TRIALS OF THE HEART - PART NINE

PREVIOUSLY

"I love you, Tea," he whispered softly. She crushed him to her as tightly as she could.

"Oh Todd, I love you so much!" she cried out. Drew looked absolutely mortified as he unlocked the door. He stood to the side, not saying a word. Tea and Todd reluctantly pulled apart, enjoying a long last squeeze of the hand. As the bars slid closed between them, a tear trickled down Tea's cheek. She reached up to caress Todd's chin one last time, then followed Drew out the gate with her head down. Todd turned around slowly and surveyed the cell with a deep groan.

It had never seemed so empty or so lonely as it did now.

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The Commissioner was deep in thought when he was interrupted by a knock on his office door. "Are you busy?" asked his son, Drew.

"I'm never too busy for you," answered Bo with a smile. "I'm glad you stopped by, Son. We keep missing each other." It had been more than a week since the 4th of July incident.

"I've been on night shift," said Drew a little ruefully. "Is that my punishment for messing up the guard duty? I noticed you didn't put a reprimand in my file."

"Not a punishment, a little reminder, Son. You're inexperienced and you have a soft heart. Tea is very beautiful, but you have to remember she's a lawyer and lies come easily to her. Next time, breaking the rules could cost you your life."

"Nora's a lawyer. Is that what you think about her?" Drew immediately regretted bringing up his stepmother when he saw the look on Bo's face. "So you two still aren't talking?" he asked with concern. Bo didn't respond as Drew slipped into the chair facing his desk.

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about, Dad. I think I might know what is bothering Nora. I stopped by the house yesterday, and Rachel was acting really weird. You know, spacey one minute, laughing crazily the next. I hate to add to your worries when you're so busy with the Manning trial, but I think Rachel may be back on drugs." Bo leaned forward, his face a mask of concern

"And you think Nora's covering up for her?" he asked.

"I don't know. But if you have time, I think you should go by the house and talk to them both." Bo nodded.

"I'll do that. I sure hope you're wrong, though. When I've managed to speak to her, Nora contends that Rachel is still depressed and upset by Georgie's death. When Manning goes up the river, maybe she'll snap out of it."

Drew cleared his throat. "Dad, do you really think Todd killed Georgie?"

Bo looked surprised. "Why do you ask that?"

"Oh, I don't know. Call it a feeling. I find it hard to believe that he would hit her with a baseball bat just to frame you." Drew continued in spite of Bo's skeptical expression. "I just don't sense evil in the guy. Anger, yes; but evil, no."

"Drew, this is silly! You're a rookie. You haven't spent years dealing with Manning's one-man crime wave."

"I know, Dad. But he and Tea seem to love each other so much, and there's his little girl. I just can't see him risking all that merely to stick it to you."

The commissioner sighed deeply. Though it was true that Drew was a rookie, in the short time they'd been reacquainted, Bo had come to value his insights greatly. He was dismayed to discover that his son harbored doubts that were unnervingly like the ones he held deep within his own mind. "Drew, everyone knows that Tea married Manning for the money, nothing more," said Bo, seeking desperately for an argument that would change the young man's thinking. Hank would not be pleased to have one of the LPD officers undermining his case. "You're just seeing a lawyer looking out for her client, that's all."

"Maybe they married for money, but they're flat out in love with each other now," insisted Drew. "And Tea protects him like a mother tiger with her cub. She cares as a wife, not just his lawyer." Noticing his father's face, he rose to his feet. "Look, Dad, I didn't mean to upset you. Don't worry, I know better than to talk about this with anyone else. If you think Manning's the killer, then that's good enough for me. You have way more experience with him than I do." Drew turned when he reached the door. "Don't forget to check up on Rachel, Dad. If she's back on drugs…"

"I will, Son. Hey, let's get together for a beer after work today, OK?"

"I can't, Dad. I'm on night shifts, remember?" reminded Drew with a thin-lipped grin

. "Not anymore. I'm putting you back on your regular shift. Now get some rest and I'll see you at Rodi's tonight." Drew nodded and walked out the door. Bo glanced at his watch and put on his jacket. It was time to head to the courthouse for another day of testimony in the Manning trial. He took a last sip of coffee and stared out the window, deep in thought. If Manning wasn't guilty, the chances were better than even that the killer was someone close to Bo. The Commissioner looked grim as he walked out the door.

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Hank Gannon straightened the papers in his briefcase and allowed himself a satisfied grin. Glancing at the opposite table, he saw Sam Rappaport and Tea Delgado with their heads together, discussing something intense. Sam was one of the few defense attorneys that intimidated the DA, although so far there hadn't been much that Manning's expensive mouthpiece could do to break the prosecution's case. The judge had just called an hour recess for lunch, and Hank was looking forward to the large deli sandwich waiting for him in his office. It was now ten days since the 4th of July holiday, and the district attorney was pleased with the way the trial was going. He had spent a lot of time and called many witnesses to establish the long-standing animosity between the defendant, Todd Manning, and Commissioner Bo Buchanan. Judge Fitzwater had given him a lot of leeway, even allowing discussion of Manning's past criminal record since it helped establish the motive for the crime. Things were definitely looking good for the prosecution, and he hadn't even started presenting the hard evidence that linked Todd to the crime. As he turned to leave, he was surprised to see his friend Bo Buchanan waiting for him.

"Hey, Buddy, got a minute?" he asked the district attorney.

"Yeah, but only a minute, Bo." Hank noticed the grim look on his friend's face. "Still no luck softening up Nora?" he asked.

Bo shook his head. "I don't know, Hank. I've never seen her like this. It seems like she's worried about Rachel. Have you noticed anything?"

"No," said Hank thoughtfully, "although to be truthful I've had my hands full with this trial. Is there something I should know?" Bo decided not to burden his friend with Drew's suspicions.

"Nah. I'll catch you later."

Bo was now the only one left in the empty courtroom. Ordinarily, he wasn't one to skip lunch, but thinking about Nora had thrown him off balance. Nothing between them had ever been so bad that they couldn't talk about it, and this estrangement had lasted long enough to leave Bo very frightened for their marriage. He was a bit relieved since he realized that Nora's distance was due to concern for her daughter, but he couldn't for the life of him figure out why she was unwilling to let him help. Obviously, she wanted Hank out of the loop since he had enough on his mind with the Manning trial. When Bo had stopped by earlier in the week, Nora had practically slammed the door in his face, throwing up his lack of trust in her during the Georgie incident as a roadblock to reconciliation. But Bo knew his wife well enough to see beyond the words, and in her eyes, he saw the love and longing he had come to count on. Something just wasn't right.

And then there was Bo's increasing gut feeling that they had the wrong person on trial for Georgie's murder. Thankfully, both Nora and Rachel had rock solid alibis for the time of the murder, otherwise, he might be suspicious given Drew's worries about drugs and Nora's skittishness. And then there was Manning himself: rapist, killer, kidnapper, and one of the few men Bo hated with every fiber of his being. The commissioner shook his head. "No! Manning is the killer," he told himself. "For once, I know exactly how to deal with a gut feeling." He reached in his coat pocket and took out a roll of antacids. With a deep sigh, he popped several into his mouth.

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"Thanks, Officer. I promise this is a one-time request and you have my word that everything is on the up and up." Sam Rappaport patted the guard on the upper arm in a friendly manner as the man unlocked the door to the courthouse conference room. The defendant was inside, pacing the small floor space and running his fingers through his long hair. He rushed over to Sam as the policeman closed the door.

"Where's Delgado?" he asked nervously.

"Relax, Boomer. I sent her on a wild goose chase back to my office to pick up some papers. She should be here in about 15 minutes," answered Sam.

"Did you get it?" Todd asked anxiously. Sam reached into his breast pocket and extracted a long, black velvet jewelry box. His client snatched it away and popped it open.

"It's got diamonds," he said uncertainly.

"Yeah, well, I went by the description you gave me, but there aren't a lot of gold charms that can be engraved on both sides. Trust me, Pal, there isn't a woman alive who is going to complain about a few extra diamonds."

Todd held up a rope chain with a round pendant. On one side was engraved a "T" in an elaborate, feminine script. On the other was another "T", this time engraved in a heavy bold style. Todd shrugged and put the necklace back in the box. He slipped it into the breast pocket of his cocoa brown suit jacket just as the door opened and Jessica Buchanan entered. She struggled with several shopping bags and a large bunch of paper-wrapped roses. "OK, Uncle Todd. I think I got it all," she said breathlessly. Todd grabbed the roses from her arms and checked them. "Peach roses, just like you wanted," she said. Jess rummaged through one of the shopping bags and removed an exquisite cut crystal vase, carefully removing the soft cloth wrappings. "Mom doesn't know I have this stuff. It was just easier to borrow it and put it back before she finds out." Todd unwrapped the roses and unceremoniously stuffed them haphazardly into the vase, dumping in the contents of the drinking water pitcher.

"Thanks, Jess. Where's the rest of it?" The girl pulled out a beautiful white damask tablecloth, some delicate china and two champagne flutes. Todd nervously helped her set it up on the conference table, with Sam assisting.

"No, Uncle Todd, the fork goes on the left," she said with authority.

"Whatever," said Todd, leaving his niece to put the finishing touches on the table setting.

"Where's the food?" he asked his attorney.

"It's being delivered directly here from the Palace Hotel kitchen," answered Sam. "Relax. Everything is under control." The door opened revealing Viki Carpenter, who stopped abruptly when she saw the table. She carried a large padded thermal bag, which she set down carefully. Her gaze traveled from the table, to her brother and then to her daughter.

"Jessica? Is that the Baccarat vase from the dining room table? And the Limoges china?" she asked. "What's going on? I was at the Palace and Renee mentioned she had a delivery here. I offered to bring it for her since she was swamped with the lunch crowd. Obviously, I involved myself in some vast mysterious plan that no one bothered to tell me about." She looked at her brother closely, then nodded her head knowingly. "Of course. It's your anniversary. All this is for Tea? How nice." Viki shifted her attention to Sam, and then her daughter. Her eyes had an amused twinkle. She reached out and began to arrange the roses in a more attractive design. "Next time it might be nice to be asked before my most precious heirlooms suddenly disappear from my home."

"Sorry, Mom. I should have known you'd be cool with this," said Jess. A few minutes later, everything was ready. "I told the policeman I'd be back to pick up the stuff later," said Jessica. Sam playfully punched Todd on the arm, then picked up his briefcase.

"OK, Boomer, you're on your own. I get the unenviable job of baiting Judge Fitzwater in her lair and keeping her busy for an extra half hour. She senses a delaying tactic and she'll have my ass in a sling for sure."

Viki gave her brother a little squeeze. "Now don't forget. The red sauce goes on the duck breast and the hollandaise is for the asparagus," she prompted. "And be careful with that vase, Little Brother. It's worth more than one of your sports cars." Sam and Viki followed Jessica out the door.

"Hey, Pal," said Sam to the cop guarding the door. "Make sure to let me know what day you want that tee time at the Country Club. I owe you one, OK?"

"Bribery? I'm shocked," said Viki good-naturedly as they walked down the hall together. Sam chuckled.

"How do you think I got to be the "Great" Sam Rappaport?" he smiled.

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A few minutes later, a frazzled Tea rushed up to the conference room door. She had her hands full as she struggled with her briefcase and several file folders. "Thanks, Officer," she said as the guard opened the door. Distracted, she failed to notice his smug expression. Several moments passed before she realized she was alone with her husband. "Oh!" she exclaimed in wonder as she saw the table. Laughing nervously she asked, "What's all this?"

Todd handed her a champagne flute of sparkling cider. He raised one eyebrow in inquiry. "You don't know?" Tea was flustered, nervously looking back and forth between her husband and the table, frantically searching her mind for the meaning. Her head snapped up and her mouth hung open a moment.

"Is today the day? Our wedding anniversary?" She looked up at him with a sheepish smile. "I'm…I'm sorry, Todd. I've been so busy I completely forgot about it." She turned toward the table. "Peach roses," she said wistfully. "And what an exquisite vase…. it's antique crystal, isn't it? Viki must have picked it out for you. It looks exactly like her taste." Todd had an odd expression on his face. "Is something wrong?" she asked, suddenly self-conscious.

Todd glanced at the vase then gave her a little grin. "Nah." He reached in his pocket and handed her the jewelry box. "This is for you, too."

Tea looked up in surprise. "I feel so bad…. I didn't even get you a card."

"That's OK, I didn't get you a card either. Now open it." Todd waited expectantly while Tea snapped open the lid. Her beautiful brown eyes lit up and her mouth opened in awe.

She glanced at Todd, and reverently removed the necklace, letting it dangle and twist before her eyes.

"Oh, Todd! It's beautiful-both the necklace and the sentiment." She clutched the gift to her chest and tears filled her eyes. "Thank you. For all of it." Tea turned away and Todd was taken aback to realize she was sobbing in earnest. He moved up behind her, held out a hand, then dropped it back to his side. "Tea, what's the matter? If you don't like it we can get something else."

"No! I love everything!" She turned around and looked him in the eye. "It's just that I've waited so long for you to do something like this, and…and now I may lose you! I can't bear it!" She sobbed into her hands, letting the necklace slip through her fingers. Todd reached out and caught it as it dropped.

"Hush now," he soothed, ignoring the icy hand of fear that gripped his own heart. "Both you and Sam keep telling me I'm going to walk away from this. Have you been keeping something from me?" She looked up at him and shook her tear-stained face.

"No. But I'm scared, Todd," she said in a whisper. "For both of us. If they send you away, they may as well lock me up, too." He grabbed one of his sister's linen napkins from the table and tentatively wiped at the tears on Tea's face.

"Look, this is our anniversary. We've got a little time together and some food that might actually be worth eating. Let's take a break from worrying about the future." He attempted to seat her at the table, but she stood rooted to her spot.

"This really isn't the celebration of our wedding, it's the anniversary of our business deal. The day I wanted to commemorate with you year after year was the date of our real marriage. And now it will probably never happen." She sniffled and looked like she was about to start a fresh round of tears.

"There's always the prison chapel," said Todd with a smirk. His expression changed rapidly as Tea's face started to crumple. "I'm just kidding! I wasn't serious. We'll have our wedding in a real church if that's what you want! Delgado, lighten up, please!" He was starting to feel a little desperate.

Tea looked at the table and rubbed her temples. "Todd, I'm sorry but I just can't do this." She tried to smile, although she was obviously distressed. "I can't pretend we're not locked in a dreary conference room and that you're not on trial for your life. I know you went to a lot of trouble for me, and I don't want to appear ungrateful. Can I take a raincheck? Maybe after you're cleared we can have a quiet dinner at the penthouse."

"Tea, what has changed?" he asked in a voice hardly above a whisper. "That night, the picnic, we were…close." His eyes were pleading with her.

"Yes, and it frightens me," she admitted, wiping her eyes. "I told you that first night in the jail that I can't do my job and sort out my feelings for you at the same time. We agreed to wait until after the trial to make decisions about our future."

"But you came back from New York. You wanted to be with me. You said you loved me, Delgado!" he said with increasing agitation.

"I'm sorry I confused matters by showing up with that picnic. I felt sorry for you all alone…"

"That wasn't pity I felt when you kissed me, Tea!" he said letting the anger show. "There isn't a whole lot good with my life right now…. nothing but you. Don't do this to me! I can't get through it without you!"

"Todd, I'm here for you as your lawyer, and after this is all over, maybe…. just maybe…. I can be more. But right now, I need some space to think." She rubbed at her face and sniffed deeply. Looking sadly at the table, she said, "Thank you. I understand what you were trying to do. But it's just not what I need right now." She picked up her briefcase and started toward the door.

"Don't leave me, Tea," Todd asked quietly, urgency in his voice. Tea felt like a knife had been plunged in her heart. She turned to see him trembling slightly with suppressed emotion. "Please."

He looked so vulnerable, Tea wanted to run to him and clasp him to her heart. Seeing the disappointment and defeat in him weakened her resolve. She walked back toward him a few steps. "Todd, I'm not closing any doors here, I promise. Just give me some time to think things through, OK?" He unfolded one arm and opened his fist. The gold and diamond necklace glittered in his palm. Tea raised her eyes to his and they stared at each other for a long, long moment. "How can I deny him?" she thought. "He's become the other part of my own soul." She slowly reached out, took the necklace, and clutched it to her breast. Quickly turning around, she knocked and was let out of the room by the guard. She ran down the hall without looking back, and rushed into the lady's room. At the mirror, she looked at the reflection of her tear-streaked face and held up the double "T" necklace. "What have I done?" she asked herself in despair.

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Sam Rappaport hurried to the conference room after being paged by the guard. He hadn't even had time to finish his sandwich, let alone start his meeting with Judge Fitzwater. When the policeman let him in, he found Todd with the fingers of both hands entwined tightly in the heavy metal mesh that covered the small window. He was looking at the dirty alley outside like it was the Promised Land. The gourmet lunch had been dumped carelessly in the wastebasket, along with a few pieces of Viki's sterling silver flatware. The fine china and crystal were piled precariously in the middle of the table, and the damask cloth sat balled up at one end. The crystal vase held only some dingy water; the roses topped the pile in the garbage can.

Sam joined Todd at the window. "Tea called and said she had a migraine. I told her to go home and I'll handle the trial by myself this afternoon." He sighed deeply. "I'm sorry, Boomer," he said, giving Todd a squeeze.

Todd slowly unhooked his fingers from the window grill. "She left me again, Coach," he said in a strained voice.

"I know, Pal," said Sam reaching his arm around and holding Todd tightly. "She'll be back, I promise.

TO BE CONTINUED