Chapter 2

As Mac and Lindsay's father were trying to get a game plan together Danny and Hawkes were talking to Lindsay's brothers. Danny had decided to show Nick and Chris the pictures of the 2 women from the crime scenes they just processed. "Oh my God!" Chris said. "These women…they look so much like Lindee." Nick was in agreement. "Dad; we need to find Candence. This is his work. I can feel it." Nick said.

Jack Monroe turned around and approached the pictures. He shut his eyes and swallowed. "Dectective Taylor this is your jurisdiction WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO KEEP MY DAUGHTER SAFE?" Mac looked at Jack and said "whatever it takes. Whatever it takes!"

Just then Flack walked in the room. "Messer, get your running shoes on we gotta go to CP and bring your girl back." "What?" Danny asked? "Your stubborn girlfiend went for a run. Said she needed to clear her head." Nick and Chris started out the door. They both knew where Central Park was. "Nick, Chris…" their father called. "Let Danny and Flack handle her. You know how stubborn she is. Right now she is not comfortable with us being here." "Dad!" they both said in unison. "Enough. Danny, Flack…please go find my daughter." "Mac were outta here." Danny said. "If you need me I'll have my cell."

As Danny and Flack were making their way to Central Park Danny started in on Flack. "Man how could you let her go out for a run by herself." "Calmdown Dan. Stella's with her. She's not by herself." "You really think Stella can protect her? They are both women and they are not as strong as we are." "Do you hear yourself. Stella and Lindsay both went through the academy. If need be I feel confident they can defend themselves especially with both of them." "I know. I know. Its just Linds isn't at her peak right now. She's exhausted. Now confused. I'm just worried about her ya know." "I know man. We all are. She hasn't looked up to par in days. She's not herself. Lets go find them.." Flack said.

Lindsay and Stella had run about 3 miles. They both decided to stop. They both leaned over to catch their breath awhile. "Feeling any better?" Stella asked. Lindsay waved her hand up and down. "Sort of." She said catching her breath. "Ya know Stel, I've been working so many hours. I've never been so exhausted in my life. It's like I can't even wind down. And then my father and brothers come charging into town and tell me the man I testified against escaped from jail. I'm just so…I don't know. That is why I needed to run. Exhausted and all. Running helps me clear my head. Helps me put things into perspective." "Lindsay, I caan't even begin to imagine how you are feeling. I know if it were me I would be scared. I know your are. But you know with the men you have in your life here, Danny, Don, Sheldon and Mac. They will fight to death for you. For both of us. They both chuckled a little. "All my life Stel, men feel the need to protect me. Take care of me. Like I can't take care of myself. Like I can't think for myself." "I don't need that." "I know but your Dad and brothers love you. And well Danny…you know."

Just as Stel was talking about Danny he and Flack approached. "Danny you know what?" Danny said. "Hey Guys. I knew it wouldn't take you long." Lindsay was angry when she saw Danny and Flack approach. Just as Stella was talking Lindsay began to walk away with her hands on her hips. Danny began to follow her. Stella went to grab him by the hand. "Let him go Stel. They need to talk." Flack said. Stella shook her head. "Come on Stel. You up for another run." "You wanna bring it." She said. "Oh it's on" Flack said and they began to run in the opposite direction.

As Lindsay was walking away from Danny he yelled "Hey Montana. Wait up." "What Danny. What are you doing." She said with a sigh. "What? I just wanted to make sure you're okay. Your reaction when you Dad & brothers told you about Cadence was well..you were…" "I was what Danny? SHOCKED. She turned around looking overheated and stopped right in front putting her left hand on her forehead and she began to hit him in the shoulder. Her eyes filled with rage. Do you know that case from this morning Danny do you? That girl . That girl looks like me. She looks like me Danny. I noticed the resemblance at the crime scene. It never occurred to me that it could be connected to me." "We don't know that?" Danny said.

She turned around and started to run again. Danny was running along side of her. "Montana..enough. You already ran about 3 miles. You've been exhausted lately. You need to rest. NOT RUN. Running is the last thing your body needs right now." "Lindsay stopped him and looked him straight in the eye. "Danny (she started to cry) you don't know what I need." He pulled her into a hug and she tried to pull away and he just pulled her closer. "Yes I do. Montana. Yes I do. Come on lets get you home." She shook her head yes and followed Danny out of the park.

As they were approaching home Danny called Mac at the office to tell him that they were going home. He also asked Mac to set Lindsay's Dad and brothers up a hotel and asked if they could meet up tomorrow. He told Mac that Lindsay needs to get some much needed sleep. Listening to Mac's conversation with Danny; Jack Monroe was in agreement. "Mac…point us in the right direction and we will go settle in for the evening." "She's safe tonight Jack. I promise." Mac said. Chris and Nick shook their heads in agreement with their Dad. They knew their baby sister was safe with Danny Messer.