Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 11

Chapter 11

        Todd stood outside the room. “You idiot!” Todd slammed his fist against the wall. He shivered. God, the man was a snake. Cold anger infused him and he envisioned putting his hands around Ivan’s neck and squeezing the life out of him. Todd hated the uneasiness the man brought out in him.  Todd’s head began to pound again, and he reached up with the ring easing the pain. Then he removed it and stowed it away. He had already had one incident with his heart and that was enough for one day. Todd began moving back toward the stairwell that would take him back to Bo’s office and a ride home.

***

       Todd awoke on the edge. This was it, his chance to put Carlo and Ivan away for a very long time. Pete and Samuel had both been putting in their two cents worth since he had gotten back from his visit the previous day. His anger was barely in check and Pete had been stirring the fire. It had proven to be another restless night with more images of torture bombarding him. Todd faced the mirror and saw Pete and knew he was in for another argument.

        “What’s the matter, Todd? Don’t want to admit you got a thrill yesterday? Man, you made them sweat. You were downright lethal.”

         “Shut up Pete, I don’t want to go down that path. My anger got the best of me yesterday but I’ve got it back under control, and I’ve got you there too, so back off.” Todd splashed some cold water on his face. He knew Pete was right. Damn it, get a grip, Manning. He needed to keep it under wraps today. “Samuel you need to cover this as much as possible. I realize we’ve got an impossible task ahead of us, neither one of us really wants to talk about the experiments but I think you’ll be able to let the jury have a better understanding what we went through than me.”

        “I agree, Todd, but these headaches are beginning to worry me. Is Michael going to be on hand?”

       “Samuel, no matter what happens, those implants are not going to stop me from testifying. I don’t care how bad the headaches get, I want the jury to know what Hesser and Kipling did to us. Michael and Larry both are supposed to be there, they have to testify too.”

        Blair walked in and heard Todd talking; she listened and realize he was talking to one of his own alters. It was always a little unnerving to realize he communicated with them like they were ordinary people. She moved toward the bathroom and came up behind him. She smiled and caught his eye and his expression on seeing her made her heart flutter.

        Todd met her eyes in the mirror, admiring her. She actually blushed at his gaze and he loved it. “Hi.”

        “Hi yourself, you’d better get on the ball. The cops will be here shortly to get us.”

        “What do you mean us?”

        “If you think you’re going to that trial without me, you have another think coming. I’m going to be in that courtroom giving you whatever support I can. I’m meeting Tea. We’ve already gotten permission to be there from Nora. Besides, Tea is anxious to see Jake. She’ll have just a few minutes with him before he testifies.”

         Todd started to protest as an image of Blair on Carlo’s lap with a gun to her chest popped into his head. Before he could say anything, he felt her fingers on his lips shushing him.Looking directly into her sparkling eyes he knew she wouldn’t stay away, so instead, he just drew her into a kiss.

        Blair melted into his arms, tangling her fingers into his hair, his kiss was electrifying and tingled all through her. The man radiated passion and she molded her body to his. He had been so wary of giving his heart after having it stomped on by Rebecca. Now he only gave it to people he really cared about and Blair was the lucky one. He finally released her and she felt breathless. He had gotten still and when Blair looked in his eyes she knew he had gone somewhere else again. “Todd?”

        Todd blinked coming out of his thoughts and back to Blair “I’m sorry, I’m afraid this trial is already distracting me and it hasn’t even started yet.”

        Blair nodded, “Okay get ready I’ll see you downstairs.”

        Todd watched her leave and finished what he had started. He was about ready to leave the room when Pete decided to pipe up again.

         “You can’t ignore me. You know I’m right, pansy, and if you don’t admit it, you’re doing yourself more harm than good. I’m just a piece of that anger you’ve got hidden inside you. You better start asking yourself where I came from.“

        Todd turned and walked back to the chair by the bed. He dropped into it and then took himself inside his head, enough was enough. Todd stared at Pete. “Okay, so I’m hiding from myself?”

         Todd had come to fight and Pete wasn’t sure if fighting would really get through to him. “Hell yes. Hey, I know you hate the idea. Wake up. I’m here because of something you won’t admit. You like it. The danger, the anger, it’s exciting and gets your blood pumping. Admit it. That’s the "real" you.”

        “Pete, you‘re just talking nonsense. I know I fractured because of Peter and what he did to me, but you guys are it. Why do you think there’s another me?” Todd couldn’t help himself he was getting cold just thinking about what Pete was saying.

        “Open your ears, I didn’t say another you, I said the ‘real’ you. The one who confronted Hesser and Kipling, the one who wanted to get back at Marty. You know what I’m talking about.”

       Todd bolted upright in the chair, his face ashen. “God no.” He covered his face. He had been so sure he had rid himself of it.

       "What’s the matter, Marty? We just want to party. You know you want it. Isn’t that, right? Powell locks the door.” She was beautiful and terrified. He relished the control he had over her. She was his for the taking and he intended to have her. Hell, she had thrown herself at him and then she had burned him, now he was giving her what she deserved.

        Todd uncovered his face and walked to the bathroom, his steps a little unsteady. He reached the sink and saw the reality. He couldn’t let Pete take the blame any longer for his actions. He had done it and relished it; he had terrorized Nora, too. 'That Todd' still existed. Somehow the monster had now gotten loose and if Todd didn’t find a way to trap and destroy him permanently there was no telling what 'that Todd' might be capable of. One thing was sure, his monster didn’t feel love. Todd turned from the mirror. He steeled his resolve and tried to ignore the feelings raging through him. He was scared, and he couldn’t afford the fear going into this trial. He was also petrified that the monster might make an appearance at the trial and he had to make sure that didn’t happen. The jury needed to know the harm Carlo and Kipling had done, if they even so much as caught a glimpse of 'that Todd' it could turn their sympathy toward the defendants.

         Todd made his way down to Blair and took the time to put on the vest than his jacket. When the door bell rang he was surprised to see John waiting. “Why the extra service John?”

         “Bo’s not taking any chances, We know a couple notes got out to certain parties last night after your visit. We just don’t know what was in them."

         “But you think they’re trouble for me right?”

         “We’re just not taking any chances. We need to go.”

         They got away from Dragonheart without much trouble but Todd was quiet on the drive into town. He was lost in his thoughts about his earlier talk with Pete.”

         John looked at Blair. “How’s he doing?”

         Blair shrugged, she could sense something was bothering Todd. He had been withdrawn from the moment he had descended the stairs.

         “Todd?” John waited for a response. It was obvious Todd wasn’t with them. He reached and tapped Todd “Hey Todd?”

         Todd felt the tap and registered that John was trying to get his attention. Snap out of it Todd. He focused on John. “Sorry, my mind was elsewhere. What do you need John?”

         “I wanted to tell you that Michael wants to have a quick talk with you before the trial starts. Nora insisted that one of your doctors also give you the once over too, so Larry will also be checking on you.”

        Todd frowned. “Now she’s getting ridiculous, I’m fine. Does she think I’m gonna croak on the stand or something?” Todd looked at John and Blair and saw the concern on their faces. “You all really think I’m going to have a problem. There’s no way I’m not getting up on that witness stand no matter what the doctors say. So as far as I’m concerned it’s a wasted effort to even bother checking me out.”

        “Don’t kill the messenger, Todd. I was just giving you a heads up.”

         As they pulled up to the back entrance to the courthouse Todd noticed a Prison van sitting there. Obviously, Hesser and Kipling had been brought together from the county lockup. There was a guard sitting in the van and a chill ran through Todd. He knew the face. As they started to enter the building Todd pulled John aside.

        “John, this is going to sound crazy, but I think there is a plan to break Hesser and Kipling out today.” Todd pulled John into a room and told him all about the escape attempt in his dream and the results. He told about recognizing the driver of the van from his dream and how Hesser used Blair as a shield. John listened and after delivering Todd to Michael, he left to see what he could dig up about the bailiff and the driver. If there was a chance Todd‘s dream was correct, he was going to stop it in its tracks.

         The trial started without incident and opening statements were made leading to the prosecution beginning their case. After talking to the doctors and Police officers, it was time to pull out the key witnesses against the defense.

         “Your Honor, I call Christian Vega to the stand.”

          Hesser glared as Vega took the stand, he was one of the key witnesses against him because he had put the call out to Vega to get him back under control.

          As Vega told his story of receiving a call in Paris with instructions to take out Todd Manning. He told how he waited to get Manning isolated and the opportunity arose the afternoon Manning took in a stop to talk to John McBain outside Rodi’s. “Poseidon ordered the hit. Unfortunately, McBain’s interference stopped the shot from being lethal and Manning ended up in a coma. I was ordered to bide my time and keep a watch on him. When Samuel Toddman arrived in town a couple other colleagues entered town and attempted to take out Toddman but halted when they realized Toddman wasn’t a threat. Poseidon was furious with them and ordered their hits so I obliged.”

          “Mr. Vega, you say that so nonchalantly, have you no remorse for your actions?” Nora was dismayed at the coldness Christian was displaying as he talked. and she realized he was never going to be the same man ever again.

         “I would like to say I’m sorry, but I can't. I’m having a hard time feeling anything at all. The doctors tell me it’s because of the control of the implants. If that’s sound cold there’s not much I can do about it. It’s a fact, I tried to kill Todd Manning. I feel nothing one way or the other about the act, I just did it.”

         “Mr. Vega you also attempted to kill Samuel Toddman is that correct..”

          “Yes.”

           “He’s the husband of your partner Blair Cramer, didn’t that bother you?”

           “Look, I was ordered to do a job, I did it. Blair didn’t figure into the equation.”

          “One last question Mr. Vega. Who is Poseidon?’

           “Carlo Hesser.”

          “Mr. Vega you mentioned implants.  Can you tell me where you got yours?”

          “I’ve only been able to remember a small portion of my time in Hesser’s hands following my capture by him in 2003, but I do have some memories of the Doctor who programmed me.”

          “Is he in this courtroom?”
   
          “Yes, He’s sitting next to Carlo Hesser. It’s the man with the black hand.”

          “Thank you, Mr. Vega.  I have no more questions, Your Honor.”

          The defense attorneys were unable to make much of a dent in Christian’s testimony because he was almost like an automaton. His answers were sharp and to the point but they couldn’t get a rise out of him. They finally gave up, they knew the jury believed him because he was so truthful. He was hiding nothing.

           Blair watched and held onto Carlotta’s hand during Christian’s whole testimony. Carlotta had started weeping quietly during the testimony because she was heartbroken. The doctors had saved Chris’s life when they had removed the implants but his soul had been destroyed. Blair prayed with every fiber of her being, that Carlo and Kipling might someday experience some of the horrors they caused. The judge took a short recess before Nora called her next witness. Blair and Carlotta were met by Marshals assigned to protect Carlotta and Blair watched as they escorted her out of the courthouse. She was going to a safe house where she would be reunited with Christian. Going down the corridor Blair went to the room where Michael, Larry, and Todd were being kept. They were deep in discussion and it appeared to be getting heated.

        “Todd, I’m just saying, it isn’t really necessary for you to go through this. Christian’s testimony was pretty damaging. Larry and I agree that you’re taking a big risk if you attempt this today. Nora informed me you almost had another heart attack yesterday just because you tried to describe some events.”

         “Nora just doesn’t want to endanger her case,” replied Todd he felt he was beginning to be ganged up on. “You both are on hand. I have confidence you won’t let me die.”

         “Todd be reasonable. If your heart acts up again we might not be able to stop the attack in time.” Larry could tell he was just wasting his words. Todd was going through with his testimony. “Blair talk some sense into your husband.”

         “I’ve long since given up trying to talk Todd into anything, Larry. This is something he needs to do, so I suggest you take all the precaution you need to make sure I don’t lose him.” Blair walked over and supported her husband giving him a quick kiss. She was rewarded with a smile. Just then, the officer guarding the room announced the court was back in session. She squeezed his hand and left to go take her place in the courtroom again.

        Larry decided to take those precautions and called the hospital and arranged for an ambulance to be sent to the courthouse, to standby, in case there was an emergency.

        Blair had just gotten settled again when Tea joined her. They looked at each other and clasped hands. The court was called back to order and Nora arose to call her next witness.

       “The prosecution calls Todd Manning to the stand.”


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Chasing the Monsters: 71

Todd gulped, staring directly into Mitch's face.  The older man said, "Caught you there, huh?  Now you're interested?"

"I don't know," Todd lied.

"Then put the phone down and go."

Todd hesitated.  Then he said, "You making threats?  From in here?"

"Oh, can't I?"

"Nothing I'd care about.  You tried before."

"Then why are you here?  Shouldn't you be going?  That phone in your pocket has been buzzing the whole time."

He looked to his leg and could see the shape of it, in his slacks, the rectangular item with curved edges.  The LCD light was flashing purple.

Blair.

"I don't suppose you've ever wondered why," Mitch started, "Your mother doesn't talk much about certain things."

"What are you getting at?"

"Now, back to the business at hand."

"No, finish what you said."

"You know, I've read a lot about you . . ."  Mitch started.

"Shut up and don't talk about my mother."

"You and I . . . we're so very much alike, Manning.  More than you realize . . ."

"Shut the fuck up," Todd glared at him.

"Your mother . . ."

"Forget my mother!  You're better off if you do.  She knows who you are.  She knows what you're capable of."

"Your mother will come here, to see me."

"She won't be doing that."

"You must allow her.  Whether you do or not, she will eventually come. I guarantee that."

"She doesn't want to.  That's where you're mistaken."

"She does.  You're blind to it.  Afraid to see.  Afraid that she does want to see me, that she does want me."

Todd slammed the phone down.  Mitch still held his, and grinned, tauntingly.  "You might want to pick that up," he said, and even without the phone connection, Todd could hear it, softly from the other side.  "You've sat here, on this end of things, Manning.  You probably know what a visit or two could mean."

Todd remained sitting, though he wasn't sure why.  He doesn't have Tina, just get up and go.

Mitch continued speaking, and holding the phone.  "You can go, but then, you'll never know my plans, will you?"

Todd picked up the phone, carefully.

"That's better," Mitch said, "Bring your mother to me.  Otherwise, something drastically unpleasant will happen to your wife, or maybe one of those little spawn," and he smiled.

"You don't really think I'll buy this?  You'll alienate Bitsy forever.  Let go, Laurence.  My mother has not been interested in you for over thirty years."

"But you're wrong, aren't you?  You've always been wrong about her, and where her heart lies.  She left you, didn't she?  She left you behind with that perverted monster.  That pedophile."

Todd moved his hand to his phone, and could feel the warmth of the battery as it continued to notify him of pending messages.  "My mother was ill.  You took advantage of her.  She knows all that."

"She does?"

"Yes.  She's aware of everything."

"Everything.  Hmf.  The question is, are you?"

"Look, I'm going now.  Nothing you have to say matters to me or her, or anyone else.  I know who my mother is, what she's about, and what kind of past she's had.  None of it matters, just as mine doesn't matter to her."

"Ah, before you hang up, you would want to consider this.  What if your mother does want to see me?"

"She doesn't.  I've told you.  And if you cared for her, you'd understand and let her go."

Mitch reached into his pocket.  He brought out a small stack of paper, that Todd recognized instantly as envelopes.  He began to pick through them, deliberately.  Todd said, "Those are not from her."

"They're not?" he said, fingering through them again.  He took one, and lifted it to his nose.  "She wears the same perfume, actually.  All this time.  You must have it ordered for her, yes?"

Todd slammed the phone down again, and went to get up, when Mitch stood and dropped one of the letters over the dividing glass.

Todd looked at it.  Light pink envelope.  The flap was turned down, the address side facing up.  A soft scrawl wrote the address.  Feminine print.

"Go ahead, take it," he could hear Mitch, taunting.  "Look at it.  These letters are very important to me, as you probably know.  Your time, contained here, was made easier by one Rebecca Lewis, if I recall."

Todd's eyes became steel.  Rebecca.  So gullible.  So trusting.  But I was young and foolish, she was too, and I was desperate. . .

He interrupted his own thoughts, and took the letter.  On the flap was no return address, just the flower design that he had seen before.

His mother.  

What is she doing?

"Don't bother to open it, or try and read the contents.  I've kept the actual letters for safe keeping.  That's just the envelope.  You can have it."

Todd, in his shock, lifted his head, and took the receiver.  "If she did write these, which there's no proof of, it's because she's recovering, trying to sort things out."

"If you say so.  Now, here's what's going to happen.  If you want to protect your dear wife, you'll bring your mother to me.  Otherwise, we wait it out and see what happens.  But of course, I won't be patient long."

"Careful, that's a threat they've just recorded."

"It's not a threat.  Could simply mean, I'll give up and never speak of it again."  His eyes narrowed, "Could mean many things."

"Why should I care about a feeble threat from inside prison?  Most of what you spew are lies anyway."

"Maybe," he said.  "But you'll have to figure that out, won't you?"  Mitch hung up, leaving Todd sitting across from the plexiglass pane, holding the phone with a deadness on the other end.  He raised his eyes as Mitch stood.  "As always, Heed the Messenger."  And he turned, and waited for the guard to come to the door and let him back into the annals of the prison.

Todd watched him go, slowly replacing the receiver on the hook, and staring blankly at Laurence's back.

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Chasing the Monsters: 70

"Bridgette, I hoped I hadn't caught ya at an inopportune time."

Blair began to cry.  "Oh, Dad . . ."

"Goodness, are ya sad I interrupted or is something going on I should know about?"  he looked to Dorian, who was dressing in a pair of Timothy's sweatpants and a t-shirt.  She knotted the shirt at the waist.

"Dad, Todd ran off to the jail.  To see Mitch.  Tina's come up missing, and he thinks he has something to do with it."

"Dear.  I can see why y'ar upset."

"I'm at a loss.  Can you come over?"

"Of course.  I'll be there in a bit, then."

"I'll send Williams," she said, hanging up.

"Is he coming?"  Bitsy said.

"Yes, he's on his way.  I don't know what good it will do now."

"He can think of something, maybe something legal we can do for Tina and about Mitch."

"Maybe.  We can't even call Todd and get him back.  He's flying that damn copter."

"He loves to fly.  He . . . was always interested in that.  He loved birds."

"I know," Blair said, sitting down.  It would be at least an hour before Timothy got there.

Over at the penthouse, Timothy said, "Blair needs us."

"Wait a minute, I just went and basically told that man I love him.  Are you saying he's at it again?"  Dorian said.

"We're going to support Blair, and we'll talk about this on the way.  Call her back and let her know that I'll be in a cab.  It's faster than waiting for Williams, it is."

Dorian did as he asked.  After hanging up, she said, "I'm going with you," and grabbed her fur.

"Fine.  But no comments about Todd, eh?"

"I won't," she paused.  "Unless it's absolutely necessary."

Timothy rolled his eyes.  "No comments about Todd, Dorie."

"What happened?"  she asked, loading into the elevator beside him.

"Something with Tina, she's missing.  Viki is upset, no doubt.  Todd goes to solve things."

"Where would he go?"

"To see Mitch Laurence."

"Oh, for God's sake, why?  This is the kind of thing . . ."

He put his finger gently to her lips.  "I'm not exactly sure.  Bridgette said she would tell us more when we get there.  I do have an idea, though, of a good investigator for the job."

"Who?"

"Jack Ribsky."

"The guy from Chicago?"

"Yes.  Now that he's a widow, unexpectedly, this might be a good way for him to involve himself in something distracting."

"It sounds right.  He might also relish the opportunity to help Todd's family in some way."

"Exactly."  He had already hailed a cab.  They were moving quickly and on a mission as they piled into the taxi and continued their talk.  He said, "This may help Blair feel better about things as well."

"Todd went to the jail?"

"It seems so . . . ah!"  Timothy said, looking up out the window, "There's the copter.  He's about to land it on the Manning Building."

"Never a dull moment."

"No.  But he's already here, headed for whatever's next to get him to Statesville. . . uh, wait, I was wrong, he's not landing, not at all."

"Don't tell me he's driving the thing straight there?"

"That sounds like Todd, yes."

"Where will he land?"

"I dare say he knows the place.  And I dare say, anywhere he wants," he said.

***

Todd set the copter down on the lawn at Statesville and was immediately surrounded with armed guards as he lowered the window and sat, waiting.  One administrator came to the door. and said, "Excuse me, Sir?  What are you doing?  Are you aware you are landing on government property at a corrections facility?"

"Yes, I'm aware.  Are you the warden?"

"Yes."

"Warden, visiting hours are almost up.  I couldn't get out here faster by any other means.  This is my private helicopter, and I have a check," he handed him the paper, "for $5000, which would be double the ticket fee for parking an aerial vehicle in the wrong area."

The warden looked at the check, and said, "I see.  Well, your paperwork seems to be in order, Mr.?"

"Manning.  Todd Manning."  What if this guy was here when I was?  Could he have been?

"Mr. Manning, I've heard your name.  You're the guy who rescued Patrick Thornhart, from the terrorists abroad, right?"

"Yeah, now that you mention it."

"Well, I'm honored."  At this, Todd's eyebrow went up.  The man continued, "What's your business here?"

"I need to visit an inmate.  Pretty urgent."  He went out on a limb:  "You can check it with John McBain."

The warden went back, clearing the area, and returned, giving Todd the final go ahead.  "No need.  Your credentials in those dealings with the Men of 21 is enough.  I'm sure McBain would vouch for you."  

Todd felt a sense of victory that the warden had accepted everything at face value, and for once, for the first time in his sorry life, his reputation proceeded him in a positive way.  Having never experienced that before, he walked gingerly into the building, cautious and out of sorts.  Upon entering Statesville, he couldn't help but have a pang of nausea, as he recollected his time there.   He shook it off as he rounded the corner to the visitor's waiting area, and sat.  Finally, he heard the name "Laurence," which signaled his turn at the visitor's table.  He tucked his cell phone inside his pocket as he entered the room, following the institutional buzzing to release the lock.

He walked through a long hallway, and to a set of doors.  He immediately recognized it as the visitor area, from when he was on the other side.  He waited, and the second buzz signaled his entrance.  Instead of entering the side where the doors all opened to the inmates, he was let into the larger area, where visitors took a seat at a designated place across from a glass wall and a telephone handset.  He waited in his chair, looking around him occasionally, until finally, a buzzing in front of him opened a security door, and Mitch Laurence appeared coming through it.  The prisoner sat across from him, and made no effort to pick up the receiver.

Todd did, and waited.

Mitch, whose arms were folded over his chest, slowly, undid them and reached for the phone.  He said, "Manning."

"Laurence."

"I said to bring your mother.  Not interested in talking with you."

"I'm all you get for now.  If you hope to ever see my mother again, you'll talk to me today."

***

"Dad, Dorian, come in," Blair said, and she appeared flustered.

"Bridgette, it's going to be fine, it is," Timothy said.

At that point, Blair took her hand off her forehead and looked at Dorian, who was still in her fur coat and Timothy's sweats and t-shirt.  She said, "Dorian, what are you doing?" pointing to her clothes.

"It's faux!" she said, incredulous.

Blair rolled her eyes, and Bitsy said, "Todd's gone off to see Mitch, of course, needless to say, Blair and I are not too happy about this."

"He'll be fine.  He's a smart man," Dorian said.  Everyone looked at her.  "Well, he is!"

"Dad, what are we going to do?  Tina's missing, Todd's trying to play hero, and Mitch is nuts."  Blair said, and her cheeks were flushed with concern.

"Well, I can't do much about the third one, but I can tell ya an idea I have."

"I'll take anything at this point," she said, texting her husband again.

"Jack Ribsky.  He's an excellent investigator, should be able to help with Tina.  As for stopping Todd, well, that has to play itself out."

"I never thought of that.  Ribsky can be trusted, and he's an ex-cop,"  Blair said.

"I'll ask him.  I'm sure he could use the distraction, at this point."

"Todd's not answering, dammit!"  Blair said, plopping onto the last stair.

"He will," Bitsy said, sitting next to her.

"Let's not mope around here," Dorian said, "If there is one thing I've learned about that man, Todd Manning, it's that he can take care of himself.  Now let's go into the family room and discuss this in an adult manner.  He'll be back in a matter of hours."

Everyone followed the woman in the sweats and faux fur.

***

"All I want is to see her," Mitch said.  "What you have to say means nothing to me.  She heeds, you loathe and I loathe in return.  If it weren't for her, you'd be dead right now."

"And if it weren't for Blair and my kids, you'd be dead, too."

"Hah," he half-laughed, and then said, "What do you want, Manning?"

"My sister."

"Viki?  What about her?  That's old news.  I've already had my way with her."

Todd seethed.  Keeping his composure was extremely difficult, but then he felt his cell phone buzz in his pocket and knew.  Blair.  She's worried.  Don't let her down.

"Whatever.  That's not what I meant."

"Tina?  What would I want with that misfit?  God knows what she's up to.  Traitor.   Insolent."

Todd realized he may have made a grave mistake just by seeing Mitch's reaction regarding Tina.  "What, you don't know where she is?"

"No, and why would I care?  She's flotsam.  Wait. . ."  he grinned.  "You came here because she's missing, didn't you?"

Todd didn't answer.  His cell phone buzzed again, as if Blair was with him.

"Hah!" he said, and then, "Now, let's get to business.  I'd love to take claim for that red-headed, numbskull being gone, but I simply can't.  The matter at hand, your beautiful mother.  When will she be here?"

Todd swallowed, and ignored the small beads of sweat on his brow.  "Who said she was coming?"

Mitch's eye twitched.  "I did."

"Well, she's not.  I've got no reason for her to come and see you.  You're a sick man."

"Sick?  I wouldn't be using the word that way if I came from the house of Peter Manning."

"I'm going now."

"You don't want to do that," he said, leaning back.

"Oh yes, I do."

"You don't.  Because if you hang up that phone, you will reap the regrets of a thousand sorrows," he said.

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Memories Unlocked #34

Chapter 34

Williams pulled up in front of the Manning building.  He exited to help Todd as Blair got in and sat down in the spacious compartment.  Todd stopped Williams and spoke to him quietly. “I need you to go back to the hospital and get the pain pills Dr. Wolek prescribed while Blair and I eat some dinner.  Remember, don’t say anything about today’s surgery to Mrs. Manning.  Get the pills and come back after you have something to eat too.” Williams nodded and pushed Todd up and in.

Todd looked across at Blair.  “So where do you want to go to eat?  I’m up for anything but Chinese.  That was a favorite at the hospital.  I’m looking for something hearty.”

Blair was disappointed.  She had hoped to suggest just that and was going to try and get him to eat at the penthouse.  He had just shot that all to hell.  She wasn’t ready to take him to Rodi’s so it would have to be the Country Club.  She was frustrated.  She had been sure that The Sun would have stirred his memories but nothing had happened.  “Williams, take us to the Country Club.  They have the best steak in town.  That should satisfy your hunger for something hearty.”

Todd opened the bar.  “Would you like a drink?”  When she nodded, he pulled out the scotch and poured two glasses. Handing the glass to her, he raised his glass, “Here’s to moving ahead.” Todd drank slowly hoping the liquor would kill a little of the pain he was feeling.  He was surprised when Blair drank her’s down fast, but when she held the glass out he refilled it without saying a word.  He could tell she was still upset about his plan to move into the penthouse instead of with her and the children.

Blair murmured thanks as Todd refilled her glass and watched him take his time with his.  It wasn’t like Todd to just sip his whiskey,  He usually downed it just as fast as she did but not now.  He was absentmindedly rubbing his right leg again and his color was still off.  “Todd, maybe you shouldn’t be drinking that after all, it’s been a long time since breakfast.  I still don’t understand why Larry didn’t tell you to eat something when he was finished with his tests.  That’s the second time you’ve rubbed your leg.  Are you getting more feeling? I noticed you didn’t wear your brace today.  Is it because you feel it now?”

“I didn’t wear the brace today because I figured Dr. Wolek would want to see the leg without it.  The whole point of the visit was to see how much progress, if any, has been made.  The brace is just another crutch.  I’ll admit I’m feeling a little more in the leg, but I think it just seems sore because of all the testing, or it’s just my imagination.” Todd felt like a heel. If he told Blair the truth, she would be overjoyed and expect him to get up and walk in no time, which would mean he would begin spending more time with her and the kids.  He knew he was using the legs as an excuse to hold her off, even though he was starting to really enjoy having her around.  He was torn.  He was starting to have feelings for Blair but he wanted to have his memory back too.  Even if he could walk, he still would be incomplete without all his memories.

They arrived at the Country Club and soon found a table by the terrace. “Todd, does any of this seem familiar?” Blair had been watching Todd look around as they came in and she couldn’t help hoping the place had sparked his memory.

“Oh sure, more faces looking shocked by my appearance.” Todd was being sarcastic, but he saw Blair’s face fall at his statement. “Hey, that was a joke.  I’m sorry, you were expecting more.  It’s a nice place, Blair, but it doesn’t stir anything memory-wise.  I’m guessing we’re members, right?”

Blair nodded and sighed. She glanced around and still saw patrons staring at Todd.  “I’m sorry too.  You’ve been getting a lot of those looks today.  First at the Palace and now, here. You’ve always been rather notorious in this town, Todd.  It’s not just your far past either.  You are the publisher of The Sun and over the years, you’ve had your fair share of headlines  After the truth came out about Jack and the events in Hawaii, most of this town thought you were dead. They’re just shocked to see you here and with me no less.”

Todd turned his head and looked directly at the people around him and they soon dropped their eyes.  “Don’t worry, it doesn’t really bother me.  I know enough about my past to realize this wasn’t going to be a picnic.”  The waiter came up and Todd ordered some more drinks.

Blair stopped the waiter before he went to get their drinks and ordered some appetizers. She looked at Todd.  “You need to get something on that stomach before you drink some more.  You don’t need a hangover your second night in town.”

Todd laughed. “You’re right, I wouldn’t want to be caught driving while intoxicated. “He pushed away from the table and showed Blair a little wheelie in his chair.  He laughed at the outrageous looks the patrons of the restaurant gave him and rolled back to the table.  “Hmm, they’ve obviously never seen a drunk wheelchair driver.”

Blair laughed. “I guess not.  When did you learn to do that?”

“We used to have wheelchair races on the ward and every now and then I would show off my skills for the children. It’s quite a feat to perform that in the older chairs they had on the island.  I had to do something to break the monotony of just rolling from one room to the next.  You should have seen some of my initial attempts.  Blanca and Lucy were usually around and we would all laughed as they got me back upright.” At the mention of Lucy, Todd was reminded of her death.  He picked up his drink and took a big gulp.  

Blair reached across the table and covered his hand.  “Todd?”

He looked at her hand and laced her fingers with his. “I’m okay.  I knew from the start that any one of those kids could lose their fight.  It’s just that I didn’t want it to happen on my watch.  Lucy and Blanca were two bright lights in my days there. It hurts that one of them got snuffed out.”

The appetizers arrived and Todd immediately dug in.  The smell of food in front of him reminded him how hungry he was and it was a good distraction.

While they ate, Blair began recounting some of Starr’s more outrageous antics.

“You’re kidding, she really dumped horse manure in his room?” Todd grinned. Yep, he could see Starr doing that. He had seen some of Starr’s mischievous side and he knew all about her coming to find him at the hospital. His daughter had a lot of spunk that was for sure.  

“Well, she is your daughter.  You’ve been known to go overboard too.  Max told me how you clobbered him and put him in a shallow grave.  Even you have to admit that was a bit much and let’s not forget the time you showed up at St. Ann’s dressed as Sister Bernadette Peters.”

“No way.” He couldn’t believe he could do something like that but suddenly he had an image of a little nun standing in front of him staring up at him  

“Have we met? I’m Sister Michael Marie.  What is your name Child?”

“Sister Bernadette Peters.”

“What?” She said struggling to hear.”

He spoke again. “Sister Bernadette Peter.”

“What a lovely name, Bernadette at Lourdes, so blessed to see the Holy Mother and Peter the Rock.”  she laughed and asked. “ You’re a quiet one aren’t you? New here?”

He didn’t know what to answer so he just slightly smiled.

She looked at him and said. “A little shy too.  Well don’t worry, we’re a very friendly group.”  She moved closer to him and put her hand on his sleeve. “You know, I shouldn’t have this, we shouldn’t have it, but I have some depilatory cream in my room if you want a little help with that mustache.” She touched his upper lip.

Todd found himself feeling his upper lip. He blinked as he realized he had just had another memory and a strange one at that.

Blair looked across at Todd.  She had expected him to laugh and try to deny having worn a habit but he had spaced out. When he reached for his mustache she was surprised. “Todd, what is it?”

“It happened.  I remember.  I was dressed as a nun and this little nun came up to me and asked my name.  I told her Bernadette Peter.”  He grinned at Blair.  “I guess I do go overboard at times.”  For once, the memory wasn’t a hurtful one.  Two memories in one day.  Maybe he would have more.  “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome and that’s marvelous, Todd.  See. I knew if I brought you home, it would jog your memory.  It’s going to happen, Todd.  I just know it.” She couldn’t help herself, she was so happy that he had another memory that she got up, knelt beside him, and hugged him. “I just know it.”

Todd found her exuberance contagious, not even thinking about it, he took her face into his hands gently and kissed her.  Todd raised his head as he ended the kiss and for a brief moment, it felt like Deja vu.  Time stood still and he saw himself looking down at a Blair with long flowing blonde hair.  In his head, he heard “Merry Christmas”.  He couldn’t help himself, he went in for another kiss.

Blair had been stunned by the first kiss.  When he paused she wasn’t able to do anything but look up at him.  He was staring intently at her and then he kissed her again. But it wasn’t just a gentle sweet kiss. It was filled with hunger and passion and she melted into the kiss, completely forgetting they were in the restaurant.  It had been months since she and Todd had kissed like that or for that matter since he initiated it.  Whatever happened, she didn’t want it to end.

“Oh come on, Blair.  I really thought you finally came to your senses.  It looks like Bo is right. Todd has you wrapped up around his little finger and you’re believing this whole story he’s selling.”

Todd’s whole body stiffened as the words broke the moment with Blair. He released Blair and looked over his shoulder at the redhead standing behind him. “Excuse me.  Is it normal around here for people to just rudely interrupt something that has nothing to do with them?  I don’t know who you are but you owe Blair an apology.”

Blair stood and rested her hand on Todd’s shoulder. “Todd, it’s alright.  Nora is welcome to her opinions.  Don’t think anything about them.  Her judgment these days is a little warped just ask Sam and Troy.” Blair stared Nora, who glared at her then walked quickly away.

“Hey, what about that apology?” Todd didn’t know what made him more upset.  Having the kiss with Blair interrupted or his anger that someone else who knew him tried to hurt Blair verbally.

“Todd, leave it.  Nora is always going to think the worst of you.  I’m sorry, maybe I should have given you a better heads-up about your life here in Llanview.  I just didn’t want to give you any reason to refuse to come home.”  

Todd reached across the table and took her hand.  “Blair, It was my choice,  I knew some of my past was horrific.  I might be mentally and physically challenged right now, but when you showed up in Guam, I realized I could no longer hide from my past.  As uncomfortable as this is.  I need to be here to figure out my future.”

The waiter arrived with dinner.  Digging into his steak, Todd looked across the room at the redhead and the man sitting with her.  “Okay, fill me in.  Who is Nora and who is she with? Is that the Troy you mentioned?  I know it’s not Sam.”

Blair looked over at the other table. “Yes, that’s Dr. Troy McIver.  Nora’s current boyfriend.  She moved in with him not too long ago. Sam was her previous lover and Bo was her previous husband.  Nora Hannon Gannon Buchanan is a lawyer.  She was also your defense attorney after you raped Marty.  Let’s just say there is a bad past between you two.  Nora will never be one of your cheerleaders.”

“She didn’t sound like one of your cheerleaders either.  What happened?”

“After you disappeared, Sam was having a hard time.  Nora had left him and Matthew and moved in with Troy.  I wanted to help Sam so I put some moves on Troy so that Sam could try and win Nora back, also, I was afraid you were dead.  Troy was a distraction.  I guess I wanted something to happen between me and Troy, but I couldn’t get over you.  When Sam started pushing me to get a divorce from you, Troy was the one who made me realize I still loved you.  He’s a nice guy but he doesn’t really stand a chance with Nora.  Neither does Sam.  Nora will always love Bo.” Blair chewed on her lower lip.  She hadn’t really meant to tell Todd about Troy and she waited for his reaction.

“I see.” Todd dropped his eyes to his plate and cut another piece of steak.

Blair was flabbergasted.  “Wait a minute.  That’s all you’re going to say about my dalliance with Troy.”

He smiled at her reaction. “What’s there to say?  You told me you were trying to help Sam and that nothing happened with Troy.  I believe you.”

Blair sputtered “I don’t believe it.  You’re not even a teeny bit jealous?”

Todd reached for his drink and took a sip. “Jealous? No.  You came looking for me and refused to let me stay in Guam.  That kiss we just had tells me all I need to know.  You’re mine and only mine.”  He glanced at her and watched as she turned a beautiful shade of pink.

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Todd Manning, Enigma Chapter 10

      Carlo was reading when they came to get him. He found it curious that he had a visitor. They had been few and far between, and he had just seen his lawyer. Surprise crossed his face when he walked into the room and saw the man standing with his back to him. He had thought himself rid of Samuel Toddman and had been infuriated when word had come to him that Toddman had survived the head wound. Christian Vega had disappeared and now Samuel was standing in the room with him. “Mr. Toddman, what an unexpected pleasure.”

      Todd smiled, Carlo’s tone belied his welcome. Carlo was seething right at that moment.

       “Mr. Hesser I felt it necessary to come and offer you my condolences on your capture. I was certain after our last chat in my home, that you considered yourself out of reach by our lowly police dept. It seems you were mistaken.” Todd carefully reached for a chair and set himself down
.
       Carlo stared hard at Manning. It was obvious that his eyesight was still affected and that he had come on some sort of fishing expedition but if Todd thought he could goad him into some sort of confession he was mistaken. “Mr. Toddman, I’m really surprised to see you, I heard about the personal attack in your own home. As for my incarceration, this is all a mistake.   The police have a little information and they seemed to have mixed me up with someone else.“

        “AH, I thought I heard they had some witnesses, it seems a shame that my own personal patron has gotten himself into this bind. Perhaps I could be a help? Of course, I would have to tell them how you threatened my wife and children just the day before I had an assassin enter my home. Oh and I couldn’t forget to mention that you had me watched the whole time I lived in Paris. On second thought, that might actually hurt your case.” Todd took out the ring and was playing with it.

        Carlo was sure now that Samuel had come to gloat. He still hadn’t shown any sign of having gotten his memory back. Carlo refused to believe Nora had anybody that could place him at Kipling’s lab. He knew Manning had been killed and his men were working on taking down Toddman. But he found himself relaxing in Samuel presence. The man still had no real idea who he was and that would help Carlo’s lawyers. “My dear Samuel, I’m hurt. Whatever gave you the idea I was threatening your lovely family or that I was having you watched. I’m merely an admirer of your fine artwork. How is that lovely wife of yours? It really is a shame about your eyesight I was so looking forward to another portrait.”

        Todd hated Carlo at that moment and he pushed the ring on his finger. His eyes met Carlo’s. “You’ve bought your last portrait, Carlo. I’m going to see you put into the hell you belong in and I’m going to watch them throw away the key.”

         Carlo started as he looked into the coldest eyes he had ever seen. “My God, you can see,” he uttered the words and watched as Samuel smiled. There was nothing humorous in that smile, in fact, a chill went down Carlo back. Samuel was out for his blood, and now he wondered what else he had missed about the man. The man sitting opposite him at that moment was no longer an artist intent on protecting his family, this man was an entirely different animal. A very dangerous one. Carlo knew that look. He had seen it in the eyes of some of the men who worked for him. “Who are you?”

          “Someone who knows exactly what you did Carlo. You’d better pray you end up with a life sentence because the day you get free will be your last day on this earth.” Todd looked Carlo up and down to make his point. “I just wanted you to know who you messed with.” Todd sat back in his chair, struggling to keep his demon under control. He hadn’t meant for Carlo to get to him but when he had talked about Blair, Todd’s restraint had given way. He stared at Carlo and saw his eyes drop and took the opportunity to take a deep breath and remove his ring. He closed his eyes giving them a chance to readjust to the fog. He gathered himself before reopening them and decided to let Samuel handle things.“Samuel, take over, I need a moment.”

         Carlo looked away unable to believe what he had just heard. The man sitting across from him was deadly. He thought he knew everything there was to know about Todd Manning, but this was something new and alarming. Could this change in personality be the result of the head injury?  If so, his lawyers needed to be warned to tread lightly.

        “My apologies, Carlo, I’m afraid I got a little warm under the collar for a moment, I hope you’ll forgive my outburst.” Samuel smiled. He had gotten a kick out of Todd and the reaction Todd had gotten from Carlo. Although, he had to admit his own surprise at the tone Todd had used.

          His eyes jerked up and Carlo found himself looking into unfocused eyes again. The man who had just spoken was Samuel, Carlo couldn’t help himself, he brought a hand up and waved it in front of Samuel. Samuel never even blinked. “What the hell are you trying to prove with this fake blind act, Samuel. We both know you can see.” Carlo got up and headed to Samuel’s right to see if his eyes would follow.

         Samuel knew Carlo had gotten up but the lighting in the room wasn’t the best and he had trouble distinguishing one blob from another. He turned his head in the direction he thought Carlo had gone. “I assure you the blindness is very real Carlo. You saw me in my own home. That’s why I was such an easy target for your assassin. Why on earth do you believe I can see?”

        Carlo stood opposite the guard whom Samuel was looking at. He was puzzled, Samuel really didn’t appear to know he was talking to the guard. If he really was blind how had he achieved that effect earlier? Something strange was going on. Maybe it had been a trick of the lighting in the room and the cold tone in Manning’s voice, but Carlo was sure Manning had met his eyes just moments before. No, Manning could see, he was sure of it. “Nice try Samuel, but I know what I saw. You can drop the act. If you don’t I’ll make sure my Lawyers know you’re using it as a ploy for sympathy. You won’t get away with it in court.“

       Samuel zeroed in on Carlo’s voice and said. “Believe what you will. This blindness is real and so is the bullet wound to my head. Both are the results of your handiwork Carlo. I know you’re behind the death of Todd Manning. I promise I will be in court to tell my story even if he can’t. Officer, I believe I still have someone else to see. Thank you for bringing Mr. Hesser here.”

       Carlo angrily got up he had never been so summarily dismissed before. “Why you...”

       Before he could do anything the guard stopped him. “Enough Hesser, your time is up let’s go.” Carlo was forced to leave but not before he saw the smile appear on Samuel’s face. As he left the room he passed his partner Ivan. So Samuel was going to visit with Ivan too. That was a visit he would want more info on after Toddman left.

       Samuel turned as the door opened again. He made his way back to the table and sat down. As he sat there, he heard the chains rattling around Ivan‘s waist. Ivan must be a bit of a problem if they had him handcuffed or maybe Bo just wanted to make sure Todd was safe.

        Ivan looked at the man sitting in front of him. He had been told Samuel Toddman wanted to talk to him. Of course, he knew Samuel Toddman was the alias of the man he had experimented on all those years ago, but this was the first time he saw the man without all the bandages. His eyes quickly picked up on the fact that Mr. Toddman was blind. He noticed how dilated Toddman’s pupils were and he ventured to guess that the man in front of him didn’t like the disadvantage it put him in. “Mr. Toddman I believe this is the first time we’ve met. To what do I owe this visit?”

       Samuel felt a shiver ripple through him just hearing Kipling’s voice. He closed his eyes as the memory of what Ivan had done to him popped in his head. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. “Actually I was wondering how someone who once took the oath to do no harm came to be such a monster. Just when did you lose your humanity, Dr. Kipling?” He knew his words got through to Kipling when he heard the quick intake of breath from the man across from him.

         Ivan looked sharply at Samuel. The man had come to say something and wasn’t mincing words. He was aware Toddman was one of the witnesses against him but he had been told Samuel had no memory of his time in the clinic. That was obviously wrong. “Mr. Toddman, I assure you my patients are always my first concern.”

       “I’m sure some of the patients in your research facility are treated with kid gloves. It's too bad the ones you’ve picked as guinea pigs didn’t get the same treatment. Let me guess. Certain patients were expendable for the sake of the project and I’ll bet they’re the ones with limited funds too.”

       “Mr. Toddman these are unusually harsh words to say to someone you don’t even know.”

        “Well that’s the problem, I do know you Ivan, and I know what you did to me. You didn’t even bother to heal the wounds I had, you just performed your damn experiment.” Samuel had to get up before he did something that would get him into trouble. He walked away from the table and put the ring on his finger. He stood with his back to Ivan as his vision cleared. “You came in day in and day out, with only one purpose in mind to get your damn information. I know it was you, I know your voice and I know that damn black hand that pulled the lever. The jury is going to hear it, too. So you can act innocent all you want, but it’ll come out in the trial.”

         “Mr. Toddman, I can see you’re distraught, but I assure you, you have me mistaken for someone else.”

        Todd turned around and walked back to the table. He planted his hands down directly in front of Ivan and lowered his face till he was face to face with Kipling “I will never ever forget your face you son of a bitch. I know exactly what you did and you’re going to pay.” His tone was so threatening even the guard stepped forward to interrupt Todd, who turned and stared him down making him back away. The guard did so uneasily, his hand resting on his sidearm. He had seen the menace and darkness in Todd’s gaze. Todd turned back to Ivan, not giving the guard a second thought. “I hope we understand each other Doctor.”

         Ivan had been startled to find himself staring into two very aware eyes. He knew those eyes saw him and hated him. The threat had been blatant and Toddman hadn’t even bothered to hide it from the guard. He had been forced to back up under that hatred and had to admit, the man now facing him was a different ball of wax. This man knew what he was doing and would play to the jury for sympathy and never once let them know the real him. Ivan was fascinated by the turnaround and couldn’t wait to talk to Hesser. He wondered if Hesser had met the angry one. One thing was sure, if the man in front of him made it to trial, it was all over. Ivan realized Toddman was waiting for an answer. He leaned back to get further from the anger and said. “I think I understand you, but I would love to know your name.”

         “I’m the guy that just died,” and with that cryptic comment, Todd turned and exited the room.

          Ivan was led back to his cell which was across from Carlo’s. “Well, that had to be one of the strangest visits I’ve ever had. The man is a mystery. You never told me we had a mad man in our hands.”

         “What happened Ivan?”

         “One minute I was talking to Samuel Toddman. He doesn’t have very fond memories of me it seems. I’m afraid you were right, Carlo. He recalls our sessions. But he’s not the one I’m worried about.”

          “So you met him too. Ivan, you’re a doctor, Is Samuel Toddman blind or not?”

           “Carlo, I don’t know what to tell you. That was also weird. I would swear that Samuel Toddman is indeed blind. I took a good look at his eyes and there is definitely a problem there but the other one saw me, I’m certain of it. I’m not sure how he accomplished it and I would love to explore it further. We have an enemy, Carlo, that means us harm, and if the courts don’t get us, he will. Do you agree?”

         “Unfortunately, I believe you are right Ivan. The problem is I don’t know this man. At first glance, I would have said it was Todd Manning, but although Manning is smart, he’s a bit of a loose cannon. The man I saw today is dangerous. I think it’s time for plan B. I already sent word through our operative to our partner. We should hear something soon. Did you get a name from our unusual visitor today?”

         “Not one I really understood, he said he was the man who just died. What did he mean?”

          “Damn, it means Mr. Toddman has his memory back, including his real identity. We’re in a terrible and unfortunate situation, Ivan.”


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