CHAPTER 1
They had managed to get their usual table - towards the back, against the wall, where usually they would sit and talk sport and laugh, and enjoy a few beers after work or on a weekend. Tonight was different, however. Danny was brooding and Flack was struggling to talk him round. It was a few hours since Danny had spoken with Mac about his psychological evaluation, a few hours since Mac seemingly shot him down.
"Mac knows you are trying; I sincerely doubt he doesn't care - you wouldn't still be here if he didn't care," Flack tried to comfort Danny who just looked at him and shook his head. Flack was becoming exasperated, "he's just trying the tough love method with you Danny. Let's be honest, if Mac was molly coddling you and asking how you were all the time you'd think he was weird. So this is his way of helping, maybe."
"Surely there should be some middle ground," Danny huffed.
"There is Danny but you gotta find it – it's not up to Mac to sort this out" Flack hadn't intended for this to sound harsh, but it did to Danny who flinched at the end of the sentence.
"I'm trying" was all that Danny could muster.
"I know you are," Don said caringly. "We are all here for you Danny – and don't lets us fall out about it," he added, knowing that things were starting to get heated between the friends.
"Nah, were good Flack. I can't stay mad at you." Danny's attempted some humour but neither man particularly laughed.
They finished their drinks in near silence – only the odd small conversation disturbed the silence between the two men. Danny was obviously still brooding and it was beginning to rub off on Flack. Rather than get a second drink, they decided to call it a night.
Don received an awkward apology from Danny, which of course he accepted.
"Look man, don't let this get to you. You're a great CSI- I know that, Mac knows that and you do too. Just keep doing what you're doing and I promise you, you and Mac will be just fine," Don gently squeezed Danny's shoulder before the men went their separate ways. Don figured he'd walk back to the PD and pick up his car and drive home given he'd only had 1 beer and Danny had managed to flatten his mood.
As he was walking he noticed on the other side of the road a beautiful woman wearing a beautiful black dress, though she was fair distance way, Don could see it was fitting to her body and cut just above her knee. His third glance at the woman revealed her identity. "Stella," he muttered under his breath.