Who's the Real Todd?, Ch. 3

Kelly stared at Todd. His whole attitude was very cavalier. She personally would be mad as all get out if someone took over her life. The fact that he was so calm bothered her. When Todd got calm it was like waiting for a cobra to strike. If this was Todd sitting across from her, then he was just waiting for the perfect time to strike, but when he struck, who would be the recipient of the anger that was being held back right now?  "You seem awfully calm about the fact that some other man has taken over your life for the last eight years. Not just your life but your family as well. I'm surprised you've contained yourself this long. When are you going to drop the other shoe, Todd? When are we going to be treated to a famous Todd outburst and who of us will you leave standing when you get your revenge? Are any of us safe?" Kelly watched as Todd's demeanor changed. His eyes narrowed and she felt like she had just offered herself up as a tasty dish to that cobra.

Todd felt his anger rolling through him at Kelly's words. He realized Kelly was asking him if he was going to retaliate against everyone who had betrayed him. It was the same question that had been tormenting him since he got back. Looking hard at Kelly, he answered.  "You want to know how mad I am at my family. Take a guess?" Todd's voice could have frozen water it was so cold.

He stood and moved away from Blair, right then he needed space between them. He moved to the Gallery, everything in him wanted to lash out. God, why had Kelly felt the need to bring up those thoughts? He stood with his back to Blair and Kelly and then caught a whiff of the alcohol still on the paintings, he remembered the last time he had lashed out and the end result. After the anger, the sorrow, and the hurt had come. In truth, the hurt was far worse than the anger. Blair and he had made definite strides to healing the hurt he felt because of her betrayal. Starr had also done everything she could to let him know she stilled loved him and was sorry for her part in the last eight years. Vicki had shown him the other day that she would never abandon him again. As he stood there he realized the anger wasn't as strong as it had been. He looked at the pictures and smiled and decided then and there to never get them cleaned. Once again, Samuel's muses had saved him. Todd turned back toward Kelly and Blair.

Kelly couldn't believe it. Todd was smiling, all signs of the anger he had just had seemed gone. What the heck just happened? She watched fascinated by this Todd. He had always been mercurial but when he had felt betrayed, he had been like an elephant. He had never forgotten any betrayal. Something had just occurred before her very eyes. Todd had appeared ready to strike. Then he had turned on a dime and was now smiling at them, this was definitely a new Todd.

Todd looked at Blair and saw concern for him in her eyes. "I'm alright." She relaxed and smiled at him. He looked over at Kelly "What was that question again? Oh yes, I remember, my feelings. I'm angry, Kelly sometimes so much my blood boils. Do I want revenge? Yes. Who's going to be on the receiving end of that anger remains to be seen? Who's going to be left standing also remains to be seen? So if you're waiting for the other shoe to drop you're just going to have to wait." he smiled again.

Blair looked at Todd and said. "Todd, stop teasing her. She only stated that because of our past history. She's worried about me and Starr."

Todd grinned a silly grin in Blair's direction. "I can't help it, I'm just giving her what she's used to hearing from me," he walked back over and sat on the end of the couch the way he loved to do and looked at Kelly. "Oh alright, sheesh. Kelly, Blair and Starr, and even Vicki have nothing to worry about. I love them, I have no plans to hurt them."

Kelly felt like she's stepped into a time warp. She felt like she was looking at Todd's Alter Tom. He was so easygoing, there had been times in the past that he had done some really screwball schemes in his efforts to get back together with Blair. His attitude right now reminded her of those times. She looked at his face and although he was smiling, she sensed he was serious. "Alright, I believe you don't want to hurt them but can you guarantee you won't."

"In all seriousness, I can hope that I won't. I can't guarantee anything," replied Todd sincerely. He dropped back down on the couch next to Blair. "Now let's talk about how the paper can help me get the proof I need against the Kipling Neuroscience Research Facility."

Over the next hour, Kelly found out that Todd had not lost his edge when it came to the newspaper business. As well as wanting to get some investigative reporters into the Kipling Facility to find out more about their programs and searching for evidence that Todd might have been experimented on there; Todd talked about following up the special edition with another article stating the events that brought Samuel to Llanview and his ambiguous relationship with the Lord family. Todd wanted to keep speculation mounting by the readers whether he might indeed be Todd Manning, without coming right out and saying he was. For the time being, as far as the public was concerned, he was Samuel Toddman. Kelly said her goodbyes still feeling a little like Alice in Wonderland. The world was indeed turning upside down. Samuel was Todd, Todd was someone unknown, and Kelly wondered what else could happen. On top of everything else, she was still in the dark about the identity of the mastermind behind the charade.

Blair and Todd looked at one another after Kelly left. Only hours before Todd had been berating himself because he feared his anger was going to be his undoing. Now Kelly was in their corner and they could begin to move forward with the plans to trap Carlo and for Todd to regain what really belonged to him. "Todd, things are starting to go our way. You have to be pleased that Kelly is helping. For now, though, I need to go check on Jack and find out what's been going on with him lately. Are you going to be alright?" asked Blair

"I'm better than I thought I was, Blair. When we arrived back from the Sun's offices I almost wanted to call it quits. You pulled me back from the edge, for now, I'll stay here. When Kelly questioned me about my anger, it began to once again swirl within me. I remembered just how angry I felt because all of you accepted Manning without really asking for proof. I was standing over by the paintings wanting to once again lash out but then I caught a whiff of the paintings and remembered the night that I lost it. I realized that the hurt I felt was, in fact, stronger than the anger. You and Vicki took so much of my hurt away when you both stood by me several days ago. I have to hang onto what you gave me that day, it's part of what is sustaining me. You go and check on our son. I want to know if anything else has happened to the other young man. I'm here if you need me."

An hour later Todd received a call from Kelly, it turned out Clint Buchanan had been released from custody and all charges against him were dropped. After discussing strategy on finding out all the 'whys' for the sudden turnaround, Todd let Kelly go. He hadn't heard anything from Blair and began to wonder if everything was alright with Jack. While he waited for some word from Blair, Todd decided to call the hospital and check up on Manning. He waited for an answer, then the phone was picked up.

"Hello, can I help you?" Dani answered.

"Yes, my name is Samuel Toddman and I'm a distant cousin of Todd Manning and I'm trying to find out how he is doing. Are you a nurse? I was wondering if there was any change in my cousin's condition." asked Todd.

"No, there's been no change, but I'm not a nurse, I'm his daughter Dani. I don't remember my mother telling me about any distant relatives. How did you find out about my Dad?" asked Dani, there was no answer, only silence on the other end of the line. "Hey, are you still there?" Dani looked over at Shaun.

Shaun took the phone. "Hello is anybody there? Look whoever this is, you're upsetting Dani." the connection was cut. " Dani, whoever it was hung up. What did he say to you? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Shaun.  He said he was a distant cousin and he was trying to find out how Dad was. I told him I didn't know of any distant relatives and the line went quiet. Shaun, you don't think that could have been the shooter do you? I mean why did he get quiet all of a sudden?" Dani looked from Shaun to her dad. "You don't think it was somebody who might want to hurt Dad some more, do you?"

Shaun quickly reassured her,"Dani, I'm sure he was just who he said he was. A distant relative. Look when your mom gets back, we'll ask her if she knows of any distant relatives that she didn't mention to you. Did he give you a name?"

"He said his name was Samuel Toddman, but I still don't remember Dad or Mom talking about anyone like that," said Dani and she sat back down to keep watch over her dad.

In the Penthouse, Todd was staring at the phone. Her words were rolling around in his head  ‘I’m his daughter, Dani. I don’t remember my mom telling me about any distant relatives.' Todd stumbled away from the phone and sat down. She said she was his daughter. Todd Manning's Daughter. Todd reeled as the words sank in. He had another daughter and this one was with Tea. It didn't seem possible. How could Tea have kept a daughter, secret from him? Why didn't she say something when she saw him that first day back in Llanview, she never once mentioned a child? Why if they had a child, didn't she tell him on the island? My God, she knew how he felt about his children and she never let him know he had a third. Was Dani the reason she left him back in New York? No, She hadn't said anything about being pregnant in New York she had just said he couldn't give her what she needed and left. Maybe she hadn't known she was pregnant when she left. God, he had to talk to Tea. He needed to know why she didn't tell him.

Todd thought back to that second day that Samuel was in town when Samuel had driven to Mannings house. Todd remembered watching with Samuel as a teenage girl had arrived at Mannings's house. Could that have been Dani? Todd got up, his thoughts going back to his time in New York with Tea. He had been so in love with her but he had struggled with the intimacy part that Tea had needed so desperately. The first couple of months had seemed fine. They had managed to have some semblance of a loving relationship but the last month Todd had begun having his nightmares again and their relationship had started coming apart. He still remembered the anguish he had felt when he read her letter. He had tried to find her but gave up. Then he ran into Jessica and her boyfriends, after seeing and talking to Jessica he decided to return to Llanview. He had needed to talk to someone and Vicki had seemed the logical choice. After returning to Llanview his mind had turned to renewing his relationship with Starr. Then he and Blair had found their way back to each other.

All thoughts of Tea had retreated to a corner of his mind and didn't resurface until she arrived at the front door of LaBoulae right after Blair divorced him again and had left with the kids and taken full custody of them with her. Somehow or other Tea learned of his plan to kidnap Starr and Jack and thwarted him in Hawaii. Then they had ended up on that godforsaken island. Shortly after his cohort Ross left the island to try and get some help, he and Tea found themselves alone. He began building a raft to get off the island but somewhere along the way he and Tea reconnected. They had one night before he set sail to try and get back to his kids and Blair. He still remembered her standing on the beach, that was the last time he saw her until she showed up at his door. The day she showed at the door he already knew she had married Manning, Samuel had found that out. but Samuel hadn't known about Dani. Todd walked over to the portrait of Tea, "Damn Tea, why didn't you tell me?"

Mourning In Progress- Rest in Peace OLTL

PORT CHARLES NEWS Jan. 2012
Two Cities go Silent!
Alas it is a dark day in Llanview.
Disaster has struck.
Residents have disappeared, wiped out , no trace.
Similar story coming out of Pine Valley area
It is said it happened in a blink of an eye.
One minute they were there.
Someone said they saw a white light beam out of Llantano mountain.
Another swears they saw a White space ship hovering over the town.
Whatever the cause it is hoped that all are well wherever they end up.
Little is known why they were chosen
It is feared this is an harbinger of death for several other small towns
Be ready in case yours is next.
Rest in peace you will not be forgotten.

Column by Death of a Genre

P of D- Pete's Story

          Todd's eyes opened, he rolled over. He lifted his hands as he realized he was loose and Todd had no idea. He carefully rolled off the bed so he didn't wake Blair, now there was someone he wanted a piece of but he'd wait.  He got dressed and quietly exited. Once he was outside the penthouse he breathed easier.  Making his way to the garage he grabbed the car.

         Yes sir, he really liked the car Samuel had picked out. Samuel was a bit of a stick in the mud but he really knew his cars.  He put the car in gear and peeled out of the garage.  Todd was too well known at Rodi's, so he headed to Crossroads. He pulled in and parked. "See you shortly baby" he rubbed the hood and went inside.  Now this was more like it, he saw several good prospects but he headed for the bar.  He ordered a double and began perusing his choices.  "Oh yeah that's the one." he looked her over, she was quite a looker and a redhead.  He liked that.  He smiled and gestured to the stool next to him.  She sauntered over and sat down. "Well hello lovely, who's the idiot that let you out alone tonight?  Bartender get the lady a drink.  Do you have a name darling?  Oh you're shy are you? Well you can whisper it here in my ear and I promise to keep it a secret." she leaned over suggestively  rubbing against him as she whispered her name. he quickly took advantage and roughly grabbed her hair and kissed her before releasing her and said. " That darling is the sweetest name.  Something tells me you really don't take after your name.  You strike me as the type who likes thrills and chills. Am I right?  I've got a real sweet ride outside what do you say we go get us some of those thrills."  She nodded and he grabbed her close, tossed some money on the bar and they left.

           Once in the car he leaned and whispered something in her ear and she nodded and giggled again.  In the darkness of the car she didn't see his sneer as he turned on the car and headed up into the mountains.  He drove like a maniac full speed up to the ridge looking down on the city,  because of his speed on the curves, his passenger had been holding onto him out of sheer terror. Only when he came to a halt did she release him.  "Now sweet Cherry don't tell me a little speed had you unnerved,  I promised you thrills are you ready for some fun."  she nodded and he once again whispered then he exited the car and joined her outside her door. He pushed her up against the car trapped as he started to slowly peel off her clothes. When she tried to undress him he grabbed her hands and taking his belt off he tied her hands together. Then he grabbed her and laid her down on the hood of his car and finished undressing her. Once she was lying naked on his car he began to caress her.  Starting with her voluptuous breasts, he soon had her squirming with desire.  He made his way to her sweet center until she was whimpering for release and just when she was sure he was going finish he turned her on her stomach and tied her hands to the windshield wipers.

              Cherry began to struggle unsure what he had in mind next and then he spread her legs and tied her ankles to the bumper. With her body still tingling from his caresses, Cherry realized this stranger was suddenly dangerous. Her struggles increased as terror took over desire now that she was completely at his mercy.  She was tied to the hood of the car and uncertain what he was going to do next, then she felt his hands once more making their way over her body and once again she started to feel the heat rising as fear and pleasure both took hold of her. Soon she was begging him for release but he just continued to cause wave after wave of heat course through her body. Suddenly everything came to a halt and with her body on full overload Cherry wondered if he's finally going to satisfy her when she heard the car door and saw his face inside the car.  He grinned at her and she heard him say. " Now hang on darling.  You don't want to fall off."

              He took off down the road laughing as Cherry screamed in terror.  He was definitely turned on as he watched his naked hood ornament struggle then hold on for dear life.  God she was beautiful in her terror and was so turning him on.  He watched as the feel of the car under her started  filling her already sexually charged nerve endings and soon her screams of terror become screams of pleasure as the wind rushed over her, caressing her like he had moments before.  He watched as she passed out from the combined terror and pleasure and brought the car to halt.  He untied her, and laid her on the side of the road. He quickly dressed her and left her and her belongings on the side of the road. He whispered in her ear as she started to revive. "Thank you sweet Cherry maybe we'll do it again sometime" then he peeled away heading back into the city.

               Cherry woke and sat up alarmed to find herself on the side of the rode.  She shakily got to her feet noting that she was fully dressed.  She saw Crossroads just a short way down the road and began walking back. God she felt so hot and turned on.  Her whole body felt like she's been involved in an all night orgy.  Yet at the same time, she felt terrified.   She must have had too much to drink, as she arrived at her car, she sat down, then looked out the windshield and fainted.

             He pulled into the garage and made his way up to the penthouse.
Every muscle and nerve was at a fever pitch, he was so turned on by the night's events.  He headed to his room moving quietly so he didn't awaken Starr or Hope.  He stood by the edge of the bed looking down on the woman they all loved.  What Todd doesn't know won't hurt him. Pete quickly shed his clothes and climbed in next to Blair and began to fondle her.  He set about caressing her until she drowsily awoke to his ministrations. He quickly stirred her senses and she began to writhe in pleasure at the sensations flowing through her body.  Blair soon began to caress his muscles and scars running her hands over his body as he continued to heightened her nerve endings then he moved his mouth over her body and soon she was squirming in delight as he delicately sets her on fire until she was pleading for him to take her.  God, no other woman had ever made him feels so alive.  He'd never cared for women, overall they disgusted him, but Blair was different.  There was something about her that even he couldn't resist and tonight he was going to get all of her he could. Once more he brought her up to a frenzy and when she screamed in his ear he took her.  They collapsed together, as Blair fell back to sleep, Pete whispered," I'll return soon my vixen." he nipped her lips and tasted the drop of blood savoring it before retreating into that special corner of Todd's mind.

Who's the Real Todd?, Ch. 2

Blair and Samuel walked through the penthouse doors. Blair had been quiet thinking of Samuel's words all the way back home. She turned to Samuel the minute they entered, she had to know what was going on with Todd. "Samuel please.." Samuel grabbed her and began devouring her lips. The desperation in that kiss is evident. Blair returned his kiss knowing that Todd was back and seeking solace. Minutes later, the kiss softened and his lips released hers. Blair looked into his eyes and saw the pain still lingering. Todd moved to Samuel's studio and stared pensively out the window. Blair followed and stood at the end of the staircase. "Todd, what happened?"

"I lost it, that's what happened. I was so sure that I had the anger under control. When I found out about Peter, I thought he could no longer affect me. I made the mistake of thinking the anger inside me was gone, but it's not. It scared me, Blair, I was afraid I might do more than just throw a few things around. How did we get home?" Todd asked and looked over at Blair.

"Samuel came out and tidied up the situation. He hired Kelly back, so the Sun could stay in operation. Then he indicated you were in trouble, and that we needed to return home. So here we are." Blair said and realized Todd was kicking himself for his angry display. "You didn't lose it, you were understandably frustrated. Any normal person would have reacted the way you did. Don't begin to doubt yourself.  You have made huge strides in the last week, but Ray told you things were going to take time. Stop beating yourself up."

"Is that what I'm doing? I was so up after receiving the news that Carlo had been apprehended. I thought I could go to the Sun and Kelly would be willing to help get the news on the stands that the real Todd Manning was back in Llanview. I just wasn't expecting her flat out refusal to even accept the possibility. Then I lost it when she called you a fool. Who is she to judge your beliefs?  She doesn't know the whole story, yet she claimed you were the one being hoodwinked. Maybe I have been a bit hasty and it is premature to put out an article. But one thing is now out of the bag, Kelly knows I hold the controlling interest in the Sun. The question is what is she going to do with that information?" Todd walked over to Blair "She had no right to make that remark to you." he pulled her into his arms as he captured her lips for another kiss.

Coming up for air, Blair said, "It's a shock to see you the first time Todd, I'm sorry that you have to keep telling your story. But there are a number of people in your corner. Promise me you won't let this get you down. We're here and behind you all the way. As long as I'm talking about the people who stand behind you. Why didn't you tell me Samuel was back? I thought you lost him."

Todd smiled. "So did I, but the other morning after my session, I couldn't find any of them and Vicki said they were probably still around. Samuel told me he'd be nearby if I needed him. I was feeling so empty without everyone, so I asked his help in locating Tom, Ms. Perkins, and Rodd. As we were pulling away from the clinic Samuel spoke to me and told me he had found everyone. His last words to me that morning were 'we're all here'. I didn't realize he meant himself too. I'm glad he's back. I really felt different when he left and now I feel whole again. There is something else I said to Kelly, about missing all those years with Jack. I've wasted enough time trying to be Jack's friend. Blair, I think it's time to tell Jack. I don't want him finding out about me from the newspaper or TV, and it sounds like he's really tormenting this other student. I need to get through to him, the path he's choosing is wrong. Do you agree?"

"You're right Todd he needs to hear it from us. I'll get him over here later. When were you going to tell me you've been buying up shares of Sun Stock?" asked Blair.

"Oh That, well you see I've had agents buying stock in the two companies that I found out Hesser had stock in. I don't think Manning was even aware that until recently he wasn't really in control of the Sun. Hesser had a big block of shares and has been laundering Money through The Sun. Carlo also has his hand in BE, I been working on getting a major block in BE too. I intend to hit Hesser where it hurts monetarily and then I want to finish gathering the evidence needed to put him away for what he did to me." Todd headed to the bar to get a drink. Just then the doorbell rings. He glanced at Blair.  From the shake of her head, it was obvious she had no idea who might have arrived. .Todd grumbled, "Who the heck is here now?" as he moved to answer it.  Todd opened it saying "Whatever you're selling, I'm Not Buying."  then he stopped frozen as he saw his guest.

Kelly stood on his threshold holding a special edition of the Sun, the headline read. NEW PLAYER IN TOWN OR FAMILIAR OLD PLAYER? YOU DECIDE! Sun's new owner Samuel Toddman made an appearance today to introduce himself to the populace. He informed this reporter that he's back to regain what was taken from him. Could there be a mystery unfolding concerning Samuel Toddman? You be the judge. There beneath the headline was a full-page picture of Todd, complete with both scars.

Todd arched his eyebrow as he took in the headline. "Blair we have a visitor and she's brought a housewarming present. Won't you come in Kelly?" He stood back to let her in. " Kelly, my dear, this is certainly a surprise. I was under the impression you thought I was a fraud. Why the change of attitude?"

"No change, Samuel. But you are news. The Sun might also capitalize on your face's mystery and the obvious relationship factor that you greatly resemble the old 'Todd Manning'. I decided to run the story and brought you a copy as the new owner. Besides, I wanted to see this new home of Starr's and I think it's time I heard the entire story about Paris." replied Kelly. She moved into the living room, noting the difference in the atmosphere that the room gave off. Todd's home had always seemed a little cold but had fit Todd. This room felt like home. Her eyes were drawn immediately to the portraits on the wall. She wandered closer looking for a signature but noted only dates similar to the portrait Blair received from Eli. Tea's and Vicki's portraits were painted during the mid-2000s and the last one of Blair was dated 2011. Looking at the content of Blair's picture she turned to Blair, "You didn't waste any time in Paris did you?"

Her arm was grabbed and she was turned to find herself facing one very angry Todd. "This is my house, and if you insult Blair again you will answer for it. I don't have to explain the origins of those portraits but you should know that Samuel painted all of those portraits from his memory. He hadn't even met Blair the day that portrait was painted. He's a good man and I will not have you demean his love for Vicki, Tea, and Blair. Get your mind out of the gutter or get out of my house. Do you understand Kelly?" he applied just a little more pressure to her arm in his anger.

Kelly struggled to free her arm and distance herself from the man in front of her. "I understand. Ow! Let me go." abruptly he released her and moved to stand beside Blair. "Why do you continue to talk about him like he's a separate person. You made him up.  Please. Do you really expect me to believe you painted these? You don't have that kind of talent. You never did."

"Who never did Kelly?" he asked quietly.

"You know perfectly well who. You, Todd, that's who! You're the same bully you've always been. I've never been able to see what Blair sees in you. Now she's back in the same rut falling for you all over again." said Kelly rubbing her arm and glaring at Todd.

"Kelly, thank you for finally admitting you know I'm Todd. For that, I'm grateful but everything else you believe is fantasy. The reality is. I am Todd Manning, and I've been diagnosed and am being treated by a reputable psychiatrist and have been undergoing sessions with an equally reputable therapist for my DID. Samuel is the alter who kept me going for the last eight years because of a severe trauma that occurred in 2003. Samuel is very real and is, in fact, an accomplished artist. Those three portraits are but a few pieces of his and if you had bothered to look a little further around the room you would have seen his studio where more recent pieces have been completed."

Todd stopped talking and pointed to the studio on the other side of the stairs. "Please have a look. There is also a portrait that I completed. If you care to examine them you'll see signatures on all of them. You are even welcomed to bring in your own expert to verify the artist. I swear that both Samuel and I are capable of producing these works of art. The question remains are you capable of believing what you see with your own two eyes." Todd turned away from Kelly and looked at Blair. "Do you want a drink now?" at her nod he headed to the bar.

Kelly was flabbergasted. She couldn't believe her ears. Todd has just very openly declared he suffered from DID without blinking an eye. Not only that but he was dead serious. He knew she could check up on him and he welcomed it. The Todd she had known all those years ago had hated giving any information about himself, he had always played everything very close to the vest. This Todd was as much a mystery now as he'd been in the past but it felt different now. Kelly wandered past the stairs to Samuel's studio and began looking at the portraits in the area. Two portraits, one of Starr as a little girl, and one of Starr as a mature young woman were obviously painted by the artist who had painted the portraits on the wall. Even the fanciful portrait of little Hope had many of the same characteristics as the other paintings. She noticed an unfinished portrait of Vicki that had yet to be completed. All of the finished portraits are signed by Samuel Toddman and dated 2011.

There was one more portrait that was covered, it was clearly the one Todd claimed he painted. This is going to be good.  Kelly was anticipating something very abstract and bizarre since Todd supposedly painted it. She uncovered the painting and stood there shocked. It was amazing and titillating. Given the subject matter, it could have been very vulgar and cheap but the portrait was very beautiful and the viewer could feel the love of the artist for his subject in the romantic way she was portrayed. Kelly could see a little of the other portraits in the painting but it was clearly painted by someone other than the person who had painted the gallery on the wall. Kelly's eyes wandered to the corner where his signature was on the painting. She knew that signature, she had seen it numerous times on articles and editorials when Todd first purchased the Sun. If the signature was to be believed, Todd had painted the picture and she didn't think he would have let any other artist paint Blair in that pose. Todd would kill anyone else if they even look at Blair like that.

Kelly moved back around and watched as Todd brought a drink to Blair and ever so gently caressed her cheek before going back to the bar. That was such an unToddlike movement. Todd hated displays of affection and had always been very standoffish. It was plain to see they are very much in love. Something had definitely changed in Todd at least when it came to showing his love. His anger was still a factor but today's anger had been in defense of Blair. Todd had taken quite a bit from her without batting an eye earlier until she had said something he considered offensive to Blair. Kelly was dying to know the whole story, but then her mind returned to the question that had been bothering her from the moment he left. Why had he come out today? She moved back into the room. She came to the penthouse convinced that Samuel had an agenda and was planning on taking everything from Todd before he recovered from his wound. That idea had quickly lost its momentum as she realized Samuel was the real Todd.

Taking back his life wasn't the only thing Todd was interested in. There was something else in the works. "Todd?" he looked at her and silently offered her a drink. She nodded. Boy, do I need a drink. When his hand paused over the Vodka, she nodded again and he poured, then handed her the glass.

He sat down next to Blair and looked at her once more. "What can I do for you Kelly?" he said effortlessly continuing the conversation from where she'd left it.

"Todd, why have you waited so long to come forward? You've been here for over two months, but you've stayed hidden and reclusive. Now today you show up in my office ready to step forward into the light of day. Why didn't you do it when you first returned?"

Todd and Blair looked at each other, then he said: "Well aside from the obvious health issues, I've been working to find out who caused all of this eight years ago."

"Who caused what eight years ago?" asked Kelly.

"Eight years ago Mitch Lawrence left me on the side of the road with just about every bone in my body broken and a new scar on my face. Several months later Samuel awoke in the Philadelphia General hospital and the only thing my alter could remember was his name. My memories had been tampered with. Of course, at the time, Samuel just thought he had amnesia. When Samuel got ready to leave he felt like someone was keeping tabs on him and decided to get out of the country. He took us to Paris and began making a living as an artist. He made his living selling paintings of the three women he called his muses. Samuel had no idea those were real women but they kept him sane.”   He paused as Kelly took a seat.

Todd drank a portion of his scotch and reached to intertwine his hand with Blair’s.  He continued, “ The day Samuel finished that painting of Blair, he decided to take another portrait of her to the Gallery that was selling his art. A simple glimpse of Blair that day broke the barrier that had been keeping my memories locked away and as more came back, so did I. There was a slight problem, I couldn't get back control of my body and Samuel had no idea he was an alter. Then Blair showed up at Samuel's door. When Samuel realized Blair was real he began to investigate his time in the Hospital and eventually figured out that someone had tampered with his memory. We've tracked the tampering back to a facility outside of Philadelphia and I found out how I got from the road to Philadelphia General. I've been working with Bo to get the man behind it all and today I received word he was in custody. Therefore, I came forward."

"Whoa, back up.  Are you telling me Bo knows you're Todd and believes it?"  asked Kelly.

Todd and Blair both nodded. "There are others who also believe me. I'm not playing at any scam Kelly, I'm just trying to get my life back on track."  Todd reached and picked up the copy of the Sun that Kelly initially brought over. "This is an excellent start."

"Ok, you've told me that Bo knows you're Todd, obviously, Starr and Blair know. I guess that means Vicki also knows. Who else has been let in on your secret? Also, can you explain what exactly happened in 2003?" asked Kelly.

"Blair's mother Addie, Nora and Tea, as well as my therapist and Dr. Levin are the only other people who know that I'm the real Todd Manning. As to 2003, get comfortable.  What I'm going to tell you sounds like science fiction. But I assure you I'm not making any of this up.”

Todd waited as Kelly settled back in her chair.  “Samuel began investigating in Paris after having some troubling memories. When he received our medical records a few discrepancies fueled him to investigate further. It seems that there was a period of several months unaccounted for between our arrival at an emergency room in Cherryvale and our arrival at Philadelphia General. Samuel tracked down the Attending ER doctor at Philadelphia General and found out we were brought to the Philadelphia General ER by an ambulance from a research facility outside Phillie.  My sources told Samuel that the facility dabbled in experiments for the Government and in 2003 they were working on projects involving Memory; both the extraction of memories and the transference of said memories from one person to another for the purposes of infiltrating any situation as someone else. The second project involved filling the memory of the second party with memories of the first party and then with some additional mind control the second party would take over the life of the first party and truly believe he was the original."

Blair interjected as she spied the skepticism on Kelly’s face.  “It’s all true, Kelly. Just let him finish.”

Todd paused, drained his glass, then got up to pour a second glass and returned to Blair's side. He glanced over at Kelly. "Samuel's gotten back memories of a period of time in which we believe they were extracting my memories of my life. It is our belief that the memories they extracted from me were then transferred to Manning. Samuel was then delivered to Philadelphia General and when we awoke, the only memory thought to be intact was Samuel's name.  Later we found out that memories of my Alters had not been taken because I had hidden them too deep to be accessed by anyone but me. I believe that the person in charge has had someone watching both of us over the years so he can make sure the experiment is still functioning properly. Something spooked him though and he sent someone to feel out Samuel in Paris to see if Samuel was still in the dark. Samuel set up an excellent plan to keep the ringleader unaware that he, that I’m in Llanview. Right now it appears like he is still painting in Paris. But that is all changing with this headline and picture." Todd stopped his tale to let Kelly absorb the story. "Because of the need to keep the ringleader in the dark, I've been remaining reclusive, but all of that changed with Bo's news."

As he watched her, she took a big gulp of her drink and glanced warily at Blair. "I  can see you’re skeptical, Kelly, and as I told you, it sounds like science fiction. If you agree that I am Todd then explain Manning. He's displayed many of my traits and has recited things from memory only I should know. I know I was in that facility and the other day Blair discovered some information about Manning that seems to indicate he might have a connection there as well. If Bo can find the proof that Manning and I were both there simultaneously, it will only solidify our case. I don't like Manning for a number of reasons. The answer to your next question. No, I did not shoot nor have anyone else shoot Manning. I had only been home from the hospital myself for a little over a day when Manning was shot. Nora has already questioned me and has cleared me. But the fact that someone shot Manning means that our ringleader might be starting to get rid of anything or anyone who could possibly link him to this charade." Todd looked at Kelly, trying to figure out if she believed what he just told her.

Who's The Real Todd? AKA Samuel Toddman: Ch. 1

Chapter 1

    Kelly stared. What the hell!  In front of her stood a man looking like Todd used to. She didn't know what to say. He had come in and just calmly stated he was Todd Manning. He was obviously delusional, but why was Blair with him? "OK let me get this straight, you think you're Todd Manning. Uh, I don't think so. I happen to know for a fact that he's lying in the hospital. You don't even look like him. Well, you look like he used to look, but you're not Todd Manning. Come on, Blair, you seem to know this guy. Who is he really? Wait, I know now, you're that distant relative the boys have been talking about, Samuel. That's it, you decided to play a late April Fools joke on me." Kelly looked at Blair. "You had me there for a sec."

Todd sauntered over to her desk and shuffled some of the news articles. "You know, Kelly, you used to be much more perceptive," he picked up the headline she was working on. "Oh come on, this is the best headline you could think of "King Buch Headed For Hoosegow?" I thought you would have classed it up for Vicki's sake." He smiled at her.

Kelly felt chills run down her spine. It was uncanny. His whole demeanor, his speech, it was so Todd. She walked over and grabbed the headline from his hands. "It's a work in progress," she looked at him. "How would you do it?"

"OH I don't know, maybe something like ‘BE's CEO Buchanan - Prison's New Royalty’ or ‘Buchanan-Chairman of the Board Now Chairman of the Yard’.  I think those work better for me," he looked at Kelly  "What do you think?" He wandered back over to Blair "You know Blair. She has changed." he looked back at Kelly "She can't see the truth even though it's right in front of her. I'm deeply disappointed. Let's try this again. Good Morning Kelly, it's been a long time. How did that whole living in Texas with Kevin work out for you? Wait? Let me guess. Not too well if I know Kevin." He saw Kelly wince. He had struck a nerve. Blair took a step toward Kelly and Todd stopped her.

"Blair don't apologize for me. I can do it myself. Kelly, my apologies if I'm insensitive. I never intended to bring up something painful." his voice dripped with sarcasm.

"That's exactly what you intended Todd, it's what you do. I still don't understand what Blair sees in you," said Kelly getting mad at him. Then she realized what she had just said. She glanced over at him and he was smiling that grin that used to infuriate her. It couldn't be true. It isn't possible that Todd Manning is standing here.  Blair called him Todd, surely she knows he's a fake. Why is she helping him?

"Look I don't know what you hope to accomplish with this little charade, but it's not going to work. You're not Todd and you could never be Todd. How do you think you can get people to take you seriously? Todd will tear you to pieces when he finds out you're attempting this. Blair, why are you standing there pretending it's true? How could you let yourself fall for this? And you," she gestures toward Todd, "You made a mistake, Todd only had one scar on his face. You went a little overboard in the makeup department. That's a dead giveaway, someone gave you some wrong information. You're a pretty sloppy imitation if you ask me."

"That's just it Kelly. I'm not the imitation. The man laying in the hospital is the imitation. You say that my scar proves I'm a fraud. Well, I'll agree about one thing. It wasn't there the last time my face was seen in this town, I didn't receive it until that final night in 2003. Maybe what you should be asking yourself is why you're working so hard to deny what you're seeing." Todd walked around and sat in Kelly's chair. "As a reporter I think my questions would be, 'What if?' ' What if it's true?' 'Where has he been?' 'Why is he standing in my office?' I'd be curious to know where he came from. 'Why is his ex-wife here?' 'Why do I feel I know him?' and most importantly, 'Why is he getting to me?' because I am getting to you, Kelly. You know it’s true and it's driving you crazy."

Kelly scowled.  He was right, he was getting to her. He was also right about the questions. "OK, I'll give you that, I have a lot of questions. How about answering them."

"Finally, I thought I was going to have to write the whole interview myself. I would have, but I thought editing might think it strange to be receiving an article written by a man who's in a coma. Shall we begin?" Todd stood up and sat on the edge of the desk and winked at Blair. She smiled back.

"Well that's just sickening, You'd think you two were an item or something. Blair, stop flirting with the man. You barely know him." Kelly growled after seeing the wink.

Blair laughed. "Oh Kelly, you couldn't be further from the truth."

Kelly looked at Blair and back at Todd. "You've got to be kidding me. You don't know anything about this guy. Please don't tell me there's something going on between the two of you. You've known him, what, a couple of months? How could you let yourself be drawn in like that especially after Eli? Because I know I'm right about one thing," she turned back to Todd. "The boys think you're Samuel, isn't that correct?" Todd nodded. "Well, then why are you saying you're Todd. You can't hope to make it stick. Vicki knows who you are. She'll never let you get away with this." She looked at Todd, but he just smiled at her.

He didn't seem too bothered about Vicki denying him. In fact, he wasn't worried about Vicki at all. Kelly began to get a queasy feeling in her stomach. What if it's true? "You just told me you were Samuel. And Vicki told the EMT's several weeks ago that a distant cousin was in her father's tomb. I know that because Tea asked me to squelch the story about Victor's return from the grave. In fact, she said you asked her to stop the speculation, Blair. Tea said Vicki didn't want a lot of rumors to begin with the man in the Tomb. Why did Vicki do that? You were the man in the tomb?" she looked at Todd and he nodded once again. She was beginning to get a bad feeling about this.  It was weird that Vicki’s distant cousin went to Victor Lord’s tomb. "Why did you go there?" she asked.

"Let's just say I had some unresolved issues that had to be addressed." said Todd grimly.

"Why were you taken out on a stretcher?" asked Kelly

"I had a heart attack and if Vicki, Blair, and Starr hadn't been there I wouldn't be here now." he answered.

"But that means you're Samuel. Why are you saying you're Todd?" asks Kelly.

"I went into that Tomb as Samuel and I came out as Todd." he replied stoically.

"Whoa, what do you mean you went in as Samuel and came out as Todd?  You make it sound like you're two people. That's a little crazy even for me. Next you'll be telling me you have DID. That's not very smart. We all know Todd doesn't have DID." said Kelly, "Blair, surely you can see he's got a screw loose,"

Todd was frustrated. Kelly was so sure he was an impostor. Suddenly he found himself inside looking out.

"Oh Blair, she's as exquisite as ever, is your cousin." Rodd found a rubber band and put his hair back. "Kelly it has been so long, you are truly bellisima." Rodd walked to her and trailed his fingers along her face and down her neck. "Come let us leave this stuffy office and let me show you how a man can treat such a one as you."

Kelly turned with alarm at Rodd's first words, to have him so close and seductive was unnerving. She had never forgotten the moves he'd tried to make on her when she had gone to buy the Sun. This man exuded sexuality out of every pore.

Blair jumped up realizing that Todd's alter was in place. "Rodd, behave yourself.  You keep your moves to yourself."

Rodd turned his gaze on her "Mia Cara, all women pale beside you." Blair felt herself blush at his words. Rodd swung back around to Kelly. "My dear, I'ma so sorry but Mia Bella has my heart," he kissed Kelly's wrist and turned his attentions to Blair. "Mia Cara let me take you home and give you a proper loving."

Blair smiled, "Rodd, you know my heart is taken, I love Todd so I'm afraid that's a no."

"Isa your loss." said Rodd.

"Rodd that's enough. Leave Blair alone," said Todd, "Get back in here!"

Rodd piped up. "Mia Cara perhaps another time."

"Rodd!" Todd found himself back in charge and looked at Blair "Sorry, you know how he is. Thank You." he turned back to Kelly "I'm sorry, Rodd has been angling to get out for awhile, I guess he saw his chance and took it. I hope he didn't alarm you."

Kelly looked at Blair and at Todd and backed away slowly. "No, this is all so bizarre. I really can't take any more of this right now. You can't be Todd. Blair, tell me I'm right. All of this has been some joke right."

"Kelly everything you've seen and heard today has been the truth. This is not a joke. He is Todd." replied Blair.

Kelly looked at Blair. "You really believe that don't you? You've fallen for that fake charm and those terrible imitations of Alters. I thought you were smarter than that Blair but you're a fool. Listen, Samuel, I'm not sure why you want to be Todd Manning but you're not very good at it. Not to mention, your information about Todd is bad. Blair should have told you that Todd faked his Alters. Does Vicki know you think you're Todd? I mean you really need to see someone about those delusions."

"Enough!" Todd yelled, "You don't believe me, I get that, but would you please Shut Up. God, I can't understand why Manning even brought you on board. You have got the most annoying habit of believing only what you think is right. Like all those times you stuck your nose into our lives. I think back to every time Blair tried to tell me Jack was mine but you kept stopping her.   So what happened, she lied to me and I gave away my own son. Do you know the anguish that caused us both, and it could have been prevented if you had minded your own business? Oh, I know I made major mistakes all those years ago, but Blair and I have gotten past them."

He started towards Kelly but Blair grabbed his arm and he reluctantly stopped moving forward.  "I lost out on eight years of my son's and daughter's lives. I'm not losing anymore. Believe it or not, I am Todd Manning, and the man you believe to be me is an impostor. I don't have to prove it to you. but I thought you might want the scoop for the paper. You see I'm not just back claiming to be Todd Manning, I'm back to get everything that is rightfully mine and that includes this paper. So enough with the nice guy, you're fired." Todd was furious. He had expected some disbelief, but for Kelly to talk to Blair that way was too much. He reached into his pocket and pulled out an official-looking paper. "This says that I own fifty-one percent of this Paper. That is, Samuel owns fifty-one percent, and since I'm also Todd Manning I own the other forty-nine percent. I'm sure even someone with your limited imagination can figure out that can only mean I own one hundred percent of the Sun.  Now Get Out!"

Kelly looks at him in shock. For the first time, she took a hard look at the man in front of her. The rage coming off him was palpable in a very scary familiar way. Slowly his words sank in, she remembered when Blair was carrying Jack and the numerous times she stopped Blair from telling Todd the baby was his. She had believed that Blair was better off without Todd in her life, and Todd was right, they both had suffered as a result. Kelly hadn't seen him this mad in ages.

Todd angrily tossed the papers at her and strode to her desk. He grabbed the phone and called security. "Yes, please come to the executive offices and escort Ms. Cramer off the premises....Who's ordering this? I am.. I'm the new Owner..... Yes, and if you continue to ask questions you'll be following her out the door."

Blair went to Todd. She could tell something had really riled him up. "Todd, calm down. What's the matter? Why are you so mad all of a sudden.?"

Todd looked at Blair and back over at Kelly. "Blair, I'm sorry, I can't take this anymore. This doubt on everyone's face. All of you took him at face value even though he looked nothing like me. Now I come home and I'm the impostor. Why do I have to prove I'm me? The only thing that changed about me is the added scar. None of you even checked his story, but all of you have been double-checking mine from day one. I'm sick of it. Look at her, so convinced I'm a fraud, and then she called you a fool for believing me. That's it, I'm through taking things slowly." Todd angrily flung the desktop items to the floor and leaned forward on the desk trying to get his emotions back under control.

Blair moved in closer and put a tentative hand on his shoulder. He angrily shook it off but as she started to withdraw he grabbed her hand and pulled her close once again. "Todd, it's alright to be angry. This is just going to take some time. Please let me talk to Kelly. You shouldn't fire her, she's been keeping the paper going in Walker's absence. I'll handle this right now." Blair looked at Kelly "Why did you antagonize him? If anyone is a fool, it's you, Kelly. Can you honestly stand there and tell me, after this, that you think he's a fake."

Kelly didn't know how to answer Blair. She realized as she listened to him talking to Blair that he was right. She had automatically jumped to the conclusion that he was the fraud. When in fact there wasn't any proof that the Todd lying in the hospital bed was the real Todd. Oh, sure Kevin had found out about a man who had sustained many injuries who had undergone facial reconstruction. But the file had contained no actual pictures of the patient. Kevin had accused Walker of being Todd and he hadn't denied it and had even begun blackmailing Kevin. They had all just assumed he was telling the truth when it later came out he supposedly was Todd Manning.

She looked at the man standing next to Blair, everything about him screamed Todd at her. She had been thrown for a loop with all the talk about alters. Rodd had also surprised the hell out of her. She had gone on the offensive because it scared her that he might really be Todd. Then when he totally lost his cool, she remembered just how menacing Todd could be when crossed. Kelly looked down at the papers on the floor and picked them up. They were very official and basically stated that Samuel Toddman owned fifty-one percent of the Sun and had the controlling interest. If he really wanted her gone then she was out the door. "Blair, I don't know what to think anymore? Samuel if you want me out of here then I guess I'm out of here."

Just then security showed up. "Ms. Cramer, I believe we're to show you off the premises."

"Wait," said Todd, his emotions once more under control. He turned back towards Kelly and the security. "Gentlemen hold on. Kelly, I find myself shy one managing editor.  Would you be interested in working for me, in the same manner as you worked for Manning? Mind you, this paper is about to go in a whole new direction. What do you say?" asked Todd.

Kelly couldn't believe it. Who was this man? "Samuel...I'll stay and be your managing editor but I can't call you Todd. I'm not ready to go there. If you can live with that then you have an editor."

"Gentlemen, you can go. Thank you. Kelly, welcome aboard." Todd walked over to her and offered his hand. She took it and they shook. "I hope you'll forgive my outburst Kelly, this is just a very frustrating time for me. By the way, I am Samuel, Todd asked me to convey his apologies. If you have any questions he asks that you wait till the next time for your answers." Samuel turns to Blair, "We need to go, Blair. Kelly, Todd will be in touch soon."

As they exited the office, Blair turned to Samuel, "What's going on. Todd said you had left?"

Samuel looked at Blair concern on his face,"I promised Todd I would be here if he needed me, and Blair right now he needs us both. Let's get home."