weakly she said, "I won't, I won't leave you.  I won't, ever..." and she closed her eyes.  The EMTs moved her onto the gurney, and rushed her out, Todd frantically trying to follow her.  Patrick, who thought better of the idea, nodded to Sister Rebecca Katherine, who went with her in the ambulance.  Timothy went to get his car and Viki followed.  

Marty, who was watching beside them, was covered in blood.  She was shaking, and still holding the sweater she'd taken off to push on Blair's wound.  John walked back into the courtroom as Todd was yelling, "You stupid Mick, let me go."

Patrick turned Todd to him, who was still fighting his grip, and said, "She's going to need you, Manning.  She's going to need you steady and in control."


Todd sobbed out a long sigh, and put his hand to his forehead.  John said, "The cruiser, better time, let's go," and all four of them followed him to the police car parked on the curb out front.  He turned to Marty, and seeing her covered in Blair's blood, said, "I take full responsibility for your absence from where you're supposed to be right now."


John put the siren on and they beat the ambulance to the hospital.  Waiting for it to drive up and the doors to open, Todd was completely in control.  He was going to be strong for her.  You're not a victim.  Not anymore.  You've got this.   You have to be strong for her, for once.  She wants a hero, you have to be her hero.  Now.


The ambulance raced up, and the door swung open.  Sister Rebecca Katherine was in tears, silent ones, with a smudge of blood on her right cheek.  


He looked directly into Blair's face, which was almost as white as the sheets she was lying on.  "Hey, Mrs. Manning, can you hear me?"  he called to her, as they lifted her gurney out of the cab.  She did not reply, and he tagged along side it, his face ragged.


In the emergency room, the doctors forced Todd to let go of the gurney so they could take Blair into emergency surgery.  He turned, like a lost soul, and covered his face and sobbed.  His eyes rested on Sister Rebecca Katherine, who put her arms out to embrace him.  "Come, here, Todd, it's going to be all right."


Marty, who was still shaking, appeared to be going into shock, and John said, "Marty, are you all right?"


Patrick, who was supporting her weight against him, said, "She's going down," at which point, she fell, and he caught her, and John helped get her to the sitting area.  She came to, and a nurse approached and asked the men to let her take Marty to get cleaned up.  Marty walked off with the nurse, still holding the sweater.  


John said, "I know what you're thinking.  This will set her back, emotionally?"


"I'm not sure what I'm thinking.  She's strong.  She may come out of it better than we think.  Let's hope the same for Blair." Patrick said.


Todd pulled himself together and said, "Was she awake, in the ambulance?"


"Yes, dear, she was."  The nun said.


"Did she talk?  Was she in pain?"


"She did talk, but she was in and out of consciousness.  Dear, we should focus on her now, and what we can do..."


"What did she say?"


"Todd, you must..."


"What did she say?"


Patrick walked up behind Todd, ready if need be.  He'd known the man for years, and Manning's keeping cool when it came to Blair was not his strong suit.


Sister Rebecca Katherine did not want to answer, but he would not give up.  He said, "What, did she say?" between sobs.


"She said, 'Todd,' and I told her you were waiting for her at the hospital."


"What else, did she say anything else?  Did she die?  Is that why you don't want to tell me what she said?"  He panicked, and Patrick, ready, with John standing by, stepped a bit closer.


"No dear, she is not dead.  She told me that she could feel...the baby dying," and her voice broke at the last few words.  


Todd's expression changed, and Viki, who was just coming in the door with Timothy behind her, saw the scene and thought the worst, "My goodness, what's happened?"


Todd fell into a seat, and any tears that he has succeeded at holding back raced out at enormous speed and power as he broke down.  Barely able to catch his breath, he fought to do so.  Viki sat beside him, "Todd,"


"No, Viki, no.  No speeches about anything, no talks about hope, nothing.  No.  Not now."


"All right," she said, putting her arm around his shoulder and bringing him close to her heart.


The doors swooped open and Starr and Jack came running into the waiting area, and she cried, "Dad?  What happened?  Aunt Viki? Oh my God, what is it?  Dad?"  Starr pushed her way toward him.  He was cowering against Viki and crying inconsolably.


Jack stood back, watching his father disintegrate into a sobbing, incoherent man.


Todd looked up to Starr, and said, "She's been shot.  I can't do this, Shorty."


Starr wondered how he could possibly do it, after all he'd been through for the last nine years.  She somehow said, "You can do this, Dad.  You will.  You'll be here for her."


He focused his eyes on her and then searched around and saw Jack, standing, removed from the group.  Tears were falling down his son's face.  Sister Rebecca Katherine was in tatters; she was holding her beads and praying through tears.  John was circling, hands in pockets, trying to avoid seeing the grief.  Patrick's eyes watered as he listened to Todd sob,  "See, you kids have me so wrong.  All of you do.  I'm not some kind of hero.  Look at me!  She was shot right next to me, and I didn't even know it.  She was an arm's reach away from me, and I didn't protect her."  He clenched his fists and banged them on the chair arms, then crying more, he said,  "Shorty, she was talking about God, the light.  I'm scared," he cried, "I can't do anything without her.  I'm no hero, she's the one.  She's the one.  She's been strong, she's raised you kids, she dealt with my ins and outs, my leaving and running off when things went wrong.  She's given me everything, everything that was ever good in my life.  I'm no hero.  Without her, I'm nothing."


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