Stolen Chances

Part III

 

By:  Nicky

 

Chapter 14

 

"Okay, Blair.  I know you didn't buy me lunch for nothing.  What do you want?"

 

Blair ducks her head sheepishly, trying to avoid the probing gaze of her lunch date, Kevin Buchanan. 

 

"Kevin, I have no idea what you're talking about.  Can't I have a simple lunch meeting with my cousin's husband?" she asks him, attempting to flirt with him to get her way.

 

"Under normal circumstances . . . yes.  But you're not exactly normal, Blair.  And I know that you want something.  And it's something that you couldn't get from Cassie, so you came to me."  Kevin stares across the table at Blair, still trying to figure out her intentions.

 

"Alright, Kevin.  I'll admit it.  I do want something from you.  But let me start by saying that I'm doing this all for my little girl.  I refuse to let her father destroy her future."

 

Kevin raised his eyebrow slightly.  The very idea of Todd Manning stirred up something in the depths of him that he couldn't ignore.  And no matter how many times his mother asked, he couldn't repress it.  Todd Manning brought out the inner monster in Kevin that he normally could contain.  Kevin made it his duty to make sure Todd never hurt his loved ones again.  And if he had to fight dirty to ensure that, then he could live with that.

 

"I see that got your attention," Blair said, looking satisfied that she successfully baited Kevin into her trap.  "And believe me, Todd needs to be stopped before it's too late."

 

"What's going on Blair?  What's Todd up to now?"

 

"Well, it's not exactly Todd right now.  Someone from his past has come back, and I don't like her hanging around.  She's a threat to my daughter."

 

"Another woman?  Does Téa know?"

 

"I don't really know what she is.  She could be his girlfriend.  That's where I need your help.  I know you did some research on Todd's past when he was in the hospital last year.  I need to know what you dug up on someone named Michelle Westlake."

 

"Not much.  All I found out was that they used to hang out.  Then she disappeared when she was about 14.  What made you ask about her?" Kevin asks curiously.

 

"She's the ghost from his past.  And I got to tell you Kevin, I don't think I like it very much.  She seems to be getting very familiar with Starr, and I don't like that one bit."  Blair puts on her best pouty face, hoping to persuade Kevin to help her. 

 

"Okay.  Okay.  You win.  I'll tell you what I can remember.  From what my sources tell me, Todd and Michelle were pretty much inseparable when they were kids.  Both were kind of shy and quiet around other people, so they clung to each other.   Until she vanished one day."

 

"Where did she go?" Blair asks, interrupting Kevin's tale.

 

"It took some doing, but I tracked her to a small boarding school in England.  Nothing big happened there.  And she only stayed a few years.  Went back to Chicago for her senior year in high school and ended up graduating with honors.  The teachers at the high school say that her and Todd were always together, which surprised them since he was a troublemaker.  They didn't think she'd hang out with a person like Todd. 

 

This is where things get kind of strange.  After high school, both Todd and Michelle apply and get accepted to Llanview University.  Only, Todd shows up alone.  Michelle had disappeared again.  My sources couldn't track her after that.  The closest they could get me was this name."  Kevin reaches into his wallet and flips through a few things and stops when he finds what he's looking for.  He slides a small slip of paper with a name scribbled on it across the table to Blair.

 

"Roscoe Wallace.  Who's he?" Blair asks irritatingly, though thoroughly impressed with Kevin's investigative skills.

 

"I don't know.  I didn't follow that lead.  Cassie and my mother started hassling me about the story, so I gave up on it.  Do with it what you please.  But just make sure Todd suffers.  He deserves it," Kevin says with a smug smile and a wink before getting up and leaving.

 

Blair stays to the table for a few more minutes, tapping her finger on the piece of paper.  This was the break she was looking for, she could feel it.  Michelle's past was too mysterious.   There's got to be something she's hiding.  Something Blair could dig up and use against her.  And for some reason, she had a feeling that Roscoe was just the person to help her.

 

 

Days and days of research and consulting with a variety of private investigators and Blair finally hit pay dirt.  She tracked down Roscoe Wallace and persuaded him to come to Llanview.   There was someone she feared would harm her daughter, and she needed him to identify the woman, she explained to the man on the phone.  But it was the offer of a reward for any information that convinced him to meet with her.

 

Blair sits at the bar in Rodi's, waiting on the mystery man to arrive.  She looks down at her watch and when she looks up again, she startled to suddenly see him standing right in front of her.

 

"You must be Blair," he says, staring intensely at her.  Blair is still a little shocked at the man's sudden appearance and is a bit disturbed at the way he's looking at her.  But she recovers quickly and invites him over to a booth so they can talk privately.

 

"I know you're wondering why I called, Mr. Wallace . . . " Blair begins.

 

"Roscoe.  You can call me Roscoe."

 

"Okay, Roscoe," she says slowly, still feeling nervous.  "I don't want to waste your time, so I'll get right to the point.  Do you know a woman named Michelle Westlake?"

 

"Yeah, I know her.  What about her?" he asks.

 

"She's been hanging around my ex-husband and my daughter a lot lately.  I just wanted to know a little more about her."

 

"Well, if you tracked me down, you must be doing some serious research on Michelle.  I just don't see where I fit into this picture."

 

"Roscoe, are you aware that Michelle has a child?"

 

"Yeah, Ryan.  What does he have to do with any of this?"

 

"She's trying to pass him off as my ex-husband's child.  I'm convinced she's only doing it to get his money.  Money that my daughter will inherit one day.  I'm just worried that this woman is taking my poor Todd for a ride. . ."  Blair trails off, squeezing out a few tears to make the man sympathize with her.  He stares at her for a while, seemingly falling for her charade.

 

"You know, Lady.  You're pretty good.  I almost bought your little act," he says to a shocked Blair.  "I can smell a con a mile away.  First of all, Michelle is loaded, so she wouldn't care about this man's money.  Second of all, I've done a little checking up on you, Miss Cramer.  And I have a feeling that this has little to do with your daughter.  Let me see if I got this right.  Your daughter stands to inherit millions from her father.  Which means you'll stand to inherit millions.  Am I right so far?" he asks, looking across the table at her, as if he could read her mind.  Blair looks away to avoid eye contact.

 

"I think I am," he continues.  "So, with Michelle and her son in the picture, your little girl's inheritance gets split and you don't really seem like the sharing type to me.  My guess is that you want me here to start a little trouble and get Michelle back out of the picture.  Well, today is your lucky day.  Trouble is my middle name," he says with a grin.  Blair gets a horrified look on her face.

 

"I don't know what you're hinting at, but I think I'm offended," Blair claims.  She takes a few sips of her drink while she let's Roscoe's words sink in.  After a few minutes, she speaks again.  "What did you mean by 'getting Michelle out of the picture'?  You wouldn't . . . kill her or anything. . . would you?"  As soon as the words came out, Blair couldn't believe she had said them.  But what shocked her the most was that she meant them.

 

"Kill her?  No.  Nothing like that.  But, my methods aren't exactly sanctioned by the law, either.  The bottom line is, Michelle would be out of your life for good," Roscoe promises a suddenly eager Blair.

 

"How do you plan to do that?" Blair asks curiously.

 

"Let's just say that wherever that kid goes, she'll go.  We just have to get that kid far away from here."

 

"No, Todd will kill you first before letting you take away his child.  That won't work," Blair says to him, disappointed in Plan A.

 

"I'll handle all of that, Blair.  Don't you worry your pretty little head.  You just make sure my efforts are well compensated for," he says, holding out his hand.

 

Blair looks around discretely to see if anyone is looking before pulling out a check from her pocket.  "This is half of what I promised.  But, I need to see if you can deliver before you get the rest."  She hands the check over to him, with few reservations about what she's about to do.

 

"That's a nice start," Roscoe says with a slight smile at the amount on the check.  "I just need one last thing from you.  I need a proper introduction to Llanview.  It'll be too strange for me to all of a sudden show up here just before things start to happen.  I need a cover story."

 

"Well, Todd's sister is having a little welcome party for Michelle tomorrow night.  Why don't you come as my date," Blair offers.

 

"Perfect."

 

"So I'll see you tomorrow around 9:00," Blair says, standing to her feet.  "I'm leaving now.  Do you want to walk out with me?"

 

"No, I think I'll stay here and have another drink.  See you tomorrow."  He watches and waits until she leaves before taking out a cell phone, dialing a number.

 

"It's me. . . . no, she just left . . . Things went just as I planned, even better.  The lovely Miss Cramer practically handed Michelle to me on a silver platter.   But the plan has changed a little . .  there's another player in the game . . . . I'll tell you all about it later.  Let's just say that when this is all over, we'll be very, very rich."

 

Chapter 15

 

"Mrs. Manning.  You certainly are a frisky one tonight," Todd teases Téa while she nibbles on his ear.  "You know we have to get dressed for the party.  Michelle will be here any minute."

 

"I know.  You're just so irresistible tonight.  I love it when you're in a tux.  You look so sexy."  Téa moves around until she's sitting on his lap and kisses him, drawing him deeper and deeper into her seductive spell.  The spell is broken only by the doorbell.  Téa looks up, irritated at the interruption.  She rolls off his lap onto the couch while he goes to get the door.

 

"I told you, Delgado.  You better get moving.  You know how long it takes for you to get dressed these days." Todd smiles at her and then turns to open the door.

 

"Oh, that's really nice, Todd.  Make fun of the pregnant lady," she says, getting up and walking towards the stairs. 

 

"Todd, are you teasing your wife again?" Michelle asks as she walks into the penthouse with Ryan behind her.  He sits down quietly on the sofa while Michelle looks around.  She looks at Todd and Téa and gets a little panicked.  "What's going on here?  Why aren't you two dressed?  We're going to be late for my own party.  How embarrassing."

 

"Relax, Chellie.  We'll get you there on time.  That is if my wife ever make it up those stairs," he says with a chuckle. 

 

The two women go upstairs while Todd sits down on the couch next to Ryan.  "What's up with you, buddy.  You seem kind of quiet," he asks the child.

 

"Nothing.  Just thinking about things I guess."

 

"I have to finish getting dressed.  How about you come upstairs with me while I go trim my beard?  We can talk up there."  They go up the stairs and into the bathroom.  Todd starts to get a little worried because his normally talkative son hasn't said very much of anything that night.  He looks at his reflection in the mirror as he begins to shave and notices Ryan staring at him.  The boy was obviously upset about something, and Todd decided to try to find out what was wrong.

 

"What's up, Ryan?  You seem upset.  What's on your mind?"

 

"I saw something the other day.  It was a little weird.  I was up here playing with Starr and she brought me a book you have with a lot of pictures.  It was mostly baby pictures of Starr, but I saw one that . . . "

 

"That what?" Todd stops shaving and turns around to look at Ryan.

 

"I saw a picture that I thought was one of my baby pictures.  But the back of it said it was a picture of Starr when she was 3 months old."  Ryan looks away from Todd and starts to pace the floor.

 

"That's not that weird.  A lot of babies look alike," Todd said, trying to sound convincing to Ryan, although he was barely convincing himself.  The explanation was probably all in vain.  It seems that Ryan had a lot more on his mind than a baby picture.  It seems like Ryan has been thinking about things.  Things that should have been discussed with him weeks ago.  Things that he must have figured out on his own.

 

"Ryan.  What's this all about?  It looks like you have something you want to ask me."  Todd sits down and braces himself for whatever was about to come out of Ryan's mouth.  Ryan sits next to Todd, still quiet, as if he can't think of what he's trying to say.  Instead, he just looks at Todd, examining every square inch of his face.  After a few minutes, he finally figures out what he wants to say.

 

"Do you have something you want to tell me?" Ryan says in a quiet, shaky voice.  This scares Todd and now it's his turn to look away.  But the boy continues.  "Todd . . . do you know who my father is?"

 

"What makes you ask that?" Todd says hoarsely, wiping the rest of the shaving cream off of his face, still turned away from Ryan.

 

"Because you and my mom were friends.  And then she went away and I was born."

 

"Ryan, your mom and I were friends a long time ago.  Before you were even born.  Why do you think I would know who your father was?"  Todd tries to put the little boy off.  He didn't know how to respond to the questions.  Ryan obviously knew something.  He just didn't know what it was the boy knew. 

 

"I had to do a project for school last week about my family.  My mom gave me a box with a bunch of pictures and stuff in it.  You were in a lot of them.  Pictures that went up until about a year before I was born.  And there was this one picture with the two of you when you were about my age.  It must have been summer time because you guys were at the beach and you were really tanned.  So tanned that your skin was almost my color."

 

Todd looks at Ryan's skin.  It was a creamy light brown.  A perfect blend of Michelle and Todd.  He starts thinking back to those days of his youth, when Ryan gives him a photograph.  It's the picture he was talking about.  He remembers that day with a smile.  It was the 4th of July and Todd had accompanied Michelle and her family to the beach for a picnic.    It was one of the best holidays of his childhood.  But when he looks closer at the picture, he notices the cause of Ryan's alarm.  If Todd hadn't remembered taking that picture, he would swear that the little boy in the photo was Ryan.  Todd's hands begin to shake and he drops the picture on the floor.  They both lean down to pick it up, their hands stopping next to each other. 

 

"We even have the same hands," Ryan says to him.  He finally catches Todd's glance.  "And the same eyes," he adds quietly.  They stare at each other for what seems like an eternity before Ryan's little voice asks the inevitable question. 

 

"You're my father?" he says, making it sound more like a statement than a question. 

 

Todd moves out of the bathroom and down the stairs as if in a trance.  He had to think about what to say Ryan about this.  He didn't know how to handle the situation.  They both end up sit down - Ryan waiting for an answer to his question,  Todd searching his heart for the words to say.

 

"Ryan," he starts out slowly, pausing to look at the boy.  "Don't be angry.  We didn't want to keep this from you.  We just didn't know how or when to tell you."

 

"How long have you known?  All my life?  Why did I just meet you a few months ago?  You didn't want me?"  A tear trickles down Ryan's face.  His little bottom lip starts to quiver.   He sat there expecting the worst.  But Todd reaches over and gently wipes the tear away. 

 

"Please don't think that.  Don't think that I didn't want you.  I didn't know about you.  Things got a little mixed up, and making a long story short, your mom and I lost contact until just recently.  But you want to know something?  None of that mattered.  Because the moment I saw you, I knew you were mine," Todd says in a whisper before holding his head down.   They sit in silence for a while before Ryan sees Todd's shoulders begin to shake gently from to grievous sob that manages to escape.

 

"It's alright," Ryan says, laying his head on Todd's shoulder.  "Everything's going to be fine . . . Dad."

 

Todd looks up, shocked to hear that word come from Ryan's mouth.  Shocked, but comforted.  The little boy gives him a little smile before slowly wrapping his small arms around Todd's neck, hugging him tightly.  Todd squeezes back and attempts to make up for years in that one hug. 

 

"Can a mommy get one of those hugs, too?" Michelle asks as she follows Téa down the stairs.  She stops in her tracks when she notices the tears on Todd and Ryan's faces.  "What's going on?  Ryan, what's wrong, honey?"

 

"I'm fine now," the little boy says with a smile.  "I was just having a little man to man talk . . . with my dad."  Both the women gasp in shock, and Michelle looks angrily at Todd.

 

"Todd!  What did you tell him?" she barks, not really believing that Todd would go behind her back and tell Ryan news like this that could have possibly been devastating.

 

"I didn't tell him anything.  He figured it all out and confronted me.  That's one smart kid you got there." 

 

Michelle lets out a relieved sigh.  Ryan seems to be handling the news fine.  She finally allows a smile to crack her lips.  "You mean, that's one smart kid we got," she replies.  "So this is why you were in that mood earlier.  Why didn't you talk to me, Ryan?"

 

"I don't know, Mom.  But I'm glad I talked to him about it.  It was good.  You're not mad, are you?"

 

"Of course not, honey.  You're my life. I love you.  I'm just glad you're happy," she says hugging him.  They all look up when they hear sobs from across the room.

 

"Téa!  Are you all right?  Why are you crying?"

 

"I can't help it.  This is just so sweet.  I love a happy ending," she says, still crying.

 

"She does this all the time now," he says with a laugh as he walks over to her.  "They say it's just hormones.  Stop all that now, Delgado," he says as he puts his arm around her shoulder.  "We have a party to get to."

 

"That's right," adds Ryan.  "And we have a lot to celebrate," he says as they all walk out the door.  Ryan is the last out and he closes the door.  The same door he entered with thousands of unanswered questions and the same one he's leaving through with the answers to those questions - and a brand new father.

 

Chapter 16

 

" . . . . So, I want everyone to join me in welcoming the new head of Llanview University's African Studies Department - Miss Michelle Westlake," Viki says in conclusion to her speech.  It was a lovely party.  Most of Llanview's elite and most influential were there to see Michelle.  Her father was so well known that the reputation of the Westlake name preceded her.   Imagine their surprise to see her walk into the party on the arm of Todd Manning.

 

Nevertheless, the smart and beautiful woman impressed them all and established a reputation of her own that night.  She moved through the crowd with the poise and ease of one born into that society.   Todd watched her in awe and marveled at the way she captured the attention of every person in the room.   He also took pride in the way his son stayed by his mother's side and played the perfect gentleman, never once letting down his guard and acting like the 10 year old little boy that he was.  Michelle looks around and spots Todd standing with Téa and Viki.  She excuses herself from the conversation and makes her way over to them.

 

"That is one sophisticated little boy you have there, Michelle," Viki remarks.  "He's so handsome and so well behaved."

 

"Thanks a lot, Viki.  I did the best I could.   And in case I haven't said this already, thanks so much for this party.  You've helped make me feel so welcome to Llanview."

 

"You're so welcome.  I'm just glad to see that you stuck around.  That first meeting with you at the Palace when I introduced you to my brother, I was afraid he was going to run you out of town.  He can have that effect on people sometimes," Viki says, nudging Todd playfully with her elbow.  "I'm glad to see that you two worked out whatever it was that was going on."

 

"You see, Michelle, this is my sister's subtle way of trying to find out the lowdown on what went on between us," Todd says jokingly. 

 

"Todd!  You're making me sound so nosy.  I was just concerned for you, dear brother.  You told me that the two of you were old friends, but I got the feeling that it was a lot more complicated than that, if you don't mind my saying."

 

"I don't mind at all," Michelle replies.  "There was a lot we had to settle.  Todd, Téa, and I.  But we worked it all out and its okay to talk about now.  Todd was a bit surprised to see me here in Llanview.  We hadn't seen each other in years.  We both blamed each other for stuff that . . . ."

 

"Hey Dad, look!  There's Starr," Ryan exclaims.  "Can I go over to see her?" he begs, looking up at Todd.  Todd looks over at Viki and notices her ashen face.  She's totally surprised to hear Ryan call him 'Dad'.  He had to find a way to explain to her. 

 

"How about we go," Téa offers, seeing the sudden tension mounting between Todd and Viki.  "I think your mom and dad have to talk to Viki.  You know, they forgot to tell her the good news that she has another nephew."

 

"Yes . . . I am a bit . . . surprised.  But pleased.  Why don't you come give your old Aunt Viki a hug before you go see Starr," Viki says, holding her arms out for the little boy.  He looks up to his mom first, but then slowly walks over to Viki when Michelle nods, as if to say that it was alright. 

 

Ryan and Téa walk away, leaving the others in silent shame.

 

"Look, Viki.  I'm sorry I kept this from you, but . . ." Todd starts.

 

"Viki, we couldn't risk Ryan finding out before we thought he was ready to . . .", Michelle tries to finish.

 

"It's okay, you two," Viki says interrupting them.  "I understand why you had to do what you did.  I was just shocked.  That's all."

 

"Well, you're not the only one," Todd says.  "I was pretty surprised myself.  And Téa.  Téa didn't talk to me for weeks when she found out.  She didn't know how to deal with any of it."

 

"I'm surprised at that.  Michelle, you and Téa seem to get along well," Viki says.

 

"We do get along, Viki.  She's become one of the best friends I've had in awhile.  We all just had to work things out between us and come to an understanding.  And it's been good for Ryan.  He loves Todd, Téa and Starr.  And I can tell that they love him.  Now, Blair - I'm not so sure about.  My first meeting with her wasn't so good."

 

"What is Blair doing here anyway?  It didn't seem like she'd be doing any well wishing towards Michelle any time soon.  Did you invite her, Viki?" Todd asks, curiously.

 

"No.  Actually I didn't.  But, she brought Starr with her.  So at least you'll be able to see your daughter out of this.  Hopefully she won't make any trouble," Viki says as she walks away from Todd and Michelle.  Michelle looks over to where Blair is standing when she notices Blair's date for the evening and starts to panic.   Blair might not be there to start trouble, but that man with her doesn't know anything but trouble.  Wherever Roscoe Wallace is, you can guarantee turmoil and mayhem will follow.

 

"Todd, I think I'm ready to leave.  Is it alright if Ryan stays the night with you?" she asks him quickly, trying to make a hasty retreat.

 

"Sure, but are you okay?  It looks like something has spooked you.  You're running out of here like . . ."

 

"I'm not running from anything!  I'm just ready to leave," she snaps.   Then she looks at Todd and sees that he isn't going to let her go anywhere until he gets some kind of explanation.  "Listen, I don't really want to talk about it now.  Somebody's here that I don't feel like dealing with.  So, I'm going to leave.  Give Ryan a kiss good night for me," she says as she rushes past him out the door.

 

"Was that Michelle running out?" Téa says, coming up behind Todd.

 

"Yeah.  She had to go.  Where's Ryan?"

 

"I took him and Starr up to one of the guest bedrooms.  They were both pretty tired."

 

"That's good.  We should all just stay here tonight, then.  Michelle asked us to watch Ryan tonight.  That's alright, isn't it?"

 

"Of course it's alright, Todd.  I would never deny you time with your son."  Téa looks at Todd and sees that he isn't even paying attention to what she's saying.  "Todd, are you listening to me?"

 

"I'm sorry, Téa.  I'm still here.  I'm just a little worried about Michelle.  She ran out of here so quickly.  Someone here scared her."

 

"Well, why don't you go check on her?  I'll probably just go up with the kids anyway.  I'm getting kind of tired."

 

"Okay," he says, leaning over to kiss her.  "Take care of yourself.  I'll be back soon."

 

"Don't be too long," she says as she holds him extra tight.  "I love you."

 

"I love you too, Delgado," he says on his way out the door.

 

Chapter 17

 

Michelle fumbles through her purse, searching for her keys when she hears the footsteps behind her.  She turns around to see that Roscoe has followed her to her hotel.  Or was he here waiting for her?   He always had a sense of knowing her every move. 

 

"Why don't you let me help you with that, Michelle," Roscoe says to her, seeing that she's found her keys.

 

"What makes you think I want you in my hotel room?  I think you should leave."

 

"We have some things to talk about Michelle.  Why don't you let me in.  You know I'm not leaving until you do."

 

Michelle silently obeys Roscoe and lets him.  She walks over to the bar and fixes a drink for herself and for Roscoe, while he makes his way to a chair. 

 

"This is a nice place you got here, Michelle," he remarks, looking around the room.  "But Ryan can't like it very much.  You know how he always liked that . . ."

 

"You leave my son out of this Roscoe.  He's none of your concern.  What are you doing here?  Have you been chasing me all of this time?"

 

"You know what I want, Michelle.  And running from me isn't going to stop me from getting it.  Now that I've found you, I think it's time that you pay up.  One way or another."

 

"What are you talking about, Roscoe?  I don't owe you anything.  The deal you made was with my father.  Go collect from him."

 

"Michelle, Michelle, Michelle.  It's not going to work like that.  I performed a valuable service for your father.  In return, he promised me something he valued greatly - you.  Now, if you don't want to pay the price, I think we can come up with an equally lucrative settlement."

 

"You want me to pay you off?  Is that what you're getting at?  Roscoe, you're not getting me and you sure aren't going to get a dime of my money.  If this is all you came here to tell me, I suggest you leave before I call the police."

 

"And tell them what?  I'm not doing anything illegal.  Nothing that anyone can prove anyway.  And I can be pretty convincing, as you already know.  I doubt they'll arrest me.  Calling the cops would just be a waste of time.  But, I know one thing.  I can see that it's going to take a little bit more time convince you to pay me.  I might have to get to know that Todd Manning.  He might want to hear about. . ."

 

"You leave Todd out of this," Michelle demands.  "He doesn't know anything about you.  He just wants to get to know his son."

 

"So, that boy is pretty important to him.  I'll bet you he won't feel that way after I tell him a few things," Roscoe threatens.

 

"Like what?  What could you possibly have to tell him?"

 

"I could tell him that Ryan's not his.  I could make him believe that Ryan's my son."

 

"But that's not true, Roscoe.  You know that Todd is Ryan's father.  Why would you do such a thing?  It would kill Todd if he thought something like that.  And it would kill Ryan for Todd to dessert him.  Why would you put my son through that?"

 

"The question is, why would you put your son through that?  Don't push me, Michelle.  Pay me what you owe me, or else I'm telling Todd that Ryan is my son."

 

"Do you want to repeat that?"  Michelle and Roscoe both look towards the door and see Todd standing there, angry and confused. 

 

"Did I hear you right?  Ryan isn't my son?  Michelle, what's going on here."  Todd says, trying hard to keep a reign on his emotions, but losing the battle with each passing second.

 

"Todd, don't listen to him . . ." Michelle begs.

 

"Listen, mister.  I don't blame you for being upset.  Michelle pulled this same scam on me a few years ago.  Except, I had the good sense to get a blood test done before I believed it.  Obviously you didn't think to ask for proof."

 

"You had a blood test?  And it was definite that you're Ryan's father?"  Todd looks from Roscoe to Michelle, not believing she could have done this to him.  His heart was telling him to fight for the truth, but his head was telling him to get as far away from Michelle as he could.  She had hurt him again, with a hurt that was unforgivable.  "I can't believe you.  I'm out of here."

 

"Todd!  Todd!  Wait, he's lying.  Todd!"  But it was too late.  Todd had raced down the hall, running from the hurt and the pain.  He ran until he reached the bar downstairs and stopped to have a drink.  He couldn't show back up at Llanfair a wreck.  He needed time to calm down.  He needed time to think.

 

Back in Michelle's room, a satisfied Roscoe stood in the doorway behind Michelle, laughing at how quickly his plan had worked.

 

"Well, it looks like the ball's in my court.  You have two choices, Michelle.  Todd doesn't strike me as a very reasonable man.  But if you manage to somehow convince him that I'm lying, I can find some forged blood tests that will turn him against you again.  Or, you can just pay me now, and I'll go to him and tell him that I lied.  The clock's ticking, Michelle.  Make the decision."

 

"You must be out of your mind.  There's no way I'm paying you now.  Not after that stunt you just pulled.  Get out.  Get out now!  You're never getting a dime of my money," she yells, pushing him towards the door.  All of a sudden, Michelle feels his hands around her neck, squeezing tighter and tighter.  It's getting harder and harder for her to breath.  She can't fight him much longer.

 

"I wouldn't be too sure about that, Michelle.  I'm getting my money, one way or the other.  I tried to do things the easy way, but you've pushed me too far.  Things are about to get hard now," he says, banging her head against the door over and over.  Finally, the darkness overtook Michelle, and the last thing she saw was the world around her spinning just before she felt her limp body fall to the floor.

 

Chapter 18

 

Todd finishes the last of his drink and walks towards the door.  His mind was still cloudy about the nights events.  But he heard the same words over and over, echoing through his mind.  He's not my son.  Ryan's not mine.  What a cruel and hateful trick Michelle had played on him.  That wasn't like her.  Not like her at all.  Todd pushes those thoughts out of his head as he reaches his car and opens the door.  He tries to start the ignition, but a little voice in his head won't quit. 

 

"What am I doing?" Todd thinks to himself.  "Michelle and I have been through too much for me to have treated her like I did.  I should at least give her the chance to explain."  With that thought, he heads back up to Michelle's hotel room to settle things with her.

 

 

Roscoe sneaks back into the party just as Blair walks up on him.

 

"Where have you been?  I've been looking all over for you?" she inquires.

 

"Just walking around and checking the place out.  You couldn't have been looking too hard for me.  That gentleman over there seemed to have your attention most of the night."

 

"Well, whatever.  I'm ready to go now, so let's get out of here," she says with her hand on her hip.

 

"Where's your daughter?  Isn't she coming too?"

 

"No, she's already asleep upstairs with her wicked stepmother.  I asked Viki if she could stay here for the night.  I'd hate to wake her up."

 

"I'm actually having a pretty good time.  Do you want to stay a little longer?" Roscoe asks her, hoping she'll say no.

 

"You want to stay?  You don't know anybody here.  What do you want to stay for?  Never mind.  I don't want to know.  If I hurry, I might be able to catch a ride home with my cousin Kelly.  Thanks for a nice evening, Roscoe," she says, leaning closer to whisper something into his ear.  "And good luck with whatever you're going to do to get Michelle out of my life."

 

She leaves and Roscoe starts looking around again, eyeing the crowd, searching for a chance to make a break for upstairs to look around.  When he's sure nobody's paying attention, he sneaks into the kitchen and walks up the back stairs.  He peeks into every door until he finds what he's looking for.   He slowly creeps into the room, quietly closing the door behind him and waits for a minute for his eyes to adjust to the darkness.  The soft snores of Téa lead him over to the bed they're all in.  He stands there for a moment, smiling and mentally counting dollar signs in his head.

 

 

"Michelle.  Come on, Michelle, open up.  It's me, Todd.  I just came to . . ."  He stops midsentence when he discovers the door is unlocked.  He slowly opens it and walks into the room.  He doesn't get far when terror grabs his heart.  All the blood drains from his face when he spies a lifeless Michelle sprawled across the floor, lying in a pool of blood.

 

"Michelle!" he screams.  "Michelle, honey, answer me.  Can you hear me?"  He reaches for her neck and feels a slight pulse.  When he sees that she is barely breathing, he runs to the phone and calls for an ambulance.  He shouldn't have left her alone, he thinks.  This is all his fault.  Yet another example of what can go wrong when he allows his anger to get the better of him.  He waits patiently for the ambulance while silently praying for Michelle, swearing to himself to find the person that did this and make them pay.

 

 

"Oh Mrs. Manning.  Wake up Mrs. Manning.  Time to rise and shine."  Roscoe nudges Téa until she starts to stir in her sleep.  She rolls over and sees his big eyes staring at her.  She starts to scream, but finds her mouth tied with a gag.  She looks around the room and starts to panic when she can't see the kids.

 

"Don't even bother to scream.  The party's still going on downstairs.  No one would even hear you.  What's the matter?  You look scared.  Don't be.  Your husband has something that I want.  And the only way I see to get it, is by taking something that he wants."

 

Roscoe walks over to the bed where Téa is still laying and scoops her up.  She struggles against him, but it's no use.  Her hands and feet are bound with duct tape and she can't move.  She is helpless and scared and can't think of anything else to do.  She just wonders where the kids are.

 

That question is answered when they reach the car Roscoe has hidden by the kitchen door of Llanfair.  He shoves her inside and she sees the other passengers.  Ryan and Starr are huddled together on the back seat, crying and attempting to comfort each other.  The sight made Téa want to cry herself, but she knew that she couldn't.  She had to be strong against the kidnapper.  She had to be a comfort to the kids.  They rush to her, both hugging her for dear life as the car pulls off for parts unknown. 

 

 

Michelle slowly opens her eyes and looks around the room to see where she is.  She sees a blurry image of Todd staring at her from a chair next to her bed.

 

"Hey, you're finally awake.  It's about time.   Don't move.  I'm going to go get the doctor," Todd says as he runs out the door.  He returns a second later with a doctor in tow. 

 

"Miss Westlake.  It's good to see that you've regained consciousness.  You had us pretty worried," the doctor says to her with a smile.

 

"What happened?  What am I doing here?  I remember being at the party and then . . ."  She stops midsentence, suddenly remembering the start of the worst night of her life.  "Roscoe.  He was there.  At the party."

 

"Roscoe was the guy at your hotel?  The guy who said he was Ryan's father."  Todd looks straight at Michelle to see her reaction.   He knew Michelle.  He's known her all his life.  His gut was telling him that she couldn't have lied about something like that.  But, his mind was reminding him of what Roscoe said earlier that night.

 

"Todd, don't believe him.  Ryan really is yours.  That maniac Roscoe was lying.  He thinks I owe him something and he wants to ruin my life.  I'm just sorry you had to deal with him."

 

"I'm sorry he did this to you.  We should really call the cops, Michelle." 

 

"No, Todd.  No cops.  They won't do any good where Roscoe is concerned, trust me."

 

"Michelle, why are you so afraid of this guy?" Todd asks, trying to understand the connection between Michelle and that man.

 

"Todd, don't make me get into this right now.  I can't."

 

"She's right," says the doctor.  "I need to check her out anyway.  And if everything looks fine, she might be able to get released tonight.  We got the wound from where her head split stitched up and now that she's awake, there really isn't any reason to worry.  But, I'll need you to step outside for a few minutes while I continue the examination," he says, looking at Todd.

 

Todd leaves the room and walks down the hall to the payphone.  He calls Llanfair to check in his wife and kids.  After a few rings, Viki picks up.

 

"Hey Viki.  It's me, Todd.  I was just calling to see how Téa and the kids were."

 

"What are you talking about, Todd?  You left a few hours ago.  I assumed that they were with you," she responds, slightly confused that he thought Téa was there.

 

"What do you mean you assumed they were with me?  Yes, I left there a few hours ago, but Téa stayed with the kids.  They were up in one of the guest bedrooms for the night."  Todd's starting to get a little anxious, wondering where his family was.

 

"Todd, the house has been empty for almost an hour now.  The party is over and I had security go through the house to make sure everyone was gone.  They're not here, Todd.  Do you think she went back to the penthouse?" Viki asks, trying to mask her growing concern.

 

"I'll try there.  Can you call Carlotta and see if she's heard from Téa?"

 

Viki says that she would call Carlotta and Todd hangs up the phone.  He searches for a chair as his legs suddenly start to feel like they were made of rubber.  Panic grips him and he has a dreadful feeling in his heart.  He can call the penthouse and Viki can call Carlotta, but Todd knows in his heart that Téa won't turn up.  He can feel that something is wrong.  And it scares him to death that he doesn't know what.

 

 

      

 

 

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