*****
Dr. Michael's watches as his client paces around his office...and he understood. What else would expect when his wife was missing?
Todd runs his hand through his hair, the other hand clutching his cell phone. He had left Faith with Viki. He glances at Dr. Michaels, who is simply watching him.
"What Doc? No great advice..no words of wisdom?" Todd asks sarcastically.
Dr. Michaels shakes his head. "Todd...I wish I could tell you that everything will be alright...but I can't. I can see you're not holding up too well."
Todd rolls his eyes at the understatement of the year, and flops himself down in the chair.
"Gee..you think?" he says, again running his hand through his hair. "I just can't stand waiting...but every time the phone rings...I think it's gonna be someone telling me she's..." he stops abruptly, shaking his head. "So, no..I'm not holding up too well."
"How's Faith?"
"I'm glad she's a baby and doesn't know what the hell is going on...I mean she misses Delgado...I'm sure...and Shorty's real scared...I mean...she loves Téa. I just feel so damn helpless! I mean...taking care of Faith....I know Téa would want that...." his voice trails off again, his gaze shifting to the cell phone in his hand.
After a moment, he continues. "I mean...I don't know what I'll do if....if she doesn't come back."
Dr. Michaels nods. "You'll go on...be a wonderful father to your daughters."
Todd looks at him strangely. "Yeah...I guess I'd get up in the morning...breathe....work...take care of Faith and Shorty....but it would always be like part of me was missing. Ya know...when Delgado and I got hitched the first time....it was for money....one year. And before I knew it...I was dreading the end of that year...cause I didn't want her to go. And I finally admitted that to her...and she stayed. Delgado and me...we've been through hell together. I never thought about spending my life with someone. I mean..yeah I married Blair...but deep down...I never thought about my whole life with her...because we played so many games with each other....there was always an angle...I kind of thought it wouldn't last. But Delgado....for the first time....I actually pictured growing old with someone...and that's something I never thought I'd have. I mean...I'm no happy family man....but with her...I have some of that life I never thought I deserved. Don't get me wrong...we fight and stuff....but even then...I know...after we both cool off .....we'll work it out. She's so like me...and she's different....but we fit. And now...I might lose her....the only person who "fits" with me....who actually thinks I'm worth loving...the one person who thinks I give her something in return. I love her...I can't lose her..." his voice trails off.
Suddenly he looks up, stunned at the words that just left his mouth. Unusual for Todd Manning to bare his soul like that. Nervously, he looks at Dr. Michaels and begins pacing again.
"I'm sure you'll hear something soon Todd."
Todd nods quickly, and then glances at his watch. "Whatever...I gotta pick up my kid," he says, and bolts out the door.
*****
Yosemite National Park
Bo looks up as Agent Ryan approaches him.
"We got word on the blood type."
Bo nods. "Okay."
"The blood belongs to Jones."
Bo sighs, nodding. "I wish we knew if they were all together...."
"I know...but my hunch is he split the first chance at freedom...plus....we don't know how badly he's hurt."
"You're probably right...I just wish we had more to go on," Bo says, and begins to head back the base to call Hank.
*****
Téa sits in a spot of shade, grateful at having found it. She, Mike and Raymond had been walking all morning....trying to find anything that would help them get out. Mike and Raymond were still walking nearby ...but she needed a break. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out her worn and battered picture of her and Faith....her mind drifting again to her family....
You're the only girl for me.....
I promise you....we'll make this work.....
Hey Delgado....breathe....
....Shorty's a good kid...you can see how much she misses you....
Faith Marisa Manning...for her mother.....
Téa blinks back tears, staring at the picture of her daughter....her heart breaking as she thinks about what she's missed with her....thinking about Todd...how worried he must be. It was physically painful for her to be away from them. Sighing...she puts the picture in her pocket. It sticks out halfway because she of the way she is sitting.
"Hey Téa," Mike calls, "We're moving on..."
Téa gets up...and walks towards him...not noticing her treasured photo falling from her pocket and onto the ground.
*****
Llanfair, that afternoon.
Todd bursts into Llanfair. His therapy had helped him a little...voicing his fears. But it had also made him feel more on edge...needing her to come home. He walks into the living room, seeing Viki holding Faith.
"How was therapy?"
"Fine..whatever..how's the kid?"
"She's fine," Viki says, walking over and handing Faith to Todd. Faith reaches up and tugs at his goatee.
"Hey kid," he whispers softly.
Suddenly, his cell phone rings. Todd gives Viki back to Faith and answers it.
"Yeah....uh huh....the con? That's it? Yeah....whatever thanks." He flips his phone shut, starting to pace again. Viki catches his eye, looking at him questioningly.
"That was Gannon. Bo called....they found some blood....it's not Tea's ...it's the criminal's. That's all they know."
Viki looks at him sadly. "I'm sorry Todd."
Todd continues pacing....the restless lion in him starting to take over. He stops pacing and looks at Viki.
"Can you watch Faith for a few days?"
"What?"
Todd looks impatient. "Can you?"
"Of course..why?"
"I'm going to find her."
Viki looks at him, concerned. "Todd...do you think that's such a good idea...besides...Téa would want you to be with Faith."
"Téa would want me to do what's best for the kid...and that's to find her mother."
"Todd..."
"Viki...I'm going....I don't trust anyone else to bring her home."
Viki nods, knowing how Todd is when he sets his mind to something. "Okay."
Todd walks over to her, taking Faith from her. "Hey kid....you're gonna stay with you're Aunt Viki....I'm gonna go get your Mommy....we need her....and she needs us," he leans down and kisses her soft forehead. "I love you," he whispers. He slowly hands her back to Viki.
"Be careful," Viki says.
Todd just nods. "I'm gonna bring her home, Sis...count on it."
To be continued.....