TRIALS OF THE HEART - PART SEVENTEEN

PREVIOUSLY

The commissioner walked slowly up to the group, and placed one hand on his wife's shoulder, and the other around his best friend's back. Nora crushed her head to his shoulder, and Hank reached out to grasp his hand, his usually strong face undone by sorrow. "We'll get through this, folks," said Bo quietly. "This is what families are for."

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"Todd, will you please stop that pacing! You're exhausting me." Viki Carpenter sat on the bench against the back wall of the cell, her powder blue designer coatdress and robin's egg-sized pearls strangely at odds with the grim surroundings. She watched her brother walking back and forth and thought again how much he reminded her of a caged lion. He looked at her now in annoyance, then strained to peer out the barrier gate to the corridor. Viki sighed. "I'm going to call Larry Wolek and get him to prescribe something that will help you calm down."
"No!" he said forcefully. "I don't want to be spaced out when Delgado gets here!" His features settled into a frown. In desperation he said, "Viki, it's been hours! Something must have gone wrong or Sam would have brought her by now."
Viki smiled in affection and patted the stone seat next to her. "Come sit by me for a while," she coaxed. With long strides, Todd crossed the cell and threw himself at her feet with his back against the bars. He banged his head rhythmically against them. "Stop that!" said Viki in a tone usually reserved for unruly toddlers. Her brother looked at her sharply, then slowly lowered his forehead to his knees. Viki reached out and grasped one of his hands, trying not to gasp as she saw the dark bruises around his wrist.
"Really, Todd," she said fondly, "the way you're behaving one would think you were going to prison tomorrow instead of being set free." She stroked his hair gently.
"I won't really be free without her, Viki," he said miserably.
"I gather you two had a disagreement last night."

Todd snorted. "Oh yeah. Kind of like the Titanic and the iceberg had a disagreement."
"You've had fights before."
"Not like this. I…I was really out of control. I said some things….she'll never forgive me, Viki.
"Funny, I seem to recall having a similar conversation with Tea a few months ago when she hurt you by leaving the anniversary luncheon you had planned. You forgave her, didn't you?"
"Yes, but this is different."
Viki sighed. "Todd, you thought you were going to prison and that your life was over. I think Tea will be willing to concede that you were under tremendous stress." She slid to her knees and crawled over to sit next to him on the dirty floor, oblivious to the consequences for her hose or the powder blue dress. "Listen to me," she said, waiting for him to turn his head toward her. "In spite of what you did or said last night, Tea still walked in today and pulled out all the stops to save you. She had to break her best friend to do it, Todd. If that isn't love, I don't know what is."
He closed his eyes in pain. "I'm not worth it, Viki."
"You're the only one who thinks that, Todd. Do you know what went on last night? Blair apparently got a tip from a source that the phone calls made from Rachel's apartment were to a jazz club in Manhattan. When she tracked down Wendy Mercury, she went to Tea with the information. Blair stayed in your office all night making phone calls and receiving faxes, while Tea chartered a helicopter and went to New York to get a statement from Wendy. Together, they broke the case open. Now Todd, you know as well as I do that those two ladies don't see eye to eye on anything. But they were willing to put their differences aside and work together. For you, Todd." He was staring at her intently, obviously listening closely. "This morning you were staring into the abyss with your toes hanging over the edge. Then Tea marched in and with Blair's help, yanked you back to safety. Second chances don't come any bigger than that."
Todd looked far away. "Second chances," he muttered.
"Now I know that your priorities are Tea and Starr, but I hope you'll give a little thought to the reasons why you always end up in these situations, Todd. I know you've been resistant to seeing anyone, but I found a therapist that I really think could help you."
Todd grimaced. "Not that again, Viki. Haven't I been tortured enough?"
"I want the torture to stop, Todd. The torture you put yourself through every day of your life." She patted his knee reassuringly. "You came close to spending your life in jail, and it made you realize that you want a normal life with Tea and Starr. But you're going to have to work for it and address the pain your father inflicted on you. Only if you do that, can you let yourself be happy. Think about it, OK?"
"I've got to get Delgado back, that's all I know."
Todd shot to his feet as the guard brought in Sam. He sagged against the bars as the attorney shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry, Pal. Tea's no where to be found." Todd stared at his feet in dejection. "I went by the penthouse and let myself in with the key you gave me. It's obvious Tea hasn't been back since this morning. The clothes she wore yesterday are still on the floor. Her car is in the courthouse garage. Near as I can tell, she jumped in a taxi headed for the airport, and re-chartered the helicopter for parts unknown." Sam reached out and helped Viki to her feet.
"She must have gone to New York to her family, Sam," she said.
"I had Carlotta make a few phone calls for me, and she swears none of her relatives have heard from Tea." Sam walked over and smothered Todd in a bear hug, banging him affectionately on the back. "But you're getting out of here tomorrow, Boomer! And I know you'll find Tea and patch things up! You're a free man!" Todd remained limp in his arms.
"Have you heard anything about Rachel, Sam?" asked Viki quietly.
"Yes, and it's sad. Rachel has apparently had some kind of nervous breakdown. She had to be hospitalized in St. Anne's."
"Oh great!" said Todd. "Now they'll say she dreamed the whole thing and I'll be taking the rap again!"
"That won't happen, Pal. I'm leaving now to prepare the motion to dismiss the charges against you. I have it on good authority that the DA's office won't be opposing it. So, tomorrow morning the judge will sign the papers and you walk."
"Todd, can't you at least try to look happy!" said Viki in exasperation. When Todd remained with a frown firmly fixed on his face, Sam and Viki broke out in laughter. Seeing their good humor, Todd allowed himself the tiniest of grins.
"That's better," said Sam punching him on the arm playfully. "I'll tell you, Boomer, you married yourself one helluva lawyer. She played Rachel like a well-tuned fiddle." Sam got serious. "She'll be back, Todd. Just give her a little time, OK?"
Viki approached her brother and gently caressed his cheek. "You've been through a horrible ordeal, and I'm so proud of the way you've held yourself together through it all. I want you to be happy now, Todd. You deserve it. So think about what I told you earlier, all right?" Viki picked up her handbag. "Try to get some rest tonight. Tomorrow is going to be another big day."
"That's good advice, Pal. After I prepare that motion, I'm going to hit the sack. Think about it. By lunch time tomorrow you'll be a free man!" He hugged Todd again.
Todd watched as the guard opened the cell and Viki and Sam left him alone. With his hands in his pockets, he sat down quietly on the lower bunk, staring at a spot on the floor. He couldn't get Tea out of his mind, as he thought about her smile, the way she smelled, how she felt in his arms. Bit by bit, a memory came to him of the last time they had shared a kiss. A day in early September, when the summer heat had just started to fade away…

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FLASHBACK:

It had been a really fun lunch break for them; one in which they had succeeded in distracting each other from their troubles for a short while. They sat on the table in their little conference room, just the two of them, drinking soft drinks out of 20 oz plastic bottles and eating half a dozen hot dogs with all the fixings that Tea had had brought in from the stand in the park. Feeling relaxed, they had both removed their suit jackets and Todd had loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. The conversation had ranged from good-natured arguments about the best way to eat a hot dog without making a mess, to funny imitations of Judge Fitzwater, to speculation about the upcoming professional football season. All too soon, the guard announced that the trial would soon resume and that it was time to head back to the courtroom. The good-humored teasing continued as Todd fumbled with his sleeve buttons and Tea accidentally dumped several items from her purse. But the fun ended abruptly when Todd had to submit to having his hands cuffed in front of him for the short walk down the corridor.
"I'll walk along with you, if you don't mind," said Tea brightly, trying to keep his spirits up. The guard followed a few feet behind them as they strolled along, taking comfort in the other's company. They reached a door marked "authorized personnel only" and Tea used her winning smile to convince the guard to let her accompany her husband through the back entrance to the courtroom, despite the fact that attorneys were supposed to use the main entrance like everyone else.
"You just can't get enough of me, Delgado," said Todd with a mischievous glint to his hazel eyes as they entered a corridor behind the courtroom.
"Maybe I need to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't misbehave," she teased back.
As they approached the door to the courtroom, the guard engaged in a garbled conversation on his radio. He rolled his eyes. "Just great," he announced to no one in particular. "The judge's Rotary Club meeting is running late." He opened a door, revealing a small, sunny room furnished sparsely with a couple of folding chairs. "You can wait in here," he said. Todd and Tea went inside, while the guard remained in the corridor, leaning against the open doorway. The couple gravitated directly toward the large unobstructed window over-looking the city square. Since it had no bars or grill, they were able to enjoy the view of the city workers hurrying back to their jobs after the lunch break, a few of them lingering on the attractive Victorian park benches. Tea set down her briefcase and grasped Todd's arm, somehow understanding how much it meant to him just to observe everyday activities after being cut off from the world for so long.
He leaned into the window embrasure, soaking up the sun. "I never thought I'd say this after almost baking to death in July," he said, "but the heat feels good."
"Well get used to it, Manning," she said lightly, "because in a few weeks we're going to be on a beach slathering each other in suntan oil."
He turned to her in surprise, one eyebrow lifted. "I see," he said seriously. "And is applying various lubricants a new service you provide for your clients?" Tea blushed, speechless with embarrassment. Todd moved a little closer. "You'd better be careful, Delgado. You're starting to sound like a wife instead of a lawyer." He brought up his chained hands and cupped her chin, staring intently into her eyes. Tea's hands slid up his forearms as she enjoyed the smooth feel of the silky fabric under her touch. She encircled his wrists with her fingers, covering the handcuffs. "That's the first time that you've hinted at a future together, Tea," he whispered. "Dare I hope?"
His eyes looked golden as they reflected the sunlight and her face broke out in a sudden smile. "I'd say there's every reason to be hopeful," she said with a joyous laugh. He leaned closer and covered her lips with his own. Tea closed her eyes, still clinging tightly to his wrists on either side of her face. Once again, she felt the awesome connection between them; the power they attained when they let go and gave freely of themselves to the other. She relaxed as she felt the intensity of the emotions within him, the delicious sensation as his lips moved sensuously over her own. For a moment, she could see them on the beach, and imagined his firm muscles under her palms instead of the steel bands she felt now. The joy of being his, of having him to love for a lifetime was overwhelming, and shivers went up and down her spine. At last he broke contact and pulled his mouth a short distance away. The brightness of his eyes told her that the kiss had been just as thrilling for him. He let go of her chin, breaking contact with her hands, and lifted his bound wrists over her head. Placing his hands in the small of her back, he pulled her against his body. Her arms wrapped tightly around his middle and she crushed her head to his chest. As she lifted her face, he kissed her again, teasing her lips with his tongue. The intensity of his passion was undeniable, and Tea relished knowing she was wanted by the man she desired; the only man who would ever make her feel so complete.
Finally, they pulled apart. Tea rested her head on Todd's shoulder and they both looked out the window in silence, still entwined in each other's arms. Eventually, the policeman told them the judge was back and they regretfully separated their bodies. Just before they went out the door, Todd said, "You always accuse me of not being positive, Delgado. Well, how's this for optimism? Today, after court adjourns I want you to go to a travel agent and pick up a bunch of brochures, because tonight we're going to pick out that beach…"

END OF FLASHBACK

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Shivering, Tea touched her lips as the memory of the kiss faded. Her head was pounding and she felt like throwing up. She pulled the scratchy blanket tightly around her shoulders, staring intently at the small square of light provided by the window in the door. "So this is what Todd has endured every night for months," she thought. For a moment, she considered what it must be like to be facing a lifetime of such nights. "He must have been so scared." Fighting down an attack of nausea, she thought, "I'm an idiot! You'd think by now I'd be mature enough not to use alcohol as a crutch." Suddenly, the lock clicked and the door swung open, revealing a tall figure silhouetted against the light from the corridor.
"Tea?"
"Del!" she shouted, popping off the bed and flinging herself into his arms. "Thank God! You've got to get me out of here!"
"Shhhh, little one, everything is going to be all right now," said her brother, holding her trembling body tightly. Leaving his arm over her shoulder, he turned her toward another man. "I'd like you to meet Precinct Captain Charles Jackson," he said, introducing her to a tall black man.
Tea looked extremely embarrassed as she shook his hand. "Your brother and I go way back, Ms. Delgado. I'm sorry we've had to meet in such unfortunate circumstances," he said.
"You're lucky I'm in New York on a case, Tea," said Del sternly. "I couldn't believe it when Chuck paged me."
"I hope you weren't too uncomfortable," said Captain Jackson. "I had them put you down here so you wouldn't be in with the common street-walkers and druggies."
"Thanks," said Tea, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her. They walked to the end of the corridor and were buzzed through a gate. When they got to the squad room, a policewoman brought her jacket, briefcase and purse. "What now?" asked Tea sheepishly.
"There won't be any charges filed against you, since your brother paid for the damages. But I'd stay out of that place in the future, Ms. Delgado," said the police captain.
"Thanks for your help, Chuck. I owe you one," said Del, shaking his hand.
"Remember that next time I need to call in the FBI on a case, Bro. Take care." The captain walked away and Tea turned to face her brother.
"So you know what happened?" she asked in a small voice.
"Yeah. You were getting smashed in a hotel bar and Manning's ugly face showed up on the TV during the late news. The bartender made a comment you didn't like and you threw a stool at him, breaking a mirror and several bottles." He shook his head in disgust. "The longer you stay married to that guy, the more you act like him, Tea! You're lucky no one got hurt. I can't make an assault charge disappear." Tea put her head down and large tears streaked down her face. Del's face softened and he crushed her in a hug. "It's OK," he said, steering her to the door. As they waited for the elevator, he said, "So, I hear you came riding in on a white horse and saved that lowlife's ass." His dark eyes showed open contempt. "Why did you do it, Tea? You were almost rid of that scumbag!"
"Del!" she said in exasperation. "He's my client! Saving asses is my job, remember?" They walked into the elevator. "Besides, he was innocent," she mumbled.
Del looked sideways at her through slanted eyes. "So he's just a client, huh? That's why you went off on the bartender so bad." His arms were folded tightly over his chest.
"Look, I feel like crap. Can we talk about this some other time?" she said angrily, holding her head and closing her eyes tightly.
"Sure," said her brother, pulling her from the elevator. They went through the main door of the station and Tea shivered in the cold night air. "C'mon, let's go," he said, guiding her down the sidewalk.
"Where are we going?"
"I'm taking you home. A little time with your own people will help you forget that creep once and for all."
Tea leaned heavily on her brother's shoulder as they walked from streetlight to streetlight, trying to wipe the memory of the bar fight from her mind. But she knew that no amount of wishing would ever drive out the thoughts of Todd Manning.
TO BE CONTINUED