"What the Hell do you think you're doing!" Sam called out to them and rushed over to Andy.

The men were both shocked by Sam's sudden presence and the tone of his voice. "Andy wet himself. We're getting him changed," Dave answered calmly.

"You know he doesn't like to have men touch him there. Why aren't female staff members doing this?"

"Andy is in a deep sleep. It is easier for us to lift him. If he were awake, we would have called in female staff to do it," Carl spoke up.

"He's whimpering and crying out. He must sense you're touching him. Get away from him and call in . . ."

"Sam!" Viki cut him off. She had followed him into the room. "Andy has been this way all night. He's not upset because Carl and Dave are handling him."

Sam looked at Viki. He wasn't sure what to believe anymore. He walked to the window without saying another word.

Viki exchanged worried looks with the two techs. They finished cleaning Andy and got him changed.

Viki walked over to the window and placed her hand on Sam's back. He jumped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. They're finished changing him. You can go sit with him now if you like."

Sam nodded. He said nothing. He headed over to the bed. Andy was still whimpering. "You said he was crying for me?" Sam asked softly.

"Yes. He was crying and screaming for you." Viki leveled with him.

"And I wasn't there when he needed me . . . big surprise!" Sam's voice was filled with self-loathing. Sam didn't turn around to see the tears in Viki's eyes or the look of helplessness in them. He lowered the side rail and sat down next to Andy. "Andy," Sam whispered. "Sam's here. I'm here for you. I won't leave you. It's okay. Daddy's here." Sam stroked Andy's head.

For the first time since he'd fallen asleep, Andy stopped whimpering and crying out. Without waking up, Andy reached up for Sam's hand and took it in both of his. He held Sam's hand against his cheek and curled up on his side. His face stayed cupped in Sam's hand.

"Daddy's here," Sam repeated. He used his other hand to stroke Andy's head again. Andy's sleep soon became peaceful.

"He knows you're with him," Viki said softly to Sam. Viki noticed that the tension left Sam's body for the first time since he got back to the hospital. The harsh worry lines in Sam's face softened. Viki walked over to where Carl and Dave sat at the small table by the window. "I'm going to the lounge. I think Sam needs time on his own with Andy."

The men could see that Viki's statement was almost a question. She wanted assurance that it was all right to leave Sam there on his own.

Dave smiled at her and whispered. "They'll be fine. We'll be right here or right outside the door. If Sam wants to sleep in here tonight, we'll bring a reclining chair in for him and put some bedding on it. Someone will get you immediately if there are any problems."

"Thank you," Viki whispered back. She patted them both on the arm. Viki headed back to the bed. Andy was still snuggled up with Sam's hand under his cheek. She kissed both Sam and Andy goodnight. Viki had hoped Sam would have responded and kissed her back. He didn't. He continued to look at Andy and stroke his head. Viki left for the lounge.

*****

Dorian had just woken up and was still in bed when Blair burst into her bedroom. "Blair! Did you ever hear of knocking? Do you know what time it is? What if Mel had been undressed or what if we'd been . . ."

"I checked with the maid when she let me in. I know Mel is out of town on an assignment. I don't have a lot of time, Dorian. I want to get to the hospital and see what's going on. I don't want to stay away too long because Starr is still home from school."

"Is Starr still sick?" Dorian's annoyance with Blair quickly turned to worry over Starr.

"No, she's better. I'm just keeping her home one more day as a precaution. The nanny is with her, but I still don't want to leave her for too long. She expects me to be there when she's home sick."

"Did something happen with Todd?" Dorian asked.

"I don't know. Sam came to see me last night. He was in terrible shape. You should have seen him. He looked like Hell. He wasn't making much sense."

"Life with Viki is not easy for anyone to stand," Dorian stated with a sneer on her lips.

"It's not Viki. I think something else is going on. Sam wanted to see the pictures of Tea and Kevin again. He talked about Viki's trust in Doctor Hanen. He asked how far Asa would go for revenge. He was flitting from one thing to the next. He even commented on all the windows in the apartment."

"The windows?" Dorian was confused.

"I think he was asking if the penthouse can be made safe for Todd. God, Dorian. I think Sam is seriously thinking of helping me get Todd out of the hospital."

"You think he's ready to take Todd away from Viki?" Dorian sounded disbelieving.

"I don't know. I think something must have happened to push Sam closer to that. I think he's beginning to see I might be right about Doctor Hanen and Kevin and Tea." Blair spat out Tea's name.

"Be careful, Blair. Sam may be falling apart, but he's still fiercely loyal to Viki. You have to make sure he believes that Doctor Hanen is hurting Todd and that Tea and Kevin and possibly the rest of the Buchanans are in on it."

Blair sat down on the bed. She rested her elbows on her knees and put her head in her hands. She lifted it after a few seconds. "Dorian I don't know. I believe with all my heart that Tea and Kevin are screwing around, but I'm not sure about Doctor Hanen. First of all, I don't know if Asa really still hates Todd that much. There's always been a part of that miserable old bastard that respected Todd and got a kick out of him. Asa does love Viki. He knows what Todd means to her. Bo seems to care about Todd."

"Todd held Asa and his family hostage! Asa almost died because of him. Todd plastered stories about Bo and Georgie all over his newspaper. Todd tried to cause trouble between Bo and Nora by locking Nora in a room with Sam, a man she once had an affair with. To Asa, that's reason to hate Sam as well as Todd and Viki. Clint left town because Viki dumped him. Todd locked Asa's grandson in the wine cellar with that lunatic nurse. Do you think Asa, Bo and Kevin need more reasons than that to want revenge on Todd and possible on Viki and Sam?"

Blair thought about what Dorian said for a few moments. "Okay, what about Doctor Hanen? Do you honestly believe she'd go along with this? She's a doctor, she makes good money." Blair stared off into space remembering. "She was very nice when Starr ran off to see Todd. Starr adores her. She keeps talking about the nice doctor her daddy has. She feels so much better about everything ever since she saw Todd and realized he's not in some horrible place. It's as if a weight has been lifted off our little girl's shoulders. Doctor Hanen seemed to be genuinely concerned about Starr and gave me some decent advice."

Dorian was quiet for a few minutes. She was happy that Starr got some relief from her worries over her daddy. Dorian begrudgingly admitted to herself that Susannah was basically doing all right by Todd. Dorian wanted to do the right thing and say this to Blair. The obsessive need to get back at Viki for real and imagined deeds was too great. "Blair, of course Doctor Hanen was nice to Starr. She's has no reason to hurt that child."

"What on earth reason would Doctor Hanen have for wanting to hurt Todd, other than being paid off to do it?"

"Her sister." Dorian had long ago prepared this reason.

"I told you that Nora does not get along with her sister," Blair reminded Dorian.

"I have it on good authority that Nora has been visiting her sister at the hospital and that Nora's daughter has been there often as well."

Blair sat quietly while she processed this information. She finally slapped her hand down on the bed. "Dorian, no matter what we suspect, we still have to convince Sam. He's there with them all the time. Apparently he is not suspicious of what he is seeing."

"Or is Viki convincing that poor deranged man that nothing is going on? Viki may love Todd, but she is very loyal to Susannah and . . ." Dorian stopped mid sentence.

"And what? And what, Dorian!" Blair asked impatiently when Dorian didn't respond.

"Well, I don't want to add to your worries," Dorian tried to sound as if she were keeping quiet for Blair's own good.

"Dorian, if you know something else just spit it out!"

Dorian got out of the bed and sat down on the edge of it, next to Blair. She spoke in a hushed tone, as if the walls had ears. "What if that is not always Viki there with Todd?"

"What!"

"Blair, I'm sure you now know enough about DID to know that alters come out in times of stress. Could Viki possibly be under more stress than she is now? Todd is so sick. Sam is a basket case. Her son is probably screwing her brother's wife. She discovered her perverted father visited Todd, and most likely knew he was being abused. She knows he was paying someone off for something. My goodness! Viki's whole life is coming apart at the seams. Would it be so surprising if she were coming apart as well?"

Blair was shocked. Not once did this ever occur to her. "You really think that Viki is also suffering from DID again?"

"I told you that she came here right after I tried to help Todd, by looking at his chart, and she hit me. She was raving like a mad woman. When I tried to help her by pointing out some things about her father, she hauled off and hit me. The only other time Viki physically attacked me was when she switched and one of her alters came out. Blair, Viki may love Todd and Viki may never allow anyone to hurt him, but what if this is one of her alters?"

"Oh my God! What if it is? Todd is helpless there. Viki and Sam are the only ones who really love him and what if they are both sick themselves? Oh my God!"

Dorian saw she upset Blair. "Honey, listen to me. Don't panic. Basically they are taking good care of Todd. His physical condition is improving. I saw the way that little Tom was able to skate and run around. I don't think anyone wants to hurt Todd physically. I do think they may want to keep him locked away. That is always what the Buchanans wanted . . . Todd locked away . . . punished for telling the truth about them. Tea and Kevin might have a different agenda. They might want his money. They also have to be careful. Even Doctor Hanen has to answer to the hospital administrators and to Larry Wolek. She cannot blatantly harm Todd. Whatever she's doing has to appear to be therapeutic. I only mentioned this to you so you'd realize that you are doing the right thing by trying to get Todd away from Viki."

Blair looked at her watch. "I have to get to the hospital. Oh Dorian. I'm so afraid for Todd. The one thing I did believe was that Viki would protect him if she found out he was really being harmed. Some of her alters might not give a damn about him, if they are coming out again."

Dorian walked Blair to the door. After Blair left, Dorian's conscience bothered her. Her thoughts of guilt were soon replaced by a litany of the crimes she believed Viki committed against her. "She always tried to take away my loved ones from me," Dorian said out loud. "Besides, I'm doing this for that poor sick boy. After all, he is Starr's father."

*****

Tea and Rachel were dressed and ready when Kevin showed up. Tea was feeling a little better, but she was still experiencing headache, dizziness and some nausea. Tea was not looking forward to having another CT scan. She hated being in that machine. She was also afraid that something was wrong with her. She was afraid for herself and afraid for Todd. She knew what it would do to him if her fall led to more health problems for her. Tea was anxious. She wanted to get going and see Todd. She had no idea Andy had come out.

Kevin pulled up in front of the hospital. There was no parking space nearby. Kevin asked Rachel if she'd take his car to the parking lot while he walked to Todd's room with Tea. Kevin was afraid Tea might become dizzy. Rachel did see some sense in that, even though she was a tiny bit annoyed at Kevin for suggesting it. Rachel knew if Tea started to fall, she might not be able to hold her.

When Tea took Kevin's arm, as they were halfway to the elevator, Kevin knew she was feeling dizzy. He was very worried about her. "Would you like to sit down for a few minutes?" Kevin asked.

Tea looked at her watch. It was nearly eight o'clock. "No. I want to have some time with Todd before I go for the test." Tea tightened her grip on Kevin a little and they continued to the elevators.

As soon as Blair approached the elevators, she saw Tea and Kevin. Even though their backs were toward her, she recognized them. She held back and watched them. She felt the anger rise within her when she saw Tea clutching Kevin's arm. Blair did all she could do to keep herself from rushing at both of them with her fists flying when she saw Tea rest her head on Kevin's shoulder and Kevin place his arm around Tea and hug her to him and whisper something to her. Blair had no idea a strong wave of dizziness had washed over Tea. She did not hear Kevin say, "Hey, are you all right?" when he whispered in Tea's ear. Blair walked away from the elevators. She had to compose herself before she could face them. She did not want to get herself barred from seeing Todd and she did not want to show her hand. Blair knew she had to get Sam alone.

*****

Viki had gotten to Todd's room at seven thirty. When she had woken up, she saw that Sam's bed, in the lounge, had not been slept in. When she walked into the room, a smile formed on her lips and tears formed in her eyes at the same time. Sam was lying on the bed with Andy. He was propped up against the headboard. Andy's head rested on Sam's chest. They were both sound asleep. Both looked peaceful. Viki nodded when Frank placed his finger to his lips. He walked over to her and they both stepped out of the room into the hallway.

"They were like that when I started my shift at seven," Frank informed her. "Carl told me that Andy had woken up around four in the morning. Sam had been sitting by his bed all night anyway. Andy held out his arms to Sam. Sam hugged him and Andy didn't want to let go, so Sam lay down next to him. Andy was able to easily fall back asleep and Sam eventually did too. Andy has been stirring a little in the last ten minutes or so."

Viki and Frank saw Susannah approaching the nurses station. After checking on Andy one more time, she had gone home, shortly after midnight. Susannah hoped that Andy would be up for a session, if he were still the one who was out. She also hoped she'd have some time to stop by and say hello to Bill and his children. She wanted to call Nora and Bo to thank them for the wonderful time she had at the seder. She hoped that she could put aside an evening to invite them out to dinner with her and Bill. Right now Susannah's first priority was her patient. She motioned to Viki that she's be right there and went to check the chart.

*****

Susannah turned toward the doors as Kevin and Tea were being buzzed in. She immediately saw that Tea was having problems. Susannah handed Todd's chart back to Terry and walked toward them. "Tea, what's going on?"

"Is it that obvious?" Tea asked.

"Yes," Susannah answered in her usual honest fashion. "Come sit down," she motioned to the nearest chairs.

"I don't have much time. I have to see Doctor Anderson at nine and then have another CT scan."

"Have you been experiencing symptoms?" Susannah looked into Tea's eyes. Her pupils were equal.

"A little," Tea minimized things.

"She passed out last night," Kevin filled Susannah in.

Tea saw the concerned look on Susannah's face.

Before Susannah had a chance to say anything more, Viki approached them. She kissed Tea on the cheek. "How's my girl?"

"I found Tea unconscious last night," Kevin announced, again.

"Is that going to be your headline today?" Tea asked Kevin sarcastically.

"Honey," Viki took Tea's hand. "What happened? You were all right when I left."

"I took a shower and started to feel very dizzy. I quickly got out of the tub, in case I fell. I guess I fainted." Tea looked embarrassed.

"She's been feeling lousy ever since the accident and in a brilliant move on her part, she kept it to herself." Now it was Kevin's turn to be sarcastic.

Viki hugged Tea tightly. She released Tea from the hug put her hand under Tea's chin and looked into her eyes. Viki shook her head. "What am I going to do with you?"

Tea looked away sheepishly. She felt Viki's love so strongly at that moment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I thought it would ease up and go away. I didn't want it to become the big deal that it has."

"Are we going to have to watch you like a hawk?" Viki asked with faux sternness.

Tea couldn't bring herself to admit it out loud, however, a part of her loved being mothered by Viki. More and more she came to understand Todd's needs. "No," Tea answered softly.

"Do you promise . . . no . . . do you swear to me that you will not keep your medical condition a secret from all of us, or at least not from your doctors?"

"Yes," Tea responded in an almost childlike tone. Viki still gave her "the look." "I swear," she added in the same tone.

Viki stroked Tea's cheek. "You are very important to us." She saw tears well up in Tea's eyes. Viki knew this embarrassed Tea even more. She quickly added, "I'm assuming you're going to see your doctors."

"Yes, at nine. I wanted to see Todd first." Tea turned to Susannah. "If that's all right?"

"Andy came out last night. Todd was only here for a little while. Tea, do you remember that some of other alters described Andy as being very depressed?"

Tea nodded and Susannah continued. "He still is. He's making suicidal statements. I want you to be prepared in case he says something about it in front of you. Right now, Andy seems to be clinging to Sam. He became so upset when Sam wasn't here last night that he had to be heavily sedated. Once Sam returned, Andy seemed to sense it in his sleep and has been clinging to him ever since."

"Sam wasn't here last night?" Kevin was surprised. So was Tea.

"Sam needed some time for himself, so he went out. We all need some time to think every now and then," Viki quickly defended Sam.

"Why didn't he come back when he heard Andy was calling for him?" Kevin asked.

"He couldn't be reached," Viki answered. "He forgot to turn his phone on." Viki saw Kevin roll his eyes.

"Kevin! I'm sure you have forgotten things in your life, so have I. Sam has a lot on his mind. I don't want you saying anything about this to him, either of you. He feels guilty enough. I didn't help the situation by getting angry with him. I don't want any of you to add to my mistake."

"It's a mistake to get angry with Sam? Kevin asked angrily. What . . . do we all have to walk around on eggshells when we're around Sam now?"

"No. I just want you to have some compassion for him." Viki's voice turned tender. "Honey, you know what it feels like to be drowning in guilt. So do I. Please, be patient with Sam."

Kevin nodded. "Yeah, okay."

Tea once again turned to Susannah. "Can I go in to see Andy?"

"Yes, he may still be sleeping and Sam may be sleeping too." Susannah read about Sam lying next to Andy in the chart. Just as Susannah said that they all heard screams coming from the room, but it was Todd they heard screaming, not Andy.

TO BE CONTINUED