Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 16

Todd strolled into Shaun’s office and was surprised to see Destiny sitting at a desk answering phones. She was Dani’s friend and had just recently had her baby with Matthew Buchanan. He still hadn’t been able to really connect with Dani. He had kept his distance because Tea was having such a hard time since Jake’s death, but it was beginning to gall him that Tea had remained so stubborn about him getting to spend time with Dani. He heard a baby coo and knew Destiny’s baby was behind the desk. Destiny still had no idea he was there and he didn’t want to scare her. He had a way of coming up on people so quietly that it unnerved them, he wasn’t going to scare Destiny that way. Todd turned around and went back to the door. This time he opened it and closed it loudly behind him and stomped a little bit so she heard his arrival.

Destiny jumped as she heard movement behind her and then gasped as she saw who was standing above her.

“Good Morning, is your brother in?”

Destiny opened and then closed her mouth. She wasn’t sure what to say to Dani’s father. “He’s here,” she said in a squeak. Then she reached over and picked up her son, and clung to him like she was afraid Todd might do something.

Todd tried to keep his facial expression neutral, even though it hurt to see her respond that way. He wasn’t sure if she did that with all of Shaun’s employers or if he was special, but he had a feeling she only did it to him. “I need to talk to him, and I don’t want to bother you. I’ll see myself in.” Todd entered the inner office and found Shaun at his desk.

“Todd, I’m sorry, was I supposed to be working early today?”

“No Shaun, I still just need you after school, but right now I need to know if you’ve looked at the most recent vids of the activity around Dragonheart. In particular, the last couple of days.”

“I haven't had a chance to go over them yet.  The last few days huh, what are we looking for?” Shaun headed over to the adjoining room and Todd followed, finding himself surrounded by monitors, showing various aspects of Dragonheart.

“Sam says he met a person, who he calls Sleeping Beauty, on the outskirts of the forest the other day. I’m sure whoever she is, she was watching the house today. I want to see if the cameras picked her up. By the way, I thought you were watching the kids. Why was Sam alone the other day?”

Shaun could tell by his tone that Todd was pissed off, and he couldn’t really blame him. He remembered a day in the previous week when he had let Sam stay outside for a little longer while he had taken Hope into the bathroom. “There’s no excuse Todd. I’m sorry and it won’t happen again, but I do know which day it was, so let’s look at the vids for that day.”

Todd had been ready to rip Shaun a new one. It had suddenly occurred to him that Sam had been alone when he met Sleeping Beauty. They could have lost him so easily that day. Then Shaun admitted he was in the wrong.

 "No excuses," he said.

Todd admired the man for admitting his mistake. His anger left and he said, “You’re right, there is no excuse and if Sam had been taken I’m not sure what I would have done. We’re both lucky it didn’t happen. Shaun, I like you and I’ll overlook it this time, but know this, Blair, and those kids are the most important people in my life. I love them all.  If anything happens to them on your watch, look out.”

Shaun merely nodded. “Understood.  Here’s the day that I left him alone for those few minutes.  Let’s see if we can find out who he was talking to.”

Todd turned his gaze to the screen and began watching the video. He saw the children running around chasing the bubbles. Then he turned his attention to the forest area shown in the background on the screen. He spotted the figure standing off in the distance. It appeared to be a small woman or girl. “There,” he watched and noticed the figure sit down. “Is there any way to get a closer shot of her?”

“Sure, we can zoom in but it’s not going to give us much. It will be out of focus since the camera wasn’t looking for her in particular. It’s hard to tell if she’s a child?”

“Let's see if we can figure it out when Sam talks to her. At least, that would at least tell us if she’s bigger than him.” They watched the video longer and saw the little guy make his way to the place where she was. When she stood up, it was obvious she was older and taller than Sam but that was all they were able to determine. Whoever she was, she didn’t make a move to touch him. Todd found it hard to watch, even though he knew the boy walked away from her just fine. All sorts of bad scenarios kept popping into his head.

Shaun felt queasy when he realized how easily the person could have taken Sam. He hadn’t done his job right and Todd could have fired him on the spot.

“It’s my fault too Shaun. Starr and Blair have been letting you babysit instead of bodyguard. From now on I’ll make sure someone else is with those two small ones at all times. I know they love to play with you, but you can’t play with them and guard them at the same time.” Todd had seen Shaun’s face and knew he was thinking the same things Todd had been envisioning. “This looks like the best place to zoom in on her. Get as close as the camera can get, and print off the picture, I’ll run it to John. Maybe Natalie and the forensic team can get more details and figure out who she is.”

Shaun took the camera in as close as they could get and printed the picture. He handed it to Todd. “It’s not very helpful, she’s too far away.”

“It’s something. Let’s look at today’s video that scans the back area of the house. I’m interested in the camera located close to the breakfast nook side of the back terrace.” Shaun found the video filmed a few hours earlier and they watched. Both of them spotted her at the same time. This view was closer, but she still managed to hide in the shadows enough to obscure a good view of her face. The closeup view did reveal one thing. The person hiding was definitely not a girl but a mature woman with the figure to prove it. The mood in the office was somber as Shaun printed out a second picture for Todd. They both knew that a child coming and looking at the house was harmless, but an adult continuing to do it was a problem. “Okay Shaun, I don’t want to scare my children, but from now on the property gets a good look over before the kids go out to play. Agreed?”

“Absolutely, I’ll do a perimeter search every afternoon. Do you think she’s been there every day?”

“I don’t know, but as of today, it stops. Don’t tell Blair or Starr, it’ll just upset them, just make it part of the routine before playtime.” Todd pulled out the small wreath and showed it to Shaun. “I found this where she stood this morning, let me know if you find any more.” After letting Shaun get a good look at the wreath, he put it back in his pocket and taking his pictures, he got ready to leave. Opening the door he saw Destiny chattering on her cell phone and turned to Shaun. “How’s your sister doing? It’s got to be tough trying to do school and cope with a new baby?”

“Little Bit is holding up. She’s strong like Starr.”

“That’s right, you were around when Starr had Hope. My little girl, she was strong, huh?”

“The strongest. I know now where she got that strength. You can be proud Todd, Starr takes after you in a lot of ways.  Good ways, from what I’ve seen.  Hey, come meet my nephew.” Shaun walked over and picked up the baby and turned him so Todd could get a good look at the little guy. “Meet Drew Buchanan-Evans”

Todd looked down at the boy and offer his finger to the child as Shaun introduced him. “Good morning, Mr. Drew.” The child grabbed his finger and smiled. Todd smiled back. “He’s a beautiful boy. Well, I need to get these pictures to John.  Blair‘s going to have my head.  She’s probably worried about me, as we speak.  I’ll see you later.” He released his fingers from the baby’s grip, smiled at both Shaun and a very shocked Destiny, and left.

“How could you do that, Shaun?”

“How could I do what?” Shaun asked as he put his nephew back in his carrier.

“You know what. Get all friendly with Mr. Manning like that. You know what he is and yet you show my son to him. Are you nuts!” Destiny didn’t even realize the phone line was still open as she talked to her brother. “That’s Dani’s real father. He raped Marty Saybrook in college, and according to stories I’ve heard from Matthew, he did all sorts of other things.”

Shaun looked at his sister in surprise. “Destiny, I know everything there is to know about that man and probably a number of things you don’t know. That man was everything you said, but those things happened long ago in his past. He’s done a lot in his recent present to make up for his wrongs. Before condemning him, maybe you should talk to the people he’s been working with since he came back. Drew’s grandfather and grandmother are just a couple of people who could tell you about him. I’m ashamed of you. I thought given my background and your father’s, you would at least reserve judging someone until you knew all the facts.”

“But Dani...” Destiny suddenly realized Dani was on the other end of the phone and had heard the conversation.

“But Dani, nothing. Tea has refused to let Dani get to know her father. Would you refuse to let Drew know Mathew for any reason?” Shaun glared at her.

“Of course not, but Dani...” Destiny held the phone out in front of her and Shaun guessed what Destiny was trying to tell him. He mouthed “Dani” and his sister nodded. Shaun quickly turned the conversation around. “Look, you’re a good friend to Dani. You remain that for her, but don’t judge Todd okay?”

Destiny nodded, completely cowled by her brother’s forceful defense of Dani’s father. As Shaun turned and went back into his office, she brought the phone to her ear. “Oh my God Dani, I’m so sorry!”

Dani was numb. When Destiny had called and said her father was in Shaun’s office, Destiny had said how she was a little alarmed to have him standing over her. They had started talking about how she still couldn’t bring herself to let him into her life even though Starr had still been trying to make her see him in a different light. It had been so easy to use his past as a means to keep him at arm's length and her mother had been so upset about losing Jake that she had reinforced Todd’s bad points. It was weird that Shaun stood up for him with Destiny. Not only that, but the man she had heard talking to Shaun and to baby Drew didn’t sound like a monster. Even her brother Jack had stopped making angry remarks about him and had started talking about him like a normal father. “It’s okay Destiny, you just forgot I was here...The things your brother said, I know Mom’s been upset about Jake and she keeps saying Todd is trouble. ... Am I wrong Destiny? Should I be giving him a chance?”

“I don’t know, but Shaun is usually a pretty good judge of character.  I've got to tell you.  I think Shaun really likes your dad.  Shaun is picky about his friends, so I think I’ve got to find out more about him.  After all, he’s a member of Matthew’s family.  I guess I’ll have to talk to Nora and Bo.  But, you’re my friend and I’m still here for you no matter what you decide about him.”

“Thanks. Well, I need to get to class. When do you think you’ll be back in school?”

“I start back next week. Drew is finally starting to sleep during the night, so I’m hoping to start regular classes then. Drew and I will see you later, after school, bye.” Destiny hung up and picked up her son. She pictured Todd as he had looked at her son. His face hadn’t seemed menacing then, in fact, he had looked happy. Drew had even seemed okay with him. Destiny hated when people made assumptions about her and she’d been doing just that with Mr. Manning. “Well, that changes today, Drew. I think I want to know more about Dani’s dad. Your Uncle Shaun likes him, he can’t be all bad.”

Sitting outside the Llanview Police Department, Todd smiled to himself, as he recalled the little baby taking his hand. He had lost so many years with both his daughter and son. Years he would never get back. It was too bad. If he and Blair could get pregnant again, he’d make sure to be around for this one. Manning, you’re a fool, there’s no way Blair would want another child now. Just put it out of your head. He got out of the car and grabbing the pictures he entered the station.

Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 15

            Todd’s thoughts were in turmoil. Who was this girl or woman that Sam had talked to? He wanted to believe it was some young girl, some innocent child who had just happened upon the house while out playing in the woods, but he couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to it than that. Before heading into town, Todd wandered out back past the garages and over to the wooded area where Carlo had watched them all those months ago. He moved into the woods looking for a path and found it. Turning around on the path and facing the house, he found himself looking at the breakfast nook.

Todd looked around trying to find something that would tell him someone had been standing there when he suddenly spotted it. He reached down and picked up a small braided wreath. It was very delicate, made with small wildflowers and long leaves woven together to form a lovely ring. Someone had had a lot of practice weaving. Whoever was watching had stood there for some time. He put the little wreath in his pocket and frowned.

“What are you thinking Todd? It looks like Blair might have been right. It probably was some child watching the house. That wreath is not something a man would have made.”

“Could be, Samuel, but something doesn’t seem right. If this is a child, why doesn’t she come to make friends, why is she just watching? I thought I knew of all the small towns on the mountain and none are close to here. Where has she come from?”

“Todd, are you worried because there is a small child loose on the mountain, or is something else bothering you?”

“What do you mean? I just think it’s weird. I could have sworn someone was watching the house this morning and the wreath confirms it. What I want to know is if the person who made the wreath is connected to Sam’s Sleeping Beauty?”

“There’s no way we can find that out until we find Sam’s friend, but I think there’s something concerning this you don’t want to talk about. I’m guessing you’re worried for another reason. This has to do with Mitch. Right?”

Todd leaned back against a boulder. “I don’t know, my nights have been hell lately, you know it. I’ve been trying to keep the nightmares from Blair, but it’s getting harder. Seriously, I’m grateful Blair was in such a playful mood last night, it kept the dream away. Now, this. I can’t shake free from the idea that this girl is connected somehow. That’s crazy right?”

"It’s not crazy Todd, not when it concerns us. I’m inclined to believe you might have a point. We need to find this girl if she is a girl. We’re not even sure about that. If it is just a young girl, you’re going to feel pretty foolish?”

“But Samuel, what if it’s not? God, I hate being paranoid, but there’s been no sign of Kipling or Mitch either one and I don’t like it. I can’t say why it bothers me for a person to be watching the house, but it’s so reminiscent of when Carlo used to do it. I hate this feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Samuel, I’ve got to know. What do you remember about Mitch?” Todd had dropped down to the ground, his back to the boulder, and entered his mind to talk to his “brother” face to face.

Samuel looked at Todd. He knew the last time they had discussed Mitch, Todd had been very fragile, but a lot had happened since those therapy sessions. Samuel found a chair and sat down noting Todd doing the same thing. “It’s not an easy memory to access Todd, You thought something else entirely was going on and you retreated and I found myself looking at a knife. But I blanked it out too. For eight years, I chose not to remember how I got this scar”

Todd nodded he understood that that time for Samuel had been equally traumatic. “I’m grateful every day that you held on for all of us. I don’t fault you for hiding from that truth. How can I? I completely disappeared. It just that it continues to be a blank spot for me since it’s your memory.”

The two men looked at each other, mirror images of themselves but different. Samuel reached up and smooth his hair off his face. Even now, when he knew he was just a part of Todd, he still felt the reality of all those years. He had lived them, not Todd. “For eight years I pushed that memory from my mind and hid it the way I did the scars. I figured that those scars marked me as something ugly and since I couldn’t remember anything, they were a constant reminder that I should stay hidden. The night I remembered Marty was just proof to me I had been right.”

“But you weren’t right, Marty was my burden and you had just been left to carry it. When did you remember the second scar?”

“The truth of that night came to me in Ray’s office in Cherryvale

Todd had cringed when Samuel described Mitch slicing into his cheek and his hand had involuntarily covered his cheek. It hit him that Samuel had been created that night and he was truly a babe in the woods. He had become aware, finding himself being manhandled and tortured by a madman and he hadn’t known why. “I’m sorry.”

Samuel’s head whipped up and he looked at Todd, his hand on his cheek and sorrow in his eyes. “Why? What do you have to be sorry for?”

“I’m the reason you were born. I fled and you had to face my enemy and you didn’t even know why. You hung in there even after all that and protected me. Even now, you’re here for me. Once I remembered what had happened that night your purpose for being was finished. Why did you stick around?”

“I stuck around because you still needed me. I’m not sure why, because you have enough strength to go it alone now. Yet we’re comfortable this way. Do you want me to go?”

Todd remembered laying in Ray’s arms as Samuel had stoically told him the truth. The truth he had needed to hear because his version had been warped by his time in the tomb. Samuel had walked away and said his job was finished, but Todd had begged him to come back. At first, Todd had believed him gone but when things had begun going downhill as the nightmares had started, Todd had known Samuel was still near to back him up. “No, I don’t want you to go, but I feel selfish. For eight years, you lived a real life and now you only live through me. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Samuel smiled “I’m not upset that I don’t have the same life I used to, after all, it was your life. I just held your place. Besides, from everything I’ve read about alters I have it pretty good. You let me out to help whenever you need me, you let me spend time painting, so what do I have to complain about.”

Todd grinned ruefully “Well when you put it that way, but I’m still sorry. You shouldn’t have had to take Mitch at his cruelest. The man is a blight on this planet and he should be gone, but someone took that away from us. I know he’s out there.” Todd’s hand clenched and he grabbed his stomach as fear rolled through him. “I won’t let him do it again. It makes me sick with fear and he’s bleeding into my nights again. We have to find him and stop him for good this time, for our sanity.” Todd pulled himself out of his head and gripped the boulder standing back up. “The moment John told me Mitch’s body was missing, everything came flooding back. So we know Mitch is out there and I think he’s alive and now someone is watching my house. I’m not psychic, but I feel it’s all connected. It’s time I got into town and I still need to talk to Shaun.”

Todd, sooner or later you’re going to have to tell Blair. I don’t think the nightmares are going away anytime soon.”“

“You’re right, but it’s awfully hard to break this mood she’s in lately. She’s been really upbeat. I don’t want to bring her down.”

“If you wake her in the middle of one of these nightmares she’s going to know you’ve been hiding them from her, and she needs to know about Mitch. He’s terrorized her family too. Talk to John. Maybe he’s had a chance to find out more about Kipling and tell him about our visitor. If you’re correct, he could be checking into her too.”

Todd brushed off his clothes "You're right, Blair needs to know now, I'm through keeping secrets from her."  He walked back around the garage to his car and noted that Blair had already left with the kids. She was going to beat him to The Sun but it couldn’t be helped.  As he drove into town, he made a beeline for Shaun’s office. It was time to review those tapes.

To My Readers: My Apologies

             To all who have been gracious enough to read my books, I apologize for the long time between recent Chapters.  Some of it was due to the fact that I've been having health issues, the first was a broken right wrist which is also my good hand.  The second issue that has plagued me is an inconsiderate kidney stone.  The medical issues are now resolved for the time being and I'm trying hard to put out the next installment of 'Don't Shoot the "Messenger" ' Therefore I beg your indulgence and hopefully new chapters will be forthcoming at a speedier rate from now on.  Thank you again for your viewership.

Karena

Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 14

His arm was wrapped securely around her waist as she lay upon his chest. He was asleep, her magnificent dark angel. His hair, now down to his shoulders, was spread out on the pillow behind him, surrounding his head like a burnished halo. Blair reached up to his face and traced his two scars. The first had been given to him to stop a horrendous act against Marty. And because of it, he had lost most of the hearing in his right ear. Todd had kept the scar as a constant reminder of his monster and what he was capable of. The second had been given to him by Mitch Laurence. Mitch, the real monster, who had thought nothing about burying Todd with his dead father just to torment him. He had carved the wicked “L” in Todd’s face to show he was in control. Mitch had known Todd was in his way and had chosen to remove him. He had left Todd on the road to die, and he probably would have if Hesser hadn’t shown up. She hated Mitch, he had terrorized her family as much as Todd’s. “I’m glad he’s dead,” she whispered to herself.

           “You’re glad who’s dead?’ Todd had felt her gentle fingers on his face and had lain still wondering what else Blair might explore, but her words had seemed so incongruous with her movements. He looked down at his wife curiously. “That‘s kind of a weird statement. Who were you thinking about just now?”

           She gazed up into his hazel eyes and then dropped her eyes, her hand moving absently across his chest. “Oh don’t worry about it, it’s nobody.” She had never brought up what Mitch had done. Even though he had faced the horrors of his time in Victor’s tomb, they had both steered clear of any mention of the man who had put him there.

          Todd reached over and captured her moving hand in his. He knew she was trying to get off the subject, but why? “Blair, talk to me, answer my question. Who were you talking about?” he pulled her hand up to his lips and gently kissed her fingertips.

         The electricity that went through her at his touch made her body tingle, she didn’t want to talk about Mitch, she wanted her husband’s mind on her. She snuggled closer and began nibbling on his nipples, hearing his gasp.

           “God, woman, I’m trying to have a conversation.” It was all he could do to get the words out. She had started kissing her way lower across his abs. As her tongue swirled around him, all conversation was lost to the sensations rolling through him. Her hands were fondling him and her tongue was working magic. Blair wanted a better position so she moved on top of him and Todd found himself face to face with her beautiful behind. Deciding to take advantage and reciprocate, Todd moved under and began to lick her. Her little yelps caused him to smile as he went to work trying to drive her as crazy as she was driving him. It became a challenge, as they both worked to finish the other first, and Todd suspected he was going to lose this particular battle. He had to concede defeat when she took him deeper into her mouth and he gave in, pushing further inside and taking his release. Although now satisfied, he continued to work on Blair until she was begging for mercy, making him hard all over again. Slipping out from under her, he placed his hand on the small of her back, rubbing in small circles and then entered her from behind. Bringing his hands underneath her, he found her softness, and used his body weight to help move his fingers along her and around her, as he moved inside. Within moments, they both cried out, and he collapsed, spent and wrung out, lying on top of her, blissfully satisfied.

He listened to her soft breathing, fast at first, then slowly returning to normal, as he stroked her back. His fingers played with the strands of her hair. He loved her so much. She loved him so much.

Do I dare? He’s going to be so shocked. She couldn’t believe it herself. She had wanted to make absolutely sure before bringing it up. She hadn’t had a chance to talk to Larry about all the ramifications. She kissed his hand, which had moved up alongside her face, and he turned her over onto her back.

He was so beautiful and so dangerous, she quivered at the look in his eye. She had seen that look the night of their wedding when she had danced with him, it had basically said she belonged to him and no other. Like a territorial lion, he had staked his claim. As she looked into those eyes now, it all became clear. Todd hadn’t said anything, but she could tell. She had noticed the slight edge in his mannerisms and the quicker temper. His little outburst about Kevin just one example. Her man was dangerous and she wouldn’t have him any other way. He was still holding her down, “What do you see?” She said, enticingly biting her lower lip, then licking it.

“I see my woman, totally and absolutely mine. I see the desire in her eyes, desire for what I can give her, for what I can make her feel.” He leaned over and began nuzzling her neck and she was unable to silence the moan from escaping. His voice sent chills up her spine; her man was in charge and taking what was his. She gave into her feelings, begging him to proceed and found herself swept away again as he took possession of his woman into his arms.

Once again they clung to each other, Todd had fallen back asleep. She caressed his chest as her eyes drifted shut.  Her earlier thought, popping unbidden into her head as she sleepily smiled you’re going to love my news and then she joined her husband in slumber.

Todd awoke first and smiled down at his wife. Her hair was tousled from all the lovemaking they had done, and he noticed the little smile gracing her lips. She loved him. Of course, he still had to take her to task for ignoring his question last night. He knew Blair. She thought he would be so swept away by her charms he would forget it. By now she should know better. He never let a question go unanswered. She had made the cryptic comment and he wanted to know who she had been thinking of while lying in his arms. He‘d get that answer but for now, he needed to get ready for work.

He slipped free of her and watched her turn over gripping the pillow in lieu of his chest. He reached for his robe and headed to the bathroom.  He wanted to have breakfast underway by the time the kids got up. His glance at the clock told him he had about an hour and a half before his house turned into a zoo. It always amazed him, how they all even made it out the door on time. With the exception of Shorty, the rest of his family were heavy sleepers and waited until the last minute to get in gear. Todd walked over to Blair as he finished buttoning his shirt and gave her a gentle kiss then he headed downstairs. It looked like it was going to be another good day outside. Todd pulled out the orange juice and poured himself a glass as he waited for the coffee to finish. He wandered to the window to look out over Llanview and a movement caught his eye. He directed his stare to a small area of the forest, an area he remembered Hesser standing in a while back. There wasn’t anything there, but he had an uneasy feeling someone had been looking at the house. He turned away from the window. Your imagination is starting in, Manning, just because Kipling is out, doesn’t mean he’d still be in the area.

“What’s the matter, Todd?” Samuel inquired.

“I don’t know Samuel, I guess I just hate the idea of either one of those guys walking around free right now.”

“You really think Kipling has managed to keep Mitch alive don’t you?”

“You can’t kid me, Samuel, you believe it too. You know what it means if he’s alive. I didn’t want this, I was doing okay thinking he was locked up. But now everything is coming back. I can’t do this, Samuel, not again. If he’s out there I’ve got to find him and end it.”

Starr had walked into the kitchen and noticed her father leaning on the counter. Although he held a glass of juice it was obvious he was in the middle of one of his private conversations, most likely with Samuel. She knew better than to interrupt so she went to work. getting bagels and a variety of cream cheeses out for her family. As well as pouring a couple of glasses of milk for the ones that liked it. He still hadn’t acknowledged her and she began to get worried.

“Todd you know if you go after him you could fall into the same hell you’ve been trying to escape all this time.”

“It won’t be like that Samuel. I can control myself but I’ve got to get him. It’s the not knowing that’s killing me.” A flash of sunlight off the knife Starr was using to cut the bagels shown in his eye and Todd realized he was no longer alone. He cleared his throat and straightened up. “Good morning Shorty. I’m sorry, I didn’t see you come in.”

“That’s okay Dad, you seemed lost in thought, or were you talking to someone?”

Todd heard her question and realized how different Starr’s life had become since he had come back home. She found it perfectly normal to ask him if he was talking to one of his alters. If an outsider had heard the question they would have wondered what on earth she was talking about. “Perceptive aren’t you. Yes, I was having a chat with Samuel. There’s a problem that has just surfaced and I was using Samuel as a sounding board.”

“It must be some problem, I’ve been in here about five minutes.”

“Okay, now you're pulling my leg.” and for emphasis he jerked his leg toward her.. “I know we weren’t talking that long.” he grinned and she grinned back.

“You’re right, it was more like twelve.” she teased.

Todd laughed, “I get the picture. I’ll try to keep from getting so engrossed next time.”

“So engrossed in what?” asked Blair as she walked into the kitchen. She wandered over to Todd, giving him a smile and gave him a kiss.

“It’s nothing, I was having a discussion with Samuel when Starr came in and I didn’t notice her, she was chastising me.”

“You ignored your daughter to talk to yourself, you should be ashamed of yourself.” Blair winked at Starr knowing Todd couldn’t see her face.

“Hey, not you too.” At which point they both smiled at him and he knew Blair was kidding. Down the hall, they heard Cole’s voice. “You guys better get your butts in gear or you’re going to school hungry this morning.”

They looked at him and Hope quizzically as they came into the kitchen. “What’s going on Cole,” asked Starr.

“Jack’s teasing Sam unmercifully about some Sleeping Beauty that Sam says he met at the forest’s edge.” replied Cole and went to put Hope in her chair.

Todd felt his stomach flip but he kept his face composed, as the boys entered.

“She is too real. She talked to me and everything.” Sam said.

“You’ve just been reading too many fairytale books, Sam, You can’t believe those stories.” laughed Jack.

“Jack, stop teasing your brother,” Blair spoke up. She could tell Sam was getting upset. that no one believed him. “Sam if you say you saw her, I believe you. Can you tell me what she looked like?”

“She’s not as tall as you, Mom, but taller than Starr and she has light brown long hair and is really nice. She was sleeping in the woods and I thought she might need a kiss to wake her, but she told me she came from down the mountain.”

“It sounds to me like she’s probably just some young girl who lives in one of the smaller towns around here. She was probably just walking through the woods and wanted a look at the house. If you see her again, you let me know, will you Sam, I’d like to meet your little friend. Now you better hurry up and eat or we’re all going to be late.”

Blair had noticed that Todd hadn’t said much with regard to the girl. In fact, for a brief moment, she thought she had seen a frown. She poured herself a coffee and walked over to her husband. “What’s the matter, surely you’re not bothered by Sam meeting a young girl on the mountain.”

“I don’t recall him saying she was young. Blair, I don’t remember there being a whole lot of towns on this side of the mountain. I just wonder where she came from.”

“Todd I’m sure it’s nothing. If she is some country girl, she was probably enamored with the house. It’s a very unusual house and a poor country girl would probably consider it a dream home. I doubt if she’ll be back” Blair sat down next to Starr and grabbed a bagel and began eating, while the children talked around the table.

“You don’t believe that for a minute do you, Todd.”

“Not for one second. I knew I saw someone out there this morning and now I’m certain.”

Well, you’ve got Shaun watching the property, maybe his cameras have seen something.

“Yeah, I’ll check with Shaun.  Samuel, that feeling won’t go away.  I’m going to have to tell Blair soon.”

“Don’t jump the gun, wait until you see Shaun, no sense alarming Blair for nothing.”

“Blair, I’ve got to stop and see Shaun about something, I’ll see you at The Sun. “ Todd gave her a quick peck and headed out.

Blair looked at her husband’s retreating back. Her news would have to wait. Todd was hiding something and it was time to find out what it was.

Don't Shoot the "Messenger", Ch. 13

            Todd stood over by the drinks pouring some champagne into the flutes marveling at how time made all the difference. Less than two months ago, Kym and C.J. had gotten married and now they had a child on the way. It was still early, but they were optimistic that all would be fine and they were eager to get home to Chase and Lily. He reached across and picked up the sparkling Cider for Kym and the children. It had been a wonderful evening. He smiled as he caught Blair’s eyes. He saw a sheen in them and knew Blair was holding back some tears. She was going to miss having Kym around. Starr arrived and began picking up the ciders to hand out.

“Isn’t it great news, Dad?”

“Yes Starr, it’s great. Now be careful, you grabbed a champagne. I don’t want to be accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Your mother would kill me if Sam or Jack got drunk.”

“Oh Dad, really. But you only poured four ciders? “ She looked at him puzzled.

“I think you and Cole are old enough for a proper toast. At least this once,” he clarified.

She stood on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his cheek, “You’re softening up, Dad.”

“I’m doing no such thing. Tell Cole, I’m watching him and to keep his hands off.” She laughed as she took her four drinks, she had heard the laughter in his voice. Todd shook his head and with the rest of the glasses on a tray, began to deliver them. “Cater waiter coming through.” He couldn’t help smiling at Cole’s expression when he was handed his drink. Todd looked around. “All set?” Everyone held up a glass. “Almost two months ago, my nephew and best bud had the good sense to marry this beautiful woman in front of us. Tonight we found out they’re going to be adding to the Roberts family and ours. I have only one wish for them. May they have many happy years with this child and may he or she grow up healthy and know this family will always be here for him or her. To Kym and C.J. and the new one on the way.”

“To C.J.and Kym,” everyone said and took a drink. Todd gulped his down as usual and dropped down next to Hope to make sure she didn’t spill any of hers on her pajamas.

“So Hope, there’s going to be a new baby in the family. What do you think?”

She looked around solemnly and said. “We need a girl.”

Todd looked at her bemused. “Why a girl?”

“So we can beat them,” and she pointed to Sam and Jack. Everyone laughed.

Todd took what was left of her drink, downed it, and swooped her into his arms. “I bet you and she would do a good job at that, too. It’s time for bed. Starr, you and Cole relax, I’ll put her down,” as he started out of the room he looked at his two boys. “Jack and Sam, you too.”

“But Dad, it’s way too early for me.” Jack protested.

Todd stopped in his tracks. Turned and looked at his son. “You just called me, Dad.”

Jack realized he had and stubbornly looked at his father. “Yeah, that’s who you are, right?” he replied with bravado.

To those watching, Todd’s face literally lit up as he smiled and said, “Damn straight. Okay, Jack, just one more hour, though,” and he left the room with Hope in his arms and Sam following.

Joey wandered over to Blair. “He really has changed a lot, hasn’t he. The only other time I saw him this happy was at your second wedding.”

Blair smiled at Joey. “He hasn’t changed, not really. He’s just letting more people see the real him. How was your visit with Vicki, I’ve been meaning to go by and check on her. I hope she’s had no lasting effects from her injury.”

“Mom’s fine. We had quite a talk. She filled me in on Todd’s whole story. It was the strangest thing, we walked in on Dad defending Todd to Kevin.”

“Clint did what?”

“Yeah, he was telling Kevin to back off and that he admired Todd’s journalistic skills.”

Kelly walked over “Did I hear right? Did Clint admire Todd’s newspaper skills? That’s a first. Now a man I admire is this Thomas Lord. That guy writes a mean article.”

Kym and C, J, had wandered over and chuckled to each other.

Kelly looked at all of them. “What’s so funny. The man is an excellent writer. I even suggested Todd try and hire him.”

Joey realized Kelly had no idea who Thomas Lord was. He smiled at her. “Kelly, honey. Todd can’t hire him.”

“Why not? I understand he’s a freelance writer.”

“But Kelly, think. His name is Thomas Lord. It stands to reason he might be related to us.”

“Maybe, but as far as I know, Vicki’s never mentioned a Thomas Lord. And besides, just because he’s a Lord doesn’t mean Todd would hate him. He’s a darn good writer..” She looked around at all their faces. “What’s is it. Why can’t Todd hire Thomas Lord?”

Blair figured they had teased her enough. From behind Kelly’s back, she saw Todd enter the room circling his finger in the cookoo sign. “Kelly...” She started to tell her cousin when Todd suddenly spoke up.

“What they’re all trying to get across to you Kelly, is that I’m Thomas Lord.”

Kelly looked at him and the others. They were all smiling like it was the truth. “Wait a minute. When you left Blair, you went to Savannah? Were you down there writing? But why didn’t Cassie tell me?”

“Because Cassie didn’t know Kelly, I didn’t want anyone to know, that’s why the alias and yes, Thomas is just that, an alias. I was going through some difficult times and felt Blair and the kids were better off without me. Then I realized I couldn’t exist without Blair and called her. She came and found me. But there was still the matter of Hesser and his hitman. After I returned here to testify, we decided to stay in hiding down in Savannah until everything cleared up here. I finished my articles only to come up against another enemy.” Todd looked at C.J. and Kym, grateful they had survived everything they had been put through. “But that’s another story. Thomas Lord’s last article went out a few weeks ago and for now, he’s put down the pen. So it would be a little difficult to hire him. Writing has been fun, but I have a whole business to run, so playtime is over for now. Now, what about that offer I made to you earlier?”

“Hey what offer is this?” asked Joey baffled.

“How can you want me, when I couldn’t even figure out you were Thomas Lord? They all knew.” and she pointed to the rest of the people in the room.

“C.J. and Kym knew because they ran into me while I was investigating. Blair worked it out after meeting my editor. I have no idea how Joey found out.”

Joey piped up. “I just found out because mom told me.”

“There, see Kelly, I know Vicki found out because of my editor too. Even she didn’t put two and two together at first. It’s not common knowledge and I want to keep it that way. Do you understand Kelly?” he looked at her and then at the rest of his family. “That goes for everybody in this room. Thomas Lord stays a mystery to the general public.”

“Todd, you should be proud of those articles. People in this town should know who wrote them.” Blair looked at her husband.

“I didn’t write them for the people in this town, I wrote them to get a story out and help some kids. I don’t need the approval of the people here. I’m proud of those articles and I’m glad that my family knows I wrote them. That’s enough for me.”

“You did much more than just get a story out and we know it,” said Kym as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. “If you want to keep Thomas Lord under wraps we won’t say anything.”

“Thanks, Kym, appreciated,” he smiled. “So Kelly, I’m still waiting for that answer. Will you become the Executive Editor for my international office? You can make your home in either London or Paris. Although if I were you, Joey, I‘d talk her into the Paris office. Then neither of you would be pestered by Kevin. I’ll even sweeten the offer. Joey, you could dust off your photography skills and come aboard as the photographic editor.” He looked at them both eagerly.

Joey was stunned. Even though Todd had gotten in one snipe at Kevin, it was clear he meant every bit of the offer. Joey looked at Kelly and could tell she would like to accept the offer but was worried about him. It might be fun to go back to those early roots when he worked at the Banner. It could be just what he needed to finally feel like his own man without his big brother hanging over his shoulder every day. “Kelly, it would be something fresh and new for both of us. I’m game if you are.”

“But Joey what about Clint and Buchanan Enterprises?”

“Kelly, they don’t need me at Buchanan Enterprises. Kevin and Cord have the Company well in hand. Think. We wanted to go to Paris all those years ago. This could be the year that it’s finally meant to be.”

“Take the offer, Kelly. You and Joey in Paris in the springtime, imagine what it would be like.”Blair said.

Todd looked at Blair. “Hey, I’m hiring them to do a job, not make out all over Paris.”

Blair slapped his arm. “Ever the romantic.”

“I’m a romantic but this is business. I need an answer, Kelly.”

“Okay Todd, I’ll take your offer. But I want to make sure that I‘m in charge over there. It’s going to be my baby. Hands off.”

“Kelly, I’ll keep hands-off as long as you keep it edgy and in the moment. It gets to be too much hearts and flowers, you’re out. That’s my prerogative as owner and publisher. Do we have a deal?”

“We have a deal.”

“Joey, you said you’re game. I’m trusting you to get me the look I want. Do we also have a deal?”

” I can’t believe I’m saying this but yes Todd, it’s a deal.” He shook hands with his uncle. Feeling like the night was a turning point for all of them.

Todd smiled, looked around, rubbed his hands together gleefully, and said. “Well, now that that’s settled I’m ready for dessert. What do we have Blair?” Everyone laughed and Blair and the girls went off to get the dessert. Todd, Joey, and C.J. wandered over to the bar and got several more drinks. They joined Cole, Starr, and Jack who were all deep in a discussion concerning the recent breakout from Statesville. Joey began asking questions about Alison and her relationship, if any, to Kipling and Hesser, and Cole said they had limited contact with the female prisoners. But that once a week had been movie night and both groups had sat together in the prison auditorium, it wasn’t impossible that messages hadn’t been passed.

Todd listened quietly, his mood sobering as he remembered what he and John had figured out that morning. After getting his dessert from Blair, he got up and headed outside to think. Blair knew that look and kept the conversation going. When Todd got pensive it was best to let him think it out and then get the information when they were alone. As the evening wound down, Todd finally returned to the gathering. No one commented on his absence, they were all used to a mercurial Todd and had learned to take him in stride. In a way, it was kind of reassuring to Joey, that some things about Todd hadn’t changed. Todd promised to send contracts to both by the end of the next day. The girls made plans to go shopping, as C.J. and Joey made plans to visit with Clint and see about mending fences.

Todd stood with Blair wrapped in his arms as Williams departed with their guests. “Ahh, Domesticity isn’t it grand.” he reached to capture a stray hair blowing in the breeze.

Blair caught his hand and kissed his fingertips. “With you, all life is grand. Thank you for offering Kelly the other job. She really has been at loose ends in London since leaving here.”

“Hey, I know she held down the fort after Jake was shot. She did a good job. I couldn’t let her go to my competition now, could I? But I don’t want to talk about her. How about we take this upstairs my Managing Editor and I’ll put you through your paces. Let’s see what you remember.”

“Sure, I’ll be glad to show you my managing skills.”

Todd turned her around in his arms. “How about giving me a preview.”

Blair obliged putting her hands on his chest and sliding them up slowly she moved his hair off his forehead. She played with his ears gently, then leaned forward and with her lips traced his scar from his ear to his lips and settled there tenderly feeling them give and his mouth open invitingly to her tongue. the kiss deepened and left them breathless. “How’s that,” she whispered against his chest.

He didn’t say anything but guided her back in and up to their room. Shutting the door behind them, he spoke. His voice was husky with emotion. “The preview speaks of excellent skills. Show me everything you’ve got.”

Blair loved when his voice dropped low and sexy. “Come and get it. The first edition is nothing, wait till I show you my special edition.” Todd needed no further invitation and soon only the moon was privy to the delights that Blair showed him.