Monday, July 28th, 2003
6:49 am
Striding down the hall, Nick slows as he draws close to Dani's room. When he arrives at the door, his eyes widen with surprise. As usual, Dani is curled up on her right side, but to his surprise, Warrick is curled up next to her. His arm is carefully curled around her waist, his sock feet hanging off the end of the bed. Both are fast asleep.
Can I help you?
The sound of the female voice causes Nick to look away, his deep brown eyes locking with friendly green ones. An attractive redhead with shoulder-length corkscrew curls and a generous handful of freckles sprinkled across her cheeks smiles at him.
No, I'm fine, Nick replies. I was just getting off work and dropped by to see if she was awake.Oh, she's been sleeping since about ten last night, the nurse replies. No sedative either. Nick repeats.
Yes. She was having trouble sleeping before. Nightmares, she adds. But last night he crawled into bed beside her and I haven't heard a peep.I thought visitors weren't allowed to stay overnight, Nick remarks, taking a few steps away from Dani's room. The nurse follows him.
Normally, they're not. A nurse kicked him out the other night, but when she had a panic attack and pulled seven stitches, he was back in the room lickety split. Dr. Monroe has ordered that he has 24/7 access.She had a panic attack?
Not realizing what secret she has revealed, the nurse nods. Mr. Brown appears to be the only one who can keep her calm. And frankly, the less medication she takes, the better.No kidding.Um, I can take a message and make sure she gets it if you want, the nurse offers helpfully.
Oh that's not necessary. I'll drop by tonight before I go back to work, Nick replies. But thanks for the offer . . . He pauses, his brow furrowing in thought. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.Diane Robertson.
He smiles and offers his hand. Nick Stokes.
Eravate destra. Il mio cuore non siete stati persi. Mi sono assunto una responsabilità per l'unico uomo che ho mai amavo.
Warrick pauses at the door to Dani's private room upon hearing her speaking in a strange language. Looking inside, he watches her tuck the phone between her shoulder and ear, smiling gently as she relaxes against the pillows.
Avete detto che l'amore sarebbe là dentro di ritorno ed è, she says, eyes misting with tears. Così, grazie.
A sound catches her attention and Dani looks over at the door, meeting Warrick's surprised eyes.
Ha camminato appena dentro. Colloquio di I'll a voi presto. Amili.
Setting the handset back in the cradle, she smiles.
What was that? Warrick asks, walking over to the bed, a huge bouquet of white roses in a vase decorated with white ribbons clutched in his hands. Yeah. There was this big dinner when Dwayne joined the MPD's CSI department as supervisor. Jenny and I hit it off while hiding in the kitchen together and I mentioned that I wanted to learn another language. Just like that she volunteered to teach me Italian. After six months she wouldn't speak English and I started carrying an Italian to English travel dictionary.What were you saying to her when I walked in? he asks, setting the flowers on the end table next to the bed.
Girly stuff. Like that I love you.How do you say I love you' in Italian? he asks softly, cupping her cheek.
Ti amo, she replies automatically.
Warrick cocks an eyebrow. Any other languages you know how to say I love you' in?Latin, spanish and french, Dani answers. I think that's it.
Warrick smiles and leans closer. Any chance I could interest you in some french lessons?Maybe after you tell me why you're bringing more flowers, she teases. It's getting a little ridiculous in here.Nurses station had them. They're not from me.
Dani frowns. Is there a card?
Searching the bundle of white flowers, Warrick produces an envelope and hands it to her. Curious, she opens it and scans the small card inside. Her eyes widen.
I don't believe it. he asks.
Wordlessly, Dani hands the card to him, shaking her head.
Ms. Bennett,
I was relieved to hear that you are
expected to make a full recovery
from your injuries. Wishing you
a speedy recovery and I hope to
see you in my club very soon.
Warmest Regards,
Victor Nolasco
Victor Nolasco? Warrick says incredulously. He owns The Utopian. You saw him that night at the club, right?
Disbelief covers his face. What the hell did you say to him?That I wanted video tape of the entrance on the last night Melinda Greenwalt was supposedly there, Dani replies with a shrug. When he resisted, I threatened to shut him down, but it was a dead end.Recycled tapes, right?Apparently he likes strong women.Well, he'll have to keep looking for one, as I am most definitely off the market, Dani says, tugging on Warrick's sleeveless grey t-shirt to pull him close for a kiss.
Italian Translation
You were right, My heart was not lost. I took a risk for the only man I have ever loved.
You said the love would be there in return, and it is. Thank you.
He just walked in. I'll talk to you soon. Love you.
