Meant to Be - PG-13
Pairing: Danny/Mary
Disclaimer: I don't own Las Vegas. Things would be a lot different if I did.
Chapter 21
The Montecito was booked to capacity and buzzing with activity the week before Labor Day. There had been a string of robberies at several casinos along the strip so Danny and the security team had been working overtime to make sure the Montecito was prepared. All the monitors and alarms had been checked and re-checked and Danny was sure they were ready for anything.
"Hey, Mike, how's it look?" Danny asked as he walked into the security room.
"All's quiet on the security front. Well, as quiet as it can be with wall to wall people on the casino floor. We've had a few drunk and disorderly incidents, but considering how many people we've got … I talked to Fred earlier and he said every single slot machine was occupied."
"That's incredible! I can't remember when we've ever been this busy, can you?"
"Nope. Man, if I was still working valet I'd probably be able to retire after a week like this."
Danny nodded his head in agreement as he headed up the stairs to Ed's office.
"You wanted to see me?"
"I want you to sit in on a conference call," Ed's voice was serious and Danny watched him warily as he activated the privacy glass.
Ed returned to his desk and used the remote control to cue up the video monitor. As soon as Danny saw Jack Keller's face he stood up and headed for the phone. Before he could dial, Ed stilled his hand.
"She's okay, Danny. She's in Mystique with Delinda. I checked on her myself."
Danny visibly relaxed and turned his attention back to the video screen.
"What's going on, Jack?" Danny's question was terse.
"Nice to see you too, kid."
"I'm in no mood for small talk. Do you have information on Jake Porter, or not?"
"Your boy's no fun anymore, Ed."
"He's been through a lot, Jack. Just cut to the chase."
"Jake Porter has been making inquiries into acquiring a new passport. So far he's been unsuccessful, but I just thought you both should know. He's also been helping out some pretty scary guys with activities that are less than honorable. I can't determine his motive, other than he's planning on asking them to repay the favor in some way."
Danny put his head in his hands as he tried to take in everything Jack was telling them.
"What do you want me to do, Ed?" Jack asked after a few minutes of silence.
Ed glanced at Danny who had yet to say a word.
"Just keep watching him for now. If he makes any move to return to the States or if you think he's planning something, call me immediately."
"Will do."
Ed disconnected the video feed and turned to Danny. Before he could speak, Danny sprinted from the office and to the elevators. Knowing exactly where he was going Ed cued up Mystique on the monitor in his office and watched Mary helping Delinda set up for a private party.
Danny stopped himself just outside the doors to Mystique and tried to catch his breath. He'd run full speed through the employee hallway and across the casino floor. He needed to see Mary—to reassure himself that she was still alright, but he didn't want to frighten her. Once he felt his emotions were in check, he walked into the restaurant and spotted her near the bar.
"Hey," Mary smiled as she saw him walking towards her.
A lump formed in his throat as he watched her face light up and he tried to smile back. Once he reached her, Danny took her hand and led her behind the partition separating the bar from the kitchen, away from the prying eyes of the cameras.
As soon as they were out of sight he took her in his arms and kissed her softly on the mouth. Danny pulled back and buried his head in her neck, breathing in the sweet smell of her perfume.
"What's happened?" she asked with trepidation.
"Everything's okay. I just needed to see you," he tried to reassure her.
"You're lying. I know you are, Danny. Please tell me what's going on."
Danny silenced her with another kiss, his strong arms pulling her body closer to his own. She relaxed only slightly in his embrace so he tried again to ease her fears.
"I'm sorry I scared you. We were getting an update from Keller and all of a sudden I just really needed to hold you," Danny placed soft kisses down her face and neck as he spoke.
"Is he back?" Mary sounded meek and afraid and he hated that Jake could still do that to her.
"No," Danny's voice was firm, "and Jack's watching him like a hawk. If he makes a move to come back, Mary, we'll be ready for him."
"Okay," she replied softly. Suddenly exhausted, Mary let her forehead rest against Danny's chest. After a few moments she took a deep breath and raised her head to look into his eyes. Danny couldn't resist and leaned in for another kiss.
"How about we get out of here for a little while? It's probably going to be a late night so I'm sure Ed wouldn't mind if we took a long lunch."
"Mr. McCoy, I think that's the best idea you've had all week. Let me get my purse and I'll meet you in the lobby," as Mary turned to walk away Danny grabbed her hand and pulled her back, devouring her mouth one more time.
"What was that for?" Mary asked, breathless.
"What? Can't I kiss my girl goodbye?"
"I'm going to see you again in five minutes, Danny."
"Mmmm," he nuzzled her neck playfully, "then I'll get to kiss you hello."
Mary giggled as she extricated herself from Danny's arms and headed out of Mystique, a playful swing in her hips.
Danny's voice called after her, "Five minutes, Connell! I'm timing you!"
He chuckled as her pace quickened and she hurried towards her office. When she finally rounded the corner towards the executive suites, Danny headed up to let the guys know he'd be gone for awhile.
After speaking with Ed, Danny grabbed his jacket and headed towards the elevator.
"I'll be back in a couple of hours, Mike," Danny said as he stepped onto the elevator car.
"Danny, wait, I think we have a problem," Mike yelled as he hunched over the alarm control panel.
The shrill sound of Danny's pager coupled with an identical sound emanating from his boss' office, caused the ex-Marine's protest to die on his lips, two seconds before all hell broke loose.