Who's the Real Todd?: Chapter 16

        Todd stole another glance at Blair. He was still wrapping his head around her last two statements. He was wondering if he really had heard it right. She had just told him she would be his wife. It had come out of left field but when she had said it, his heart had skipped a beat. He had been going along trying to avoid asking her for any commitment because he had been afraid she would back away. Todd figured that as long as she was willing to be with him, it was enough. What really baffled him was the timing. Why had she declared it today?  Was she afraid he was losing it and she was just trying to give him something to cling to or had she really meant it? "Blair I need to ask you a question."

         "What is it?" Blair asks

         "Did you mean it? What you said a few minutes ago?" asked Todd

          "I meant everything I said, Todd. I believe you. If you say there was more to your dream, that you were actually having a memory, of course I believe you. I know after all this time that your memories are returning and we need everything we can get to trap Hesser and his partner." replied Blair.

          Todd was silent, looking intently at her. "That's good but I meant the other thing."

          "The other thing, what other thing Todd?" asked Blair. She knew where he was going but now that she had said it she needed to know if she hadn't just made a huge blunder. He wanted to talk , but did he want to shoot it down or was he on the same page as her. When she had told him he could have her, Todd had seemed to want it, but he hadn't said a thing since. Now he wanted to know if she meant it. She could answer him and put herself on the edge of that cliff without a safety net or she could let him take the next step.

          "Come on you know what other thing, the thing where you said you'd be my wife." Todd replied testily.

           "No, I don't think that is what I said." answered Blair.

           Todd's heart sank, he had been afraid of that. It had been that stupid nightmare. He had still been under the influence of the dream thinking of her as his wife. He had misinterpreted her comment.

          Blair saw his face and knew then that he had been hoping for a yes to that statement. She smiled and said, "What I believe I said was, if you want your wife back, I was here for the taking. But so far no one is doing any taking."

         "Damn it, Blair, you drive me crazy! Will you marry me?" The words were out before he could stop them. He looked at her and waited. She had her question, would she give him the answer he needed.

         Blair wasn't sure what she had been hoping for but when he had uttered those words, she knew she wasn't going to keep him in suspense. He was the man she loved more than anything and they had already lost entirely too much time. "Yes Todd, I'll marry you."

         Todd was stunned and exhilarated, then he came crashing down to earth, what was he thinking. He couldn't marry her, Carlo would know something was up then. "Damn!"

         Blair looked at Todd.  That hadn't sounded like a happy Damn, that had sounded like he was disgusted about something. "What's the matter? I thought you wanted me to say yes?"

          Todd heard the hurt in her voice. She hadn't understood his exclamation. "No, you have it all wrong. I'm glad you said yes, but I realized I can't marry you. I'm not even me right now and if you marry me I'm putting you right in Carlo's sights. The last thing I want is for my nightmare to come true. Blair, I think that would be the final nail in my coffin. I won't lose you and if that means we keep this relationship just as it is then I'll be satisfied. It's too dangerous to consider marriage right now."

           She heard his disappointment and felt it as much as he did. Then she realized they could still go through with it. "Todd, we could make it legal if I married Samuel. All of Samuel's papers are legit and for all intents and purposes, you are legally Samuel. All we need to do is plan a wedding for Blair Cramer and Samuel Toddman. In fact, if Carlo thinks your mind is on the upcoming nuptials he won't suspect we're working for his downfall and capture." She looked at him hopefully.

          "But you wouldn't be Mrs. Todd Manning. I'd need to make sure Samuel wouldn't mind. It's his name you would be taking but all the privileges would be mine." Todd said deep in thought.

          Blair couldn't believe it, Todd was concerned for Samuel's feelings in the matter.   Every time he did that, talked about them as if they were real people, and she would get a lump in her throat. They were so real to him, they were his family. He didn't want to hurt them any more than he would hurt Vicki. She couldn't stop herself she went over to him and hugged him and said, "By all means make sure Samuel is ok with it, I don't want to hurt him either."

          Todd was glad she understood. He had such a connection to his alters. They were like brothers, and Samuel had had eight long years living a life of his own. When Todd had returned, Samuel had been forced to take a back seat. Todd still didn't understand why Samuel had been willing to let go, Todd sure couldn't. The feelings that drove Todd kept him dominant, so his alters, for the most part, accepted their place in his life. The one exception was Pete. It still remained a battle with Pete. Especially when someone was trying to kill him. Pete had been right there ready to come out if he had needed to, to fight the assailants. Luckily saner heads had prevailed and Pete had been subdued.

         Todd reached up and kissed Blair and said. "Thank you. You're right, if you become Mrs. Samuel Toddman, then Carlo will think Todd Manning is nowhere around. We need to keep him in the dark. Look, I'm going to get up and see if my strength holds up. I'll try and take a walk to Kelly's room. You need to take that sketch down to Manning's room but don't let anyone other than Tea and Manning see it. If you are right, and the doctor working on Manning is in cahoots with Carlo's bunch, then we can't let them know we've got another connection. Blair, be careful." She gave him one more kiss and grabbing the sketch, she left.

        He climbed out of bed and found his legs working a lot better than the night before. He found his clothes and put them on. He made his way out to the nurses' station and asked where Kelly Cramer's room was. The nurse asked him if he wanted a ride there and he passed on the wheelchair and told her he needed to start moving again. Todd took his time it wasn't quite as tiring and he knew he was on the mend. He reached Kelly's room and noticed she was alone, he didn't want to run into Dorian. He knocked. "You'll do anything for a story, Kelly. I do think you need to work on your avoidance skills though. Although having been in Marty's line of fire I know how single-minded she can be." he grinned and leaned against the doorway "You doing okay, Kelly," he asked seriously?

           Kelly was all set to make a snarky remark after Todd's first words and then he had changed in front of her and gotten serious. She just stared up at him trying to figure out who had come into her room. At first, there had been no doubt that Todd had entered but now she wasn't sure. She had never heard concern for anyone but Blair and the kids come out of Todd. "I'm going to be alright the doctors tell me, and forgive me for staring, I'm trying to figure out who I'm talking to."

         "It's me Kelly, but as far as everyone here is concerned I'm Samuel. So you're doing alright then. I'm glad to hear it. You know that Blair is going to run the paper in your absence. This is big news now. I'm having a hard time picturing Marty going so far off the deep end." he said

          It was weird looking at him and listening to him talk. She had gotten so used to Walker, but it was like it was yesterday when Todd brought Cassie and her back to Llanview so he could remarry Blair. The man in front of her just seemed right. The only way she could describe it was Totally Toddlike. At the same time, there was now a difference. Samuel had definitely influenced this new Todd. He was more grounded not so off the wall. She noticed he looked a little pale and remembered Blair saying he had been pretty sick.  "Todd, sit down before you fall down."

           Todd pushed himself away from the door and moved to a chair by Kelly's bed. Try as he might to appear fine, he couldn't stop the way his legs gave out and he landed in the chair a little abruptly. "Well that was real graceful wasn't it." he laughed. "I'm sorry, I guess the legs had enough. Did Blair tell you what has happened since you're stabbing?" Kelly nodded.

           Todd continued speaking. "Good, then you understand why I'm here. With the attempts on my life, we must be more careful how we go about investigating the Kipling Facility. You were injured because of Marty, but you're now caught in the middle of my fight with Hesser. We're going to back off the investigation for a short time. I just managed to convince Hesser's people I'm Samuel, so for now Samuel will fall back to just being the new shareholder with policy rights. Manning is on the mend too, but I think that's not going to last. I think whatever they did to us is unraveling. I'm experiencing memories and nightmares from the three months between my incarceration in the tomb and my arrival at Philadelphia General. Blair also informs me that Manning is starting to show personality changes and is experiencing severe headaches. I think both our problems are rooted in the same place. Unfortunately with Hesser on the loose and the possibility that Hesser and his partner have some people working here, we'll drop the story for now and put our concentration on Marty's story. So do you understand what I'm telling you?" asked Todd.

         Yes, she understood, but she didn't like it.  Marty was big news, but clandestine government projects involving The Sun's Publisher and his Double was the kind of story reporters dream of getting a piece of. "Ok?... Do I call you Samuel or Todd?"

        Todd looked at her and said. "The name is Samuel. In fact, you'll probably be seeing Samuel around too. I need to give my nervous system a break and the mental stress I'm under is taking quite a bit out of me. Just my temperament I guess, but I find I can actually rest when Samuel is in charge. Just giving you a heads up."

        "Fine Samuel. Are you kidding! Do you seriously expect me to believe that you're going to back off? That's not the Todd Manning I remember. I know you're hurt and I know you're worried about where all this is going but I can't believe you would back down, not when you're this close. Come on Todd, what is this really about?" asked Kelly.

          Todd looked at Kelly and realized that the years had changed her too. She's had always been quick to pick up on his plans where Blair had been concerned. It appeared now she had learned to read people even better than before. "Alright, I don't want Blair and Starr or you for that matter to get hurt because I can't let this thing with Hesser go. You were safe before I came back into the picture. Now because this plan of Hesser's is unraveling, I've put you all in the line of fire. Kelly, I won't jeopardize my chance at happiness with Blair because of this." he said.

          "You're telling me that you're willing to back down because it might get Blair hurt. My God you have changed." Kelly took a good look at Todd and realized he meant everything he had just said. He was truly scared for Blair and not just Blair but Starr and herself too. It was the first time since she had known him that she believed him. Something had happened in the last few days, that had shaken him to his core. "What happened Todd? What made this change in you?" She knew he might not answer but she couldn't keep herself from asking.

          Todd got up shakily taking a moment to let his legs support him. He looked at her grimly and said."I saw Blair lying in my arms dead. That's not going to happen if I have anything to say about it." He turned and exited before she had a chance to reply. As Todd headed around the corner toward his room he heard Kelly yell something but he had trouble making it out. His hearing or the lack thereof had flared up because of the poison. It hadn't been good since the pipe incident with Luna and in the last couple of days, it had just gotten worse.

           Kelly was shocked and tried to get Todd back but he obviously hadn't heard her. She was trying to wrap her mind around what she had heard. He said he had seen Blair's dead body and had sounded like he literally had seen it. Even if he had been imagining it, it obviously had frightened him enough to make the decision to back off. She felt a chill go down her back. He was serious about the danger. Kelly knew then how much he cared for Blair. In the past, Todd had always gone through with some cockamamie schemes to win Blair back and he had always hurt her, this time he was taking her out of the line of fire. He was going to give up this plan if he had to, to keep Blair safe.

           Kelly reached for her phone and made a call to the Sun. She informed her second in command that her cousin Blair was going to be in charge until she was back on her feet. Blair had the backing of both Mr. Toddman and Mr. Manning. Then she called her investigator and heard everything he had gotten on the Kipling Facility, she told him to send her what he had so far and to back off until further notice. She insisted he play it safe and told him of the recent attempts on Mr. Toddman's life.  He wasn't happy, it seemed he had managed to get a job at the facility and what he was finding inside was going to be massive. After talking to him she realized he was onto something good so she told him to be careful and to keep in touch. It was going to be dangerous for all involved if he was found out.

          Now she had a quandary on her hands, Todd had wanted her to back off because they were trying to keep Hesser in the dark that they were investigating. She was going to have to tell him the current info and let him know that she had given the reporter the go-ahead to keep investigating. Kelly knew Todd was going to be furious because she was going against his wishes, but if it help Bo tie up all the loose ends then it would be worth Todd's anger. She wouldn't tell him until he was stronger because he would probably try and do something stupid again like forcing the issue at the institute, in the hopes of bringing everything to a close to protect everyone.

          Todd walked out of Kelly's room lost in thought. There had been a couple of times in his relationship with Blair when she had been injured and both of those times had resulted in the deaths of babies. The first one had been his baby boy and the second had been Patrick's. Both of those times Blair had survived and gone on with her life. Yet as unreal as he knew the scene to be, he couldn't get the image of Blair lying in his arms bleeding, out of his mind. He had never been one to believe in premonitions or omens but he wish the image would go away. The only thing he was certain of was the fact that he would not give Carlo a chance to hurt her and that went for Carlo's mysterious partner too.

          Todd walked up to the nurses' desk and asked if his discharge papers were ready yet. He needed to get out of the hospital and back to the penthouse. He just had this feeling of dread hanging over him and the events that had recently taken place in the hospital added to it. She told him the doctor had still not sent them so he headed back to his room frustrated. Only one good thing had come out this morning. Blair had agreed to marry him but it would have to be as Mrs. Samuel Toddman. Todd got back to his room and collapsed on the bed feeling drained. He lay there and decided he might as well have that chat with Samuel since it didn't look like he was going to be sprung any time soon.

          Relaxing against his pillow, Todd found himself in the corridor again. He headed to Samuel's room and knocked and then entered. Samuel was in his loft painting and Todd found himself staring at the ‘Doctor’.  "God Samuel why can't we escape him." he straddled a chair and watched as Samuel put the finishing touches on the portrait. The added color just made the memory that much clearer. "I thought I was incapacitated the entire time until last night. Now I know I was drifting in and out for a while. Why didn't you tell me?" Todd turned and stared at Samuel who looked back and said. "I couldn't. What took place those three months damaged me too. In the end, what they did to us forced you to totally withdraw and left me with amnesia. I've been trying to piece together what transpired during those months."

           "At first you had withdrawn from the trauma of the tomb, and I was struggling to stay alive. After losing consciousness in the emergency room my next waking thoughts found us in a strange room. I was still in considerable pain and couldn't move because of all the bandages.
I remember someone coming in and taking me someplace but I passed out again because of the pain caused by the movement of the gurney on a very irregular floor. When I came to again he" Samuel nodded at the portrait " was staring down at me but I couldn't understand what he was saying and then I felt this jolt run through me. I thought every broken bone in my body was tearing apart and suddenly you pushed me aside and took over. I was helpless to stop you and I watched from a distance as you absorbed the pain, then we passed out again. I awoke in agony again, and again they took me for a ride but this time you weren't there and I held on as long as I could until I passed out. 

         Things began getting fuzzier and fuzzier and I couldn't remember where I was or why I was there. The only thing I was holding onto was my name. Each time they took us I felt like they were taking something important from us but didn't remember what. I forgot you and just found myself drifting sometimes I was feeling pain and other times I seemed separated as if protected from it. Now I recall one last session. I remember starting to feel the pain and then suddenly it was gone and I felt secure away from it. I was struggling to regain full consciousness and I overheard two men talking. I remember the man I couldn't see telling the Doctor that they would have to work with what they had, he instructed the Doctor to do what was necessary to make sure I remembered nothing. Then there was this incredible pain and nothing until I woke at Philadelphia General. The rest you know. All I knew when I awoke was my name and we have you to thank for that. Todd. you built such a wall to protect us and your other secret that you managed to save yourself unknowingly." Samuel looked over at Todd and smiled. "You know we're a pretty efficient team. As long as you remain in charge we're pretty hard to outmaneuver and that is going to be Carlo and the Doctor's undoing."

          Todd looked at Samuel and grinned. "I guess I am something unique, thank you for filling me in on your memories. I'm beginning to remember some of that myself. I'm sure, now that I've heard what you remember, I'll be able to fill in my memories soon. I want to know who that Doctor is and I have a feeling Manning knows him. Now, do you think we could move someplace else because he's giving me the creeps?" Todd got up and moved into Samuel's sitting room and sat surrounded by memories of Tea, Vicki, and Blair. He looked over at Samuel, "You heard the conversation this morning. Right? Are you okay with it? I mean, I know you're me and visa-versa but you're more than just a part of me. Samuel, you lived a much longer life on your own than all my other alters combined. In essence, you had your own life and I took it away from you when I came back. If you were my real twin this wouldn't be a problem but we share the same body. I still can't figure out why you let me have my life back. My own niece is struggling to get free from one of her alters. And from what I understand Jessica is losing the battle to Tess. You could have fought me. When I first awoke and I couldn't get out, it would have been easy for you to remain in charge. Instead, you did everything you could to give me back my life knowing it would mean you would only have a half-life again. Why did you do it?"

          "That's really quite simple Todd. What you call a life, I call an existence. I didn't really live, not until I began having your memories, and then when I met you, I also had a purpose. Suddenly I had a reason to live and it was to help you. For all of my existence, I felt like a shadow. Part of that was because I had no memories " Samuel paused and looked around at his paintings. "I had these and I didn't even know they were memories. In reality, as I painted I was reliving your life but it always felt like it wasn't mine to live. In fact, the most fun I had was investigating for you and getting to know Blair and Starr and our darling Princess Shorty. But I don't mind that I'm not in their lives daily. I consider myself to be like an uncle to Starr and a great uncle to Hope and I would be delighted if you married Blair using my name for the time being. You gave me my name and my credentials. I wouldn't be here even now if not for you. That afternoon when I walked away thinking my job was done. You refused to let go. We were all so certain that once you found out what made us you would be glad to see us go. You chose to keep us and all the baggage that goes with us. You know to some it makes you seem unstable, but I think you relish that thought a little bit, it's what makes you, you.  Besides, you're willing to share especially with me and I'm grateful because it's like I get to visit with family every time I'm needed. When it comes to Blair, I love her like a sister, Todd. She loves you, not me. I don't think you should hold off getting married because of a name. You love each other, the rest we'll straighten out later." Samuel had no sooner said that when Todd felt two lips softly caress his and he opened his eyes to Blair looking down at him. He smiled and said, "Samuel gives his blessing."

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Memories Unlocked #2

Almost four months had passed since Todd Manning had been declared officially missing.  The Hawaiian authorities had classified the boat, last known to have held Manning, to be lost at sea.  Sam Vance had been enjoying the assignment because it had gotten her out of Llanview. With a little bit of snooping, she had managed to find out the name of the boat and had gotten its last coordinates, before the Coast Guard lost it in the storm. Dressed to kill, Sam was on a mission. She had procured the name of a private air charter service that would be willing, for the right price, to take a long flight to parts unknown. Although Blair had been generous, paying whatever had been called for. Sam didn't want to push the limit. If her suspicions panned out then she'd get a hefty reward.

She walked into the bar and as she had figured, all eyes were instantly on her.

Approaching the bar, she pinpointed her prey, Captain James Sawyer. Unlike several of his fellow pilots, he sat by himself and appeared to want it that way. His long hair touched the edges of his collar and his shirt hugged his shoulders.  There was nothing soft about him and Sam liked that. Oh yeah, Sam, this is going to be fun. She sauntered down to his end of the bar and pretended to trip in her heels. She was almost to the floor when she found herself caught up in his arms and looking into two magnetic blue eyes. "Thank you. I really need to give up wearing these heels. I'm forever turning my ankle in them or tripping." She made it a point to display her trim ankle.

James Sawyer took a long look at the auburn beauty in front of him.  She was dressed to kill, from the emerald green sheath that clung to her in all the right places to the trim legs tapering to matching four-inch stilettos.  He hadn't been immune to the vision she had presented when she arrived, but he also hadn't missed the slight pause she made before coming his way. "You can drop the vamp act, sweetheart. I'm not buying, state your business and then leave. If you're here to serve a summons, I'm not the guy you’re looking for."

Sam was surprised. The man was shrewd and reminded her a little of Todd when she first met him. The eye color was different, but the wariness certainly wasn't. "I'm not a process server, Captain Sawyer, but I was looking for you," She said, dropping her act. "Would you join me for a drink, I have a business proposition for you. One that could possibly make us both a lot of money."

****

“Troy, my mind is made up.  I know what you’re going to say next.  I’m just throwing good money after bad.  You’ve been around long enough to see how Todd operated.  You know what kind of messes he got into.  This is just another one of those.”

Troy couldn’t believe his ears.  “Blair, he lied to you about Jack.  How can you possibly want him back?”

“I know I’m not making any sense, Troy.  I can’t explain this thing we have between us, it’s just there.  I’m mad as a hornet for what he did to Jack and me, but I understand him.”  Blair walked over to the terrace doors.  “It’s a pattern with Todd.  He gets desperate.  That’s why he attempted to take the kids in Hawaii. He’s always pushed for the one thing he never had as a child, a family.”

Troy ran a hand through his hair. “Blair, the authorities believe he was lost at sea.  What makes you think he’s still alive out there?”

Blair turned back to Troy.  Her hand moved to above her heart. “I just feel it.  He’s not dead.  I don’t know why he hasn’t made an appearance back here, but I’m determined to find out.  I hired Sam Vance and she’s been keeping me up to speed on her progress.  She seems to feel the authorities might have been mistaken where the boat went.  I don’t know, but if anyone can find Todd I think she has the best chance.  I know for a fact she’s a good investigator.”

Troy knew from talking to Starr how much Todd and Blair had been through.  He had also gotten quite an earful from Nora on the subject of Todd.  There had been a point after Blair had returned from Hawaii that he had thought he might have a chance with Blair.  But now he realized it wasn’t going to happen.  He walked over and took her hands into his. “Blair, I hope you find him.  Just remember, I’m your friend.  If you need me, I’m a phone call away.”

She gave him a light kiss on the cheek.  “Thank you, Troy.”

He started to leave and turned back to her one more time. “You better prepare yourself for a bigger argument from Rappaport, if he finds out what you’ve done.   He’s furious with Todd for hurting you, and the things he did to Will.  If by some miracle Todd is found, he'll try and talk you into getting a divorce.”

“Don’t worry Troy, I can handle him”  She didn’t follow Troy out, instead she walked back to the terrace door and looked out. I can handle Sam, but what am I going to do when I find you, Todd?

****        

Miguela watched him as he sat by himself in the sunroom.  It had been a little over a month since he had arrived in her operating room.  As far as his broken bones were concerned, he was healing nicely, but two problems had made him a man whose demeanor made everyone extremely uncomfortable.  He was paralyzed from the waist down and was confined to a wheelchair. That in itself would have depressed many men.  But added to his amnesia, it was the straw that had broken his spirit.  He was very bitter and had exhausted the patience of quite a few of the young nurses on staff and now everyone gave him a wide berth.

The damage his brain sustained had effectively wiped out all of the memories of his past life. The staff psychiatrist had encouraged him to begin anew, but he was surprisingly stubborn, insisting he didn't need a new life, he would get his old one back. He flatly refused to answer to the name of John Doe and whenever she suggested he pick a name, he glared and said the only name he wanted was the one he was born with. They had tried hypnosis and sensory recollection, but nothing had triggered anything significant. When they had shown him the picture found in his shirt pocket, they had all hoped something in the picture would help but to no avail. Although he hadn't known the woman and children portrayed, he refused to give up the picture.  She observed that he was again studying the picture and then she watched him put it away and move his wheelchair out onto the sunny patio. She could hear the children out there. It sounded like they were beginning to get bored and cranky.   

He had been looking at the picture night and day since the staff had handed it to him and he found it frustrating as hell that he couldn’t recognize them.   A ruckus was coming from the patio, so he put the picture back in his pocket.  Deciding to investigate, he rolled out and encountered the children out there getting some sun. They were a motley bunch of kids and he knew they were in the hospital because things were going as bad for them as they were for him.  He grabbed a magazine and tore a page from it. Making a  paper airplane, he let it fly into the midst of the children.  After the initial surprise, the children laughed and clapped as he sent more planes into their gathering.   He couldn’t help smiling when he realized the kids liked his little offering.

Miguela watched fascinated.  It was the first time she had seen a smile on her patient's face since his arrival.  He was enjoying himself and the children were soon begging him to show them how to make the airplanes.  After exhausting all the paper in the magazine and strewing the yard below the balcony with them, she heard him make an offer to the children.

Trying to find something else to amuse the children he said. “How would you like a story?” All the children nodded and soon he was telling them his story.  He looked at all their excited and interested faces and felt the best he had in a long time. The children were fully into his story and he continued. "And so the Black Dragon saved his princess from the cruel and evil wizard Maximilian and his equally evil spiky-haired witch Skyella. The princess was grateful but still sad. Her two children Starlight and Jacko were being held in the clutches of the disgusting ogre Samson and his little ogres Wilbur and Jennipuss."

"Oh my," cried one of the children. "They must have been so afraid."

"It's okay," he looked at the little girl who had spoken up.  She reminded him of someone but the image of the other little girl vanished as quickly as it had appeared. "Princess Starlight was very brave. She kept the ogres from eating her and her baby brother by offering to find insects and reptiles for them to eat instead. She even managed to find a helpful black spider who offered to bite the ogres and put them to sleep. Once the ogres were asleep she lit a fire hoping someone would help them."

A little boy lying on his bed smiled. "I know who saw her fire. It was the Black Dragon and their mother wasn't it."

"Hey, I can't get anything past you. You kids are too smart for me." He high-fived the young man and looked at the rest of the group. "I guess I don't need to finish the story."

Altogether, the children responded. "No! Don't stop. Finish please."

"But Li Kwan knows the ending." He had read the young boy's name upside down on his wristband.

The boy looked at him in awe."How did you know my name?"

"I have many strange powers but they only work sometimes since I was hurt. Today, I was given your name.  Would you like to finish the story?"

The little boy shook his head no.

"No. Should I continue?" All the children nodded yes. "Okay. Well, Li was correct.  The Black Dragon and his princess were flying through the sky searching for the Ogre's home when they spotted the blaze Starlight had lit. When they landed, the princess jumped off the Black Dragon's back and ran to her children.  Just then, the ogres woke up from their sleep. As the disgusting Ogre Samson reached out to grab her and the children, he found himself facing the Black Dragon and with one massive burp, the Dragon belched a ball of fire that covered the Ogre and his children and they melted into little lumps of swamp mud statues, forever trapped. The princess and her daughter gathered them up and stowed them in a bag. Little Princess Starlight decided to keep them and paint them and put them into her reptile garden as decorations. The Black Dragon offered the Princess and her children a safe home in his kingdom and told young Starlight that she could set up her garden there. Everyone agreed and they flew to the Black Dragon's home and lived a fun and happy life together. The end."

All the children laughed and clapped, then realized it was time to return to their rooms.  Li Kwan turned to their newfound friend.  “What is your name?”

Miguela moved forward before her patient got upset, only to stop when he replied quietly.   

“I don’t know, that’s a mystery.  I’ve lost my way and can’t seem to remember my name.” He could see the questions in their eyes.  “Maybe, you could help me out.   I really hate it when people just say “Hey you” or call me by a name that just doesn’t feel right.  Would you like to give me a name?

The children nodded and huddled around Li’s bed for a moment whispering. When they separated, Li Kwan spoke up.  “We will call you, Kitsune Ryu”

He smiled at the children, “What does it mean?”

“It means Fox Spirit Dragon in Japanese,” said a blonde headed little girl.  She looked to be about six.  He tried to read her wristband but was unable to see her name.

“But I’m not Japanese.”

“We know that, but dragons are good luck and you are our dragon storyteller.  Li Kwan said that Kitsunes are clever magical spirits who love to tell stories.  So we chose that name for you.”

“Sounds like a mouthful, why don’t you just call me, Kit.” A picture of a sleek black car named Kitt popped into his head suddenly.

The children giggled and he looked at them.  “What’s so funny?”

The little girl, who had expressed concern for the Princess’s children, laughed and said. “You are.  Kitt is a girl’s name.”

“Oh, really, I know a man who had the name Kit.  He was an explorer and soldier in the old west.  What’s your name?”

“Don’t you know?”  She looked a little disappointed that he hadn’t known her name the way he had Li Kwan’s.

“I’m sorry.  I told you all earlier since I was injured, my powers come and go.  Let me see.  Maybe I can guess it.  Is your name, Susie?”

She shook her head no.

“How about Hildegard?”  

The little girl giggled.  “What kind of name is that?”

“I believe it’s Dutch.”

“I’m Spanish.  My mama said our people have been on this island for a long time.”  

“I see.  Okay, well then I guess I’ll have to try Paloma.”  He wasn’t sure why he picked that name, but the image of another little girl with that name flashed through his head at that given moment.

The little girl sighed and shook her head no, she was clearly disappointed. “My name is Blanca, but that’s okay, it was a good try.”

“I’m sorry, I guess my magic has left me for a while.   l told you it comes and goes.  Blanca, it’s nice to meet you. So, I know your name and Li’s name, what about the rest of you?”

The children piped up and told him their names and he tried to keep all of them straight.   He mispronounced a couple of them deliberately and the children laughed at his convoluted names.  After being corrected and getting them right finally, he smiled and said.  “Now let’s get back to the name you guys picked out for me.  If Kit won’t work maybe we can find something else.”

Dr. Sanchez stepped forward. “I couldn’t help overhearing what you were talking about.  Kitsune means fox in Japanese. There’s an English name that also means fox.  It’s ‘Todd’.”

He felt his heart leap. “What did you say?” He turned the chair to face his doctor.

She looked at him in surprise.  He seemed anxious suddenly.  “I said you could take the name, ‘Todd’.”

He closed his eyes for a moment testing the name in his mind.  It felt right.  “I like it. Okay, you guys, I’m now Todd but that last name just doesn’t seem right.  I’m not Japanese.  Dr. Sanchez, by any chance, is there an English name meaning dragon?”

“Yes, Drake means dragon in English.  Would you accept that?” Dr. Sanchez felt hopeful. If he accepted the name maybe he could then turn his thoughts to healing.

****

Sawyer glanced over at his passenger.  She was really quite a looker.  She was wearing a pair of figure-hugging cream-colored slacks and a mint green blouse which was a striking contrast to her dark auburn hair.  He had agreed to take her on her wild goose chase because he needed the money to get his plane out of debt.  He didn’t think she had a chance in hell of finding the man she was looking for.  He had heard about the search for the guy, some multi-millionaire and knew the authorities had written the guy off as lost at sea, but he never turned down good money.  “You really think the authorities were looking in the wrong part of the ocean.  Why?”

“Because I know this man.  He was always unpredictable.  I’m guessing he knew they were going to be looking for him and so he took his boat the wrong direction.  What he didn’t figure on was the storm.  The search headed towards Japan and I think we should look south towards New Zealand.  There are many uncharted islands there, perhaps he’s on one of them.  I researched the shipping lanes and there are a couple of islands just off them.  If he was alive on one of them, no one would know.”

“Okay Lady, this is your dollar.  I’ll fly you out there.  But we don’t go past the point of no return, if I say we’re headed back to civilization for fuel, we go. Got that?  You’re good looking and all, but I have no intention of getting stranded myself.”

Sam nodded, through her lowered lids she glanced at Captain Sawyer.  He had cleaned up a little bit after accepting the job and she found herself drawn to his rugged good looks.  She too liked her creature comforts, though, and agreed wholeheartedly with him.  On the other hand, enjoying a tropical resort with him would definitely have its merits.  First things first Sam, you need Todd’s money to enjoy something like that. Find him and you can play to your heart’s content.  “I’ve got that.  Let’s get the trip underway.  I have a good feeling we’re going to find something today.”

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Who's the Real Todd?: Chapter 15

Blair headed back to Samuel's room, she hoped she would find Bo somewhere close while she was at it. Unfortunately, she didn't see Bo, so she entered the room and found Todd drawing. "Hi, how are you feeling?" She went up to him and started to give him a kiss when he stopped her. "What's the matter?"

"Frankly Blair, I don't think he would appreciate it if I let you kiss me." Samuel smiled at Blair's expression. "Relax, He's exhausted and pretending to be me is harder than just letting me be me. So I'm out right now. Come here." he pulled her close and gave her a hug. "I don't think he would begrudge me a hug."

Blair laughed and hugged him back and kissed him gently on the cheek.  "He should know by now, I dole out my kisses to whomever I want." she said. "Welcome back Samuel, so what are you drawing."

"I don't really know. I keep having this image in my head of a corridor so I thought if I drew it it might lead me somewhere. Wait, yes, a door is coming into view."he worked quickly and a door appeared on the page. It was a rather ornate door compared to the corridor Samuel had drawn.

"Samuel, what kind of facility would have such a hallway that leads to that kind of door. It's out of place. " said Blair.

"That's it Blair, I've been in that corridor. That's a corridor in the research facility I was in. Come on Samuel remember." he flipped a page and started drawing. A room much like a library, emerged from Samuel's drawing and a desk appeared. From behind the desk a figure was outlined, Blair loved watching Samuel work. His hands flew across the page, and slowly the outline became a man, then his features came into view. The gentleman was elderly but not frail. He seemed to have a presence that jumped off the page at Blair. This was a man you kept in your sights because if you turned your back he would strike. Somehow as his features were sharpened, two things about the picture stood out. Samuel had drawn a gentleman with light or graying hair and mustache, but the other outstanding feature was one of his hands. It was black and sinister for some reason. It didn't look real. Between the slightly maniacal look in his eyes and his hand. It was clear the man was dangerous.

"Samuel, who do you think he is? Is it someone you actually saw?" asked Blair.

"Yes, I just have this feeling I've actually seen the man. This room is behind that door, Blair, I'm sure of it. We'll show this to Bo and you can take it to Manning and see if he recognizes the man. Here, Blair, take the pad, my arms are getting tired." Samuel released the pad and sank back onto his pillow.

Blair barely had time to catch the pad as it slipped out of Samuel's hands. The pencil rolled off the bed and Blair reached down to pick it up. When she looked back up, Samuel had fallen asleep. She straighten his covers and looked at the sketch in her hands. It was fascinating, like looking into the eyes of a cobra. Blair walked over and set the sketch down. She thought back to those moments when she watched the doctor make the phone call. It was obvious he was reporting to someone. How could they find out who? Blair paused by Todd's bed and kissed him and said in his ear."I'll be back." then she headed out to check on Kelly.

Kelly was alone when Blair got there and Blair sat down to catch Kelly up on the latest happenings with the two Todds. "Kelly, you had us so scared especially Dorian. Do you have any idea why Marty attacked you?"

"She thought I was trying to steal John from her. I'd had another run in with her earlier in the week where she told me to back off of John. John was checking into her mental status with her therapist and he told me the therapist said she wasn't dangerous, boy was that therapist wrong. Marty found me getting ready to make dinner for John and totally lost it. She was scary, I grabbed the knife to protect myself but she was possessed. She got the knife from me and the rest you know. Marty has always been high strung but this time she was totally unstrung. What's been going on with Todd? It seems like forever since we spoke in his penthouse." asked Kelly.

"Wow, that's right you don't know what's happened. Todd's here in the hospital, well Samuel is here. Late that night, after he talked with you, he had some setbacks and dropped into a catatonic state but fortunately we were able to snap him out of it.  The doctor prescribed an antidepressant but instead of an antidepressant, he was given poison. The only thing that saved his life, is the fact that we hadn't left the hospital. Tea's Todd woke that same night and Samuel had gone to talk to him when the poison attacked his system. The crisis was averted and Bo put guards on both Samuel and Todd. The hospital released Samuel the next afternoon and I took him home. Unfortunately yesterday morning a second attempt on his life occurred. It appears Carlo was doing some fishing, he wanted to find out if Samuel had his memory back or not. Samuel convinced the gun woman that he was Samuel by drawing a picture of her and she departed with a police officer but it turns out both the officer and woman work for Carlo. The real police officer was found unconscious in the stairwell leading to the penthouse. Samuel was at Bo's office discussing the attempt on him as well as your stabbing when he collapsed with delayed shock. The problem with that is, while his body was in shock, the traces of poison that still remained in him attacked his body again. He's down the hall from you. It was touch and go last night." Blair's voice was shaking as she remembered how close she had come to losing him permanently.

"My God Blair, you must be beside yourself. I saw the way you two were with each other in my office. Is he going to make it?" asked Kelly.

Blair smiled "Yes, I think he's out of the woods and on the mend. In fact he's feeling good enough to start issuing orders, one of which is for me to take over helming the paper until you and Walker get back on your feet. It seems both Todds continue to think alike because I was on my way to see Walker when Tea met me outside his room and told me that he wanted the exact same thing. The strangest thing happened though Kelly, Walker was acting nothing like himself. It was unreal, I felt like I had walked into the presence of this southern hunk instead of Walker. His demeanor and voice were totally different. Todd told you about our suspicions that both he and his impostor were experimented on. I believe the experiment is falling apart. Tea and I think this southern guy might be Walker's true personality coming to the surface. I saw something suspicious outside his room too. Walker has been experiencing headaches and he had one while I was in the room but it was more than a headache. The doctor came in and said he was going to order a test for Walker, but the first thing he did upon leaving the room was make a phone call.  He appeared to be having an argument with someone. We know the nurse who poisoned Samuel hadn't been on staff very long, but I'm beginning to think this doctor might also be working with Carlo or someone connected to Carlo. That morning we came to your office, Samuel had received word that they had Carlo in custody and that they were returning him to the States. We found out later from Bo that Carlo eluded his captors at the Philadelphia Airport. Carlo's free and out there Kelly. We all have to be careful now."

****

Todd awoke and the room was dark. He had slept through the afternoon. He realized they had unhooked his IV, so he decided to take his chance to see if he could get out of bed. He very slowly attempted to move his legs and they cooperated. He slipped them off the bed and stood up slowly. Thankfully they took his weight and he figured he might as well see if he could walk alongside the bed. He gingerly started and although his legs felt rubbery he was able to make it around the bed. Todd stopped and got his breath. He felt like he had walked a marathon and he knew he was a long way from one hundred percent. Whatever had been in that poison had really done a number on him. He moved along the bed and reached the wall behind the bed and turned on a light. As he made his way back around he noticed Samuel's sketch. He carefully walked across to the chair but rather than go back to the bed, he sat down to look at what Samuel had drawn. He didn't recognize either picture but he was fascinated by the man behind the desk. Obviously, this was another memory, but where was it from. Todd got an uneasy feeling just looking at him. He closed his eyes and relaxed, "Samuel talk to me. Who's this man?"

“Todd I wish I knew but I believe he is the one who was in charge of the project. For some reason, he popped into my head this afternoon and I felt compelled to draw him. I'm sorry that's all I can tell you right now.”

"That's what I was afraid you were going to say. Looking at this picture makes me feel sick inside. I think you're right. This is the madman behind the switch. Thank you for drawing him" Todd felt a hand on his shoulder and opened his eyes to see Blair standing over him. "Hi, Blair."

"Todd, are you alright?" Blair asked.

"Yes I'm fine but I could probably use your help getting back to the bed. I'm still a little shaky and it took a lot out of me to get over here to the sketch. Have you seen this?" Todd asked as he pushed up from the chair.

Blair gave him her arm to lean on as he walked back to the bed. She waited till he laid back down and then answered him. "Yes, I was here when Samuel drew it. He said it was from the facility. Do you know who the guy is?"

“Samuel believes this is the man behind the projects. Something deep inside tells me he's right. Even as I look at this guy, it makes me sick. This man is evil. Believe me, I know what evil looks like, and this man is as evil as they come. What do you see when you look at him," asked Todd?

"I see a snake waiting to strike. I'm as creeped out about him as you are and you were actually in his presence or rather Samuel was. It's no wonder Samuel didn't want to remember him. Why do you think this memory has surfaced?" asked Blair. She took the picture from Todd because she saw the weird fascination it held over him and at the same time she saw that it was indeed making him sick. Blair laid it down so he could no longer see the man and reached to cup Todd's face in her hands.

"Hey, this is really upsetting you. You need to let it go right now. Whatever happened. It is in the past. You're having a delayed reaction to the surfacing memory. Todd, focus on me and let the memory go." she watched as his eyes finally came to focus on her and breathed a sigh of relief. "Hi again. I'm really getting worried about these moments you've been having. You've been losing time and your memories and Samuel's memories are getting all mixed up. I think we should get Ray in here. You need to talk about those lost months. And we need to find out why after all these years, you're suddenly in the dark again when an alter takes your place."

Todd looked at her but what she was saying just didn't seem to register. One part of him could see Blair and hear her talking but another part seemed to be drifting back to a room, in his ears he heard screams coming from outside the room and all he felt was pain, excruciating pain. He wanted to scream but no sound came out. Suddenly he felt a slap. He blinked and looked at Blair, she was scared and close to tears. "What's the matter, Blair? What's got you upset?" he looked at her concerned and puzzled.

"Oh My God, Todd, I couldn't get a response from you, I thought you were listening to me but when you didn't answer I realized you were only partially here. I was so scared. Where were you? Do you know? I'm sorry I slapped you but I was trying to get your attention." Blair exclaimed.

Todd looked bemused. "You slapped me? I...I'm not sure where I was. You say I wasn't responding, what were you asking me?"

"Todd I'm worried about you. This incident is just one of several that bother me, you've also been losing time, haven't you. Be honest with me, you don't remember Samuel drawing that picture do you? You can't tell me that hasn't been bothering you. The last time you lost time before these recent events, was back during your DID trial. Now all of a sudden, it is happening again, you've got to be asking yourself why. I want to call Ray, Todd. He needs to know about the lost time and what just happened. The doctor says you can go home tomorrow if you continue to get stronger but I'm not sure you're ready to face what's in front of you, now that we're getting closer to finding out exactly what happened those missing months. That's all I'm going to say on this subject right now, but I don't want anymore scares like that do you hear." Blair stopped talking and just looked at him.

Todd frowned. Blair was right he had been concerned about the recent periods of lost time and she definitely was right about what had just occurred.  Todd reached for Blair's hand and realized it was shaking. He looked into her eyes and smiled. "You're right we'll call Ray. but it's got to wait until I'm home. He's got to be informed of the two attempts on my life and I want to give him an out. I'm not risking any more lives. You and Starr are already in Carlo's sights but hopefully, he'll look at you as a means to keep Samuel occupied. If he finds out about Ray it might tip our hand. Ray was Todd's counselor, Carlo could begin to wonder why Samuel was seeing Todd's counselor. We have to start being more careful. and Blair" he paused and gently ran his fingertips over her quivering lips. "I love you."

She smiled and leaned over and kissed him, thankful he was fully with her again. After a moment, she pulled back and said. "I've got some news to tell you. It concerns Carlo and that man in the picture I think? I believe that the doctor who is taking care of Walker could be working for Carlo or the other man." she then went on to tell him of the day's events after she left him. He gave her his undivided attention when she mentioned that Manning had started exhibiting personality changes and then she told him about the headaches. When she told him what the doctor did after leaving the room and he agreed it was suspicious behavior but unless they could get the doctor's cell phone or his cell records they still didn't have proof he had been reporting back to Carlo. She told him she had seen Kelly and told her to be careful too. After Blair finished speaking, the nurse peeked in and inquired if Todd wanted anything to eat since he had been sleeping when Dinner had been brought around. Todd looked at Blair and said he was fine. The nurse left and Todd said. "All I want right now is you, Blair. Can I have you, Blair?".

Blair turned and walked to the door and closed it and walked back to Todd.  She pulled the curtain around the bed. In her mind, she remembered when she had spoken those words to Todd. They had come full circle and she joined him in the bed and entered his loving arms as his mouth captured hers in a deep kiss. Todd wasted no time undressing her and soon there was nothing separating them but air. It seemed like it had been forever since they had been alone together. Todd explored every part of her as if he was memorizing her and she reveled in his exploration. Every now and then he seemed to make a new discovery and Blair was soon quivering with delight. There was something so sensual and passionate with Todd's lovemaking that each time was a different experience and soon Todd had her moaning for release. He paused in his lovemaking to stare and marvel at how complete and whole he felt when he was with Blair.  Then as she reached for him, his senses felt on fire and together they rode the firestorm until it exhausted them. He kissed her gently and fell asleep in her arms. Blair though exhausted, kissed him once again after he had fallen asleep and whispered, "I'm always and forever yours, Todd." then she too drifted off.

Todd started to turn over and realized he wasn't alone and boy did she feel good. "Blair wake up. Come on sweetheart. You won't want to get caught by the nurse." she wasn't moving, what was the matter." Blair, this isn't funny!" he moved his arm from underneath her and saw the blood. God, it was everywhere. " Someone help! nurse, anyone, something's happened to my wife. Please she needs help!"

The doctor walked into the room "Mr. Manning, what seems to be the trouble?"

Todd stared and looked down at Blair. She was so pale but the doctor wasn't doing anything. "What do you mean, what's the trouble? It's my wife, do something she's bleeding out!"

"But, Mr. Manning you have no wife. What on earth are you babbling about. You really should try and relax. This isn't going to hurt." replied the doctor.

"What? No, she's right here can't you see her!" exclaimed Todd.

"See who, Mr. Manning? There's no one there, you're all alone." answered the Doctor.

"No!" Todd looked down and Blair was gone, he was sitting in a chair all bandaged up again. He looked up and saw those cold eyes.  Why was the doctor doing this? What did he want? Todd watched as the black hand moved to the lever." No! No More! Please! GOD STOP!" Todd's body jerked in Blair's arms and suddenly he was screaming.

"My God, Todd what is it!" the door to the room opened and a nurse rushed in. Blair hastily slid off the bed, pulling the sheet to cover up. Todd was thrashing on the bed and Blair watched helplessly as the nurse tried to find out what was happening. Just as suddenly Todd became quiet. The nurse looked over and asked, "His vitals are coming back to normal. Has this ever happened before?"

Blair shook her head. This is the most violent reaction she's ever seen. "I believe he's dreaming, but his nightmares have never been this bad."

"Mr. Toddman, can you hear me? Mr. Toddman, open your eyes." Todd's eyes begin to flutter open but he remains unfocused. The nurse checks his pupils and says, "I think he's still asleep. Ms. Cramer will you remain with him, I'm going to call the doctor. Try and get him to wake up. We need to get him awake. I'll be right back."

Blair quickly dressed and moved closer to Todd. "Samuel, it's alright you're safe. You need to let go, it's just a dream." She watched as his eyelids closed and he was dragged back into the dream. She tried to get through to him a second time. "Samuel, it's Blair I need you. Come find me, break free of what's holding you it isn't real."

Todd started talking " Please someone help her. She's hurt. What's the matter with you people can't you see she's bleeding... Where did she go? Bring her back, she's my wife, I need her. What have you done with her? Help me someone." his voice faded and he began to shake.

Blair drew him into her arms and tried to quiet him. "Shh, it's alright I'm here. They didn't take me, I'm safe. Come back now Todd" she whispered in his ear. "It going to be okay, it's over. Todd let it go." she kissed his forehead and smoothed his hair, backing away just a little bit when she realized the nurse has reentered the room. She stroked his face talking softly as his shaking stopped and his breathing slowed. His eyes stopped moving under his lids and Blair started to breathe again. "Samuel can you hear me, you need to wake now." once again Todd's eyes fluttered open but this time he looked around until he saw Blair. His face fell and he began to sob. Blair pulled him closer and let him cry. "It's over, it was just a horrible dream." just as quickly as he started, Todd stopped. He composed himself as the nurse came forward.

The doctor had followed her in and he started checking Todd's vitals. "Mr. Toddman do you know where you are?" Todd nodded, closing his eyes briefly trying to shake the last vestiges of the nightmare. It had been so real. "Mr. Toddman, it is clear that something traumatized you. I would still like to give you something but I understand your reluctance at this time to take anything, after the recent events. It is crucial that you understand that these nightmares are probably going to continue until you talk to someone about them. I recommend you do so soon. Your body cannot continue to take this abuse any longer. "

Todd shuddered at the thought of revisiting that nightmare again. He realized that what they thought was just a nightmare had its basis in fact as he recalled the scene with the doctor. The same doctor that Samuel had drawn. It was possible he was mistaken, but he was pretty sure an actual memory had been wrapped up in his nightmare. He had to refuse any medication right now that would cloud those memories. It was imperative he have another session with Ray and it needed to be soon.

"Mr. Toddman, are you still with me? You are sufficiently recovered from the effects of the poison and the shock but if you continue to drive yourself without taking precautions you'll have another relapse or worse yet your heart will give out. I urge you to think about going someplace and just vegging out. I'm surprised that you're still with us given the amount of trauma your heart and body have been through in the last month. Ms. Cramer, if you have any pull with him, you'll get him to take some time off from whatever is driving him so much." Blair and Todd glanced at each other and the doctor shook his head. "I've done all I can. You rest Mr. Toddman. If your vitals remain where they are now I'll release you this afternoon." He patted Todd's shoulder and left the room followed by the nurse.

Todd looked at Blair and pulled her closer. "God, I thought you were dead." He squeezed her hand and brought it up to his lips. "It was terrible and so real. You were lying in my arms and bleeding but no one would help.  Then the doctor said I had no wife and you weren't there and suddenly I was all bandaged up and in the chair again but this time I saw the doctor. Blair, it was him, the one Samuel drew. I'm pretty sure I'm remembering something about what they did to me. It was me, that's why I got so sick looking at that picture yesterday. I think Samuel and I traded off just like Tom and I used to do."

"Todd, are you sure you're not just putting the doctor into your nightmare because you sense he's behind this? I know you're anxious to find proof but you could be jumping the gun," said Blair.

"I'm positive Blair, it was too real. It's not fading away like a nightmare would, in fact, the image is getting stronger. Blair, I can see him pushing a lever. I can hear his voice it has an oily quality but cultured tone. It is more important than before that we find out if Manning knows that doctor." replies Todd. "I'm not crazy Blair, please believe me."

She looked at him searching his face and saw how resolute he was. She thought back to his words moments before. He said he had been holding his wife and no one would help her. In his subconscious, she was still his wife. Back when he was being experimented on he had clung to that and it had kept him sane until they had taken her away from him. That was the final straw that had driven him deep and left Samuel in charge. He had never stopped thinking of her as his wife. How she loved him. He was waiting for her answer. "Todd after everything I've seen. Of course, I believe you. I know you're not crazy." She leaned close to his ear and whispered. "If you want your wife back, I'm right here for the taking."

Todd's eyes met her's and he said."Promise."

Blair replied. "Promise."

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