Quick notes :
-I would like to thank all of you who took the time to review my story. I really appreciate it.
-Pairings : Won't tell... Actually, I didn't make up my mind yet
-Again, I'd really appreciate it if you review and tell me what you think.
RED REVENGE
Part 2
It was hard to keep a solid front for too long, but it was after all, what Ed did best. But now that he was finally alone in the room with his most precious possession, Ed let the mask of solidness slip, and bitterly allowed his gaze to travel down to examine the brutal marks visible on Delinda's face and arms. Ed thought that it was kind of ironic for someone to look so peaceful with all those cuts and bruises covering their face and the rest of their body, but so peaceful and young Delinda looked as she slept unaware of her father's inspection.
Bitterness and uncontained fury overwhelmed Ed as he realised that one of his worst fears had turned into reality. The bruises and cuts on Delinda's face scared Ed. The doctor had said that she was finally out of the woods and that all physical scars would heal in time, but looking at Delinda's face now, Ed wasn't sure he could trust the doctor's words.
What made it worse for Ed, was the fact that it was his fault. Whoever done this had done it to get back at him. He didn't know yet who had done it or why, but all the same, the man who caused this will die a slow and very painful death, and that, Ed was sure of.
Delinda had awoken only once since they brought her to the hospital, and it was for a very brief moment. Ed was beside her at that time. "I'll be okay, daddy," was the first thing she'd said. "I know you will honey," Ed had responded as he stroked her head affectionately. And then she asked about Danny.
As if it wasn't enough to hurt his only daughter, the bastards had kidnapped a person he deeply cared about. A person he loved as a son. And as Ed watched Delinda's battered body lying on the hospital bed, his heart was torn in two. One part went to his daughter, and the other to Danny. Ed's fury mounted up, and unconsciously his hand squeesed the limp one of his daughter powerfully, causing her to stirr in her sleep. Ed cursed himself inwardly for disturbing her, and bent down to plant a soft kiss on Delinda's forehead.
"I'm sorry, honey," Ed whispered softly, then added after a short pause, "I promise you, I'll let them pay for what they did." And with a last glance toward his sleeping daughter, Ed left the room, closing the door quietly behind him. Although he didn't want to leave her side, he had work to do. He had to save Danny, and get back at those who dared to harm two of the most important people in his life.
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Mike was waiting right outside, and as soon as he saw Ed leave the room, he stood up to face him.
"Why are you still here?" Ed demanded as he massaged his temple wearily.
"I thought you might use a company, or a ride."
"Thanks, I can manage."
But Mike didn't leave, and Ed finally sighed. "You're not here for me, are you?"
Mike remained silent.
"You're here for Danny."
"Ed, he's my best friend. I..."
Ed placed a hand on both of Mike's shoulders, interrupting him. "I know he is. I'll get him back. Don't worry."
"That's the problem right there," Mike snapped as he shrugged Ed's hands off, "It's 'you' going to get him back. Ed, the man is my best friend, I want part in this. You're not leaving me out on this. I want to help."
"Mike, This is not the place nor the time for this."
"Did you hear me, Ed? I won't back down.You either let me in on this, or I'l do it on my own. And believe me I'm very capable of doing that, because thanks to you, I've learned a lot since I started working in the Montecito."
"Mike, ..."
"And don't give me the crap about the police taking care of it, because I know you won't let that happen."
"I can't talk to you right now," Ed snapped back angrily. He then turned toward the two body guards standing by Delinda's door, gave them few instrunctions and left the hospital.
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Right outside the hospital's main entrance, Ed bumped into Sam.
"Hi, how's Delinda?" Sam inquired right away.
Sighing, Ed gave her the answer she already expected. "The same."
For a moment Sam seemed at loss of words, which Ed found strange. "What is it, Sam?"
"Nothing," Sam turned defensive right away, "I'll stay here for the night. Brought some of Delinda's stuff with me. I thought she might appreciate some company, especially since Mary and Nessa couldn't make it. You know, Mary is... She's still pretty shaken up over the whole incident, and Nessa, well she's just busy, you know."
"I appreciate it."
"Yeah, well, I'm nice."
Ed smiled tiredly.
"Did you tell Jillian?"
"No, I uh, I didn't want to upset her right now, and besides, there are no more flights to Vegas today."
Sam nodded, and a short period of awkward silence followed.
"Ed, did... Anything new on Danny?"
Ed looked up and found her eyes glitter with fear.
"Not yet," Ed said hoarsely, "I'm sure they'll call soon."
"Still don't know who they are?"
"Would I be standing here if I knew?" Ed said dangerously.
"Right," Sam agreed then added after a slight pause, "Will you keep me posted?"
"I will."
"Good," With that Sam turned around and headed for the hospital, only to stop in midway and head right back to the still standing Ed.
"You think he's still alive?" She demanded.
"I believe he is," Ed assured.
She hesitated again before admitting, "I'm scared. I'm very scared for him, Ed."
"Me too," Ed admitted himself, "But I won't give up on him."
Their eyes locked and Sam blurted out before she could stop herself, "I care about him, Ed. I thought I'd never feel this way about a man again, but I did, and I... I just can't... I don't want to lose him."
Ed was surprised. He didn't know or even think that Sam felt that way about Danny, but again, there are lots of things he didn't know. It saddened him to witness this vulnerable side of Sam. A side she keeps hidden from everyone.
"Does Danny know?"
"No, I can't tell him, I mean we had this one time, but it's over and we're friends now, I can't risk telling him how I feel. Actually, I don't know what I feel. All I know is that I can't stand to lose him, Ed."
Ed raised a hand and gently brushed Sam's face in a warm fatherly gesture. "It will be all right. Danny will be back before you know it," Ed promised.
"If there's anything I can do to help ... believe me Ed, I have experience."
Ed smiled kindly. "I'll let you know. Now just relax, and stop worrying."
"I don't think I can."
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Reaching the Montecito, Ed headed straight to his office. After Sitting down, he ran a weary hand over his face, closed his eyes and allowed himself a moment of needed rest. The moment quickly passed and Ed's mind went back to work. He grabbed the phone and dialled a number and waited.
"Jack," Ed regarded the voice on the other end, "Got any news for me?"
"Nope Ed, sorry."
"Did you check Macky's?"
"Yes I did. No one saw or heard anything Ed."
"Ask again. Check to see who was there at that night. Dammit, Just bring me anything."
"I'll try, but ..."
"No buts Jack. Just do it!" Ed hanged up, and the moment he did, his cell-phone started to ring causing him to tense. He bolted from the chair and ran to the door. Opening it, he signaled for one of his men to trace the call. After receiving the okay signal, Ed pressed the accept button on his cell.
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"Hello Ed."
Ed breathed, hatred and anger toward the man behind the voice burning inside of him.
"I really hope Delinda's okay. I asked them to be gentle with her. Is she okay, Ed?"
"You're a dead man, you bastard. I'll kill you with my bare hands, take my word for it." was the only answer Ed gave.
The man laughed pleasantly. "Be careful Ed, remember I still got Danny boy."
Ed squeezed his cell-phone violently, almost breaking it. "Who are you? Why are you doing this?"
"Oh, you'll know who I am soon enough. As for why I'm doing it, it's clear and simple:I'm doing it for revenge, pure revenge, Ed."
"This is between you and me, why involve them?"
"Well for starter, Delinda is your daughter. Hurting her would mean hurting you. You get the picture, right?"
Ed breathed, struggling to contain his emotions. "Fine, you hurt my daughter, you hurt me, but what's Danny got to do with it? He's no family of mine."
"Oh, but you love him all the same, Ed, even I know that."
Ed frowned. "Is he okay?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, he is."
"Let me talk to him," Ed demanded.
"Unfortunately he can't talk at the moment."
"What have you done to him, you son of a ..."
"I've got the upper hand here," the man cut him off sharply, "You remember that, and remember it well."
"Let me talk to him."
"You're not listening, Ed. The boy can't talk right now. He's doped up. My men did nothing but shoot him full of drugs for the past five hours."
Ed ran a hand over his face, worry tearing at his very soul.
"But don't worry, I promise to let him talk to you as soon as he wakes up, how is that?"
"Let him go."
"Sorry, I didn't hear you."
"I said let him go, you bastard! Let him go and I might consider sparing your life."
The man tsked. "Ed, keeping that attitude up will only cause Danny pain, and you don't want that, do you Ed?"
Ed shut his eyes, anguish filling him and tearing him apart. "What do you want?"
"I already told you what I want Ed. I want revenge."
"Danny has nothing to do with this. You want me, name the time and place and I'll be there, alone."
"I make all the rules here,Ed. In the mean time, Danny stays with me. I might consider letting him go later on, but not before he and I have some fun."
"Believe me, you won't get away with this. You don't know me."
"Oh, I know you all right, Ed. Anyway, I just called to let you know Danny is alive and well...for the time being that is. And don't bother tracing the call, it won't work." And with that the man ended the call.
Standing there in the middle of his office, Ed remained. He felt helpless, and Ed Deline hated that feeling.
"Ed?"
Ed turned to the voice, and there stood a buffy eyed-red nose Marry. She stepped closer.
"Please tell me he's okay," she pleaded softly.
Nessa right behind her, both looking at Ed expectantly.
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The last call with Ed Deline left Daniel Exvandour pleased. Everything was going according to plan. What Ed didn't know was that what happened was just the beginning; the first stage in his planned revenge. He smiled as he walked to where his men waited.
"Still out, is he?" Daniel remarked as his eyes scanned the limp figure of Danny that occupied one of the few arm-chairs in the warehouse.
"Yeah. Probably will remain out for another hour or so," One of his men offered.
"What are you gonna do with him?"
The last question grabbed Daniel's attention. He glared at the tall man who spoke the question dangerously. "Since when do question my plans for anyone, Michael?"
"I was just wondering," Michael answered evenly, staring back at Daniel without blinking.
"Don't."
Michael shrugged.
Walking towards the occupied chair, Daniel let his hand travel to Danny's hair and rest there. "The poor thing, doesn't know what's waiting for him," but the words were accompanied by a large evil smile.
"Tie him up, watch him closely, and let me know when he wakes up," Daniel ordered and left the warehouse in long confident strides.
TBC
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