They were on a Boeing 757 chartered by the US Marshal service. They had left Llanview approximately six hours ago. Téa had gone up to the cockpit to admire the view. The pilots told her they would be landing in Sacramento shortly.
The plane was deserted except for the pilots, Téa, Mike, and the two US Marshals guarding the criminal, a man by the name of Raymond Jones. As Téa walked down the aisle back to her seat, she passed Raymond who was sitting between the two Marshals guarding him. They made eye contact and Téa paused briefly before continuing.
Raymond Jones was wanted for a series of rapes committed in the San Francisco area. They were the most violent rapes ever committed in California’s history.
Téa found her seat next to Mike that was only a few seats away from Raymond and the Marshals. Mike sat next to the window.
“Pilots say it won’t be long now. We’re over Yosemite National Park,” commented Téa getting comfortable.
“So, how was your Christmas?” asked Mike.
Téa smiled, “Todd and I got a really big tree and Faith had so many presents…you should have seen her face light up everytime we turned the tree lights on.” She dug into her purse and showed Mike a Polaroid. Téa and Faith were dressed in matching Santa elf suits with matching elf hats. Téa was holding Faith and both were smiling.
“Where’s Todd?” asked Mike.
“He took the picture,” said Téa.
“You miss her?” asked Mike.
“Yeah,” said Téa wistfully.
“I miss my boys too…” started Mike.
“Hey, Ms. Delgado…” said Raymond turning around. The US Marshals intently watched him, “Can I see that pic of you and your girl?”
Téa looked at Mike than the Marshals.
“You don’t have to show him if you don’t want to,” said one of the Marshals.
Téa paused, again, finding Raymond’s eyes, “No. It’s o.k.”
Mike dug into his pockets while intently watching the situation.
Téa got up and handed the pic to Raymond. He was handcuffed. Raymond stared intently at it before giving it back to her.
“You got a cute baby Ms. Delgado. Are you a good mother?” Raymond asked.
“I want to be,” replied Téa. She took her picture and sat down. As she did, Mike presented her a picture of him, two young boys, and an exotic Hispanic looking woman.
“Your family?” asked Téa.
“Yeah. It was taken two years ago. I got divorced last year. The oldest boy is Jason and my youngest is Timothy. Ariel has them right now. We have a joint custody agreement,” explained Mike.
Téa intently looked at the picture, “Well, it’s important that kids have two parents.”
“Yeah. Especially if one of them is loco,” said Mike half seriously.
Téa smiled, “Don’t I know it.”
“So how long have you been married for?” asked Mike as Téa gave the picture back to him.
“Well, my first marriage to Todd lasted sixteen months. This second one is just over a year…” said Téa, “What about you?”
“It lasted just over six years. How did you two meet?” asked Mike looking at his picture a bit wistfully.
“It was a pretty inconspicuous meeting. Todd hired me to defend a friend of his. How did you meet…Ariel?” she asked.
Mike put the picture back in his wallet, “Ah, my second year in law school I did a summer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She was a student there.”
“She’s Argentinian? Really? That’s cool,” said Téa.
There was a sudden dip in the plane. Both Téa and Mike looked up.
A Marshal got up and went into the cockpit.
“We’re descending. Rapidly…” commented Mike looking around, feeling his stomach churn.
Téa looked past him out the window, “Mike! Look!”
Everyone gazed out the window. Flames were shooting out of one of the plane’s engines.
“Shit!” exclaimed Mike.
Looks of horror crossed their faces.
The US Marshal who went into the cockpit came running back out, “The pilot has put out a distress call but we’re going down. Buckle up! He sees a clearing not far off. It’s going to be rough…”
Téa swallowed, scared to death, the adrenaline flowing through her veins.
“Take the cuffs off Jones!” demanded Mike.
“Are you crazy?!” shouted one of the Marshals.
“No…but if we crash I don’t want any harm to come to him because he was handcuffed!” said Mike using an authoritative tone of voice.
The plane learched violently and began a deeper descent. The tall trees of Yosemite loomed closer.
A Marshal complied with Mike’s request.
Téa ensured she was buckled in and made the sign of the cross, looking upward to Heaven. Mike grabbed her hand, “We’ll be o.k. We will,” he insisted, “Jason and Timmy need me.”
“Right,” said a clearly frightened Téa, “Faith and Todd…need me too.”

Office of the Police Commissioner,
Llanview, PA…

Asa sauntered into Bo’s office with a young, handsome man by his side. Bo and Hank turned around.
“Pa…” started Bo almost exasperated.
“Now Bo, don’t start,” said Asa, “You remember your little cousin, Cory Buchanan from New Orleans? The Cajun…”
“Cory? Wow! The last time I saw you, you were so high,” said Bo making a gesture not far off the ground.
“And…you Cousin Bo…have gotten a lot older…” said Cory smiling with his infectious Cajun accent.
Bo admired his young cousin. Cory was tall. Bo guessed about six, two. His eyes were cerulean blue and his hair was long and dark. He was well defined and wore his suit well.
“So Hank where’s that ADA of yours…?” asked Asa grinning.
“Which one?” asked Hank crossing his arms.
“Téa Delgado. Manning. Whatever. Whatever she’s calling herself these days. I got someone I want her to meet…” said Asa patting Cory’s back.
“She left for California today…” answered Hank.
Bo crossed his arms and grinned at Asa, “Pa…why do want Téa to meet Cory?”
Just then a law enforcement officer wearing the identification of “US Marshal” walked in.
“I’m Agent Peter Ryan. I’m looking for District Attorney Henry Gannon…” said Agent Ryan.
“That’s me. Is something wrong?” asked Hank seriously.
“I’m sorry to have to inform you but the plane carrying Assistant District Attorney Delgado has crashed within Yosemite National Park…” said Agent Ryan stoically.
“Is Téa…dead?” muttered Hank in shock.
“We’re still looking for the plane wreckage. We can’t confirm if she’s dead or alive…” he answered.
“Oh,” said Hank.
“I understand the ADA has a family…” continued Ryan.
Hank nodded his head.

That evening,
Llanfair…

Viki opened the door to her home and Todd walked in with a diaper bag over his shoulder carrying a fussy Faith in his arms.
“How was therapy Todd?” asked Viki making googlie eyes at Faith. Faith tried to make the faces back.
“I dunno…we talked about Delgado’s trip to California…” said Todd holding back, “Blair here with Shorty yet?”
“They’re in the den,” said Viki.
Todd had made arrangements to pick Starr up at Viki’s. He walked into the den, Faith in his arms. Viki was behind him.
“Daddy!” exclaimed Starr running up to him.
He could hear the background noise of the TV. Blair looked up from the TV.
“How ya’ doing Shorty?” he asked looking down at his eldest daughter.
“We learned about fish today in school. I drew you a picture, see?” said Starr holding up her picture.
Todd smiled, “It’s…ah…nice…”
Blair walked up behind Starr, putting her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, “Todd, you sure you’ll be all right without Téa?”
“I’ll be fine,” insisted Todd.
“Can I see Faith?” asked Starr.
Todd dropped to his knees and Starr smiled at her baby sister. Faith fussed.
Kevin walked in from the kitchen eating an apple, “Ain’t this a sight? Todd Manning acting like a parent…” said Kevin.
Todd glared at Kevin. So did Viki.
“We interrupt this program for some late breaking news. A US Marshals jet has gone down in Yosemite National Park that originated in Llanview, Pennsylvania…”
Todd’s head immediately looked up and he directed his attention to the TV.
Everyone did. It was eerily silent.
“…The plane is said to have gone down in the remote wilderness section of Hetch Hetchy near Lake Vernon. On the plane were two US Marshals, two pilots and two lawyers. Names are being withheld pending family notifications…Currently, there is no confirmation…”
“Téa…” whispered Todd in shock. He clutched Faith tight. She began to cry.
There was a knock on the door. Kevin left the room and walked in seconds later with Bo, Hank, and an US Marshal. Todd stumbled to his feet, dazed and confused, clinging to Faith.
“Todd, Faith’s crying…” said Viki softly.
“Ah…she’s probably hungry…” mumbled Todd making eye contact with the Marshal.
Starr rummaged through the diaper bag that Todd had left on the floor and found a baby bottle. She gave it to Blair who looked dumbfounded. Viki walked up to Blair.
“Maybe you could warm up that bottle for Faith?” asked Viki.
“Yeah, sure…” muttered Blair walking off.
“Todd Manning? I’m Agent Ryan…” said the Marshal holding up his credentials.
“Téa was on the plane, wasn’t she?” muttered Todd in shock. Starr clung to her father. Faith cried.
“I’m sorry Mr. Manning, but yes, your wife was on that plane. The wreckage is in a remote location of Yosemite that we haven’t been able to reach yet. As soon as we have confirmation of your wife’s status, I’ll notify you…” said Agent Ryan.
“Téa’s dead?” choked Todd.
“We don’t know that Mr. Manning. Your wife could be alive. As soon as we’ re able to get to the wreckage we’ll have answers for you…” said Agent Ryan.
“Todd, for what it’s worth…our prayers are with you…” said Hank.
Bo looked on sympathetically.
“I’ll show you out,” said Kevin.
Todd stood there numb, finally looking into his crying daughter’s eyes…his lip quivering…a tear sliding down his cheek.
“Faith…your mommy’s not dead. She’s not. I’d feel it. I would. She’s…ju st she’s o.k… she is…” said Todd emotionally.
Blair walked in with the warm bottle.
“Daddy, I’ll share my Mommy with Faith until Tee gets back…” said Starr softly.
Todd looked at Starr speechless.
Blair approached them, “Starr sweetie…that’s a really nice thought but…but…sometimes you just can’t share…what I’m trying to say is I can’t take Téa’s place as Faith’s Mommy…just like Téa can’t take my place as your Mommy,” said Blair awkwardly.
Faith’s cries grew louder and finally the numbness began to pass and Todd began to feel…anger.
“Todd…I think she needs her bottle…” said Blair gently.
Todd awkwardly gave Faith to Blair. Blair held the baby awkwardly and gave Faith her bottle that she immediately began sucking on.
Todd ran out onto Viki’s patio - ignoring the cold December air - lashing out with his fists…overturning chairs - kicking over pots - allowing his anger and rage and frustration free reign…
“Damn you Delgado! I told you not to go! I told you I had a bad feeling! How could you abandon us like this?” screamed Todd collapsing to his knees, crying through his pain.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked into Viki’s eyes.
“Viki…” he muttered.
“You have to think positive Todd. Téa’s body hasn’t been found. She’s alive and you know more than anyone that she would never abandon you. I was there when she found in Providence, remember?” said Viki’s soothing voice.
“Viki…I told her not to go. Faith needs her mom and I need my wife…” he lamented.
“And right now Téa needs you to collect your head and to be a father to your daughter…both daughters…” said Viki firmly.
Todd looked up into Viki’s eyes - his own sad and scared, “I need her…” he whispered.
“I know,” said Viki.

Yosemite National Park
Hetch Hetchy…

“Ms. Delgado! Ms. Delgado!”
Téa stirred.
“C’Mon - that’s it Ms. Delgado…”
Téa opened her eyes, her vision hazy…
The pungent odor of burning metal filled the air.
She struggled to sit up, her ribs aching, full of pain as she did.
“Jones?” she mumbled recognizing her prisoner hovering over her.
“Are you all right Ms. Delgado?” said Raymond.
Téa looked past him. The plane had crashed and had broken in half. The front half of the plane was on fire…burning. The rear was not. The crash had taken out several trees and a lake was off in the distance.
“How did I get here?” muttered Téa fighting off a wave of pain, “Shouldn’t I be on the plane?”
“I carried you off the plane Ms. Delgado. You’re safe now…” said Raymond.
Téa swallowed, consumed by an immediate fear, “Are you…are you going to rape me?” she muttered.
Raymond pulled back, clearly hurt her question.
She regretted it immediately.
“No, I’m not Ms. Delgado,” he said firmly.
She found his haunted eyes, “Raymond…why did you…save me? Especially since I’m responsible for ensuring you stay behind bars?” She was clearly confused.
“Because you’re a mom, Ms. Delgado. You’re somebody’s mom…I never had a mom…” he said sadly.
His words reminded her of Todd and suddenly this situation began to remind her of one she remembered reading in a newspaper…about Todd.
“Raymond…what about Mike? Can you save him too?” she asked wincing from a sharp pain shooting up her side.
“Why do you want me to save Mr. Rudney, Ms. Delgado?” asked Raymond.
“Because he’s a parent too Raymond. He’s got boys who need…a father…” said Téa realizing how labored her breathing was.
Raymond said nothing and stood up. After an inner struggle he ran toward the plane. Téa watched scared and worried. Within minutes, Raymond walked out of the wreckage with Mike over his shoulder. Raymond placed an unconscious Mike next to Téa and stood up.
“Raymond…your leg. You’re hurt. It’s bleeding…” observed Téa.
Raymond looked down, “It’s nothing. I’ll be o.k. Now, I have to go…” said Raymond.
“You’re not going to stay here with us and wait for the rescue crews…?” questioned Téa, confused.
“No. Rescue crews mean jail Ms. Delgado and I have no desire to go back to that. Are you going to stop me?” he asked fearful.
“I don’t know how I could and right now I’m grateful for what you’ve done…” replied Téa.
They exchanged a look of mutual understanding and Raymond hobbled off.
Téa tried to catch her breath and rolled over to face Mike.
“Mike! Mike! C’mon! Wake up!” she demanded.
Mike stirred and sat up. He looked around drinking in the situation. Téa recapped what had happened and Raymond’s involvement.
Mike grabbed her arms and passionately said, “We have to go after him!”
“What?” exclaimed Téa, “Are you crazy? Don’t we owe him this? He saved our lives!!”
“What we owe him,” said Mike, “Is his freedom. His legal freedom! If we let him go like this he’ll be a wanted criminal…but if we find him, we as lawyers, can fight for a reduced sentence, a pardon, a parole, and then he’ ll be legally free an he won’t have to worry about the police. We can give him a second chance Téa - like he just gave us!”
Téa let Mike’s words sink in, all the while thinking of the second chance Todd received when he saved his young niece from a car wreck…
“It’s the right thing to do…” added Mike.
“Mike…I’ve got a family…a baby and a husband who are probably worried sick right now about me…” said Téa clearly torn over what the right thing to do was…
“And I don’t? But right now what’s right - noble - honorable…” he started. Fire danced in her eyes, “Don’t talk to me about nobility and heroics! I’m neither!”
“You are the most noble and heroic person in the eyes of a child…your daughter. And don’t you ever forget it!” said Mike firmly.
Téa bit her lip. Is that what made Todd so special to Jessica? CJ? Sarah? Starr? That in the eyes of a child he was the most heroic person they knew? Did Faith deserve a mother who was afraid to do the right thing? A coward? Or did Faith deserve to have a mother who was a hero? A mother she could proud of?
Téa struggled to stand up. The pain in her side subsiding into a dull ache.
“What?” questioned Mike.
“Mike…there’s a big part of me that wants to stay here until the rescue crews find us…so I can go home and be a mother to my daughter and a wife to my husband…and there’s other part that believes in what you said…the right thing to do is to find Raymond and give him his freedom…legally. So before I change my mind…let’s go find Raymond…”
Mike gave her a quick smile, struggled to stand up and reached into his wallet leaving a credit card on the ground.
“Can you leave something? That would make the rescue crews think you’re alive?” he asked.
Téa frowned. She had the picture of her and Faith but didn’t want to leave it. She reached around her neck, taking off her necklace and left it next to Mike’s credit card. Together they walked off.
The “A” on the necklace glistened off the reflection of the sun.