 |
 |
|
| E-mail this page to a friend | Tell me when this page is updated |
| LAST CHANCE BY TIMA |
CHAPTERS 101 - 110 |
PREVIOUSLY...
Tea: Have you ever heard that sex can be a great cure for a hangover?
Todd: Who tried to get you into bed with that line?
Tea: You did, remember?
Todd: Well, you can't believe stuff I tell you. You should know that by now.
Tea: We'll test the theory in the morning and find out.
[Tea tries to caress Todd's chest again but he quickly rushes passed her, toward the stall area of the bathroom.]
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
chapter 101:
[Todd quickly moves toward one of the oversized stalls in the bathroom. He's in such a hurry he doesn't take the time to latch the door before he opens his pants, desperately needing some relief.
As Tea enters, she can see how frantically he's working. Todd is so caught up in what he's doing he doesn't realize Tea's in the stall with him until she moves behind him and places her arms around his body. He starts to panic and immediately stops what he's doing. Tea places her hands where Todd's where just seconds earlier and begins to stroke him with a pace that is much slower than the one he was using.
Todd feels like he should stop Tea but feeling her hands on him is too much for him and he finds it difficult to resist the sensations Tea is encouraging in his body.
After allowing himself the pleasure for several moments, Todd places his hands on top of her hands, wanting to stop her but not being able to bring himself to pull her hands away when they feel so incredible on his body.]
Todd: Tea, we shouldn't.
Tea: It's okay, Todd.
[Todd closes his eyes for a moment, caught up in the sensations forcing their way through his body.]
Todd: You're drunk.
Tea: That doesn't matter right now, does it?
Todd: We shouldn't...
[Todd can't complete his thought as his mind finds it impossible to focus fully on anything but where Tea's hands are on his body and what they are doing.]
Tea: Don't worry, Todd. This is allowed. I made up the no sex while drunk rule, remember? I know precisely how it's worded and this is explicitly allowed. Besides, I want to do this for you. I enjoy making you feel this way. I enjoy...
Todd (interrupting her): Tea?
Tea: Yeah?
Todd (barely able to speak): Shut up.
[Tea stops talking. Todd keeps his hands on Tea's hands for several more moments, showing her how he wants her to touch him. As he silently instructs her, he looks down but the sight of Tea's hands on him is too much for him and he closes his eyes and removes his hands as he loses himself completely in the physical feelings.
Todd's unconscious groans encourage Tea as she continues to stroke him. Soon, Tea senses how close he is and speeds up her movements until Todd lets out a loud growl as the sensations of his orgasm overwhelm his mind and his body.
Tea continues to stroke him until Todd places his hands on hers, pulling them away. She tries to embrace him but he won't let her and quickly pulls up his pants and moves passed her and out of the stall.
chapter 102:
[Tea waits a moment before following Todd out of the stall. She finds him in front of the sink, washing his hands. As she approaches the sink he avoids making eye contact with her through the mirror in front of them.
Tea quickly washes her hands and follows Todd into the sitting area of the bathroom. She silently watches him for more than a minute, knowing from his body language that he is extremely uncomfortable.
Even though he avoids looking at her, Todd knows that Tea is watching him, expecting something from him but he doesn't know what. Suddenly, without saying anything to Tea, Todd leaves the bathroom.
As he stands in the area outside the bathroom, Todd tries to clear his head. He has too many thoughts and too many feelings invading his mind at one time. It's difficult for him to focus, difficult for him to think. He doesn't know what he should do next. He doesn't know what to say to Tea. He knows he has to say something, he has to get them out of the stupid bathroom so they can go home, but he's uncertain what to say. He just wants a few minutes to think so he can figure out the words.
In the bathroom, Tea is hurting. She blames herself for Todd leaving. She feels like she did when she dropped her robe and stood naked in front of Todd so long ago. Except, this time instead of throwing her out Todd chose to leave instead.
She knows she went too far and pushed Todd too hard for something that he can't give her. She knows that she's back to being alone again. She's not surprised. This has happened before and it will happen again, if Todd allows it. Every time things get too intimate, too uncomfortable, too exposing, he leaves or pushes her away.
Tea questions how she can possibly have a relationship with someone who never stays, who always runs when it gets too scary. If she's honest with herself she would have to admit that ultimately it doesn't matter. If Todd ever gives her another opening she would jump in and risk her heart all over again, grabbing onto the slightest possibility that it could be the one time when Todd will finally let her be with him without fear or shame forcing them apart.
In this moment, though, all Tea can focus on is the pain of yet another rejection.
Outside the bathroom, Todd is starting to relax. He is preparing himself to go back in when he hears a loud crashing sound and a scream of frustration and pain from inside the bathroom.
Todd hesitantly opens the door slightly and peers inside the room. He notices a broken vase on the floor and Tea lying face down on the sofa, crying.
Todd slowly walks toward her and kneels down next to the sofa. As he gently touches her back, as comfortingly as he can, she tries to pull away.]
Tea: Shouldn't you be in your car by now, racing out of the parking lot, trying to get as far away from me as you can?
Todd: No. That's not where I want to be. Not unless you're in the car with me.
Tea: Go away, Todd. Stop pretending.
Todd: I'm not pretending, I swear. I'm sorry I hurt you again, Tea.
[Tea rolls over and faces Todd with tears streaming down her face.]
Tea: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I pushed too hard. I always push too hard. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't want you to leave. I didn't. I'm sorry.
Todd (gently touching her face, trying to wipe away some of the tears): Don't be. You didn't do anything to be sorry for.
Tea: I made you go away.
Todd: I didn't go away. I was right outside. I needed to think. I don't know, Tea, this is just all so confusing for me. All of these thoughts and all of these feelings...they just confuse the hell out of me. It's not your fault.
Tea (continuing to cry heavily): Todd, it hurts. It hurts so much. Make it stop hurting. Please, make it stop hurting.
[Todd turns Tea's body so she's lying on her back and climbs on top of her the way they had been when they were lying on the floor together earlier.]
Tea: Show me that you love me, Todd. I need you to show me.
Todd (whispering in her ear): I will, Tea, I'll show you. I'll show you that I love you. I'll take you home and I'll lie next to you all night, okay? I'll show you that I love you. I promise you, this time I'll show you how much I love you.
chapter 103:
[Todd and Tea are lying on the sofa, their eyes closed, their faces nuzzling, their bodies pressed together, their hearts connecting. Neither is aware of the presence of another person in the room.]
Todd: I love you, Tea.
[Tea is so afraid to believe his words, to trust them. She's trusted those words before and ended up painfully hurt and alone. It would be easier to not believe it, to push it away, but she knows that she can't do that. The pain of opening her heart up again is so unbearable, though, she doesn't know if she'll survive it.]
Tea: It hurts, Todd.
Todd: It's okay, Tea, I love you. I love you.
Sykes: She doesn't need your kind of love, Manning.
Todd: What the hell...
[Both Todd and Tea are startled by the presence of Detective John Sykes. They both quickly look toward the sound of his voice, shocked that he's standing there, his gun pointed at Todd.]
Sykes: Get off her.
[Todd tries to cover Tea's body protectively.]
Todd: Get the hell out of here.
Tea: John...
Sykes: Get off of her right now, Manning. I'll shoot you if I have to. I won't let you hurt her again.
Tea: John, it's okay. He isn't hurting me.
Sykes: Tea, you don't have to worry anymore. I'm here. I'll take care of you.
Tea: John, you don't understand.
Sykes: Someone heard your scream a few minutes ago. I just heard you tell him that he was hurting you. You don't have to lie to protect him. You don't have to be afraid of him. I'll lock him up for attacking you. I'll make sure that he doesn't get anywhere near you to hurt you ever again.
Tea: John, let me explain. It isn't what you're thinking.
Sykes (to Todd): Get off her or I'll shoot you.
Tea: Todd, get off me.
Sykes: You heard her. (yelling) Do it! Now!
[Todd looks down at Tea's face. He doesn't want to move. He wants to continue to protect Tea's body with his own but he's also concerned that if Sykes shoots at him while he's on top of Tea then she could accidentally be shot. Slowly, Todd lifts his body off of Tea and stands up.]
Sykes: I should shoot you right now for what you've done to Tea.
Tea (panicking): John, don't shoot him. You're wrong about what you think happened here.
[Bo quickly enters.]
Bo: What's the situation here, John?
Sykes: I caught Manning in the act.
Bo: What exactly did you catch him doing?
Sykes: Raping, Tea.
[Tea and Todd both start to protest the absurdity of the allegation but Bo tells them both to stop talking so he can determine the facts.]
Bo: Tea, did Manning attack you?
Tea: No. Absolutely not.
Bo (to Sykes): Put your gun down.
Sykes: I saw it myself, Bo. He was on top of her, pinning her down.
Tea: That's not true.
Bo: If Tea says that's not what happened...
Sykes: She's just saying that because she's petrified of him. He's hurt her in the past. She's scared to admit the truth.
[Tea studies Todd's expression and can tell from the way he's staring angrily at Sykes that he's ready to explode.]
Tea (standing up): Bo, this is all a mistake. Todd wasn't attacking me.
Sykes: You were crying. He was pinning you down so you couldn't move.
Tea: He was comforting me because I was upset.
Bo: About what?
Tea: Is that really important? I'm telling you that he wasn't hurting me or doing anything to me against my will. You have no case here. There was no crime, no victim, no reliable witnesses to anything criminal because nothing criminal was occurring.
Sykes (to Bo): Let me talk to her alone. Maybe if Manning isn't in the room I'll be able to convince her to press charges against him.
Bo: Fine. Let's go, Manning.
Todd: I'm not going anywhere and this creep isn't getting any alone time with Delgado.
Bo: Either step outside with me willingly or I'll slap the handcuffs on you and arrest you right now.
Tea: Todd, it's okay. I'll clear this up.
Todd (to Bo): She already told you I didn't do anything to her. Why don't you believe it?
Bo: Just get outside...right now.
[Todd looks at Tea, who gives him an encouraging look. Even though he doesn't like the idea of leaving Tea alone with Sykes, he hesitantly leaves the room hoping that the misunderstanding will be cleared up quickly so he can take Tea home and this long night can finally end.]
chapter 104:
[Viki and Carlotta are finishing their meal in the Country Club dining room. Earlier, when Carlotta had finally arrived for their scheduled dinner appointment, Viki chose to not mention that Tea and Todd were also at the club. She hoped that they were busy working things out between them and she didn't want anything to disturb them.
As they pleasantly chat, Viki is distracted when she notices Bo pushing Todd into the dining room. Carlotta hears a commotion behind her and, recognizing Todd's angry voice, turns around and sees a very agitated Todd trying to get passed Bo, who won't let him leave the dining room.]
Carlotta (turning back toward Viki): Did you know Todd was here?
Viki: Yes.
Carlotta: Is Tea also here?
Viki: She was when I left them earlier. (standing up) Excuse me. I need to find out what's wrong now.
[Viki quickly approaches Todd and Bo, followed by Carlotta, who's concerned about Tea.]
Viki: Bo, are you arresting Todd?
Todd: You never had any faith in me, did you?
Viki: I have plenty of faith in you. I simply assumed that the only thing that would take you away from Tea right now would be if you were arrested.
Todd: Nice save.
Viki: Thank you.
Bo: I'm not arresting your brother...yet. If Tea admits what he did to her then I'll arrest him.
Carlotta (concerned): Tea? (to Todd) What did you do to my Tea?
Todd (looking at Bo with disdain): I didn't do a damn thing. She said that herself. Buchanan doesn't care. He believes the lies that Sykes guy was feeding him.
Carlotta: Is John here?
Bo: He's with Tea.
Carlotta (relieved): Good.
Bo: He's trying to determine what really happened between Manning and his ex.
Todd: Nothing happened...nothing that's any of your business. (trying to push passed Bo again) I have to get back there. I don't want him alone with her.
Bo: You're not going anywhere, Manning.
[In the bathroom, Sykes stands in front of an exhausted Tea with a concerned look on his face.]
Sykes: Tea, I knew I should have taken you home with me when I noticed how drunk you were earlier in the dining room. I'm so sorry. If I had followed my instincts this never would have happened.
Tea: Nothing happened. Todd wasn't attacking me. He didn't hurt me. Why won't you listen to me?
Sykes: Tea, he's not here. He can't hurt you anymore. I won't let him. I'll protect you. You can tell me the truth. We can put Manning away so he won't be able to hurt you or anyone else ever again. That is what you want, isn't it?
Tea: No.
Sykes: Did he threaten you? Your family? What kind of hold does this creep have over you that keeps you protecting him no matter how many times he abuses you?
Tea: I love him.
Sykes: Why? How can you after the way he's hurt you in the past...the way he continues to hurt you...to degrade you?
Tea: He wasn't hurting me. I wanted to make love to him.
Sykes: Is that what you consider love?
[Tea gives up trying to reason with Sykes and leaves the room. Just a few steps outside the bathroom, Tea is surprised when Sykes grabs her by the arm and presses her against the wall.]
Tea (angrily): Let go of me.
Sykes: I get it now, Tea. I understand. You like it rough, is that it? You should have told me. I wouldn't have been so gentle with you if I had known. Our relationship never had to end because I can give you what you want.
[Sykes suddenly grabs Tea roughly between her legs.]
Tea: Get your hand off of me. Right now!
Sykes: I'm just giving you what you want. You don't need to be with that loser. I'll take you back. I'll make you happy. I'll give you what you want.
Tea (raising her voice): Get your hand off me!
[Sykes squeezes her harder. Tea screams. Sykes is taken by surprise by Tea's reaction which allows Tea to surprise him again by painfully bringing her knee against his body.
A few seconds later Todd appears and pulls Sykes away from her and pushes him to the ground. Todd punches Sykes in the face several times before Bo is able to pull him off of the whimpering detective.
Todd tries to get away from Bo to hurt Sykes more but Bo won't let him go. Viki and Carlotta arrive, along with Rae, who heard the commotion and couldn't resist investigating. Rae rushes to Sykes' side to tend to his wounds while Carlotta approaches Tea and Viki tries to calm Todd down.]
chapter 105:
[Todd continues to struggle to get out of Bo's grasp.]
Viki: Todd, you need to calm down.
Todd (to Bo as he tries to lunge at Sykes again): Let go of me!
Tea (speaking softly): Todd.
[Todd instantly stops struggling and looks toward Tea. They make eye contact for a brief moment before Todd looks away.]
Todd (to Sykes with hatred in his voice and eyes): If you ever touch my wife again I'll kill you.
Sykes: You're not too smart, are you, Manning? You just threatened the life of a police officer in front of witnesses. And, after you attacked that officer unprovoked, too. Not too bright at all.
Todd (to Bo): You can let go now. I'm through wasting my time on this loser.
[Sensing that Todd is calmer, Bo lets go of him but stays ready to grab him again if he needs to. Todd immediately turns and moves toward Tea.]
Tea: Are you okay?
Todd: I was just about to ask you the same thing.
Tea: I'm fine.
Todd: You sure about that?
Tea (smiling slightly): I am now.
[Todd and Tea continue to stare silently into each others eyes until they hear a commotion, along with several people loudly gasping. Todd quickly turns around and finds Bo aiming his gun at Sykes who is aiming his gun at Todd. Todd immediately places his body in front of Tea's, to protect her.]
Bo: Put it away, John.
Sykes: He threatened to kill me. He just attacked me. The guy's a danger.
Bo: Not to you...not right now. Put your gun away.
Rae: Bo, that lunatic viciously attacked John. You're not going to let him get away with that, are you?
Bo: Of course not. However, I will not allow one of my officers to shoot an unarmed man who is not a current threat.
Sykes: Are you sure he doesn't have a weapon? Have you done a thorough search?
Bo: I will. John, put the gun down. I'll take Manning in and put him in his usual cell. You don't need to shoot him. Put your gun down. I don't want to have to shoot you.
Sykes (looking at Bo with shock): You wouldn't. I'm your best friend.
Bo: You are? (playing along) You are. Of course, you are. That's why I don't want you to throw away your career like this. You're too good a cop. Just put the gun down.
[Sykes places his gun on the floor. Bo picks it up. Todd turns back toward Tea.]
Bo: Manning, let's go.
Tea: Bo, you can't put him in jail. He didn't do anything wrong.
Bo: I have an officer on the ground, battered and bleeding. I had to pull Manning off of him. I assume he'll be pressing charges.
Sykes: Absolutely.
Bo (to Tea): Even if you choose not to press charges against Manning for attacking you he has some other charges to deal with now.
Carlotta (deeply concerned): Tea, were you hurt?
Tea: No...yes...no...not by Todd. The only one who sexually attacked me tonight was Detective Sykes.
Rae (disgusted): You are even more pathetic than I thought.
Tea: I don't care what you think of me. I never did, you nosy psychobabble spouting...
Rae (interrupting her): You should really seek psychiatric help for your many problems.
Tea: You need help a lot more than I ever could if you still believe everything that John tells you.
Rae: He has never lied to me. He has never deceived me. He is a good, kind, decent, understanding, wonderful human being, unlike (referring to Todd) your fine specimen over there.
Todd: Who is this broad?
Tea: Nobody. Just an advice columnist who advised John that he was too good for me and should break up with me, all because she, for some pathetic reason, was sexually starved for him herself.
Rae: I am a trained psychiatric professional. I knew the moment I saw you, Ms. Delgado, that you had deep emotional problems.
Tea: I knew the moment I saw you drooling over John that you hadn't had sex in a long time. And, judging from the way you're still so enamored of him and draping yourself all over him, I'm guessing you still haven't. What a shame. Although, let me tell you, you're not missing a thing when it comes to your not so fine specimen. At least mine can last longer than two pushes and doesn't wrap it up by claiming himself king of...well, if you're truly desperate enough you'll find out what he considers himself king of, and believe me you'll be laughing at him as hard as I was.
Sykes: Oh, come on, Tea. Tell the truth for once. Manning has never satisfied you in bed, not the way I have.
Tea: And still could? Are you going to hit on me yet again tonight? Huh? Are you going to ask me again to trade in Todd for you?
Rae: That proves you're a liar. John is with me now. He has no use for the likes of you anymore. He's come to his senses.
Bo: Okay, let's stop this. It isn't getting us anywhere. I need to take statements from all three of you about what happened here this evening. John, you need to go to the hospital, to make sure you're okay.
Todd: What about Tea?
Tea: I'm fine.
Bo: Are you sure about that? What exactly happened here between you and Detective Sykes?
Tea: Could we talk in private?
Bo: Of course.
chapter 106:
Bo: Tea, why don't you go back into the bathroom and wait. I need to call for an ambulance and get some other officers out here to take care of your ex-husband before we can talk, okay?
Tea: Bo, I swear, this wasn't Todd's fault.
Bo: You can give me your statement soon, I promise.
[Carlotta puts a comforting arm around Tea and tries to encourage her toward the bathroom. Tea resists.]
Tea: I'm staying with Todd.
Bo: Tea, you don't have to worry. I'll make sure that Manning is taken care of. You look like you need to lie down.
Tea: I'm not leaving my client.
Bo: Tea, I need to take your statements separately. I can't have you talking to each other and comparing stories. I need to know what really happened and why one of my officers is lying on the floor in pain.
Todd: Because...he deserved it, that's why.
Rae: Everything I have heard about you, Mr. Manning, is correct...you are a vicious, unrepentative monster.
Todd: And your point is?
Rae: You and Ms. Delgado deserve each other. You are both sexual deviants.
[Tea lunges toward Rae. Todd grabs her around the waist to stop her, although, he's tempted to let her go.]
Todd: Who the hell are you to talk about my wife that way? And, you don't even know me.
Rae: I don't want to know you.
Todd: Good!
Tea: That's her expertise...making instant judgments about people based on what she wants them to be rather than what they really are.
Rae: I am a trained observer. I am a respected expert in my field.
Tea: Is that why you're an advice columnist for a local newspaper?
Rae: The people of Llanview need my help.
Tea: They need you to mind your own business and stop acting superior to them.
Bo: I've had enough of this. It's bad enough that I've had to give up part of my evening for this. I'm not going to prolong it anymore. Carlotta, take Tea into the ladies room. Todd, come with me. Viki, you can come too, if you'd like. Rae stay with John until the ambulance gets here. I don't want anymore fighting from any of you or I'll arrest all of you.
chapter 107:
[After calling for an ambulance and some additional officers, Bo takes Todd to one of the country club's unoccupied meeting rooms and roughly shoves him into the room.]
Viki: Bo, is that necessary?
Bo: I'm tired of this guy taking the law into his own hands.
Todd: I should let the Llanview P.D. handle things instead?
Bo: Yes, you should.
Todd: Well, tonight it was one of your cops who had his hand on Delgado so you really can't blame me this time. I didn't have a choice.
Bo: Just tell me what happened so we can all get out of here. Let's start with what you were doing in the ladies room earlier?
Todd: Viki made me.
Bo: She forced you into the ladies room?
Todd: Basically.
Viki: When I discovered Tea was here at the club this evening I called Todd and told him to come down and get her.
Bo: Why?
Viki: Because I knew that they both needed to see each other but were too stubborn to take the first step on their own so I gave them a little nudge in the right direction.
Todd: A little nudge? You nudge with a sledgehammer.
Viki: You came, didn't you?
[Todd quickly turns and paces in the opposite direction of where Bo and Viki are standing so neither will see the look on his face as Viki's innocent words remind Todd of his experience with Tea in the bathroom stall.]
Bo (to Viki): Do you know from your own observance if Tea wanted Todd with her in that bathroom?
Viki: She absolutely did. I was there when Todd arrived and I know Tea wanted him to be with her. I left them alone so they could work out some of their problems.
Bo: What kind of problems?
Todd: The kind that are none of your business. We just talked and stuff. I didn't do anything like what that jerk was trying to pin on me. He's the one who touched her where she didn't want him to.
Bo: I know Tea mentioned something a few minutes ago but we don't know the details of that yet.
Todd: I know what I saw.
Bo: What did you see?
Todd: I saw where his hand was. I know Tea didn't want him touching her there.
Bo: How do you know?
Todd: Because I know, okay? I just know.
Bo: Well, will you at least tell me where he was touching her?
Todd: You should talk to Tea about that.
Bo: I will but right now I want you to tell me what you saw.
Todd: What difference does it make? You're still going to toss me in jail like I did something wrong even though you know I didn't.
Bo: You beat up one of my officers.
Todd: He deserved it. I know you're going to try to use this against me. You're always trying to throw me in jail and mess up my life. You've even tried framing me for murder.
Bo: I'm just trying to get your side of the story. I need to know what you saw between Tea and Detective Sykes so I can match up what you say you saw to what Tea tells me happened. If your stories match then you'll have a better chance of getting out of jail sooner.
Viki: Todd, trust Bo. Do it for Tea. The sooner you're released from custody the sooner you can get back to her. You want that now, don't you?
Todd: She's better off without me.
Viki: Let her decide that.
Todd: Fine. We all heard her scream, right? I got passed you, which was way too easy, by the way.
Bo: You shoved me into a wall. You're lucky I'm not pressing charges against you.
Todd (ignoring him): When I turned the corner by the bathrooms I saw them standing there. I saw where his hand was.
Bo: Where was it?
Todd: You know...a private part.
Bo: I'll need something more specific.
Todd: Lower region.
Bo (sensing that he won't be getting anything more descriptive out of Todd): Okay.
Todd (smiling proudly): She gave him a good knee crunch. It was beautiful.
Bo: And that's when you grabbed him?
Todd: I could tell that he was out of it for a second but then he was going to go after her again. He would be a lot more angry after she did that. He would have hurt her worse. I couldn't let him do that. So, yeah, I grabbed him. I would have beat the hell out of him if you hadn't stopped me.
Bo: You should have let me handle it.
Todd: She's my wife.
Bo: You've referred to Tea as your wife a few times tonight. I thought the two of you were divorced. Did you get married again? Or, yet again, I should say.
Todd: No. We like living in sin.
Viki: Todd!
Bo: It's okay, Viki. I think I understand. I'll go talk to Tea now. (approaching Todd) I have to handcuff you to the table.
Viki: Is that necessary?
Bo: One of my officers will be here soon to take him down to the station but until then I can't have him taking justice into his own hands anymore tonight.
[Todd doesn't resist and allows Bo to handcuff him to the table. Viki sits with him in silence after Bo leaves to question Tea.]
chapter 108:
[In the ladies room, Tea is pacing while Carlotta watches.]
Carlotta: You should sit down.
Tea: I'm fine.
Carlotta: Would you like to discuss what happened?
Tea: With you?
Carlotta: I still care about you, no matter what our differences may be. I hope you know that.
Tea: You're one of John's biggest cheerleaders and one of Todd's most vocal haters.
Carlotta: I hate how he's hurt you in the past.
Tea: You don't understand.
Carlotta: I promise I'll listen.
[Tea stops pacing and looks directly at Carlotta for a moment.]
Tea: I'm in love with Todd and I want to be with him for the rest of my life.
Carlotta: Are you certain that's what you really want?
Tea (beginning to pace again): Forget it!
Carlotta: I'd like an answer to my question.
Tea: What's the point? It's the same conversation we've had dozens of times before. John is good for me. Todd is bad for me. I got the message. I don't want to hear it anymore.
Carlotta: I'll support you no matter what choices you make in your life.
Tea: You will?
Carlotta: Yes. My opinion of Todd Manning will never change but if you love him and you feel that you need to be with him then I'll support you.
[Tea takes a seat on the sofa next to Carlotta.]
Tea: I really do love him. He makes me happy...occasionally.
Carlotta: I think you deserve more than an occasional glimmer of happiness.
Tea (smiling): A glimmer...a moment...with Todd is worth every second of struggle it takes to get to that moment. I just hope he doesn't use anything that happened tonight as a reason to pull away from me again. Every time we finally touch something happens and we end up pulled apart again.
[Bo knocks on the door and enters.]
Bo: Tea, do you still want to talk or would you prefer to wait?
Tea: No, I want this over with. I don't want Todd to spend the night in jail.
Bo: I'm afraid he'll have to.
Tea: Take my word for it, Bo, none of this was Todd's fault.
Bo: I'd like to hear your view of what happened here tonight. I spoke to Todd. John has already been taken to the hospital so I'll talk to him later. So, tell me what happened between you and your ex-husband in this room tonight.
Tea: Nothing that John thought was happening. Todd wasn't in any way forcing me to do anything.
Carlotta: Perhaps I should leave.
Tea: I don't mind if you stay. I'd kind of like to have a witness here.
Bo: You don't trust me to handle this case by the book?
Tea: This is Todd, Bo. You don't like him. In fact, you hate him. I've seen how you've handled his cases before.
Bo: I've always been fair with Manning...a lot more fair than he deserved.
Tea: Like when you kept him in jail for a rape you knew he didn't commit?
Bo: If you're talking about the Graham case, he made himself a suspect in that case all by himself. Then, he assaulted a photographer.
Tea: It was interesting how that photographer dropped the charges as soon as you caught the actual rapist...not a second before. We both know you needed to keep Todd in jail until you caught the rapist because if you hadn't you would have had a town full of angry people after you for allowing Todd to be free following an unsolved rape.
Bo: Look, the past isn't what we should be discussing right now if you want your ex released as soon as possible.
Tea: What do you want to know?
Bo: Why was Manning in this bathroom with you?
Tea: Viki called him and told him I was here.
Bo: What were you and Manning doing when Detective Sykes entered the room? He said that Todd was pinning you down.
Tea: Todd was on top of me but it was very consensual. In fact, I asked him to get on top of me.
Carlotta (embarrassed): I should wait outside.
Tea: We were both dressed. Well, Todd's shirt was open.
Carlotta (moving toward the door): I'll be outside.
[Carlotta leaves the room and closes the door behind her.]
Bo: What about the scream...the first one?
Tea: I was frustrated. Todd and I were dealing with some serious issues. It wasn't going the way I wanted it to. I screamed and threw a vase.
Bo: At Todd?
Tea: No. He wasn't in the bathroom at the time. He had stepped outside. He came back in after I screamed and that's when I asked him to get on top of me and he did.
Bo: Then John arrived.
Tea: We didn't even know he was here until he started yelling at Todd to get off me and we both opened our eyes and there he was with his gun aimed at Todd, threatening to shoot him. I tried to tell him that he was mistaken about what he thought was happening. After you took Todd out of the room I continued to try to explain to him but he refused to listen, to hear anything other than what he wanted to believe.
Bo: How did you end up outside the bathroom?
Tea: I walked out of here when it became clear that he wasn't going to hear what I was saying. He followed me and grabbed me by the arm. He pushed me against the wall.
Bo: Then what?
Tea: He grabbed me between my legs and he wouldn't let go when I told him to so I screamed and did what I could to get him off of me.
Bo: What did you do?
Tea: I brought my knee up as hard as I could. He made a weird noise and his body started to slump. Todd arrived and grabbed him. You know the rest.
Bo: Tea, I need to ask something else. How much have you had to drink tonight?
Tea: How much I've had to drink is irrelevant.
Bo: It could affect the case.
Tea: You'll use it against me?
Bo: No, but John may choose that option. You need to be prepared for that.
Tea: My word against his, right? I was drunk and I choose to be with Todd so my judgment will be discounted by everyone in this town.
Bo: I just want you to be aware of what you're up against.
chapter 109:
[Tea insists that Bo allow her to have a moment alone with Todd before he takes him to the police station. Bo agrees since he believes that Todd and Tea are telling the truth about what happened between them and John Sykes.
Viki, Carlotta and Bo wait in the hallway as Tea enters the conference room that Todd is in. Tea immediately notices that Todd is handcuffed to the table. She also notices that Todd is refusing to make eye contact with her.]
Tea: Are you angry at me?
Todd: What for?
Tea: For everything. For not leaving with you earlier like I wish we had. For having to sit here handcuffed to a table all this time. For the night you'll have to spend in jail.
Todd: It's not your fault. If we had left, though, we'd be back at the penthouse by now.
Tea: We really did need to talk and work some things out...we still do.
Todd (raising his wrist as high as the handcuffs will allow): I know I'm a captive audience but I'm really not in the mood for this right now.
Tea: Of course we won't talk about those things now. I know I won't be able to convince Bo not to keep you in jail tonight but I think he does know that we're telling the truth so maybe he'll let me spent some time with you...maybe even the whole night.
Todd: A co-ed cell? Sure, Tea, that'll happen.
Tea: Actually, while you were gone they did change their policy and they do now use co-ed jail cells.
Todd: You're kidding.
Tea: Nope. I know it's stupid and they'll probably get sued at some point but it's true.
Todd: Who was the idiot who had that bright idea?
Tea: One guess.
Todd: The cop you were cheating on me with?
Tea: I was not cheating on you when I was with him. Our marriage was annulled. Besides, you had left me...on our wedding night, remember? You can't blame me for moving on...or trying to, anyway.
Todd: Wanna bet?!
Tea: Todd, you were gone. I didn't think you were coming back. I didn't think that you had ever loved me. I was lonely and I was vulnerable.
Todd: You were horny and you were looking to get screwed. How many times did he use his tiny tool kit to work that screw?
Tea: Why is this suddenly an issue? You've known since you came back that John and I had been involved.
Todd: Had?
Tea: Damn! I knew you were going to do this. We got close tonight. We touched...we really touched...
Todd: Yeah. You've got a pretty good touch. I noticed that in the stall. You use that on Johnny a lot?
Tea: Don't do this.
Todd: What am I doing?
Tea: You're trying to put distance between us. We got too close and now you're scared.
Todd: I'm not scared of anything.
Tea: Look, this really isn't the time or the place for us to deal with any of the issues we need to deal with, okay? Let's just get through this night and then we can move on from here.
Todd: Yeah, I bet you're anxious to move on.
Tea: With you, Todd. That's the only way I want to move on. I want to move towards a future with you.
Todd: You never were too bright when it came to me.
[Tea sits next to Todd and gently caresses his face.]
Tea: I don't know about that. I think falling in love with you was one of the smartest things I've done. We could make each other happy, Todd, if you would just let it happen.
Todd: Happy, huh?
Tea: I know that's difficult for you.
Todd: That's impossible for me.
Tea: Well, give it a try anyway. We could start tonight. I could spend the night with you in your cell. We've had some special moments in that cell.
Todd: Yeah, they were special...so special I made you cry during some of those moments.
Tea: We can put the past behind us and move toward the future if you'll let us, Todd. Don't go out of your way to blow it this time.
Todd: When have I ever done that?
Tea: Well, I'm not going to let you do it this time.
[Tea leans forward and lightly places her lips against his. Todd responds and their kiss deepens. Todd ends the kiss when he feels Tea's hand on his leg, slowly moving upward.]
Todd: Tea, you can't do that to me right now.
Tea: I thought you liked my touch?
Todd: I'm about to be taken to jail. This isn't the time for you to be getting...um...little Todd...uh...happy.
Tea: Little Todd, huh? I don't think that name is correct in its description. Maybe we should rename your...uh...friend.
[Todd slides his free hand along Tea's leg for a moment before moving it up her body and caressing her chest through her shirt.]
Todd: Do you have any suggestions?
Tea: For names?
Todd: Yeah.
Tea: I can think of a few.
[Suddenly, Bo bursts into the room. Todd is startled and embarrassed. He jumps away from Tea, pulling so hard on the handcuff on his wrist that he moves the table slightly.]
Bo: Am I interrupting something?
Tea: I was just conferring with my client.
Bo: That's what I thought.
Tea: I'll be escorting him to the police station and I'll need time alone with him to discuss his case.
Todd: No, you won't.
Tea: Todd...
Todd: Tea, go home and get some sleep.
Tea: I'm fine. You need me with you at the police station.
Todd: No, I don't. Viki already said that she'd force her lawyer to take my case. You go and do that sleeping thing you do.
Tea: Todd...
Todd: They won't be able to keep me long anyway since they're not going to charge me. They'll just get their thrills locking me up like they always do. It's no big deal. I've been through it before. I don't need you to hold my hand.
Tea: Todd, don't do this.
Todd: I'll see you when I get out.
[Todd notices the concerned look on Tea's face.]
Todd: I promise.
Tea: What's the real reason you don't want me to go to the station with you?
Todd: No reason. I just thought you'd have an easier time putting together one of your hangover cures some place other than the police station.
Tea: That's the reason?
Todd: What other reason could there be?
Tea: Bo, could you give us another minute alone?
Bo: Tea... (seeing the determined look on her face) Fine, one more minute.
[Bo leaves Tea and Todd alone again.]
Todd: Tea, you could spend the next minute trying to convince me of something I won't agree to or...
Tea: Or...what?
Todd: Well, um, I'm kind of attached to this table so you'll have to come over here if you want to find out.
[Tea approaches Todd. Todd places his free hand around Tea's body and pulls her close to him. Tea's hand moves Todd's hair out of the way as they begin to kiss. While they kiss Todd turns Tea and presses her against the table. They both forget everything else as their passion rises. Tea seats herself on the table and Todd is encouraging her into a horizontal position when Bo opens the door again. Bo quickly closes the door again and knocks, waiting for a few seconds to re-enter the room. When he does Tea and Todd are standing apart from each other, both breathing heavily and giving each other looks that make Bo feel awkwardly out of place.]
chapter 110:
[Bo takes Todd to the police station. Carlotta convinces Tea to spend the night at her house instead of spending the night alone at the penthouse.
The next morning...
Carlotta knocks on the door of the bedroom that Tea is sleeping in. She doesn't hear a verbal response but she does hear Tea groaning. Carlotta opens the door and steps into the room.]
Carlotta: Good morning! How do you feel?
Tea: Like hell. Why is it so bright in here?
Carlotta: The curtains are closed.
Tea (as she hides her head under the covers): They're still letting in too much light.
Carlotta: You'll feel better after you have some breakfast.
Tea: No...no food...no.
Carlotta (pulling back the covers): Come on. You'll see. You'll feel better. Besides, Bo's downstairs and wants to speak to you.
[Tea gets out of bed and begins to quickly dress.]
Tea: Why didn't you tell me? Is there something wrong with Todd?
Carlotta: I don't think so. He didn't say anything. Go ahead and freshen up. We'll be in the kitchen.
Tea: I don't have time to freshen up. I need to find out about Todd.
Carlotta (stopping her before she can leave the room): Tea, trust me. If nothing else at least brush your teeth.
Tea: Right. It does feel like a pack of rodents were having a party in my mouth while I slept.
[Tea goes to brush her teeth while Carlotta returns to the kitchen. A few minutes later, Tea enters the kitchen.]
Tea: Bo, what's wrong with, Todd?
Bo: Nothing. Well, nothing that hasn't been wrong with him for years.
Tea: Have you released him yet?
Bo: Not yet.
Tea: What's stopping you? You knew last night that we were telling the truth. You had your fun locking him up. Let him go.
Bo: Actually, I came to discuss that with you.
Tea: As his lawyer or his wife...(correcting herself)...ex-wife...whatever word you want to use?
Bo: I'm here to speak to the only person who can convince John Sykes to not pursue any charges against Manning.
Tea: If you think I'm going to go and sweet talk Detective Sykes, you're wrong. Todd wouldn't want me to do that.
Bo: I'm not suggesting that.
Tea: Then, what are you suggesting?
Bo: Are you aware that the Country Club uses surveillance cameras?
Tea: Not specifically but I'm not surprised.
Bo: There was one outside the bathroom you and your husband...ex-husband...were in last night.
Tea: There isn't one inside the bathroom, is there?
Bo: No, of course not.
Tea: So, did this tape prove that Todd and I were telling the truth or are you going to use it to prosecute Todd for attacking John?
Bo: I watched it this morning. It's fairly good quality so I could see a lot of what occurred in that area. It did look like John grabbed you while you were walking away from him. It did show him touching you inappropriately. It also showed you physically responding.
Tea: Are you going to arrest me for shoving my knee into his crotch?
Bo: No.
Tea: Then cut to the bottom line here.
Bo: Manning did viciously attack John and we do have that on tape. Since we also have Detective Sykes on tape attacking you, I thought perhaps we could work out some kind of compromise.
Tea: Like?
Bo: It's possible that if you'll agree not to press charges against John he may agree not to press charges against Todd.
Tea: And why would I do that?
Bo: So that your husband...boyfriend...whatever he is...can go free.
Tea: He should be free anyway since he was only reacting to what John did to me.
Bo: Tea, he beat the guy up pretty bad. He may need plastic surgery. He will probably never have the looks of a film idol again.
Tea: He never did to begin with.
Bo: Tea, I think this is the best solution for everyone involved.
Tea: So, John would have no consequences?
Bo: But neither would Todd.
Tea: John would still be a cop on your force?
Bo: He's a great cop.
Tea: He would have shot Todd last night if you hadn't stopped him, not because Todd beat him up but because he hates Todd. He could go after him again.
Bo: I won't allow that.
Tea: How would you stop it?
Bo: Look, Tea, it's your decision. I just thought I'd offer you a way to get Manning out of jail.
Tea: And protect your department from the negative publicity if I were to press charges against one of your officers.
Bo: It's your decision. Let me know what you decide.
[Bo leaves. Carlotta sits down with Tea.]
Carlotta: What will you do?
Tea: What I have to.
Carlotta: Maybe you should press charges.
Tea: Because you want Sykes to pay for what he did or because you want Todd to stay in jail?
Carlotta: Well, actually, I'd be happy with both.
Tea (standing up): I'm not in the mood.
Carlotta: You know that I was fond of John.
Tea: Was?
Carlotta: The way that he behaved last night showed me that I didn't know him as well as I thought.
Tea: You don't know Todd as well as you think, either. He's not the monster you think he is. He doesn't deserve to be in jail for what happened last night.
Carlotta: He did savagely beat up another person, Tea.
Tea: Only because that person was hurting me. You know, if it had been any other man in this town who saw someone hurting his wife and reacted that way everyone would understand. Not when it's, Todd, though...never when it's Todd.
Carlotta: Do you still consider yourself to be his wife?
Tea: Yes. I took the ring off my finger months ago but I could never remove the ring from my heart. Before Todd, I felt like my heart was a useless mess but when I fell in love with him it was like the love we shared wrapped around my heart and made it better and stronger. When he left it felt like my heart had shattered but somehow that ring, that bond, of love stayed and kept my heart from disintegrating entirely. (starting to laugh) If I ever tried to say anything like that to Todd he would leave the room immediately and avoid me until he thought I was being rational again.
Carlotta: Are you certain he loves you?
Tea: Yes. I know it won't be easy. I don't want easy. I want Todd.
Carlotta: Then do what you feel you need to do.
Tea: Thank you.
[Tea hugs Carlotta.]
to be continued...
