The MST, Firestorm, Ch. 44

Vicki spent the next few hours catching Todd up on what had taken place with her family while he had been gone. She told him how Walker came to town as Mitch's brother. With his help, they were able to stop Mitch and take back everything he had stolen. Walker and Blair had gotten closer. Walker moved into the penthouse and soon he and Blair were dating. Kevin had come back to town and taken over the Banner and had tried to buy the Sun and when he couldn't get Blair to sell it, he had tried to take it over by buying up share's, but Walker beat him to it and purchased the controlling shares and gave it to Starr and Blair.

It was at that point that Kevin began to suspect that Walker wasn't Mitch's brother but someone else. Kevin hired a PI and found out that Walker had been hospitalized and had plastic surgery. He had talked to Vicki about his suspicions and eventually Walker confirmed he was Todd. Shortly thereafter everything came down between Blair and Walker which led to the rape trial and Blair's tumor. Then Starr ran away to New York and was kidnapped. She was rescued and things were looking up for Walker and Blair and the kids. Then Walker was kidnapped and raped by Margaret Cochran, who also kidnapped Blair. They were once again all united as a family and things were going well. Vicki told Todd about Margaret showing back up in town pregnant with Walker's son, her disappearance led to Walker being accused of murdering Margaret and the baby. Walker was convicted and sentenced to death. Seconds after he was executed, John McBain showed up with Margaret alive, and they fought to bring Walker back. They succeeded and Walker lived. Walker spent the next year looking for his son and almost dying again before he found Sam.

Then Vicki told Todd about the chest pains starting and Dorian stepping up and making Vicki see a Doctor and they discovered she had a problem with her heart. While all that was going on, Tess had been living it up around town and one night Walker saw her and figured out that something wasn't right. Walker tried to get Tess to tell Vicki and the ensuing argument led to Vicki's heart attack. Walker managed to get through to Jess and he went with her to St. Anns so she could get help, but Tess took over and left. With everything going on, Vicki had another major heart attack and needed a transplant, that was when she got Ben's Heart. Tess continued her self-destructive behavior.

Although they figured out what brought Tess out, she still retained control and then met a man named Nash Brennan they fell in love and had a daughter whom they named Brennan. Through a series of events, Jessica got back control and she and Antonio got married but Jessica finally realized that she loved Nash too. Jessica and Antonio got divorced and Nash and Jessica were happy until Nash died. Then Tess returned and this time she had revenge on her mind. Although she was pregnant with Nash's child, as Tess she didn't take the proper care and lost the baby. Then Bess took over and stole Hope and gave Hope to Jessica. The truth didn't come out till six months later but Starr got Hope back and Jessica was holding together. Then the day of her Wedding Jessica was told several things that were too much for her to handle.

Vicki paused and then said." Now Tess is back and she married the father of her baby to keep from going back to St. Anns. That's why I've been so worried. Tess is staying away from anyone who wants to bring Jess out, including me. Oh, Todd, you see how strong you really are. You fight to keep control every day because you don't like the feeling it gives you to lose control. I envy that in you. I wish I could take that fight and give some of it to your niece. But I fear that Tess is the stronger one and Jess is losing her battle. Please, you need to know all the pitfalls ahead of you. You're worried that Pete is getting stronger than you. Whatever you do, you can't let him take control. I don't think I could take it if I lost you to Pete. Think about this Todd, in your current situation the numbers are on your side. You, Samuel, Tom, Rodd and Ms. Perkins outnumber Pete 5 to 1. That's your advantage. He's just one part of you, remember that."

Todd looked back at his sister. He shook his head. She thought he was strong. Ha, Vicki was the strong one. She had always faced her demons, even though they were painful. Vicki had even faced the fact that Jessica had gotten hurt when Nicki had been in charge. Todd was pretty sure if Starr had gotten hurt when Pete or Rodd had been out, he would have ended it right then. Even with everything going on, she was here encouraging him. He really loved his sister and thanked God that he had found her. She was the one with the biggest heart. No matter how many times he had dented it, she still had forgiven him. "Vicki, I can't do much to help right now, but I promise you that I'll be here for you and Jessica."

"Todd, it's enough that you're really here. Blair has told me what you think happened and who did it to you. Do you truly believe that Carlo Hesser is behind all this? Even if he was responsible, how are you going to prove it? It sounds like something out of a conspiracy movie." said Vicki.

"I think there is some real truth to this story, Vicki, the research facility I believe I was at, was founded by a Dr. Ivan Kipling. Does that name ring a bell," asked Todd? "I've read up on him and found one or two articles concerning mind control."

"Did you just say, Dr. Kipling? That's bad Todd, Dr. Kipling tried to use mind control on my brother-in-law Larry Wolek, and almost succeeded. If he had anything to do with that facility then you're right, it possible they are the ones responsible. But you need to be careful, Kipling was a dangerous man, if Hesser teamed up with Kipling then you can bet they're watching everything that has unfolded these last eight years. Kipling was something of a mad scientist and he loved to keep an eye on his subjects." said Vicki.

"Todd, you say you felt you were being watched, I wonder if someone's been keeping an eye on Walker too. The last time I talked to Walker he was acting more paranoid than usual, he had heard about the wedding being called off, but he's been going through his own problems and wasn't too sympathetic to Jessica's problems. I'm very torn because I've loved Walker, he's been my brother all these years and he believes he is you. Everything is going to change for him. Not just him, but for Tea too. Todd, have you seen Tea?" asked Vicki. She looked at brother. He had once loved Tea very much and now he found out she was married to his impostor. Vicki wasn't sure how he felt about that. She also wondered if he knew about Dani. He hadn't asked about her at all. It wasn't her place to tell him about his other daughter, but she felt he shouldn't be kept in the dark too long. Children were so important to him. Walker had felt so betrayed when he found out how long Tea had kept Dani a secret. Now how was he going to take it when the truth comes out, and he finds out he's not Dani's father, Todd is. Dani also will have to make another adjustment, after finally coming to terms that Walker was her real Dad, she’d have to meet her true father and start all over again.

Todd didn't know what to say. Vicki had brought up Tea and he had yet to see her except from behind Samuel's eyes. He had made up his mind that he wasn't going to interfere with Tea's life because he and Blair were solid. "I haven't seen her yet, Vicki. Is there a reason you asked?"

"You do know she thinks she's married to you. You owe it to her to let her know that you're here and give her a chance to absorb the truth and all the ramifications that entail. I know that you and Blair are together again and I'm happy for you. But your resurrection is going to throw Tea's life into turmoil. It's been fairly easy for myself and Blair and Starr, but today you're meeting Jack and he doesn't really know you, he knows Walker. You need to prepare yourself. When you and Blair tell him that you're his father, not Walker, he could very well refuse to get to know you. Jack and Tea are both going to need time. Please be patient with them. Think of the shock we felt when we found out we were sister and brother. How did you feel when the man you thought was your father, wasn't. It was hard for you to take in, think how a young teenager is going to feel. Yes, Todd, he's about the same age as you were, when your life changed. Now his is going to change." stated Vicki.

She was right, he hadn't thought how it would be for Jack, he had just wanted to see his son after so long. Blair was right. Samuel would have to meet Jack. He needed to become friends with his son before blindsiding him. He also needed to let Tea know the truth. He did owe her, she had let him go so he could get back to Blair. Her sacrifice deserved answers.

"I hear you Vicki and I'll try to not hurt Jack or Tea either one. You're right it's going to be a shock for everyone but especially them. uh... Thanks for coming today. Do you want something to drink? I'm sure there's soda in the fridge." Todd got up and started to head for the kitchen. He didn't know why but anytime he felt the mood get intense he got antsy, in his head he heard Samuel say "We'll work on that".

Vicki stopped him. " Todd, that's alright I really need to go home and check on Bree and see if there's been any progress with Tess. Remember, when you’re ready I'll be here. If you do decide you want to undertake it, Todd, you need to find a therapist you trust.  I know the name of the doctor who's been helping Jessica."

"I don't think so Sis, it doesn't look to me like he's done a very good job. I've got someone in mind.  I just don't know if he's still around." said Todd "You should probably go then. Who knows, if I accidentally run into Tess, just seeing my mug might shock her back to Jess." He grinned and help his sister up and walked her to the door, giving her a kiss on her cheek. She smiled in return and left.

After Vicki left, Todd decided to do a little more research. This time, he was looking up a friend. He hadn't seen the man in over sixteen years. Todd didn't even know if he was alive. He only knew that when Vicki had told him he would need a therapist to help him, he had thought of Ray. Ray Martino had been his therapist in prison. The funny thing was that Todd had never forgotten him. Ray had been the one person in that prison who had understood him. Opening the laptop, he googled Ray's name. Todd found him. It seemed he was still working for the state, counseling rapists in the system. Todd took out his phone and called the number listed. " Hello Ray, ... I don't know if you remember me but well it's me, Todd Manning....I know you're still doing counseling for the State, but I was wondering if you couldn't find some time to maybe come and meet with me. I'm going through something right now .. and..well you helped me a lot once.  I was kinda hoping you might be willing to help again. You would, ...That's great...I.  Are you busy tomorrow, say in the afternoon? Ok, that would be terrific ... I just got out of the hospital, mind meeting at my place. It's Penthouse #2 in the building across from the Manning building. Alright..See you then. uh, Thanks."

Okay, Ray was going to come. Todd wasn't sure if he could make Ray understand everything, but he was going to try. Then he would have to trust that Ray could help. Todd started pacing, his insides felt jumbled. After his talk with Vicki, he had been sure about going forward but now after talking to Ray he wasn't. Was he really going to try and face his demons? Once before he and Ray had discussed the turmoil that raged in him, but he remembered telling Ray it was strong. He hadn't been lying. Even almost dying twice hadn't extinguished it. It had clung deep inside refusing to let go of him. That darkness that festered and now fed Pete. God, he had to get rid of it. Todd looked around, he had to find something to occupy his mind and his hands. It was quiet upstairs which meant Hope was taking a nap. He couldn't wake her just to keep him company, there had to be something he could do. He used to be able to go into work, but that wasn't possible unless he wanted to confront Manning, but it wasn't time for that yet. What was it Vicki had said? He and Samuel might be merging? " What if?" Todd wandered over to Samuel's little studio and looked around for the sketch pad.  Picking it up he grabbed a pencil and sat down looking out the window. "Let's see if I've got that talent too."

He started thinking about his sessions with Ray and before he knew it he was sketching. He was seeing the room again. Ray talking to him about his 'dad' Peter Manning. A face came to him, Dear Old Dad, telling him he was worthless and not his son. Todd was seeing Peter outside the Hospital after he had signed Marty's petition. Then he remembered Peter clutching his chest and collapsing in the parking lot. Even though Todd was trying to help, Peter had still pushed him away. Todd kept drawing even as the tears fell it was like he was thinking about Peter, but someone else was doing the drawing. Shortly after that incident Todd had once again found himself in jail for attempted rape. Todd continued drawing, his mind going back all those years to the horror he had felt being accused of hurting Rebecca. A few people had believed him when he said he hadn't done it. Ray, Blair, and Hallie, the lawyer Ray had gotten him, stood by his side during that awful time.  That was the last time he had any long chats with Ray, he had proven his innocence by helping to catch the real rapist and then had attained his pardon.

His last hours with his "dad" had been bittersweet. He managed to tell Peter that the real rapist had been caught. But then Peter had died, cryptically telling Todd to find himself. Months later Todd had found out he was Vicki's half-brother and son of Victor Lord. But that had been a Curse and still was.

Todd looked down wondering what kind of scribbling he had produced. What he saw stunned even him. It was disturbing but hard to look away from. He had drawn Peter with that hated sneer on his face and he wasn't alone, Victor was next to him and they were both looking avidly at Todd like he was a piece of meat. He had drawn himself bound and gagged, Peter holding him down and Victor was standing over him. Todd dropped the picture and moved away from it. There it was staring up at him, his worse nightmare. Victor even had the knife in his hand. Todd was transfixed unable to move any farther, his back to the wall.

Starr heard a crash come from downstairs and jumped to her feet. Something had happened. Rushing to the stairs, she was picturing her father lying on the floor below. As she ran down the stairs she saw her dad backed up to the wall by the stairs and the easel was on the ground. "Dad are you alright? What happened?"  He didn't answer and she began to worry again. Something was wrong. Starr cleared the steps and turned into Samuel's studio making her way over to her dad. As she got near she saw him staring at the floor. Then she spotted the sketchbook on the ground. She reached for the sketchbook and realized her dad was staring at a picture. She looked to see what her dad was seeing. It was a terrible picture like a scene from a nightmare.  She didn't know the men standing over her dad, but he obviously did, "Dad, please talk to me." She closed the sketchbook so the picture was hidden, set it down, and moved beside her dad. He was still staring where the picture had dropped. gently she took his face in her hands and turned it away. "Dad, it's alright, it's gone. Come back to me. It's Starr, Dad, it's Ok." She watched his face and finally his eyes focused on her. "Dad?"

He looked at her and then looked around. "What happened Starr?"

"Dad, I heard a crash and came downstairs to see what had happened. You were here Dad, but you weren't.  Do you know where you were? I couldn't get you to answer and I found something that wasn't here this morning. Let's sit down, and we'll try and figure out what happened." Starr turned. She started to reach for the easel and saw her dad pick up Hope's picture, he checked it to make sure it hadn't been torn in the fall then he passed the picture to Starr and set the easel up. They started to move to the living room when Starr saw her dad grab the sketchbook. "Dad, Don't!" Starr said alarmed.

Todd looked at her and smiled. "It's alright, I remember. It can't hurt me again," he carried the sketchbook and sat down on the couch where Starr joined him. Todd opened the sketchbook to the page he had drawn.  It was still disturbing but no longer terrified him. He studied the faces of the three men, knowing those faces. Peter's face was the image that he couldn't shake. Why the man still had a hold over him was a question that he had to figure out. He had thought he had purged Peter a long time ago, but now he knew he had just hidden him away. Was Peter a part of the black hole that was eating him alive? If he was, hopefully, Ray would be able to help him find that answer.

Starr looked at her dad, as he opened the sketchbook to the page that she had just closed. He seemed fine and she waited till he felt like talking.

"I'm sorry for scaring you, Starr," said Todd.

"Dad, I'm fine, I'm just worried about you. When did Samuel draw that picture and why would he do it?" asked Starr.

"Samuel didn't draw it. I did. As to why I did it, I'm not sure. Your Aunt Vicki and I talked a lot this morning about my alters, and I mentioned I was starting to remember things that Samuel had done in Paris when I was supposedly out of it. She thinks I might be merging with Samuel because I faced the event that brought him out. I told her I didn't want to lose him and she told me I wouldn't. I was feeling edgy and decided to try my hand at drawing just to see if I could duplicate any of Samuel's talent." he looked at the sketch. "This was the result."

Starr couldn't believe it, her dad had drawn the sketch? Why would he draw something so horrible? "Dad what on earth made you depict yourself like that and who are the other two guys. They're twisted. The whole picture is twisted."

Todd looked at his daughter, "This is my nightmare, Starr. If you wish, I'll try and tell you about it. I need to tell someone."

"Dad, whatever this is, it almost took you away again. Please, I'm here to help. I can take it. Tell me what happened to you to make you draw that." Starr said and pointed to the sketch. "Who are they, Dad?"

Todd looked at his daughter, "You want to know who those men were, they were perverts. If you were young and impressionable, they both took full advantage of it. They were as twisted as they look. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but these are my fathers. You are looking at the faces of my adopted father, Peter Manning, and my real father Victor Lord. This is my last memory of the night I disappeared. The last thing I saw was my father Peter Manning holding me down and my real father Victor coming towards me with a knife to take my heart." He stared at the picture. Even as he said it Todd knew it couldn't have happened that way but he kept seeing it. Why was he being haunted with this memory?

Starr took a look at her two grandfathers,"No, they didn't deserve that title" she thought. The two men in that picture would never be her grandfathers. She didn't know anything about Peter Manning, but she had heard about Aunt Vicki's father. Everything she had been told of Victor was bad. She also remembered that Victor had been working with Mitch and had given Mitch control of everything when he died including her dad's paper. Starr looked at her dad. She was worried about him. He sounded so certain that he was looking at his last memory, but surely he knew that wasn't possible. "Dad, how can this be your last memory? These men are dead. You must be mistaken. What happened before you saw that Dad? Just what did Mitch do to you that night?"

What had Mitch done to him? God, how do I tell her I was buried alive. Todd's hands began to shake and he had to put the sketchbook down to stop them. He looked over to Starr, "Mitch was crazy and he wanted me to suffer, so first he led me to think your mother was dead. Then he told me that Sam had been killed and he had set me up for Sam's murder. But the biggest kick he got was when he had his henchmen bound and gag me and lay me in the crypt with my dead father Victor. Oh, he was positively overjoyed as he watched his men lower the stone top over me and Victor. Then he sat there on the outside and laughed because he said I would be out of air long before they even found Sam and Blair. I don't know how long I lay there until the air started running out. I remember the odor coming off of Victor's body and wanted to gag, but that was impossible. Then there was just silence, no more laughter. I figured Mitch had left, but I was still trapped. It was getting harder to breathe and I could feel myself drifting in and out of consciousness then I heard him laughing at me." Todd paused hearing once again the hated laughter.

"Dad who was laughing. Was it Mitch again?" asked Starr.

"No, it was my father Peter. He just stood there and laughed at me. He claimed it was all my own fault. He said I was getting what I deserved. Then Victor joined him and agreed.  I couldn't move.  I was struggling to get free and then my father Peter grabbed hold of me and started hitting me the way he used to when I was little. I was helpless and he was enjoying himself, he was hitting me with his belt and saying I was pathetic. After he was finished hitting me, he held me down and told Victor he could take his turn if he wanted, even though he preferred girls.  Victor didn't want to hurt me by beating on me, he wanted one thing, he wanted my heart.  I couldn't catch my breath any longer, my lungs were burning and the more I struggled the harder it got.  I blacked out and then I felt him holding me again, I opened my eyes trying to take in some air, and saw Victor standing over me coming towards me with the knife. The last thing I heard was that he was going to make sure I never forgot him." Todd was once again staring into space reliving that moment. His hand went to his heart feeling it beating. He closed his eyes and listened to his breathing, in, out, in, out. He was alive, in his body sitting in his penthouse next to his daughter, it was over he had nothing to fear from this memory. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes.

Starr sat there, she was heartbroken for what her father had gone through. It was like something out of a horror movie. She had still been in grade school when her father disappeared and she remembered her mom sending her to Aunt Cassie's to get her away from Mitch. He had truly been a Monster. Her dad had survived, but he was still trapped by Mitch. He couldn't free himself of that awful memory. Starr moved closer to her dad and slipped her arm through his and laid her head on his shoulder. Right now he needed comfort and she'd give him everything she could. After several minutes of silence, her dad reached for the picture again. She watched and wondered what he was going to do next.

Todd slipped free of Starr and got up, he tore the picture from the book. "Take a last look at these men. This is the last time their faces will be seen in this house or anywhere," he walked over to the hearth and reached down for the matches. Looking at Starr, he said. "Well, I know I can draw, that much of what your Aunt said seems to be true. But this piece of garbage is gone. Do you want to do the honor?" he said offering the matches to her.

Starr stood up and joined her dad at the fireplace. "It's all yours Dad. Get rid of it once and for all. I'll fan the flames."

Todd lit the page and watched as the picture began to burn then he placed it in the hearth and with his arm around his daughter's waist he said goodbye to that memory and vowed it would haunt him no more.