Chasing the Monsters: 32

"I love when Grandma Bitsy comes!"  Sam said, setting the table for lunch with Blair. 

Jewel, in her high chair, watched intently.

Blair said, "She's wonderful, isn't she, Sam?"

"Yeah, she's so cool.  Mom, she acts like a kid."

Blair remembered him saying the same thing about Addie, years before.  "She does, sometimes."

"I can't wait until she gets here."

"Well, I think you have your wish," Blair said, wiping her hands and walking to the glass doors that led to the patio.  She could hear the copter approaching.

Sam rushed to her side, and Jewel clapped awkwardly.  "He's coming!"  Sam announced.

"Shh, now, Ray's still napping.  Give me some peace, a few more minutes," Blair said, smiling and looked back to watch her husband's approach.

The copter landed without a hitch, and they waited until they saw all three of them descending the staircase leading to the kitchen patio.  Blair opened the slider before they even got to it.  "Momma!  So good to see you!" she said, reaching her arms out, and Bitsy went to them happily.

She let go of her embrace with Blair to turn to Sam.  "Sam, I am so happy to see you, we're going to have such fun!"  Bitsy said, hugging him.

"Me too, Grandma Bitsy!"

Jewel clapped and cooed, calling Todd from her chair.  "Da da!"

"Hi, Baby Girl," he said, palming her head and kissing it.  

"Todd, she's beautiful and growing," Bitsy said.

"I know, Momma."

"Where's my Road Runner?"  Bitsy said, looking around.

"Believe it or not, he's still napping," Blair said.

"Oh, okay, he'll be up soon, I'm sure,"  Bitsy added.

Todd said, "I'll show you to your room, Momma."

"Can we, Dad?  Please?"  Sam asked.

"Sure, uh, Jack, you'll have to do the honors.  Get the bags off the helipad."

"No problem, come on Squirt.  Grandma, I'll show you my last report card," Jack said.

"Oh, good," she said, following Jack, and Sam who was tugging at her hand to get her upstairs.

***

Timothy sat, still alone in Chicago.  He walked to the large picture windows and looked out over Grant Park.  From where he stood, he could see the compartmentalized green areas, surrounded on all sides by sidewalk beige, and beyond, the boat-cluttered waters of Munroe Harbor.  He sighed.   "What is going on with y'ar brother's past, Eric?  Can ya give me something, Son, to go on?"  The silence continued.  "I want to do right by both of ya, but what can I do next?"

He sat down and leaned his head back.  With his eyes closed, he journeyed back to a street in Dublin, with the cars rushing by, and his wife, Erin and little Eric, spotting him across the way . . . the shots, and the blood coming out of Erin as she pulled their son to her to shield him.  "Ya did it, Erin," he said softly aloud, "Ya saved our boy," and then, his mind drifted to the moment when Eric let go of life.  He'd been there, as he wished, but still, it did not mend things.  It didn't take away the emptiness.  In Chicago, he was alone.  Nothing with a purpose, not really.  He'd lost almost everything.  Almost.  He squeezed his eyes tighter and then relaxed.

When he opened his eyes and jerked his head back to upright, his eyes focused, and he saw it.  

The liquor cabinet.

***

Still in the quiet of the lower level, Blair said, "As for you, Mr. Manning," she slipped her arms around his neck.

"What, Mrs. Manning?"

"I missed you," she whispered, and ran her hand along his chest, and down, until she took his hand.

"Same here, Babe," he said and kissed her.  Jewel was playing patty cake with the high chair tray in the background.

She said, "Uneventful trip?"

"I guess," he said, sitting down, still holding her hand.  She sat next to him.  "Your son was sharing how he sees us.  Interesting."

"I'll bet."

"Blair, I want Momma to live here."

"I know you do, and I have no problem with that.  I hope she can, soon."

"I want her to experience the family."

"I understand that, too.  We have plenty of space for her, and people for her to pay attention to."

"Yes, yes!"  Jewel said, to herself, but it made them laugh, softly.

"Sometimes it's hard for me to . . ." he stopped a minute, and studied her hand, still in his.

"Accept it?"

"Yeah, that's it.  I guess I can't believe sometimes this is really my life."

"It is.  Believe me," she said, reaching out with her other hand and touching his face.

"I need you to stand by me, Blair.  This all seems white picket, but I need you to stand with me when I bring down those men."

She sighed, hoping somehow he'd forgotten it.  Instead, it seemed that seeing his mother had enlivened the need in him.  She said, "I'm with you, Todd, you know that.  I just . . . don't want to lose you or our family."

"You won't.  They're going to pay.  Someone has to."

"Todd, are you . . . did you remember other things?"

He got up from the table and picked up the baby.  Holding her, he said, "Not now, Babe, okay?"

She gulped, and watched him, cuddling the baby, and felt an ache of sadness and worry.  She said, "Whenever you're ready, My Love, you know I'm here."

"Hear that?  Mommy's here.  And Daddy's here.  We're all here, Jewel," he said, looking at his wife.  "Thank you, for her.  She's so beautiful."

"You had a hand in it," she said, refusing to give in to emotions.

"Maybe but, without you, forget it."

"Well, you're welcome, then."  She stood up.  "I'm going to get Ray.  He's slept long enough."

"I'll go," Todd said and handed Jewel off to her mother.  He was gone before Blair could look behind herself to watch him go.

She held the baby to her chest, and the top of her head grazed Blair's lips.  "We love you, Baby Girl," she said.

***
It was dark and she had just heard his car pulling into the driveway, stopping under the carport, the door slamming with force.

His hands covered in fingerpaints, his face and clothing blotched with smears of red, blue and yellow, his little eyes widened.

"You must hide," she said quietly.  "Put your hands in your pockets.  Hide, now."

Without hesitation, the little boy ran to his open closet and inside it.  She followed behind him, her eyes connecting with his as she slowly closed the door.  She managed a very large smile to try and comfort and reassure him.  "Momma," he said softly, and she closed the door.

Gathering herself a moment, she went to the kitchen, rubbing a small smear of blue fingerpaint off her cheek with her apron.

Instead of seeing Peter, looming by the doorway and expecting a beer, she saw Mitch, arms folded, smile wickedly spreading.  "Beautiful," he said, surveying her.

She absently fixed her hair.  "I look . . . I look a mess."

"Not to me," he said and walked toward her slowly.

"The baby.  Todd's awake, he's in his room.  He's . . . hiding in the closet.  We thought you were Peter," Bitsy said.

"No," he said, sliding his arms around her waist,"I'm not Peter."  His mouth took hers.

She pulled away.  "Stop, please?  He's coming."

He smiled again.  "He's not.  I told him to meet me at the church.  He's there, not here."

She felt her shoulders sink, as he ran his hand up her body, landing on her throat.  He turned her head away, and ran his tongue along her neck.

"He's not here," she repeated, closing her eyes.

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Chasing the Monsters: 19

"Blair, it's good to see you," Cord said, entering the foyer and seeing her standing behind Tina, with her arm through Todd's.

"Roberts," Todd said, extending a hand.

"Todd," he said, shaking it.  "I've heard a lot of things, but none of them match some of the stories of your life.  I just wanted to say, right off the bat, that I don't envy you, and that you're brave."

Blair felt a lump in her throat, and saw her husband's working.  He said, "Thank you.  I made it.  I'm still here."

"Yes, you are, and so are all of us.  Imagine this?  All these years later?"  Tina said, going to Cord's side.  

He gave her a knowing look, and said, "Okay, Girl, what are you up to?"

"She's not up to anything," Blair said, "We wanted to see you, didn't we, Todd?"

"Sure, yeah.  I . . . well, things have changed over the years, I guess. Tina's not so bad."

Blair elbowed him. "He means that they have gotten closer.  She's been through a lot, too and she's been a rock for our kids."

"Madame," Nigel interrupted, "dinner is almost ready."

"Thank you, Nigel.  Well, should we all head into the dining room?"  Tina said.

Everyone, for some reason, looked to Todd.  "Yeah, why the Hell not?  I don't turn down meals often," and Blair laughed nervously.  The four of them headed into the other room.

Viki, who had been in the library, listening, said aloud, "Tina, what exactly do you think you're going to achieve?"

***

"Jack, is it hard to babysit all us kids?"  Sam asked.

"Kinda.  But when Shaun's here, it's easier."

"Like today?"

"Yep, like today."

"Because Jewel and Ray are just babies, right?"

"Right."

"Jack?"

"Yeah, Squirt?"

"I . . . showed Dad everything."

Jack frowned a little.  "What do you mean?"

"I showed him everything.  Where I was hiding, where Starr was.  Where Mixie died.  I showed him.  From the balcony."

"You mean the other day, when you were standing up there?"

"Yeah."  He thought about it.  "I'm scared every day."

"You don't have to be scared anymore.  Peter's gone."

"I'm scared thinking what if he wasn't?  And other stuff scares me.  What if he's not dead?"

"But he is."

"But what if he wasn't?"

"If he wasn't, Dad would protect us.  He'd make sure we were all right.  Why are you thinking about all this?"

"I always do, I just don't say anything.  Mom said I should talk about it when I am scared, so I am talking about it, I guess."

"You're scared because they're not with us, and we're alone?"

Sam nodded. 

Jack continued, "Okay, let's go get Shaun then.  You, me, Ray and Jewel will go and get Shaun.  Or, you could call him or text him.  Which one?"

"It's too hard to get those two to listen.  I'll call him, okay?"

"Sure.  Go ahead."

Jack watched as the little boy called Shaun on his cell phone, told him to come to the house and thanked him, politely.  "Okay, he's coming."

"See?  That was easy."

"Why does he have a cane?"

"He got hurt, he's still recovering.  He has some nerve damage in his foot."

"From the needle that Grandpa Peter put there."

"Peter.  Sam, Peter's not your grandfather.  Timothy is.  Right?"

"I guess."

What the heck is wrong with that kid?  Jack made a mental note to mention it to his parents, and headed down the hallway toward his younger siblings' room, as Sam went downstairs to meet Shaun.

***

"So, I guess I should offer you condolences for your loss.  You lost a brother, right?"  Cord said, taking a forkful of food after he spoke.

"Yeah, my brother Aiden.  I didn't know him long.  His father adopted me.  As an adult."

"Wow, just more twists and turns as we go," Cord said, swallowing.  "Adopted you?"  He cut his food and listened to Todd.

"Yeah, he did.  Let's face it, I could use a father figure, maybe always have.  Anyway, it was before we knew that Aiden was alive."

"I see.  So much has happened to you, Todd.  And you, Blair.  I'm sorry about the baby you lost."

"Thank you," she said, looking down, and Todd covered her hand with his.  

Cord's chewing slowed as he watched them, completely engrossed in each other, even for a fleeting moment, here and there.  He said, "Sore subject, I'm sorry."

"No, we're fine," Blair said, "we have two new children you don't know about, I believe.  That sounded so weird, like they're purchases or something.  One is Raymond, he's three, and the newest is Jewel, she's just over a year.  She's a miracle baby, after the shooting, and all."

"That's beautiful.  You guys are blessed,"  Cord said.

"Which brings me to the next thing," Todd said, looking at his sister.  "Ray was saved from death by Tina here."

Tina beamed at her brother, and Blair thought for a moment that she saw him wink.  Tina said, "Oh, Todd, it was the only thing I could do.  Ray is so sweet."

"A toddler, huh?" Cord asked with a knowing look at the parents.

"Yes, his nickname at home is 'The Road Runner.'" Todd said, and Cord lightly laughed.

"Was he the child that . . .well that . . ." Cord said, and then thought better of it, not finishing his sentence.

"Was kidnapped by Peter?  Yes.  Ray was taken.  Sam hid, and Jewel was so tiny, she was in her basket, and he never saw her."  Blair said.

"That was lucky," Cord said.

"Well, I was wishing Tina had been around for that one," Blair said, and then twisted her face when she realized how badly it sounded.  "I mean, she did wonders when we were held at La Boulaei by Mitch."

"Laurence.  He's not all there," Cord said, seriously.

"Tina saved our baby's life, and ours, too," Blair said.  "I mean, her motives may not have been stellar at first, but . . ."

"Ahem," Tina cleared her throat.

Blair made an oops face, biting her lip, and Todd said, "So, what do you do, now out there at the ranch?"

"It might seem a bit strange but I got into security work.  I know, I didn't think it fit me, either, but that's what happened."

"Security?"  Todd repeated.

"Yep.  Mostly for families.  Like body guards, home security systems, fencing, you name it."

"I'm surprised.  I thought you were into big business."

"I do that, too, this security thing is on the side.  There was a need for it at the BE headquarters out there, after a break in, so I looked into it.  A friend of mine was going under.  I bailed the company out, and got into it more."

"I'd really appreciate a favor then," Todd said, looking at Blair.  "Coincidence, Blair, isn't it?"

"What do you mean?" she said.

"Well, Cord, it would really make us rest assured if you would stick around and help with the kids.  My head of security was injured during the attack months back, and still hasn't recovered.  I feel like he could use a break, so I may just send him on vacation, and now something has come up for Blair and I.  We were going to leave the kids here, with Tina and Viki, and could really use your help.  Can you stay?  I'll make it worth your while.  We don't want to leave them home alone, because Sam is really struggling with nightmares, and it's too similar to what happened at home, and La Boulaei, well, there's the home invasion and worst of all, Dorian."

"Oh, well, I reckon that explains that," Cord said, smiling.

"Little Sam is really having a hard time."  Blair added, following Todd's lead.

"I really had to get home, honestly.  Back to the ranch,"  Cord explained.

"Well, it's only a few days, more, can you see your way through to doing this?  We trust you, and it would be so much easier than trusting strangers,"  Blair said.

Tina, miraculously, said nothing.  Her eyes followed each of the speakers back and forth with grand interest in them.

"Well, I . . ." he stopped, catching Blair's expression.  He glanced down, and saw Todd and Blair's hands intertwined, on the table, and glimpsed Todd's wrist scars.  He looked back up and said, "I guess a few days more won't hurt."

"Thank you, Cord," Blair said, with her best, more sincere whispering tone, and Todd squeezed her hand in admonishment.

"Don't mention it.  Well, we'll discuss the details over coffee," Tina said, "which I'll go and hurry along."

"I'll help you, Girl," Cord said, getting up.

After they left, Todd mocked, "I'll help you, Girl," in his best western accent.

"Todd?  Stop!"  Blair whispered.  "What's the matter with you?  You just about crushed my fingers."

"I didn't mean to, but I couldn't stand you batting your eyes at that guy another minute.  I mean, where's his ten-gallon white hat?"

She stopped, and smoothed the hand that was holding hers with her thumb.  "Todd, you're jealous."

"Me?  No."

"Yes, you.  You are.  And you should know by now, Mr. Manning, that there's no one who can ever take your place in my life."

He looked at her, still recovering from his anger.  He said, "I don't like the way he looks at you."

"Oh, stop, he's got a 30 year-old girlfriend."

"First, I haven't even seen her, and I know you're sexier, and second, my sister's flipped her lid.  He's taken?"

"Well . . ."

He looked around, as if for help.  "You both are out of your heads.  He's already involved. He lives across the country.  He's a rancher."

"And she's Tina."

He stopped, and paused.  "And she's Tina,"  he nodded.

"Now, stop this mess, you know you're the only man for me," she said, reaching under the table and lightly grazing the inside of his thigh with her hand.  Her fingertips brushed against him, and a shiver went through him that she could see and feel.

"Whoa, what are you trying to do, there, clear the dinner table the quick way?"  he said.

"No, I just want you to remember what you're getting tonight."

"Tonight?  That's a long way off."

"Then you'll be really appreciative of it when it happens."

His face took on a totally different appearance, and she knew she might have gone a little too far.  He wanted her, and right then, and she saw it, in his eyes and the way his hand tightened slightly around hers.  And more of a problem was that she wanted him, and her nipples were standing up at such attention, she was sure the whole world would see them poking against her bra and blouse.  

Their eyes locked, and they moved toward each other, and before their lips actually met, he said, "The Limo."

She said, "Right," and grabbed her purse.  

As they got to the door of Llanfair, Tina and Cord appeared behind them, with the coffee tray and some desserts.  Todd said, "Uh, we have to be going, the kids are expecting us for a family day.  Thanks, Cord, draw up the papers, whatever it costs, and send it over.  I'll sign.  The kids will be here tomorrow morning."

"Thanks Tina, for being a lovely hostess."  Blair said.

Tina said, "You're going?"  She looked as if the world had collapsed.

Todd said, "Well, our kids come first, you know that, having saved them, and all."

"Yes, well, I do, sure. Okay. Thanks for coming," Tina said.

"Thanks for the grub, Sis," Todd said, and they headed out.  

Cord and Tina stood in the lobby with the trays, and looked at each other.  "They're just the same, aren't they?" she said.  "They always were on top of the world together."

"They're not the only ones," Cord said, and he looked at her for a moment, and warmly smiled.

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Chasing the Monsters: 18

"We have a few hours left around Llanview, and we're doing this?" he emphasized 'this,' as if it were a disease of some kind.

"It's not that bad, Todd, really," she said.

"It's bad enough."  He drew his hand through his hair, and looked at her.  "You look beautiful.  Why don't we just stay here and have lunch, our way?"

"Don't try it, Todd Manning.  You won't be getting me to let you out of this.  I promised your sister."

"Lunch with my dingbat sister and the 'White Knight' isn't really what I want to do, Blair, before we go."

"Oh, why not?" she said excitedly, "It could be fun!"  Her excitement reminded him of years back, in her red gown, attached to his arm and laughing at how he threw his money and mouth around.  

God, we were just kids.

"We used to get to people.  A team.  Remember?" he chided.

"Yes, I remember."  She didn't know how he would even ask if she had forgotten.

"Good days," he said, running his hand up her side and resting it under her breast.  He grazed her nipple with his thumb.

She gently took his hand away.  "We're going.  I can't wait to see what she does next.  It's entertainment, and free.  Plus, I promised her.  It's sort of like, her chance to get him to stay around a little longer."

"Wait, are we going to help her, or laugh at her?"

"It might be a little of both," she said, kissing his cheek lightly and heading out the door of the bedroom.  "I'll be in the car.  It's Saturday, the kids are staying with Shaun while we're gone.  When we get home . . ." her voice trailed off.

He finished her sentence, "It's family day.  We're setting up the tent in here, I know, Babe."

***

"Bea, good morning, I was just stopping by to . . ." the nun stopped in her tracks, as Bea turned, as if caught, and stood up, to block her painting from the sister's view.

"Good morning, Sister."

"Bea, what's that a painting of?  May I see?"  She felt knew, but wanted to get a better look.

"I . . . meant to cover it.  You took me by surprise."

"There's no reason, Dear Heart, to hide what y'ar painting."

"Oh, there's a reason, Sister.  Believe me," she said, stepping aside.

There, in full color, was a painting of a man, striking in comparison to the background, surrounded by a group of people, and many of them striking their breast, one swooning, another with a hand raised to the sky.  She said, "Ah, I see."

When the nun looked back to Bea, she was blushing.  "I . . . don't know what to say.  He's just in my head."

"Understandable Dear.  He was the last person who was any good to ya before ya went into that dark time."

She nodded, with tears sparkling in her eyes.  "You understand, Sister?"

"I believe I do.  It does not surprise me, not really."

"But . . . after what happened, after what he's done?"

"Ya don't know him like that.  Ya only know him like . . . well, like this," she said, pointing to the stunning, engrossing piece of art, with Mitch Laurence as the subject.

***

"Come in," Tina said, opening the door to Llanfair.  

Todd entered the foyer before Blair, and said, "Am I going to see my other sister?  I mean, where's she hiding?"

"She went out for a few hours.  Hi, Blair," Tina said over his shoulder.

"Hi, Tina.  Where's Cord?"

Tina walked into the Lord library, and the two Mannings followed her.  "Well, he's not here yet, I had to talk to you two."

Todd rolled his eyes, and said, "Really?" Then he looked to Blair.  "I'm getting the feeling that we are bait."

"Well, not really," Tina said, looking to the side.

Todd said, "We're bait.  Let's go, Blair."

"Now, Todd, wait a minute, now," Blair said, grabbing his hand as he turned to go.

He looked back at her, turning.  "You're into helping her with this?"

"Well, I mean, who are we to stand in the way of true love, I mean, we can at least hear her out.  Can't we?"

"This doesn't sound good," he said, "and besides, how would Cord ever listen to anything that has to do with me?"

"Times change, Todd," Tina said.  "I just figured you two could tell what's been going on with you, since you saw him, and he'd just see the love between you and it might give him ideas."

"Since we last saw him?  That would be almost 18 years ago, Tina.  We don't have enough time to tell him what we've been through," Todd said.  "It would take a couple of books to do that."

Blair said, "That's probably not the right idea anyway.  We should just tell him about how Tina saved us."

Both Todd and Tina got quiet.  Then, she said, "You mean, show him I'm a heroine?"

Todd sighed, "Not this."

Blair continued, "Yes, show him how you've changed, Tina.  We can tell him the story of when you saved the kids and us."

"Won't that be a problem, considering she was there to steal the diamond?"  Todd interjected.

"I wasn't stealing.  I was taking something of mine back, there is a difference, you know.  Besides, I already told him that."  Tina said, folding her arms across her middle.

Todd said, "Let's go.  If we leave now, Babe, we get an extra hour or two with the kids before we go."

"Go?  Where are you going?"  Tina asked.

"We planned to ask you today, Tina," Blair said, giving Todd the eye, "If we could leave the kids here for a few days.  We have to go to Chicago."  Her throat almost caught saying it.

"Chicago."  She looked directly at Todd, and her demeanor changed.  "Why would you want to go back there, Todd.  It's a horrible place, something you have to leave behind."

He softened.  She knew what it meant to him.  He said, "Thanks for your concern, Sis, but it's got to be done.  Closing doors, I guess."

Blair nodded, but inside she wasn't sure anything in Chicago could ever be unrelated to that house.  She said to Tina, "So, can you?"

"I don't see why not.  Maybe your plane can leave without Cord, and he can stay behind too,"  Tina said, her eyes suddenly bright with a new idea.

"Oh, come on, Tina.  'Hi Cord, we haven't seen you in eighteen years, but I was held and tortured, which lead to a series of events that made my kids need extra security at home, and my guy just happens to be with cane, and since you have missed my jet that I purposely let take off without you, can you stay in Llanview and help, you, a person who has never even held a gun before, to protect them?'"  Todd elaborated with sarcasm.

Tina smiled, tilting her head to one side.  "That . . . was perfect!"

***

"I thought you would think bad of me, Sister," Bitsy said, moving to the side chairs in the room.

"No, Dear," the nun said, pulling one up.  "Not at all.  I understand.  Some of us forget that aside from the new memories ya've created with y'ar family, ya have a gap of many years between.  The last thing ya had before any of this was back many years."

She nodded.  "It's like yesterday.  I keep dreaming of him," she pointed toward the artwork.  "He's in my dreams, all the time."

"I see," the nun said, demonstrating concern.  "Why do ya think that is?"

"Sister, I'm not crazy," Bitsy said, "Dr. Martino, well, Ray, said I am getting better, and that I can go home, to Todd's, soon."

Sister Rebecca Katherine looked at the woman, and realized that the haggard and more wild look was gone; she had returned to what must have been a stunning, fair-skinned beauty, with delicate features and a slim, youthful figure.  "I know ya'r not crazy, Bea.  Ya never were crazy.  Ya just had a lot to deal with."

She stood, walking toward her painting.  "I remember him, clearly.  He . . . took me out of that house.  I know it was wrong to leave Todd there, but Peter wouldn't allow it.  I was sure I could get Todd out, eventually.  I was selfish.  I was so afraid of Peter and what he could do.  But Sister," she turned and faced her, "I was in love with this man."

"Are ya still in love with him now?" she asked.

Bea fidgeted with her hands.  "I don't know.  It's been so many years, and so much has happened.  Things I probably know nothing about."

"That's true.  But Bea, the last time ya saw him, ya were in love.  It makes sense that now, y'ar still having thoughts of him, and wondering what that's all about."

"Oh, I could never be with him again, or be his wife," she said, "not after what he did to my son and my son's children, and Blair."

The nun waited, and listened.

Bea went on to say, "I don't think I could never forgive him those things.  But a part of me is stuck, in the past, and I know that.  I also wonder if I am just feeling this way because he took me out of that house, and away from that monster."

"Possible.  I think that's something for a session with Ray, Dear."

"You're probably right, Sister.   I have to iron this out, and I hope before I go to Todd's."

The nun felt relieved and knew that if anyone could help her friend get a handle on her feelings for Mitch Laurence, it would be Ray Martino.

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Chasing the Monsters: 17

I went to work this morning.  It sucked.

Jack waited, with his phone resting on his chest.  It was almost time for bed, and he wanted to spend a little time catching Jenna up on what he'd been doing.

It buzzed against his abdomen.  He picked it up and read:

Why did it suck?

He answered, using his thumbs rapidly, because I'm copyboy.  It's a shit job.  Dad is doing it on purpose, to make me have to earn my way.  Start at the bottom, that kind of thing.

He's really doing that?

Yep.  He means business.  I mean, I sort of don't blame him.  But I do really hate it.

Are u going 2 quit?

No.  At least, not yet.  I'm going to try and stick with it.  You know, show him I'm not going to wuss out.

But is it really wussing out?  If u hate it, u hate it.

If I quit, then you know what's next?

College.  Not a terrible thing, u kno?

No, but it's not what I want to do.

U have to help me think of something 2 do for ur parents.  He paid the bill already.  I'm just going 2 show up the first day, that's all.  It's like I don't even have 2 think about anything like paying loans, or financial aid.  I just go.  I owe your family something, just not sure what.

It's not all that much, since you decided to go to Llanview U.  It's not that much money.  It's like pocket change to Old Money Bags.

That's not that nice.

Not in the mood to be nice about him today.  Except, well, he did kind of make Aunt Dorian look dumb earlier.  I like that.

She showed up?

Yeah.  She was here.  Trying to, I don't know what she was trying to do, but she was doing something.  He called her on her attitude, in his own way.  Mom bitched her out, seriously.

I luv ur mother.  She's freaking awesome.

She's cool.  She's the one who got him to see the light about the college thing, I think.  Aunt Dorian thought he was going to be all up on her side, but he wasn't.  She was all shocked, I think her mouth almost hit the floor.  He kinda defended me a little.

Listen if there's 1 thing I kno about ur Dad it's that he luvs u and wants the best for u.  He puts u first.

I guess he sort of does.

Jack put the phone down on his chest a minute, when he heard his father and mother outside his door.  Blair called, "Jack, time to get some rest.  Big day back at school tomorrow.  Remember to get all the missing assignments."

"I know, Mom."

Todd stuck his head in the door, "So, good night, Pal.  See you tomorrow."

"Okay, Dad.  See you tomorrow.  And Dad, thanks for sticking up for me with Aunt Dorian. I know you don't really like the idea of me working instead of school."

"I don't, but I like sticking it to Auntie Dorian when I can.  Night."

"Night," he said, and he had been ignoring the buzzing going off against his sternum.  Turning the phone over, he saw more than one message.

I don't think it's sort of.

U kno?

Hello?

Did I piss u off?

Come on, he's a good father.  Ur lucky.

Jack Manning?!?!?!?!?! <3

I'm here.  They just came to say goodnight.  Yeah, they're not so bad, I guess.

U guess.  Goodnight, u nut.  I luv u.  <3 <3 <3

Night, I love you, too. xo

***

"So, I guess that's about the size of it," Tina said.  She'd come in, a few minutes after Cord had arrived, and they'd been talking ever since.  She smiled at Cord, and pursed her lips.

He said, "So you didn't steal the diamond."

"No.  I meant to, but, I didn't."

"Okay.  Seems like I may have missed a lot, then."

"Yes, especially me being the hero.  I single-handedly . . ."

"I know, you single-handedly saved the Mannings.  Would they agree with you?"

"Of course!  Call Blair and ask her!"

"Maybe tomorrow, Girl."

"Hmf.  You always called me that, Cord Roberts."

"Yeah, I guess I did, didn't I?"

She smiled, and crossed her leg over the other, swinging it a bit.  "I had Mitch sweating bullets.  He fell for it, hook, line and sinker."

"Not sure it's smart to piss off Laurence," Cord said, and she could sense concern.

"Are you worried about me?"

"Maybe.  I do have our kids to keep in mind, Tina."

"Yep.  CJ and Sarah . . . our babies.  They're all grown up now."

"Yep,"  he said, standing, "they are."

She attempted not to show her disappointment.  "Are you going somewhere?"

"Home, I guess.  As long as you're all right.  Just wanted to share my condolences, and let you know I felt for you."

"I appreciate that," she said, scrambling in her head to think of something . . .

"I plan to catch the morning flight back West."

"I see," she said.  "But why not just ask Todd to take his jet?"

"Todd?  Why would I do that?"

"Uh, he's my brother, he won't mind."

"Girl, you know Todd and I have not much love lost.  I don't think I'd be asking him that."

"Well, I could ask.  We're very close now.  I take care of his kids."

"Viki told me.  That's a good thing.  I read a lot about his . . . situation.  The guy needs a break.  He's always needed a family, and you're part of that."

"I know.  I've come to see him differently, and appreciate him more.  He's been through . . . it's just total Hell, Cord.  So awful."

Cord found himself lingering in front of her, and she looked up at him with her china blue eyes, and he noticed they were wet with sadness.  "You really mean it, don't you?  You really sympathize with Todd, for the first time, maybe."

"I do.  I was there for some of it.  Heard a lot of it from Timothy, and from Aiden, Blair.  Even some from Viki.  I don't know how he survived.  They lost another child, you know."

He sat back down, "No, I didn't.  When did Blair lose another baby?"

"It was, maybe 2 years ago?  It was a girl.  Blair was shot, in a courthouse.  Bullet was for someone else.  Actually, for the man who had assumed Todd's life for the 8 years."

Cord's face bent into a frown.  "Poor Blair.  I remember when she lost her first child."

"I know.  This one was a little girl."  She paused, and sized up his reactions.  "I didn't really like Blair very much, but now, she's starting to grow on me.  We ought to have them over for lunch, and you should come, too.  It might be nice for you to see her again, and for us to all mull over old times.  What about tomorrow?"

"I'm leaving, Tina, in the morning."

"Well, not if you take Todd's jet.  You can leave anytime if you do.  In fact, I can call them right now and invite them.  They'll love a good meal with you, catching up on old times.  I'm sure they would."

Cord looked at her, disbelieving.  "Not so sure, Tina," he said.

"Oh, no, things are different now.  My brother's different.  Trust me."

"Trust you?  Girl, you pushed me over an ottoman the last time."

"Well no pushing this time, okay?  I'll call Blair, let's do this!  It will be great talking over the old days."

He half-heartedly agreed, and then made his way to the door.  "Night, Tina."

"Night Cord," she said, stepping very close to him and fixing his collar.  "Sleep well."

***

"Okay, we'll be there," Todd said to Ribsky, on the phone, still feeling slightly awkward.  "Day after tomorrow, then?"

"Yes, we'll be expecting you," Ribsky said.

"I won't be alone."

"Oh?"

"I'm bringing my wife, with me, this time.  Chicago didn't sit well with me on my last visit.  I'll need her . . . well, her support."

"Fine.  I will be glad to meet her.  And Todd?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't spend too much time worrying about this visit.  Since Pamela found out the truth, or at least, more of it, she even more so doesn't blame you.  Neither do I."

Todd swallowed, then said, "Thanks.  I'll call you from the airport when we land.  We'll be taking my private jet, and I'll get a rental car, so you don't have to worry about us getting there."

"Fine.  Goodnight."

"Night," he said, hanging up.

Blair had been standing in the doorframe for a few moments, and said, "You okay?"

"Yep," he said, resting the phone down.  He fiddled with it for a moment, and she knew he was distracted.  

"What?" she asked softly.

"His wife found out 'the truth' as he puts it.  She must know everything her sister was involved in now.  Maybe the journals."

She leaned on the desk. "I wonder what her truth is?"

He shook his head.  "I don't know.  Could be anything.  Things we don't even know, maybe."

"Maybe.  You have a right to stop now, and not go."

"I know that."

"And you certainly don't need to know what she knows or listen to her.  You don't have to hear about Connie or Peter."

He finally let the phone go, and stopped spinning it.  "Yeah, I don't.  But can I live that way?"

She touched his shoulder, and sighed.  "Oh, Todd.  I'm not sure about this."

"I'm okay.  If you're with me, it will be all right."

"Who's babysitting?" she asked.

"Probably my sister," he said.  "Should we send the kids to Llanfair this time?  Viki wouldn't mind.  It's only a few days.  Tina's there, she knows the babies' routines."

"It's sweet that you call them babies, but Ray's not a baby, Todd.  Not really."

He sighed, and said, "I know.  He's almost a full-blown kid.  Time just . . . gets by us, you know?"

"Yes.  Starr's a woman.  Jack's almost a man."

He looked at her, and for a moment, she felt her heart would crack at his expression: lost, longing and loving, all at once.  She reached out and touched his face.  "It's all right.  They love you, and you have plenty of time left with them, Todd."

He nodded, and covered her hand with his.  He said, "Day after tomorrow?"

"Whatever you want, My Love."

"Need to have a day with the kids before we go.  Tomorrow is declared family day around here."

"It's a Saturday, that's perfect."

"We'll camp out in the house again, this time our room.  The fire, and everything."

"That sounds like a Manning thing to do."

"Okay.  Then it's settled."

"Todd, are you okay, going to Chicago again?"

He picked up his phone again, this time shining it on his shirt and putting it into his pocket.  "No, but it has to happen, Pamela wants to set things straight, in her mind, it's probably her sister's fault that our baby was taken.  And all the other stuff.  But, I don't want to be alone, not this time, Blair."

"I'll be there," she said.  "I wouldn't let you go without me again."

"My One True Babe," he said, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her to him.  

She embraced him, putting her head over his shoulder, and held on tight.

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