Who's the Real Todd?, Ch. 17

Blair looked down at him and laughed. "So that's where you were. I thought you had fallen asleep and I was going to wake my sleeping prince."

“That's not the role I'm usually given Blair, but I'll take your kind of interruption to my conversations any day. Samuel told me some more about his memories while we were at the facility. Then we talked about him for a little bit. How did your chat with Manning go? Did he recognize the doctor?" asked Todd

“I wasn't able to talk to him. They had him down for a cat scan when I went to find him. Tea said the headaches are getting worse. I believe you're right when you say things are beginning to get dangerous. With two attempts on your life and people watching Walker, it's going to be very tricky to find time to converse with Walker and Bo and Kelly without alerting Carlo to our plans." she sat down next to him, "How much longer until the discharge papers are finished." She looked at him and saw his frown. "That long, huh. We'll be back home soon. I know you're frustrated."

“Frustrated doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling. Blair, I sometimes feel that I'll never get the upper hand with Carlo. He's got my number and I'm always two steps behind him. If he has people here at the hospital keeping an eye on Manning, does he also have someone planted at the Sun? There is also another unknown out there who shot Manning. I think it's safe to say that the nurse who made the attempt on my life had all sorts of opportunities to take out Manning and didn't. Someone else was given that chore. We're going to have to assume that Carlo has more people planted around town then we first thought." just then the nurse brought in the discharge papers and Todd spent the next minutes signing himself out. Blair left to get the car. He took the prescription for the anti-depressant the doctor had left and pocketed it, making a mental note to find out everything about it before filling it. He knew he was being paranoid but after being poisoned, he felt the need to know just what he was taking. He gathered his sketchbook and allowed them to wheel him out to the car Blair had waiting. He sat down next to Blair and she ordered the driver to take them to the penthouse.

"The doctor said you were still supposed to take it easy for a few more days. Starr agrees with me that we're going to have to stay on top of you night and day to make sure you don't overdo it," said Blair moving to his side.

Todd looked at her and said. "Now you can stay on top of me all you want Blair." He captured her lips and pulled her closer relishing the fact that she belonged to him. After some tender kisses, he released her and got ready to depart the car as it entered the garage. Then he noticed the police cars in the garage. "What the hell is going on here." As he exited the car an officer came up and spoke to Blair, then he moved ahead to the elevator.  They all got on the elevator together and the door closed, Todd turned to him and said,"What's going on. Why the police escort?"

The officer replied. "You're officially under police protection Mr. Toddman, the Commissioner authorized a 24-hour detail."

Todd frowned. What had happened to necessitate this? He looked over at Blair and she shrugged, she was as in the dark as he was. The elevator arrived at the Penthouse level and after seeing them safely to the door the officer retired to a chair with a clear view of the door and the elevator and stairs.

Todd and Blair made their way into the room and saw the message light blinking on the phone. Todd went to check his messages and found one of the messages was from Bo. After listening for a few minutes, he heard the news that told him why the police protection. When Blair came back downstairs from putting his things away he told her what he had found out. "Well, this is the reason for the protection. It appears my two assailants were found dead and their killer is very likely the same person who targeted Manning. Bo is giving me the protection in case Carlo changes his mind and targets me again. I knew it. It's no longer safe for you and Starr and Hope. Even though Carlo believes I'm Samuel, he's going to be watching my every move now."

"Todd we're not going anywhere. If anything that will make Carlo even more suspicious. This is Starr's and Hope's home now and I'm sure Starr will want to stay close too. You did have attempts on your life, so Carlo isn't going to think much about the protection as long as you continue to act like Samuel." Blair took his hand and guided him to the couch and said.  "I for one have a wedding to plan if I remember correctly Mr. Toddman, or are you taking back your proposal."

Todd looked at her, seriously wanting to take back the proposal in order to keep her safe but he knew he couldn't let her go. He wanted her back as his wife in every sense of the word. Together they could overcome their enemies and get back to the matter of living their lives again. Then he recalled what she had said in the car and a grin stole across his face.

Blair saw his expression and wondered just what had put the smile on his face. She found out quickly.

Todd replied. "I believe you told me in the car you were going to stay on top of me to make sure I followed doctor's orders. I'm feeling this urge to start to work finding out just how those assailants were killed. You might have to stop me from overdoing it."

"I think I have just the thing to take your mind off work, Mr. Toddman." she leaned in and whispered a few words in his ear and then grabbed his hand and led him upstairs.

When they arrived at his bedroom Todd shut the door and led her to the bed. He stood and faced her and slowly began undressing her. She was truly a sight to behold and Todd never got over the fact that she chose to be with him. He shed his clothes and drew her down on the bed. He began caressing all her beautiful curves, loving the feel of her beneath his fingertips. His mind went back to the afternoon with the flowers and he started tracing lines and swirls across her body. He felt her eyes on him and looked up seeing her love for him. Leaning over he kissed those eyes and then made his way to her mouth where she eagerly took his kiss and then the passion flared up as they both got caught up in their love for each other. Blair rolled on top of him looking down at the virile man under her and began doing her own caressing. She watched as he closed his eyes to the sensations flooding through him and gloried in the knowledge that she could bring him to those heights. All the while her own body was getting hotter as their bodies began moving in rhythm together until they were both gasping. Blair screamed her pleasure as Todd plunged ever deeper into her center. Todd gazed at the wild untamed woman above him loving her for the spirit that had never lost its grip on his heart. She was his always and forever. She collapsed on his chest and he held her as the throes of passion continued to ripple through the both of them until only two hearts beat against one another. He felt himself begin to drift as his strength evaporated when the adrenaline rush wore off. Nestling Blair beside him, he allowed sleep to take him.

Blair slid out of bed allowing Todd to remain sleeping. After showering and getting dressed she made her way downstairs to check on Starr and Hope. She joined them for breakfast and informed Starr the reason for the police officer outside. Starr had noticed him but hadn't spoken to him when she came home because Hope had been asleep in her arms at the time. Then she told Starr about her dad's wishes for them to go someplace safer until all of the stuff concerning Carlo had been taken care. "I told him we were staying put but I realize that I shouldn't have spoken for you, Starr. Hope is your daughter and if you would feel safer back at La Boulaie then you should go. Your Dad would understand."

Starr wiped off some food around Hope's mouth and turned to her mom. "Mom I feel perfectly safe here. You said that for the time being Carlo believes Dad is Samuel. I believe that as long as he thinks Samuel is here, he'll back off and just keep watch. I don't have a problem with a police officer keeping watch especially since we can't ask Shaun for help right now. Hope loves it here and the daycare downstairs has been instructed never to let anyone but me, you or grandma pick her up. They've been informed that even if a police officer shows up they are to wait until one of us arrives and they should check the station house for confirmation at all times." She let Hope down and started cleaning up. "How's Dad," she asked?

Blair didn't answer right away as she thought back to yesterday morning and Todd's dream or memory and how upset he had been about it. She knew the biggest fear ruling him at the moment was the fear of losing her permanently. "Well as I told you he's worried for all of us and the fear of Carlo hurting us is eating away at him right now. He asked me to marry him yesterday." she waited to see if Starr had heard her.

Starr's head whipped around at her mother's statement. "Seriously, he asked you to marry him. Well come on, what did you say?" Starr was smiling as she waited to hear her mom's answer. If it hadn't been for Carlo this would have been the best news possible but she was excited for her mom all the same.

Blair smiled , "I told him, yes but I'll be marrying Samuel Toddman because that's his legal name right now. At first, when he realized he couldn't marry me as Todd, he tried to back out of the proposal, but I told him if we got married under Samuel's name, we would be strengthening the theory that Samuel still has no memory of being Todd. It makes perfect sense, Carlo thinks I have no idea Samuel is Todd because I believe Walker is Todd. All Carlo can see is that I fell in love with the painter of my portraits. This way we keep Carlo in the dark. I have to tell you, your dad's relationship with his alters is so endearing. Your father felt bad for Samuel, so he asked Samuel's permission to use his name and marry me. Samuel gave us his blessing. The funny thing about that was that although I know all of his alters reside in him, each of them has become separate people to me. It's like we have his brothers close at hand and Samuel especially feels like that to me. I was tickled to hear Samuel was alright with the engagement." She looked at Starr and said, " You know what I mean right?"

Starr nodded, "I know mom, when Samuel is around I feel like I'm talking to my uncle he's different from dad but very definitely family. I know when Tom comes out to play with Hope, I all of a sudden feel like a big sister watching the two have fun. Do you know I've even met Rodd? He loves to give me relationship advice and he's hilarious when he tells me stories of Dad's younger adventures with girlfriends. Rodd is also very knowledgeable about today's fashion trends. Pete, I've only met once, the night I accidentally told Dad about you and Walker and the "rape". I must admit Pete is scary but I haven't seen him at all since Dad's last session with Ray."

Blair had been listening to Starr talk and began wondering how often Todd's other alters had been coming out and if Todd was aware of it. "Starr how often do the other alters come out. Do you see them every day?"

"Oh, not too often. Usually, Tom and Rodd come out when Dad has gone to take a nap. Often times it's like fifteen or twenty minutes after he goes to lie down. Why? Is that a problem Mom?" asked Starr.

"I don't know, Starr. I just wonder if your dad is aware or if the alters have found a way to spend time outside without Todd realizing it. I take it they only stay out for small periods and then retire to his room for their own naps, at which time your dad usually returns." Blair looks at Starr who nods in agreement. " I think your dad will want to know this. It appears that your father retains a lot of control over his alters when he's awake but now when he's asleep the control has slipped. This could be a problem. I'll tell him about it when he wakes. I need to call Ray. I think it's time to restart your father's sessions." Looking at Starr she realized Starr was staring behind her. She looked back and saw Todd standing there. She stood up and went to him. "Good Morning, you look a little upset, what did you hear." she kisses him but he's distracted.

Todd looks at his daughter, "Did I hear you right? Rodd and Tom have been coming out to visit?" at Starr's nod. Todd felt chilled to the bone. When he was younger and Tom took over at the beginning he would have moments of lost time. As he had started giving and taking with Tom, he had learned how to control the moments when Tom would appear and when Rodd showed up he had retained control so Rodd wouldn't get him into trouble with the girls. Then the fateful night when Pete almost killed Peter occurred. Todd found his control over Pete very limited. That limited Control had resulted in the rape of Marty and the Hostage fiasco. " God," he thought, "if Pete's discovered a way out that I'm not aware of" he looked at Blair and sat down abruptly. "Blair, Starr, I'll be right back."

"Samuel, Rodd, Tom get out here." he paced up and down the hallway until the three of them showed their faces. " How long have you been able to get out at will."

Samuel only knew he could come and go as pleased when Todd was in crisis, so he looked stunned Todd was asking the question. Then he realized that Tom and Rodd had very guilty looks on their faces.

Tom spoke up." It hasn't been that long. It happened right after we all came home from Cherryvale. You were resting and Hope came into the room and wanted to play with Sir Dragon and so I thought I would see if I could respond and I opened my eyes and I was in charge. I only stayed out and played for a short time, Todd. I don't get out very often and it's fun."

Todd turned to Rodd. "What about you?"

"Wella you see, you had fallen to sleep on the couch and Starr wasa talking about James and looking for some answers, and the nexta thing I know I'ma giving her advice. It was all perfectly harmless she's a beautiful young woman I woulda never hurt her, she'sa like a daughter to me. After she went to get dressed I left." replied Rodd.

Todd turned to Samuel, he shrugged his shoulders and said. "Hey the only time I go out is when you ask me to or are in trouble like the other night. I wasn't aware Tom and Rodd were getting out. You should probably check with Ms. Perkins."

Todd called out for Ms. Perkins when she didn't answer, he went in search of her. Try as he might he couldn't bring her to mind and Pete was also a no show. Todd began to worry, he quickly became aware he was once again sitting in the kitchen and Blair and Starr were anxiously watching over him. " I'm sorry, something is wrong. I'm missing Pete and Ms. Perkins. I feel like I'm all here but that something isn't right. I think it's time to call Ray and Dr. Levin both. Starr is there any coffee?" She handed her Dad a cup and noticed his hands were shaking as he took it. "Tom and Rodd both confessed they've been able to come out while I'm asleep. I'm very worried if they've discovered a way out then Pete will too." Todd looked over at Blair "I don't know what he might do, Blair. If Pete gets control there's no telling what trouble he'll add to this mess."

Todd got up and walked out of the kitchen, his mind in turmoil. He had thought that seeing Ray and trying to find out about the cause of his anger would be a step toward normalcy. But now a new set of problems had developed. With the acknowledging of Peter's sexual abuse somehow he had opened a doorway that was giving his alters free rein when he was asleep. Although unsettling to know that Tom and Rodd could come out when they felt like it, it was even more disturbing that he couldn't find Pete or Ms. Perkins. He had an uneasy feeling that Ms. Perkins must be working at keeping Pete contained, which meant that Pete was aware of the outlet also. Lost in his thoughts, he barely heard Blair's conversation with Ray.

Blair hung up and looked over at Todd. His focus was on nothing in particular and she knew the revelations of the morning were definitely on his mind. "Ray said he had some free time today and he could come to talk if you were up to it and I explained that we both wanted him to go ahead and come, so he'll be here after one o'clock, alright." Todd just nodded, Blair went to him and sat down saying. "This is just a minor setback. The last few days have weakened your system and I'm sure that has probably weakened your defense mechanisms."

Todd looked at her and said. "These events happened before the last few days. Something inside me has changed and I'm not sure I can get it back." he paused "Samuel any sign of Ms.Perkins."

"We still haven't located either one Todd. Hang in there, we'll find her."  

Todd shook his head and glanced back at Blair, "Still no sign of Ms. Perkins. It's weird Blair, With her I always felt like I had my back covered. I know when I was younger and during those days following my collapse in court, it was Ms. Perkins who kept Pete in check. I'm concerned that in my eagerness to retain all my alters because I couldn't stand to lose any of them, including Pete; I inadvertently opened an avenue for them to come out. I can't stay awake 24/7."

"Todd I think you're overreacting. So far only Tom and Rodd have come out for visits and both of them behaved themselves. Let's not assume the worse and figure Pete knows how they did it. Let's talk to Ray and Dr. Levin it might be something you can turn around once you understand what you did." Blair reached and took the empty cup from his hands. "Let it go for now. I'm sure the doctor would be upset to hear you're getting worked up. Remember we're supposed to be working on no stress." She got up and moved behind him and slowly began kneading his shoulder trying to get him to relax. After several minutes, Todd stretched his neck and shoulders easing himself back under her ministering hands. "That's better, remember you need to take it easy a few more days and besides I want to talk about marrying you."

Todd's hands came up and stopped hers. "Blair we can't, not with this latest development. I can't put you in harm's way. I need to find out whether Pete is still securely in deep freeze before we marry again, especially after everything he tried to do the last time he was out."

Blair shook loose and came around in front of Todd and sat facing him. "That's enough of that Todd, I'm not afraid of Pete and I don't think he could ever truly hurt me because he is part of you. He can get mean and nasty but your love for me is stronger than his hatred. There is no way you would allow it. If Pete escapes, my guess is he'll try to have some fun. He's bound to make a mistake and we'll find out, but that's putting the cart before the horse, right now we haven't seen him and neither has Starr. I trust your brothers to keep a lid on Pete. I'm not going to let your badass alter come between us. I love you Todd Manning, all of you and I'm keeping you to your proposal. We're getting married hell or high water."

"In that case, there's only one thing to do." he grabbed her and pulled her to him taking her lips before she could say another word. They were coming up for air when Todd felt a little hand on his arm. He discovered his granddaughter staring up at him and then she said. "Sir Dragon stop eating grandma." Todd couldn't help himself.   He threw back his head and laughed, something he hadn't done in a long time. "But Princess Shorty, Sir Dragon is awfully hungry and your grandma is a tasty morsel." he looked at Blair and grinned. "If I can't eat her, I guess I'll just have to eat you." he grabbed her and threw her in the air and caught her, and pretended to start eating her. Hope responded, laughing and giggling as her Dragon tickled her.

Blair stood up as they played and said "Sir Dragon you can't eat my granddaughter, I'll get you something to eat. I beg you to spare my granddaughter."

"Ahh, Princess Shorty I will let you go but only if your grandma brings something soon for I am mighty hungry. Perhaps you would let me have one little finger till I get some food." he nibbled at her fingers and Hope again laughed, then flung her arms hard around his neck. Todd held tight as his eyes filled with tears of joy at the pleasure of holding her. In his ear she said. "I love you Dragon." He twirled her about and then whispered "I love you too." before dropping back down on the couch with her on his lap. They continued to tickle each other and laugh till Blair brought out some breakfast for him. When the tray arrived Todd relinquished his hold and allowed Starr to take Hope. "Thank you, Princess Shorty, you kept this old Dragon happy till the food came. I really didn't want to eat you. You better go with your mommy and let this dragon get his strength back, I need to be strong to protect you and your mommy and grandma." he watched Starr and Hope go upstairs and understood why Tom wanted out occasionally. He understood but he couldn't stop worrying about Pete. Pete was unpredictable and therefore a threat.

Blair watched as Todd's mood went from joyful to somber and she knew he was thinking of Pete again. She prayed Ray would be able to talk some sense into him and help him. "Todd, I have to leave to go to the Sun for a few hours. Take it easy. I'll be back if you need me here when Ray comes. Just call me."

Todd felt dismayed over the fact that Blair was leaving but then he realized it would give him a chance to converse with Samuel and the others. "Don't take any chances, just get the paper out. Tell the writers to stick with the story of the publisher's return from a coma, and keep them away from any stories about the new owner Samuel Toddman."

Blair gave him a kiss goodbye and left, feeling Todd's eyes following her out the door. She took a moment to speak with the officer of the day and then gathered her thoughts so she could face the people at the Sun. She wanted to get in and out at the Sun. It was more important that she be back at Todd's when Ray arrived.