I TAKE THE DICE - PART TWO
PREVIOUSLY
They exploded all over each other, trying desperately to muffle their cries of passion so as not to awaken their children. With every last bit of energy he had, he grabbed her again and pulled her into him, sealing his love, passion, and desire for her with a kiss.
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September 2001
Morning…
Téa rolled over and snuggled Todd, basking in the afterglow of the previous night’s intense lovemaking. She felt a light kiss on her forehead and she could feel his hand gently explore her naked body.
The alarm clock went off.
Todd reached over and shut it off.
Téa looked up and grinned at him. He grinned back.
“You look…delicious…” was all he could think to say, “Last night…”
“…There are no words for last night Todd. It was…so erotic…so incredible.” she whispered.
She melted at his sexy grin and he began kissing her lips with delicate, tender, open mouth kisses…
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Startled by the noise, they shot up out of bed.
“Who’s banging on the door?” yelled Todd reaching for his boxers.
“Open the door Daddy!” came Trevor’s voice. And then as an afterthought, Trevor said, “Please?”
Téa reached for her nightie that was draped over her nightstand. She ignored her BC container.
“Well, at least he said please,” muttered Todd.
Téa threw on her robe as Todd threw his on, “I’m glad we locked the door last night,” she said.
“Mommy! Open the door!” yelled Trevor.
Todd and Téa, now dressed, unlocked the door to their bedroom and opened it. Trevor looked up into their disapproving stares. Both of them had their arms crossed. He looked like he just got caught with his hands in a cookie jar.
“Good morning to you too, T.D.,” said Todd trying to sound stern but cracking a smile.
“Morning Daddy. Morning Mommy. I missed you,” was all Trevor could think to say.
“We…missed you to T.D.,” grinned Téa.
Todd picked up T.D. in his arms and looked at Téa, “You know what today is?”
“I know. And I’ll be there,” said Téa almost coldly.
“Where are you going?” asked T.D. seriously, “Can I come too?”
“Well – you have a check up this afternoon…” said Téa.
Todd smiled at his son.
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Buchanan Estate
0900 am
Nora Buchanan walked into Asa’s mansion. She exchanged greetings with Nigel who escorted her into Asa’s study. Fiona sat in a chair dressed in a conservative power suit across from Asa. Asa stood up and Fiona followed suit.
“There here Fiona, is the lawyer who is going to get you off,” grinned Asa.
Fiona smiled at Nora.
Nora crossed her arms, “I don’t know about that.”
“Oh?” said Asa.
“Is there a problem?” asked Fiona.
“A problem?” asked Nora, “You did it Fiona.”
They glared at each other.
“Fine,” scowled Fiona, “Yeah – I kidnapped the kids and gave Téa a black eye but I did not hurt that boy!”
Nora looked confused, “Huh? That little boy walks with a limp Fiona.”
“I did not give him that limp. He…he did it himself…” said Fiona firmly.
“Fiona – he was in your custody. You were responsible…” insisted Nora.
“I did not purposely hurt that child!” insisted Fiona.
“That’s enough Nora,” said Asa.
Nora glared at Asa and turned her attention back to Fiona, “Are you still in therapy Fiona?”
Fiona nodded her head ‘yes’, “I see Dr. Myers this afternoon. He’s using a temporary office at Llanview General.”
Nora bit her lip, “I suggest you plead guilty to everything. I think I can get the judge to suspend your sentence with you in therapy.”
Fiona’s eyes grew passionate, “I’ll plead guilty to kidnapping the kids – to hitting Téa. But I will not plead guilty to hurting that boy. I will not. I did not hurt that boy!”
“Fiona!” exclaimed Nora.
“Nora. She’s the client,” grinned Asa.
Nora sneered.
**************************************************************************************************************
The Courthouse
0950 am…
Todd had ensured Kelly was covering Fiona’s arraignment for the Sun. Viki and Kevin were also present representing the Banner. As Todd and Téa walked down the hall they came across Sam and RJ. RJ was dressed in a business suit and a Llanview police officer was by his side. Téa stopped.
“Sam. RJ. How are you?” she asked. Todd stood behind her and crossed his arms.
RJ lightly smiled, “All right. You know me – I’m Llanview’s prime suspect.”
“I thought that was me,” said Todd.
“Let’s not debate this,” said Sam, “We’re just coming from RJ’s arraignment.”
“How did you plead RJ?” asked Téa sympathetically.
“Not guilty of course,” grinned RJ.
“So RJ, who did they say you knocked off?” asked Todd.
“Some cop named John Sykes,” said RJ bitterly.
“Téa, we’ve got to get going. If you get a chance, go by the law office and meet the new partner,” said Sam.
“Sure Sam. Good wishes to you both. I’ve got some errands to do and to take T.D. to a checkup this afternoon but I’ll try to swing it in,” replied Téa. Sam and RJ walked off accompanied by Llanview’s finest.
Before Todd and Téa could continue, Asa Buchanan got in their faces.
“Well, if it isn’t the Mannings…” grinned Asa.
“What do you want old man?” asked Todd protectively putting his hands on Téa’s shoulders.
“Have a nice night Manning?” asked Asa holding some papers.
Todd let a smile escape his lips, “I had a great night. Spent it with my wife.”
“Spare me the details,” said Asa.
Téa bit her lip.
“The details would give you a heartattack old man,” said Todd.
Téa cracked a smile and tried not to laugh.
Asa took his papers and walked up to Téa throwing them at her. She barely caught them.
“See you in court Manning,” grinned Asa.
Todd stepped out from behind Téa, “Oooh. I’m so scared of you big bad Granddaddy Asa Buchanan…”
Téa reviewed the papers, “Suing Todd for libel, Asa?”
“Yep,” grinned Asa, “You knew it was coming. See you in court…” he walked off.
“Don’t worry Todd,” said Téa trying to sound reassuring.
“I’m not worried. I’ve got a damn good lawyer,” grinned Todd. They hurried inside the crowded courtroom and found seats behind Hank and across from Asa who was sitting behind Fiona. Kevin sat next to Asa along with Renee. Viki sat in the back. Blair, who was covering the arraignment for her TV station sat next to Viki.
The judge walked in and banged the gavel calling the court to order. It got quiet. The judge reviewed the paperwork in front of her. She looked up at Hank, “Do you have anything to add Mr. Gannon?”
“No, Your Honor,” said Hank.
“Will the defendant rise,” commanded Judge Fitzwater.
Fiona and Nora stood up.
Todd grinned.
“Ms. Braxton – you are charged with one count of kidnapping of the minor child Starr Manning – a first degree felony, one count of kidnapping of the minor child Trevor Manning – a first degree felony, one count of Aggravated Assault against Téa Manning – a second degree felony, and one count of Aggravated Assault against Trevor Manning – a second degree felony. How do you plead to the charges?” asked Judge Fitzwater.
Nora looked at Fiona.
Fiona nodded her head.
Nora said, “Your Honor, Ms. Braxton pleads Guilty to both counts of kidnapping and Aggravated Assault against Téa Manning…” Nora paused.
“Yes!” whispered Todd to Téa looking truly satisfied.
“However, to the charge of Aggravated Assault upon the minor child of Trevor Manning, Ms. Braxton pleads…Not Guilty.”
The court became a loud roar.
“You BITCH!” yelled Todd standing up shouting at Fiona. Fiona and Todd locked eyes.
Téa shot up herself, “Your Honor! My son --- has a LIMP because of this woman!”
“Order in the court! Order in the Court!” yelled Fitzwater.
“Todd!” exclaimed Téa gathering her composure however she let her voice express her own supressed rage and anger.
“Sit down Mr. Manning – Ms. Manning,” commanded Fitzwater.
Todd and Téa sat down, both seething with anger.
Fiona looked at Kevin. He was smiling.
Court became quiet.
“Your Honor,” spoke up Nora, “I have mitigating circumstances I feel you should consider…”
“Yes, Counselor?” asked Fitzwater.
“Ms. Braxton is currently under psychiatric care on an outpatient basis…for mental health problems…” said Nora.
“I see. I will suspend sentencing until the outcome of Ms. Braxton’s trial, until which time, Ms. Braxton will be released into your custody and expected to continue her therapy with the sessions to be reported to this court. Court adjourned!” exclaimed Fitzwater.
Fiona grinned and turned around to catch Todd’s gaze. He was furious.
************************************************************************************************************
Later that afternoon…
After the indictment’s outcome, Téa had gone home, upset. The nannies were there watching the kids. Todd went to the office. He had a headline he wanted to get out. Téa spent time with Trevor, his presence easing her wounded and upset disposition, but only mildly. When it came to go to the law office that afternoon, she took Trevor with her.
Téa was dressed in casual clothes. She walked into her office holding the jeweled egg and Trevor’s small hand. She paused as she noticed a strange man standing in the middle of her office looking confused.
“Mommy…who is the strange man in your office?” asked Trevor.
“Oh, Sorry,” said the man turning to face her, “You must be the other lawyer, Téa Manning. Sam said there was another lawyer. I’m Nicholas Kerensky.”
He was about Todd’s height, with dark brown hair, light blue eyes, and clean shaven. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Kerensky,” said Téa. She held out her hand and he gave her a firm handshake, “This is my son, Trevor.”
Trevor hid behind his Mommy.
“He’s bashful around new people, but I’m just as curious as he is. What are you doing in my office?” she asked.
“Sam didn’t tell me which office was mine. At first I thought this one but it looked too “used,” he explained.
“Hello, Mr. Ker – sky,” said Trevor in his best effort to pronounce Nicholas’s name. He peered around his mother’s leg.
“Hello Trevor. You can just call me Mr. K or Nick if your mother doesn’t mind,” said Nicholas smiling at the boy, “Your son is adorable.”
“Thank you,” said Téa, “Well, give me a minute and I’ll show you to your office.” She walked over to her desk and put the jeweled egg on it.
“What’s that?” asked Nicholas.
Téa looked at Nicholas, “I don’t know. I think it’s a Faberge egg. I’m getting it appraised this afternoon,” said Téa.
Nicholas put his hands in his pockets, “Those eggs are extremely rare. It’s probably an imitation.”
“Probably,” said Téa, “I’ll show you to your office but then I have to leave. Trevor has a checkup today.”
“Well, I guess…I’m flexible,” said Nicholas, “I know Sam is busy.”
Trevor walked up to Nicholas, “I have hemo-fee-ah.”
“T.D.,” said Téa lightly, taking his hand.
Nicholas made a face and looked at Téa, “Your son meant to say hemophilia, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” said Téa sadly looking at Nicholas.
Nicholas gave her a sympathetic smile, “So does my brother.”
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The Sun…
Todd sat behind his desk, his eyes flaming with anger. He had been intolerable since returning from court. His priority was a headline but the best one he could come up with was “Crazy Fiona Lies”. He took a breath. He knew he needed this time away from his family. They didn’t need to see him like this – upset and angry – furious even. Furious at Fiona. He had to calm himself down before he went home. He picked up a picture of Téa and stared at it.
“Calm down – calm down Todd…” he muttered, “For her – for the kids…”
He closed his eyes.
Images – flashes of Téa – laughing…
Her lips on his – kissing him…
Trevor laughing – giggling…
His ankle swollen – his son…
He placed his head on his desk, again letting out a breath.
“Damn that bitch!” he whispered. He heard the door open and his head shot up.
“Téa. T.D.!” he exclaimed.
They stood at the door.
“Daddy? Are you mad? You look mad,” said T.D. clutching Téa’s hand.
Slowly Todd stood up. His face – confused, “Téa. What are you doing here?”
“I need…you Todd. I…need…you…” she swallowed, “I tried…to get through the day without you…but I can’t…”
Slowly he walked up to them, “I need you guys too…” He knelt down in front of Trevor.
“Yeah, I’m kinda mad,” said Todd evenly.
“At me?” asked T.D.
“No, not at you. How was your check-up?” he asked.
T.D. made a face, “The needle hurt but I didn’t cry.”
“Your Mom and I…we had a tough day T.D.,” said Todd looking into his son’s eyes.
Trevor nodded his head seriously, “Dr. Hart says I’m okay…”
“Good,” said Todd. He looked up into Téa’s eyes. On the verge of tears…
“T.D., you remember Lou – out there in the hall?” asked Todd.
T.D. nodded his head.
“Can you keep her company while I talk to your Mom?” he asked.
T.D. nodded his head. Todd opened the door and watched as his son limped up to Lou. They made eye contact and he shut the door turning into his wife.
“She’ll pay Téa. I swear she will,” he muttered.
“I don’t want to talk about her,” said Téa.
Their eyes met. He pulled her into a hug, wrapping his arms around her, enveloping her in him – reaching up with his hands to feel her hair.
She pushed away from him just enough to find his eyes, “Make it stop hurting Todd.”
Without a word, he began kissing her hoping if only for a moment – his kisses would ease the pain – the hurt – they both felt.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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