“And Rodd? What can I say? He’s sexy…”
She felt Todd’s hand on her cheek.
“What are you thinking of?” asked Todd.
“You. Todd, it took me a while before I could say to myself “I-love-you-
I-love-Todd-Manning. I was so hurt on our wedding night…” said Téa.
“Sshhh,” he said and he pulled her into an embrace. He buried his head in
her hair.
“Even now…” whispered Todd, “Pete wants me to pull your hair so you look up
into my face…he wants too…he loves you in some warped way…and Rodd…he wants
me to gently take my hand and tilt your face so your eyes…find mine…”
“What do you want to do Todd?” whispered Téa.
“I - Me - Todd - “I” want to make you happy,” said Todd firmly.
Téa clung to him, “I’ll visit you everyday at Llanfair…”
“I need you Delgado,” said Todd.
Téa found Todd’s eyes, “Todd - the key you sent me - what does it unlock?”
“It’s the key to my heart Téa,” said Todd.
She closed her eyes and again, he pulled her into a hug. He didn’t want to
be alone.
Llanfair…
Todd was nervous about returning to Llanview. He hadn’t wanted to return
until he was well but Téa - and Viki - seeing them again - knowing they
believed in him - that was enough to change his mind.
Dr. Jacobs had coordinated for a new therapist in Llanview. Todd would
meet with the new therapist on Monday. He had gotten comfortable with
Jacobs…it was not going to be so bad, after all, Téa had agreed to join Todd
at his therapy sessions.
Viki opened the door to Llanfair and Todd walked in. The house was empty
since it was the weekend. Viki was going to help him get settled in. Téa
had to leave. She had checked her voice mail and Hank had left an urgent
message for her to find him.
The Police Station…
Téa rushed into the police station. She wanted to get this over with
quickly. An on-duty police officer directed her back to Bo’s office. All
Téa could think about was Todd and how happy she was to have him back in her
life. She opened the door and walked in. Hank was pacing, his face
serious. Bo got up from behind his desk.
“Téa, you’re glowing,” muttered Bo.
Hank turned to face her, “Yeah, Téa - you’re beaming. What’s up?”
Téa opened her mouth and then closed it. These two men respected her.
Respected her. But did they really? She’d find out.
“Ah, I found Todd. He’s back,” said Téa.
“What?” exclaimed Hank.
“That’s the last thing you need!” added Bo.
“I knew you guys would react like this!” replied Téa.
“That’s why you’ve been so distracted lately,” said Bo, “You’ve been
thinking of Manning. It makes perfect sense. Damn!”
“I don’t need this,” said Téa turning to leave.
“And you need Todd Manning?” asked Hank.
Téa glared at him.
“Téa - we have something to tell you,” said Bo firmly.
“What?” demanded Téa.
“We arrested your brother,” said Hank.
“My brother? Which one?” asked Téa. Her good mood instantly disappeared.
“José,” said Bo.
“Where is he?” asked Téa clearly upset.
“Down in the jail. You can go see him. He’s been asking for you,” said
Hank.
Téa swallowed, “For what crime?”
“Murder,” said Bo.
“God, no,” muttered Téa putting her face into her hand. A tear rolled down
her cheek.
To be continued...