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Building a Mystery 13



Todd took a deep breath, “I can’t live with you Téa.”
“What do you mean?” asked Téa hesitantly.
“I’ll go back but I can’t live with you,” said Todd. Téa went to remove her hand but Todd reached up and placed his hand over hers, “Don’t.”
“Tell me why…” she whispered, “I can help you…”
“I will not place you or Shorty in danger. I won’t do it…” said Todd firmly.
“You can stay at Llanfair with Jessica and I,” said Viki lightly.
Todd made a face. He was pretty sure Viki was safe but with Pete you could never tell…
It haunted him, the image of his hands on Téa’s belt buckle…
“Yeah, I could do that,” said Todd turning to Viki and smiling at her.
Viki smiled back. Téa let out a sigh of relief.
“Then I suggest we talk to Dr. Jacobs,” said Viki standing up.
Todd made a face and took another deep breath, “I need to talk to Téa again. Can you wait…outside?”
Viki nodded her head and walked outside. She stayed in the hallway.
Todd took Téa’s hands and held them tightly, strongly asserting himself.
“You need to understand a few things Delgado,” said Todd, his voice firm.
“What?”
“I hear them in my head, you know. Dr. Jacobs says that’s good - that I hear them and are aware of them. Pete and Rodd mostly. They contradict each other and drive me crazy. I still have issues to work out Téa…” started Todd.
“…we can work them out together…” whispered Téa.
“I know what my father did and you know what he did but I can’t say the words outloud Téa - I - Todd - can’t say them to you…” continued Todd.
“Then don’t. I love you Todd, regardless…”
“But I have too. In order to get my mind back I have to say them outloud and I have to say them to you,” said Todd, “It’s dangerous. Right now - alone - with you - here in my room…” continued Todd.
“How? You won’t hurt me…”
“Pete’s telling me one thing. Rodd’s telling me another,” said Todd.
Téa closed her eyes.

“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...


Stories by Dim and Kelly