"Looks like we have a budding musician here," Bo commented.

Susannah turned to her sister and Bo.

"Téa said he was okay. He really is, right?" Nora wanted to hear it from Susannah.

"He's fine. It was not a serious reaction. The medications took care of it. Tomorrow, if he's still out, he'll be given medication and dosages that he can tolerate."

The baby banged his piano on the table and laughed again.

"Time for you to eat," Susannah said. She took the toy away.

The baby made a sound of protest and reached out for his toy.

Angelo loosely fastened a towel around his neck to act as a bib.

"It's been my experience that infant alters, despite having teeth, often have digestive systems in accordance with their age. They can't tolerate adult food or even the food an older child would eat any more than a typical infant can. The nutritional needs of infant alters are also close to that of typical infants. That is why the baby has been given formula and why we're starting his solid foods with something that hopefully he can tolerate," Susannah explained for Bo and Nora's benefit. "Also, his muscular system is not that of Todd’s or an older alter. He may have underdeveloped throat muscles. He could choke on foods or any small object. Never give him anything to eat or play with that you wouldn’t give a typical infant.

Eileen walked over with the cereal. "Look what I have for you. Mmmmm" Eileen rested the bowl on the table.

The baby stuck his hand in the cereal. He scrunched his fist open and closed. He laughed and held his hand up for Eileen to see. He once again wanted to share his new discovery with someone. He loved interacting with people. In every way the baby was a happy, well-adjusted child. The child Todd started out to be before he was nearly destroyed by the Mannings.

"You like that? Hmm? You like that, yeahhhh," Eileen said to the baby with a big smile on her face. She took up some of the cereal on a spoon. "Let's see if we can get some of this into your mouth."

The baby turned his head away from the spoon. He rubbed the side of his head getting some of the cereal in his hair.

Nora laughed. "When Rachel first started on solid foods, she and I both needed a bath after every meal." Nora walked closer to the baby. "May I try?"

Eileen looked questioningly at Susannah.

Susannah nodded.

Eileen stood up and Nora took her seat.

"Rice cereal. This was one of the first things my little girl ate too. But you know, it's a lot better in the tummy than on the hair," Nora said to the baby.

The baby reached out and stuck his fingers in Nora's mouth as she spoke. He laughed his sweet laugh.

"Mmmmm, not bad. That's pretty tasty," Nora remarked.

Bo and Susannah looked at each other. They were both very surprised at the way Nora interacted with this child.

With a spoonful of cereal in her hand, Nora tried a trick she used with Rachel. She opened her mouth wide and pretended to eat the cereal herself. "Mmmmm, yummy."

The baby was watching intently.

Nora opened her mouth again.

The baby imitated and opened his mouth.

Nora fed him the spoonful of cereal.

The baby once again stuck his hand in the bowl, only this time he threw the handful of cereal down on the floor the way he had the toy. He looked down at it and looked into Nora's eyes and laughed. He wanted her to appreciate his game.

"What are you, the food critic for the New York Times?" Nora cracked.

The baby continued to laugh and look down at the mess on the floor.

"Food. You eat this." Nora tried opening her mouth and pretending to eat the cereal again.

The baby opened his mouth and allowed her to feed him another spoonful.

Nora did this several time. Finally the baby opened his mouth on his own. Apparently the cereal was to his liking after all.

A couple of times during the meal the baby reached out for Nora again. By the time the bowl was empty Nora and the baby had cereal in their hair, on their faces, and Nora had some on her clothes.

Frank came out with several warm, wet washcloths. Nora gratefully accepted a couple. She wiped her hands, face and clothes off while Frank tended to the baby's hands and face. He wiped as much of the cereal out of the baby's hair as he could. It would do until his bath time.

Bo walked over to Nora. He picked up one of the washcloths and tenderly cleaned some of the cereal out of her hair.

"What's that big silly grin for?" Nora asked.

"You did great, Red. Kinda makes me want to see you with a little one of our own."

"You're gonna have to hold that thought till we get home, Mr. Buchanan," Nora whispered and winked her eye.

The baby banged his hand on the table a couple of times. He laughed and smiled when he got their attention back.

His joy was still contagious. Bo and Nora loved being with this child.

Nora chuckled the baby's cheek. "You did such a good job with that cereal that I'm going to give you a reward. I'll teach you a song my daughter loved when she was your age."

"You're gonna sing to him? I thought you said this was a reward?" Bo quipped. His eyes danced the way they always did when he teased Nora.

"It is!" Nora feigned indignation. "And if you expect your reward when we get home . . ."

"I'm sorry, Red. You have a beautiful singing voice. The neighbors try to buy tickets just to hear you sing in the shower," Bo tried to look serious.

"That's better," Nora kidded back. She pulled her chair a little closer to the baby's again and began.

"The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round, round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town."

Nora moved the baby's arms in circles as she sang to him. He loved it. His smile grew bigger and his laughter more joyous. Nora continued.

"The wipers on the bus go "Swish, swish, swish,
Swish, swish, swish, swish, swish, swish"
The wipers on the bus go "Swish, swish, swish"
All through the town."

This time Nora moved the baby's arms in a windshield wiper like motion.

By now everyone in the room was having a good time watching how much fun the baby and Nora were having.

Nora sang some more.

"The door on the bus goes open and shut
Open and shut, open and shut
The door on the bus goes open and shut
All through the town."

Nora took the baby's hands in her own and clapped them together, imitating the bus doors shutting. The baby continued to have the time of his life.

"The horn on the bus goes "Beep, beep, beep
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep"

Nora gently pressed her index finger into the baby's stomach as she sang the words "beep, beep, beep," and continued.

"The horn on the bus goes "Beep, beep, beep
All through the to . . ."

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING! GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Sam yelled as he came barreling into the room.

Frightened by the shouting, the baby started to cry loudly.

"What did you do to him?" Sam asked though clenched teeth. He put his arms around the baby. Sam was so upset he didn't even realize that it was only the baby that was placed in a Geri-chair and only with the baby were a shoulder vest and pelvic belt used.

"Calm down Sam. Nora was playing with him. He wasn't being hurt," Bo said loudly.

"Sam, the baby is out," Susannah quickly announced.

Sam stopped and saw what was really in front of him.

The baby looked up at Sam with his innocent tear filled eyes. His face was still scrunched up, as if he were going to continue crying.

Sam hugged the baby to him. He pushed back the baby's hair and wiped his tears away with his hands. Sam took the baby's face between his two hands and kissed him on the forehead. "It's okay. No more yelling. Shhhh. Daddy's here now. No one will hurt you. Shhhhh."

The baby squirmed out of Sam's hold. He reached up and touched Sam's cheek and put his fingers in Sam's mouth. Sam took the baby's hand and kissed it. "Yeah, Daddy's here. Daddy's here."

The baby grasped Sam's hair in his hand as he had Nora. He cooed and smiled. He was back to being his joyous self. Susannah and the staff noted to themselves that the baby was able to get over upsets quickly. He was resilient.

Now that the baby was calm and happy again, Sam turned to Susannah. "What happened? What made him come out?"

Susannah could see that Sam was using every bit of control he had to keep calm. He was still seething with anger. "Sam, let's go talk in my office."

Sam looked around the room. "Where's Viki?"

"Viki's in the lounge. She's resting. She should be back soon," Susannah answered calmly.

"Does she know the baby's out?"

"Yes," Susannah responded to Sam's question. "She was with him for a long while."

"She left him alone with Nora and Bo?" The muscles in Sam's jaw were taught as he spoke through clenched teeth.

Bo moved closer to Sam. "Come on, Sam. You know we wouldn't hurt him."

"You lied to me. You said you wouldn't see Todd today."

"Sam, please. Let's go to my office. The baby can feel the tension in the room," Susannah pointed out.

Sam peered in the baby's direction. He could see he looked like he was going to cry again. Sam glared at Bo and Nora and then back at Susannah again. "Get Viki. When Viki is here to stay with him I'll go to your office."

Susannah nodded in Frank's direction. He left to ask someone to get Viki.

They all sat in silent discomfort. No one wanted to set Sam off in front of the baby.

Sam noticed the baby reaching out for the toy piano Téa had bought for him. As soon as he handed it to him, the baby hit the keys and laughed and cooed when the notes sounded. Remembering his other game, the baby threw the piano down. Sam had forgotten the times his children had played this game and that this was the age when little ones starting learning about cause and effect. Sam assumed the baby didn't like that toy. He put it out of reach.

The baby started to cry.

"Uh . . . Sam . . ." Bo waved his finger at the toy. "I think he wants you to pick it up so he can throw it down again. He seemed to like playing that game."

Sam handed the toy back to the baby. Immediately his crying stopped. The baby put the toy in his mouth, banged it on the table a few times, hit one of the keys and then dropped it on the floor again and looked down at it.

Sam picked it up and handed it back to him.

The baby burst into giggles and dropped it again.

Sam continued to play the game the baby loved. Instead of feeling appreciative toward Bo, Sam felt resentful that Bo knew what his kid liked and he didn't. Once again Sam was kicking himself for not being there when the baby came out or when he learned this new game. He felt like a dad missing his kid's first step.

After another couple of minutes Viki came rushing into the room. She immediately noticed the room was silent except for the sound of the baby's laughter. Viki nodded to Nora and Bo as she walked over to Sam. "Honey. Jeff told me you were back. I tried to call you. Is your phone working?"

"Yes my phone is working," Sam said angrily. He yanked his phone off of his belt. He sounded like he didn't believe Viki. When he checked it, Sam realized the battery was dead.

Viki saw he felt terrible. "It's all right. You're here and you can see the baby's out and he looks like he's fine now." Viki stroked and kissed the top of the baby's silky head.

"What do you mean now?" Sam questioned.

"Sam," Susannah began. "Viki is here. She can stay with the baby and you can come to my office. I promise I'll fill you in on everything that happened since you left."

Sam eyed Susannah suspiciously and Bo and Nora even more so.

Bo took Nora's hand. "Come on, Red. "Let's give Viki some time with this little guy."

Nora understood. They could both tell that Sam did not want them left in the room with the baby if he wasn't there. In addition to that, they both wanted to be there to explain what happened and why Nora met with Todd when she had promised Sam she wouldn't. Also, Sam needed to hear about what happened at Statesville.

Viki was not sure what had transpired since she left. She did see that the baby looked much better and she was relieved. She was worried more about Sam right now. "Honey. Would you like me to come to Susannah's office with you and . . ."

"No!" Sam cut Viki off. "I want you to stay here with him and not leave until I get back."

It was obvious to all that Sam did not want the baby left alone with the staff.

The baby banged his toy on the table again and laughed.

"What do you have there?" Viki asked.

The baby continued to bang the toy on the table. He laughed and seemed to be amusing himself for a few moments.

"Of course I'll stay here with him. You go with Susannah and let her fill you in." Viki stroked the baby's head again. "I'll be right here."

*****

Sam could barely contain his anger until they were settled in Susannah's office. He turned on her the second the door was closed. "You wanted me out of here while they saw Todd, didn't you! What the hell did you let them do to him!"

Bo immediately jumped to Susannah's defense. "Take it easy Sam. Susannah didn't lie to you."

Nora stood up. "For God's sake Sam. Do you have any idea how paranoid you sound?"

Sam looked daggers at Nora. "I knew you'd end up hurting Todd if you met with him. Was I wrong about that! The baby doesn't come out unless something very traumatic happens to Todd. I knew you'd hurt him and you did! Don't make me out to be crazy to cover your own tracks. What the hell did you do to him?"

"Sam, you need to sit down and calm down. I will tell you exactly what happened, but not until you sit down," Susannah stated firmly.

Sam hesitated for a few moments and then finally sat down.

Susannah Bo and Nora began to tell Sam everything and that would include telling him about Razor coming out and about Razor's disclosure.

*****

A few minutes after Sam left for Susanna's office, Téa came back. She was surprised to see Viki back so soon. Téa had a good time looking at toys for the baby. She believed with all her heart that the joyous, trusting baby was the part of Todd that would allow him to one day trust. Todd would get well and trust that he could love without hurting those he loved and that he could allow himself to once again feel the joy that was taken away after Irene gave him up. As the baby learns that those he no longer sees for a few moments during a game of peek-a-boo are still there for him, so Todd would learn that those he loves will not abandon him. Téa also believed that one day the baby she would buy toys for would be the baby she and Todd would have. She hoped it would be exactly like the sweet and precious children that lived inside Todd.

Viki told Téa how upset Sam was. Viki couldn't bear to say it out loud. However, in her heart she feared Sam was precariously close to a breakdown. Viki knew if Sam didn't get help soon she'd have to see about taking Sam's name off of Todd's guardianship. She knew what that would do to Sam. She prayed it didn't come to that.

Téa sensed what Viki was thinking. She took Viki's hand. "Whatever you decide or whatever happens, I'll always be here for you."

The two women looked into each other's eyes. Viki knew Téa understood. She hugged her tightly. "Thank you, honey. I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me."

Viki wasn't sure if she should go to Susannah's office or not. She knew Sam wanted her to stay with the baby. Viki realized that right now Sam did not trust anyone else, not even Téa. This frightened Viki. The next time she got Sam alone she would have to strongly suggest that he see someone, someone other than Susannah. Viki knew he no longer trusted her enough for her to be his therapist. Viki’s eyes filled with tears at the thought of how much Sam once did trust Susannah and Téa. She wondered if the day would come when Sam wouldn't trust her either. Viki was not stupid. She wondered if Blair was able to get Sam alone during these times he would disappear and play on his illness. Viki understood that Blair loved Todd and did not want to see any harm come to him. She also understood that Blair's own history did not make her the best judge of what would and would not help Todd. Viki knew that once Blair made up her mind to get something, she would do or use almost anyone to get it, even if she genuinely cared for the person she was using, in this case, Sam.

The baby was beginning to look sleepy. Frank and Angelo decided to put him down for a nap before allowing him to play on the floor.

Viki told them she thought that was a great idea. She let them know that she would like them to wait for Sam to be in the room before the baby was placed on the floor. She knew Sam would not want to miss him crawling for the first time.

Viki decided to chance joining Sam, Nora and Bo in Susannah's office. She would wait a little while longer. If they had not all finished the meeting, she would go there. Viki wanted to be with Sam when Bo told him about Todd's time in prison. Viki also thought Téa could use some time with the baby before he fell asleep. She told Téa she'd be out in the lounge for a few minutes and then she was going to Susannah's office.

The baby didn't cry or protest in any way when he was moved back to the bed. He was very sleepy. He immediately turned on his stomach and began to suck his thumb. Téa rubbed his back and sang a lullaby to him that her mother had sung to her. It was one Starr liked when she was a baby.

"Ah, ro ro, mi niño
Ah, ro ro, mi sol.
Ah ro ro, mi pedazo,
De mi corazon.
E te niño hermoso,
Se quiere dormir . . ."

Tea stopped singing. The baby was fast asleep. Téa pulled the blanket up over him, a little higher. She kissed him on the cheek and settled in a chair next to the bed. She was content to sit next to him and watch him sleep for a while. Téa wished Todd and some of the other alters could be this at peace all the time.

*****

Sam sat quietly. He stared straight ahead. His face looked like it was set in stone.

Susannah, Bo and Nora exchanged looks. They had just finished telling Sam everything that had happened with Todd, Razor and the baby.

Viki stepped into Susannah's office.

Sam stood up and walked over to Viki. For the moment, Viki leaving the baby was not on Sam's mind. Hearing what happened to Todd in prison took priority over that. "They said you know happened to Todd in Statesville."

Viki saw more pain in Sam's eyes than she thought he could bear. "I heard what Razor said Garret did to him. We'll help him. Sam, we'll help Razor and Pete get through this and when the memories come back to Todd we'll help him too. He's not alone anymore."

Sam looked deeply into Viki's eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I let this happen."

"What are you talking about?" Viki was worried that Sam was getting the present and the past confused.

"Sam, you weren't there when Todd was in Statesville. Honey, what happened to Todd then had nothing to do with you."

Suddenly Sam's knees buckled. His shoulders shook with sobs. His head was bowed.

Viki knelt down. She took Sam into her arms.

At first Sam tried to pull away. Then he held onto Viki so tightly she could hardly breathe.

"Honey," Viki said quietly, "it'll be all right. I swear it will. Todd and Pete got through it. Razor came to help them and he got through it. When the memories come, they'll get through it again. We'll be there for them. They're not alone anymore. They have all of us now."

"Don't you see? That's just it," Sam managed to get out between sobs. "He was alone. He had no one to turn to. I was so busy nursing my hurt feelings and running around being this big shot attorney that I let Todd walk out of my life and I never tried to get him back. None of it would have happened if I'd been there for him or if I'd saved him when he was a kid. He never would have raped Marty or stalked Nora or done any of that. He'd never have ended up in a place like Statesville. I failed Todd. I failed my own kids . . . all of them . . . all of them. I married a woman I didn't love and then always made it clear to her that my heart was elsewhere."

Nora exchanged uncomfortable looks with Bo and Susannah. She knew that they knew, it was she Sam was referring too. He had only married Lindsay because he was on the rebound from his relationship with her. Guilt washed over Nora.

Bo took Nora's hand. "It's okay, Red," he whispered. "You did what you had to do."

Nora squeezed Bo's hand and nodded, but the guilt was still with her.

The eyes of everyone in room were on Sam. He was beginning to babble, but in some ways he was making complete sense. There was truth in every word he said.

Another sob escaped before Sam continued. "I tried to make up for all the time I wasn't at home by turning my own kids into spoiled, selfish brats. My son thinks he has everything coming to him. He puts on a good front, but in so many ways he's like his mother. Will resented the time I spent with Todd. His mother brought him up to think he was so much better than Todd. My God! He never had to struggle for anything. He'd never do things like help a boy like Eli or that little girl Todd went to Ireland for. My daughter has never forgiven either of us for breaking up her home. Neither of my kids care if I spend time with them or not and the one child that wanted to be with me more than anything . . . the child that clung desperately to me, I sent back to be tortured every day. Every day! I never wanted to see what was really happening. I used my family as an excuse. I told myself that Todd would be going from one unhappy situation into another if I could ever find a way to take him home with me. My own kids ended up messed up anyway. Lindsay became even more of an embittered monster than she was when I met her. I allowed this to happen to Todd . . . and for what! For nothing! For absolutely nothing!"

Sam flashed back to the memory of the first time he saw eleven-year-old Todd standing before him with those thin bruised arms and a fading bruise under his right eye. He remembered the way the small boy stood off to side and away from the other children. He heard Todd answer, "Yes sir," when he asked him if he wanted to be on the football team. Sam knew, without a doubt, that every instinct within him screamed that this little boy was in big trouble the very moment he first laid eyes on him. "GOD!" Sam cried out. He continued to weep uncontrollably for a few more minutes.

Viki held him tightly. She was crying herself.

Bo and Nora exchanged uncomfortable glances with each other. They both felt they shouldn't be there for this private family moment, but they could not just get up, step over Sam and Viki, and leave. So they sat quietly.

Nora alone continued to feel pangs of guilt. She knew if she had chosen Sam, he never would have ended up in a loveless marriage with Lindsay. Nora could see that Viki was much better suited for Sam than she was, and she never loved Sam the way she did Bo, yet she could not help feeling some guilt.

Susannah hoped this would be cathartic for Sam, but she was afraid this was only the tip of the iceberg. Sam's guilt ran deep. It seemed that Sam was heaping blame after blame on himself for everyone's life. All the mistakes he'd made were haunting him. His guilt over Todd was the trigger for his guilt over everything. In the same way Todd physically hurt himself to try to get some relief from the intrusive thoughts that tortured him, Sam emotionally hurt himself to get some relief from the guilt of paths that never should have been taken.

Sam pulled away from Viki's embrace. He held onto her upper arms so tightly that his fingers were digging into her flesh. "I know I can never make up for what I did to Todd. I can never take away the harm I let come to your brother. I swear to you. I won't let him continue to be hurt. You and Todd might never forgive me. You shouldn't. I don't deserve to be forgiven. I swear I'll make it up to both of you. Give me the chance. Give me the chance to be a real father to Todd and a real husband to you. Let's get married. Let's get married and take Todd home with us. We'll give him a real mother and father. We'll give him a real home."

Viki was shocked. She had hoped that she and Sam would get married one day . . . not this way, not for these reasons. Viki did not want to hurt Sam or make things worse for him. She had to be honest with him.

"Sam, honey, you know how much I'd love for us all to be a family, but not like this, not now. When we get married, it has to be because we want to be husband and wife, not only because we want to give Todd a home."

Sam looked as if he'd been slapped in the face. He let go of Viki's arms.

Viki could see she hurt him, despite her attempts not to. "Sam, even if we did get married now, we couldn't take Todd home. He's still too ill. He could hurt himself. He could hurt someone else. Things are too tense and confused right now. It’s not a good time to make this kind of dec . . ."

"You don't think I can protect Todd. You think I'll let him get hurt again. You don't think I can protect either of you," Sam stated in a monotone.

"No! It's not that at all. No one person can keep Todd safe. He's dangerous to himself. Even with a whole staff, he can still hurt himself. He needs to be in a hospital setting," Viki continued trying to reason with Sam.

"What if it's not in their best interest to keep him safe. If he were home with us, he would only be with people that love him."

Nora started to get up to say something. Bo stopped her by placing his hand on her arm and shaking his head. He knew she would make things worse if she interfered, even in defense of her sister.

Susannah said nothing. She too understood that anything she said to Sam at this time would make things worse.

Sam needed someone to blame. Yes, he was tearing himself apart with guilt, but if he couldn't place at least some blame on someone else he would lose his fragile hold on what was left of his sanity.

Viki tried to stay calm. "Honey, everyone here cares very much. They adore Todd. They feel horrible when he gets hurt. Some of them get hurt themselves trying to keep him safe. I don't understand why you would think differently."

Sam looked away from Viki. He remembered that Susannah, Bo and Nora were in the room. He knew he'd already said too much. If they were trying to hurt Todd they would make sure that Viki thought he was wrong about them at best, and insane at the worst. Nora had already treated him like he was losing his mind. What frightened Sam was there were times he wondered if he were losing his mind as well.

Sam took Viki's hands in his. "I know you have no reason to believe that I can be a good father to Todd and keep him safe. I never have."

"Sam, that's not true. You've been a wonderful friend and father to Todd since . . ."

"No!" Sam cut Viki off. "I haven't and you don't have to pretend otherwise to spare my feelings. But I will. I'll prove to you that I can be. I'll earn your trust and Todd's. You'll see. I'll get Todd's life back for him. It's my fault he lost so much, but I'll get it back for him. I swear. I'll make things better for you and for Todd. Viki I swear that to both of you. You'll see." Sam stood up and started to head for the door.

Viki stood up and rushed after him. "Honey. Todd has to be the one to get his own life back. No one can do that for him. I already know how much you love us. You don't have to prove anything to me or to Todd. We both know . . ."

Sam pulled away. "It's all right. I don't blame you."

"Don't blame me for what? Sam, please, what are you talking about?"

"I'll be with the baby," Sam announced and left Susannah's office.

Viki turned to Susannah, Bo and Nora. They could see her eyes were brimming with tears.

Susannah walked over to Viki and put her arm around her shoulder. "Come and sit down. We don't have to talk right now if you don't feel like it."

"Actually, I'd like to go lie down for a while. Please have someone get me if there are any changes or problems with the baby or if someone else comes out. Bo. Nora. Thank you both for coming. I'm sorry this has been so difficult for both of you. Bo, please let me know as soon as you find out anything about Garret or anyone else that abused Todd when he was in Statesville." With that, Viki left for the lounge.

Bo and Nora looked into each other's eyes and shook their heads. They looked up at Susannah. "I'm afraid for all of them," Bo commented.

*****

"He's napping. Téa's with him," Frank informed Sam from his post outside the door to Todd's room. "We waited for you before we put him on the floor. Viki didn't want him crawling for the first time without you being there." Frank wanted Sam to know that Viki respected and acknowledged the important role he played in Todd's life.

"Thanks," Sam said softly. "You know I was there when Todd graduated from high school. Todd didn't want to attend his own graduation. He didn't want to be the only kid there without family. Peter told him he was too busy to attend. Todd told me that bastard told him it wasn't as if he were valedictorian."

"I know having you there must have meant everything to Todd," Frank commented.

"Yeah," Sam confirmed wistfully. "I told Todd I'd take him anywhere he wanted to go afterward." Sam smiled. "All he wanted was to go to a pizza place. He was always like that. He never asked for or expected much. He was as excited and grateful for the tiniest things as other kids would be if you gave them a car. It was being with me that he wanted, not what I could give him. It was that day . . . right after he graduated . . . sitting there in that pizza place . . . I told Todd he needed to get away from Chicago and from his father. That was one of the last times I saw him, until he called me and asked me to come here to save his marriage to Téa." A tear slid down Sam's cheek.

"He did call, Sam," Frank pointed out. "He turned to you. When he felt he was about to lose what was most important to him, he trusted you and trusted that you could help him. I don't think Todd has ever turned to many people in his life. Todd must have felt your love."

With a slight nod of his head, Sam whispered, "Yeah." He stepped into Todd's room. Sam stood in the doorway. He came in so quietly Téa didn't notice his presence. Sam watched her as she watched the baby sleep. Téa's hand rested on the side rail of the bed and her chin rested on top of her hand. Sam saw the love pouring from her being as she looked at the sleeping baby. That kind of love can't be faked, Sam thought to himself. Téa can't be trying to hurt Todd or get even with him in some way. Oh, God. I don't know what's true anymore.

Sam walked over to the bed.

Téa looked up, startled. "I didn't hear you come in." Téa looked back down at the baby. "Look at him Sam. Look how peaceful he is." Téa sighed. "I pray Todd can sleep like that someday."

Sam gently stroked the baby's head.

Most of the day staff had gone off duty. Carl, Don and Connie came in to turn the baby over and do vitals on him. It was also time for one of his medications. They were happy they didn't wake him. Carl and Connie had been on staff from the beginning. They remembered that the baby would always wake up crying if his sleep was interrupted.

After they left, Sam and Téa sat quietly. Each was lost in thought.

Sam had been in the room nearly an hour when the baby stirred. His eyes opened. He saw Sam first. He smiled, cooed and held his arms out. It was obvious he wanted Sam to hold him.

Sam lowered the side rail on his side. He sat down on the bed and pulled the baby into a hug.

Téa smiled as she watched Sam's face light up and listened to the happy cooing sounds the baby made.

Carl came in. He could hear that the baby was awake. "Susannah left orders to get him out of bed as soon as he woke up. I just need to see if he needs to be changed first."

Sam laid him down.

The baby kicked his legs and grasped Carl's hair in his hand and laughed as Carl checked him.

Carl smiled at the playful and sweet nature of this child. "He's dry," Carl announced. "I'm going to get some other staff and we're going to place him on the floor."

"Can someone get Viki?" Sam asked. Sam did not want her to miss any of the baby's "firsts" any more than she wanted him to.

"Sure," Carl replied. "I'll have someone go right now."

*****

Viki had been unable to sleep. Sleep did not come easy to Viki these days. In addition to her worries over Todd, Sam and everyone else she loved, Viki was still haunted by the reoccurring dream she'd been having for weeks now. She couldn't understand why she'd dream about herself as a young woman . . . holding a baby . . . hearing her father arguing with another young woman. When Viki had this dream she would usually wake up trembling and in tears. Often an anxiety attack would be triggered. This time, Viki had just rested her eyes and put her feet up. She was very happy to hear that Sam seemed reasonably calm and that he asked someone to come and get her.

Marcia told her that Bo and Nora had left the hospital and that Bo promised he'd call the moment he heard anything. Susannah had gone to grab an early dinner in the cafeteria and she would be back soon.

They were just getting ready to take the baby out of his bed when Viki came into the room. She walked to where Sam and Téa stood. Viki knew the baby had done something to elevate Sam's mood.

The baby cried when they first placed him on the floor. It was a new experience. Very quickly his cries turned to laughter and smiles. He arched his back, extended his arms and legs and lifted his shoulders and head. The baby looked around and gave Sam, Viki and Téa a big smile when he saw them.

Susannah returned from the cafeteria and came straight to Todd's room when Marcia told her they were trying the floor with the baby.

Susannah said hello to everyone and then stood back and observed.

"Oh!" Téa exclaimed. "I bought him a toy that's designed for a child that's just starting to crawl. Is it all right if I give it to him?"

"You bet," Carl answered first.

Téa went to get the toy. She placed the clear plastic drum on the floor in front of the baby.

He immediately touched the cylindrical drum and the colorful balls inside it rattled as it rolled away from him. As they had hoped, the baby crawled after it. His movements were slow and awkward at first. That was to be expected. He caught up with the drum and hit it again, making it roll another couple of feet. This time when he caught up with it, he toppled over into a sitting position. He was able to sit by himself for a few moments. He looked up at everyone with a big proud smile on his face. He laughed and hit his hand on the drum. Don, who walked along with the baby as he crawled, steadied the baby when he started to topple over from the sitting position.

Susannah knew the baby was now developmentally at about a six or seven-month level. She smiled. He was thriving both outside and inside Todd's system. Susannah would try to contact Goodone, Carol or Miss Perkins when she got the chance, to try to find out who the baby's caretaker was. Susannah doubted he was just put to sleep when he went inside. This child was receiving as much love inside from his caretaker or caretakers as he was receiving from his family when he was out. Susannah hoped the baby's progress continued. It was crucial that he learn language. As Susannah always theorized, it would be much easier for the baby to learn than it was for Adam. Everything was a struggle for Adam. While the baby was much younger, he was developing at a normal to accelerated pace. The baby wanted to be part of everyone's world and he wanted them to be a part of his. He loved to share eye contact and laughter. He already wanted everyone to share in his good time, as he had just evidenced by smiling proudly and happily when he crawled and caught up with his toy. He displayed that earlier too, when he found a way to "invite" everyone into his game of dropping an object and having someone fetch it for him. He immediately played with any toy given to him in an appropriate way. His gross motor skills were normal. The sounds he made, his "baby babble," were exactly where they should be too. Susannah was very encouraged. She believed that eventually the baby would grow and mature as she hoped and give every positive thing his nurturing gave him back to Todd. Sam sat on his knees, a couple of feet from the baby. He called to him, in the same way he had with his own kids when they were that age.

Don let go of the baby. He crawled to Sam and toppled over to a sitting position in front of him. The baby gave Sam one of his huge smiles and melted Sam's heart. He pulled the baby into a hug. "Oh Daddy loves you. Daddy loves you so much." After a few moments, the baby squirmed away. He crawled after his toy again. He toppled over before anyone had a chance to steady him, but he just laughed and went right back to crawling after his toy.

Sam had to stand up. His knees ached and his legs were falling asleep. Sam realized he wasn't the young man that he was when his own children were babies. After a few minutes, he knelt down again. The baby delighted him by crawling to him once more.

Téa knelt down next to Sam and the baby. She pointed to Sam. "Da-da. Da-da. Can you say Da-da?"

The baby reclined, on his back. He stuck his fingers in Téa's mouth as she spoke. His shirt rose, exposing his tummy.

Téa laughed. "Are you trying to grab hold of the words? Hmmm, are you? Téa tickled the baby's tummy by vibrating her lips next to his skin.

He loved it. The baby kicked his legs and broke into laughs and giggles.

"You like that, huh? You like that," Téa said and repeated what she had just done.

This time, not only did the baby laugh, he repeated the sound she made.

"Good boy!" Téa exclaimed. The baby did it again and laughed at his own sound.

They allowed the baby to play on the floor for another half hour. Viki took her turn playing with him and then Sam and Téa played with him some more.

Susannah announced that it was time for her to examine the baby once more before she headed out for the day and then he needed to have his dinner.

He checked out fine. His lungs were still clear. His temperature was normal and the rash had subsided. The rest of his vitals were normal, for him.

This time Sam fed him another bowl of cereal. The baby played with half of it and ate half of it. By the time they were finished Sam needed to go wash and change his clothes but even he managed an occasional smile at the baby's antics. Viki told Téa she could give the baby his bottle. She was content to sit and watch.

Sam came back just as they had the baby settled back in his bed. He was already sleepy from his big day and from the meal he had. Sam bent over the baby and stroked his head. "That's Daddy's good boy. Daddy loves you."

"Da" the baby called out. He reached out and touched Sam's cheek and then grasped Sam's hair. "Da-da-da-da," he repeated.

Viki and Téa exchanged looks and smiles.

"Oh my God," Téa said with a big grin on her face. "Sam, he knows. He knows you're his daddy."

Sam looked like he was just given the most precious gift anyone could get. Tears slowly trickled down his cheeks. He kissed the baby's forehead. "Da-da loves his little boy. Da-da loves you. Todd, if you can hear me, I love you too . . . with all my heart."

The baby smiled.

Sam knew he didn't understand the words. He was sure he could feel the love.

The baby yawned. He rolled over on his stomach and placed his thumb in his mouth.

Sam rubbed his back and sang to him. He was asleep in less than five minutes.

Sam walked over to Viki. He took her hands in his. "I can be a good father to them and keep them safe. I can make everything right. I just need the chance, Viki. If I get a second chance, I can do it all right this time. You'll see." Sam kissed the top of Viki's head. "I'm going to the lounge to lie down. I'll be back in a couple of hours and I'll spend the night with him. You can go to the lounge or go home to sleep in your own bed. We'll be okay."

There was something about the way Sam kept saying, "you'll see," that made Viki anxious, only she couldn't understand why. Viki wished that Sam would have opted for a good night's sleep. She also worried that Sam's mood would swing and he'd become angry and suspicious again. On the other hand, she was happy to see Sam get some peace and happiness. She saw the look on his face when the baby called him Da-da for the first time. Viki knew she would not have wanted Sam to miss that for the world. She was very grateful to Téa for somehow getting the baby to make that connection.

*****

Viki and Téa sat in the lounge outside Todd's room.

"Sam seems to be feeling a little better about things, don't you think?" Viki asked Téa.

"Yes. I do. I know it upset him terribly to find that Nora and Bo had seen Todd when he wasn't here and then to hear what happened at Statesville . . ." Téa's voice trailed off as she held back a sob.

"It makes it a lot easier to understand why Todd would chance taking everyone hostage rather than go back there and why he tried to escape so many times," Viki stated sadly.

Téa nodded. "I hope Sam finds some peace in his time with the baby."

"I'm very happy that you somehow got the baby to make the connection and realize Sam is Da-da. Having that be his first word meant the world to Sam."

"I know," Téa agreed. "I could see it in his face. Viki," Téa asked. "Do you see a lot of Todd in the baby? I mean I know that the baby is probably the alter who's most removed from Todd in most ways . . ."

"You don't have to explain," Viki interrupted. "I know exactly what you mean. I think we're seeing the real Todd when we look at the baby. He's the undamaged part of Todd."

Téa’s eyes welled up with tears. "I think what that sweet infant grows up to be, is what Todd was meant to be. Doctor Hanen hopes that everything . . . the love, the attention, the confidence that he is good and smart and very lovable . . . every good feeling the baby will grow up with, will eventually be transferred to Todd."

"Oh, I believe that too, Téa. I believe that with all my heart. Susannah nurtured Princess. She gave her the love my mother wasn't there to give me. She helped her see that she was a good girl. She helped Princess realize that what happened wasn't her fault and that she could be loved without having to give herself to anyone she didn't want to give herself to. So much of that came back to me when Princess was integrated. I know I still have some big issues to work through, but if the different parts of me had not received what they each, as individuals, needed from Susannah, the staff with her at that time, and my family, I might not be here today."

Téa hugged Viki. "I'm so glad that you are here."

*****

Téa went back in to kiss the baby goodnight. She then left for the night.

Viki sat with the baby until Sam got back. He looked a little more rested after his brief sleep, but not much.

Viki stood behind Sam. Her hand rested on his shoulder. She kissed his head. "He adores his daddy," Viki commented.

Sam reached up and rested his hand on Viki's. "He's so smart. His eyes are so bright. He's happy." Sam tilted his head back and looked up at Viki. "You do think he's happy?"

Viki squeezed Sam's shoulder. "He's almost pure happiness and joy. Thank God he's never known what it is to be deliberately hurt or abandoned."

"That's all Todd ever knew." Sam stared into space as he spoke. "I don't think Todd ever knew one day free from pain and suffering from the time he was handed over to the Mannings. His only peace was going inside his head, as he calls it, and now that's still his only way to escape. He's just changed one hell for another. They all have, except for this sweet baby."

"Honey, I know therapy is painful. I know Todd and some of the alters are still suffering. It's different this time. They need to go through this to get their life back. It's the only way."

"Is it? Maybe if he wasn't in this kind of atmosphere he could get some peace? At least the children, like Adam and Timmy, would be allowed to do what they want. They wouldn't be forced into programs that make them miserable. They wouldn't be given drugs that make them sick."

Viki moved until she was facing Sam. She knelt down to be at eye level with him. "You know that Todd will never be whole without therapy. He'll never get his life back. The memories and flashbacks will come to him no matter where he is. God forbid it happens without someone there to keep him safe, or as safe as is humanly possible. Sam. You know I want Todd home more than anything, but I don't . . . I won't place him in danger."

Sam looked into Viki's eyes. He didn't know who was right or what was true. Is this really the best thing for Todd and all of them or is Viki being conned into thinking it is? Sam thought to himself. He was back to square one. He didn't know what to believe or what to do. There was no proof either way as far as he could tell.

Sam sighed. "You should get to bed. We need all our strength to keep up with him." Sam nodded in the baby's direction.

Viki could tell Sam didn't want to talk anymore. She kissed Sam on the lips. "Goodnight. Please have someone get me immediately if there is a problem. Promise?"

Sam nodded.

"Or if you want to talk . . . honey, if you want to talk you know I want to listen," Viki offered.

"I know," Sam whispered.

Viki squeezed Sam's hand and then stroked his cheek. She left for the lounge.

Sam watched the baby sleep most of the night. He'd doze off for a few minutes and then wake up with a start and make sure the baby was okay.

When staff came in at different times during the night to change, medicate and feed the baby through his feeding tube, they were concerned because Sam always seemed to be awake, despite the comfortable reclining chair they brought in for him. They were also concerned because Sam turned down offers of food or a T.V. being brought in. He didn't want anything to read. He mentioned something about not being able to concentrate right now. This made them even more concerned. It fit with the rest of Sam's behavior and set off alarms. Sam did accept an offer of coffee. Dave bought him in a toasted English muffin and a donut, in the hopes that Sam would eat. When he came back in the room a couple of hours later, he saw the cup of coffee had been drained to the bottom, but the food remained untouched.

So went the rest of the night. Sam's sat there, guarding the baby from the unseen dangers he felt surrounding him.

*****

Dorian kissed Mel goodbye as he headed out the door. He was already late for a meeting at the Banner. Before he left, he nuzzled Dorian's ear and whispered, "I'll be home early if you promised me another night like the one we just had."

"Do you think we'll survive one more night like that?" Dorian quipped.

"Maybe not, but what a way to go," Mel shot back and gently slapped Dorian's backside. Then he was out the door.

Dorian smiled to herself. Mel was the man she had been looking for all her life. If only he understood her special relationship with her girls. I'm sure he will. He'll realize that I had no choice but to help Blair. After all, I wouldn't stand in the way of Mel helping his daughter Dorothy, Dorian thought.

Dorian knew Blair had to be frantic. She had been otherwise occupied and had not returned Blair's phone calls, despite the messages Blair had left. Dorian was just about to call her when she heard Blair pounding on her door and shouting for her. At that exact same moment her cell phone rang. Dorian grabbed the phone. "Please hold for a moment," she said into the it. She rushed to the door. "I'm coming. I'm coming! Blair for God's sake, you don't have to break the door down."

Blair rushed in the second the door was open. "I tried you all night! Where the hell were you? It was important! I was going to see Todd last night, but I couldn't because I wanted to talk to your first." Blair kept her visit to Club Indigo to herself.

"Blair, calm down. You know how Mel feels about my helping you get Todd out of the hospital. He wouldn't have even known about it if you hadn't come here so many times and shouted for the world to hear how upset you were with the situation over at the hospital. Mel was . . . well, he was watching my every move. I had to wait until he left. I was just about to call you." Dorian held up her cell phone. "I have a someone on hold. I'll just be a minute."

Blair rolled her eyes in frustration. "Please get rid of them. I need to talk to you."

"All right!" Dorian said in an exasperated tone.

"Hello. I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

"Dorian Hayes?" the voice on the other end asked.

It didn't sound familiar to Dorian, yet she knew she'd heard it before. "Speaking."

"It's Spencer Wilson."

Dorian was surprised, if not shocked, to hear from the private detective she hired more than two months ago in her effort to find James Porter, the man Victor had paid nearly a quarter of a million dollars to.

Blair had no idea Dorian had done this and Dorian didn't want her to know. Dorian could not really twist this around to helping Todd. Blair, like Mel, had warned Dorian over and over again that she did not want her to deliberately do anything to hurt Viki. Many times Blair angrily reminded her that this was not about getting revenge on Viki. This was about helping Todd and helping her get Todd back to his "real" family.

"Please hold for another minute," Dorian said into the phone. She turned to Blair. "Darling, I'll be right there. I have to take this. It's a very important business call. Go into the living room, sit down, and relax. You'll forget half of what you want to tell me if you're this tense."

"I'm fine! Please, Dorian. It's important. It's about Todd."

Dorian gave Blair a gentle push toward the living room. "Just give me two minutes. Help yourself to some herbal tea. Caffeine is the last thing you need."

Blair glared at Dorian, but she did go into the living room.

Dorian shut the door behind Blair. She moved far enough away so she wouldn't be overheard. "It's been a long time Mr. Wilson. Quite honestly, I didn't expect to ever hear from you or the sizeable retainer I gave you again."

Spencer Wilson got right to the point. "I found James Porter."

"My God!" Dorian said to herself. To Mr. Wilson, she said, "It took you long enough."

"He's an ex PI. He knows how not to be found."

"He isn't still working as a PI?" Dorian asked.

"Nope. He can't stay sober long enough to hold down that or any other kind of a job. He's living in St. Louis, in this run down boarding house. He does occasional odd jobs when he's sober enough."

Odd jobs? Dorian wondered to herself. I guess the money Victor gave him ran out long ago. Dorian walked over to a small hallway table and retrieved a pad and pen. "Mr. Wilson. I'm assuming Mr. Porter is still living at the same boarding house?"

"As of yesterday he was," Spencer answered. "The thing is, he goes off for a few days or a week or two every few weeks. From what I was told, he sobers himself up, packs a small bag and leaves for somewhere. No one knows where. He comes back sober and is usually drunk again a few hours after he's back. He stays drunk until he goes off to wherever it is he goes again."

"Is he on one of those sobering trips of his now?" Dorian asked.

"Yep. I just missed him by a few hours, after I finally traced him to here."

"Damn!" Dorian exclaimed.

"He'll be back. He always comes back. I would have followed him if I'd gotten here before he left," Spencer assured Dorian. He didn't want her to think he wasn't doing the job she was paying him so well to do.

Dorian thought for a minute. "All right, I want you to stay there. I want you to let me know the second he comes back to his room. Do you understand me?"

"I certainly do, Mrs. Hayes. He will be back. His landlady is not the type to talk about one of her boarder's or let someone into the rooms. I got one of the other boarders to talk to me for a nice little monetary exchange."

"Which I'm sure I'll find added to my bill. Just continue to find out whatever you can and call me . . ."

"The second Porter comes back. I know. Don't worry. Now that we found him it's just a matter of a few days to a couple of weeks."

"Let me have the address," Dorian requested. She wanted to make sure she had at least this much, in case something happened to Spencer Wilson. "Yes, I'm ready." Dorian held the phone between her neck and shoulder as she wrote. "Go ahead . . . 3722 North 14th St. . . . near the Walnut Park East area . . . got it."

*****

Blair had been nervously pacing. "It's about time!" she complained. "I thought you were getting right off the phone."

"I'm here now. Blair you really need to calm down." Dorian took Blair's hand and led her to the couch. She stroked back Blair's hair. "Now, tell me what has you so upset."

"Sam came to see me yesterday. Oh Dorian, he looks and acts worse than he did the last time you saw him. Things must be very bad with Todd if Sam is getting so sick over it."

"Did Sam say things were worse with Todd or perhaps with his relationship with Viki?"

"He didn't say anything about Viki other than she loves Todd." Tears formed in Blair's eyes and trickled down her cheeks. "He said Todd tried to hurt himself again. He freaked out after a nightmare and went into the shower and burned himself with the hot water and then dug deep scratches into his whole body."

Dorian winced. She shook her head. "And where was Viki, Doctor Hanen and her staff when this was happening to him?"

"Sam said the tech that was watching him wasn't fast enough to stop him. Todd shoved a chair under the door handle. It took them a few minutes to get the door open. It may have been another alter. They're not sure." Blair wiped a tear away. "Oh, Dorian. I can't bear to think that he hurt himself again. He's been so upset lately. He remembered some things and now he wants Viki and Sam to send him away to another hospital. He wants to go far away from Llanview. He even asked me to get money for him and help him. He got so angry when I told him I had no access to his money. He . . ." Blair's voice trailed off.

"He what? Blair. Blair look at me!" Dorian demanded.

Blair looked into Dorian's eyes.

"Did he hurt you? Tell me!"

"No! Well, not exactly. He got angry. He threw some of the things I did to him in my face and he grabbed my face. Dorian, he was desperate. He wanted me to help him get away from all of them, including Téa. Don't you see? Todd wants what I want for him. He wants to get away from all of them."

"Did he say he wants to come live with you and Starr at the penthouse?"

Blair looked down at her lap. "No," she admitted.

"Darling, maybe you should listen to Todd. Perhaps he really does know what's best for him. It sounds like he's trying to save those he cares about from danger. It might be best if you did try to help him get to some hospital far away from Llanview."

"NO! Dorian, No! Todd needs to be here, with those that love him. He needs to be near his daughter and she needs to be near him. The one he needs to get away from is Téa. She's doing this to him. She and Kevin and possibly the rest of the Buchanans. My God! Nora and Bo are trying to visit him. You know how much they hate him. Asa probably sent them. God knows what they'll do to him when he's this vulnerable."

"Viki is allowing this?" Dorian was surprised.

"Sam said Todd is insisting on seeing Nora."

"Does Viki give in to everything Todd wants, even if it's harmful to him? My God, that woman just ruined her children and now she's doing the same to Todd."

"Dorian, it's such a mess. Sam is trying to keep Todd safe, but you know how he's been."

"Yes. That poor man is totally off the spool, another one of Viki's victims. He was perfectly fine until he got involved with Viki."

Blair gave Dorian a nasty look. "I told you this isn't about Viki! It's about Todd. It's about Todd and Starr and me. It's about our little family. Dorian, Sam asked me what proof I have that the Buchanans or Téa or Kevin or even the hospital staff are hurting Todd. He wants to see some concrete proof that they are making Todd sicker to get back at him for what he did to Nora and Asa."

Dorian thought for a minute. She knew the time was right. "Blair. You need to hire someone to look into things."

"Hire someone? I have a very good lawyer, Matthew Allen, and . . . I . . . uh . . . well . . . Jerry Skinner is there when I need him." Blair was embarrassed that she hired someone as sleazy as Sun photographer Jerry Skinner to follow Téa and/or Kevin for her and take incriminating photographs of them when she deemed it necessary.

"Blair, Matthew Allen may be an excellent attorney, but he's also an ethical one. He won't get his hands dirty. Trusting a sleaze bag like Jerry Skinner is not a very smart thing to do."

"He got me what I needed, Dorian! It was those pictures of Téa and Kevin that Skinner took that first started Sam's doubts where the oh so loyal and true blue Ms. Delgado is concerned."

"Yes, that's true, but you still can't trust a man like that."

"Well then why don't you tell me exactly who I need and what I need them to do. You seem to already know all the answers."

"If you're going to get nasty, perhaps we should discuss this another day," Dorian said angrily.

Blair sighed. "I'm sorry, Dorian. I've been very upset since the last time I saw Todd, then with what Sam had to say I . . ."

"All right," Dorian interrupted. "Apology accepted. I know you're very upset. What I was going to say was that you need to hire a legitimate private detective, not some sleazy photographer, to look into things. You need someone that's good and can be trusted to keep a confidence and someone that's not above letting those professional ethics slide just a little for a client that pays him or her very well."

"What would this detective be looking for? You seem to already have some ideas."

Dorian smiled like the cat that ate the canary. "As a matter of fact I do. Sam wants some kind of proof that some of the people you suspect, like Téa, Kevin and all the Buchanans or even Viki's beloved Susannah Hanen are the ones doing this to Todd, or at least making his illness worse."

"Yes," Blair confirmed. "Sam wants some kind of proof. He's not sure what he believes. I don't even think poor Sam knows what he's thinking anymore."

"Well, then proof is what you need to give him. I'd say Sam, being in the mental condition that he's in now, would be very susceptible to any kind of proof you show him."

"So you think this private detective will find this proof? Dorian, I have to at least point the detective in some direction. I have no idea where to look. This is just something I know in my heart. I have no real clue as to how to prove it."

"Don't you think there would most likely be money involved?"

"I do think Téa is going to squeeze every last cent out of Todd before she shows her true colors."

"No, not Téa. As his wife she has legal access to much of his money. Téa is also not the one giving Todd drugs and psychiatric treatment."

Blair thought for a moment. "Doctor Hanen?"

Dorian remained silent. She wanted Blair to come up with the details on her own. She didn't want it said that she put all the ideas into Blair's head. Dorian wanted Blair, on her own, to show Viki that as usual she was wrong, and her judgment in people was as poor as ever.

Blair thought for another couple of moments. "Doctor Hanen might want revenge on Todd for what he did to Nora and we know how much Asa and all the Buchanans hate Todd. Doctor Hanen is one of them . . . sort of. What if Asa really is paying her to do this to Todd? Would there be some proof of that? Asa is arrogant enough to think he'd never get caught. He might not have covered his tracks that well. That's it! I could hire someone to look into Doctor Hanen's finances. Maybe they'd find something I could show Sam? I know once Sam has some real proof he'd never let Todd stay with someone who's hurting him. Sam would do everything in his power to get Todd out of there. Sam knows he can't handle Todd by himself. He'd bring him home, to me . . . and . . . and to Starr of course." Blair hugged Dorian tightly. "Oh thank you! Thank you Dorian."

"Darling, you have nothing to thank me for. You figured it all out by yourself and came up with an excellent plan. I'm very proud of you."

Blair rubbed her hands together gleefully. "I know just which private detective I'm going to use too," Blair exclaimed. She kissed Dorian on the cheek. "I'm so happy you were here. Taking to you always helps." Blair grabbed her purse. "I'll let you know what happens as soon as I get this going."

"Blair, wait one minute. I do have one more piece of advice to give you. I don't think you should visit Todd until you get this proof."

"Why on earth not? Todd needs me more than ever now."

Dorian was worried for Blair's safety. She knew what Blair's reaction would be if she told her that was the reason, so instead she said, "If Todd is having some kind of episodes, you don't want there to be any blame cast your way. I know you want to be there to help and protect Todd."

"I do! Dorian, I can't stay away now, when he needs me so badly, especially when Téa is crawling into Todd's bed and doing God knows what with him?"

"They are allowing Todd to have sexual relations while he's in the hospital?" Dorian couldn't believe it.

"No. At least I don't think so. Oh it's a long story. They are trying to convince Sam that Todd really wanted Téa there with him."

"Do you think that could be true?" Dorian asked. She didn't want Blair to be hurt any more than she already had been. Dorian had seen Todd and Téa together on many occasions before Todd got sick. She recognized love when she saw it. She did believe that no other woman would be real competition for a Cramer woman. However, Dorian also acknowledge to herself that in this case Todd might be lost to Blair, even if he does get well.

"No! Todd still lo . . . I'm the mother of Todd's child. That will always be important to Todd."

Dorian decided to let that part of it drop for now. "All of that aside, darling, don't you realize that if they are doing things to Todd to make him worse, they may plan them when you're around, to make it look like it's your fault."

Blair raised her hand to her mouth. "Oh my God. I never thought of that. They might. Oh, Dorian. I don't know what to do."

"Stay away from Todd. I know it will be painful for you to do that, but you have to keep Todd's long-term welfare in mind. You don't want to blow any chance you might have of the courts allowing Sam to bring Todd back to the penthouse."

"You're right. I only pray Todd will be all right with no one there except Sam to look out for him. Viki loves him, but she's a fool for Doctor Hanen, Kevin and most of all Téa."

Dorian rubbed Blair's back. "You've made a wise decision."

Blair nodded.

Dorian walked Blair out.

*****

As the door closed behind Blair, Dorian looked up in thought. Her eyes were alive with anticipation. "Finally! Finally I'm going to get some answers. Finally I'm going to find out what Victor paid all that money for. Heaven knows what secrets about everyone . . . Victor, Viki, Todd, the Mannings . . . who knows what . . . and for a good price, I'm sure a man who does odd jobs for a living and then drinks it away would be more than happy to tell me every one of those secrets . . . every one of them."

TO BE CONTINUED

COPYRIGHT RS 2002

[The Bus Song], The Spanish lullaby - composer and lyricist unknown.