Love And Anger - Part 15

Late February,

Llanview General…

There was a knock on Dr. Larry Wolek’s office door. He looked up, “C’Mon in,” said Larry putting his paperwork aside.

Dr. Luke Michaels walked in, “Hey Larry, busy?”

“Nah. What’s up?” asked Larry smiling at his friend.

“Well, I’d like you to consult on a case. Feeling up to it?” asked Luke grinning sitting down in the seat across from Larry’s desk, “Or do I have to dust you off first?”

Larry laughed, “I don’t need any dusting off thank you. What do you have?”

“30 year old male who has just received treatment for DID. He appears integrated but he’s come out of it with a case of PTSD. He’s relieving a traumatic event where after making love to his girlfriend, his father interrupted them, physically beat them and now, in the form of a nightmare he recalls that memory only his wife has taken the place of the girlfriend,” explained Luke, his voice full of emotion.

Larry made a face, “I see. This guy…this guy…cares for his wife?”

“Yeah,” said Luke, “I kind of admire this couple. The husband and wife care for each other very much. She’s very supportive of him and he’s very protective of her. They’ve been married for a bit, but only recently has their relationship turned sexual. I think it’s his desire to be sexually intimate with his wife that triggered the PTSD nightmare.”

“You sure it’s PTSD?” asked Larry sounding serious.

“Yeah. I’ve had a good amount of time with him,” said Luke.

“What meds do you have him on?” asked Larry.

“An anti-depressant and Xanax for anti-anxiety. They were prescribed by his former doctor and I saw no reason to change the prescription,” explained Luke, “He’s agreed to let me consultant with you and since I’m not an MD, just a PhD, I can’t do the medical work up.”

“Your case sounds interesting Luke,” said Larry grinning, “Count me in. How can I help? You need me to give him a physical, I take it?”

“Yeah Larry,” said Luke, “Can I send him to you this afternoon?”

Larry looked at his schedule book, “Yeah. I’ve got time at three. Is that okay?”

“Great,” said Luke, “Maybe later we can go to Rodi’s? A have beer? Shoot some darts?”

“Sure. By the way, what’s this guy’s name so I know who to expect,” said Larry.

Luke bit his lip, “Todd Manning.”

“Todd, huh?” said Larry, “You know…Todd’s my brother-in-law.”

“Really? I had no idea…” said Luke, “How so?”

“I was married to his sister, Meredith Lord…” said Larry as if he was remembering a fond memory.

“I didn’t know. If you don’t want…” started Luke.

“Nah, I’ll be all right. I know…Todd’s had problems…” said Larry.

Luke grinned, “Thanks. I appreciate this Larry. I do. There’s something about him…something about Todd and his wife. I really want him to get better.”

“Todd - has a way with people,” said Larry.

“Oh,” said Luke standing up, “Can you pay attention to the theraupic levels of Xanax in his system? I’m concerned…he might be abusing the drug. I hope not. But I am concerned.”

“Sure, Luke,” said Larry.

“See ya’ tonight. Oh, by the way, how soon can I expect the results?” said Luke opening the door.

“A day or two - tops,” said Larry.

“Good,” said Luke grinning. He walked off.

That afternoon,

Enrique’s warehouse…

José walked into Enrique’s office dressed in a dapper suit, his hair slicked back, his hands in his pockets. Enrique stood up.

“It’s good to see you José. The restaurant is almost ready you know. We’ll open in about a week from now. By the way, I enjoyed last night. You have a lovely house,” said Enrique with a slight grin.

“Gracias,” said José grinning, “What did you think of Ms. Kelly Cramer?”

Enrique smirked, “I take it your wife invited her?”

José nodded his head.

“She’s enchanting…” said Enrique.

“Who? My wife?” grinned José.

“Certainly not her. Your wife is obnoxious. I do not trust her,” answered Enrique, “And she has expensive tastes. Now, we should get down to business.”

“Yes, business,” said José.

“I need you to take a more active appearance,” said Enrique, “With the organization’s increased activity, the police will soon be asking questions and I don’t care to expose myself because I don’t want Téa and Roseanne to know I’m here.”

“I see,” said José.

“And I want you to get Cris Vega involved in your business as your right hand man and keep him in the dark. His family is highly respected. It will throw the police off the trail. Detract them,” explained Enrique pouring himself a drink.

José nodded his head, not fond of the idea. Cris Vega was a good kid.

“What did you find out about Téita’s husband?” asked Enrique crossing his arms.

“Nothing new. Téa is concerned for him. He uses Xanax. I don’t know if he’s addicted,” said José.

Enrique sneered, “I will not let him hurt Téa.”

José said nothing.

Enrique let out a breath, “And my daughter?”

“Roseanne is okay. Her and Cris are friends you know.”

Enrique frowned, “Is he my daughter’s lover?”

“I don’t know,” said José honestly.

“Proceed with the plan,” said Enrique, “I am sorry about the police but I trust you José.”

José embraced his brother, “I will keep you safe Rico.”

Llanview General…

Todd walked into Larry’s office, “Let’s get this over with, quickie like, huh? Me and Téa are spending some quality time with Shorty tonight since Blair gets her for the month starting tomorrow,” said Todd abruptly.

“Sure Todd,” grinned Larry, “I need to draw some blood and you need to give me a urine sample.”

Todd frowned, “I just went to the bathroom.”

“Then I suggest you start drinking some more water if you want to start your evening sooner rather than later,” said Larry.

“I don’t trust you doctors,” fussed Todd as Larry grabbed a blood pressure cuff.

“All right, Todd, when was the last time you took a Xanax?” asked Larry.

“I dunno…a few hours ago,” muttered Todd.

“All right, let me take your vitals,” said Larry.

Todd continued fussing as Larry continued the exam.

Later that evening…

After taking Starr out to the country club for a fancy dinner, Todd and Téa took her to see that bug movie she had been dying to see. As they walked in their home after the movie, Todd held Starr in his arms.

“I liked the blue bug Daddy. Did you like the blue bug too?” asked Starr.

Téa watched them and giggled.

“Well…yeah…I liked the blue bug. He reminded me of you…” said Todd putting Starr down. They all walked into the living room.

Starr put her hands on her hips, “He did? Why Daddy?”

“’cos he liked to gab like you,” deadpanned Todd. He reached out to her and began to tickle her. Starr squealed as he tickled her.

Finally Todd stopped, a bit out of breath and admired his smiling daughter, “You know, me and Tee are going to miss you for the month.”

“I’m going to miss you and Tee too Daddy,” said Starr sweetly.

Todd got up and joined Téa on the couch. She snuggled next to him and took his hand in hers. Starr got up on the couch and sat on the other side of Todd.

“Are you and Tee going to have a baby like Mommy and Jay?” asked Starr innocently.

Todd looked down at his beautiful daughter, “I don’t know Shorty.” He turned to Téa for some help.

“Your Daddy and I will have a baby…one day,” said Téa gently.

“Cool,” said Starr, “Jay is nice Tee. Like you.”

“Well, I’m glad you like my brother,” grinned Téa, “Now isn’t it your bedtime Sweetpea?”

Starr looked sad.

“Go upstairs and get your PJ’s on and when you’re ready I’ll come up and tuck you into bed,” said Todd.

Starr gave Todd and Téa kisses on their cheeks and ran off.

Todd looked at Téa, “You’ll make a good Mom…one day.”

She smiled and they shared a tender kiss.

“Todd,” she whispered, “You know one day could come sooner than you expect.”

“Are you…?” he whispered.

“I don’t know…I’m only a few days late so far…” she whispered, “But it could be because of stress…”

Todd swallowed, a combination of elation at the very thought she could be carrying his child and a renewed determination to get better for his family.

“I love you Delgado,” he whispered.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Love and Anger - Part 16

March 1999

Carlotta’s Diner

Early morning…

José Delgado, dressed in a dapper suit and an attractive man’s overcoat, walked into the diner. Carlotta was serving the peak breakfast crowd with Cris and Roseanne’s help. The diner was alive and bustling with activity. He walked up to the counter and sat down.

“Coffee?” asked Cris from behind the counter putting a cup in front of José.

“Yes, please,” said José.

“Hey Uncle José,” said Roseanne walking past him with several plates of food.

“Roseanne,” grinned José.

“I heard your wife is pregnant José. Why aren’t you home feeding her breakfast in bed?” asked Carlotta lightly, joining Cris at the counter while she quickly reviewed breakfast orders.

“My cooking is worse than Blair’s, I assure you but could you prepare a number two special for me so I can take it back to Blair?” grinned José sipping his coffee, “After that, I have a lot of business to conduct if I want to open on time.”

“Well, we’re all excited about your restaurant José. It means a lot to us down here in Angel Square,” said Cris.

Roseanne walked up with three empty coffee cups and Cris filled them up.

“Well,” said José taking a breath and looking Cris straight in the eye, “I need an assistant. One the community trusts. Are you interested?”

“Me?” said Cris pointing to himself, “I’m an artist - not a businessman.”

“Cris! It’s a great opportunity!” exclaimed Roseanne.

Carlotta looked surprised, “José - that’s very generous of you to think Cris can help you out.”

“Cris would be invaluable to me. He’s got a lot of energy and enthusiasm to offer,” added José.

Roseanne went to deliver her coffee.

“I don’t know,” whispered Cris, “I don’t know how I could help you.”

“Get to know the people. What they want. What they need. Create the ideas I need to build,” said José, his voice full of passion.

“Think about it mijo,” said Carlotta, “It is a good opportunity.”

“Yeah, but…” started Cris, “What will you do for me?”

“How’s this for a start - I will arrange for a display of your work with the local art gallery and invite interested sponsors…” said José.

“Cris! I need those orders!” said Roseanne walking up to the counter.

“I’ll think about it and get back with you later on today,” said Cris going back to the kitchen.

José took a sip of his coffee and swallowed. He didn’t like what he was about to do.

Later on that morning,

Blair & José’s townhouse…

Blair walked downstairs, dressed up in a casual pair of slacks and a warm long sleeved shirt. She wasn’t feeling good at all. Her stomach was upset and she had sent José out to get breakfast. There was no way she could eat it and expect to keep it down. Agh. The thought of food right now only augmented her nausea. Screw it.

And Todd and Téa were coming over with Starr and she was excited about getting Starr for the month. Téa was such a viper but she was trying - hard to be civil toward Téa - for José and Starr’s sake. Maybe José was wearing her down - her very anger towards Téa seemed to be mellowing.

She sat down on the couch and groaned. She took a breath and put her hand on her tummy.

“I’ll keep you safe little one. I swear I will…” she whispered. Her thoughts drifted toward José. He’d been so attentive and sweet since they found out about the pregnancy. And she was beginning to realize her feelings for him were very deep. And that surprised her. Before her “insta-marriage” and overnight pregnancy to José, she thought she might have something going with Max. And now, she’d barely seen Max since she’d back, having no real desire too.

The door opened and José walked in holding a brown paperbag. Blair quickly turned to look at him and tried to smile.

He looked at her concerned, “You’re pale Blair.”

“Upset stomach,” she said standing up. He walked over to her and put the bag on the coffee table.

“Maybe you should skip the heurvos,” said José pulling her into him, gently placing his hand on her stomach.

“What? What are heurvos?” asked Blair.

José laughed, “Your breakfast.”

“I couldn’t eat a thing right now if I tried,” mumbled Blair.

The doorbell rang.

“Starr!” said Blair smiling, “She’s here José!” Blair and José walked to the door. José opened it. Todd, Téa, and Starr stood at the doorway. José invited them in and closed the door.

“Sweetie!” said Blair holding out her arms, looking happy to see her daughter.

“Mommy!” said Starr. Blair and Starr hugged, “Hi Jay.”

“Hola Estrella,” said José giving the girl a light hug.

Todd watched the scene intently, uncomfortable watching his daughter leave him. For a month. A long month. This was heartwrenching for him but at least he had Téa. Téa. She was right by his side.

“Hey José,” said Téa smiling at her brother.

“Téita,” he grinned. They exchanged a light hug.

Blair rolled her eyes at their sibling exchange.

They walked into the hallway.

“Starr - go tell your Daddy…and Tee goodbye okay,” said Blair sugar coating her voice.

Starr walked up to Todd and he knelt down, face to face with her, “I’ll miss you Shorty.”

“I’ll miss you too Daddy,” she said sweetly.

They hugged.

“I’ll miss you too Sweetpea,” said Téa smiling at her stepdaughter.

Starr reached out for Téa and they hugged.

There was a knock at the door. Everyone looked confused.

“Are you expecting anyone José?” asked Blair.

“No,” said José reaching past Téa to open the door.

Todd was curious and rubbed his nose. Téa walked up beside him. Todd studied the scene.

“Hello?” said José not recognizing the man at the door.

Bo Buchanan held up his badge, “Bo Buchanan. I ‘m the police commissioner. Are you José Delgado?”

“Yes…” said José raising an eyebrow.

“Bo,” acknowledged Téa full of curiosity.

“Téa,” acknowledged Bo smiling at her.

“What’s Bo here for José?” asked Blair holding Starr’s hand.

“That’s what I’d like to know,” said Todd firmly, crossing his arms.

“I’d like you to come down to the station. I have a few questions about the increased gang activity on the docks. The department caught a few thugs who just happened to mention your name…” said Bo firmly.

“Me? Gangs? I’m a legitimate businessman…” said José coolly and calmly.

Téa closed her eyes, praying José was being truthful.

“Just the same, I’d like you to come down to the station and answer my questions down there instead of in front of your family,” said Bo crossing his arms.

“Sure. Whatever,” said José finally revealing his nervousness in the tone of his voice.

Blair said nothing but she was pissed that Bo had come to their home. She didn’t want to say something that would get José further in trouble so she kept quiet, clinging to Starr’s hand.

“Jay, you don’t have to go to jail do you?” asked Starr full of concern.

“No,” said Blair quickly, “He just has to answer some questions for Bo, that’s all.”

Todd snapped and got in José’s face. He was furious. His blood was boiling. He couldn’t believe this man was stupid enough to put “His” daughter in danger.

“You…punk! I swear to you if you’ve put my daughter’s life in jeopardy ‘cos your involved in some two-bit gang I’ll…” rattled Todd.

“Todd! Stop it!” This isn’t helping!” said Téa grabbing his arm and pulling him away from José. Blair turned Starr into her so Starr didn’t see the confrontation.

“Todd! You’ll upset Starr!” said Blair fighting off a wave of nausea.

Todd turned to face his daughter. She looked confused.

“I will be home soon Estrella,” said José softly.

“If you don’t mind, I’m going down to the police station as well,” said Téa firmly.

“Sure Téa,” said Bo.

José went to walk out.

“José!” cried Blair.

He turned around, walked up to her and lightly kissed her cheek before walking out.

Todd got in Blair’s face and hissed, “You better pray they don’t want to arrest him.”

Starr looked worried in Blair’s arms.

“Love you Shorty. Tee and I will see you soon,” said Todd lightening the tone of his voice.

“Love you too Daddy,” said Starr.

Todd and Téa walked out of the house, watching Bo and José drive away. They walked up to their car and Téa got in to drive.

Todd was upset. His heart was pounding over what had just occurred.

“I thought you said your brother was legit,” said Todd edgy.

“I’m sure he is. Like you, his reputation proceeds him,” said Téa trying to make Todd feel better.

“Téa…look…I just don’t want my…our daughter in danger…” said Todd.

“She isn’t,” said Téa driving off, “Look, I’m going to the station to find out what’s going on. Were you going to meet Viki this morning?” she asked.

“Yeah. Drop me off at the Banner,” said Todd.

He couldn’t take it anymore. His stomach was in knots and he was full of anxiety. His pulse was pounding and he was worried. He reached for the pills inside his pocket and took one. Téa swallowed. She didn’t like it when Todd just decided to take one but she said nothing noticing how relaxed he was beginning to look.

Téa drove up to the Banner and turned to look at Todd.

He looked so calm, “Will you take that test today?” he asked.

She nodded her head ‘yes’.

“I love you Téa…” he said passionately. He reached out with his hand wrapped it around her neck, pulling her into him, nuzzling her.

“Oh, Todd. I love you too. Be careful, okay…” she replied enjoying his attention.

He savored the kiss they shared and it pained him suddenly to be parted from her. Hesitantly, he got out of the car and watched Téa drive off.

He stood there silently and then suddenly he reached into his pocket to look at his bottle of pills. It was getting too low. He walked off in the opposite direction of the Banner and headed for the docks.

It didn’t take Todd long to get down to the docks. He found his contact that he bought his drugs from hanging out in front of a warehouse. Todd approached him.

“Hey - Pillman,” said Todd, his voice even, “I need a refill.”

“You’re the guy who gets the Xanax, right?” said the Hispanic man who was dressed in leather.

“Yeah,” said Todd putting his hand in his pockets.

“Sorry. Boss says I can’t sell to you no more,” he said.

“What?” said Todd surprised, “My money not good enough for you?”

“That’s not it man. Boss says no, I gotta’ listen,” Todd’s contact said.

“Who’s your boss?” demanded Todd.

“I am,” said Enrique walking out of the shadows, “And I don’t want my men selling you anymore drugs.”

Todd scowled and crossed his arms, “Why? And why now?”

Enrique walked into Todd’s personal space. They sized each other up. Something about this man seemed eerily familiar to Todd. Exotic. His features were exotic. Like his wife’s.

“I will not sell my drugs to you,” said Enrique finally realizing he was face to face with Téa husband - and his brother-in-law. No more drugs for him. For Téa. He would clean up her husband’s act.

Todd swung at Enrique but Enrique stepped aside from Todd’s punch and lashed out at Todd himself, striking him in the face. It was a lucky shot and Todd fell to the ground, unconscious.

“What now boss?” asked Enrique’s man.

“Shit,” muttered Enrique. He paused to think.

“Help me take him to my houseboat,” directed Enrique. He was determined to spend some time with Téa’s husband to find out why he needed the Xanax and to clean up his act. And to find out…if this man was good enough for his sister.

TO BE CONTINUED…