Hello Fanfickers!
On Sunday, we will be posting the first chapter of a new novel, "Brothers" by Monica_Ann.
Also this weekend, expect another update of "Hope from the Ocean," the latest Cloud novel, and Monday, expect Chapter 20 of "Spidey Sam."
And what about Karena, you might ask? She'll be coming around soon enough with her latest and greatest next work. Don't worry!
Stay with us for more Manning Magic!
Not to mention, OLTL's DEBUT on OWN Monday, July 15, 2013, as well as OLTL's newest TnB and Llanview stuff, on Hulu and ITunes, also showing Monday.
Lots to look forward to!
It's always been you and us, so KEEP READING FANFIC!
Your faithful blogowner,
Kim
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Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Hope from the Ocean: 7
Lifting the phone from the receiver, Sister Rebecca Katherine dialed and waited. "Broham, are ya around?"
"If I weren't, I wouldn't be answering, Dear Creena. Good afternoon to ya. Are ya all right, over there? It's a big accomplishment resting on y'ar shoulders."
"I know and I'm all right with it. What are y'ar plans, are ya coming to support us?"
"Of course. I'll make the rounds with my son and daughter-in-law, if that's okay. Unless ya need something from me in the way of assistance."
"No, I'm ready for this. It's been a good long time planning."
"Then I'll see ya later, when The Mannings decide to make their appearance."
"I'm looking forward to it. And Broham?"
"Yes, Creena?"
"I have a decision to make. Soon. I have been asked to take a new path."
"Well, does it seem like something ya want to do?"
"Yes. Somehow, I feel it might be my next calling, but I wanted to run it by ya first. Seems Dr. Martino wants me to come work at Mountainview. They would pay for my classes, and I'd become a counselor."
"Something ya've always wanted."
"Yes. But I would not, if it meant taking away my vows. I shall not benefit on the misfortune of others. Dr. Martino said that I can refuse pay, if I like. Possibly, with Mountainview having me become a resident counselor, I won't want for anything."
"And the rest will be given to ya by your nephew, Todd."
"I know he would give whatever I needed, but I don't want to rely on that."
"I know how ya are. But if you're allowed to do this and not be paid, then why is it a question?"
"It will cause me to leave St. Anne's, and I love this place. It would be months from now, but it still is on my head."
"I see."
"It will be a question of where I can do more good."
"Then, what are ya thinking?"
"I am starting to believe that I've done quite a bit here. I've brought Hope Weekend to life and had a grand influence on the other nuns here. Father MacNamara says that I am always welcome and that it will always be my home," her voice cracked with emotion.
"Ah, a twinge of sentiment. But ya've always been about where ya could do the most good, and where ya can effect the most change and help the most people. Ya know the answer, Creena. I send my love, and I'll see ya in a few hours."
"Good-bye, Broham." She hung up.
***
"You're back, I see," Mr. Basque seemed unhappy to see Tina standing in his doorway. "Well, come in. take a seat. Back to the drawing board, I assume."
"You assumed right. I blew it."
"Well, let's continue to look." He shuffled some papers. "Construction worker?"
"Have you seen these hands, and these nails?" she asked.
"Candy dipper, it's still on our list."
She shook her head.
"Christian Life Coach?"
"I don't think so," she grimaced.
"Canine Relocation Specialist?"
"What?"
"Dog catcher."
"Yes! That's me! Dogs love me. And it would honor my little lost David Vickers."
"David Vickers? The movie star David Vickers?"
"No, his namesake. She's been missing for over a year."
"Well then we've found a place for you." He tore a note off his small pad. "Here you go, here's the address. Success is ours, young lady."
She excitedly went to the door, and then he called to her. She turned. "Yes, Mr. Basque?"
"Don't come back, Dear."
***
Todd and Blair brought Ray and Sam with them in the limo, and they disembarked at St. Anne's an hour later. Blair spoke first when their feet hit the ground outside the building, "Jack's not with us. It feels strange, but he's growing up."
"He's coming, though. Timothy's getting him and Jenna." Todd answered.
"Is this what it's going to be like now? He's doing his own thing?" She seemed wistful.
"More and more, likely. But it's okay, he's a teenager now. He's almost out of high school. A few more months and he will be a senior."
"I know. It just feels so strange, Todd. With Starr, she was plummeted into adulthood earlier than I expected because of her pregnancy. But this is so, I don't know."
He put his hand on her back. "I know. But remember, you've got these two and another one on the way."
"You're right, of course, it's just weird without my oldest boy."
They walked up the pathway to the door, and the snow surrounded them on all sides. "Dad?" Sam asked.
"Yeah?"
"Can I run and jump in the snow?"
"Not right now. After we go to Hope Weekend, you can come out and jump in the snow, okay?"
"Okay."
Sister Rebecca Katherine met them in the lobby. "I'm so glad to see ya! Sam, you look very dapper."
"Thanks, Sister!"
"I'm very excited, and Todd, I can't thank you enough for what you've done to help us with this," Sister Rebecca Katherine said.
"No problem, Sister," he said, leaning in and kissing her cheek. They all went to the main room, and admired the appearance. The solarium had been transformed into a busy marketplace; booths lined the perimeter of the room, people bustled around examining the wares, a guitarist played in the far corner. Sam said, "Hey, he's playing the guitar!"
"Yes. He's a great musician. And we have a schedule of performers lined up," Sister said. As they scanned the area, Todd's eyes rested on his mother, who was sitting sketching in a booth lined with her work. She looks okay, better. He pointed, "There's Grandma Bitsy."
"Grandma Bitsy!" Sam called out, and waved. Having never met her didn't seem to curtail the young boy. Todd, whose hands were on Sam's shoulders, felt the little boy move onto his toes a bit, as if he were going to take off running. In the slight distance, they could see Bitsy lift her head and smile, standing slowly from her chair.
Sam looked up to his father's face. "Can I, Dad? Can I go meet her?"
"Sam," Todd said, kneeling so that his face met Sam's, "You remember what we talked about?"
"Yeah, she can't talk but neither can Ray, and we get along great."
Todd broke into a small laugh, and Blair did as well. "All right. Go ahead. But no running."
"Okay!" he said, and took off at a jog.
"He's running." Blair said.
"Yep, he is. He's excited."
They watched it unfold as they slowly sauntered to Bitsy's booth.
Outside, Timothy was just pulling into a space in St. Anne's parking area. He said, "Jack, help Jenna get out of that car, and watch it, there's ice out here."
"You should watch it, Grandpa, you could fall."
"I'm as surefooted as the day is long, my boy." Timothy said, stepping out onto the ice, and promptly slipping. He grabbed onto the car door handle and stopped himself from going down.
Jack, holding back a slight smile, said, "Are you okay?"
"All right, ya got me, it's treacherous, so be careful, my boy."
Jack helped Jenna out of the back seat, and both of the teens flanked Timothy as they all walked to the door of St. Anne's.
Back inside, Todd and Blair were still approaching Bitsy when they saw Sam reach her and automatically hug her. She put her arms around him and hugged him back, first sitting into her chair to face him directly. She already had a piece of paper in her hand. She looked at Todd and Blair, as they approached, and made a motion that Todd immediately understood. He said, "Yes, he can read."
"Sure I can read! I read really good, Grandma!" Todd and Blair both noticed Bitsy's eyes filling with tears, and her hand gently went to Sam's little head and patted it.
She handed him the note. He read it aloud: I am so happy to meet you, Sam. I've been waiting for this day for a while.
He looked up at her, and said, "Me too! Grandma, I got a lot of spelling stickers. For being a good speller. You should get art stickers. You draw really good."
She smiled into his face, and then looked to Todd. Putting her hand well up above Sam's head, and questioning with her face, Todd said, "He's coming. He's bringing his girlfriend."
She smiled, and made a little expression that struck both Todd and Blair as comical. They smiled, and Blair said, "He's growing up."
"He's got a girl on the brain," Sam said, "He's acting crazy."
Bitsy laughed. Todd had never seen it before, and it made him sigh, in a sort of melancholy way. Blair noticed, and took his arm. "She's happy, Todd," she whispered. "It's going to be all right."
As they spoke, and Sam showed Bitsy the superhero collection he designated to his pocket, Todd and Blair noticed Timothy, Jenna and Jack coming into the solarium, and heading toward them. Todd said, "Momma, Jack's here now."
Bitsy looked up and focused on the tall, young man coming toward them. She smiled, and took Sam's Spiderman figure, placing it on her table near her sketch pad. She kept one hand on Sam's head, and looked up toward Jack as the trio approached. He was awkward, at first, but then, smiled and said, "Hi, Grandma," and leaned down, and to Todd's surprise, kissed her cheek.
She smiled, and watched him with her eyes as he stood back up. Jenna stepped forward. "I'm Jenna, a friend of Jack's. Nice to meet you," she said, and Bitsy took her hand. Jenna continued, "Your son has helped my family a great deal. I'm an artist, too. Your work is beautiful."
Bitsy took the smaller pad from her table, and wrote I would love to see it. I am glad you're friends with Jack.
Todd spoke, "You'll get a chance to see more of each others' work soon," and all eyes went to him, "when I open The Diamond Art Gallery."
Bitsy smiled, but had a question in her eyes. Timothy stepped forward, and put his hand out, "Hello, Bitsy, I am not sure ya remember me."
She nodded, as if to say yes, and shook his hand.
Todd said, "Momma, Timothy has adopted me. Legally. As a grown up. I know, it sounds strange. But he's been like family over the last months. A lot has happened."
Bitsy wrote and then handed Todd the note: See, Todd, this is good. You need a father, at last. You've not had one most of your life. This is good. Timothy loves you, I can see it in his eyes. They glitter and they're all blue.
Todd smiled, handing the note around. Sam said, "Grandma, Grandpa is really cool to play with. He takes good care of us."
"That he does," Blair said.
Bitsy looked at Blair and read her expression, and wrote, Something is troubling you. In your heart. What's the matter, Blair? Are you okay?
"Yes, Momma, I am okay. Is it all right to call you 'Momma?'" Bitsy was elated and shook her head vehemently. Blair continued, "I'm all right, really."
Bitsy directed her attention to the Spiderman figure, and within a few minutes, she crafted a small drawing for Sam and signed it, handing it to him. He said, "Wow! My own art!"
She nodded, and he hugged her, "Thanks Grandma! Mom, can I go look around?"
"Not alone."
"We'll take him," Jenna said. Jack agreed. The three kids went off, and Blair unbuckled Little Ray and handed him to Bitsy. She was all smiles and wet eyes.
Todd and Blair watched her with the baby, then turned to Timothy. "Thanks for bringing them, Dad," Blair said.
"It was easy. They're a joy, these children you've raised."
"Don't look at me," Todd said, "Aside from this little bugger, it's all Blair's doing." He looked into her eyes, "She did this herself, on her own."
"Todd underestimates his role with these children," she said.
"I've only just gotten here, Blair. It's all you, when you think about it." Todd said.
"She's a gem, this Bridgette. She's a rare one." Timothy added.
"She is," he said, and Bitsy tapped his arm. Handing him a paper, he read it and then said, "Read this," handing it to Blair, with Timothy looking on.
I love Blair, for everything she does for my grandbabies and for you, Todd. She loves you so much. We are so lucky, Todd. No matter what happened before.
Timothy, sensing emotion building in The Mannings, said, "That's bang on! Bitsy, ya got the wisdom of the ages."
Bitsy smiled, and returned to her drawings. Todd and Blair, letting her know they would be back, began to mill around, and headed to Addie's booth. Todd said, "Addie," and kissed her cheek.
She said, "Hello, Todd. Hello, Blair, my beautiful girl."
"Hello, Momma. Momma, have you met . . ."
"Bitsy? Of course. We're fast becoming friends. Blair, here's a blanket I made, especially for today, for Little Ray." Addie handed her a beautifully knitted miniature blanket, in shades of blue and green, that fit perfectly into Ray's stroller. The baby looked up and smiled.
"Thank you, Momma." Blair said.
"You're welcome. And thank you, Todd."
"For what?" he asked.
"Taking care of my girl, giving her love, more babies, everything she wants. You've always loved her, Todd. I know that."
"You were always wise, Addie," he said, putting his arm around Blair's waist.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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"If I weren't, I wouldn't be answering, Dear Creena. Good afternoon to ya. Are ya all right, over there? It's a big accomplishment resting on y'ar shoulders."
"I know and I'm all right with it. What are y'ar plans, are ya coming to support us?"
"Of course. I'll make the rounds with my son and daughter-in-law, if that's okay. Unless ya need something from me in the way of assistance."
"No, I'm ready for this. It's been a good long time planning."
"Then I'll see ya later, when The Mannings decide to make their appearance."
"I'm looking forward to it. And Broham?"
"Yes, Creena?"
"I have a decision to make. Soon. I have been asked to take a new path."
"Well, does it seem like something ya want to do?"
"Yes. Somehow, I feel it might be my next calling, but I wanted to run it by ya first. Seems Dr. Martino wants me to come work at Mountainview. They would pay for my classes, and I'd become a counselor."
"Something ya've always wanted."
"Yes. But I would not, if it meant taking away my vows. I shall not benefit on the misfortune of others. Dr. Martino said that I can refuse pay, if I like. Possibly, with Mountainview having me become a resident counselor, I won't want for anything."
"And the rest will be given to ya by your nephew, Todd."
"I know he would give whatever I needed, but I don't want to rely on that."
"I know how ya are. But if you're allowed to do this and not be paid, then why is it a question?"
"It will cause me to leave St. Anne's, and I love this place. It would be months from now, but it still is on my head."
"I see."
"It will be a question of where I can do more good."
"Then, what are ya thinking?"
"I am starting to believe that I've done quite a bit here. I've brought Hope Weekend to life and had a grand influence on the other nuns here. Father MacNamara says that I am always welcome and that it will always be my home," her voice cracked with emotion.
"Ah, a twinge of sentiment. But ya've always been about where ya could do the most good, and where ya can effect the most change and help the most people. Ya know the answer, Creena. I send my love, and I'll see ya in a few hours."
"Good-bye, Broham." She hung up.
***
"You're back, I see," Mr. Basque seemed unhappy to see Tina standing in his doorway. "Well, come in. take a seat. Back to the drawing board, I assume."
"You assumed right. I blew it."
"Well, let's continue to look." He shuffled some papers. "Construction worker?"
"Have you seen these hands, and these nails?" she asked.
"Candy dipper, it's still on our list."
She shook her head.
"Christian Life Coach?"
"I don't think so," she grimaced.
"Canine Relocation Specialist?"
"What?"
"Dog catcher."
"Yes! That's me! Dogs love me. And it would honor my little lost David Vickers."
"David Vickers? The movie star David Vickers?"
"No, his namesake. She's been missing for over a year."
"Well then we've found a place for you." He tore a note off his small pad. "Here you go, here's the address. Success is ours, young lady."
She excitedly went to the door, and then he called to her. She turned. "Yes, Mr. Basque?"
"Don't come back, Dear."
***
Todd and Blair brought Ray and Sam with them in the limo, and they disembarked at St. Anne's an hour later. Blair spoke first when their feet hit the ground outside the building, "Jack's not with us. It feels strange, but he's growing up."
"He's coming, though. Timothy's getting him and Jenna." Todd answered.
"Is this what it's going to be like now? He's doing his own thing?" She seemed wistful.
"More and more, likely. But it's okay, he's a teenager now. He's almost out of high school. A few more months and he will be a senior."
"I know. It just feels so strange, Todd. With Starr, she was plummeted into adulthood earlier than I expected because of her pregnancy. But this is so, I don't know."
He put his hand on her back. "I know. But remember, you've got these two and another one on the way."
"You're right, of course, it's just weird without my oldest boy."
They walked up the pathway to the door, and the snow surrounded them on all sides. "Dad?" Sam asked.
"Yeah?"
"Can I run and jump in the snow?"
"Not right now. After we go to Hope Weekend, you can come out and jump in the snow, okay?"
"Okay."
Sister Rebecca Katherine met them in the lobby. "I'm so glad to see ya! Sam, you look very dapper."
"Thanks, Sister!"
"I'm very excited, and Todd, I can't thank you enough for what you've done to help us with this," Sister Rebecca Katherine said.
"No problem, Sister," he said, leaning in and kissing her cheek. They all went to the main room, and admired the appearance. The solarium had been transformed into a busy marketplace; booths lined the perimeter of the room, people bustled around examining the wares, a guitarist played in the far corner. Sam said, "Hey, he's playing the guitar!"
"Yes. He's a great musician. And we have a schedule of performers lined up," Sister said. As they scanned the area, Todd's eyes rested on his mother, who was sitting sketching in a booth lined with her work. She looks okay, better. He pointed, "There's Grandma Bitsy."
"Grandma Bitsy!" Sam called out, and waved. Having never met her didn't seem to curtail the young boy. Todd, whose hands were on Sam's shoulders, felt the little boy move onto his toes a bit, as if he were going to take off running. In the slight distance, they could see Bitsy lift her head and smile, standing slowly from her chair.
Sam looked up to his father's face. "Can I, Dad? Can I go meet her?"
"Sam," Todd said, kneeling so that his face met Sam's, "You remember what we talked about?"
"Yeah, she can't talk but neither can Ray, and we get along great."
Todd broke into a small laugh, and Blair did as well. "All right. Go ahead. But no running."
"Okay!" he said, and took off at a jog.
"He's running." Blair said.
"Yep, he is. He's excited."
They watched it unfold as they slowly sauntered to Bitsy's booth.
Outside, Timothy was just pulling into a space in St. Anne's parking area. He said, "Jack, help Jenna get out of that car, and watch it, there's ice out here."
"You should watch it, Grandpa, you could fall."
"I'm as surefooted as the day is long, my boy." Timothy said, stepping out onto the ice, and promptly slipping. He grabbed onto the car door handle and stopped himself from going down.
Jack, holding back a slight smile, said, "Are you okay?"
"All right, ya got me, it's treacherous, so be careful, my boy."
Jack helped Jenna out of the back seat, and both of the teens flanked Timothy as they all walked to the door of St. Anne's.
Back inside, Todd and Blair were still approaching Bitsy when they saw Sam reach her and automatically hug her. She put her arms around him and hugged him back, first sitting into her chair to face him directly. She already had a piece of paper in her hand. She looked at Todd and Blair, as they approached, and made a motion that Todd immediately understood. He said, "Yes, he can read."
"Sure I can read! I read really good, Grandma!" Todd and Blair both noticed Bitsy's eyes filling with tears, and her hand gently went to Sam's little head and patted it.
She handed him the note. He read it aloud: I am so happy to meet you, Sam. I've been waiting for this day for a while.
He looked up at her, and said, "Me too! Grandma, I got a lot of spelling stickers. For being a good speller. You should get art stickers. You draw really good."
She smiled into his face, and then looked to Todd. Putting her hand well up above Sam's head, and questioning with her face, Todd said, "He's coming. He's bringing his girlfriend."
She smiled, and made a little expression that struck both Todd and Blair as comical. They smiled, and Blair said, "He's growing up."
"He's got a girl on the brain," Sam said, "He's acting crazy."
Bitsy laughed. Todd had never seen it before, and it made him sigh, in a sort of melancholy way. Blair noticed, and took his arm. "She's happy, Todd," she whispered. "It's going to be all right."
As they spoke, and Sam showed Bitsy the superhero collection he designated to his pocket, Todd and Blair noticed Timothy, Jenna and Jack coming into the solarium, and heading toward them. Todd said, "Momma, Jack's here now."
Bitsy looked up and focused on the tall, young man coming toward them. She smiled, and took Sam's Spiderman figure, placing it on her table near her sketch pad. She kept one hand on Sam's head, and looked up toward Jack as the trio approached. He was awkward, at first, but then, smiled and said, "Hi, Grandma," and leaned down, and to Todd's surprise, kissed her cheek.
She smiled, and watched him with her eyes as he stood back up. Jenna stepped forward. "I'm Jenna, a friend of Jack's. Nice to meet you," she said, and Bitsy took her hand. Jenna continued, "Your son has helped my family a great deal. I'm an artist, too. Your work is beautiful."
Bitsy took the smaller pad from her table, and wrote I would love to see it. I am glad you're friends with Jack.
Todd spoke, "You'll get a chance to see more of each others' work soon," and all eyes went to him, "when I open The Diamond Art Gallery."
Bitsy smiled, but had a question in her eyes. Timothy stepped forward, and put his hand out, "Hello, Bitsy, I am not sure ya remember me."
She nodded, as if to say yes, and shook his hand.
Todd said, "Momma, Timothy has adopted me. Legally. As a grown up. I know, it sounds strange. But he's been like family over the last months. A lot has happened."
Bitsy wrote and then handed Todd the note: See, Todd, this is good. You need a father, at last. You've not had one most of your life. This is good. Timothy loves you, I can see it in his eyes. They glitter and they're all blue.
Todd smiled, handing the note around. Sam said, "Grandma, Grandpa is really cool to play with. He takes good care of us."
"That he does," Blair said.
Bitsy looked at Blair and read her expression, and wrote, Something is troubling you. In your heart. What's the matter, Blair? Are you okay?
"Yes, Momma, I am okay. Is it all right to call you 'Momma?'" Bitsy was elated and shook her head vehemently. Blair continued, "I'm all right, really."
Bitsy directed her attention to the Spiderman figure, and within a few minutes, she crafted a small drawing for Sam and signed it, handing it to him. He said, "Wow! My own art!"
She nodded, and he hugged her, "Thanks Grandma! Mom, can I go look around?"
"Not alone."
"We'll take him," Jenna said. Jack agreed. The three kids went off, and Blair unbuckled Little Ray and handed him to Bitsy. She was all smiles and wet eyes.
Todd and Blair watched her with the baby, then turned to Timothy. "Thanks for bringing them, Dad," Blair said.
"It was easy. They're a joy, these children you've raised."
"Don't look at me," Todd said, "Aside from this little bugger, it's all Blair's doing." He looked into her eyes, "She did this herself, on her own."
"Todd underestimates his role with these children," she said.
"I've only just gotten here, Blair. It's all you, when you think about it." Todd said.
"She's a gem, this Bridgette. She's a rare one." Timothy added.
"She is," he said, and Bitsy tapped his arm. Handing him a paper, he read it and then said, "Read this," handing it to Blair, with Timothy looking on.
I love Blair, for everything she does for my grandbabies and for you, Todd. She loves you so much. We are so lucky, Todd. No matter what happened before.
Timothy, sensing emotion building in The Mannings, said, "That's bang on! Bitsy, ya got the wisdom of the ages."
Bitsy smiled, and returned to her drawings. Todd and Blair, letting her know they would be back, began to mill around, and headed to Addie's booth. Todd said, "Addie," and kissed her cheek.
She said, "Hello, Todd. Hello, Blair, my beautiful girl."
"Hello, Momma. Momma, have you met . . ."
"Bitsy? Of course. We're fast becoming friends. Blair, here's a blanket I made, especially for today, for Little Ray." Addie handed her a beautifully knitted miniature blanket, in shades of blue and green, that fit perfectly into Ray's stroller. The baby looked up and smiled.
"Thank you, Momma." Blair said.
"You're welcome. And thank you, Todd."
"For what?" he asked.
"Taking care of my girl, giving her love, more babies, everything she wants. You've always loved her, Todd. I know that."
"You were always wise, Addie," he said, putting his arm around Blair's waist.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Why write?
WHY WRITE?
For our authors!
Looking forward to more of your words and THANKS!!
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.
For our authors!
Looking forward to more of your words and THANKS!!
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Your comments are 'payment' for the work of the authors. Our writers like to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment when you read.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Spidey Sam: Chapter 19
Todd walked into The Palace Hotel with the kids. He spotted Dorian sitting in the lobby, waiting to strike. He thought to himself, "Damn, how did she get here so quick?" He had only stopped to pick up Starr at her apartment. "Starr can you take the kids up to the suite it looks like I'm going to have to deal with something before I can make it up."
"Dad, what are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to talk to the old witch."
"Dad, the boys are counting on this being a nice weekend."
"I know Shorty and it will be, I just have to deal with Auntie Dorian first.
"Come on boys lets go." Starr directed.
"What and miss the show between Todd and Aunt Dorian, no way?" Jack said.
"Jack, please do as your sister says. I will be up in a minute." Todd said.
"Ok, Todd just try not to get arrested for murdering her." Jack added.
"Uncle Todd wouldn't murder Aunt Dorian, right Uncle Todd?" Sam asked.
"Yes, Sam that is right."
Dorian walked over to where Todd and the kids were standing. "Boys get your stuff you are coming home with me." Dorian said.
"No, Dorian they aren't. They are with me for the weekend and you know it. I know that Blair told you about our agreement."
"Blair sometimes has no idea what she is doing when it comes to you. I'm taking the kids Todd."
"The Hell you are Dorian, Starr take the kids upstairs now to the suite!"
Starr took Sam and Hope by the hand and walked in the direction of the elevator. Jack thought for a second about turning back to help Todd, but he knew Todd would want him to go with Starr. Jack turned back and gave Dorian a sour look before boarding the elevator. Sam seeing his older brother give Dorian a sour look did the same. Todd couldn't help but smile back at the boys.
"So, now you are encouraging them to be disrespectful to their elders, Todd."
"No, Dorian not all their elders, just you."
"You are so funny, Todd."
"I know, right, I haven't lost my touch."
"Lets, see how funny you think it is when Bo arrives and arrests you."
"What for Dorian? Spending the weekend with my kids and might I remind you I have their mother's permission to do so this time."
Todd pulled out of his pocket a written document signed by both he and Blair stating that he had permission to have the kids for the weekend. "What does that prove Todd?"
"I believe proves that I have your niece's permission to have the kids over the Fourth July weekend. Oh, and Blair and I had it filed it with the court. I will be happy to show it to Bo when he gets here and explain to him that we also had it filed with the court. Todd met Bo half way to where they were standing. "I have permission from Blair to have the boys for the weekend." Todd waved the document in his face.
Bo pulled it from Todd's hand. He looked it over very carefully. "Dorian as much as I would love to make Todd a guest of the LPD over this holiday weekend, he has written permission from Blair that was filed with the court to have boys for the weekend. If he doesn't bring them back by nine on Sunday night, call me and I will bring him in."
"How will you do that Bo he will be long gone with them before then?"
"Manning, just stay in Llanview with those boys please. You will regret it if you make me come looking for you."
"I have no plans to take them out of town Bo."
"You see, Dorian it will be fine, now let the man enjoy sometime with his boys in peace."
Bo walked out of The Palace. Dorian stood in front of Todd with a scowl on her face. "Goodbye, Auntie Dorian, have a nice weekend. I know that I will."
Todd left Dorian standing in the lobby of The Palace. He boarded the elevator to the suite that he was sharing with his kids for the weekend. Todd stepped off the elevator to find Jack lurking outside the door of their suite.
"Jack, is their something wrong with the suite, is it not big enough for us all?"
"No, Todd the place is huge, I was just waiting for you. I wanted to make sure everything is ok with Aunt Dorian."
"Your Aunt Dorian went home, after Bo told her he had no reason to arrest me."
"That Old Bag tried to have you arrested?"
"It's fine, Jack, I showed Bo the letter that your mom and I signed. Bo can't do anything to me unless I take you guys out of town and since I don't plan on doing that we are fine. We are more than fine we are great."
"I still can't believe she called Bo and tried to have you arrested."
"Why Jack? She is Dorian."
"Yeah, I guess you are right."
"I'm sure she is going home to bug your mother now. So let's go into the suite before Sam gets worried and see what we should do first this weekend." Todd and Jack walked into the suite. Sam jumped up from the floor where he had been playing with Hope and hugged Todd around the legs. Hope got up and did the same. Todd pulled both kids up into his arms and held them close. "You guys don't have to worry, I'm here to stay and Aunt Dorian is gone."
"Hope and I thought Aunt Dorian was going to have you arrested, Uncle Todd." Sam said.
"I'm fine and no one, not even your Aunt Dorian, is going to ruin our weekend."
"Uncle Todd, Aunt Dorian really doesn't like you. She isn't going to stop trying to ruin our weekend." Sam added.
"Well, Sam all I can say is we will do are best not to let her. Now what is the first thing that you two want to do this weekend?"
"We want to go in the pool Grandpa!" Hope said.
"You do! Is that ok with you Sam?"
"Yes that is fine with me Uncle Todd."
"Will you come in the pool with us?"
"Yes. Now you and Sam go and change into your swimsuits." When Sam and Hope were in their rooms with their doors closed, Starr turned to her father and asked, "So what are we going to do about Aunt Dorian? You know Sam is right."
"I'm going to do that best that I can to enjoy this weekend with you guys. I'm getting to back on a plane to Port Charles come Monday morning."
"You know, Dad, you don't have to go back to Port Charles, you could move back here to Llanview."
"Yeah, Todd you could move to Llanview." Jack said.
"How would you feel about that Jack?"
"Sam would love having you here all the time."
"I didn't ask how Sam would feel, I asked how you would feel, Jack."
"It would be cool with me, Todd."
"I'm not so sure it would be cool with your mom though. I think she likes the fact that I would have to board a plane to steal you guys."
"Dad, you know Mom knows you only took Jack and Sam to keep them safe from Tomas."
"Yes but your mother sometimes still needs a gentle reminder of that. Before Todd could say another word Sam and Hope came running out of their rooms and into his arms again. "You're not wearing your suit Grandpa."
"I know I'm going to change right now. Jack, Starr you guys better go and change to if you guys are coming swimming."
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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"Dad, what are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to talk to the old witch."
"Dad, the boys are counting on this being a nice weekend."
"I know Shorty and it will be, I just have to deal with Auntie Dorian first.
"Come on boys lets go." Starr directed.
"What and miss the show between Todd and Aunt Dorian, no way?" Jack said.
"Jack, please do as your sister says. I will be up in a minute." Todd said.
"Ok, Todd just try not to get arrested for murdering her." Jack added.
"Uncle Todd wouldn't murder Aunt Dorian, right Uncle Todd?" Sam asked.
"Yes, Sam that is right."
Dorian walked over to where Todd and the kids were standing. "Boys get your stuff you are coming home with me." Dorian said.
"No, Dorian they aren't. They are with me for the weekend and you know it. I know that Blair told you about our agreement."
"Blair sometimes has no idea what she is doing when it comes to you. I'm taking the kids Todd."
"The Hell you are Dorian, Starr take the kids upstairs now to the suite!"
Starr took Sam and Hope by the hand and walked in the direction of the elevator. Jack thought for a second about turning back to help Todd, but he knew Todd would want him to go with Starr. Jack turned back and gave Dorian a sour look before boarding the elevator. Sam seeing his older brother give Dorian a sour look did the same. Todd couldn't help but smile back at the boys.
"So, now you are encouraging them to be disrespectful to their elders, Todd."
"No, Dorian not all their elders, just you."
"You are so funny, Todd."
"I know, right, I haven't lost my touch."
"Lets, see how funny you think it is when Bo arrives and arrests you."
"What for Dorian? Spending the weekend with my kids and might I remind you I have their mother's permission to do so this time."
Todd pulled out of his pocket a written document signed by both he and Blair stating that he had permission to have the kids for the weekend. "What does that prove Todd?"
"I believe proves that I have your niece's permission to have the kids over the Fourth July weekend. Oh, and Blair and I had it filed it with the court. I will be happy to show it to Bo when he gets here and explain to him that we also had it filed with the court. Todd met Bo half way to where they were standing. "I have permission from Blair to have the boys for the weekend." Todd waved the document in his face.
Bo pulled it from Todd's hand. He looked it over very carefully. "Dorian as much as I would love to make Todd a guest of the LPD over this holiday weekend, he has written permission from Blair that was filed with the court to have boys for the weekend. If he doesn't bring them back by nine on Sunday night, call me and I will bring him in."
"How will you do that Bo he will be long gone with them before then?"
"Manning, just stay in Llanview with those boys please. You will regret it if you make me come looking for you."
"I have no plans to take them out of town Bo."
"You see, Dorian it will be fine, now let the man enjoy sometime with his boys in peace."
Bo walked out of The Palace. Dorian stood in front of Todd with a scowl on her face. "Goodbye, Auntie Dorian, have a nice weekend. I know that I will."
Todd left Dorian standing in the lobby of The Palace. He boarded the elevator to the suite that he was sharing with his kids for the weekend. Todd stepped off the elevator to find Jack lurking outside the door of their suite.
"Jack, is their something wrong with the suite, is it not big enough for us all?"
"No, Todd the place is huge, I was just waiting for you. I wanted to make sure everything is ok with Aunt Dorian."
"Your Aunt Dorian went home, after Bo told her he had no reason to arrest me."
"That Old Bag tried to have you arrested?"
"It's fine, Jack, I showed Bo the letter that your mom and I signed. Bo can't do anything to me unless I take you guys out of town and since I don't plan on doing that we are fine. We are more than fine we are great."
"I still can't believe she called Bo and tried to have you arrested."
"Why Jack? She is Dorian."
"Yeah, I guess you are right."
"I'm sure she is going home to bug your mother now. So let's go into the suite before Sam gets worried and see what we should do first this weekend." Todd and Jack walked into the suite. Sam jumped up from the floor where he had been playing with Hope and hugged Todd around the legs. Hope got up and did the same. Todd pulled both kids up into his arms and held them close. "You guys don't have to worry, I'm here to stay and Aunt Dorian is gone."
"Hope and I thought Aunt Dorian was going to have you arrested, Uncle Todd." Sam said.
"I'm fine and no one, not even your Aunt Dorian, is going to ruin our weekend."
"Uncle Todd, Aunt Dorian really doesn't like you. She isn't going to stop trying to ruin our weekend." Sam added.
"Well, Sam all I can say is we will do are best not to let her. Now what is the first thing that you two want to do this weekend?"
"We want to go in the pool Grandpa!" Hope said.
"You do! Is that ok with you Sam?"
"Yes that is fine with me Uncle Todd."
"Will you come in the pool with us?"
"Yes. Now you and Sam go and change into your swimsuits." When Sam and Hope were in their rooms with their doors closed, Starr turned to her father and asked, "So what are we going to do about Aunt Dorian? You know Sam is right."
"I'm going to do that best that I can to enjoy this weekend with you guys. I'm getting to back on a plane to Port Charles come Monday morning."
"You know, Dad, you don't have to go back to Port Charles, you could move back here to Llanview."
"Yeah, Todd you could move to Llanview." Jack said.
"How would you feel about that Jack?"
"Sam would love having you here all the time."
"I didn't ask how Sam would feel, I asked how you would feel, Jack."
"It would be cool with me, Todd."
"I'm not so sure it would be cool with your mom though. I think she likes the fact that I would have to board a plane to steal you guys."
"Dad, you know Mom knows you only took Jack and Sam to keep them safe from Tomas."
"Yes but your mother sometimes still needs a gentle reminder of that. Before Todd could say another word Sam and Hope came running out of their rooms and into his arms again. "You're not wearing your suit Grandpa."
"I know I'm going to change right now. Jack, Starr you guys better go and change to if you guys are coming swimming."
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Hope from the Ocean: 6
"I don't know if those leopard-skin boots are really you," Tina said to the elderly woman who was putting them on.
"Why not? Am I too old?" she bellowed.
"No, just, I don't know, they just don't seem to suit you. You said you wanted them for a special event, a wedding?"
"Right."
"Uh, well, I just don't think it's the fashionable thing to do."
"Are you questioning my fashion sense?"
"Um, well . . ."
"You're supposed to help me try on shoes and get the size I need, not criticize my obviously trendy style." She looked back into the mirror. The knee-high boots were ridiculous on her small, shriveled frame.
"I just think . . ."
"Yes, what do you think, Tina?" said a voice behind her. It was her boss.
"Um, I think I'm in trouble?"
The boss nodded.
"Big trouble?" Tina asked.
"This just is not working out, Tina. You didn't even make it past the training period. Please get your things and leave. We don't discourage customers from purchases."
"But, I just wanted to prevent her from looking ridiculous at the wedding . . ."
"Ridiculous? My word!" The old woman said, and continued to model the boots.
Tina, tired and defeated, rolled her eyes and walked to the staff room to get her things. "Back to the drawing board and Mr. Basque."
***
The plans for Hope Weekend were shaping up. Sister Rebecca Katherine and her crew of nuns had everything organized. As Friday afternoon rolled around, they prepped harder and faster for the event. Addie, who was head of the previous-residents committee was there, lending a hand. "Todd bought all this?"
"Yes, he did. He told me to send him all the bills."
"It's looking great. Look at the booths. It looks so professional." Addie said.
"Do ya have y'ar knitting?"
"I have a few blankets, sweaters and scarves, yes."
"That's perfect. The more things the better."
"I want to thank you, Sister, for what you've done for my beautiful girl and for Todd."
"I've not done much but care. That's about all, Dear."
"That isn't true. Blair's told me everything you've meant to them."
"I appreciate it," the nun modestly said, "but in all, it's just nothing. They've given me love as I have given them. I feel like they are family."
"Well, with Timothy legally adopting Todd, they are."
"Oh yes, that's true. And I am glad for it." She looked up, and spotted Bea entering the room. She was modestly dressed, in a skirt and top, and, as customary, she had on white socks and little tie shoes that gave her the appearance of being a child. She was carrying a portfolio of her art.
The nun said, across the room, "Bea!" The woman waved, and shyly looked down, walking toward them. "Bea, I want ya to meet Addie. She's Blair's mother."
Bea immediately handed her portfolio off to the nun, and hugged Addie, who reciprocated. "I am glad to meet you, Bea. Blair and Todd have told me so much about you."
Bitsy looked to Sister Rebecca Katherine, and pointing to her own throat, made a sign that seemed to request an explanation. The nun said, "She wants ya to know that she can't talk."
"Oh, that's all right. Nowadays, people talk way too much," Addie said, and within the last word of her sentence, she caught sights of Dorian, entering the room. "Like I said, some people don't know when to be quiet."
Bea smiled, and Dorian approached the women. The nun said, "Dorian, nice to see ya. Did ya come to lend a hand."
"Yes, I did. Actually, you'll be surprised as to who sent me." Dorian said. Then, she put out her hand, and took Bea's. "Hello, I'm Dorian, I'm Blair's aunt."
Bea shook it and smiled, before taking her portfolio back from Sister Rebecca Katherine and heading over to her booth.
Dorian said, "Such a dear thing."
"She's not a thing, Dorian, she's a person. Now, who sent you?" Addie admonished.
"Why, Todd, of course."
***
"Blair?" he bellowed, and threw his keys on the small table by the door at Unforgettable.
She came down the stairs, "Hi, my charming husband," she said, putting her arms around her neck.
"Hi," he said, and kissed her.
She said, "Are you all right? What happened? I was a little worried."
"Nothing to worry about, Blair. Everything is all right. I went by The Sun for a while, got into my work. Momma, she just had a tough morning."
He handed Blair the note. She read it, and looked up, saying, "She's dealing with guilt. I would be, if it were me."
"I don't want her worried about it, but she is. However, the up side is that she got herself together, and Ray asked me to send a car for her. She went to St. Anne's for the Hope Weekend set up."
"That's great. But are you okay?"
He looked into her green eyes, and said, "Yeah, I'm okay. Don't worry about me. How's my wife, and my little Peach?"
"Both are fine."
"Good. That's what I like to hear." He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"Hey, I thought we were going to help set up at Hope Weekend?"
"I sent a representative."
"Oh, what did you do, get Shaun to go there?"
"No. Dorian."
"Dorian? She's your representative?"
"I never said I had taste."
"Oh, stop, you. Did you. . . is Dorian really working for us?"
"Yep. She's going to be the gallery manager."
"Are you kidding?"
"No. Took your advice. Can't beat 'em . . ."
"Join em?" She had that look he recognized as the one she had given him when he first handed her a habit. "But, Dorian?"
"Why not? You made a good case for it."
"You continue to surprise me."
"Well, you'll be busy, and so will I, with the new baby soon, and the old one. By the way, where is he?"
"He's upstairs. He's in the playpen. He's been reading all morning."
"Reading? I know he's a genius, but . . ."
"He loves books. He's already getting ready to be a publisher, like his Daddy."
"Sounds good. Then we have the afternoon free?"
"Yep."
He gave her the side eye. "So, what do you want to do, Mrs. Manning?"
"I can only think of one thing, Mr. Manning," and she led him up the staircase by the hand.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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"Why not? Am I too old?" she bellowed.
"No, just, I don't know, they just don't seem to suit you. You said you wanted them for a special event, a wedding?"
"Right."
"Uh, well, I just don't think it's the fashionable thing to do."
"Are you questioning my fashion sense?"
"Um, well . . ."
"You're supposed to help me try on shoes and get the size I need, not criticize my obviously trendy style." She looked back into the mirror. The knee-high boots were ridiculous on her small, shriveled frame.
"I just think . . ."
"Yes, what do you think, Tina?" said a voice behind her. It was her boss.
"Um, I think I'm in trouble?"
The boss nodded.
"Big trouble?" Tina asked.
"This just is not working out, Tina. You didn't even make it past the training period. Please get your things and leave. We don't discourage customers from purchases."
"But, I just wanted to prevent her from looking ridiculous at the wedding . . ."
"Ridiculous? My word!" The old woman said, and continued to model the boots.
Tina, tired and defeated, rolled her eyes and walked to the staff room to get her things. "Back to the drawing board and Mr. Basque."
***
The plans for Hope Weekend were shaping up. Sister Rebecca Katherine and her crew of nuns had everything organized. As Friday afternoon rolled around, they prepped harder and faster for the event. Addie, who was head of the previous-residents committee was there, lending a hand. "Todd bought all this?"
"Yes, he did. He told me to send him all the bills."
"It's looking great. Look at the booths. It looks so professional." Addie said.
"Do ya have y'ar knitting?"
"I have a few blankets, sweaters and scarves, yes."
"That's perfect. The more things the better."
"I want to thank you, Sister, for what you've done for my beautiful girl and for Todd."
"I've not done much but care. That's about all, Dear."
"That isn't true. Blair's told me everything you've meant to them."
"I appreciate it," the nun modestly said, "but in all, it's just nothing. They've given me love as I have given them. I feel like they are family."
"Well, with Timothy legally adopting Todd, they are."
"Oh yes, that's true. And I am glad for it." She looked up, and spotted Bea entering the room. She was modestly dressed, in a skirt and top, and, as customary, she had on white socks and little tie shoes that gave her the appearance of being a child. She was carrying a portfolio of her art.
The nun said, across the room, "Bea!" The woman waved, and shyly looked down, walking toward them. "Bea, I want ya to meet Addie. She's Blair's mother."
Bea immediately handed her portfolio off to the nun, and hugged Addie, who reciprocated. "I am glad to meet you, Bea. Blair and Todd have told me so much about you."
Bitsy looked to Sister Rebecca Katherine, and pointing to her own throat, made a sign that seemed to request an explanation. The nun said, "She wants ya to know that she can't talk."
"Oh, that's all right. Nowadays, people talk way too much," Addie said, and within the last word of her sentence, she caught sights of Dorian, entering the room. "Like I said, some people don't know when to be quiet."
Bea smiled, and Dorian approached the women. The nun said, "Dorian, nice to see ya. Did ya come to lend a hand."
"Yes, I did. Actually, you'll be surprised as to who sent me." Dorian said. Then, she put out her hand, and took Bea's. "Hello, I'm Dorian, I'm Blair's aunt."
Bea shook it and smiled, before taking her portfolio back from Sister Rebecca Katherine and heading over to her booth.
Dorian said, "Such a dear thing."
"She's not a thing, Dorian, she's a person. Now, who sent you?" Addie admonished.
"Why, Todd, of course."
***
"Blair?" he bellowed, and threw his keys on the small table by the door at Unforgettable.
She came down the stairs, "Hi, my charming husband," she said, putting her arms around her neck.
"Hi," he said, and kissed her.
She said, "Are you all right? What happened? I was a little worried."
"Nothing to worry about, Blair. Everything is all right. I went by The Sun for a while, got into my work. Momma, she just had a tough morning."
He handed Blair the note. She read it, and looked up, saying, "She's dealing with guilt. I would be, if it were me."
"I don't want her worried about it, but she is. However, the up side is that she got herself together, and Ray asked me to send a car for her. She went to St. Anne's for the Hope Weekend set up."
"That's great. But are you okay?"
He looked into her green eyes, and said, "Yeah, I'm okay. Don't worry about me. How's my wife, and my little Peach?"
"Both are fine."
"Good. That's what I like to hear." He slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"Hey, I thought we were going to help set up at Hope Weekend?"
"I sent a representative."
"Oh, what did you do, get Shaun to go there?"
"No. Dorian."
"Dorian? She's your representative?"
"I never said I had taste."
"Oh, stop, you. Did you. . . is Dorian really working for us?"
"Yep. She's going to be the gallery manager."
"Are you kidding?"
"No. Took your advice. Can't beat 'em . . ."
"Join em?" She had that look he recognized as the one she had given him when he first handed her a habit. "But, Dorian?"
"Why not? You made a good case for it."
"You continue to surprise me."
"Well, you'll be busy, and so will I, with the new baby soon, and the old one. By the way, where is he?"
"He's upstairs. He's in the playpen. He's been reading all morning."
"Reading? I know he's a genius, but . . ."
"He loves books. He's already getting ready to be a publisher, like his Daddy."
"Sounds good. Then we have the afternoon free?"
"Yep."
He gave her the side eye. "So, what do you want to do, Mrs. Manning?"
"I can only think of one thing, Mr. Manning," and she led him up the staircase by the hand.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Saturday, July 6, 2013
Port Charles Chronicles: Chapter 63
Nora walked into her husband’s office. “Hey, I got your message. What’s up?”
“You’re not going to believe what I just heard. John just called. Blair Cramer’s son Sam was kidnapped a day ago.”
“That’s horrible. Blair must be devastated. But why are we just now hearing about it?”
“Because he was taken in Port Charles. There’s something else. You’ll never guess who took him. Come on, guess.”
Nora looked at Bo bewildered. “Don’t be silly. I haven’t the vaguest idea who would take Sam.” she paused, and then added sarcastically, “but I’m thinking it probably has to do with Todd Manning.”
Bo glanced at his wife. She still hadn’t gotten over losing in court against Todd Manning. She was convinced he deserved to be put away in jail where he couldn’t hurt anyone anymore. After what he had just heard, his wife was in for a rude awakening. “You won’t let that go will you?”
“Bo, you know he was guilty. PTSD my foot. The man is a pathological liar.”
“No, he’s not, Nora.”
She was stunned. “Did you really just say that? What’s gotten into you? Of course, he’s a liar.”
Bo shook his head. “He didn’t lie about Victor, and he didn’t lie about the PTSD. You’d better sit down. I just had a very long talk with John McBain and what he had to tell me is going to change everything.”
Nora sat down looking skeptical. “I doubt John could have told you anything that would make me change my view of Todd Manning.”
“To start with, John told me Todd’s PTSD is very real. He witnessed it first hand. He also talked to Manning’s doctors in Port Charles after someone attempted to kill him. The diagnosis by Hallie’s witnesses were correct.”
“Wait a minute, go back. Someone attempted to kill Todd?”
“Yes, but you know Todd, he pulled through. A third attempt was made this afternoon. That too failed, this time, the police got the perpetrator.”
“So who is the guy? Some mobster that Todd made angry? I wonder what he’s done now?”
“Nora, that’s harsh. The only thing he’s done recently is to try and stay alive. I know you’ve never been able to forgive the man, but don’t you think it’s time to let it go? It’s been almost twenty years. Did you hear what I told you? The PTSD is real, the man was held and tortured for eight years, isn’t that punishment enough for you?” Bo was disappointed. Nora had a high sense of justice, except where Todd Manning was concerned.
Nora flinched when she heard the censure in Bo’s voice. She stopped and reconsidered everything Bo had just told her. Maybe she was being harsh, but something about Todd just set her teeth on edge. “I can’t Bo. Okay, I believe the man was tortured, but in my book, it doesn’t give you license to kill, and he still killed Victor.”
Bo looked down at his desk and frowned. He was still trying to process the second piece of information John had shared with him. “Umm, remember when I told you first off that Sam Manning was kidnapped? It’s not a ransom situation. Sam was taken by his father.”
For the second time in the space of minutes, Nora was speechless. She stared at Bo.
"Yes, Nora, his father. The same man Todd Manning was supposed to have killed, Victor Lord Jr. But there’s a twist. Victor is really Walker Laurence, also known as Walker Flynn.” Bo got up from behind his desk and got a glass of water for Nora. He handed it to her and continued. “I had the same reaction when John told me. Not only is he not dead, but he and Tomas Delgado have been working together this whole time. They set Manning up to take the fall. No one knows how they made him believe it, but John’s guessing it had something to do with his mother’s organization.”
Nora held up a hand, “Stop. One thing at a time. Victor’s not dead, but he’s also not Victor, he’s Walker Flynn? How is that possible? The DNA test said Todd and Victor were brothers.”
“I haven’t the foggiest, but we’ll know soon. The Feds are getting ready to strike at Flynn and get Sam. You should also know, that Manning and his family will probably be arriving soon. John told me they left Port Charles a couple of hours ago. Oh, and that shooter who tried to take out Todd. It was Tomas. He’s dead.”
Nora had been taking a drink of water, but she almost choked on Bo’s last words. She began coughing, and Bo patted her back. “Red, are you okay?”
She got her coughing under control, “Heck no, I’m not okay, I feel like I walked into an episode of the Twilight Zone. Suddenly Todd Manning is the innocent, and his victims are the villains. You have got to be kidding me.”
At that moment, there was a commotion in the squad room. Bo opened his blinds and saw Todd and his family arguing with Oliver Fish. He looked back at his wife. “I understand how you feel, but now it’s time for me to do my job. Would you do me a favor? Call Tea and ask her to come down to the station. I don’t want to tell her about Tomas over the phone.” Nora nodded, and Bo exited his office to face the Mannings.
****
Sam heard his father coming down the hall and quickly closed the computer. He just made it back to the bed where his Spiderman toys were spread out when his father opened the door.
“Sam, I’ve finished my business and thought you might like to have a look around the property with me and then take in a swim. We have our very own indoor pool down in the lower level of this house.”
He looked up from his toys. “A real pool inside? Wow! Dad?”
“Yes.”
“Can I please call Mom? She’s going to be worried. If I talk to her, I can let her know I’m okay and find out how Grandma Addie is.”
Walker frowned, and he saw Sam shrink back away from him a little bit. It brought him up short. Damn it, the kid was beginning to get comfortable. What can it hurt? Everything is going as planned. Let him make the call. There’s nothing Blair can do. He smiled, and Sam relaxed. “Sure, but you have to do something for me. You can tell her you’re okay and ask about Addie, but don’t tell her you’re with me. If you promise that, we’ll do it.”
“I promise.” Sam was excited.
“Fine. We’ll take our walk and have a swim and then you can call your mom. Let’s go.”
Sam hopped off the bed and followed his dad out of the room. He was going to get to call his mom soon. Everything was going to be all right.
****
Tea sat alone in the nursery. She hugged the small stuffed bear in her arms and started to sing a lullaby but stopped after a few lines, screaming in anguish. “You son of a bitch! You left me without so much as a goodbye. He died! Our baby died, and you couldn’t have cared less.” She angrily threw the bear to the ground and walked back into the bedroom she had shared with Victor. Heading straight to the closet, she found the few remaining clothes, she had kept as a reminder of her husband, and began ripping them to shreds. “You lied to me! You let me believe you loved me and all the time you were just playing me for a fool!” She collapsed to the floor crying and saw the small gun lying on the floor of the closet. She began to laugh as she picked up the gun and saw that it was a nine-millimeter exactly like the one that had supposedly been used to kill Victor. Her laughter started quietly and then she found she couldn’t stop. The sound echoed through the empty house.
She sat there fondling the gun and thinking about how alone she really was. Right before Starr’s call, she had had a full-blown argument with Dani.
Dani had been cleaning and starting to pack up the baby belongings in an effort to get them out of her mother’s sight. Tea had walked in, she suddenly felt her heartbeat go out of sync. She shouldn’t be in here, this is his room.
“What are you doing? Stop it! Stop it this instant! My Baby! You’re throwing my baby away!”
Dani stopped what she was doing immediately and eyed her mother warily. “Mom, calm down. I’m not throwing away the baby. I just thought I’d put some of this stuff away so you wouldn’t have to be reminded of the loss.”
In her warped reality, Tea suddenly saw Dani as an interloper. “You’re lying! You’re jealous of him. You know he has a special place in my heart. A place you never could! I should have left you with your father. It was a mistake to bring you into my life.”
Stunned, Dani asked. “What do you mean? Todd is my father, how could you leave me with him?”
Tea laughed. “Todd isn’t your father any more than Ross Rayburn was. You’re the product of a one-night stand I had with my cousin’s husband. I left you with him, and when Ross and I were in Tahiti, I demanded that he send you to me. Ross loved you like a daughter and things were fine until he started taking out his frustrations on me. That’s when I made up my mind to find Todd. Don‘t you understand? I faked the DNA test.” Even as she said it, she saw the comprehension and horror on Dani’s face and realized she had said too much. Dani turned and walked to her room, packed a bag, and left without saying anything more to her.
Cradling the gun, Tea turned it towards her heart. Do it. You’ve lost your daughter and your son. Her hand shook as she put her finger on the trigger. Wait, you still have Tomas. He’ll help you get through this. You can get Dani back. What did Blair say? Victor or Walker has Sam, and the Feds are getting ready to close in on him. Don’t let him know he almost drove you to kill yourself. You owe him. Face him and let him know what he really threw away. Just then she was startled from her reverie by the phone. She got off the floor and put the gun in her pocket and answered it.
“Hello. Yes, all right, Nora. I’ll come down to the station.” She hung up, the gun was forgotten. She moved as in a fog, grabbed her purse, and walked out of the door.
****
The Feds surrounded the property, and they were slowly making their way to the main house. John and Anna were leading the main group, and as they neared the house, they saw Walker and Sam re-enter it. There were a number of guards milling about. Anna made a decision.
“Listen up. The boy is with his father. We’re going to do this slowly. No mistakes. John, you take half the group and silence the guards. The rest of us will locate the alarms and turn them off. When all of that is secure, we’ll enter the house. Thanks to the team here in Philadelphia, we have a layout of the house. Once inside, we’ll split up again and search for the boy.”
John took his men and proceeded to fan out around the house. All the men were trained in silent tactics. On John’s signal, they took out the guards one by one and left them covered by a few men. Then they joined Anna back at the front entrance.
John looked around. “I don’t trust Flynn. The front and back are covered, but something tells me there’s another way in and out of here. Give me ten minutes to search the outside before entering.” Anna nodded.
Inside the house, Sam and Walker were enjoying their swim. Walker was in a great mood. Sam had gotten a big kick out of walking the grounds with his dad and had happily greeted the men stationed around the house. Walker had explained that they were a precaution because he was afraid someone might try to harm him again. After some roughhousing, in the pool, Walker decided he had had enough. He climbed out of the pool and pulled a t-shirt over his head. “Sam, that’s enough swimming. Get out now, if you want to talk to your mother.”
Sam climbed quickly out of the pool and like his father, slipped a T-shirt on. “Can I really talk to her now?”
“I’ll let you talk to her, but remember, you promised not to tell her you’re with me.” Walker dialed Blair’s cell number.
Todd and Bo were arguing in the squad room when Blair’s phone went off. Blair pulled it out of her purse. “Hey, stop fighting. This is a Philadelphia area code. Maybe it’s John. Hello?”
“Hi Mom, it’s me.”
“Sam! Are you okay? Where are you? Who’s with you?”
“I can’t tell you where I am or who I’m with, but I’m okay. I just got done swimming. Mom, the swimming pool is inside the house, it’s neat.”
“That’s good, Little Man. Why can’t you tell me who you’re with?”
“Because he wouldn’t let me call if I tell you.”
Just then, Walker heard the alarm over his head go off. Someone had entered the lower level without a password. He grabbed the phone. “Blair, I don’t know how you found me, but it doesn’t matter. Sam and I will be gone before they find the pool.” He hung up.
“Come on Sam, it’s time to leave. Someone’s gotten past my men.” He took Sam’s hand and led him out of the pool room and down the hall where he pressed a button and a panel opened up. He stepped into the tunnel with Sam and jammed the panel shut. “They won’t be able to follow, they don’t know about these tunnels. Once we’re out of here, I have a car not too far away. We’ll be fine Sam, don’t worry. We’ll head back to Port Charles. Everything there is waiting for me.”
Anna and her men burst into the swimming pool area to find it empty. Once they had hit the lower floor the alarm had sounded and she had known they missed one of the security measures and had given themselves away. The underground level was bigger than anticipated, and Flynn had already left. She spotted the wet prints, and they followed them down the hall to a dead end. “John, come in. We‘ve lost them. There must be some sort of a hidden tunnel. I hope you found that exit you were looking for.”
“It's okay Anna, I found it. Don’t worry, he won’t get past me.” Even as he said it, he saw the hidden door begin to open. He stepped back against the shrubs and waited for Flynn and Sam to walk into the clearing. Snatching Sam away, he put his gun between Flynn’s shoulder blades. “It’s all over Flynn.” Even as he said it, more agents came from around the corner of the house.
Seeing he was surrounded, Flynn surrendered. “So John, you finally wised up. I have to know. How did you guys find me?”
John put a gentle hand on the top of Sam’s head. “He told us. You’re under arrest for kidnapping, murder, trafficking guns, and I’m sure the feds have a much longer list. You have the right to remain silent....”
Flynn said nothing but stared in shock at his son.
John proceeded to give Flynn his Miranda rights. Then turned to check on Sam. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay, but I’m worried about my mom. I was talking to her when Dad took the phone and told her she would never see me again. Are we going home?”
“Yes Sam, we’re headed back to Llanview, then these men will have to take your father back to Philadelphia. You understand your father was wrong to take you, don’t you?”
Sam nodded, “But don’t hurt him, he’s been acting weird. Okay?” Sam looked at the men holding his father, and they assured him they would take good care of him. He glanced back to John. “Can we go now? I miss Mom.” A short time later they headed for Llanview.
****
Everyone had stopped talking when Sam’s call came through, but no one was prepared for Blair’s anguished cry. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Don’t take my son, Walker!” She dropped into a chair and began to cry.
Todd ran to her side and sank down on his haunches to get to her level. “Blair, what happened? What did Walker say?”
“He said the cops made a mistake, and he was gone and Sam with him.” She cried and grabbed Todd’s jacket. “Now, we’ll never find him.”
Todd put his hands on hers. “Don’t do that, Babe. You’re letting him get to you. There are Feds surrounding that property. There’s no way Flynn can elude them for long. John will get them, I know it.”
She stopped crying as he continued to rub her hands under his. “I just got so scared when he took over the phone. I was suddenly afraid he might hurt Sam because he was angry at me. You don’t think he would do that, do you?”
“I don’t know, but I think he’ll be too busy trying to get away from the authorities. Hurting Sam will be the last thing on his mind, right now.”
They both jumped when her phone rang again. This time, it was John. “John, tell me you got him. Tell me my son is okay.”
“It’s me, Mom. I’m coming home. John is letting me use the siren!”
Blair hugged Todd so hard he almost fell over. “Oh, that’s great, Little Man. We can’t wait to see you. Put Detective McBain on, okay?” She beamed at Todd. “He’s safe.” She waited and then John was on the phone. “John, thank you. Where’s Flynn? Did you get him?”
“We’ve got him. They’re bringing him to Llanview first. You’ll get your chance to confront him.” The call ended. Blair looked around at her family. “Sam’s coming home and they’re bringing in Walker, too.” A movement at the door caught Blair’s eye, and she saw Tea enter the room.
Tea was confused, had she heard right? “They’re bringing Victor here?”
Bo moved to her side. “Tea, I’ll explain everything. Come into my office.”
Nora held the door open as Bo led Tea into the room. Nora’s eyes were caught by Todd who stared at her for a moment, then he said. “I told you I didn’t kill my brother.” For the first time in a long time, she felt ashamed. She had pushed the man from the moment he had gotten home and had never given him a chance. Now everything she had believed had been disproved and Todd Manning had turned out to be innocent all along. Her eyes dropped and she followed Bo into the office.
Todd and Blair, along with Starr, Jack, and Addie, wandered around the squad room. They were anxiously awaiting John and Sam’s return. “I hate this. You would think with the siren running, John could get here in no time.” Todd said to no one in particular. Suddenly a scream was heard from Bo’s office.
Bo rushed out. “Fish, call the paramedics, Tea‘s going into shock.”
“What the hell did you say to her, Bo? My God, she just lost her baby. You shouldn’t have brought her into this.” Todd said.
“Stay out of it, Manning. I didn’t know she already knew about Victor, but she had to be told about Tomas.”
Todd glanced around at his family. He knew Blair had told Starr to call Tea, but now it seemed like a bad idea. They had forgotten about Tomas when they made the decision to call. They should have realized she was too fragile.
“Mom!” came the joyous cry from the other side of the room and Blair turned in time to catch Sam before he bowled her over.
She hugged him, and the family gathered around to see if he was all right.
“What, no joyous celebration for me? I’m newly returned from the dead. Jack how about a hug.” Walker smirked as he looked around the room. Everyone was staring at him with looks of disgust and anger. “Oh the love, I can feel it from here.” Before he could say anything else, a shot rang out.
“Feel that, you bastard! You said you loved me, but you don’t love anyone, but yourself.” Tea stood outside Bo’s office, the gun held up, pointed at Victor. She watched dispassionately as the blood blossomed across Victor’s chest.
Walker looked across the room at his wife. “Tea???” His eyes dropped to his chest in surprise and he collapsed.
All eyes were on Tea and what she would do next. Blair hugged Sam to her and covered his eyes. Guns were drawn around the room, all of them aimed at Tea.
“Hold your fire. Tea, give me the gun,” Bo said quietly, his eyes never left her face. She didn’t move except to let the gun drop to her side. She was just standing there, staring at the place Walker had been occupying only moments before. He walked toward her slowly and removed the gun from her hand. Tea’s eyes were now unfocused, and he barely caught her as she crumpled to the ground. He laid her down and glanced back across the room where Fish and John were working on Flynn. Seeing Blair struggling with Sam, he spoke up. “Todd, take Blair and your family into my office. We’ll handle this.”
Todd didn’t need any more encouragement. He quickly took his family out of the main room and closed the blinds to Bo’s office. He moved to enclose Blair and Sam in his arms. Sam was already asking questions. “Is Dad going to be okay? Why did Aunt Tea do that?”
Todd took Sam from Blair and stood him on Bo’s desk, where they could talk face to face. “Sam, you know Aunt Tea just lost your little brother, right?”
Sam nodded.
“Well, Aunt Tea really loved that baby and she’s not thinking too clearly since she lost him. She isn’t feeling right and she also just found out she lost Uncle Tomas, too. I don’t think Aunt Tea really knew what she was doing, but we’re going to get her help.”
Sam looked over Todd’s shoulder towards the door. “What about Dad?”
“I don’t know Sam. They’re working on him.” Todd turned to Starr. “Could you go check and see what’s happening? You’re the only one of us with any medical training. I know it might be hard, but for Sam’s sake.”
Starr agreed and walked out the door to see what she could find out. A short while later she came back, followed by Nora and Bo.
“Sam, your dad’s still alive and they’ve taken both him and Aunt Tea to the hospital,” Starr reported walking over to her little brother.
Sam had been sitting quietly in his mother’s arms waiting for his sister to come back. He let out a big breath. “I hope he’s going to make it. I’ve missed him.”
Blair pulled him tighter into her arms. “I know Sam. But now all we can do is wait. Right now I want to get you home. Bo, do you need us for anything else tonight?”
Bo shook his head, no. “John’s writing out a report about the events that took place at Walker’s house. I also understand, that your presence, Manning, will be required back in Port Charles in the next few days, but Commissioner Scorpio said to take all the time you need before going back. Sam is also going to be needed to identify Calmar. This is a huge mess, and it will be a while until everything is made clear. Go home for now.”
Blair set Sam down and took one of his hands in hers, she held her other hand out to Todd. “Let’s take our family home.”
Todd smiled warmly, wrapped her hand in his, nodded, and led them out.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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“You’re not going to believe what I just heard. John just called. Blair Cramer’s son Sam was kidnapped a day ago.”
“That’s horrible. Blair must be devastated. But why are we just now hearing about it?”
“Because he was taken in Port Charles. There’s something else. You’ll never guess who took him. Come on, guess.”
Nora looked at Bo bewildered. “Don’t be silly. I haven’t the vaguest idea who would take Sam.” she paused, and then added sarcastically, “but I’m thinking it probably has to do with Todd Manning.”
Bo glanced at his wife. She still hadn’t gotten over losing in court against Todd Manning. She was convinced he deserved to be put away in jail where he couldn’t hurt anyone anymore. After what he had just heard, his wife was in for a rude awakening. “You won’t let that go will you?”
“Bo, you know he was guilty. PTSD my foot. The man is a pathological liar.”
“No, he’s not, Nora.”
She was stunned. “Did you really just say that? What’s gotten into you? Of course, he’s a liar.”
Bo shook his head. “He didn’t lie about Victor, and he didn’t lie about the PTSD. You’d better sit down. I just had a very long talk with John McBain and what he had to tell me is going to change everything.”
Nora sat down looking skeptical. “I doubt John could have told you anything that would make me change my view of Todd Manning.”
“To start with, John told me Todd’s PTSD is very real. He witnessed it first hand. He also talked to Manning’s doctors in Port Charles after someone attempted to kill him. The diagnosis by Hallie’s witnesses were correct.”
“Wait a minute, go back. Someone attempted to kill Todd?”
“Yes, but you know Todd, he pulled through. A third attempt was made this afternoon. That too failed, this time, the police got the perpetrator.”
“So who is the guy? Some mobster that Todd made angry? I wonder what he’s done now?”
“Nora, that’s harsh. The only thing he’s done recently is to try and stay alive. I know you’ve never been able to forgive the man, but don’t you think it’s time to let it go? It’s been almost twenty years. Did you hear what I told you? The PTSD is real, the man was held and tortured for eight years, isn’t that punishment enough for you?” Bo was disappointed. Nora had a high sense of justice, except where Todd Manning was concerned.
Nora flinched when she heard the censure in Bo’s voice. She stopped and reconsidered everything Bo had just told her. Maybe she was being harsh, but something about Todd just set her teeth on edge. “I can’t Bo. Okay, I believe the man was tortured, but in my book, it doesn’t give you license to kill, and he still killed Victor.”
Bo looked down at his desk and frowned. He was still trying to process the second piece of information John had shared with him. “Umm, remember when I told you first off that Sam Manning was kidnapped? It’s not a ransom situation. Sam was taken by his father.”
For the second time in the space of minutes, Nora was speechless. She stared at Bo.
"Yes, Nora, his father. The same man Todd Manning was supposed to have killed, Victor Lord Jr. But there’s a twist. Victor is really Walker Laurence, also known as Walker Flynn.” Bo got up from behind his desk and got a glass of water for Nora. He handed it to her and continued. “I had the same reaction when John told me. Not only is he not dead, but he and Tomas Delgado have been working together this whole time. They set Manning up to take the fall. No one knows how they made him believe it, but John’s guessing it had something to do with his mother’s organization.”
Nora held up a hand, “Stop. One thing at a time. Victor’s not dead, but he’s also not Victor, he’s Walker Flynn? How is that possible? The DNA test said Todd and Victor were brothers.”
“I haven’t the foggiest, but we’ll know soon. The Feds are getting ready to strike at Flynn and get Sam. You should also know, that Manning and his family will probably be arriving soon. John told me they left Port Charles a couple of hours ago. Oh, and that shooter who tried to take out Todd. It was Tomas. He’s dead.”
Nora had been taking a drink of water, but she almost choked on Bo’s last words. She began coughing, and Bo patted her back. “Red, are you okay?”
She got her coughing under control, “Heck no, I’m not okay, I feel like I walked into an episode of the Twilight Zone. Suddenly Todd Manning is the innocent, and his victims are the villains. You have got to be kidding me.”
At that moment, there was a commotion in the squad room. Bo opened his blinds and saw Todd and his family arguing with Oliver Fish. He looked back at his wife. “I understand how you feel, but now it’s time for me to do my job. Would you do me a favor? Call Tea and ask her to come down to the station. I don’t want to tell her about Tomas over the phone.” Nora nodded, and Bo exited his office to face the Mannings.
****
Sam heard his father coming down the hall and quickly closed the computer. He just made it back to the bed where his Spiderman toys were spread out when his father opened the door.
“Sam, I’ve finished my business and thought you might like to have a look around the property with me and then take in a swim. We have our very own indoor pool down in the lower level of this house.”
He looked up from his toys. “A real pool inside? Wow! Dad?”
“Yes.”
“Can I please call Mom? She’s going to be worried. If I talk to her, I can let her know I’m okay and find out how Grandma Addie is.”
Walker frowned, and he saw Sam shrink back away from him a little bit. It brought him up short. Damn it, the kid was beginning to get comfortable. What can it hurt? Everything is going as planned. Let him make the call. There’s nothing Blair can do. He smiled, and Sam relaxed. “Sure, but you have to do something for me. You can tell her you’re okay and ask about Addie, but don’t tell her you’re with me. If you promise that, we’ll do it.”
“I promise.” Sam was excited.
“Fine. We’ll take our walk and have a swim and then you can call your mom. Let’s go.”
Sam hopped off the bed and followed his dad out of the room. He was going to get to call his mom soon. Everything was going to be all right.
****
Tea sat alone in the nursery. She hugged the small stuffed bear in her arms and started to sing a lullaby but stopped after a few lines, screaming in anguish. “You son of a bitch! You left me without so much as a goodbye. He died! Our baby died, and you couldn’t have cared less.” She angrily threw the bear to the ground and walked back into the bedroom she had shared with Victor. Heading straight to the closet, she found the few remaining clothes, she had kept as a reminder of her husband, and began ripping them to shreds. “You lied to me! You let me believe you loved me and all the time you were just playing me for a fool!” She collapsed to the floor crying and saw the small gun lying on the floor of the closet. She began to laugh as she picked up the gun and saw that it was a nine-millimeter exactly like the one that had supposedly been used to kill Victor. Her laughter started quietly and then she found she couldn’t stop. The sound echoed through the empty house.
She sat there fondling the gun and thinking about how alone she really was. Right before Starr’s call, she had had a full-blown argument with Dani.
Dani had been cleaning and starting to pack up the baby belongings in an effort to get them out of her mother’s sight. Tea had walked in, she suddenly felt her heartbeat go out of sync. She shouldn’t be in here, this is his room.
“What are you doing? Stop it! Stop it this instant! My Baby! You’re throwing my baby away!”
Dani stopped what she was doing immediately and eyed her mother warily. “Mom, calm down. I’m not throwing away the baby. I just thought I’d put some of this stuff away so you wouldn’t have to be reminded of the loss.”
In her warped reality, Tea suddenly saw Dani as an interloper. “You’re lying! You’re jealous of him. You know he has a special place in my heart. A place you never could! I should have left you with your father. It was a mistake to bring you into my life.”
Stunned, Dani asked. “What do you mean? Todd is my father, how could you leave me with him?”
Tea laughed. “Todd isn’t your father any more than Ross Rayburn was. You’re the product of a one-night stand I had with my cousin’s husband. I left you with him, and when Ross and I were in Tahiti, I demanded that he send you to me. Ross loved you like a daughter and things were fine until he started taking out his frustrations on me. That’s when I made up my mind to find Todd. Don‘t you understand? I faked the DNA test.” Even as she said it, she saw the comprehension and horror on Dani’s face and realized she had said too much. Dani turned and walked to her room, packed a bag, and left without saying anything more to her.
Cradling the gun, Tea turned it towards her heart. Do it. You’ve lost your daughter and your son. Her hand shook as she put her finger on the trigger. Wait, you still have Tomas. He’ll help you get through this. You can get Dani back. What did Blair say? Victor or Walker has Sam, and the Feds are getting ready to close in on him. Don’t let him know he almost drove you to kill yourself. You owe him. Face him and let him know what he really threw away. Just then she was startled from her reverie by the phone. She got off the floor and put the gun in her pocket and answered it.
“Hello. Yes, all right, Nora. I’ll come down to the station.” She hung up, the gun was forgotten. She moved as in a fog, grabbed her purse, and walked out of the door.
****
The Feds surrounded the property, and they were slowly making their way to the main house. John and Anna were leading the main group, and as they neared the house, they saw Walker and Sam re-enter it. There were a number of guards milling about. Anna made a decision.
“Listen up. The boy is with his father. We’re going to do this slowly. No mistakes. John, you take half the group and silence the guards. The rest of us will locate the alarms and turn them off. When all of that is secure, we’ll enter the house. Thanks to the team here in Philadelphia, we have a layout of the house. Once inside, we’ll split up again and search for the boy.”
John took his men and proceeded to fan out around the house. All the men were trained in silent tactics. On John’s signal, they took out the guards one by one and left them covered by a few men. Then they joined Anna back at the front entrance.
John looked around. “I don’t trust Flynn. The front and back are covered, but something tells me there’s another way in and out of here. Give me ten minutes to search the outside before entering.” Anna nodded.
Inside the house, Sam and Walker were enjoying their swim. Walker was in a great mood. Sam had gotten a big kick out of walking the grounds with his dad and had happily greeted the men stationed around the house. Walker had explained that they were a precaution because he was afraid someone might try to harm him again. After some roughhousing, in the pool, Walker decided he had had enough. He climbed out of the pool and pulled a t-shirt over his head. “Sam, that’s enough swimming. Get out now, if you want to talk to your mother.”
Sam climbed quickly out of the pool and like his father, slipped a T-shirt on. “Can I really talk to her now?”
“I’ll let you talk to her, but remember, you promised not to tell her you’re with me.” Walker dialed Blair’s cell number.
Todd and Bo were arguing in the squad room when Blair’s phone went off. Blair pulled it out of her purse. “Hey, stop fighting. This is a Philadelphia area code. Maybe it’s John. Hello?”
“Hi Mom, it’s me.”
“Sam! Are you okay? Where are you? Who’s with you?”
“I can’t tell you where I am or who I’m with, but I’m okay. I just got done swimming. Mom, the swimming pool is inside the house, it’s neat.”
“That’s good, Little Man. Why can’t you tell me who you’re with?”
“Because he wouldn’t let me call if I tell you.”
Just then, Walker heard the alarm over his head go off. Someone had entered the lower level without a password. He grabbed the phone. “Blair, I don’t know how you found me, but it doesn’t matter. Sam and I will be gone before they find the pool.” He hung up.
“Come on Sam, it’s time to leave. Someone’s gotten past my men.” He took Sam’s hand and led him out of the pool room and down the hall where he pressed a button and a panel opened up. He stepped into the tunnel with Sam and jammed the panel shut. “They won’t be able to follow, they don’t know about these tunnels. Once we’re out of here, I have a car not too far away. We’ll be fine Sam, don’t worry. We’ll head back to Port Charles. Everything there is waiting for me.”
Anna and her men burst into the swimming pool area to find it empty. Once they had hit the lower floor the alarm had sounded and she had known they missed one of the security measures and had given themselves away. The underground level was bigger than anticipated, and Flynn had already left. She spotted the wet prints, and they followed them down the hall to a dead end. “John, come in. We‘ve lost them. There must be some sort of a hidden tunnel. I hope you found that exit you were looking for.”
“It's okay Anna, I found it. Don’t worry, he won’t get past me.” Even as he said it, he saw the hidden door begin to open. He stepped back against the shrubs and waited for Flynn and Sam to walk into the clearing. Snatching Sam away, he put his gun between Flynn’s shoulder blades. “It’s all over Flynn.” Even as he said it, more agents came from around the corner of the house.
Seeing he was surrounded, Flynn surrendered. “So John, you finally wised up. I have to know. How did you guys find me?”
John put a gentle hand on the top of Sam’s head. “He told us. You’re under arrest for kidnapping, murder, trafficking guns, and I’m sure the feds have a much longer list. You have the right to remain silent....”
Flynn said nothing but stared in shock at his son.
John proceeded to give Flynn his Miranda rights. Then turned to check on Sam. “How are you doing?”
“I’m okay, but I’m worried about my mom. I was talking to her when Dad took the phone and told her she would never see me again. Are we going home?”
“Yes Sam, we’re headed back to Llanview, then these men will have to take your father back to Philadelphia. You understand your father was wrong to take you, don’t you?”
Sam nodded, “But don’t hurt him, he’s been acting weird. Okay?” Sam looked at the men holding his father, and they assured him they would take good care of him. He glanced back to John. “Can we go now? I miss Mom.” A short time later they headed for Llanview.
****
Everyone had stopped talking when Sam’s call came through, but no one was prepared for Blair’s anguished cry. “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Don’t take my son, Walker!” She dropped into a chair and began to cry.
Todd ran to her side and sank down on his haunches to get to her level. “Blair, what happened? What did Walker say?”
“He said the cops made a mistake, and he was gone and Sam with him.” She cried and grabbed Todd’s jacket. “Now, we’ll never find him.”
Todd put his hands on hers. “Don’t do that, Babe. You’re letting him get to you. There are Feds surrounding that property. There’s no way Flynn can elude them for long. John will get them, I know it.”
She stopped crying as he continued to rub her hands under his. “I just got so scared when he took over the phone. I was suddenly afraid he might hurt Sam because he was angry at me. You don’t think he would do that, do you?”
“I don’t know, but I think he’ll be too busy trying to get away from the authorities. Hurting Sam will be the last thing on his mind, right now.”
They both jumped when her phone rang again. This time, it was John. “John, tell me you got him. Tell me my son is okay.”
“It’s me, Mom. I’m coming home. John is letting me use the siren!”
Blair hugged Todd so hard he almost fell over. “Oh, that’s great, Little Man. We can’t wait to see you. Put Detective McBain on, okay?” She beamed at Todd. “He’s safe.” She waited and then John was on the phone. “John, thank you. Where’s Flynn? Did you get him?”
“We’ve got him. They’re bringing him to Llanview first. You’ll get your chance to confront him.” The call ended. Blair looked around at her family. “Sam’s coming home and they’re bringing in Walker, too.” A movement at the door caught Blair’s eye, and she saw Tea enter the room.
Tea was confused, had she heard right? “They’re bringing Victor here?”
Bo moved to her side. “Tea, I’ll explain everything. Come into my office.”
Nora held the door open as Bo led Tea into the room. Nora’s eyes were caught by Todd who stared at her for a moment, then he said. “I told you I didn’t kill my brother.” For the first time in a long time, she felt ashamed. She had pushed the man from the moment he had gotten home and had never given him a chance. Now everything she had believed had been disproved and Todd Manning had turned out to be innocent all along. Her eyes dropped and she followed Bo into the office.
Todd and Blair, along with Starr, Jack, and Addie, wandered around the squad room. They were anxiously awaiting John and Sam’s return. “I hate this. You would think with the siren running, John could get here in no time.” Todd said to no one in particular. Suddenly a scream was heard from Bo’s office.
Bo rushed out. “Fish, call the paramedics, Tea‘s going into shock.”
“What the hell did you say to her, Bo? My God, she just lost her baby. You shouldn’t have brought her into this.” Todd said.
“Stay out of it, Manning. I didn’t know she already knew about Victor, but she had to be told about Tomas.”
Todd glanced around at his family. He knew Blair had told Starr to call Tea, but now it seemed like a bad idea. They had forgotten about Tomas when they made the decision to call. They should have realized she was too fragile.
“Mom!” came the joyous cry from the other side of the room and Blair turned in time to catch Sam before he bowled her over.
She hugged him, and the family gathered around to see if he was all right.
“What, no joyous celebration for me? I’m newly returned from the dead. Jack how about a hug.” Walker smirked as he looked around the room. Everyone was staring at him with looks of disgust and anger. “Oh the love, I can feel it from here.” Before he could say anything else, a shot rang out.
“Feel that, you bastard! You said you loved me, but you don’t love anyone, but yourself.” Tea stood outside Bo’s office, the gun held up, pointed at Victor. She watched dispassionately as the blood blossomed across Victor’s chest.
Walker looked across the room at his wife. “Tea???” His eyes dropped to his chest in surprise and he collapsed.
All eyes were on Tea and what she would do next. Blair hugged Sam to her and covered his eyes. Guns were drawn around the room, all of them aimed at Tea.
“Hold your fire. Tea, give me the gun,” Bo said quietly, his eyes never left her face. She didn’t move except to let the gun drop to her side. She was just standing there, staring at the place Walker had been occupying only moments before. He walked toward her slowly and removed the gun from her hand. Tea’s eyes were now unfocused, and he barely caught her as she crumpled to the ground. He laid her down and glanced back across the room where Fish and John were working on Flynn. Seeing Blair struggling with Sam, he spoke up. “Todd, take Blair and your family into my office. We’ll handle this.”
Todd didn’t need any more encouragement. He quickly took his family out of the main room and closed the blinds to Bo’s office. He moved to enclose Blair and Sam in his arms. Sam was already asking questions. “Is Dad going to be okay? Why did Aunt Tea do that?”
Todd took Sam from Blair and stood him on Bo’s desk, where they could talk face to face. “Sam, you know Aunt Tea just lost your little brother, right?”
Sam nodded.
“Well, Aunt Tea really loved that baby and she’s not thinking too clearly since she lost him. She isn’t feeling right and she also just found out she lost Uncle Tomas, too. I don’t think Aunt Tea really knew what she was doing, but we’re going to get her help.”
Sam looked over Todd’s shoulder towards the door. “What about Dad?”
“I don’t know Sam. They’re working on him.” Todd turned to Starr. “Could you go check and see what’s happening? You’re the only one of us with any medical training. I know it might be hard, but for Sam’s sake.”
Starr agreed and walked out the door to see what she could find out. A short while later she came back, followed by Nora and Bo.
“Sam, your dad’s still alive and they’ve taken both him and Aunt Tea to the hospital,” Starr reported walking over to her little brother.
Sam had been sitting quietly in his mother’s arms waiting for his sister to come back. He let out a big breath. “I hope he’s going to make it. I’ve missed him.”
Blair pulled him tighter into her arms. “I know Sam. But now all we can do is wait. Right now I want to get you home. Bo, do you need us for anything else tonight?”
Bo shook his head, no. “John’s writing out a report about the events that took place at Walker’s house. I also understand, that your presence, Manning, will be required back in Port Charles in the next few days, but Commissioner Scorpio said to take all the time you need before going back. Sam is also going to be needed to identify Calmar. This is a huge mess, and it will be a while until everything is made clear. Go home for now.”
Blair set Sam down and took one of his hands in hers, she held her other hand out to Todd. “Let’s take our family home.”
Todd smiled warmly, wrapped her hand in his, nodded, and led them out.
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