Todd rolled over to buzzing sound of his alarm clock, swatting his hand he knocked the top of it turning it off. After leaving Evangeline's he spent the rest of the evening at the bar drowning his sorrows. He didn't know what he was doing anymore. His life had spiraled once again out of control and the ironic thing was this time he hadn't done the horrible things that set the events in motion.
In the past his sins manifested themselves in horrific ways and he swallowed the bitter pill of contrition. Now he wanted to be different. He'd changed and it was all because of her. Opening his eyes he looked up at the ceiling and remembered the feel of Evangeline shivering in his arms. He'd loved and hurt many women in his life, but his friendship with her was different. It was free of any stains from his nefarious deeds in the past. It was pure.
Sighing his thought drifted to Blair. They were cut from the same cloth. She was apart of him no matter how bad things got between them, or how deeply they hurt each other. She betrayed him but he's betrayed her in numerous ways in the past. Neither one could get a free pass on what's happened between them. He could no longer blame her for being who she is, and he would do what was necessary to put his life together. His life could never be Evangeline; although he's fallen in love with her, she was too special for that.
Reaching over he picked up the phone and dialed Blair.
"Hello…"
"Blair it's
me"
"Todd?"
"Were you sleeping?"
"Umm…no…is
everything okay?"
"That's why I called. We need to talk"
"Okay…." She said biting down on her bottom lip.
"I'll
come to you this evening when the kids are there so I can see
them."
"Okay Todd.."
He hung up before saying more. He didn't know if they could be the lovers, friends or the soul mates they were once before. He just knew that for Starr and Jack he'd do anything, which included trying to reach past the pain and bitterness he shared with their mother.
Rising from the bed he hung up the phone and thought of Evangeline. If he called her now and heard John in the background it would hurt deeply. Sighing he decided against it. He wouldn't allow himself to insert himself in her life and poison her with his madness. A woman like her deserved better. He loved her too much for that. He would however show her what kind of man John McBain was, because he was even less than deserving.
The room had the morning chill and he shivered reaching for his robe. He forgot to turn on the heat in the suite last night when he stumbled in drunk. Tightening the robe he headed out the front into the living room area. He instinctively glanced to the suite door to see a white envelope lying at the foot of it. Todd stood still for several minutes looking at the envelope confused. Finally he walked over to it and picked it up. On the front stenciled in black ink was his name.
Opening the envelope he pulled out the folded stationary to read.
Todd,
My beloved, you must know how happy I am that you are alive and well. Both me and your child prayed that you got through the horrors of being wrongly accused then trapped in that plane. I am so sorry for my role in that, but as you know it could not be helped.
Now that you are home its time to move into the future my love. I'm sure by now you know that I visited Evangeline last night and put her on notice. I will not have her coming between us. She took advantage of your need for comfort, and I'm so sorry that I wasn't there when you needed me. That won't happen again I promise. It is time to be the family we were destined to be.
I've enclosed the details of where and when to meet me. TJ is with someone I trust don't worry. Tonight we start anew, I plan to be the mother and wife you need.
I'm trusting you to follow these instructions to the letter. I'm watching you and if you deviate in anyway. I will make all those that you claim to care about pay, while you watch.
All my love
Margaret
Todd pulled loose the other paper with details on where to meet at the docks near the Lantana Bay and his hand began to shake with fury. "Noooo" he moaned at the nightmare reappearing. The letter said she'd targeted Evangeline. His heart racing, he dropped the paper and ran to his room to get changed. He had to find out if she was okay.
"Okay what's your problem!" Layla hissed snatching away from her sister.
Evangeline pushed her back into the booth like area where the restrooms were in the diner. She looked Layla up and down and saw it on her face. They'd been intimate.
"Please Lay, please tell me you didn't sleep with him"
"Back off Van, I'm a grown woman!"
Evangeline threw her hand up on the wall blocking her sister in. "That's acting like a little girl. The man is head over heels in love with his wife…."
"Ex-wife!"
"Doesn't matter, do you really want to go through what I went through with John?" Van asked trying to reach her.
Layla folded her looking her sister in her eyes hurt. She couldn't believe she was turning something magical into something ugly. "Christian is no longer with Natalie and we're just friends. I resent like hell what you're implying, as if he couldn't possibly be interested in me other than some quick lay."
Evangeline sighed "I want to protect you…"
"I don't need your protection!" Layla snapped pushing her out of the way.
John looked up to see Layla storming in their direction. Christian turned his head to see her eyes watered with tears and frowned. "What's going on?" he asked when she approached.
"Can you take me back to my car, please?" Layla asked angrily.
Christian rose from the booth retrieving Layla's coat from the side of him. "Are you okay?" he asked helping her into it. Looking over at Evangeline who was now at the table, running her hand through her hair nervously, he frowned. Apparently Evangeline saw something distressing about the budding romance. It was hitting a little too close to home.
Before Layla could speak the chimes above the diner door rang out softly announcing Natalie's arrival. She came in shaking off the snow and unraveling her scarf. Looking over to her right she saw the couples and frowned. Layla rolled her eyes and Evangeline gave her an 'I told you so' look.
Christian had enough and wasn't going to deal with Evangeline's judgment mixed with Natalie's nastiness. Grabbing Layla's hand he pulled her from the table. "How about we go somewhere else…"
"I'd love too" she said smiling weakly.
Natalie saw them approaching the door and stepped in front of them "Where are you two going?" she asked her voice cracking as she looked down at their hands clasped together.
"That's none of your concern Natalie, move…."
Christian said dryly.
"Can I talk to you?" She asked looking
in Christian face. Layla let go of his hand and looked at him
questioningly. Christian reached for Layla's hand again holding it
tight them pulled her out the door pushing past Natalie without
another word.
Evangeline eased into the booth with her foot carefully and looked up into John's eyes. She saw his disappointment in her and she sighed "I didn't mean to upset her, but you can't honestly think that a relationship between those two will do anything but destroy her."
"You pushed to hard sweetie, you could have handled it better that's all." he said reaching across the table and touching her hand.
Evangeline softened only to see Natalie making a beeline for their table. John saw the irritated expression cross Evangeline's face and turned in the booth to see Natalie descend on them.
"My don't we look cozy" she said tossing her red limp hair.
"What is it Natalie?" John asked looking up at her wishing she would disappear.
"Can I talk to you?" Natalie said pouting
"No…can't you see we're having breakfast!" Evangeline snapped surprising both John and Natalie. She was always very tolerant of them two and their supposed connection. Today she just wasn't in the mood.
Blowing out a frustrated breath she looked away. This thing with Layla and Christian was bad; she saw nothing but heartache for her sister and wanted to spare her that. She knew all to well what divided loyalties could cost you in the game of love.
"Natalie, could you please leave. Now is not the time." John said seeing the pain on Evangeline's face. Natalie stared at John for a long moment then glanced at Evangeline. "John we were friends first, and foremost. I'd like to maintain that."
He looked up at her and Evangeline turned to gauge his reaction. If he even went there she was leaving. She wouldn't play this poor little Natalie routine with him any longer. The ball was in his court.
He stared at Natalie for a long moment then sighed "I don't want to hurt your feelings, I actually think you're a good kid at heart. But I can't lie or mislead you Natalie. This woman here is my choice, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Right now I'm doing everything to prove myself worthy of her love and she's been gracious enough to give me that shot."
Natalie eyes watered "So that means you can't be
my friend?"
"At this time in your life and mine, I don't
think it would be wise. You need to find out who you are and what you
want. I'm doing that as well. You lost your husband twice and that
has to be hard. Work on you and healing."
"John…." She
said making a move to touch him but stopping herself.
John looked
over to Evangeline "Now if you don't mind, I'd like to buy my
lady some breakfast."
Natalie bit down on her lip. She glanced at Evangeline who smiled reaching across the table to touch John's hand and her heart broke. Without much resistance she turned and fled the diner, complete disillusioned over not having either Christian or John to lean on.
Todd almost collided with his niece as she fled. He frowned stepping back to see her racing into the parking lot. Not really caring about her pain further he turned going inside the swinging door.
Coming up the sidewalk he could see Evangeline and John in the diner and felt relieved that he had found her. First stop he made was to her place and when she wasn't there he tried John's. Without much luck he was heading to the police station when he saw her Mercedes parked outside of the diner, from the street.
"Thank you John" Evangeline said touching his face.
"I love you Evangeline" he said kissing the inside of her palm.
Todd walked straight over "Are you okay?"
Evangeline looked up confused "Todd?"
"Why didn't you call me!" he snapped
"I…"
"My god Van, why didn't you tell me that freak came after you!" he yelled.
John stood from the booth, he moved into Todd's face making him take two steps back. "The question is Manning how the hell did you know?"
"Get out of my face!" he snipped moving to the left so he could stare questioningly at her "What happened?"
Evangeline frowned "How did you know? Is it on the news?"
"No I got a
letter informing of the visit"
"What kind of letter?" John
said looking him up and down. Evangeline eyes grew wide and she
finally spoke "She contacted you?"
Todd pushed past John and took a seat in the booth. "First you, did she hurt you?"
"No, she didn't John got there and he saved me" she said looking over to John who stood at the table with his arms folded. Todd looked up at him "Well I'm glad he was there, I don't know what I would do if something happened to you" he said sincerely.
Evangeline smiled sweetly at him "I'm fine Todd, honestly" she said squeezing his hand with her good one. Todd sighed lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it. He would love her always.
John sucked in his breath "About this note"
"I'll handle it!" Todd said dismissively waiving John off.
Evangeline frowned "The hell you will!"
"Manning….you won't be going rodeo on this. You barely missed the needle in your arm the first go round."
"Oh and I'm supposed to believe you and your band of merry men will scour the forest and find that wicked witch?" he sneered.
John glared at him. "Say what you want, but if you step out of line again I'll personally throw your ass under the jail"
"Hey guys enough. You two have to work together on this." she said shaking her head. Margaret's threat was real and she feared for Todd and Blair with her running loose. He was right she should have called. Looking up at John she blushed recalling the reason why she didn't.
Todd saw the look she gave John and in spite of himself felt a pang of jealousy. Ironically he had decided to let go any notion of romance between them, but he just couldn't stand the thought of McBain hurting her again. "I will handle it" he mumbled letting go of her hand and sitting up straight.
"NO! No Todd dammit! Let John help. You have Blair and the kids to think of. Margaret has robbed you of so much, and she also has your child out there. You can't continue like this. You have to let the police handle it."
"Fine…" he said letting go of her hand and reaching inside of his jacket to pull out letter. Passing it over to John he smiled "Let's see you do your work Columbo! Tell us what does this mean?"
John snatched the letter and opened
it. He read it then turned it over. "Where's the rest?"
"What
rest?" Todd said shrugging
"The letter said it included
instructions. Where are they?"
"Don't know, she's crazy.
My guess is she forgot to include them"
Evangeline huffed in frustration causing Todd to look back over at her sheepishly "Quit with the jokes! The woman has two guns and is dangerous. Tell John what you know!"
Todd frowned "She has two guns?"
"She
took my gun off me…." John said
"Oh boy! How the hell did
you let that happen?" he asked looking at John disgusted.
"Spill
it now Manning or I'm hauling your ass in!"
Todd looked at Evangeline who nodded confirming that he should reveal it. Reaching back in his pocket he pulled out the directions to where Margaret wanted to meet passing them over to John.
John stared
at the paper and then looked back at him. "You think you were
followed?"
"Probably, that psycho broad is everywhere! Why
can't you and your clown patrol catch her already!" he
hissed.
John shook his head ignoring the barb. "I need to make a call" he said walking away with the note and flipping open his cell phone.
Todd redirected his attention to Evangeline reaching for her hand again "What happened last night?"
"She showed up, talking about getting you back and John got there in time to scare her off. Honestly I'm okay. He saved my life."
"This is my fault, I should have never left you" Todd said squeezing her hand
Evangeline shook her head "Listen to me, its time you stop this."
"Stop what?"
"Projecting…you have a
lot going on and mostly the root of your pain is your family and that
baby out there in the hands of a mad woman"
Todd dropped
his head "This isn't about them"
"It will always be about
them. Not only is your family in pieces now, you have a baby out
there somewhere Todd. We will get Margaret but after that then what?
What's your plan?"
Sitting back in the booth he stared at Evangeline silently and she understood. He was hiding behind her so he didn't have to think of what to do about that baby and his family. "Todd, sweetie you and I have been through a lot and what we share is strong. I feel it. It's deeper than romantic love and stronger than infatuation. I need you to heal and that healing means facing the present so you can have the future you were supposed to have. Stop running and deal with the pain of Blair's betrayal. You will need her at your side when we capture Margaret and become a family again."
Before he could speak John came back to the booth. He slid in with Evangeline and she scooted over to make room. Putting his arm around her he looked at Todd for a long moment. "It's all set. If she's watching we need to give her a show"
"Show?"
John nodded "Tonight you meet her at the docks."
Evangeline
looked over to John "Are you serious?"
John leaned over and
kissed her forehead "We'll be ready for Margaret. It's time we
ended this once and for all."
Paige stepping out
of the shower hearing incessant pounding on her door, slipping on a
robe over her wet body she hurried out of the bathroom. "Who is
it?"
"Open up or I'll shoot my way in!" Margaret
hissed
Paige froze hearing Margaret's voice. Her heart pounded
in her chest with fear. She couldn't call the police and have Bo
learn of her lies and secrets. But she couldn't let that creature
back into her suite.
"OPEN THE DAMN DOOR!" Margaret yelled turning the doorknob. Paige ran to the kitchen to get her gun slipping it in her pocket.
Going to the door she undid the lock freeing the chain before pulling it open. Within seconds she was face to face with madness. Stepping back Margaret came in closing her door. Paige knew this time of day that her floor in the hotel was relatively empty since most of the tenants were at work. At least she hoped so, she didn't want to have to deal with Margaret and then explain why she was in her place.
"What do you want?"
"Get dressed! We don't have much time, my Todd will be coming to me tonight and I will need your help to make sure all goes well!"
Nora rose from the sofa. Her atrophied limbs from the coma were now moving stiffly. She no longer required a wheel chair or a nurse. Walking with a cane she slowly made her way to the door. Opening it Matthew immediately gave her waist a warm hug
"Mom!"
"Hey sweetie" she said running her hands through his hair looking up at Bo.
Bo smiled supportively "You said to bring him over after school"
"Thanks come in" she said moving out of the way. Mathew took off for the stairs to go back to his room, he's missed for an eternity.
Bo walked in with his hands in his pockets and Nora immediately picked up on his mood. She followed him into her sunken living room. "Is something wrong?"
Turning Bo shook his head "You have enough going on, I don't want to unload on you"
"Bo, hey it's me. Is it Asa? I heard he was in the hospital. How is he?"
"Pa's the same and yes part of me is worried sick over him." Bo said sadly going to the nearest chair and taking a seat.
Nora moving slowly went to the sofa and sat down "What's the other part?"
"The other part of me feels that Paige is in trouble and I'm powerless to help her."
Evangeline
sat on her sofa watching John pace her living room talking in his
cell phone. She had a bad feeling about him and Todd both going up
against that crazy woman. She was too crafty. This could all be some
kind of set up. John finished his call and looked at her. "The
officer is outside your door….I have to go now"
"John…"
He
smiled at her calling after him. Going to her he knelt in front of
her touching her thighs "Its okay, this will all be over soon. I
promise"
Biting down on her bottom lip she stared into his blue eyes. Lifting her hand she touched the side of his face gently fighting back the urge to cry "I just found you again, I wouldn't survive it if I lost you."
"You won't"
"I also need you to take care of Todd. I know you don't like him, but he's important to me. Promise you won't let him do anything reckless."
"I promise" he said parting her legs and moving in between them while on his knees. Kissing the crease between her breast then the inside of her neck he slid his arms around her waist. "I'm coming straight back to you when this is done" he moaned
She put her arms around his shoulders tilting her head back to the loving kisses and moaning softly. "I'll be here waiting on you"
Paige got out of the car keeping her eyes trained on Margaret. She still had the gun on her and was grateful Margaret didn't check her pockets before they left. The crazy woman could smell fear on Paige and was more than confident she had her under her control. Slipping her hand into her coat pocket she fingered the cold steel of the gun. Her life was over now, whatever was about to go down would mean her further involvement.
She wanted a future with Bo, but Spencer even from the grave made sure that wouldn't happen. Margaret pointed out a secured spot for her trap and went through the details. Paige couldn't hear her all she heard was the pounding of her heart in her ears.
As Margaret turned her back on her grinning at the way she would be reunited with Todd, Paige reached in pulling out her gun leveling it at the back of her tormentors head.
"Todd and the police won't suspect a thing!" Margaret said excitedly turning around smiling to see the barrel of the gun in her face. Her eyes grew wide with shock and before she could speak Paige fired.
Margaret's head snapped back as she was lifted off her feet tossed to her back. It seemed her body fell back in slow motion. And instinctively Paige kept firing until she emptied the gun into Mad Mags lifeless body.
Crying she kept pulling the trigger hearing the gun click emptily. "Oh god…oh god!" she said stepping back shaking her head. "What have I done?"
Rushing to her car she jumped in, she would go home and pack then get the hell out of Llanview. Crying she sped off the docks realizing that the hands she used for years to heal were the ones that actually became instruments to kill. She would never forgive herself for what she did, but she felt a sense of relief that it was finally over.
Looking up in the rearview mirror at her eyes brimmed with tears she shook her head. "Its all over, goodbye Bo" she said sadly racing up the expressway, accepting the fact that she would never see him again.
Todd walked into the police station. He'd already gone home to check on Blair and the kids, making sure they were okay. Promising Blair he would return tonight and they would really talk. Seeing John surrounded by officers he walked over "Can we get this over with!" he said anxious to find Margaret. Evangeline was right, he had a child out there that needed him. He would need Blair's help in raising his baby.
John looked up "We need to put a vest on you and then we're set. I just sent out the first wave of officers to secure the streets surrounding the docks.
Todd rolled his
eyes "She'll see them?"
"We know what we're doing. You
will be wired so we can communicate, but of course you're going
solo"
"Fine! I just want this done and over with." He said storming off.
John watched him go with the detective to get fitted for his vest. "Me too…." He mumbled. He would put Margaret behind bars and then close the door to Todd Manning. The man was poison and he didn't like his obsessive behavior with Evangeline.
Back to Index
Chapter 16: Lost SoulsNora looked up at Bo
with a confused look on her face, "What do you mean Paige is in
trouble?"
"I just can't put my finger on it Nora. Ever sense
the plane went down with Evangeline and Todd she's been acting
weird."
Nora smiled politely and sat back against her couch. The
walk from the door and back was extremely tiring. She was just now
getting her bearings back slowly but surely. Letting out slow deep
breathes to steady her heart beat she looked over at Bo, "Could you
explain more what you mean?" she asked softly.
"She's
just been so anxious lately and really all over the place. She isn't
like the woman I used to know."
"People change Bo." She said
softly.
"Yeah but not that much Nora, it's like I don't even
know her any more."
"I get that." Nora said nodding her
head, "You think it has something to do with Todd?"
"Todd,
Spencer, Margaret, someone." Bo shook his head and pushed up from
chair and paced back and forth in front of Nora. "There is
something there Nora, she's hiding something and you know how I
hate when people hide things from me."
Nora looked up and
ran her hand slowly through her short cropped hair. "I know Bo.
What is it I can do for you?"
He turned and smiled at her, his
face tired and haggard from the day. He stood with his hands on his
hips then sat next to Nora, "How are you?"
Nora laughed and
shook her head, "I'm fine Bo, we were talking about you not
me."
"I know that, I just want to make sure you are doing
well. I never felt so helpless in my life watching you in that coma
for all those months." He said softly looking down at the
ground.
Nora reached over and touched Bo's hands, "I'm
back Bo. You, Matthew and Evangeline brought me back."
Bo
squeezed her hands lightly, "I… I mean we needed you back, this
life wouldn't be the same without you in it. You know that
right?"
"I do now…" Nora smiled and pulled her hands free
setting them in her lap. "Now can we get back to you and
Paige?"
"Why does it matter? She obviously doesn't trust me
like you do. I mean if you were having problems you would have come
to me right?"
"I don't want to compare myself with Paige we
are two completely different people Bo."
"I know that, but you
would have said something right?" Bo shifted and looked at Nora.
Her eyes wide with truth and honesty.
"I did my fair share
of hiding things Bo, and it hurt all of us, Matthew included in that.
Whatever Paige is hiding it can't be as bad what I did to you and
our family."
"I've forgiven you for that Nora."
"That
may be true, but I don't know if I've forgive myself."
"I
want you too, I need you too. Matthew needs you too as well…"
"And
you?" she asked softly.
"Yeah me as well, no matter what we go
through we will always be connected." He said smiling.
"Yeah ,
I know. Matthew."
Bo shook his head, "Not just Matthew…."
Bo stood and walked around the living room,
"I just wish she
would open up and tell me what's going on like you do."
"You
think it's bad?"
"Possibly…All I know is that with
Margaret out on the loose after Todd the whole LPD are on alert and
it's costing the city money we can't afford right now. .I just
want this done and over with. We've dealt with Margaret Cochran for
two years now, and she needs to be caught. She's inflicted so much
pain on Todd and his family."
"I still can't believe
that Spencer Truman was behind it all." Nora shook her head in
disbelief.
"That's why I think. There is some kind of link
there and I'll be damned if I don't figure it out. Thanks for
listening to me ramble Nora."
She smiled softly, "Any time
Bo…"
"I'm going to go check on Matthew, he's been up
there for a while."
"He's missed his room."
"He's
missed his mom!" He said climbing the stairs.
John stood outside of Evangeline's apartment his hand resting on the door jam as he waited for her to answer. The door opened and he looked up into her dark brown eyes and a smile spread across her lips as he leaned forward. "Hi…" he said softly brushing his lips across hers and then slowly letting his tongue run over her soft, plump lips.
"That's some welcome." She said softly
taking a step backwards, "I didn't expect you so soon."
John
slid off his jacket and closed the door and then led Evangeline to
the couch. He pulled her down in between his legs and kicked his
shoes off. Resting his chin on her shoulder Evangeline sunk back into
his arms, "What's wrong John?" she asked softly, feeling his
hands run up and down her stomach and over her thighs.
John
let out a deep sigh and turned his head burying it in her neck,
"Margaret's dead." He said softly.
Evangeline's mouth fell
open and her heart beat slowed down, "What?" she asked
stunned.
"When we arrived at the docks where Todd was supposed
to meet her, we found her body instead of her."
"What!"
"Yeah,
she was shot over and over again hun…" he said holding her
close.
"My, God! How is Todd? I should call him." Evangeline
rose to go to the phone and felt John pull her back to the couch.
"What?"
"Stay with me." He said softly letting his
eyes close as his lips kissed her neck over and over
again.
Evangeline tried to turn her head and look at her man,
"What's going on? If she's dead why aren't you at the station
taking care of things?"
"I'm where I'm supposed to be."
"John, it's your job. Go back there and take care of things.
I'll be here when you get back." She said softly.
John pulled
back and looked at her as Evangeline turned around, "You trying to
get rid of me?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"NO!" she
said laughing softly, "I just don't want you to think that I need
you here at every moment of every day."
"That wont happen hun,
but I do want to be here…" he said motioning between them, "I
need to be here with you. That okay?"
Evangeline smiled and
leaned in to kiss John softly. He ran his hands through her hair
bringing her face closer to his, "I love you…" he said softly
pulling back. "Have I told you that today?"
"Umm… I think
about twenty times today." She said smiling.
John rested his
forehead against hers and inhaled her scent, "It was so surreal to
see her there ya know?"
"I'm sure, what did Todd say?"
"He
just stared at her body. He wouldn't leave till the corner got
there to pronounce her dead, even then he didn't believe
it."
Evangeline sat back on the other side of the couch putting
her feet into John's lap, "He'll be fine."
"He said he
was going to go talk to Blair."
"That's good."
"He
said you made him do it."
Evangeline nodded and played with the
hem of her shirt, "He belongs with Blair and the kids. They love
him too much for him not to be there."
"You know him well
huh?" John questioned as he played with her toes.
Evangeline
shook her foot to get his attention, "He will always be apart of my
life okay? Can you handle that?"
"I can handle it, doesn't
mean I'm going to like it. Manning is bad news."
Evangeline
held up her hand, "Please let's not. This is one topic we are
going to have to agree to disagree on okay. There isn't anything
you can say to make me feel differently about Todd, John…" She
said staring at him.
"Nothing I can do to change your mind huh?"
he asked wiggling her big toe back and forth.
"Nope nothing, he
saved my life and I will always be grateful to him for that. The same
with you, John. You saved my life and I will always be grateful to
you for that."
"There's a difference between Manning and I…"
he said smiling at her.
"What's that?" She asked with mock
confusion.
John moved her feet over and hovered over her, "I
love you with all of my heart." He whispered.
"Say it
again."
"What?"
"That you love me."
"I love
you." He said rubbing his nose against hers, "I love you…" he
whispered again before capture her lips in a soft kiss.
Evangeline raised her arms around John's neck bringing him down on top of her. She felt him grind against her and smiled at the thought that he still couldn't keep his hands off of her after all this time. Pulling his shirt up Evangeline drew her nails up and down his back eliciting soft moans from John's lips as he kissed the inside of her neck.
"Vangie!" Layla said coming into the apartment
her head down as she searched her purse for her cell phone.
"Damn
it Layla!" She snapped looking up at her as John fell on top of
Evangeline laughing softly into the pillows.
"Oh, sorry!" she
said slowly closing the door behind her. "You two should really get
a room." She said throwing her purse on the desk.
"I'm in my
apartment, what are you doing here?" Evangeline questioned as she
slid from up under John.
"I was just wondering if you wanted to
go get some food at Rodi's with me. I have the night off and I miss
my sister." Layla said putting her hand on her hip.
Evangeline
looked over at John and he shook his head no, "Don't listen to
him!" Layla said staring at John with a devious grin.
"Hey!"
John said leaning over to stare at Layla, "I haven't had any time
with her."
"Neither have I!" Layla whined.
John
reached up and pulled Evangeline closer to his chest kissing her side
and running his hands along her hips, "Stay with me." He
whined.
Evangeline laughed and ran her hands through his hair,
"Why don't we all go."
"The three of us! I don't think
so."
"Call Cris!" John said quickly as he sat up behind
Evangeline. Evangeline turned and shook her head at John, "What are
you doing."
"What?" John said innocently. "I want to hang
out with you and so does your sister, and apparently we make her
uncomfortable."
"More than uncomfortable." Layla said from
across the room. Evangeline rolled her eyes and turned back to John,
"Are you sure about this, I mean it's Cristian. Natalie's
Cristian."
"Not any more from the looks of what we saw this
morning. He's all about your sister now."
Layla stared at
the two of them as she crossed and uncrossed her legs, "Listen to
the man. I spent the day with Cris, he's great."
"I know
Cris is great… but for you." Evangeline said shaking her
head.
"Let me have fun Vangie… Tell her John!" Layla said
pouting.
"Let her have fun Vangie." John said laughing as he
stood up.
Evangeline rolled her eyes and reached her hands out to
John to pull her to her feet, "You two are going to be the death of
me."
"That's because you love us so!" Layla said walking
over and kissing Evangeline on the cheek, "So does that mean he can
come?"
"Why do I sound like mom! Yes, he can come."
Evangeline hobbled into the bedroom leaving John and Layla in the
living room.
"Thanks John." She said touching his hand
lightly.
John stared at her, "You want my place?"
"What!"
"My
apartment, you want it?"
"Where are you going to stay?"
John looked around the corner toward Evangeline's bed room,
"With her…"
"Ha! Yeah right. My sister would never go for
that."
"I can be very persuasive." He said smiling and
rocking back and forth on his heels.
"It won't work…"
Layla shook her head and smiled at him, "Think again
McBain."
Todd watched as the elevator doors opened
to the penthouse floors. He took a step out and let out a slow sigh,
"Mr. Manning!" The guard said shocked to see him.
He nodded at
the security guard and forced a smile, "Go home…" he said
slowly as he pushed open the front door.
As the door swung open Todd took a step in and turned to see the guard leave. He closed the door in his face and walked further into the penthouse. Dropping his keys on the desk he ran a hand over his face. Margaret's face flashed in his mind and he shook it clear. He rested his hands on the edge of the desk and stared at the wall. He could see her lifeless body, her eyes dead and cold staring back at him.
Her hair was black but soaked in her blood as it pooled around her body. When he knelt down next to her he stared at her eyes making sure they didn't blink. He even imagined that they did and jumped back a little. As the coroner came around he watched as they loaded her body onto the gurney and then into the hurse.
He had to literally be dragged from the crime scene by one of LPD's finest because he stood rooted in the spot staring at the blood stain her body had created. He watched as John worked the crime scene still shocked that she was dead and he didn't do it. He wanted revenge on her for everything that she put his family through. He lost his wife and kids because of that woman, oh god his kid…. He squeezed his hands on the back of the chair at the thought that his son was out there without him.
"Todd…" Blair said coming down the stairs
surprised to see him.
Todd looked over at Blair and then back at
the desk, "Yeah…"
"What are you doing here!" she said
staring at him, pulling her robe over her body Blair walked closer to
Todd wanting to reach out and touch him.
Todd turned to face
her, his face as white as a ghost his hair disheveled from constantly
running his hands through it. He stared at her, his eyes sad, missing
the woman that made him complete. Rushing to her he pulled her closer
and rested his head against hers, "Tell me you love me." He said
softly.
"I love you Todd." Blair held him close running her
hand up and down his back and neck. "I'm sorry for everything."
She said kissing the inside of his neck.
"I know… I know…"
he said softly holding her closer as he fingered the bottom edges of
her hair.
Blair pulled back and wiped at her eyes, "What
are you doing here?"
"Margaret is dead." He said softly
running his hands down her arms and then back up again.
"What!"
she asked shocked, "How, when?"
"At the docks tonight… She
was shot." He said softly.
Blair took a step back and stared
at Todd with her hand over her mouth, "You…" She said shaking
her head.
"No, no…" he said walking to her, "I didn't do
it!"
"Good…." Blair said blowing out a breath and running
her hands through her hair.
"You think I would kill her?"
"I
wouldn't blame you Todd, not at all! After everything she did to
you, to us to the kids she deserves everything she got. I would have
done it myself."
"Did you…" he asked looking at her with a
sideways glance.
"What!" she snapped.
"Did you kill
Margaret?"
"No!" she said hurt by his accusation. Todd
smiled as he walked up to her, "Why are you here Todd?"
"I
had a talk with Evangeline." He said sliding his hands into his
pockets.
"And what did the, oh mighty Evangeline Williamson have
to say this time!" she snipped.
Todd smiled and shook his
head, "You'll never understand where she comes from, just like
she'll never understand where you come from. She's the reason why
I'm still alive Blair, she believed in me and I will always love
her for that."
"Well good for you and her! What does this have
to do with me?"
"She made me see the truth." He said
sliding closer to her.
"What's that?"
"That you and I
are locked together, no matter how much I try to fight it and no
matter what I do to you, we always come back to each other."
"I
told you that."
"I needed an outside opinion on the matter."
He said leaning down to kiss her lips.
Blair held up her hand,
"I want you to know something."
"What?" he whispered as he
brushed her hair from around her neck.
"What I did to you, is
awful. I should have never doubted you Todd. You are my life, you
gave me Starr and Jack and I will always love you for just that. I
want you to know that I love you with everything inside of me."
Todd
stared at her in the eyes and smiled as they sparkled with tears, "I
love you too Blair." He said softly before kissing her lips.
She
wrapped her arms around his neck molding her body into his as he
lowered her back onto the couch. Giggling as she felt his hands part
her robe and slide up her shirt she let out a soft sigh, "I love
you Manning."
He peered down at her brushing her hair from her
face, "I love you too…" he said softly capturing her lips again
in a searing kiss.
The foursome walked into Rodi's and all at the same time they spotted Natalie. She threw money on the bar and stood up. Walking past them she said nothing and pushed past them.
Layla blew out a breath as she watched Natalie leave, and hopefully for good. John held on tightly to Evangeline's hand as they found a table. He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them gently. Evangeline smiled and watched as Cris pulled out Layla's chair for her.
"Thanks for getting me out of the house."
She whispered against John's ear as he held her chair out for
her.
"My pleasure, just promise me that we'll finish what we
started earlier."
"Deal…"
"Pinky swear?" He asked
holding out his pinky.
Evangeline grinned and linked her pinky
with his, "Pinky swear." She whispered. John smiled a sly smile
and leaned down to kiss her and seal the deal. Evangeline let her
head fall back as her hair swept across her back and his hand slid
around her neck to hold it in place. John lost himself in her kiss,
the feel of her hair in his hands, the feel of her fingers caressing
his cheek and chin. Her tongue swirled slowly against his as John
devoured her in front of all to see, not caring who was around.
As
he pulled back breathing heavily he watched her lips still searching
for his her eyes closed lost in her own world of John. He kissed her
a few more times before taking a seat next to her and pulling her
closer. "Wow… that was some show!" Layla said laughing as her
cheeks blushed.
"Sorry." Evangeline wiped at John's lips and
snuggled close to him.
"Yeah sure you are." Cris said with a
wink.
"How's boxing Cris!" Evangeline said changing the
subject quickly.
"Good, Layla came to the gym with me this
afternoon."
"Really?" John asked shocked.
"Yeah I've
got a mean right cross isn't that right Vangie!" Layla said
laughing.
"Yeah, I'm sure you do!" Evangeline smiled as
Layla faked punches she learned with Cris.
"You're teaching
her how to box?" John said raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah,
so?"
"I'm telling you now, that you better be careful. These
Williamson's are tough girls, and I know from experience."
"Huh?"
Both Cris and Layla asked.
John smiled at Evangeline and then
back over at Cris and Layla, "Let's just say that I've had my
fair share of encounters with this one." He said poking
Evangeline.
"Hey now! You're the one that kidney punched
me."
"I did?"
"You did! On your birthday remember."
She said staring at him in disbelief.
"Ahh My birthday." He
said nodding his head.
"What?" Evangeline looked at him hurt,
"What's wrong."
"Nothing…" John shook his head and
turned back to Cris and Layla who had grown quite.
Evangeline
pulled at his arm, "What's going on!" she said
stunned.
"Nothing, trust me it is nothing." He said rubbing
her leg under the table and squeezing it. Evangeline looked at him
sadly then turned back to her sister and Cris, "What are you guys
going to have for dinner?" she asked trying to distract herself
from what John was hiding from her.
Bo came down the stairs and looked over at Nora doing small leg lifts to help build up her muscle strength. Bo came around and knelt in front of her and took her leg in his hand. He raised them slowly up and down and Nora watched him silently.
He stopped working on her left leg and
moved to the right, "This is supposed to help me walk again with
out that." She said pointing to the cane that sat next to her.
Bo
looked over at it and then back at Nora, "Is it helping?"
"Yeah
I guess so. How's Matthew?"
"He's glad to be home with his
mom."
"I'm so glad he's back here, you did good."
Bo
nodded his head as he lowered her leg and moved back to her other
leg.
"You don't have to do this."
"It's the least
I can do. I feel some what responsible for the whole thing."
"Don't…"
Nora said as she shook her head.
"Too late…" Bo felt his
phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out as he lowered her leg
to the ground, "Commissioner." He said rising from the floor.
"What!... Okay I'll be right there." Bo snapped the phone shut
and blew out a heated breath.
"What was that
about?"
"Margaret Cochran." He said grabbing his coat.
Nora
watched as Bo slipped on his coat and walked back over to her. "What
about her?"
"She's dead."
"What!"
"She's
dead, John and Todd got a lead and John ran with it and when they
went to meet her they found her dead." He leaned over and kissed
her on the lips without realizing it.
Pulling back Bo stared
down at her, "Sorry."
Nora touched her lips and shook her
head, "It's okay… you go handle your work. I'll tell Matthew
that you had to run off."
"Thanks." He replied softly as he
opened the front door. Bo turned to Nora and nodded his head as she
smiled at him. She touched her lips again as the door closed and
shook her head laughing to herself.
"I give up!"
Evangeline said passing her cue stick to John.
"Oh hun, don't
give up! You and Layla were doing so good." John said
laughing.
Evangeline rolled her eyes, as she walked back to their
table near the pool table, "You know you two cheated!" Layla said
passing Cris her cue.
"How so!" Cris said laughing.
"You
gave me the cripple!" Layla said staring at him.
"Hey now! I'm
sitting right here."
"Shhhh…" Layla put her finger over
her lips and then winked at her sister, "I say you give us a
handicap because of Van's handicap."
John looked over at
Cris and Cris looked at John they both turned to face Layla and
Evangeline, "No!" the said in unison.
"You suck at this!"
Evangeline said rolling her eyes.
"What! You're the lawyer in
the family."
"Yeah so you should have let me pled my own
case." She whispered as Layla sat down across from her.
"Hey,
I tried." Layla drank Cris's beer as he and John played
pool.
"You like him?" Evangeline asked as she took a
fry.
"You know the answer to that question." Layla said
setting Cris' beer back on the table.
"Just making sure."
Evangeline said shooting her sister a wink.
Layla turned to watch
as Cris and John acting like the best of friends playing pool, "Is
that weird or what?"
"Yeah it is, just as weird as you and
John being all buddy buddy."
"What?"
"I saw the way you
two ganged up on me Lay…" Evangeline said resting her arm on the
table. Layla shook her head and crossed her arms at Evangeline's
comment, "When did you guys get so close."
Layla looked
back and John and watched as he winked at her sister. "He really
loves you Van." She said turning back to face her sister.
"I
know that Layla."
"Do you?"
Evangeline narrowed her brow,
"Yes of course."
"He was heartbroken when everyone thought
you were dead, but at the same time he was there for
me."
"You?"
"Yeah me… I thought I lost my only sister
and he was there to see me through it. He promised me that he
wouldn't rest until he brought you back to us."
Evangeline
lowered her eyes to the table and then looked back up at her sister,
"I'm glad he was there for you."
"He was and I saw how
much he really loves you through it all. I'm glad you finally gave
him a second chance."
"Me too."
Evangeline sat back
in the chair and smiled over at John. She watched as he laid the cue
stick on the table and patted Cris on the back. He walked over
smiling at Evangeline and then extend his hand to her, "What?"
He
took her hand and pulled her to his chest, "Dance with me." He
said softly rubbing his hands along her back.
"Here!" she
asked shocked.
"Yeah, where else?" He said smiling as he
pulled her to his chest.
The music changed as they moved
slowly out into the middle of the floor. As he started to move her
around John's cell phone buzzed in his pocket. "Get it…" she
said softly.
"Nope, you and me tonight." John said pressing
his body against hers as he twirled her around the floor.
The
phone went off again and Evangeline stopped the dance and pulled back
from him, "Answer the phone John."
"Nope…" He pulled her
back and twirled her around so that her back was to his chest. John
slid his hands down her waist and over her hips as he held her close.
Evangeline let her eyes close feeling his lips brush against the
softness of her flesh. A few moments later his cell phone buzzed
again and Evangeline reached in and pulled out his cell
phone.
"McBain." She said winking at him.
"Evangeline!"
Michael asked shocked.
"Hey Michael, yeah it's me."
"What
are you doing with John's phone?"
"I had to answer it
because he wouldn't." Evangeline said poking John in the chest as
she smiled at him. John rolled his eyes at hearing her say Michael's
name. He took the phone from her and Evangeline hobbled back to the
table.
"What is it Michael, this better be good."
"It's
Natalie." He said softly.
"What about her?" he asked annoyed
as he walked back over to the table.
"She's here John, at the
hospital. She's been in an accident." He said
sadly.
"What!"
"Yeah it doesn't look good John. You
should come to the hospital."
John stared at Evangeline with
wide eyes. "What is it?" She asked softly. John moved the phone
from his mouth and looked at everyone at the table, "Natalie's
been in an accident." He said sadly.
"Oh my god what!"
Evangeline said shocked.
"Yeah, Michael says it doesn't look
good." John said shaking his head.
Evangeline stood up and
grabbed her coat and slipped it on, "Tell Michael we'll be right
there." Evangeline said staring at him.
"What, are you
sure?"
"Yes John! Let's go…" She shoved John's coat to
him and watched as Cris and Layla hurried out of Rodi's.
"We're
on our way." John said quickly and snapped his phone
shut.
Michael hung up the phone and walked over to Clint and Vicki. He slid his hands into his pockets as they stared at him with hope in their eyes. "How is she!" Vicki said quickly as she rose from her seat.
Michael looked at the nurse who came
out with Natalie's chart and handed it to him. "She's holding
her own right now, but we need to get her into surgery. Can you tell
me what happened again?"
Clint shook his head and looked at
Vicki, "All I heard from downstairs was glass shattering and then
loud tumbling and then a thud." She said crying softly.
"So
she fell down the stairs?"
"That' what I think… no one
else was in the house but the three of us."
Michael nodded
as he flipped through her chart. "Was she drinking?"
"I
don't know…" Clint said shaking his head.
"I think she
might have been, I'm not really sure though. Why do you ask?"
"Her
blood work, her alcohol contend is way over the legal limit."
"What
does that matter, you need to fix my daughter!" Vicki
yelled.
Clint held her tightly in his arms as she cried
against his chest, "Make her better!" Vicki yelled as the tears
streamed down her face.
"What can we do?" Clint asked as he
rocked Vicki in his arms.
"Donate blood. She has a rare blood
type, we'll need all the AB positive we can get."
"What!"
Vicki asked shocked.
"Yeah her blood type AB positive, it's
rare. We need all the blood we can get for her."
"Well that's
not possible, she can't be AB…" Clint said shaking his
head.
"Why not?" Michael closed the chart and slid it under
his arm as he stared at the two of them confused.
"I'm O
negative." Clint said, "Vicki's A positive. There is no way
that Natalie can be AB positive."
"It's what it says…"
Michael said opening the chart back up and showing it to Vicki and
Clint.
"But that means…." Vicki said shaking her
head.
"She's not a Buchanan." Clint said softly, "She's
not my daughter."
Back to Index
Chapter 17: Lost Souls2 months later
Evangeline walked down the hall of the Buchanan Towers looking at the folder in her hand. She had some very good news, and she couldn't wait to be the one to deliver it. It had been 2 months since everything in Llanview change. The death of Margaret Cochran was the catalyst that sent ripple effects through the lives of the residents of Llanview.
After her body was recovered Bo arrived to the station to begin the arduous task of finding her killer. Stumbling upon a bracelet he gave Paige for Valentines Day sent his mind into a tailspin. If he hadn't had it engraved with his and her initials he would still to this day believe it wasn't hers. But with the bracelet and subsequent disappearing act of his beloved girlfriend brought the truth came crashing down upon him.
Turns out the good doctor had rid the town of the greatest menace they'd seen since the Killing Club Killer. Three weeks later she was found in New Mexico when in her desperation she used one of her credit cards to rent a motel room. She thought she would make it across the border before it was traced. She didn't know that Bo had the entire nation looking for her.
After her arrest she confessed and explained how Spencer Truman ruined her life. Bo was devastated; the only solace he found was the comfort of Nora's arms. Nora was at his side during Paige's arraignment and when she was sentenced to life without parole. It was Nora who had to put the shattered pieces of her beloved's heart back together.
After loosing her mind over Daniel Colson's betrayal she understood fully what that kind of pain could do to someone. Evangeline was happy that they were working their way back together. She and Nora laughed continuously over their brooding men and the work it took to keep their guys happy. Her friend was back and all was right in the world.
Looking up at the conference room she tossed her hair over her shoulder and smiled. She couldn't wait to be the bearer of good news.
Coming inside she saw Todd, Blaire seated waiting patiently. Blair was holding baby TJ in her arms. After Paige's confession she indicated that Margaret had mentioned a name in regards to where TJ was in case she needed Paige to pick up the baby if her little trap went awry.
It took Rex Balsam three weeks to find the baby and pry the infant from an older Spanish woman's arms. The lady had grown extremely attached to the child.
Evangeline believed Rex would have found the baby sooner if he wasn't still distraught over what happened to Natalie. Her fall down the stairs due to a drunken binge left her paralyzed from the neck down.
It was a tragic sight to see her move around the room with the mouth piece of her electric wheelchair and struggle to speak clearly. Evangeline paid her respects with John but Natalie cried at the sight of them. She was now pretty much a recluse. She hoped in someway she found peace. Especially since everyone else has.
"I have great news you two" Evangeline said dropping the folder on the conference table. Blair looked up at her smiling. "They granted it!"
"The courts are sending over the papers in the morning! You two are the official guardians of that beautiful baby boy!"
Todd smiled widely pulling his wife into his arms crushing his son. "Todd, careful" Blair said smiling.
"I'm sorry.." he chuckled and leaned over kissing his forehead. He looked over at Evangeline. "This is all because of you."
Evangeline standing in her classic gray suit with her hair framing her face clasped her hands in front of her. "No Todd, you were the one that pulled us all through, and now you can finally be at peace with your family."
Todd rose form his seat and walked around the conference table. Coming to stand in front of her he took both her hands in his. "I gave up one day, I thought that my life wasn't worth the ink on my death warrant. It was you and only you that saw me as a human being worthy of being redeemed. That believed in me in spite of everyone around you telling you different. It was you that made me finally open my eyes to what's important."
Evangeline
smiled "What's important?"
Todd looked over to Blair and his
son then at Evangeline "Family, friends, loyalty, faith, hope,
unwavering support and unconditional love. That's what you taught
me Evangeline, that's what changed me. I will never forget the way
you saved my life." he said pulling her into his arms.
Evangeline hugged him tightly and he kissed her cheek. Blair watched as a mild pang of jealousy rippled through her. How could it not. Evangeline had done the thing that she wished she had. She would always feel guilty for siding with a man that tried to kill the man she loved. She would have to live with that.
Todd kissed his friends
forehead letting her go. "We'll be in touch"
"I'll send
you my bill" Evangeline chuckled.
Blair stood up reaching for
the baby bag. "Evangeline I want to thank you as well. You saved my
family and helped us be whole."
Evangeline walked over and touched the babies little face "Take care TJ, you are one special kid" she said kissing his forehead. "You too Blair, good luck to you both." She said kissing her cheek.
Blair nodded walking over to Todd who took her head. Todd opened the door and held it for her. He looked back at Evangeline with part of his bang over his eyes. "You finally won that spelling bee…"
Evangeline chuckled "You know what I think I did"
Todd winked and mouthed the words I LOVE YOU…
Evangeline winked back mouthing the words I LOVE YOU TWO…
She watched him leave and sighed. The day was over and her work was done. It was days like this she knew why she was who she was. Picking up the folder she walked out of the conference room and turned off the lights.
She spoke to Layla and she and John were to meet her and Christian at the Palace tonight. Christian had just been crowned the Light Weight Champion of the World from his last fight in Atlantic City. They all wanted to celebrate. Evangeline was extremely proud of how his life was turning around and how he and her sister seemed to be in love.
When Natalie was diagnosed with paralysis Christian was at her side. His heart ached for the woman that he loved for so long. Natalie feeling sorry for herself had him forcibly removed.
Layla thought that Christian would fight to be the one to take care of her. It was then he explained his true intentions. He would always love Natalie, but Christian the painter and husband that existed in that love was gone. He just wanted to make sure she was okay so he could move on.
It was Layla that he wanted to start anew with. He spent the past two months making a believer out of her sister and they were falling deeply in love.
Turning her door knob to enter her office she stopped surprised. John sat on the edge of her desk popping the cork on the champagne bottle. The bubbly fountain overflowed and Evangeline laughed as it spilled all over her carpet.
"You're going to clean that up!" she said smiling pointing at the stain with the folder in her hand.
"It's a celebration baby come on in"
Evangeline frowned closing the door "How did you know that I got TJ awarded to the Manning's?" she said smiling.
John raised his eyebrow "You did? That's great news!"
"That's not what you meant?"
John
shook his head rising from the desk he grabbed a champagne glass and
poured her some. "It's our anniversary"
"Anniversary?" she said confused accepting the glass
John went back and fixed his. Walking over to her he clinked his glass against hers. "2 months to this date I told you I loved you for the second time and you finally believed me"
"Really?"
"Really"
"Well
you do recall what happened after that little confession, the second
one that is?" She asked sipping her champagne and looking over her
glass batting her long lashes at him.
John smiled "I do…" he said slipping his arm around her waist and pulling her to him kissing her under the neck. Evangeline sighed tilting her head back "John we can't we have dinner plans."
"I cancelled them, they said they understood. It being our anniversary and all." he moaned trailing his kissing to her ear and sticking his tongue inside.
Evangeline smiled "You're so naughty…"
"Let me show you " he said seductively and she giggled. An office interlude between them was long overdue and the aftermath had her once again shaking her head. She always had the hardest time explaining the destruction and replacement of the office furniture, that their passion left in its wake. Lying naked in his arms on her sofa she looked back into his eyes.
"Is this as good as it
get?" she asked
John kissed her lips softly "We've only just
begun…"
The End of Fan Sweeps! Hope you ladies enjoyed it. Spoilers say that VAN will be blind in May sweeps! You know me and B will be right back on track writing the story the way it should be told! All in celebration of the wonderful pairing portrayed so brilliantly by Michael Easton and Renee Elise Goldsberry!
JOVAN PHEONIX 2006 Yeah Baby!