HEAVEN - PART TWO

HEAVEN - PART TWO

PREVIOUSLY

Outside on the sidewalk in front of the station, Todd took deep breaths of the cool night air, willing his pulse to return to normal. Gradually, he became aware of the fact that Téa had joined him and was quietly sniffling at his side. Quick as a snake, Todd lunged for her, grabbing her upper arms and turning her forcefully toward him.

“So, Delgado,” he said in a dangerously quiet voice. “Do you think I’m a murderer?”

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It was past midnight before Todd and Téa returned to her Angel Square apartment. After leaving the police station, they had gone to Llanfair for a strategy session with Sam, Viki, Jessica and even Blair. To Todd’s relief, none of them seemed to believe the Chicago cops’ false eyewitness, and they all agreed that he was being framed. John Sykes was generally thought to be the culprit, but it seemed likely that he had help from other people who had an ax to grind with Todd, most likely Asa, and to Viki’s chagrin, Kevin. The problem was no one could think of a way to prove it. But there was some satisfaction in knowing that those closest to him were trying to help.

Later, Todd and Téa had spent a couple of hours with Sam at his law office going over legal precedents and constructing a plan to deal with the charges that they all knew would come sooner rather than later. The general consensus was that Sykes probably had a judge in his pocket who would be all too willing to issue the warrant Bo had insisted on. It was just a matter of time before Todd would be arrested. Both attorneys spent considerable effort extracting promises from Todd to surrender peacefully rather than run. Being lawyers, Téa and Sam seemed to have infinite faith in the criminal justice system. The false evidence would be exposed in a court of law and Todd would be cleared. But deep in his heart Todd struggled with the fear that he may not live long enough to be vindicated. Something told him that Sykes had no intentions of leaving him alive more than a few hours after he was in custody. It would be a small matter for him to arrange for his nemesis to be ‘killed while trying to escape’, even if Todd found the will power to be a model prisoner. His every instinct told him to run.

Téa rummaged around in a cupboard and returned with a glass of scotch, silently sliding it into Todd’s hand as he leaned back on the couch with a weary sigh. He drained half of it in the first gulp, staring sadly at the upholstered window seat across the room. Was it just hours ago that Téa had agreed to marry him? Now Todd wondered if she was filled with doubts and fears about him again.

“So, Delgado, are you going to answer my question?” he asked, fixing her with a scowl. “I’ve been waiting all night to hear it from you, but you keep putting me off.”

“What question would that be, Todd?” She wearily rubbed the back of her neck.

He snorted in disgust. “You know this boils down to only one, Téa. Do you believe that I killed a girl fifteen years ago and made up a recovered memory to cover my ass?”

Taking a deep breath, Téa met his eyes. “No, I believe you, Todd,” she said softly. Todd remained silent, searching every inch of her face to see if she was telling the truth or just saying what she thought he wanted to hear. Slowly, she moved her hand along the back of the couch, seeking to take his hand, but he moved it away before she could. “Do you believe me when I tell you I’m behind you, that I’ll do everything in my power to see you’re cleared of this terrible falsehood?” Todd just stared at her, lost in his own despair. Téa pulled her legs up beneath her and leaned a tiny bit closer to him. “Just this afternoon, right over there, you promised to trust me, Todd. Are you saying that was all an act to get me to marry you?”

Todd looked stricken. “No, I meant what I said.” He leaned his head on the back of the sofa and Téa thought she saw tears glistening in his eyes. “It’s just that I’m so…so pissed that this happened now, right when I thought I had a chance to put my old man and all his filth behind me. Oh, he must be laughing it up good down there now,” he said bitterly. “I’m going to jail for his crime!” Téa crawled over the cushions warily, hoping against hope that Todd wouldn’t push her away this time. Tentatively, she reached out a hand, putting it lightly on his shoulder. For a moment, Todd ignored her, then ever so slowly, he brought his hand up and covered hers. He turned to her, his eyes wide. “I’m scared, Téa,” he whispered. “Scared that we’ll never have that life together that I’ve been dreaming about for so long.”

Téa shook her head vigorously, unable to control her tears any longer. “No! No! I refuse to believe that. This is just a temporary setback. You’ll be cleared, Todd, I know it. But you just have to remain calm and let Sam and me do our jobs. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Todd shook his head, squeezing her hand tightly.

“Téa, you promise to watch out for Sykes. Once I’m out of the way, he’ll come after you. I can take anything except losing you.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t let that…that creep anywhere near me.” She leaned closer, wiping away a tear. “I owe you an apology, Todd. I thought John was just a little possessive, maybe a bit domineering. Not unlike you in that regard. But I always stood up to you and somehow I found myself going along with practically everything he said. I lost confidence in myself after you left, but I’ve been getting it back since your return. Now I know that John really is dangerous. I should have listened to you long ago.”

“I never told you this at the time,” said Todd slowly. “But Sykes tried to kill me when I was in jail.”

“What?” said Téa, sitting up in shock.

“He came down, cuffed me to the bars, got rid of Doyle and then proceeded to beat the crap out of me with a nightstick.” Beginning to sob, Téa reached out for him, but Todd held up his hand in warning. “Wait. That isn’t all.” With a look of deep misery on his face, he said, “He went after me, Téa, he was going to…to…” He turned away abruptly. “He was undoing my pants…he was going to rape me with the baton.” Téa’s mouth opened in a silent scream of anguish. “I kicked him in the balls, but he got up. He was going to bash my skull in if Bo hadn’t shown up right then.”

“Oh, Todd!” said Téa, gently turning his head toward her. “I’m so, so sorry! Why didn’t you tell me, press charges…” Finally, Todd reached out and took her into his arms, rubbing his face in her hair.

“I was afraid you’d push him too far and he would go after you,” said Todd quietly. Téa could feel his body shuddering against hers. “I don’t want to talk about him anymore, Téa. This may be our last night together.” Feeling her tense, he added, “for a long time.” He pushed her away just slightly, enough to allow him room to lean in and cover her mouth with his own. After a sweet, gentle kiss he said, “I don’t want to think about what’s going to happen tomorrow. I just want to hold you.”

Téa pulled away, standing up and drawing him to his feet. She pulled him by the hand into the bedroom. Kissing his palm, she left him standing at the foot of the bed while she lit some candles on the dresser and folded back the coverlet on the bed. Returning to his side, she gently slid his leather jacket from his shoulders, letting it drop to the floor unheeded. Pressing her body up against his, she stroked his back, willing him to relax. They kissed deeply, with all the longing and desire of two lovers about to be forcibly separated. Feeling Todd’s tongue darting into her mouth, Téa felt a shiver of anticipation run up her spine. The kisses and stroking became more urgent, and Téa helped Todd pull his turtleneck over his head. Reaching into her sweater, he unbuttoned her blouse and slid both garments down her shoulders to join his jacket on the floor. Her bra soon followed and they pressed their upper bodies together, feeling the heat of the other’s skin against their exposed flesh. Another kiss left Téa almost dizzy with desire, and Todd led her to the side of the bed and quickly divested them both of the rest of their clothing.

They slipped between the cool sheets, leaning back on the pile of pillows, their lips locked together as they explored each other’s bodies. Téa nuzzled against the hair on Todd’s chest, licking and nibbling at his nipples. Her hand reached down to his swollen member, stroking and massaging him as he arched back in pleasure. She left a trail of kisses down his belly, finally taking him into her mouth. He reached back and grabbed the brass headboard, writhing and bucking with the sensations of her wet mouth on his sensitive flesh. Téa’s heart was filled with joy that she could do this for him, and allow him a few moments of freedom from his troubles as he gave in to the desires of his body. Suddenly, he reached down and grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her up to him and kissing her deeply on the mouth.

Slipping her leg over the top of him, Téa straddled him, leaning in for another deep, hot kiss. She grabbed the headboard on either side of his head, dangling her breasts in his face. Now it was her turn to moan with pleasure, as he alternated between them, sucking and nibbling at each nipple as he pulled and stroked at the other with his fine, long fingers. Throwing her head back, Téa pressed her chest closer to him, arching back in ecstasy as he brought her to the pinnacle of desire. Knowing that she couldn’t take much more, she lifted herself slightly and slid him inside her. Slowly, she began to ride him as he continued to drive her wild with his touch. The fire began to build. They could both feel it, feel the connection that would never be broken in spite of any physical separation. As the moment of truth approached, their eyes locked and they stared into the depths of each other’s souls as their bodies moved together toward paradise. With a primal cry, Téa collapsed on top of him as the rush washed over her like a tidal wave. Todd exploded inside her, arching back as he held her tightly to his body.

As their breathing returned to normal, Téa moved to the side, leaving her leg locked loosely over his thighs. Todd held her, trying to memorize the feeling of her hair against his cheek and the sound of her little sighs of contentment as she quickly dropped off to sleep, the events of the exhausting day finally catching up with her. He gently stroked the soft skin of her back, staring at the ceiling, miles away from sleep.

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Todd emerged from the bathroom still wet from the shower and quickly got dressed. Téa still lay sleeping, and he moved quietly so as not to wake her. He crouched down next to her and spent a few moments studying her face. Tears filled his eyes as he reached out and gently stroked her soft hair. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, barely touching. Téa stirred, but didn’t wake up. Todd smiled at her sleepiness. “Goodbye,” he whispered softly, getting to his feet. As he left the room, he swiped furiously at his eyes with the back of his hand.

He paused in the living room, reeling for a moment as he struggled to get his emotions under control. He glanced around the room blankly, putting off the agony of separation for a little bit longer. He walked toward the window seat, sad as he remembered proposing to Téa there just the day before. Gingerly, he parted the lace curtains and peered through the slit. The dawn was just lighting the sky, but he could clearly make out the police cruiser parked on the street below. He knew the cop was watching the building, making sure he didn’t slip away. It was now or never.

Sitting down on the cushion for a moment, he started to plan out his escape. There was probably another policeman watching the rear of the building, but Todd was reasonably sure he could slide past the security measures. By the time the cops showed up with the warrant, he could be long gone out of Llanview. And then what? Now that he had Téa body and soul, the thought of leaving her behind, maybe forever, was almost unthinkable. And Starr…he had missed her so much last time, how could he even think of running out on her again? The specter of those lonely months in Switzerland rose up to haunt him. The devastating isolation had made it clear to him that there was nothing he desired more than to have his family again. By running, he would lose the chance to have the normal life that he wanted so much.

Téa wanted him to stay and face the charges. She was sure that he would be cleared in a court of law. But Todd wasn’t convinced. Sykes scared him. If he could manufacture evidence, he probably had no scruples about ridding himself of his rival once and for all. Suspects died while in custody all the time. Yes, he had no choice but to run. It was the only way to save himself from the ghost of Peter Manning, risen from hell to pull his hapless son down with him.

Taking a deep breath, he prepared to rise and put his plan of escape into action. But his thoughts returned to Téa, and how empty his life would be without her. He remained seated, staring into space. “I need to go now,” he said out loud, resolved to just do it and not look back. But his legs didn’t seem to want to work. Todd sat there for a long time, trying to muster up the courage to leave, but never quite finding the strength to go. Finally, his attention was drawn to a commotion outside, and he peeked again through the curtains.

A plain, unmarked car pulled up behind the police cruiser and Todd watched as John Sykes and Bo Buchanan got out and spoke to the waiting cop. By pressing his face close to the glass, Todd could just make out more police cars taking up position at either end of the street, blocking the road. Bo spoke into a radio while Sykes checked his weapon, chambering a round. Then the two of them, accompanied by a pair of uniformed cops, made their way to the entrance of the building.

Todd panicked as they disappeared from his view. He quickly ran to the door of the apartment, grabbing for the doorknob. But he stayed there, holding the knob, unable to move. He leaned his head against the door, swallowing hard. He looked over his shoulder toward the bedroom door. “This is for you, Delgado,” he said softly, trying to control his trembling. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the keys to his Ferrari, laying them gently on the table by the door. “Think of me when you drive it,” he said sadly. He waited until he could hear footsteps in the hall outside. With one final look toward the window seat, he took a deep breath and opened the door before anyone could knock.

As he stepped into the hall, the waiting cops quickly surrounded him. John Sykes pulled his weapon, although he held it pointed at the ceiling, obviously ready for any false move by their quarry. Todd looked at him contemptuously, pulling the door closed behind him. He turned toward Bo. “You’re looking for me, Commissioner?” he asked, surprised by how normal his voice sounded.

As Bo looked into Todd’s eyes, he could see profound sadness, although the suspect’s mouth was set defiantly. He cleared his throat. “Yes, Manning. Some of Quilici and Hamly’s colleagues presented the evidence against you to a judge in Chicago early this morning. He reviewed it and agreed to issue a warrant for your arrest in the murder of Michelle Phelps.” Bo held out the faxed copy of the document and Todd took it, looking at it listlessly. “It’s all legal and properly signed,” he added, wondering why he was taking the time to explain an arrest warrant to an experienced ex-convict.

Todd shoved the paper back at him. “This is all bullshit and you know it, Bo,” he said, sounding desperate. “You were there, you know my memory of that night wasn’t faked.” Bo noted the hopelessness in Todd’s voice, and he opened his mouth, on the verge of offering a bit of comfort. Then he caught John Sykes’ unwavering gaze upon him and he swallowed hard.

“It’s not my place to decide your guilt or innocence, Manning. The judge issued the warrant, so it’s up to a jury now.” Todd snorted in disgust, folding his arms over his chest. Given all the times that he had arrested Todd in the past, Bo was surprised at his reluctance to do it now. Glancing again at Sykes, he snapped, “For God’s sake, John, put your weapon away before someone gets hurt! We’ve got him. He’s not going to run.” Sykes looked like he might argue, but reluctantly complied. Breathing a small sigh of relief, Bo gestured with his head toward Todd and one of the cops stepped behind him.

Todd could hear the jingling of the handcuffs as the policeman pulled them out. He stared defiantly at his tormentors, his arms still firmly crossed over his chest. “Your hands, please, Mr. Manning,” prompted the cop behind him.

Sykes exploded in anger. “What’s this bullshit?” he asked, shaking with rage. “You’re arresting him, not inviting him to a tea party! Do your duty, Officer! This is no time for manners.”

“Cool it, John!” warned Bo. Todd sneered at the tall detective, contempt plain on his face. Slowly, he unfolded his arms and held his hands obediently behind his back.

“Of course, Officer,” he said in mock courtesy. The steel bands closed around his wrists with a cold, metallic click. The other cop stepped forward and began to lead Todd away, reciting his rights to him.

“No!” came a shout behind them. “Wait!” Téa stumbled into the hall, quickly tying the belt to her bathrobe. Fighting back tears, she came forward, holding her hand out to Bo for the warrant. She looked it over, then handed it back. She looked up at the man she loved, meeting his eyes. “Why didn’t you wake me?” she asked softly.

Todd gritted his teeth, trying to stop his trembling. “I thought you needed some beauty sleep,” he said, making a joke about her disheveled appearance. He gave her a half-hearted grin. With a little cry of anguish, Téa stepped forward and pressed herself against Todd, slipping her arms inside his jacket and wrapping them tightly around his body. Unable to return the hug, he leaned his head down and rubbed his cheek against her hair, closing his eyes tightly against the pain. Téa sobbed against his chest.

“Téa, please,” said Bo quietly. “This isn’t making it any easier on either of you.” Nodding miserably, Téa pulled away. She grasped Todd’s head on either side of his face and leaned close. “Take care, Amor,” she whispered. “Remember what we talked about. Don’t give them any excuse to hurt you. Sam will be your attorney, because I’m not licensed to practice in Illinois, but I’ll be right by your side the whole way.” Todd bowed his head, afraid to speak. Swallowing hard, he let the cops pull him away and march him down the hall. As they turned the corner, he resisted a moment, pausing to look back at Téa gazing after them. Their eyes locked, and for an instant the rest of the world disappeared. Then Todd was forced to follow his captors and he disappeared from view.

With a heavy heart, Téa returned to her apartment, wiping frantically at the tears coursing down her cheeks. She stood in the middle of the living room, not quite sure what to do with herself as she tried to get her emotions under control. A thought struck her and she hurried to the window, wrenching the curtains back violently. She stared at the sidewalk until she saw Todd and his escort emerge from the building. The rear door on the sedan was opened and Todd was shoved toward it. He put one leg inside, then hesitated. He looked up, spying Téa at the window. Again, their eyes connected for a brief instant before the cops pushed Todd inside and shut the door. Téa watched as the motorcade of police vehicles disappeared into the early morning.

Turning listlessly back to the living room, Téa paced around the room, wondering if she would ever survive the separation from the man she loved with every fiber of her body and soul. Suddenly, she spotted something on the table by the door. She picked up the keys to the Ferrari, examining them closely. Clutching them tightly to her breast, she sank to her knees, her heart breaking.

TO BE CONTINUED