Hey guys! I know I haven't updated in a very long while, so here is the 7th Chapter. Thanks to my reviewers, of course.

NOTE: I know the some of my chapters are named after songs, but they are not songfics.

Chapter 7 – Since U Been Gone

Danny pulled his car over by the curb. He inhaled the smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke wafting out of the casino with bright green and blue neon lights flashing the words Black Joker.

Danny: I guess this is it.

Mary got out of the car and went over to him, putting a comforting arm around him. "Look, once we sort things out, Justine will get out of there in no time, safe and sound."

Danny looked down at her and gave a sorry smile. "Sorry about making you have to go through this."

"That's okay. I like helping you out."

Breathing in the smell of champagne and beer, Danny and Mary stepped into the casino.

.:The Dungeon:.

Justine gulped nervously. Her assailant wasn't around, but she knew he would come in sooner or later.

To slice my neck, she thought. And I will never see Danny, Mary, Ed, Nessa, Sam, Mike, Delinda…man I don't even want to think about it.

Dawn was breaking; Justine could see the top half of the barbecued-red sun peeking shyly over the top of the horizon. Its golden rays illuminated the city of sin, amidst the misty outlines of skyscrapers in the distance. If Lady Luck wasn't on her side, she would not have another chance to see such a beautiful view of Las Vegas – well, maybe from above.

She heard the door creak open, at the very instant, her heart leapt into her mouth.

I'm gonna die, she thought.

Her assailant smirked triumphantly; in his stubby-fingered hand was a martini glass and in the other, a cigarette, which end was still producing foul-smelling smoke. He apparently had been spending the night celebrating the fact that it was almost impossible for Justine to leave the place alive.

"Well, well, well!" he said, his lips stretched in an evil grin. "Did you see anyone familiar anywhere around here?"

Justine ignored him. She stared at the concrete floor, the back of her eyes prickling.

"Any last words?"

Justine realised that her assailant had set down his martini and cigarette and was now gripping a dagger stained with rust and blood.

Justine knew there was no way out.

"No," she answered.

Bye Danny, she thought, I'll meet you soon.

She waited and squeezed her eyes shut.

But there was silence.

Opening her eyes, she shouted, her heart thumping crazily. "Danny!"

.:Meanwhile:.

Danny burst through the door and screamed, "NO!" But the sight that greeted him was horrifyingly shocking.

"Luis? What the – " his voiced trailed off. "You mean, you are the one who – who took Jus-Justine?"

Detective Luis Perez smiled. "Ah finally, Danny, you're here. I have been waiting for you."

Justine's eyes widened in disbelief. "You mean you know him, Danny?"

Danny closed his eyes and sighed. "It wasn't even an enemy, but a friend." He tried to run over to Justine, but Luis stopped him.

"Don't even think about it, pretty boy." Luis smiled even wider. "Don't yo-"

Before Luis even finished his sentence, Danny had threw his hardest punch in his face. "You s#!"

Mary, who had been hiding behind the door all the time, crept over to Justine and started to release her.

When Luis regained his composure, his nose was bleeding really badly and his lip was slightly cut. He smirked slightly, but panted, "You're a brave strong one, aren't you?" he clenched his two fists and readied himself. "C'mon, gimme your best shot! Is that all you've got?"

Secretly, behind Luis, Mary and Justine had sneaked out of the door dungeon. Danny sneaked a glance at them and in he felt his heart burst with relief.

There was a sudden shot of pain in his leg and he felt his knees buckle; Luis had thrust his foot right into Danny's knee. He screamed.

Go to hell, Luis, Danny thought as he gathered all his strength, ready to stand up, but Luis had kicked him and punched his stomach. Danny fought back, grabbing Luis' shirt and pulling him down on the floor as well. He recovered quickly and punched Luis' face and pulled his hair – all the anger that had been bottled up in his heart was all spilling out.

But Luis didn't give up without a struggle, either. He punched and kicked Danny as much as possible, until both men were panting and bleeding profusely.

Danny was in so much pain that he thought all of the bones in his body had broken. He could feel his vision blurring……

The next moment, he had blacked out.

Sorry for not updating in such a long while. I had my exams and stuff…well RnR THANK YOU!