Danvale Case
By MacsLovlyAngl,(aka,Linda,LovlyAngl)
I do not own these Characters. Just the story.
This is my very piece I did on TalkCSI. I've fixed the errors, and thought it would be a great read for all you who enjoy long fics. There are many stories in this series. so sit back, and enjoy a very long read.
Case #1
It was a cool rainy night in new York, when I had finished my case. This was one of those cases that leave an impact on everyone involved. Still not able to shake the feeling, I drove for a while, before realizing where I was headed, I ended up in front of Mac's apartment. Taking a deep breath, I said to myself...
"Well you're here now Stella may as well knock." Getting out of my car and up to Mac's door was one that took courage and time.
Knock, knock... I thought to myself, "good thing Mac lives on the first floor."
The door opened and Mac stood there in a white t-shirt and black faded jeans. "Stella... what are you doing here?"
"Well Mac, I really need to talk to someone about the Danvale case that the team and I closed tonight." said Stella.
"Danvale? Oh the one with the father that slaughtered his family?" asked Mac.
Stella started to cry.
"Stella what is it?" asked Mac.
"I'm not sure Mac. I guess I just needed to talk and somehow I ended up here."
"Come inside Stella, have a seat on the sofa." said Mac.
"Thanks Mac. I just can't get the picture of that tortured baby out of my mind. It was so horrifing." said Stella.
Mac sat down beside Stella and held her hands while she cried.
"Calm down Stella, I know it's hard to get past that kind of situation, but I'm here for you always and I'll do what I can to help you through this." said Mac.
"Thanks Mac. It means alot." At that moment, Stella looked into Mac's eyes and they both felt a sense of need between them, before they could take caution they both kissed. "Oh God Mac, I'm so sorry, I should leave."
"Stella... you don't have to leave, please stay and allow me to help you through this."
"No Mac, I'm going to leave." As she stood, Mac grabbed her and turned her toward him.
"Stella... I asked you to please stay," as he softly caressed her face and traced the outside of her pouty lips. "So beautiful." Mac seen a tear fall from her eye and kissed it passionatly away.
"Mac, please." cried Stella while the buterflies danced in her stomach.
"Stella, I've always dreamed of this moment and I knew one day we would connect like this. But... I think we should get past what happened today first." said Mac.
"I know Mac. That innocent little life taken so needlessly from this world by a psychopath that calls himself a family man. I just don't understand what that baby could have done to make him lose his temper and mind like that."
"Stella, sometimes it's best not to figure out what makes people do these awful things. You need to remind yourself that the child is now in a better place with Angels protecting and caring for him." said Mac.
Stella silently cried again. "I know Mac."
"Shh, Stella..." Mac embraced her tightly while she cried in his arms.
.....................................................
A short time later Mac and Stella talked over a glass of wine and beer.
"How are you feeling now Stella?" asked Mac.
"Better Mac, thank-you for listening."
"Stella that's what I'm always here for... you and our team. Listen Stella, why don't you stay the night, you can have the bed and I'll take the couch this way if you need me in the night I'm here."
"Thanks Mac, but I think it would be safer if I went home."
Mac laughed. "You're right Stella." Mac kissed her cheek and walked her to the door, but before he opened it he heard a knock.
"C'mon Mac open up, we know you and Stella are in there we seen her car." yelled Danny.
Mac opened the door and found his team standing there with pizza and beer.
"Hi Mac, we figured Stella could use more support from the horror she witnessed today."
Stella started tearing up again. "Oh you guys," as they all entered Mac's apartment hugging Stella in a bear like embrace.
"Well, I said it before and I'll say it again. We are all connected. What a team." said Mac.
A few hours later everyone but Stella left Mac's apartment.
"Thank-you Mac, for everything."
"It's the team you need to thank. Stella it's 4am why don't you just stay the night?"
"I guess you're right Mac." Mac showed Stella to his bedroom and left her out a clean t-shirt to wear too bed. Help yourself to a shower Stella, I'll see you in the morning.
Mac left the room and made up the couch for the night while he listened to Stella singing in the shower. When she finished her shower she yelled out "good night Mac," as he replied... "good night, Stel."
A short time later, Mac felt as if he was being watched. As he woke , he found Stella standing in front of him with tears in her eyes. "Stella?"
"Mac...I need you, please come hold me while I sleep."
Upon hearing thi,s Mac took Stellas hand and led her back to the bedroom. Laying her down, he wrapped her in his embrace.
"Sleep now Stella." Stella moved herself closer to Macs heat as he told her to stop wiggling. Giggling she finally fell asleep. Morning came and Mac woke with a feeling of comfort that he hadn't felt in a long time. At that moment he couldn't help himself as he softly placed feather light caresses on Stella's arm.
As shivers began to form, Stella moaned as she opened her eyes. Knowing if she turned to face Mac things would change between them forever, she decided to flip onto her stomach. At the last moment she realized her huge mistake, as Mac continued his feather tip caress across her back.
Stella realized she needed to leave and fast, throwing back the covers she tried to climb out of his bed, but Mac pulled her back before she could escape.
"Where are you going Stella?" he asked.
"Mac, I don't think I'm ready for this kind of change between us, we've always been friends and partners and I just don't want to jeopardize what we have." said Stella.
"Stella... all I can say is these new feelings we have need to be explored more deeply."
"I know Mac, but I'd feel better if we could wait."
"I'll make you a deal Stella, you have dinner with me tonight and we will discuss our new feelings further.
Stella replied..."deal," and with that she kissed Mac on the cheek and left his bed.
................................................
Later that evening, Mac had set the table with wine and soft glowing candles. He knew this evening had to be romantic. He also knew how much Stella loved him. He could tell from the way she always brushed against his body, or the way she nestled her head on his chest as they slept. Jolting himself from memories of last night, he jumped in the shower before Stella arrived.
"Let's see it's 8pm, Stella should be arriving anytime now." said Mac.
One last look at the romantic setting, Mac realized this was going to be evening they would never forget. A short time later Stella still had not arrived and Mac was growing concerned. Hearing his phone, he figured it was Stella...
"Hello?"
"Mac it's Danny, we need you at the hospital."
"Why?" asked Mac.
"Stella has been shot Mac and it's not good."
Without hanging up the phone, Mac rushed out the front door. Upon arriving at the hospital Danny informed him that Danvale had escaped police custody, found Stella, and shot her in the chest.
Seeing Mac in tears, Danny put his hand on his shoulder and told him... "She'll make it, she's strong Mac."
At the moment the doctor came out and informed Mac that she was critical and the chances for her survival were slim.
"Can I see her please?" asked Mac.
"Of course," the doctor replied.
As Mac entered her room he could hear the sound of the heart monitor as Stella's chest raised and fell.
"Stella... "Stella... I know you can hear me love, you have to pull through, I need you Stella, more than life. Please my love, wake up."
Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep went the monitor as all the doctors came running into the room as Stella flatlined.
"You have to leave now," shouted the doctor.
Mac yelled... "I'm not leaving, wether you like it or not I'm staying."
"Then please don't get in the way." replied the doctor as he grabbed for the paddles.
Outside the room, the team stood there in shock as the doctor worked on Stella to bring her back.
As Mac watched, he thought back to 9/11 when he lost his wife, knowing in his heart he could not go through it a second time he heard... Beep,beep,bee. Mac thought to himself that had to be the most amazing sound he could have heard.
"Det. Taylor we've stabblized her, but like I said before, the chances of her surviving are very slim. She is now in a Coma, and may stay that way forever."
"I understand and thank-you for bringing her back."
After he informed the team to go home and get some rest, he sat beside Stella and spoke in her ear.
"Stella... you have to hear me. I need you to pull through. We haven't even started our relationship yet and I have yet to tell you how much I've always loved you." Laying his head against her thigh he fell asleep listening to the sound of her monitor.
Later that night he was awaken when he felt someone touching his hair with a gentle carress. As he sat up, Stella was smiling at his sleepy eyed look. Breathing heavy, she started gasping for air. Mac pushed the call button as the monitors went off.
Running into the room, the doctor informed Mac not to panic, that stella was trying to breathe on her own. with the assistance of the nurse he removed the breathing tube and watched as she took her first breath.
"Stella... how are you feeling?" asked Mac.
With a whisper... "better Mac. I could have sworn I heard you say you loved me."
"Excuse me ?" said the voice.
Waking now, Mac realized he was dreaming that Stella had awaken. "Yes?" replied Mac.
"There is a Lt. Caine outside waiting to see you." said the nurse.
"Thank-you." Mac replied.
"Mac... how is she?" asked Horatio.
"It's not good Horatio... the chances for her survival are slim."
"She's strong Mac, you have to believe, she will pull through."
"I know, replied Mac. Why are you here?"
"I have to appear in court for a personal matter, and I thought I could help you recapture Danvale. Between the two of us, we should be able to find him and bring him to justice." said Horatio.
At that moment Lindsay arrived and Mac asked her to stay with Stella. "Contact me on my cell if there are any changes."
Then Mac and Horatio left to find Danvale. (phone rings)
"Mac we have Danvale, he turned himself into the station." said Danny.
"Keep him there... I'm on my way."
Upon arriving at the station, Horatio told Mac to calm down. Running up the stairs, Mac grabbed Danvale and threw him against the wall. Everyone stood there in silence. To see Mac loose his temper like that was a shock.
"You bastard, you coward. I could kill you, and no one here would think twice about helping you."
At that moment Horatio grabbed Mac and told him, "he's not worth it Mac... think about your career. Mac... would Stella want you to do this? Mac please," and with that, Mac turned to Danny and told him to take him back to booking.
"Oh and Danny?"
"Yeah, Mac?"
"Don't let him out of your sight."
"You got it Mac."
..................................................
Meanwhile back at the hospital, Mac had dismissed Lindsay, and now sat by Stella's side.
"Stella... I know you can hear me, Danvale turned himself in. We have him in jail this time Stella, he's never getting out."
Bending his head, he prayed...
"Dear God... please, please allow Stella to wake up. I need her more than she could ever know. I love her, her smile, the way she looks at me when I make her angry, the way I know she watches me when she thinks I'm not looking. I need her breath, without her I cannot breathe. I have no world without her. God please hear my prayer. You already took my wife... how much more do you plan on taking from me? God, please don't take Stella too."
"Det. Taylor?"
"Yes doctor."
"We have the results of Stella's brainwaves everything seems to be functioning normally, I think it's just a matter of time before she wakes."
"Thanks doctor... that's the best news I've heard all day."
Later that evening the team showed up with dinner for Mac.
"Mac... we brought you something to eat." said Danny.
"Yeah... we all thought you could use some real food," replied Lindsay.
"Thanks, guys." said Mac.
"So... what did the doctor say Mac?" asked Don.
"Well... he said she will be fine and when she is read,y she'll wake up."
A short time later everyone left and Mac began to read Stella a story about The Knight's Lady. He had gotten half way through the book when the phone rang.
"Taylor?"
"Mac it's Danny, we need you back at NYPD. We've just had a triple homicide."
"Who's going to stay with Stella?" asked Mac.
"Peyton said she'd sit with her Mac, she should be there anytime." said Danny.
On that note Peyton walked into the room.
"How you doing Mac?"
"Okay Peyton." he replied.
"Don't worry Mac, I'll take good care of her, I know how much she means to you and the team."
"Thanks Peyton," and with that Mac left the room.
..............................................
Three hours later, Mac thanked Peyton for watching over Stella. Once again Mac started reading. When he had finished two more chapters, he put down the book and got into bed beside her.
With gentle care, Mac lifted her head and layed it on his shoulder being careful not to move the breathing tube. Before he fell asleep he whispered in Stella's ear. "Good night Stella... I love you."
Mac woke to the morning light and found Stella had disappeared. In panic he screamed for the nurse.
"What is it ?"
"Stella... where is she?"
"She's fine, they took her to neurology this morning for more testing."
A short time later Stella had returned without her breathing tube.
"Good morning Mac, replied the doctor. A little good news for you. Stella is now breathing on her own and all her test are still normal."
Mac thanked the doctor once again and called the team to give them the news, returning back to her room he once again told Stella how much he loved her and needed her to wake up.
As he bent down to kiss her, he could have swore he seen her fingers twitch. Watching again, he seen them move once more and as he gripped her hand it laid motionless in his. Later that evening after finishing the book, he once again climbed in beside Stella and held her in his arms.
"I love you Stella." Later in the night Mac felt the soft caress of a warm hand on his chest. As he woke he seen Stella looking into his eyes. "Stella..." Mac replied, and a lonely tear slipped down her cheek.
Sitting up, Mac seen she was indeed awake but not talking. Ringing the call button the nurse entered the room.
"Yes Mac?"
"Stella... she's awake."
As the nurse checked on Stella she could see no change.
"I'm sorry Mac, but she's not awake."
"I'm telling you she was, look at her eye can't you see the tear?"
"Mac sometimes the patient will appear as if they are awake, but it's just involunteery movement."
"No... I know what I seen."
"I'll be back later Mac, please get some rest. I'll have the doctor talk to you tomorrow."
When the nurse left, Mac spent the rest of the night massaging Stella's arms, legs, hands and feet as he talked to her.
"This is very good for your circulation sweetheart, you'll be up and around in no time."
When Mac looked at Stella's face, he could have swore she was smiling.
"Stella... I'm just going to go down the hall for a minute, I'll be right back."
As Mac left, he ran into Danny in the hall.
"Mac... how is she?"
"Better Danny... thanks for asking."
"Sure... I'm just going to go see her."
"Okay Danny... I'll see you there in a minute."
Danny walked into Stella's room and leaned over her bed.
"Hi Stella... It's Danny. How are you feeling?" and as Danny watched, Stella moved her hand and smiled. Not sure as to what he had seen, he watched her again. As he did, they moved again.
"Mac...Mac," Danny yelled.
"What is it Danny?"
"Stella... she moved Mac."
Mac walked over to Stella's bed and seen her hand twitching,
"Stella... can you hear me? Squeeze my hand Stella if you hear me?" With that, Stella squeezed Macs hand.
After Danny left to tell the team about Stella's improvement, Mac laid down with Stella to rest.
................................................
Later that evening, Mac felt that someone was watching him, as he opened his eyes he seen Stella looking at him.
"Stella... am I dreaming again or is this real? Are you really awake?"
Whispering she said... "Mac... I'm hungry," mumbled Stella.
Mac jumped out of the bed and made sure she was awake this time before calling for the nurse.
"Mac... I'm hungry," whispered Stella again.
This time Mac knew she was awake. As the doctor arrived he checked Stellas pupils and vital signs.
"Stella... how are you feeling?" asked the doctor.
In a whisper Stella replied, "very hungry." The doctor informed the nurse to get her some juice and clear broth for now.
"Well Mac, she seems fine, we'll do tests in the morning again, and move her to a private room."
"Thanks doctor," said Mac.
"Mac?"
"Yes Stella?"
"What happened? Last thing I remember is being shot."
"For a while Stella it was touch and go... I thought for sure we were going to lose you."
"Mac," whispered Stella.
"Yes?"
"Did you read to me while I was sleeping? I remember something about a Knight."
"I did Stella, yes."
"Mac... I also remember you telling me you loved me, is that true?"
Mac looked at Stella with compassion and at the moment before he could tell her the answer the team walked in.
"HEY STELLA."
tbc...