The Florencia Lozano Homepage - Fan Fiction
AFFLICTION
BY TROG |
CHAPTER
41 |
CHAPTER 41
As Tea entered the squad room, an anxious Antonio waited impatiently for her.
“Mija, they just brought your husband in...he’s in Bo’s office.”
Tea walked over and saw Aaron sitting calmly with Bo and Hank Gannon in Bo’s office looking serene and stylish in a gray pin-striped suit. They were sitting around in a very civilized manner, smiling, almost like three businessmen having a casual lunch. Aaron Blackmoor could charm anyone, thought Tea as she watched Bo and Hank eating out of Aaron’s hand. Bo had treated Todd like a murderer earlier but he seemed to be treating Aaron Blackmoor with all the propriety accorded to a law-abiding, well respected citizen. She paced angrily, fighting the urge to rush in and accuse Aaron face to face, but Antonio put his hand out and held her back.
“Tea...don’t do anything stupid. You can’t help Todd like this.”
“Antonio...I’m a lawyer...I know how bad all this can become. I’m telling you a jury could convict Todd on that evidence alone...and Bo is sitting there treating a cold-blooded murderer like an honored citizen while Todd is confined in that dark hole downstairs!” she said.
Aaron Blackmoor stood up and looked out the window of Bo’s office as Bo used the telephone. He stared at Tea as she approached the glass and looked straight into his cold, blue eyes with a challenging stare...a dare. Nodding his head slowly, never taking his eyes from hers, he let her know quietly that she had lost, but she just stared back in defiance.
Finally, Bo got off the phone and Tea watched as Aaron shook his hand warmly, dripping with social graces, then he shook Hank Gannon’s with the same degree of politeness. Bo opened the door and stepped out followed by Aaron and Hank. Aaron walked up to Tea immediately.
“Darling...are you alright?”
“No...no I’m not alright you duplicitous bastard...why are you doing this? Because I don’t love you? Is this my punishment for loving Todd instead of you?”
“My sweet...how can you think that I would do such a thing. It is obvious that Todd Manning has poisoned your mind against me. He’s an evil influence Tea...everyone sees that accept you and the sooner you’re away from him...the better.”
Tea ignored him and walked up to Bo.
“What’s going on, Bo...are you just going to let him walk out of here? He’s a killer!”
“He was in Tokyo when Ben was killed! Airline records confirm it and I just spoke with the manager of the Jade Regency Hotel...Mr. Blackmoor was there for ten days....during which time Ben Davidson was shot, killed and buried.”
“HE‘S NOT AARON BLACKMOOR...Aaron Blackmoor doesn’t even exist....for God’s sake, Bo...why won’t you believe us!”
“You back those ridiculous accusations up with some proof, Tea and I’ll gladly believe you! I checked on Klaus Herzog and this Goldenboy...they’re myths, Tea...nothing more! Todd Manning probably read about them somewhere and made it all up! We all know what a great imagination he has...and you of all people should know what a pathological liar he is, or have you forgotten his DID debacle when he made a complete fool out of you...out of all of us,“ said Bo impatiently.
“Darling...let me take you out of here,” said Aaron, taking Tea’s arm.
“DON’T TOUCH ME!” shouted Tea, yanking her arm away as Antonio came up beside her protectively. “If you think I’d ever consider coming back to you after this...than you’re even more disturbed than I thought.”
“We need to talk, my sweet...we have much to discuss....I think you know that...I’ll be waiting for you,” said Aaron, smiling at her. He turned to Bo and bowed slightly. “I’m sorry for all this, Commissioner Buchanan...I sincerely hope you get your man.”
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience Mr. Blackmoor, but you’re not the first innocent person victimized and slandered by Todd Manning...injustice is his stock in trade. Maybe this time he’ll finally get what he deserves.”
“I use to admire and respect you, Bo...but now I agree with Todd...you’re a self-righteous hypocrite...and an angry little man who’ll do anything to put Todd Manning in prison...even when he’s innocent. You’re blinded by your past with Todd! Any idiot could smell a set-up here, but not you...you’re bias of Todd won’t even let you consider that possibility of his innocence will it, Bo?”
“And you won’t even entertain the possibility of his guilt!” said Bo.
“THAT’S BECAUSE I WAS WITH HIM, BO! I KNOW TODD IS INNOCENT!”
“Well...tell it to a jury, Tea. See if they believe the woman who helped to get him acquitted the last time he played this whole town for fools! The woman who left her whole life behind and ran off with him! You think any jury is going to believe you, Tea?”
“Come on, Tea...let’s get out of here,” said Antonio, trying to comfort Tea who was getting more and more frustrated and distraught. Finally, Tea just shook her head and started to walk away with Antonio, but she stopped in front of Aaron who had remained very quiet as she traded insults with Bo.
“You say you love me? How can you do this to me?” asked Tea, shaking with anger.
“I do love you...everything I do is for you, my dear...for us. We need to talk,” he whispered to her.
“You stay the hell away from her...do you hear me?” said Antonio with an angry sneer.
Aaron shot him a bemused look before looking at Tea once more and walking out.
“Come on, mija...let’s get the hell out of here,” he said, placing his arm around her shoulders and walking her out as Bo and Hank looked on.
*******
Llanfair was always so lovely in the Spring, thought Tea, as she and Antonio approached the house. Walking slowly, Tea hung her head with the gloomy apprehension of confronting Vicki in her grief and telling her about Aaron Blackmoor and Todd, the burden of her guilt weighing heavily on her mood. The black wreath on the front door reminding her of what loving Todd had cost Vicki. Antonio held her hand as he pressed the bell...and a few moments later Jessica opened the door, smiling.
“Antonio...Tea,” she said, sounding a bit surprised by their visit. “Please come on in. I’m sorry we didn’t really get a chance to talk at the funeral, Tea, but I know that mom was very moved to see you there. What can I do for you?”
Jesse closed the door and they all stood in the foyer, aware of the solemnity and silence of the place...everything felt like death here. Even Jesse’s usual spark seemed extinguished and her dark clothing just added to the aura of grief and mourning that hung in the air.
“Jess...I really need to speak with Vicki. It’s very important.”
“I don’t know, Tea...the only people mom’s been seeing are family...I know she seems to get some comfort from Uncle Todd...but I don’t think she’s up to having visitors right now. I hope you understand.”
Tea walked up to her and grabbed her arm desperately.
“I respect your mother’s wishes...she has a right to her grief...but Jess, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t imperative...it’s about Todd. Please...let me see her.”
Jesse stared at Tea and then at Antonio who’s expression seemed as dire as Tea’s.
“Okay. Antonio...why don’t you sit in the livingroom and I’ll take Tea, upstairs.”
“Thanks, Jessica,” said Tea as she followed her up the grand staircase and down the hall to Vicki’s room. Jess knocked softly on the door then entered.
“Mom? You have a visitor. It’s Tea...she said she needs to see you about Uncle Todd. She said it’s really important.”
Tea entered the room behind Jessica just as Vicki looked up from a book she was reading by the fireplace. She was in a dark, oversized men’s bathrobe...probably Ben’s, Tea guessed...and sat by a small fire with the curtains drawn. There was very little light in the room and there was a light layer of dust over everything. Her bed remained rumpled and unmade and her breakfast tray lay uneaten on a small table by the bed. Tea was reminded of a character in a Dickens novel...Miss Havisham...a woman who’s world stopped when she lost her lover and thereafter confined herself to her bedroom for eternity...half expecting hungry rats to come scuttling out from under the bed.
Vicki looked pale and the dark hollows under her bloodshot eyes reflected a woman who spent most of her days crying and most of her nights awake and alone. This once radiant woman, strong and independent, had faded into a shadow and as Tea watched her standing feebly she felt overcome with guilt for her part in Ben’s death.
“Tea,” said Vicki, managing a weak smile. “How lovely to see you.”
“Mom...I’ll be downstairs if you need anything,” said Jess, as she closed the door behind her leaving Vicki and Tea alone.
“Vicki...I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through. Ben was such a fine man...I know how happy you were with him. It’s all so dreadfully unfair,” said Tea as tears filled her eyes.
Vicki watched her with confusion. She knew that Tea hardly knew Ben and yet she seemed overwhelmed by his death.
“Tea...what’s wrong. Is this about Todd?”
Tea nodded and wiped her eyes quickly.
“I don’t know how else to say this. Todd...he’s...he’s been arrested for Ben’s murder.”
A loud thump was heard as Vicki’s book slipped from her hand and dropped onto the thick oriental rug below their feet. She shook her head slowly and said nothing but as she stepped forward she seemed shaky and Tea helped her back to her chair.
“Vicki...he didn’t have anything to do with Ben’s death...you have to believe me.”
“I...don’t understand, Tea. Why have they arrested Todd...what in God’s name are you telling me?”
“Please...just give me a chance to explain before you say anything.”
Vicki looked confused, but she nodded in acquiescence.
“Do you remember that night at The Palace, about five weeks ago when we ran into each other?”
Vicki nodded quietly.
“That’s when it all began...this nightmare. You see, apparently, Ben and Aaron recognized one another...from Ben’s days in Las Vegas. Ben knew Aaron to be...a paid assassin who often performed services for organized crime figures. I know this sounds ridiculous...I didn’t even believe it at first...that my husband was...a killer...but I’ve come to realize just how much my blindness has cost me...and you! Anyway...a few days later Ben went to see Todd and told him that I was in danger, but...it was already to late. The wheels had been set in motion...Aaron knew that Ben had recognized him...and he couldn’t risk my finding out...so...he shot Ben in order to protect his identity.”
Vicki’s hand covered her mouth as she moaned softly and tears flowed down her face.
“I’m so sorry, Vicki. I know this is all my fault....but I didn’t know this man...this man who was my husband.”
Tea sat in the chair beside Vicki and took her hand which was trembling uncontrollably.
“The day before Ben’s death, Todd and I took off to Llantano mountain...to your cabin...I guess we wanted some privacy...a place where we would be safe together. We were there all night...until the next morning...and when we were driving back, Todd checked his answering machine...and there were all these messages from you about Ben. Todd was with me...but...Bo won’t believe me. He thinks I’m covering for Todd. Suddenly I’m the girl who cried wolf.”
Vicki struggled to understand her, trying to make sense of her words.
“Why would Bo arrest Todd....I don’t understand this, Tea,” said Vicki wiping her tears.
“Because someone...an unknown woman...called the police and said she saw Todd Manning running from the scene that morning...which is impossible because he was with me. And there’s more, Vicki. The day Bo received that call, he got a warrant and searched the penthouse....and...they found a gun hidden in the fireplace...a golden gun...the gun that shot Ben,” said Tea, choking a little as she spoke.
Vicki stood up quickly.
“What?”
“It was a perfect set-up Vicki. The call, the gun...and there was even a bullet in the chamber with Todd’s prints on it. Aaron set him up beautifully...perfectly. If I hadn’t been with Todd...even I might have my doubts as a rational person about his innocence.”
“This is absurd! Todd had no reason to kill Ben!”
“No...he didn’t. But Ben was seen in his office a few days before...and Todd’s secretary said she heard some sort of fuss between them which Bo Buchanan interpreted as an argument with Ben, providing the thin motive that he needed to arrest Todd. In reality, Ben was there warning Todd about Aaron...it’s all so ironic. So sadly ironic.” Tea looked up at Vicki who was shaking her head and staring at the fire. “Vicki...I know this all sounds crazy...and I of all people don’t have the right to demand anything from you, least of all understanding after all I’ve done...but you have to believe me about Todd, Vicki. He asked me to come and explain...he was so worried that you’d read about it in The Banner.”
“Where’s Todd now?” asked Vicki.
“He’s in jail, Vicki...he’s going to be arraigned later this afternoon. And...I’m afraid Kevin was at the station when Todd was arrested. He’s going to use this story on the front page of The Banner.”
Vicki looked over at Tea suddenly. Her body became straight and rigid and she looked focused and alert for the first time since Tea had entered her room.
“He’s what? Well...we’ll see about that!” she said, walking over to the telephone and dialing quickly. “This is Victoria Davidson....I need to speak with my son, Kevin.
Tea watched as Vicki became angry and flushed.
“Well where is he? I need to speak with him right now! And you tell anyone if that evening edition goes out without my approval...everyone will be fired! Stop the presses right now...and have my son call me immediately...I need to make some changes,” she said, hanging up abruptly.
“Thanks so much, Vicki, but I’m afraid The Banner has already hit the streets and the whole front page is devoted to Todd Manning with his face emblazoned across the front...along with mine.”
Vicki shook her head.
“There was a time when I thought Kevin had the makings of a true journalist...like his father Joe Riley. He was a wonderful man, Tea and one of the finest reporters I’ve ever known, but Kevin has more Buchanan in him than I’d like. He’s vengeful and petty...and strangely unforgiving...specially when it comes to Todd.”
“Well...I guess Todd would probably do the same if the tables were turned,” said Tea.
“Yes that’s very true, but Todd has an excuse...Kevin doesn’t. Kevin has had a privileged and loving upbringing...there’s no reason for him to behave this way,” said Vicki angrily.
Tea walked up to Vicki.
“Vicki...I’m so sorry about Ben...I don’t even know what to say to you. This is all my fault. If I hadn’t come back here to see Carlotta...well, things would be so different. Maybe Ben would still be alive.”
Vicki stared at Tea who tried to blink back her tears.
“Oh, my dear. I wish that I could blame you...then I could unleash this terrible anger inside me and be done with it. But...you’re not to blame. This man...this Aaron Blackmoor...he killed my Ben. You know...deep down I always knew that Ben’s past would come back to hurt us as it has so many times before. He tried desperately to leave it all behind, but in the end...it found him.”
“Ben is dead, Todd is in jail and quite likely facing a prison sentence, estranged from his children, all because of me. I feel completely responsible for everything. Aaron won’t stop until he takes everything away from me...and I’m not sure what to do. Vicki, I don’t think that Todd can take much more...there’s so much going on right now...with Blair...with his illness...with his children...and he’s started therapy with Dr. Hadrian Woolf.”
“I had no idea he was in therapy, Tea. Dr. Woolf is an old friend of mine...and a great psychiatrist.”
“Yes...I think Todd really respects him, but it‘s stirred up a lot of old memories and he‘s feeling very vulnerable lately. I don‘t think he‘ll last sitting in that jail for weeks.”
“But surely he’ll make bail...the evidence all sounds circumstantial,” said Vicki.
“With Todd’s record, not to mention his reputation in this town...I think it’s unlikely. Anyway Hank Gannon is going to ask that bail be denied...citing that Todd is a flight risk! Anyway...at least Sam agreed to represent him. Ben’s brother acting as defense council might score him some points with the jury.”
Vicki started moving around quickly with purpose and impetus, feeling more animated than she had been in a long time. She walked over to her closet and picking out a navy suit quickly flung it across her bed.
“Tea, I’m going to get dressed and go down to that arraignment. I think Todd is going to need a united front...or this town will lynch him if they can.”
Tea smiled.
“That will mean so much to him, Vicki. I know what you mean to him even if he doesn’t tell you...he loves you so much.”
Vicki stopped and walked over to Tea, taking her face in her hands.
“It’s you that Todd loves so much, Tea. I see it every time your name is mentioned or when he looks at you. You’re so good for him...you always bring out the best in him. He’s been so lost these last few years, trying to belong, struggling to make it work with Blair...even though his heart wasn’t in it. Trying to carve a family out of that mess for his children’s sake.”
“Yes...and I came along and tore him away from his family...and now...he’s in jail because of me,” said Tea, turning away from Vicki and walking to the window. “Sometimes I think the worst thing I’ve ever done was come back here. Look at all the lives I’ve ruined.”
Vicki walked up beside her.
“Nonsense, Tea...You couldn’t have foreseen any of this. You can’t blame yourself. And Todd was miserable...ordinarily I would encourage a man to stay with his family....but not in this case. That pretense of playing the happy family man was killing Todd inside...it literally burned a whole in his stomach. But he’s better now...and that’s all because of you. You’ve taught him how to love...showed him that love is real...that is priceless to him.”
“I love him so much, Vicki....to the exclusion of everything and everyone else in my life...perhaps that’s wrong.”
“Tea...that’s the only way to love someone...with everything,” said Vicki, her eyes misting as thoughts of her husband came back to her.
“I need to do something to help him. I can’t let him rot in jail like this...he’s innocent,” said Tea falling apart as Vicki took her in her arms.
“There, there, my dear. I’m sure Sam will do everything in his power to help Todd...and Bo will find something on this Aaron Blackmoor.”
“Don’t count on it...Bo already questioned him...then he let him go. Just let him walk out. Aaron is brilliant and charming, Vicki, and very convincing. Bo wants to see Todd behind bars...his good judgment is always clouded when it comes to Todd...too much ugly history between them I guess.” Tea pulled away and wiped her eyes. “I’d better go and change out of these clothes and head over to the courthouse.”
“Well...I’ll meet you there, my dear. And don’t worry....Sam will get Todd out of this. All Todd really needs to know is that you’re waiting for him when he walks out of there.”
Tea smiled.
“That’s exactly what Todd said to me.”
“Well...I do know my little brother. Now you go and change and I’ll meet you at the courthouse.”
“Thank you, Vicki...thank you for forgiving me for what I’ve done to your life.”
“Tea...you haven’t done anything to me. That evil man is responsible for this...and he’ll get what he deserves some day....count on it. And you need to stop blaming yourself for all this....it gives this Aaron Blackmoor the power over you that he wants.”
Tea nodded quietly and walked to the door.
“Good-by Vicki...and thanks.”
to be continued...
2002 Copyright by Trog
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