“Great! Just…great! What’s this criminal’s name?” demanded Todd.
“Raymond Jones…” said Hank firmly.
“Daddy…” said Starr tugging on Todd’s arm. All three men grew quiet, Todd could barely contain his anger.
Todd looked down at Starr, his lip quivering, “What is it Shorty?”
“Faith is crying. I think she’s hungry and I think her diaper is wet…” said Starr.
Todd swallowed, “All right, Shorty.”
“We’ll let you take care of your kids Manning. For what it’s worth, I’m going to Yosemite to assist in the search,” said Bo.
“You keep me informed Buchanan…” said Todd coldly.
“We will,” said Hank. They left.
Todd rushed to Faith and checked her diaper.
He looked up at Starr, “Yeah. She’s wet.”
He picked up the young baby and walked into the kitchen. He took out some milk and prepared a warming pot, while holding Faith with one hand.
“Do you need help Daddy?” asked Starr.
“Sure Shorty. Faith’s diaper bag is in her room. Can you bring it down to me?” asked Todd.
“Will do, Daddy!” said Starr running.
“Hush…sweetie…hush…I’m doing my best…” said Todd gently as Faith fussed.
He stood over the stove diligently watching the milk warm, staring lovingly into the eyes of his baby…Téa’s baby…
Starr came running in with the diaper bag, “Here, Daddy.”
Todd gave her a quick smile, shut off the stove and proceeded to change Faith’s diaper on the kitchen table, throwing the dirty diaper in the trash.
Faith quieted down a bit. Todd reached over and grabbed the warm bottle, giving it to Faith. Faith was happy.
Todd looked at Starr and smiled. She smiled back.
“Hey Shorty…can you get Daddy’s phone? I think I left it in the hall…” said Todd.
“Sure, Daddy…I’ll find it,” she said running out again.
Todd sat down, allowing his body to relax while he admired Faith as she hungrily devoured the bottle.
Starr ran in with the cell phone. Todd adjusted the baby so he held her in one arm. He dialed a number.
“Cramer! It’s your boss…”
Pause.
“Yeah, I know it’s late. So?”
Pause.
“Whatever. I want you to find out everything you can about Raymond Jones. The guy on the flight with Téa and call me back as soon as you do.”
He hung up the phone.

Later, that evening…

Todd sat on the couch in his living room. He held a sleeping Faith in his arms, quiet and content. Starr lay down on the couch with her head in her father’s lap, sleeping peacefully. The room was dark. Todd felt connected to Téa like this…sitting in the room…in the dark…with their children.
He closed his eyes and opened his heart.
He could smell her perfume in the air.
“I heard you were worth meeting…”
“You’ll respect me…”
He looked at his sleeping daughter.

“We need Delgado…she’s like medicine…”

“I need you…your mind…your ideas…”

He could picture her in his mind, smiling…

“Yes…I’ll marry you…”

“I’ll be in your story forever…”

Smiling…she was smiling…

“I promise you my laughter…for now…and forevermore…”

And dancing…

“I forgive you, Todd…”

“You’re trembling Delgado…”

“So are you…”

And laughing - her eyes so intent…

“Téa…we made this little person…”

“Todd, my water just broke…”

“I’ll buy you a new one…”

“Oh, Téa…please be all right. And safe…” he whispered, softly stroking Starr’s hair with his free hand.

The next day,
Yosemite National Park
Lake Vernon

Téa woke up to the smell of burning wood. She looked up only to discover Mike had built a fire and was cooking a fish over it. She watched Mike intently. His suit was dirty. He had given her his jacket to sleep under to keep her warm. His sleeves were rolled up, and his top two collar buttons were undone. His hair was dishelved and he had a five o’clock shadow.
“I see you’re up,” said Mike looking at her.
“Yeah,” said Téa sitting up, “Fish for breakfast, huh?”
“Well, let’s hope the California Fish and Game Department don’t bust me…” said Mike lightly, “It’s from the lake.”
Téa gave herself a quick once over. Her own pants were dirty, her shirt was soiled. Her hair felt greasy and her ribs ached. She needed a bath.
“Mike, it’s been two days now, and we haven’t found Raymond…” said Téa.
“I know. Do you want to give up?” asked Mike.
The faint light of dawn peered over the horizon.
“Maybe we should. We could continue looking today but if we don’t find him after today…” started Téa.
“Yeah. I think you’re right,” said Mike. He reached for his Swiss Army knife and checked the fish. It wasn’t quite done.
Téa sat down next to him beside the fire, “I need a bath. I’m pretty funky.”
“Take a dip in the lake,” said Mike.
“What?” muttered Téa in shock.
“The water is clean. I’ll stay on shore and watch you…” said Mike looking at her.
“You’ll watch me? You want me to get naked in front of you?” asked an exasperated Téa, “I don’t know you that well.”
Mike ran his hand through his hair, “That’s not what I meantt. I meant I’ll watch out for you. I’ll have my back turned to you so I won’t see a thing.”
“Oh,” said Téa.
“Besides, you may not know me well but you’ve placed your trust…and life…in my hands. And I’ve done the same with my trust and life, so I think I deserve a little credit here…” said Mike checking the fish. It was done. He put it on a rock he had cleaned and divided the fish in half.
“You do. I’m sorry,” she replied. She took the fish and they ate it. Téa realizing how hungry she was. After breakfast, Téa went over to a nearby bush while Mike waited a safe distance away. She took off her shirt and went to hang it upon a branch but it fell off onto a rock.
“Mike!” yelled Téa.
He came running over, “What is it?”
“Look,” she said pointing at the rock. Drops of dried blood covered the rock. Mike moved the shirt and looked up into her eyes, “Raymond?”
“Raymond was here,” said Téa firmly, “He had a cut in his leg that was bleeding when he left me. If we follow the trail of blood it might lead us to him.”
“Great. Let’s go!” exclaimed Mike.
“Ah, Mike…my shirt?” asked Téa, her face becoming red.
“Sure,” said Mike handing the shirt to her averting his eyes, his face red as well. Téa was wearing a bra but Mike realized that her breasts were very attractive. She put the shirt on and they began to follow the blood trail in silence, initially embarrassed over the shirt incident. Soon, though the embarrassment wore off and they were consumed with excitement as they began to ascend a steep slope that led them to the top of a beautiful waterfall. As they walked into the clearing next to the waterfall drop, they spotted Raymond lying down next to the shore. They smiled as they realized he was sleeping. They quietly tried to approach him and Téa pointed to Mike to where the makeshift bandage on Raymond’s leg was, telling him that was where Raymond was hurt. Raymond’s shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his muscular chest. As Téa and Mike approached him, Raymond’s eyes fluttered open and he looked at them in shock. He tried to shuttle away but before he knew it, they were kneeling down beside him.
“What are you doing here?” asked Raymond, his voice full of fear.
“Raymond, we’re here to help you,” said Téa in a comforting manner.
“How?” he demanded, flinching at her touch. Again, Téa hesitantly put her hand on his injured leg.
“Look Raymond, you gave us a second chance by saving our lives and now we want to do the same thing for you…” said Mike firmly.
“Nobody gives Raymond Jones a second chance! Nobody! What are you doing Ms. Delgado?” questioned Raymond intently as he watched her undo the bandage.
“I’m checking to see how badly you’re hurt,” she said, “And we do want to give you a second chance. Mike and I are going to do everything we can to give you your legal freedom…”
“How?” he asked looking intently at her.
She flinched again at how dirty his wound was. She walked over to the shore allowing the bandage to soak up water. The current was strong.
“We’re going to try to get you pardoned Raymond for your heroic actions at the plane crash,” said Mike.
Raymond stared at him intently, “You…believe in me? You know what I’ve done? You know…I’ve raped…”
Téa came back and began to wash out his wound and clean it.
“You deserve a second chance Raymond…” said Téa firmly.
“But why?” insisted Raymond comforted by their presence but not willing to admit it.
Mike was a loss for words, “You saved my life. It’s the right thing to do. You gave me a second chance. Now I want to give you one.”
“What about you Ms. Delgado?” asked Raymond. She rewrapped the wound with the bandage.
“You remind me of my husband, Todd. There’s more to you than just anger and violence…” said Téa pausing.
Both Mike and Raymond looked at her intently.
She continued, “You see, Todd is a convicted rapist who got a second chance because someone believed in him like Mike and I believe in you.”
There was silence. Mike was surprised to learn that about her.
Raymond struggled to his feet, staring at her. He stumbled to the edge of the rapidly flowing current staring at her and Mike. Mike was genuinely taken aback by Raymond’s reaction - sensitive but confused. Raymond stood on the edge, holding his head, letting her words repeat over in his head. Mike joined Téa’s side and slowly and hesitantly they approached Raymond who looked up at them with confusion and hope.

Later on that day,
Llanview,
The Banner…

Todd walked into the Banner newsroom holding Faith with her diaper bag draped over his shoulder. He was bit frazzled and tired. He looked around for Viki. Blair spied him walk in and shot up out of her desk.
“Hey! Todd!” she said getting his attention. He walked up to her.
“Where’s Viki?” he asked.
“In her office. Did Starr get off to school o.k.?” asked Blair.
“Yeah…no problems…” replied Todd. He held Faith tightly in his arms. She was awake and happy…cooing on occasion.
“How are you handling the stress Todd? You look a little worn out…” Blair remarked.
Todd stared at her without saying anything.
“Todd!” exclaimed Viki walking out of her office, “How are you? Why do you have Faith? Why didn’t you leave her with Judith?”
“Faith needs me right now,” said Todd not able to articulate his desire to be with Faith.
Todd’s cell phone rang. He juggled Faith trying desperately to reach the cell phone. Blair held out her arms and Todd awkwardly gave Faith to Blair and answered the phone.
“What!”
Pause.
“Cramer! Did you finally dig up that information I asked for?”
Pause.
“Tell me.”
Pause.
“Yes. Here and now.”
Long pause. Todd looked up into Viki’s face, his mouth dropping with surprise and shock. He hung up the phone abruptly.
“What’s wrong Todd?” asked Viki.
Blair looked up from playing a smiling game with Faith.
“Todd?” asked Blair.
“He’s a rapist. The criminal who is missing with Téa…he’s a rapist…” muttered Todd as all color drained from his face.
Viki and Blair exchanged looks of horror.
Todd held out his arms and Blair gave Faith back to him. He rocked her gently in his arms, “Your Mom’s all right…she is…”
“Todd, if you need help…I’ll help out…” said Blair reaching out to him.
“Why Blair? You can’t stand Téa. Why are you good to Faith?” he asked firmly.
Blair paused and bit her lip, “Téa’s good to Starr,” she admitted, “And well, I can do the right thing and be good to Faith.”
Just then Asa sauntered in with Cory by his side and walked right up to Viki, Todd, and Blair.
Asa grinned at Todd and smiled at Viki, “I got the Banner and Sun braintrust all in one shot!”
“What do you want Asa?” asked Viki crossing her arms.
“Congratulate me. I just filed papers to run for mayor…” said Asa smugly.
Blair eyed Cory and smiled, “Congrats, Asa. Prepare to lose. The citizens of Llanview would vote for me before you anyday…”
“Prove it hellcat and file your papers…” said Asa biting his tongue.
“I’d vote for you Blair,” said Todd trying to act calm in front of Asa.
“So Asa, who is your cute friend?” asked Blair demurely.
Asa grinned, “This is my nephew, Cory Buchanan. He’s going to take over Buchanan Enterprises while I’m mayor. This is my ex-wife, Blair the she-wolf, my ex-daughter in-law, Viki, and my number one pain in the ass, Todd Manning…”
Cory looked at Todd intently as if a light bulb had clicked on.
“Are you married Monsieur Manning?” asked Cory in his accent.
“Yeah, I’m married,” said Todd ignoring Cory and getting in Asa’s face, “And I swear to you Gramps…if I find your stench anywhere near that plane crash…it’s gonna hurt to be you.”
“I’m shaking in my alligator hide booties Manning. C’Mon Cory, let’s go. I’ve got a press conference to kick off…” Asa and Cory walked off.
Cory turned around to Asa, “I am not stupid Uncle Asa. That man is her husband, is he not?”
“Yeah, Cory. You still up to the challenge?” asked Asa seriously.
“There is not a woman I can not charm…” he said grinning.
“That’s the spirit boy…that’s the spirit,” said Asa patting him on the back.

Yosemite National Park,
Racheria Falls…

“Ms. Delgado, you have some sick fascination for rapists?” asked Raymond looking up to her. His tone of voice was defensive as he stood on the rocks of the edge of the shore. The current was rapid as it led to the waterfall drop. Téa stood on the rocks in front of him and Mike stood behind her, his hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t push us away Raymond. I see your game. You think you’re not worthy…you don’t deserve a second chance…well, you do…” she said firmly.
“Look, Raymond, if you want to stay in California with me…I’ll set you up with a job in my office as a clerk…the position will subsidize your education if you want to go to school…and if you want to push, who knows?” said Mike genuinely, “Maybe you could apply to law school with the weight of the office behind you.”
“You would do that for me Mr. Rudney?” asked Raymond playing with his hands.
“Trust us,” said Téa holding out her hand. The extension was awkward and Mike helped to balance her.
“I don’t understand…” said Raymond making a face.
“Look, Raymond, you claim to be some dark hideous rapist…I’ve raped…you said…well then, why haven’t you raped me Raymond? Why did you save my life? Where’s all your anger and violence?” asked Téa firmly, raising her voice.
“Because I respect you Ms. Delgado! And I don’t want to be angry around you! And because you’re a mother! And I believe…that you respect me too…” he yelled back. Their eyes locked. Again, Téa thrust out her hand and hesitantly Raymond lifted his own.
Mike squeezed her shoulder. They had done it. They had gotten through to him.
As if in slow motion, Raymond slid his hand into hers. They all exchanged smiles. Téa took a step toward Raymond and slipped on the wet rocks, falling into the rushing current - Raymond falling with her. Mike lunged at them but they were too quick as they plunged into the rapid waters. Thankfully, Téa clung to Raymond. Mike watched in horror as the rushing current took them perilously closer to the waterfall drop.