Blurred Visuals Chapter 3

Still on a hilly terrain in California...

The text that Danny receives on his phone says:

Players in motion. Waiting for the sign. Get the relief ready. Walker Museum 2PM.

Jackson reads and interprets. "Yeah, that sounds about right. You will go to the museum to receive your instructions. A museum…public place, out in the open, but perfect for blending in just like any other museum visitors. No one will notice anything unusual about you and your meet-up. Probably Tiny will be the one in charge of communicating the particulars to you."

Danny nods and verbally finishes the interpretation of the text. "They want me ready at a moment's notice. So, I should gather everything I would normally need. Anything else I can purchase on the fly once I get to my destination and scope out the territory and the target. Meanwhile, they are waiting for the targets' next actions before determining where I need to be and how they want me to carry through the assignment."

Jackson affirms. "Exactly. This particular type of assignment is going to be different than your usual ones. If the witnesses don't appear to be much of a threat, the Boss may just have someone to frighten them so that they don't talk to the Feds. If the witnesses appear talkative and willing to testify against Vinny, then you will be called into action. However, I imagine right now, the Boss has some 'feelers' keeping watch over the developments to see what level of action will be needed."

After Danny receives a text instructing him to a meeting location, Jackson and he finish their target practice and gather their machinery and equipment. As they walk back towards their vehicles, Jackson gives Danny some additional words of advice.

Jackson counsels "This isn't your specialty but you can do it. You have the skills and the street smarts. You just have to play this one with some finesse. Actually, I have seen you around the ladies so I know you can have them wrapped around your finger easily. However, you will need to access what level of charm you need to give a female target. Then, you need to find a way to learn about her likes, dislikes, fears, and securities. Being familiar with the likes and the securities can help you assimilate those traits into your own behavioral patterns. This way, your target gains comfort in you since you appear to have some traits in common – so it seems."

Jackson raises a hand in caution. He recommends "Don't overkill it though – for that will look too suspicious. Once you gain all this knowledge about her, then you can assess how best to apply your particular skills to use against the target. Because the target now trusts you and you have familiarity with them, then you can accomplish your mission."

Danny smirks. He is looking forward to this assignment. It is different than his normal routine and he gets to play some cat-and-mouse interaction up-close with his target. There would probably be some fringe benefits from such an up-close-and-personal approach as well. Danny states "It will be a game of 'smoke and mirrors'. Sounds like fun as well as work."

Jackson contradicts him. "Actually, it is even more dangerous than your usual. With your previous experience, you have been aware of your target. Yet, they have not been aware of you. This was to your advantage. You could spy on the target, plan your strategy based on their movement patterns, and then you complete the circle and finish your hit. During that whole time, the target never knew of your existence."

"On the other hand – with this type of hit – the target is aware of you 'physically'. You are existing in her 'physical space'. You are interacting with her in order for your deception to occur. You will have to attract her, seduce her – without her being aware that she is deliberately being seduced and played. It has to be organic. You will have a time table of when the job has to be done, but your romance of her can't seem rushed. To do the subterfuge well, this act will require to appear vulnerable…require you to utilize human interaction and connection. You have to 'sell' that sh*t to convince the target of your feelings and of your sincerity."

Danny interrupts. "Yeah, I get it. I am in the subject's life. I will have to befriend her, romance her, and then make her believe she is falling in love with me. I can do this. I can be very charming when I have to be." He smiles wide.

Jackson can't help but give a laugh at the younger man's self-assured statement. He comments "Yeah, I have seen some of this charm at work with the ladies. That element will work to your advantage; however, this time is more complex than just laying on the 'charm'. With this type of hit, you will use the same mannerisms as you would when you are actually pursuing a woman – that you like. It will be the same thrill of the chase, the excitement when you have caught her, the intimacy when you get involved. All of those elements occur. That's where the danger comes into play…when you are connecting to the target, you are performing the same actions as you would in real-life for a woman you actually want. These are the same actions you make when you care for someone."

Jackson continues. "Therefore, your body starts feeling a certain way…the same way it would feel – if your intentions were genuine. See, Danny, your mind knows why you are doing these actions, but your heart doesn't know. Your heart just feels…it feels the connection…it feels emotions. Emotions are the danger here. Emotions make you want to forget your true intentions. Emotions make you want to go against your true purpose. Emotions cloud your rational judgment…"

Danny finishes. "Emotions cause those 'blurred visuals' you were referring."

Jackson flattens his mouth into a firm line and glances off in the distance – before he answers. "Yeah, face-to-face interacting with your target provides the opportunity for 'blurred visuals'. If that happens, then the distortion creates doubt and hesitation. That doubt and hesitation becomes embedded in your psyche. A hitman becomes his own enemy then…a threat to his very existence. Unfortunately, the emotions can't be totally avoided with this type of hit. However, if you have expectations that the f*cking emotions will occur, then you can take preventative measures to manage them."

Jackson shakes his head as if to clear a mental picture. He lets out a deep sigh. "Just don't lose your edge, kid. A clear mind is going to be one of your best weapons. If you keep your mind focused on the goal and keep a little part of yourself 'distant' from your 'mark', you will be able to overcome any moment of when the lines between reality and fantasy become confusing."

He comes closer to Danny. Jackson widens his eyes and speaks in a very clear, direct tone. He emphasizes "In fact, internally, keep thinking of her as the 'mark', the 'hit', the 'subject', the 'kill', the 'target'. Keep saying these labels constantly in your head when you are away from her. When you are with her, you are adoring and the emotions will allow you to convince her of your sincerity. Alone – away from her – you are devaluing her and insulating yourself with those labels. This is mental preparation for you. This is another way for you to keep some 'distance'. This woman is not a person; view her as a 'thing'. Her death is your goal. Remember your true intentions – ignore the emotions. Don't get distracted by them."

Danny hasn't heard this haunted, urgent tone to his mentor before today. Danny wasn't surprised that Jax knew that Danny had been called in for this particular request from the Boss. Jax was ever-knowing…always aware of all the actions in play within the organization.

Moreover, Jax always counseled Danny on things. He was Danny's teacher and advisor in more than just the assassin game. Danny would not have made it this far in life without Jax nor his deceased brother, Vikram.

Danny had never witnessed this version of Jax that was before him right now. Something must have happened 'back in the day' to cause this continual spill of advice today. Whatever happened during that time in Jax's past, must have really affected Danny's mentor.

Initially, today had started out with meeting Jackson for some friendly 'target practice'. Nevertheless, the day has morphed into this deep conversation about 'lines becoming hazy', 'emotions overriding intentions', shielding one's emotions by thinking of a woman in the terms of 'labels'. Danny was aware that there could be complications when an assassin has to interject himself directly into a target's life and become an active participant with the target. Still, Jax has introduced some additional obstacles to consider. Danny had never considered the possibility of a target causing such interference…a target who could penetrate emotional walls and actually affect the assassin.

Danny wonders who was the woman who affected Jax this way…the woman who caused Jax's vision to be blurred over a mission? He doubted Jax would give him full disclosure, but Danny decides to raise the question anyway.

"Are you ever going to tell me how you learned about these 'blurred visuals'?" Danny asks.

Jackson gives a humorless laugh. He has a somber look on his face. "One of these days I will, kid. Hell, maybe when you need that 'pep talk' to carry out the final act of your assignment, then I will share my story with you. For now, let's just say that Vik saved my life when I had my own 'blurred visuals'. He took me across that finish line when I couldn't gain my focus back. I was 'lost' for a while after that particular job…just dead inside…couldn't have cared less about living. Yet, your brother pulled me out of that darkness."

Sincerity shone in Jax's eyes. He declares "For that, I am very grateful to Vik. For Vik helping me through that rough patch, I made a pledge to him. Whatever Vik needed me to do, I would do it. That meant, among other things, watching over you when Vik himself wasn't able to do so. Therefore, if you feel anything being a danger to you completing this assignment, promise me you will give me a call."

Danny is very assured that he can handle anything that comes his way. He gives a small smile. "Thanks, Jax, I appreciate it. I'll be okay…"

Jackson places a hand on Danny's arm and offers a determined look Danny's way. Jax stresses "This isn't me doubting your skills, Danny. I've walked this path before. I've experienced the pitfalls. I've been on this specific battlefield…I've collected the ugly combat scars. I know what I am talking about. Trust me. Listen to me. This is me saving your life…like how your brother saved mine. Promise me you will give me that call."

Danny swallows. He sees the grave seriousness of Jackson's face and tone. Danny nods and assures him. "I promise."

Jackson removes his grip from Danny's arm. He still gives Danny a steely gaze but says nothing.

Danny knows Jackson wants a solemn vow from him. For that reason, Danny confirms "I will. I promise, Jax. I do hear what you are saying and I know you are serious with your warnings. I trust you as much as I would trust Vik – if he was alive. So, when I say 'I promise', I am giving you my 'word'. As you know, my brother lived by the 'your word is your bond' motto. Therefore, you know that I don't use that phrase lightly."

That is the confirmation that Jax needs. Jax gives a closed mouth-smile to Danny and claps him on the back for encouragement. "Alright…alright. I will stop my preaching. I trust ya. That's exactly what I needed to hear, baby bro."

Danny gives a smile back. Since his own blood brother had died, Jackson Schuman is the closest person who feels like family to Danny. Danny only had a few living relatives in Arizona. However, he and Vik were never truly close to them – after first, their parents and then later, an uncle died in New York. Danny would honor this 'adopted' brother's wish to confide if his emotions got in the way of performing the job.

Inside, Danny is still confident that he won't need a backup to encourage him with that final step to kill the target when the time would arise. Still, Danny would keep his word of informing Jax if he felt any hesitation towards pulling that trigger when the time came. His visuals wouldn't be blurred. The mission would not be compromised by useless sentiments over a woman.

Within Danny's personal life, women could be interchanged. They were enjoyable but few had ever captured his attention for an extended amount of time. None had captured his heart. That was okay. With Danny's line of work, the fewer people that one cared about, the easier. It was simpler to move through this kind of life with very few attachments and thus, very few worries.

2PM at the Walker Museum…

Danny meets with his handler for this assignment, Tiny. Tiny is a short, muscular guy who has worked for Vinny Bastinino for a long time. Tiny is usually the one who acts as the 'middle man' to communicate what actions that the Boss needs for others to take. A couple of other guys operate as 'middle man' to various parts of the organization: finance, extortion, or elimination. Tiny is the 'middle man' for the elimination of people, when necessary. Tiny recruits hitman with specific talents for what is needed for specific jobs.

Normally, the Boss lets Tiny choose whichever hitman that he wants to complete the jobs. The Boss doesn't care as long as the situation is contained and the problem is exterminated. Conversely, with this particular project, Tiny emphasizes that the Boss specifically wanted Danny.

Vinny's exact words to Tiny is that he wanted Danny Desai because Danny is considered extremely good-looking to the ladies. Therefore, he could charm his way into a woman's good graces because she would be so disarmed by his overwhelming attractiveness. This would work well when Danny had to unexpectedly turn violent and threaten her or else if he had to seduce and then kill her. Danny was the best arsenal for Vinny in regards to this specific situation – especially since Vinny had witnessed the two women at the funeral. One of the ladies was an unusually beautiful one and would require an equally striking man to stir her attention.

Tiny doesn't elaborate why Danny was solicited by the Boss. Instead, Tiny just tells Danny of the assignment and gives him an envelope with the details about his impending target, a Lacey Porter. Tiny tells him there has been a slight change in plans and that the second possible target is going to be handled by someone else. The Boss wants everyone to be on 'standby' for now.

Behind the scenes, Vinny's sources have been gathering intel on what has been happening with the Manny 'The Fingers' case. Manny's (aka Solomon Fitzgerald) neighbors were interviewed by a FBI Agent Eddison, who has a reputation for being a hard ass. Eddison usually gets his man. This has Vinny feeling a little uncomfortable.

The last FBI agent assigned to Vinny's case, had let Vinny slip through his fingers last time. People were fired. Others were elevated to a higher position. Now, with Manny's death, the FBI will be scrutinized for allowing a witness to be harmed. Therefore, the FBI will come after Vinny even harder. That's why all eyes are on the two specific female neighbors that may have information which could harm Vinny.

The FBI has placed protective guards on the ladies. This is a minor nuisance. Vinny has held everyone back until it is determined what the women knew. Penetrating the FBI can be very hard to do – in order to obtain the information that the ladies may have given the agents. Yet, Vinny does have some discreet 'feelers' who will alert him to any new developments in the case. Right now, the Feds are just doing some initial questioning of the ladies.

Tiny reveals that the two targets may require only some scare tactics. If the situation escalates, as Tiny believes, then the Boss will require both targets to be eliminated. The job will involve some travel – either to New York, where the targets are presently or else to another location if the targets are moved. The location is based on whatever the Feds' next move is.

The payment for the job will be determined by the type of work (scare tactic or direct kill) that the hitmen will have to do in order to complete the job. Either payment is very lucrative. Tiny has given Danny the dollar amounts for each type of job.

Danny doesn't mind which type of job he has to perform. He appreciates the Boss for his continued employment and for the previous employment of his deceased brother. Danny doesn't mind waiting for Vinny to send word on which specific handling he will need from Danny. Danny doesn't have any other job lined up right now so he considers this 'waiting game' a welcomed break in his schedule.

Tiny assures Danny that if this job is successful, then Danny, will earn a new level of respect from the Boss. He will also reap the benefits of new, higher level opportunities coming his way with a bigger income and advancement in the organization. The Boss has continually been impressed by the younger Desai. Danny reminds Vinny of Vikram's skill level. Vikram had been one of the best Vinny ever had serving his organization.

Danny leaves his meet-up with Tiny and arrives back at his condo. He does a workout, showers, and then prepares something to eat. Afterwards, he retreats to a room where he has his artillery and supplies. He pulls out a disposable phone from his supply closet and thumbs through some created licenses and passports to choose an identity that he wants to assume. He doesn't know exactly what he will need for this next assignment – not until he knows more of the specifics what Vinny will have him to do. Meanwhile, Danny decides to do a preliminary check of the status of his weapons. After his review, he decides to clean some of his guns on a table.

He receives a call. Danny frowns and places his weapon down. Could Tiny have such a quick turnaround on the instructions for the next move? Danny goes to the end of table to retrieve the phone. The call is from someone completely unexpected.

Danny smirks as he answers "Hey, stranger."

Charlie McBride, an old buddy from Danny's past, is the caller. He greets enthusiastically "Hey, Desai! Sh*t, I thought you may have bitten the bullet. I hadn't heard from you in a while."

Danny laughs. "Charles, my man. It's been a while. What's up with you?"

"I just finished a light job for Tiny. I am slowly getting back into the scheme of things." Charlie responds.

Danny offers encouragement. "That's good, man. Nice to hear."

Charlie asks "What's up with you?"

Danny replies "I've been keeping out of trouble. Right now, I am just cleaning some weapons."

Charlie teases "A lull in activity for you? This doesn't sound like the Desai I know."

Danny issues a single laugh. "Well, I completed a job not long ago and I am now waiting for final instructions regarding a possible next one."

Charlie is intrigued. "Oh, yeah? What's the job?"

Danny smirks. He chimes "If I told you, I would have to kill ya." Danny laughs.

Charlie laughs, too.

Once the laughter dies down, Danny says "Seriously, man this is top secret…real sh*t. I was personally selected for this assignment."

Charlie is impressed. "Wow…if you do a good job, this may mean some more high-profile gigs." Charlie is slightly envious. He is glad his childhood friend is doing well, but Danny's success only highlights Charlie's recent failure. Charlie had been overly anxious with his last assignment and Jackson Schuman had been called in to clean up Charlie's mess. Charlie shakes his head to clear those disturbing thoughts and focus on what was Danny's response.

Danny knows Charlie is happy for him but he does detect an 'off' note in Charlie's voice. He doesn't want to deflate Charlie's bruised ego. Danny knows his friend (from his teenage years) is getting back on his feet after a disastrous previous assignment. So, Danny downplays things. He modestly remarks "Yeah, Tiny says it could mean some future changes for me. I just consider this a way to show my respect to the Boss. I can pay him back for all he's done for me. Through him, I was able to finish high school and some college."

Via Vinny and Jackson, Danny had been allowed to flourish after Vikram's death. Before Danny decided to pursue his current profession, he had done some minor legit things for Vinny. Then, he decided he wanted a different route in life. Thus, Danny, the assassin, was born.

Charlie changes the subject. "Hey, when you get back to Jersey, give me a call. Maybe we can meet for a few drinks at the spot."

The 'spot' that Charlie is referring is Kieran's. It is one of Vinny's hangouts, where the younger people around Charlie and Danny's age, frequent.

Danny would like to see Charlie again. He hopes things are on the rise for Charlie. "Yeah, man, sure. When I get back into town, I will give you a call. It may be a while though – based on how things go for me."

With the promise to meet up whenever Danny returns to New Jersey, the guys say goodbye.

Back in New York…a few hours before Danny receives his call from Charlie…

Phoebe is happy. She just got off the phone with her boyfriend and she is feeling good. She hasn't felt good since Solomon's death and finding out that she and Lacey didn't know their elderly neighbor as well as they thought. It sounds like Solomon was involved with some very dangerous men. She could understand why he and Miriam wanted to start a new life over – far away from their troubles deep in New Jersey. Green Grove was definitely off the beaten track for organized crime.

Even though Phoebe and Lacey saw Vinny Bastinino at Solomon's funeral, Phoebe isn't too worried for her safety since she didn't know a whole lot of information to give to FBI Agent Eddison. Plus, the FBI has guards placed in the neighborhood watching for any suspicious activity. She feels secure by that.

She hums a tune as she pulls things out of the refrigerator in order to prepare a meal for herself. As she turns to place the items on the counter, Phoebe spies something out her kitchen window that is strange. How did her detached garage door become lifted? Did she not push her remote fully?

Well, she was occupied with talking to Scott, her boyfriend, on the phone… while also carrying items from the car and pressing the garage door remote – all at the same time. She never bothered to check if the garage door came down fully. This is so aggravating. Phoebe grabs her remote and goes back outside to let the garage door down.

As she approaches the garage, she hears something. She looks to her right where she heard the sound. What is that noise?

Sometime later…

Charlie is pleased that this little assignment went well. It was pretty easy. Kill a guard, distract and kill a target, and make it look like an accident. Then, make an anonymous call to the cops. Done, done, done, and done. Charlie had performed more dangerous, more exciting kills but he was taking baby steps back into the game. This was all about proving himself competent to the Boss again. He was earning the trust back. It killed him to have had his last setback but he had been given a second chance. Charlie wouldn't blow it this time. He could earn back his status from before. It would just take time.

As he was driving back to New Jersey, he decides to give an old friend a call. It has been a while since he had talked to his buddy that he had known since they were teenagers. They both had risen in the ranks together. They both had been viewed as some of the best talents amongst the younger-aged assassins within the Tri-State area. Charlie missed his friend. They seemed to never be in the same area at the same time. He decides to give Danny Desai a call.

Danny answers with "Hey, stranger." There is humor in his tone.

Charlie smiles at the familiar voice as he says "Hey, Desai! Sh*t, I thought you may have bitten the bullet. I hadn't heard from you in a while…"

*Lovely Readers, thank you for your reading and encouragement. I hope you enjoyed. I hope I haven't confused anyone. I wanted to have some suspense between the time period of what happened before Charlie and Danny talked to each other.

Neither man knows that the other has been called into the same equation. Both Danny and Charlie have kept recent activities (Charlie's) and future assignments (Danny's) secret from each other. Danny and Charlie have different roles in the Lacey/Phoebe situation; yet, their paths have crossed – unbeknownst to one another. For now, only Tiny knows – since he is the handler for this Manny 'The Fingers' situation.

With Chapter 4, I will address what happened to Phoebe and how it affects Lacey. I will have set things in motion that will bring Danny and Lacey face-to-face. So, yes, dear Readers, in Chapter 4, they will indeed meet.

Oh, you will notice that I have nicknamed Jackson Schuman as 'Jax'. As you read, Jax has become an 'adopted' older brother to Danny since Danny's biological brother, Vikram, has died. Later, you will find out why Jax is so invested in Danny's future. You will find out the extent of his debt to Vikram.

The Twisted Easter egg was that comment 'I can be very charming when I need to be." That was a Danny quote from the tv show.

P.S. Next fics for updates this weekend are another for 'After the Burn' and…. another for 'Blurred Visuals'! I am excited for Danny and Lacey to meet, too!

Thank you for your continued patience. Please continue to support all Dacey fanfic writers.

Continuing to spread the love of Dacey…DimplesValntina