FBI Office
After talking to Danny, Anna brought the answering machine tape to the FBI office. She was escorted to a room where Danny and Samantha were waiting. Jack, Vivian and Martin had all left for the evening vowing to start fresh in the morning. Danny and Samantha were just finishing up when Anna called Danny.
Anna walked in and addressed the two agents, "Here it is. I feel terrible about this. I was at my parents place in Connecticut this weekend. When I drove in this morning, I went straight to the office. I didn't think she'd call me at home."
Danny took the tape from her and placed it in the playback machine. "It's OK. You couldn't have known. The important thing is we have it now."
The tape started playing: "Anna, it's Angela Simpson. Um…I just….I wanted to tell you that I am taking your advice. You were right. I can't keep living my life like this. I'm going to get help. I'm telling him tonight that it's over. I don't need him anymore. I went to my first NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meeting this morning. I can kick this. I couldn't have done it without your help. I just wanted to thank you. Talk to you soon."
When the tape finished, Anna said, "I don't understand. She sounds so hopeful. This has to mean something bad happened, right? She wouldn't just run away."
Danny sensed the panic in her voice. "Not necessarily. Maybe she did just take off for few days to clear her head."
Samantha glanced at Danny. He wasn't usually the one to think the glass is half full. Samantha stated, "Listen, Danny and I need to go over a couple of things. Why don't you go down the hall and get a coffee, and we'll come get you after we've had a chance to review this thoroughly."
Anna understood. They needed to discuss possible scenarios that she wouldn't want to hear. "That's fine. I understand." She walked out and down the hall.
"It's not really the best idea to give her false hope. If anything, this tape means something bad did happen," Samantha said.
"I know. I just didn't want her to worry."
"Right." Samantha could tell that Danny was extremely affected by Anna Ridley, but she did her best to get Danny back on track. "Let's run the possibilities. She calls Anna from the club at 1:15 on Saturday morning. Then 10 witnesses say they saw her leave through the alley door at 2 a.m. She told Anna that she was going to tell him it's over. Gotta be Anderson, her boss, right?"
"Right. So, sometime between 1:15 and 2 a.m., let's say she tells Anderson where to go. He gets pissed, and maybe confronts her in the alley or somewhere on the way home? Because we know she didn't make it back to her apartment. The alley…Did NYPD do a sweep of the alley?"
Samantha could see that Danny was back on his game, "Just a preliminary, to look for signs of foul play, but they didn't find anything."
"Let's get one of our crime scene teams over there first thing in the morning. There's got to be something there. And let's re-canvass the route between the club and her home. Someone had to see something."
"I'll arrange the crime scene team," Samantha replied as they left the room. "Why don't you make sure Ms. Ridley gets home OK, and we will start the re-canvass first thing tomorrow."?
"Sounds like a plan."
Anna watched as Danny and Samantha left the room. Samantha touched Danny's arm as she said some parting words to him then walked away. Once again, Anna felt a pang of jealousy not knowing what the exchange actually meant. Danny started walking toward her.
"We are going to re-canvass around the club and alley. Hopefully, we missed something. Knowing she probably talked to her boss before she left could mean a lot. Thanks for bringing the tape in. We're going to keep the trace on your phones, OK?"
"Of course," Anna replied.
"Listen, it's really late. I'd hate to just put you in a cab. Let me drive you home. If there were someone else here to do it, I would ask him or her. I swear," Danny pleaded.
Anna hesitated at first, but then realized how exhausted she was and relented, "Fine."
They drove in silence back her to apartment. Anna directed Danny to pull in front of an old renovated building in Soho. "This is me."
Danny parked and exited the car as Anna got out her side. Anna then said, "I have a doorman. I can get in fine on my own."
"I just want to make sure you get in OK, and I'd like to check your home phone to make sure the trace is working. I promise I'll leave in less than five minutes."
Anna just nodded and Danny followed her into the building. She put a key in one of the elevators, and the doors opened. They rode up to the 15th floor in silence. They got off the elevator and entered a huge, contemporary loft space with windows all around to show an amazing view.
Danny smiled as he entered the loft, "I guess Daddy's trust fund finally kicked in, huh?"
Anna looked down embarrassed, "I don't have a trust fund, Danny. My father really wanted me to come back to the city. When the job at the Crisis Center came open, he offered this as an enticement to come down. It was an offer I couldn't refuse. Get to do the work I want to do, and live in a great apartment in the city."
"Got it. Well, I'm glad you're back. I know you always loved this city. Where's your phone?"
"Right over there," Anna pointed.
Danny walked over and picked up the phone. He dialed a number and spoke quietly to someone on the other end. Then he hung up.
"You're all set. If she calls again, just try to keep her on the phone so we can get an exact location."
"O.K. Do you really think she will call again? I mean…I can't help but think that she is…"
"We don't think like that. There's always hope," Danny replied fighting his pessimistic nature.
Anna smiled and shook her head.
"What?" asked Danny.
"I just think it's funny that you have a job that forces you to be optimistic. That was never your style."
"Well, I think it's good for me to have a job where I get an occasional happy ending. It helps."
"So you are happy. I mean…you're OK?"
Danny knew what she was asking, "I'm fine. I've stayed sober for over 7 years now."
"Good. That's good to hear."
"Are you happy? Talk about a job that doesn't have happy endings. What made you go into this kind of work?
"I always knew I wanted to try to help people. I thought I would counsel kids, you know. Then my senior year something happened." Anna looked down.
Danny's got an awful feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Something happened to you? Did someone hurt you?"
Anna saw that panic is Danny's eyes, "No, not me. You remember my friend, Willa?"
Danny nodded.
"She went home with the wrong guy one night. She was raped. I took her to the hospital and went through all the motions with her. She had so much self-doubt. You know…second-guessing….blaming herself. The nurses and the police were helpful, but you could tell what they were thinking. That she somehow asked for it. I was touched by how the Rape Counselors helped her. They made her realize it wasn't her fault. It was an inspiration."
"Did they get the guy?"
"Yeah, but the DA didn't prosecute….not enough evidence. That was and still is the frustrating part. I mean take Angela's case. No DA would prosecute that. If she was married to him, maybe he'd get domestic abuse, but…"
"Sad, but true."
"What if I handled Angela's case wrong? I pushed her pretty hard to stand up for herself. Maybe I just should have focused on getting her to talk to the police."
"You did the best you could. She needed help. If she would have stayed on drugs and dependent on that jerk, it would have been worse."
Anna just nodded and tried to hold the tears back in her eyes, but they started any way. "I'm not so sure," Anna replied helplessly.
Danny immediately went to Anna. He put his hands reassuringly on her arms. "We'll find her. It's going to be OK."
Anna looked up at him, and saw the man she fell in love with so long ago. Danny was trying to comfort her by lightly stroking her arms. Anna reached up and touched his stubbled cheek. Then she kissed him lightly. Danny responded by deepening the kiss but then they both realized it wasn't a good idea. As they parted their lips, Danny held her a few seconds longer not sure what to say. He then lightly kissed her forehead and stepped away from her. They just looked at each other for a moment before Danny finally said awkwardly, "Uh…Samantha and I are going to re-canvass first thing tomorrow. I'll call you if we find anything." Danny started for the door.
Anna's next words surprised even her, "You and Samantha? Is she…are you?"
Danny laughed, "What on earth would give you that impression?"
"You just seemed close. She's beautiful, and seems nice…I just…"
Danny cut her off, "What-- you thought I couldn't work with a beautiful woman without getting her into bed?"
"I didn't mean that."
"Sure you did," Danny said quietly and turned for the door.
"Danny," Anna walked quickly to catch him before he got to the door. "It was just a question. I think I have the right…"
"What right do you have? I haven't seen you in seven years. People change, Anna. I've changed. I tried to tell you that seven years ago, but you wouldn't listen."
"I think I had good reason to be skeptical, Danny."
Danny shook his head, "I don't want to talk about this now. It's late. I'll call you tomorrow."
Danny walked out. He tried to contain the anger rising in him. Anna didn't have the right judge him anymore. He changed. He stayed clean. This is why he should have kept his distance from her like he planned. They had too much history. But seeing her again—it was so hard not to re-connect with her. He still remembered the good times between them. He didn't really remember the bad times because he was drunk for most of them. He blocked those memories just like he blocked the memories from his childhood. Danny Taylor – Master of Denial.
When Danny got home, he tried to put her out of his mind. He had to try to sleep for a couple of hours. But all he could think was her face, and all the times they shared.
Eight years ago
After Danny and Anna spent their platonic night together, they immediately started dating. Danny liked her. She was sweet, innocent and beautiful. She was different from the women he usually dated. They went to the movies, spent long afternoons in the park, and made out like crazy in his tiny apartment. Danny was almost scared to go any further with her. She seemed to care about him so much, and he didn't want to hurt her.
Danny knew that Anna came from money. She talked a lot about her parents in Connecticut, and going to an all-girl private school. But he didn't know how much money until she invited him to come spend the weekend with her at her parent's vacation home. They'd been dating for about two months. It was the end of the summer, and they were both getting ready to head back to a full school schedule. Danny hadn't had a break all summer. He kept working his three jobs and even took a summer school class. When Anna asked him to spend the weekend with her, he didn't hesitate to say yes. He needed the break.
They borrowed Willa's car and drove out to the Hamptons. They entered a gate and drove up a path to a huge house right on the beach.
"This is your vacation home," asked Danny.
"Yeah, I know, it's a little overwhelming. My parents are incapable of doing anything small."
"I guess. You've been holding out on me."
Anna looked up at him sheepishly as they got out of the car. "What did you want me to say, 'Hi, my name is Anna Ridley, and my family is filthy rich.'"
"That would have been a start."
"That's rich coming from you. The only thing I know about your family is…well gee, Danny, I don't know anything about your family. Care to share?" Anna wrapped her arms around Danny's neck as he put his around her waist.
"Good point," Danny kissed her lightly and changed the subject. "I'm ready for a tour."
Anna showed him the whole house, and then they spent the rest of the day by the pool, and walking on the beach. Sometimes Anna caught herself staring at Danny like she used to in the coffee house. To her, he was so beautiful. She loved everything about him. Sometimes, he would catch her staring and smile. She would look away embarrassed.
That night, they slow danced by the pool under the moonlight. Then they went for a swim. They didn't really swim. Danny just held her in the pool. They talked a little, but mostly they just kissed. As they stared into each other's eyes, Anna felt compelled to tell Danny how she felt, "I'm pretty sure I've fallen in love with you."
Danny smiled and kissed Anna as he pulled her even closer to him. As Anna's head rested on his shoulder, Danny whispered, "I love you, too."
Anna tilted her head up and looked into his brown eyes. "Don't just say that because you think it is what I want to hear."
Danny shook his head and whispered, "I'm not. I promise."
They kissed again passionately. Anna pulled away, "Let's go upstairs."
Danny made love to Anna for the first time that night. Anna always thought she'd feel scared and apprehensive. But instead, she felt safe and loved. She was so happy they didn't have sex that first night in his apartment. Waiting meant that this was real. She could see a future with Danny. She wanted to belong to him forever.
After they returned to school, Anna officially stayed in the dorms, but she was never there. At first, if they weren't in class or Danny wasn't working, then they were together. They didn't go out a lot, but when they did Danny would drink. But he never drank too much when he was with Anna.
As the school year progressed, Danny was under more and more stress. He was trying to decide what to do with his life. And then, Anna started questioning him about his background. As much as he loved her, he wasn't ready to go in to all of that. He didn't want to tell her that his only living family, was a brother in prison. As the stress started to build up, Danny started to pull away from Anna. He'd go out without her and drink with friends or alone. He'd come home and pass out next to her.
At first, Anna didn't say anything. She just thought he was going through a tough time. She wanted to help him. So she stopped asking questions, and just tried to be there for him. But the drinking didn't stop. Finally one night, he stumbled in at 3 a.m. Anna was awake. Before Danny could pass out, Anna got up to confront him.
"Danny, what's wrong?"
Danny just looked at her not sure what to say.
"You've been drinking almost every night this week. We haven't been talking at all. Just tell me what's going on?
"Nothing, baby," Danny tried to laugh it off as he walked toward her. Danny then put his arms around her, and pulled her close to him. Then he started to kiss her. At first, Anna responded to him even though he breath reeked of alcohol. But, then he started to take off her t-shirt. She didn't want to have sex with him when he was like this so she pushed him away.
"No, Danny. Stop."
Danny staggered back, "What wrong with you?"
"What's wrong with me? I don't want to be with you when you're like this."
"Fine. Whatever. I'm going to bed," he started to move past her, but she grabbed his arm.
"I want to talk about this. Why are you drinking so much?"
Danny pulled his arm away, and looked at her disgustedly, "Nothing is wrong. Just leave me alone."
Anna kept pushing, "I can't accept that. For months, everything has been great, and now all of the sudden, you can't talk to me? I don't understand."
Danny started to seethe with anger. He didn't want to talk, so he yelled, "LEAVE ME ALONE! You are always here. I just want some peace and quiet. We don't have to be attached at the fucking hip. If I want to go out and have a few drinks, I should be able to without getting the third degree."
Anna was shocked. He never spoke to her like that before. He never raised his voice or used foul language with her. She didn't know what to do, but she knew she didn't want to be with him. So she got dressed and left. Danny didn't say another word to her. He passed out shortly after she left.
The next day, Anna didn't want to get out of bed. She felt like she was punched in the stomach. Danny was a completely different person to her the night before. She didn't know what to do.
Later in the morning, she heard a knock at her door. She opened the door and there was Danny. He looked like a lost, little boy. Anna wanted to shut the door in his face but she couldn't because standing before her now was her sweet Danny, not the angry, disgusted man she saw the night before.
Danny just looked at her with sad, brown eyes, and whispered, "I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't mean any of those things. I've just been so stressed with work and school. I just wanted to forget about it all for a while. I…"
Anna started crying as Danny reached out and touched her face. She slowly relented and let him take her in his arms. Danny then said, "It won't happen again, I promise."
But it did happen again. Things would be great between them for weeks, and then Danny would start drinking too much again. They would fight. He would make her cry. Then he would crawl back to her and beg forgiveness. Anna forgave him every time because she loved him so much. And she started to realize things about Danny. The reason he never talked about family was because he had no family. He had horrible scars on his body. When she asked how he got them, he always told her some incredible story they both knew was a lie. As a result of all this, Anna cut him slack. She forgave him every time. She was terrified of losing him, because her sweet Danny was the one that she loved.
Then came the night of the 20th birthday party. Anna was very excited because Danny would finally meet her parents. She told them all about him. Her parents rented out the Rainbow Room for the party. Danny who was usually cool and confident when meeting anyone was suddenly very nervous about meeting her parents. He seemed about the come out of his skin when he came to pick her up.
"Are you OK?" Anna asked.
Danny nodded, "I'm fine. Just not used to a tux, you know."
"You look amazing, It suits you." Anna rose up to kiss him, and noticed the faint smell of alcohol.
"Danny, please don't drink tonight," she pleaded.
Danny rolled his eyes, "Don't start this. I had one beer."
"I'm not starting anything. I'm just asking you to please not drink."
"Fine. I won't drink. I won't do anything to embarrass you in any way."
"Everyone will love you. How could they not?"
"Right," Danny replied skeptically.
When they arrived at the party, Danny started to feel the walls close in on him. Her parents were nice enough, but he couldn't help but feel they were disappointed. Especially when they asked where he was from and Anna quickly changed the subject to his plans after college. She told them he was thinking of taking the FBI exam, and how hard he worked. Danny felt like she was over-compensating to cover-up his lack of breeding and perhaps even his Latino heritage. Her parents finally whisked her away from him to meet some of their friends.
After about a half hour of greeting guests, Anna went to find Danny. She saw him coming of the bathroom.
"Hey, stranger. Don't you want to dance with the birthday girl?"
"Absolutely." Danny lead her on to the dance floor. He thought Anna never looked more beautiful. He blonde hair was swept up with a few errant strands tucked behind her ear. She wore a pale blue strapless cocktail dress that brought out her bright blue eyes. Looking at her as he danced with her, Danny knew he didn't deserve her, but he held her close anyway.
"Thank you for coming. I know you weren't exactly looking forward to this."
"It's fine. I'd do anything for you." Danny looked down into her eyes.
As Danny spoke to her she could see the redness in his eyes, and she smelled a mixture of liquor and mint on his breath. But she didn't say anything. She didn't want to make him angry.
After a couple of dances, Anna's father asked to cut in and Danny obliged. He took the opportunity to disappear into the bathroom again. He took a flask from his coat pocket, and drained it. Then he went back to the party and ordered a couple more drinks while Anna was on the dance floor. He watched her dance with several men. Men Danny knew weren't relatives or family friends. As he got more drunk, he got more jealous. He then walked back to the dance floor, and tapped on the most recent dance partner's shoulder.
Anna immediately broke from the man, and said, "There you are. I was looking for you earlier. This is Matt. An old friend from the country club. This is Danny, my boy…"
Danny started dancing with Anna before she finished the introduction. He didn't even acknowledge her friend. "That was rude, Danny."
"I'm sorry, but I really don't care."
Anna knew now he was drunk. He wasn't even trying to hide it. She needed to get him out of there before anyone noticed. She took his hand and lead him out a back entrance. "Why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?" Danny asked as he staggered outside.
"Do you want to embarrass me? I asked you not to drink."
"Maybe I was getting tired of watching you flirt with half the room."
"I wasn't flirting, Danny. They are my guests. I've known most of them my whole life."
"Yeah, I don't get it. These are your kind of people, and yet you end up going after someone like me. What did you just want to piss off your Daddy by going multicultural?"
"Stop it. I love you. You are better than any of those people. Don't make this some class thing."
"Oh come on," Danny said as he walked toward and pulled her against him. "You know you just wanted to know what it was like to slum it for a while." Danny started to kiss her as he backed her against the wall. He was kissing her hard invading her mouth with his tongue and running his hand up the inside of her thigh.
Anna finally summoned enough strength to push him away, and slapped him hard. "Don't ever do that again," she cried, tears streaming down her face now.
"You bitch," Danny yelled and grabbed her by the arms. He pushed her against the wall again and looked angrily in her eyes. Then in an instant Danny had a moment of clarity. He saw the fear in her eyes as she looked up at him. It was the same fear he used to see in his mother's eyes when his father would yell and scream. Danny quickly let go. He looked down and started to walk away. Anna didn't say a word. She just watched as Danny ran away.