A short interlude between Chapter 1 and 2.
New York
Looking up from her report, Stella Bonasera frowned as Mac swept by, several nearby CSIs cringing as he looked their way. Ever since Danny had left, Mac had been unpredictable, harsh words which had been reserved for Danny were instead fired at other unsuspecting targets.
"This is stupid" She said finally, reaching into her pocket for her phone "Ατομα" (Men – Greek) She muttered. She scrolled through to the right name and pressed 'dial'.
A short dial tone, and then "Messer"
Stella breathed a sigh of relief "Danny"
"Stella?" She smiled slightly at the disbelieving, yet pleased note in his voice.
"Hey. Flack and Aiden mentioned you hadn't called either of them so I was worried. Trying to forget us already, Messer?"
"No!" He protested vehemently "I've been swamped with work." He paused "It's kind of nice, not to have all the cops twitch when I introduce myself. How're you managing without me?"
"We're trying to avoid the wrath of Mac" Stella's voice softened as Mac stalked by again "He misses you"
"And yet he hasn't even tried to get in contact with me" Danny replied "He's probably glad I'm gone" The bitter note was back.
Stella cursed again "This is Mac, Danny. He has no idea how to talk to people, and his skull's too thick for anybody to get any sense through to him." She heard somebody calling for her from the lab "I've got to go, Danny. You better call, Flack and Aiden, alright? They're worried" She threatened him.
"Right" A pause "Miss you Stell"
"Miss you, Danny" She took the phone away from her ear, remembering the self-loathing expression on Danny's face "What are you thinking, Mac?"