Todd Manning: Enigma, Ch. 12

Chapter 12

A gasp went through the whole room, as all looked to see who would walk through the door. Manning had been shot down and killed only a few days earlier.  Hesser wondered if Samuel was going to walk in and claim his identity. Kipling, too, was curious if their visitor from the day before would enter.   A hush fell over the room when the newly dead Todd Manning walked into the courtroom surrounded by guards.  Pandemonium reigned for several minutes as the defense lawyers had to regroup under this new threat.  The crowd watching had started to talk and the judge quickly called the room to order.

Jake looked around the room and spotted Tea and smiled reassuringly.   He then went up to the witness box.

“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”

“I do”

“State your name.”

Jake hesitated. He looked over at Nora and she nodded. “Jacques Boudreau.”

The courtroom erupted again.

After a few minutes with everyone talking at once, the judge brought the room under control again and turned to his prosecutor. “Counselor, would you like to explain?”

“Yes, Your Honor.   Mr. Manning was in protective custody following the attempt on his life.   I was unaware he had petitioned the court for a legal name change.  This document just arrived Your Honor stating that Todd Manning is now legally Jacques Boudreau, but he was already on the docket to appear as Todd Manning.  With the courts’ permission, I request a change of name for my witness from Todd Manning to Jacques Boudreau.”

“Let the document showing the official name change be entered and you may proceed with your questioning of Todd Manning now Jacques Boudreau.” The judge held up his hand silencing the defense who would have protested. “The witness stays gentlemen, only his name changed.”

“Mr. Boudreau, for the sake of those present here, why did you petition for a name change?”

“Because it was my real name up until 2003.  I wanted it back.”

“Please explain.”

“I was grabbed off the street in Philadelphia while I was there on business.  I was beaten to a pulp and found myself in a clinic when I awoke. That was when my treatments started.”

“I see, so you couldn’t remember your name at the time you awoke?”

“That’s just it, I told them I was Jake Boudreau, but they told me I was delusional and said the treatments would help me see the truth. They kept calling me Todd Manning and said I needed the treatments to help me regain my memories. Through a series of excruciating treatments, I began to accept that I was Todd Manning and that I had a wife and children waiting here for me to come home. I was told as long as I kept up my prescriptions and took them faithfully, I could live a relatively normal life and have no worries of a relapse.”

“So you’re telling us, they told you, you were Todd Manning and all about his life, is that correct? You believed you were this Manning and came here when?”

“I arrived in town in 2003 and came into town as a man known as Walker Lawrence. I was told that would help me reestablish myself slowly back into Llanview until my wife Blair and my daughter Starr could adjust to my being alive. I then took over my life as Todd Manning.”

“Why have you decided to change your name at this time?”

“Because for the last eight years I’ve been living a lie. I’m not Todd Manning and never have been. I was brainwashed because of someone’s sick idea to further the cause of science and make big bucks doing it. I was a guinea pig, for lack of a better word.”

“Do you know the man who brainwashed you?”

“Yes.”

“Is he here in the courtroom?”

“That’s him sitting next to Carlo Hesser. My doctor and handler Ivan Kipling.” Jake pointed to Ivan. He got only a mild reaction from Kipling, but he hadn’t really expected any. Ivan was a cold fish and Jake could feel his anger rising. He forced himself to keep it in check.

“Mr. Boudreau, how did you find out you had been brainwashed?”

“The day I awoke from my coma after being shot, I met the man I had replaced.  Headaches, that had been occurring for over a year, began to get severe and I started remembering bits and pieces of my real past. The doctors discovered that I had two implants in my brain that were deteriorating.  After their removal, my real memories came flooding back including the atrocities done to me during my stay at the clinic. The first attempt on my life was their way of silencing me before I remembered. Unfortunately for the ones in charge, it, plus the most recent attempt, failed. I owe my life to the real Todd Manning.”

“For clarity’s sake, you know that Dr. Ivan Kipling is the doctor who implanted the microchips into your brain and gave you the treatments that made you believe you were Todd Manning. Is this true?”

“Yes, he has been my doctor for the last eight years. I went to him a little over a year ago complaining of blinding headaches and he gave me some medicine he said would take care of the pain. My wife and a doctor at the hospital discovered that what I had been taking wasn’t pain pills, but some type of hallucinogenic. Those same pills put me into a coma for several months after I was shot. The memories have been returning swiftly and I remember clearly Dr. Kipling telling me the treatments were necessary for my sanity. I was told they hurt because I was trying to fight my treatments. In order to avoid the pain, I gave in to the images and let them take me over. Now as memories of my real-life return, I realize the damage done to so many people by the man sitting in that chair.”

“Thank you, Mr. Boudreau, I have no further questions.”

The defense attorney for Dr. Kilpling rose. “Mr. Boudreau, you say you recall Dr. Kipling giving you those treatments at his clinic, but then you tell us you were on mind-altering drugs recently. Are you asking us to believe you have an accurate memory after your mind was tampered with? Isn’t it a fact, that your doctor’s prescription said you were taking pain pills? What makes you believe you were being given drugs instead?”

“I believe it because I went through the withdrawal when they had to clear the drug out of my system. My pills were tested and found to be laced with a concentrated drug designed to keep one’s psyche compliant and under control but too much of it causes severe side effects. The same side effects I had begun experiencing right before I was shot. As to my mental state, I’ve been examined by several renowned psychiatrists and all will attest to my sanity. There is nothing wrong with my memory about my life before I became Todd Manning. I have very clear memories of my life before, during, and after the clinic. In other words sir, I’m fine and I know who took me, who programmed me, and what I’ve done these last eight years.” Jake looked directly into the eyes of the attorney and stared him down.

The attorney knew he had made a mistake. He had tried to make Boudreau look unstable in the eyes of the jury and had only succeeded in making him look stronger. “Thank you, Mr. Boudreau. I have no more questions, Your Honor”

“You may step down Mr. Boudreau.”

Jake got up and walked slowly back to sit down with Tea and Blair. The marshals remained standing at the back of the courtroom keeping an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously.

Nora gathered herself. It was time for Samuel and she prayed he would hold up under cross-examination. “The prosecution calls Samuel Toddman to the stand.”

Samuel took John’s elbow and allowed him to lead the way. He took his seat after being sworn in.

“Mr. Toddman, what is your reason for coming here today?’

“Carlo Hesser and Ivan Kipling experimented on a number of people to satisfy government contracts for clandestine projects. As one of their victims, I wanted to tell my story.”

“Before we hear your story, could you tell us how you lost your sight?”

“I was on my honeymoon when the implants in my brain flared and caused me to take a tumble while riding a horse. My doctor found the implants and removed them, but their placement resulted in my blindness. It was like adding insult to injury because I had already lost eight years of my life and my memory because of the implants. “

“You have my sympathy. Could you tell us what you now remember? Take your time.”

"Eight years ago I became aware, it was when Mitch Lawrence gave me this scar, after having his goons beat me near to death. My next memory was waking in extreme pain and being wheeled down a hallway. I was taken into a room and he introduced himself as my doctor and said I was to begin treatments. What ensued was horrific.” Samuel felt his pulse begin to speed up as the dull pain began to build in his head. “Todd, I’m not sure we’re going to be able to do this.”


“Hang in there Samuel, if the pain gets too intense, we stop. Try telling only the bare minimum, maybe the implant will settle back down.”

“Mr. Toddman, are you okay?”

Samuel realized Nora was trying to get his attention. He took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, did you ask a question?”

“Mr. Toddman, you stopped talking is something wrong?”

“My apologies, I’m developing a bit of a headache. Where was I? Oh yes, the doctor. He was a cold man with silver hair and mustache, cold eyes, and his most distinguishing feature was his damn black hand. I remember feeling anxious, as well as in pain when I met him. Rather than trust him, he brought out this feeling of fear. Something I quickly learned had been spot on.” Samuel gritted his teeth as the pain once again began, he controlled his breathing trying desperately to get out the tale. “The doctor hooked me up to this machine and as I watched he pushed the lever. From that moment on the torment began.” Samuel reached for his head, no longer able to fight the pain.

“Mr. Toddman, you are obviously in distress, can you continue?” Nora looked at Samuel worried he was going to bring on another heart attack.

“I just need a moment,” he had broken into a sweat trying to fight the pain. "I need to get this out. The machine I was hooked up to was designed to interact with the implants they had inserted into my brain and one by one...” he gulped and again pressed his hand to this head. “It stripped me of my memories. Envision someone taking small slices of your skin and peeling it off piece by piece. That was what was going on with each treat...ahhh...” Samuel stopped once again as he dropped to his knees, the pain in his head overwhelming him.

“Mr. Toddman!” Nora turned to the courtroom and signaled Larry to come forward. “Doctor please.”

Larry and Michael had already gotten up and were making their way to Samuel’s side. Blair was on her feet, but Tea and Jake were keeping her back.

Everyone in the courtroom was watching the drama unfold. Hesser and Kipling looking at each other as they realized the damage Samuel had just done to the case. Sympathy had already been given to him by half the jury members when he had taken the stand in his blind condition, this added distress was working on them even more.

“Your honor could we have a moment while the doctors evaluate my witness.”

“Granted counselor, but I can only allow a few minutes, if your witness is unable to continue, we will proceed without him.”

Samuel was struggling to think, he knew there was something that would make some of the pain go away, but he couldn’t clear his thoughts. The pain was beating down on him.

Larry quickly began checking to make sure Todd’s heart was holding up. He and Michael got Samuel back into the chair. Michael began talking quietly to Samuel who seemed oblivious to them. Michael decided to try and reach Todd. “Todd, if you can hear me, I need you to come forth. We need to know exactly what is going on. Todd!”

Todd was as muddled as Samuel, but he heard Michael and forced his way to the surface. “Michael” he whispered. "Michael find the ring.” Todd could feel himself slipping fast.

Realizing what Todd was trying to tell him, Michael began searching Todd‘s pockets and located the ring. He had seen the ring react with Todd’s head once before, so he carefully palmed the ring and brought it up against the back of Todd's head. Michael almost jerked his hand away as the connection between the ring and Todd’s implant sparked. Todd visibly shuddered and he took a deep breath. Larry listened to his heart as the beating returned to normal and his pulse rate slowed down.

“Todd, you need to stop. I insist. I won’t allow you to kill yourself. You’re still recovering from your head wound, your heart is on the edge of a full-blown heart attack and the implant left inside can also take you out. Is Hesser worth your life?” Even as he asked the question, Larry knew Todd’s answer.

“I’m staying. I’ll get through this. There isn’t much more to tell. The worst is over.” Todd raised his head and straightened his shoulders to prove he could finish his testimony.

Larry and Michael knew the argument was over. They stood up and nodded to Nora, Michael spoke. “He wants to finish. We’ll stay here if it’s alright with the court.” He looked toward the judge, who agreed.

Todd spoke to the courtroom. “My apologies to all, the last few months have been very trying and the attempt on my life by Christian Vega almost finished me. Samuel survived by taking off for Paris because he feared for his life even though he couldn’t figure out why. When his memory returned, he brought us home. Both he and I have struggled to get our memories of the time in the clinic straight and it is a painful process. The implants were two-fold, they could extract information, but they also were designed to keep the memories hidden. If the original owner of the information attempted to remember he was incapacitated by extreme pain. The kind of pain Samuel and I just experienced. You see, it turns out not all of my implants were removed.” Todd stopped talking, he knew what was coming next.

“Excuse me, I’m confused and I’m sure this court is too. You talk like you’re not Samuel Toddman. “

“I’m not.”

“You mean Samuel Toddman is the name you took when you had no memory of your real self.”

“No, I mean Samuel is one of my alters. When I almost died at the hands of Mitch Lawrence, Samuel was born. Samuel lived for me until I recovered sufficiently to retake my life.”

“If you’re not Samuel Toddman, then who are you?”

“I thought that was obvious by now, I’m Todd Manning.” Todd felt relieved he could finally lay claim to his name again.

You could have heard a pin drop at that moment. The shock factor of his announcement was palpable. Then all hell broke loose. John had just a moment to see the laser marker appear on Todd’s chest. He yelled, “Michael! Get him down.” He pulled his gun, as the shot just missed Todd, who was pushed quickly by Michael. More shots could be heard, and suddenly a woman screamed.

Todd was being held down by Larry when the scream carried over the other sounds in the room. Tea was screaming Blair’s name. Todd’s blood ran cold. He shook loose of Larry’s hold and staggered off the stand. Silence ruled in the courtroom now except for Tea’s sobbing.

“Blair, My God! Michael get me to her.” Todd was frantic. The crowd parted as Michael guided Todd to his wife. Larry joined them. Todd heard her moan near the floor and he dropped to his knees, he didn‘t need his sight to know it was her. Gathering her in his arms, he felt the wetness covering her blouse. “Oh god, he can’t do this to me, not again. Blair you‘ve got to hang in there. Larry’s right here.”

“Todd, you need to let me check her. Please.” Larry was trying to get Todd to loosen his hold. With Michael and John’s help, he was able to pry Todd loose and Larry began his examination. Larry opened her blouse to get a better look at the wound. Blood was pumping out fast and Larry knew a major artery had been hit. The EMTs, on standby for Todd, came into the room and Michael and Larry went to work on Blair trying to find and clamp the bleeding, but it soon became obvious that her heart must have been nicked, too. Todd had been listening to them work and could hear Blair’s breathing getting shallower. He got still and said in a quiet voice. “Michael, give me my ring.”

Michael had forgotten he still had it and reached into his pocket to pull it out and pressed it into Todd’s hand.

Todd felt the stickiness of Blair’s blood on the ring from Michael’s hands. He gulped and placed the ring on his finger, then looked down at his wife as his vision cleared. His breath caught at the sight of all the blood and one look at Larry’s face told the rest of the story.

“Todd, I’m so sorry. There’s nothing we can do.”

Todd shook his head and gently pulled her back into his arms. “I’m sorry Blair, I should have stayed away. This is all my fault.” He struggled to cover her with her blouse and Michael handed him a towel. He draped it carefully over her, there were too many prying eyes.

She opened her eyes and saw him looking down at her. Barely whispering, her breath getting thready, Blair spoke, “Shh, you didn’t do this... I urged you to come home. I love you and I wanted you back in my life.“ It was a struggle to get the words out and even more of a struggle to lift her arm, but she needed to touch him one last time. “My beautiful man,” gently her fingers found his scars. “You and me, always and forever.” She closed her eyes, and her hand dropped. A surge of pain went through him as he felt her heartbeat cease. His head was pounding, and in the background, the incessant beep was getting louder. He laid her down on the floor, and through tears and rage, he looked from right to left wildly for the man responsible. With steady steps, Todd walked toward Carlo.

Everyone was watching as Todd reached Carlo. “You did this. I warned you yesterday, I would see you pay for your crimes.” Before anyone could stop him, Todd had his hands around Carlo’s neck. The muscles in his hands spasmed and Todd’s grip became deadly. The implants that had caused everything, to begin with, were taking their own vengeance. Todd couldn’t stop his hands and didn’t want to. Pain shot through his whole body as his heart seized and he and Hesser toppled to the ground. People were yelling, but Todd was fading. He knew only one thing. Blair was dead and it looked like he would be joining her soon. He gave himself over to the pain, with nothing left to live for. He saw her moving away from him and with his dying breath, he called to her. “Blair.”

Todd Manning: Enigma, Ch. 11

Chapter 11

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

***

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What do you mean us?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes.”

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

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

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

“Carlo Hesser.”

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

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

“Is he in this courtroom?”

“Yes, He’s sitting next to Carlo Hesser. It’s the man with the black hand.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The prosecution calls Todd Manning to the stand.”

Todd Manning: Enigma, Ch. 10

Chapter 10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“What happened Ivan?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Todd Manning: Enigma, Ch. 9

Chapter 9

          Blair almost stepped on the watch when she entered the bathroom. “That’s strange.” She picked it up and placed it on the counter next to the ring. She looked out at Todd where he stood shedding his shirt, the light in the room picking up the scars on his back. She loved looking at him. His shoulders, broad and strong, cast a shadow on the wall. Muscles from chest to waist, he was still the modest, unassuming man that had trouble hearing he was handsome. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his back. His silky hair was under her cheek and he smelled of musk and ocean breezes. “Mmm, you smell glorious.”

         Todd rubbed her arms, reveling in the feel of her pressed against his back. Blair slipped a hand free and moved his hair to one side and began kissing his shoulders then she began to trail down his back with her lips finding each and every scar and tasting each with her tongue. Blair felt him quiver as his skin reacted to the sensation. Blair moved around to the front, continuing her exploration with his stab wound from Nora. She shoved him gently down on the bed and knelt on the floor in front of him delving lower to the knife wound he had received from Powell.

Todd’s abs rippled in pleasure at the sensuous touch of her tongue. He felt the lightest touch as her hands released his belt and obligingly lifted his hips.

Slowly she lowered the zipper and removed his jeans. His breathing was becoming ragged and her senses, too, were heightening. Her hands fingered and kneaded him as she maneuvered her mouth steadily closer. Slowly, she sucked and rolled her tongue around him, delighting in the feel of it; she neared the tip, drinking his excitement in. Blair alternately blew and caressed, then drew him into her mouth.

Todd could barely contain the feelings raging through his body, instinctively reacting to her mouth and the touch of her lips and tongue. The fire that had started low in his belly now filled him. It reached a fever pitch, threatening to explode at any moment. “God! Blair, what are you doing to me?”

Blair straddled him and began to ride him. Her body arched in pleasure at the feel of him inside her. Together they moved in sync, their breathing increasing. Todd gripped her waist as she undulated above him unable to stop, as all sensations exploded, their shouts mingling together. Blair folded down into his embrace, satisfied and spent. Her breath fluttered across his chest in sweet caresses as Todd stroked her body slowly enjoying the texture of her soft skin under his fingers. He could tell from her breathing when she fell asleep and he carefully laid her next to him on the bed. With one arm still wrapped around her, he let his exhaustion pull him into sleep.

The light was filtering in through the window as Todd rolled over and realized Blair was no longer beside him. He reached over to the nightstand feeling for his ring and remembered he had left it in the bathroom. He made his way across to the bathroom and found it, slipping it on. As his vision cleared he took a good look at himself. He could see the dark circles under his eyes, the scar on his forehead still prominent against his pale skin, he was a mess. Hesitating briefly, Todd picked up his watch and put it on. He took a deep breath as nothing happened and finished getting ready for his day. Thanks to Blair, his night had been dreamless and he hadn’t had to use medication. Michael was right. Blair was his best medicine, and as much as he wanted to keep her tied to his side that wasn’t going to happen. Todd sat down on the edge of the bed and remembered how she had taken charge last night. It was so reminiscent of their first time, he had been reluctant because of his past. The rape of Marty hanging over him, he didn’t trust himself, but Blair was there offering herself to him. That night would always be special to him. Now she was his again, there had been so many troubled years, but they were in the past and he wanted to keep them there. Todd reached down and picked up the clothes she had dropped. Her delicate perfume still clung to them and he breathed it in.

It suddenly occurred to him that the house was unusually quiet. Where the heck was everybody. He looked at his watch and realized it was late morning. Had he really slept all that time without the dream? “Bless you, Blair,” he whispered as he put her clothes down.

“Bless me for what?”

He jumped at her voice and turned to her. “Bless you for being the best sleep medicine I’ve had in a long time.” He walked over and drew her into his arms. “You are the most important person in my life, and I’m lost without you.”

Blair reached up caressing his cheek as he lowered his head his lips finding hers with a gentle kiss. She gazed into his eyes and was relieved to see a steady gaze looking back at her. He was definitely calmer than the previous day. The sleep had indeed done him some good. She linked her arm in his, “I’m glad you’re up. Nora called, the trial is in two days. She’s sending a car for you so she can go over your testimony. Bo said to remind you to wear the vest. They aren’t taking any chances with the shooter still at large.”

“Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll wear the vest for you, but I wish it wasn’t necessary.” They walked downstairs and she took him into the breakfast room where he saw she had everything set out. “You sit down and eat. If the policeman arrives, he can wait.” Blair pushed him into a seat, kissed him, and headed out of the room.

“Hey, where are you going?” Todd looked after her.

“Just eat, I’ve got work to do.” With that, she disappeared from sight.

As he started eating, he heard her practicing in her studio. Todd reached over and picked up the Sun.  The headline read. “Manning Murdered.” His reporter had kept it simple and direct. The article spoke about the upcoming trial and how his death might affect the prosecutor’s case. Then it offered queries regarding the police laxness in their protection of key witnesses. Todd knew he’d be hearing back from Bo on that line. Still, it was those kinds of questions that got the people reading. Todd looked at his sister’s paper and saw she had taken the sympathetic route. She expressed deep regrets at the loss of her brother and offered support to his family. He couldn’t fault her going that route. For the longest time, she had considered Jake her brother and she had loved him as such.

It still rankled within him that they had believed in Jake and had had no problem accepting him as Todd. Todd realized they couldn’t have known how all this had happened, and it made his anger toward Carlo and Ivan so much more volatile. He was holding his juice glass when suddenly it shattered in his hand and Todd quickly mopped up the remaining juice taking a cursory glance at the hand. He wasn’t sure if he had reacted in anger or if the hand had spasmed. Todd laid down the wet napkin, testing the hand and it appeared to be cooperating. That was a good sign the implant hadn’t been the cause, but at the same time, it meant his temper had been.

Todd began picking up the pieces of the broken glass. One of the shards cut his finger and he watched fascinated as the blood spread out on the glass. There was something lifelike about it; the crimson sheen, the glossy edges, the darkness of it. He was almost mesmerized until the pain registered, and he quickly wrapped the finger. “Damn it, Todd, what’s the matter with you?” His trance frightened and disturbed him. God. He had never liked pain, taught himself to resist it, and watched as his father Peter had gotten a real kick out of it. In an instant, the plates he held dropped to the floor, crashing around him, but Todd just stood there, hands at his sides, looking down at the shattered pile. I’m laughing at Carlo as Pete digs the implant out of his skull . . .

“Todd, what was that crash?”

Todd shook his head as he heard Blair’s voice. He looked down and saw the mess at his feet. “Nothing Blair, I just got clumsy. Don’t worry about it.” he quickly cleaned it up. Just clean it up, don’t think back, don’t think . . . He kept his mind occupied long enough to bandage his finger and then the doorbell signaled the arrival of his ride to the station. Blair insisted he put the vest on and then his jacket to cover it. After a brief perusal of the area surrounding Dragonheart, he was allowed to enter the car and they proceeded into town.

They arrived at the station and once again Todd waited till they were certain he could get out then he entered and made his way to Nora’s office. He had to admit, it was weird not to be coming before her in handcuffs. He reached her office as she was deep in a conversation with Bo. In the past, he would have just barged in. but now, he knocked and waited patiently for them to finish their business. Samuel was a calming influence on him the last couple of months, even if Pete had other ideas entirely.

Nora looked up in surprise at the knock, then did a double-take. Todd was actually standing there just waiting to be acknowledged; that had to be a first. “Come on in, Todd.”

“Well, you'll be glad to know there were no incidences on the way over here, Bo. Obviously, they decided to back off since they succeeded in getting Todd Manning. The shooter is probably waiting for the chance to take me out right before the trial.”

“Todd, I’m working on bringing you and Jake to the courthouse together and without a lot of fanfare the morning of the trial. All rooftops within shooting distance are going to be checked and double-checked. I’ll leave you two to talk.” Bo looked at Nora as she nodded and he exited.

“Okay, Todd I would like to talk to Samuel, if I may for a few minutes.”

Todd nodded and closed his eyes. “You’re on, Samuel “

Samuel opened his eyes. “How are you this morning Nora, although I guess it’s getting close to 
noon?  What did you wish to know?”

“Samuel. I need to know just how much you remember now about your time at the Kipling clinic. I don’t want any surprises when Kipling’s lawyers start questioning you."

“Very well but I hope you realize this isn’t easy to talk about, nor is it easy to listen to.”

Samuel began describing the events that took place the first morning he remembered being at the clinic. As he got into the details surrounding the treatments he started experiencing a headache and Todd knew right away what was taking place. Before Todd could take over, a pain shot through the back of his head. Samuel jerked in his seat as a current seemed to run through him from the base of his skull down to his heart and he gasped clutching his chest. His hand had gone to the back of his head at first and the ring had sparked, easing the pain in his head but unable to stop the chest pain. Todd took over, reaching into his pocket for the nitro tablets.

Nora was on her feet as soon as she realized what was occurring and called 911. She stood and watched as Todd slipped a pill under his tongue and leaned back in the chair still in a lot of pain.

“Samuel, I called 911, has this happened before?"

Todd looked up at Nora trying to catch his breath. “Unfortunately too many times to count,” he whispered conserving his oxygen. The pain was starting to ease as the tablet did its work. They were suddenly interrupted by the EMTs and Bo. The next few minutes were spent monitoring him. With the influx of additional oxygen, Todd’s color returned and his heartbeat steadied. “I thought I was through with the pain when they removed my implants, but we discovered the other day I still have a few left in me. I’m sorry Nora, I didn’t know they were going to be a problem.”

“Do you mean to tell me that you had these headaches and chest pains for the last eight years?  My god, it’s a miracle you survived this long.”

Samuel had returned and Todd took a back seat so Samuel could finish his story. “You see Nora that is why I went to Paris. I couldn’t remember my past and every time I tried I would be attacked by pain which in effect cause my heart to start having problems. I was told by the doctors that if I didn’t stop pushing the memories, I would kill myself.”

“I’m worried about this, Todd, it seems you are physically pushing yourself . . . are you certain you are all right?”

He thought about this. “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I’m all right.”

She doubted him. “What’s next then?”

“I told you, they’re guilty and I am positive of that. I’m willing to . . . I’m going to let everyone know.”

“All right, Todd.”

“Nora?”

“Yes.” She maintained her business-like air.

“Can I get a visitor’s pass? I want to . . . I guess I need to go and see them.”

She thought for a long moment. Shuffled some papers. Looked back up, waiting for a crack in the armor. “That’s not the procedure, Todd.”

He waited, then so out of place, he heard his own voice. “Please.”

She looked up from her desk again, pondering his obsession. “I really cannot give you a visitor’s pass. Not under these circumstances.”

He turned to leave. Then he heard, “however, there’s nothing to stop you from going anyway, is there?”

Without looking back, he closed the door to her office and descended the stairs. As he got to the bottom, he made the conscious decision to remove the ring. They were expecting him to be blind.

Bo had followed him down and saw Todd hesitate. He watched as Todd reached carefully for the door in front of him and realized Todd had decided to talk to Hesser and Kipling without his sight. “Hold up, Todd, are you sure you want to do this. What do you think you’ll accomplish? They know you're incapacitated and since you can’t see, what do you hope to gather from this visit?”

Todd turned to face Bo, “I want them to know I’m not scared of them. They sent Christian after me, and I’m still here. Carlo needs to know I found his hideout, and I need to hear Kipling talk. I know you don’t understand, but I have this picture in my head of Kipling. I have to put the picture and voice together. It sounds crazy, but it’s necessary. Can you set it up, Bo?”

Bo opened the door to the cell level and offered his elbow to Todd. “I’ll set it up but I think you’re making a mistake. If you’re having trouble recalling things for Nora, are you sure your heart can take a direct confrontation?”

“I think my heart will be just fine, Bo.  If I can’t face them now, then they’ve beaten me before the trial starts.”

Bo led Todd to a room and got him settled then he arranged for Hesser and Kipling to be brought down. “Todd, there will be a guard here at all times. When you’ve finished, he’ll bring you back to my office.” Todd nodded and prepared to meet his enemies.

Todd Manning: Enigma, Ch. 8

Chapter 8

Todd was quiet on the ride home. John kept looking to make sure Todd was still with them, he had been as shocked as Bo when they had found Todd passed out. Todd really wasn’t in any shape to take on Hesser and Kipling, but Nora said the attorneys for the defense were pushing for a speedy trial. Nora was afraid they had something up their sleeves so she needed Todd to be ready to testify. If she had seen Todd earlier, Nora would have been pressing for a postponement. John pulled up in front of Dragonheart.

Todd climbed wearily out of the car. He noted the very visible cop car parked nearby. The damn vest, Bo had insisted he wore, felt like it weighed a ton. He lost it the moment he entered his house, leaving it sitting by the front door. He no sooner got it off, when Blair flung her arms around him.

“Todd I’ve been so worried. I got this weird call from Momma, and then no word from you. Where have you been all this time?”

“He’s been at the station, Blair,” replied John. “We had a couple of incidences. It appears Todd’s dream is still right on target. Shots were fired at both Todd and Jake today.”

“My God, Todd are you okay?” She looked him up and down and saw no signs of any wounds.

“I’m fine Blair, John was in the right place at the right time today. Jake is fine too.”

Todd disentangled himself from Blair and headed straight to the bar. His thoughts were a mess. and he needed a drink.

Blair was bewildered by Todd’s reaction and frowned when he headed for the drink. She looked at John, “What the hell happened?”

John motioned Blair away from the living room and told her what happened at the police station. From, Blair’s reaction he could tell she was as baffled as they had been as to the cause of Todd’s collapse. “Blair, he’s got to be careful. Do you think he’s up to this trial? I don’t know him all that well, but he looks pretty ragged to me. You need to talk him into taking it easy. Something about that dream is getting to him isn’t it?”

Blair was looking at Todd and then back to him. “John the dream is overwhelming him and if he can’t get free of it, it’s going to break him. Do you know when this trial is going to happen?”

“I only know it’s soon. Nora is counting on Todd and Jake, and after today’s attempts, she’s going to be even more worried about the outcome. The killers think they got “Todd Manning” today. So they’ll be doubling their efforts to get Samuel out of the way too. Bo has assigned a couple of officers for your protection, but he would prefer Todd to stay put and not make himself a target again. You need to convince him to do just that.” That said, John took Blair out to meet the officers so she would know they were from the force.

Todd poured himself a stiff drink and sat down staring out the back terrace. He knew John was telling Blair all that had occurred at the station. He had been trying to make sense of it since it happened. The last thing he remembered was feeling incredibly tired and sitting in Bo’s chair. According to Bo, he was unconscious when they arrived back from The Manning building, but he could have sworn he had just fallen asleep. “Samuel, are you there?”

“Yes, and I know what you’re going to ask. I have a vague memory, but I don’t think it’s going to be much help to you. I recall hearing some voices. In particular a young girl’s voice but that’s all.”

Todd reached up to touch his cheek, for just a moment he recalled a soft kiss there, but it didn’t make any sense. He felt cold and drank the rest of his drink feeling the liquor burn its way down his throat warming him. The sensation of warmth was short-lived and he began shivering. “Things just keep getting weirder. I’ve lost more time? Why would a dream have almost knocked me out?” Todd closed his eyes. “What the hell am I missing?” He leaned back and rested his head on the couch. Once again, his arms began to feel heavy and he drifted off. The empty glass rolled out of his limp hand.

He watched as Pete pried the boulder loose and sent it rolling down over Carlo’s legs. Todd felt a perverse pleasure as they crunched down. Pete was on cloud nine viewing this whole escapade while Samuel uttered various reminders and cautions. Tom was nowhere to be found; they had sent him away to the care of Ms. Perkins and Rodd. Todd looked over at Samuel and for a moment saw his friend Sam staring at him with concern and pity. He turned his back on that look. He wasn’t going to be dissuaded. Hesser had it coming to him.

The scene switched. He watched Pete hook Carlo to the damn machine. It was fascinating to watch the strange implant make its way up Carlo’s skull and embed its prongs. He had watched as Carlo screamed in terrifying pain, the exhilaration of being in control was heady. In the background, Samuel had turned away, unable to watch any longer. He felt a dark joy seeping into him. Pete silently cheered; Peter’s laughter started, and instead of making him cringe, he started laughing along with Pete and Peter.

Todd moaned.

He was still laughing to himself as Pete exacted his torture then played with both Victor’s and Carlo’s minds instructing them to tell all their secrets to John McBain. He listened gleefully as Pete left the anonymous tip with the police and gathered up the remaining implants. Todd felt euphoric as he realized it had all gone the way he wanted.

Once again the scene changed and Pete was walking through the basement of the Sun, The door opened to reveal Jake’s Gallery of pictures of Blair. Todd looked through Pete’s eyes at his beautiful wife. He had never seen these portraits. “They’re beautiful Samuel,” he turned, and once again, he felt like Sam instead of Samuel was staring at him, disappointment all over his face. “You went there. I can’t believe you let Pete take you down that path. Do you think she wanted you to go that far? What were you thinking?”

Todd looked around and Samuel’s words began sinking in. She surrounded him like an angel and suddenly he felt dirty. He listened as Pete hummed softly and placed the remaining implants in the hidden safe at the back of the vault. The humming got louder and Peter’s laughter began again. He was on the terrace at home and Pete began to laugh out loud. Then he was laughing out loud ...suddenly pain ripped through him as the enormity of his actions hit home. Todd awoke gasping for breath. His guts felt all twisted inside. Todd felt sick and looked up to see the portrait of Blair gazing down on him. Unable to stop himself, his stomach heaved and he rolled off the couch on his hands and knees as he lost his drink. He leaned against the couch grateful his stomach had been empty but for the drink.

Blair walked into the room in time to see Todd roll off the couch and hear what was going on. She ran to the kitchen and grabbed several clothes, wetting one down with cold water. She went and knelt down next to him putting the cool cloth around his neck and mopping up the mess. “You shouldn’t have gone out. Larry told you to take it easy and now you’re suffering for not heeding him.”

Todd wearily gazed at her still feeling dirty from the dream. She looked at him with such love, while having no idea of the brutality he was capable of. He had tried his whole life to distance himself from Peter and his cruelty, especially when Pete had taken out his anger on Marty. He had thought himself better than that. He was above those despicable acts. Ha, you been fooling yourself all this time. You’re exactly like him. You‘ve been hiding from it, but you can’t hide anymore. You believe in your heart the dream is real. Admit it, Manning, that’s why you can’t get rid of it. Struggling to get his roiled emotions under control, he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Blair I’m sorry,” he had nothing else to say at that moment. He reached for the couch to pull himself back up as Blair steadied his elbow. He needed another chat with Ray, that was for sure.

“Well, then do me a favor. Let’s forget the dream for the night and concentrate on the kids. John told me they’re going to let the world think ‘Todd Manning’ is dead. You need to have a chat with Sam to let him know everything is alright.”

Todd closed his eyes and straightened his shoulders. “Okay Blair, you’re right, I’ve got to stop with the gloom and doom.” He wrinkled his nose at the odor hanging in the air. “I’m going to get cleaned up, tell Sam, I’ll see him in a few.”

Blair watched him depart upstairs, then she finished cleaning up and opened a terrace door to let some fresh air into the room. Standing at the edge of the terrace looking down at Llanview, was one of the officers John had introduced her too. It was just another sign of how out of kilter everything had become. She looked up running her fingers through her hair. “God! Let this nightmare end. He‘s not a bad man. Can’t you give him a break just once?” Blair turned away from the door, her prayer unanswered. “Alright, Blair, follow your own advice, concentrate on the present,” she headed to find Sam.

Todd let the water wash over him. All he could think of was how dirty he felt. It was like there was this film covering him, and no matter how hard he scrubbed it wouldn’t come off. He rubbed till his skin felt raw and then leaned wearily under the water grateful for the sting. The images of the dream stayed with him and he debated talking to his Alters. “Enough of that, you idiot, you promised Blair you’d get off the dream. Sam is waiting for you. Suck it up, Manning.” Todd grabbed a towel. he wrapped it around him and carefully stepped out of the shower, feeling for the countertop and his ring. Putting the ring on everything came into focus and he looked into the mirror. “You’re a fool, Manning. You‘ve been hiding behind the coincidences of the dream because you can’t face the real reason the dream scares you,” he shivered at the stranger staring coldly back at him. He closed his eyes unable to look at himself.

“Todd, don’t do this to yourself. If you shut down and wall this off, you’ll never get to the truth.” Samuel chimed in.

“You didn’t see what I dreamed Samuel. You would be ashamed of me if you knew.”

“Don’t you see Todd, even if we can’t see your dreams we feel what you feel. You feel like you’ve committed some horrible deed. It’s insidious, Todd, the more it affects you the more all of us are affected.”

Todd knew Samuel was right. He shook his head knowing it, but unable to agree with Samuel. “I don’t want to get to the truth, haven’t you figured that out, Samuel. It’s obvious to me, instead of wanting to get to the bottom of this dream, I’m making myself sicker, just to avoid it.”

“Well, then it stops now. You faced so much these last few months, we’ll face this together.”

“It’s all just words, ‘face things together.’ Enough talk, for now, I got to get my mind on Sam.” Todd shut off Samuel like a switch and finished getting dressed. He picked up his watch, but instead, he held two small bloody implants. Todd dropped the items and backed away. He ripped off the ring tossing it on the counter and backed out of the bathroom grateful he could no longer see. Todd found the chair by his bed and sat down. Even with his vision blurred, he felt like the image was burned into his brain. He was still sitting there lost in his thoughts when Sam found him.

Sam walked into his Mom’s room. It was so big and dark. The only light entering the room was the moon shining in the window. He spotted Samuel sitting over by the bed. “Samuel, why are you sitting in the dark?”

Todd turned his head in the direction of Sam’s voice. “Hey Sam, I’m sorry I didn’t realize it was dark. Hang on.” Todd reached up and switched the light on close to his chair. Now he was able to make out Sam’s small shape. “So Sam, did your mom send you up to get me?”

“Uh-huh, she said you had something to tell me.”

“Come here, Sam.” Todd waited for Sam to come to him. “Sit down on the bed, you and me, we’ve got something really important to talk about.”

Sam got settled on the bed, facing Todd. He kicked his legs in and out as he sat on the edge.

“Sam, you know all about good guys and bad guys right?” Sam nodded, “Good, well right now some bad guys are trying to hurt your dad and me. Today something happened at the Sun where your dad works.” Todd reached for the control of his TV and turned on the news. “Sam, we’re going to start a game to fool the bad guys. You, me, and your Mom, everybody in the family, are going to play pretend. Your Dad is going to pretend to be dead so the bad guys will stop trying to hurt him. We are all going to pretend that we’re sad. Do you think you can do that Sam? Can you pretend to be sad?”

Todd heard the late-breaking news announcement and reached for Sam and pulled him onto his lap. “Now listen, Sam, what you’re about to hear and see, didn’t really happen, okay?”

“This is Blanca Morales with WVL News I’m standing outside the Manning Building where it is reported that infamous Publisher Todd Manning has been struck down by a bullet. Word has it that Manning was supposed to testify against Carlo Hesser and Ivan Kipling in the upcoming trial. Wait, there is some activity at the door. Yes, it looks like the reports are true. Today, Todd Manning, former Rapist and son of Publisher Victor Lord, appears to have met his maker.”

He turned the TV off and held tight to Sam, giving him a hug. “Okay now you’ve heard the news, but I’m telling you here and now it’s not real. Do you believe me?”

Sam was scared, “it seems real,” he said. Sam looked at his friend. “It really is okay, my dad is alright?”

“Yes, Sam your Dad is alright. I wouldn’t lie to you. You won’t be able to see him for a little while, but he is okay. But this is where it gets tough Sam. You have to pretend that you think he’s dead if anybody talks to you about him. You can’t let people know he’s alive. This is a secret just for the family and it’s really important that we keep it.”

“I think I can do that, but what about Hope, she’s just a baby. How can she keep a secret?”

“She can’t Sam, so you can’t tell her. Starr will take care of Hope. Now, how about you find my cane and we’ll see your Mom.” Todd set Sam down and waited for Sam to hand him his cane, then the two of them made their way back downstairs. Todd’s thoughts were all about the little guy and how he was taking what they had just talked about. He quickly turned his thoughts to Blair and letting her know that Sam had seen the news report and they had talked.

He wondered if the word had gotten to the county lockup. If so, then Carlo and Kipling were aware that one of their problems was supposedly out of the way. Todd decided to make a visit to see them. He didn’t want them to get complacent thinking he would be too scared to testify because of Jake’s “death”.

Todd spent the rest of the evening with his family and they discussed the events of the day. Jack and Starr had both come home extremely upset by the news they had heard but were relieved to find out that it wasn’t true. Both agreed to also keep it a secret and pretend to grieve. Vicki had called and informed them she was having Tea and Dani stay with her until after the trial since Jake had been spirited away into protective custody. A memorial service was being arranged for the benefit of the assassin and Hesser’s partners.

Todd was sitting on the couch thinking about Hesser when he felt Blair plop down next to him.

“Hey, you’re a million miles away.” Blair reached up, playing with his hair. “You know, when I sent Sam to you this evening, I never expected you to let him hear the report about Jake’s “death”. I don’t think I could have done that. It amazes me how you made him understand that it wasn’t real. He put his faith in you that you wouldn’t lie to him, and that tells me a lot. Because of your talk with him, I think he really understands the importance of the secret and he’s going to keep it. By the way, thank you.”

“For what? Talking to Sam? That was just as important to me as to you. He’s a great kid, I didn’t want him to hurt so I had to explain to him.”

“Thank you for that, yes, but what I was really thanking you for was the fact that Jake is still alive because of you. If you hadn’t warned John, we all would really be grieving tonight,” she leaned in and kissed him ever so gently. “Let’s go to bed,” she got up and he took her hand. With their arms around each other, they retired to their bedroom.