Huge thanks to anmodo as always for betaing this chapter. Also thanks to everyone that has reviewed – it really helps.

Chapter 5

Rocky mountains, CO

108 hours missing

Martin hung his head. He couldn't believe he was going to die like this. He thought that he would be married with kids and grandkids before he died. But no – it looked as though he was going to die in this cave with Danny. "We are going to fucking die in here!" Martin yelled out fear and frustration.

"No we're not." Danny said his voice full of determination, as he looked up from the fire.

"And how the hell to do you know?" Martin exclaimed.

"Because we are damn lucky we are in this cave – if we weren't, we'd be dead," Danny said calmly.

"Don't you think I know that?" Martin yelled. "No , we are going to die right here in this fucking cave. We are trapped in here now, Danny!" Martin yelled, as he started to pace the small area.

"We're not trapped," Danny replied again in a calm voice "Once the storm is here, we will move the fire and heat up the metal panels – thus melting the snow and freeing us."

Martin blinked and stared at Danny. He shook his head. Why the hell was he freaking out? Why the hell couldn't he keep it together? "Damn-it. I'm sorry Danny, I-I," Martin stammered as he held his head in his hands.

"It's okay man, I mean you have kept together up to now – I haven't," Danny reassured as he looked down. "U-mm I-I. Tell me the truth, what do you think our chances are for walking out here of here?"

"I don't know Danny, I really don't," Martin sighed. He looked at Danny, he could've sworn he looked paler – but maybe it was just the gloomy light. "I don't know, u-mm how are you feeling? Are you okay?"

Danny looked down, he wasn't fine – but Martin didn't need to know that. "I'm fine, just not use to all this clean air and mountain shit," he joked. He looked up and smiled – hoping that Martin would be convinced.

"Okay, if the storm clears and we get out of the cave, we may able to walk out. I mean, in theory, we should have stayed with the plane, but something felt wrong. So now our best chances lies in us being able to walk out," Martin said depressingly.

"No, Martin. You are wrong. Our best chances lie with Jack," Danny said – his voice full of hope.

"Do you really think Jack will be still looking for us?" Martin questioned.

"I don't think, I know he will be. He won't rest until he has found us," Danny reassured. "I just hope he gets to us before the storm does."

Several hours later

Danny opened one eye and scanned the area. The howling wind appeared to have stopped, but there was no sign of Martin. He sat up and looked around the cave blearily eyed.

"Martin?" he called out nervously. He squinted as he turned towards the cave entrance, to see that it was open.

"How are you feeling?" Martin asked from the cave entrance.

"Fine, how long have you been up?" Danny questioned quickly as he slowly got up and stood next to Martin.

"A few hours," Martin said absentmindedly.

"A few hours?" Danny exclaimed. "Why didn't you wake me, we could have started walking out!"

"You looked like you needed to sleep in and anyway it took a few hours to melt the snow – so it was pointless waking you," Martin explained. "Why don't grab something to eat before we head out?"

"Okay," Danny said in a distracted tone, as gazed out across the mountainous landscape. Yesterday had been really hard work and he knew it was only going to get worse. The terrain was going to get harder and their food sources were going to run low – in short they would be lucky if they ever saw New York again. He pulled out a couple of energy bars that they had found in the plane. He started to eat one of the tasteless bars. "So how far are we going to walk today," Danny asked trying to keep the fear out of his voice.

"Whatever we can manage," Martin said. He looked across at Danny and added. "It will be fine; it's always hard to begin with."

"Yeah," Danny said in a small, lost voice. "I'm ready. Let's go."

"Only if you are sure you are ready," Martin said as he pulled the GPS units and handed one to Danny.

"I'm sure," Danny said with a small smile.

"Okay then, we will do the same thing as we did on the way over here. This way we won't come separated," Martin explained as he hand Danny a rope. "Danny, it will be fine. You will be back in New York before you know it."

After several hours of walking, Danny collapsed to the ground after Martin called out that they were taking a break. He held his head in his hands and breathed hard. Before he knew it he was having a coughing fit, he felt as though he was about to break a rib. He felt a hand on his shoulder and a bottle of water waved in front of his face.

"It's okay, man. Just breathe," Martin coached, as he squeezed Danny's shoulder.

"Thanks," Danny gasped breathlessly as he took a swig of water. He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around his chest. Why was this happening now, of all times? He was exhausted; all he wanted to do was sleep. But he couldn't – he had to keep on pushing, he had to keep on going – but he didn't know if he could.

Martin looked at Danny's downcast expression with concern and wondered what he could say. He barely knew Danny – they'd spent most of their time avoiding each other and when they were paired up they barely spoke to each other. He took a breath as he tried to think of a 'safe' topic. "So why did you join the FBI?" Martin asked.

Danny sighed, "Do you want hear the FBI interview version or what the catalyst was?" He closed his eyes, he was relieved that Martin changed the subject. He didn't want to talk about his heath, or about the hike. Even talking about his pass with Martin was better than that.

"What the catalyst was, I guess," Martin replied.

"I was thirteen and I was dealing with a lot of stuff. But due to a run in with a local gang, I met Special Agent Toby Jackson," Danny started.

Flashback

"I told you. Raffi is dead," a thirteen year old Danny stammered as he backed up against the wall. His eyes wildly darted around the abandoned warehouse.

"Why don't I believe you – you lying little brat?" one the gang members sneered as slowly advanced up to Danny. "Your brother owes us money."

"I-I swear to you Raffi is dead. He probably died from some crap you sold him," Danny yelled – his temper getting the better of him. He instantly regretted it the moment he said it as he watched one of the gang members flick out a knife. He felt himself shake with fear as the knife glinted in the sunlight.

"I only sell the very finest of merchandise," Jason Roberts – one of the gang members – leered. "See the thing is Alvarez, I don't really care whether or not your brother is dead – I just want the money!"

"How much did my brother owe?" Danny stammered. He franticly scanned the warehouse again – looking for a way of escape.

"$40,000 and I want it now," Jason demanded coldly.

"I-I don't have that kind of money," Danny said nervously. He felt beads of sweat run down his back – it wasn't because of the hot humid Miami air, but it was because of fear. "But I can get it – it's just going to take time," he quickly added.

"TOO… much time," Jason growled as he slammed Danny against the wall. "But little man if you work for us your can start paying off your debt."

"B-But it's Raffi's debt, not mine," Danny exclaimed nervously. He swallowed and took a deep breath as he listened to the other gang members laugh around him.

"As you said Raffi is dead – it's your debt now," Jason explained evilly. "So are you going to join us or not."

"I-I," Danny stammered as he looked round of means of escape. If he joined them, he would lead the life Raffi led and looked what happened to him. Besides he wanted to make Raffi and his mother proud – and if this meant dying in this warehouse then so be it. "No – No I don't want to join you," Danny said determinedly.

"What?" Jason exclaimed in shock – no one had turned down his 'offer' to join the gang before. "I suggest you reconsider," he said as he stabbed Danny in the chest.

Danny felt the world spin as he clutched his chest and fell to the ground. So this was it – this is what dying felt like. He tried to take a deep breath but it was too difficult and painful. He watched as though he was in some kind of trance as he watched his blood began to pool around him. His only chance stood with the monsters around him – but he would die before he joined them and looked as though that was going to happen.

"So have you reconsidered?" Jason growled as he kicked Danny in the chest.

"Y-Yes," Danny gasped. This was the end – he knew it, but there was no way he was going to join them. He was going to make Raffi and his mum proud of him.

"And your answer is?" Jason sneered as he stood over Danny's broken body.

"And the answer is still the same – no," Danny said, his voice barely more than a whisper now. He closed his eyes as Jason stood over him with a gun. So this was it, he was finally going to see Raffi and his mom again. He waited for the sound of the gunshot, he waited for the impact of the bullet – but it never came. He vaguely heard the door being kicked down and voices yelling – but he was too far gone to care. He just wanted to give in – to leave this life of hell, but someone else had other ideas. Why did Jason what to save him, Danny thought as he cried out as someone pressed down on his stab wound.

"Hey kid, its okay. My name is Toby and I am with the FBI, you're going to be okay but I just need you to open your eyes for me," Toby said in a soothing and reassuring voice.

Danny slowly and cautiously opened his eyes a crack, to be met with the blurry image of an older man in a suit. He closed his eyes again – it was just too difficult to keep them open. He wanted to slip into a peaceful eternal slumber – away from all of the pain and fear. But he felt Toby tapping his cheek again.

"Hey kiddo you have to stay awake," Toby said gently as he ran a hand through Danny's hair. "What's your name?"

"D-Danny," Danny said, his speech slurred from the blood loss.

"Okay, Danny you're going to be fine, but you just have to keep eyes open for me – can you do that?" Toby asked gently.

Danny weakly nodded. "I'll try," he slurred. He didn't know how much time had passed when the medics arrived. He was so tired, he just wanted to sleep but amidst the confusion he heard Toby's voice - telling him to hang on and fight. But it was so difficult – he couldn't. He felt his body slipping towards the darkness against his will.

He slowly blinked his eyes open. He didn't feel as cold as before nor did he feel the excruciating pain – he felt strangely groggy – did this mean he was dead? He let his eyes explore the room as he tried to work out where he was. The room was sterile, white and had a cold feel to it. He looked to one side and frowned with confusion when he saw the bank of machines – where was he? He tried to sit up but gasped in pain and clutched his side as pain shot through it. He heard a gentle voice and set of hands pushing back down. He frowned and looked towards the voice.

"Danny, you're in hospital but you're going to be fine," a doctor said as she checked Danny's vitals.

"Hospital?" Danny said in confusion as he tried to put his jumbled thoughts together.

"Yes, you were stabbed remember?"

Danny closed his eyes, as his mind began to put his jumbled thoughts together. He looked around for any sign of Jason. Jason and his drug buddies would be looking for him for payment. "Yes," Danny said quietly as let himself get lost in his thoughts.

"An Agent Jackson wants to talk to you when you're feeling up to it."

"T-The FBI wants to talk to me?" Danny stammered nervously – having completely forgotten meeting Toby in the warehouse in his delirious state. He looked away, he had been in trouble with the police before for a couple of stupid kid things. But the FBI – that was serious, even his father hadn't been in trouble with the FBI.

"Shall I tell him you are ready to talk to him?" the doctor asked.

"I guess so," Danny said quietly.

A few hours later, Danny sat nervously on his hospital bed waiting for the FBI to end his life. He couldn't believe that he had got in trouble with the FBI.

"Danny," Toby said as he approached the nervous looking Danny.

Danny's head shot up and span around to face the voice. "U-mm," he stuttered.

"How are you Danny?" Toby asked as he sat down next to Danny's bed.

"Are you with the FBI?" Danny nervously blurted out.

Toby frowned but then smiled. The poor kid had been semi conscious through massive blood loss, so of course he probably didn't remember him. "My name is Special Agent Toby Jackson, I met you at the warehouse."

"You did?" Danny exclaimed nervously. "I am sorry Special Agent Jackson but I can't remember you."

"That's okay, you were semi conscious at the time," Toby said with a kind, reassuring smile. He observed Danny's nervous body language and added. "It's okay. You are not in trouble, I just need to ask you a few questions – if that's alright?"

Danny racked his brains and then it came to him – the voice and the smile. Toby had been at the warehouse – he saved his life. "U-mm I don't know if help but I will try," Danny said. He looked down – his life was over, either way he looked at it. He might as well die helping the FBI.

"Danny if you are worried about what the gang will do, we can protect you," Toby said, as he looked into Danny's fearful eyes.

"How are you going to do that?" Danny asked nervously, as he stared down at his hands with great interest.

"We can change your name and move you. Due to your age, the DA won't force you to testify in court," Toby explained. "Its up to you Danny, no one will force you into anything."

"U-mm so I will go into witness protection?" Danny asked

"Sort of, it won't be official. These guys are fairly low level and stupid. If you aren't Danny Alvarez of Miami anymore, they won't be looking for you," Toby explained.

"Any name, anywhere in the world?" Danny asked with added interest. He had a chance to start over and this time he wasn't going to blow it.

"Not quite, but how about New York?" Toby asked. He knew Danny wanted to go to New York, after he had gone through Danny's possessions and had found a dog-eared Fodor's copy of New York.

"New York! That sounds cool," Danny said with a small smile.

"Danny Taylor of New York – sound good," Toby asked

"Sounds very good. So what do you want to know about Jason Roberts and the gang," Danny asked. So he told Toby everything he knew about the gang – knowing that he would be safe from them and that he was leaving his old life behind.

End of Flashback

"Toby is the reason I joined the FBI," Danny said slightly distantly. "I screwed up after I finished law school. I was sorting out my apartment and I found Toby's card. I don't why but I found myself phoning him."

"And he persuaded you to join the FBI?" Martin said

"Not really, I guess my mind was already made up. I phoned him, well I don't know why I phoned him – but I'm glad I did," Danny said slightly rambling. He racked his hands through his hair and coughed slightly. "We talked about what I had done, what I wanted to do and he ended up suggesting the FBI. He helped me get ready for the tests and academy."

"He sounds like a really cool guy," Martin said as he dug into their supplies and pulled out a tasteless energy bar.

"He is, I am still in contact him. After a tough case, I sometimes will phone him. You know just to talk things through," Danny said in a far off tone. "You know it's just…"

"He must be a great person to talk to. I mean he's not on the team, but he's not a stranger so he understands the job," Martin suggested. He wished he had someone like that to talk to, especially after the tough cases. After the tough cases he either ran several miles until he threw up or he sat at home staring at the TV hoping his father wouldn't call.

"Yeah I am really lucky I have a lot of really good people in my life," Danny said as he stood up. He looked around him. He felt like hell, but he had to keep going. The farther he when today, the harder he pushed himself – the more likely he would see the people he loved his life again. "Let's go; I really want to do a few more miles before nightfall."

"Sounds like a plan. Are you sure you're up for it?" Martin asked, his voice laced with concern.

"I'm fine Martin," Danny lied. "But I'll tell you what I will be more than fine when are sitting in the office being yelled at by Jack."

"You know it's a crappy situation when we want to be yelled at by Jack," Martin joked as he stood up and started walking.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

26 Federal Plaza

114 hours missing

Jack buried his face in his hands, as he vaguely listened to George and Victor discussing plane crash. He had felt like an outsider since the moment Victor had mentioned the fact that he was the Deputy Director of FBI. He was simply an FBI agent who was looking for his agents. It was like 'they' didn't put any value on Danny's life, like Danny's life was worthless to them. He leaned back on the chair and thought of Viv's words before he entered this godforsaken room. Danny's only chance to be heard was through him. He cleared his throat causing the two other men to look around.

"Danny is a tough kid, there is no way he would just give up," Jack said.

"I am sorry Agent Malone, but I have looking through Agent Taylor's file and spoken to Deputy Director Fitzgerald here; there is nothing to suggest that he has it in him to survive," George explained.

"Firstly, it's Special Agent Malone and you are talking about Special Agent Taylor. Special Agent Taylor may not have mountain experience that Martin has," Jack started. He stood up and walked over to George and stared down him. "But you are wrong; Danny has more than enough in him to help him survive. He's tough, brave and stubborn. There is no way in hell that he would just give up and neither will I!"

"Jack, we are only stating facts!" Victor exclaimed.

"No you are not," Jack cut in as he glared at Victor. "You know nothing about Danny, you barely know your own son!"

"I would watch your mouth," Victor yelled as he stood up and glared at Jack. "Of course I know my own son. He's been my son for 30 years and he's only been on your team for two months. I know my son."

"I don't think that you know him as much as you think you do. I let him god damn breathe, Victor!" Jack exclaimed.

"He's certainly changed since he joined your team," Victor sneered.

"Yes he has – he's more relaxed. I expect my agents to work their asses off. But I also need them to be able to relax, because if they don't - they are not going to do their job properly," Jack explained coldly. "You suffocated him so much that you don't realise what a great individual he is."

"How dare you talk to me like that about my son," Victor yelled.

The two agents glared at each other for several moments, before George interrupted them. "Excuse me Deputy Director and Agent Malone, I have an update," George said sombrely.

"What is it?" Victor growled his eyes not leaving Jack for a moment.

"I think you should both sit down," George suggest nervously. He looked down at the floor for a couple of moments. He was terrified of how these two agents might react when he told them his latest terrible update.

Jack felt his heart skip a beat. "W-What," he managed to stammer.

"T-That was James Styles of the search and rescue, u-um he," George stuttered. "U-mm h-he."

"He what?" Victor yelled. "What has happened to my son?"

"U-mm Styles, well u-mm. The search has been called off because of the storms and avalanches. He believes that there is no way hell that anyone could have survived," George blurted out.

Both men look down and stared at floor. Jack was the first to recover. "But they are restarting the search after the storms have passed, right?" he said in desperation.

"Well u-mm, it's well. When they do, it will be a recovery mission. But that won't be for several weeks as the region is set to be hit by several weather fronts," George said sadly.

"You-you think my son is dead. You think Martin is dead," Victor stammered as he held his head in his hands. He felt tears threatening to fall and angrily bit them back. He was a Fitzgerald – he wasn't supposed to cry.

"I am sorry sir, but I have looked at the data myself. And in my opinion, there is no way they could be still alive," George continued gloomily. "U-mm sir I need your consent to, u-mm." George trailed off, not know how to phase the information.

"You-you n-need my consent for the search to be called off?" Victor said into his hands. "Y-you really think that Martin is dead?"

"Unfortunately, that's what the evidence points to. Sir, you are not consenting for the search to be called off, you are just signing to say that you understood what I told you," George explained. "I am sorry, sir."

Victor hastily grabbed the form and scrod his signature at the bottom, before bolting out of the room. Jack turned away as George pushed the form towards him. He wasn't going to sign it; he wasn't going to sign something that affectively signed the boys' death warrant. The boys were still alive - he knew it. They were out there somewhere, they needed his help – and he wasn't going to fail them.

"Agent Malone, please, can you sign this?" George pushed.

"No – my agents are still alive. I am not going to sign their death warrant," Jack growled.

"I am sorry, Agent Malone, but you have no legal power. The deputy director does, but you are not Agent Taylor's legal guardian, nor do you have power of attorney," George explained.

Jack glared at George, what the hell did he think he was doing? Didn't he know that Danny and Martin were still alive? Everyone else may have given up on the boys but he wasn't

"Screw you, George – take your form and shove it up your ass. My agents are still alive and even if you have given up on them – I haven't," Jack growled as he stood up and stormed out of the room – slamming the door behind him.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rocky Mountains, CO
122 hours missing

Martin closed his eyes briefly as he felt his legs burn from exposure. He knew Danny wasn't well and he was worried that it was turning into pneumonia. But he had to hand it to Danny, he hadn't complained once. He had carried soldiering on. So this was the strength that Sam was talking about – he just hoped it would last.

"Hey man, are you okay? Do you want a break?" Martin called back.

"U-mm yeah that would be great," Danny gasped breathlessly, as he clutched his aching ribs. As soon as Martin stopped, he collapsed to the ground and tried to take deep but painful breaths.

Martin was by his side in a second. "Easy man. It's okay, Danny. Just relax," Martin said. He closed his eyes as he sat down next to Danny. He wanted to yell and cry out – this was so insanely unfair. Hadn't the plane crash been enough? It wasn't Danny's fault he was getting sick, Danny was pushing himself to the limit and probably passed it. He just didn't know how much longer Danny could keep going. But whatever happened he was not leaving this place without Danny – he owed that to the team.

"Are you all right?" Danny asked in concern at Martin's far off expression.

"What? Yeah, I'm fine, man," Martin managed to say as Danny pulled him deep out of his thoughts? "What about you?"

"Me? Well – I'll live," Danny said with a smile.

"Danny!" Martin started his voice full of concern and fear. For Danny to say that he was anything but fine – meant that there was something seriously wrong.

"It will be fine. Why don't you tell me why you joined the FBI now?" Danny said as he quickly changed the subject. Anything to avoid talking to about himself.

"Do want the FBI interview version or my version?" Martin asked with a smirk.

"Considering the FBI interview version is probably the same as mine, I'll go for your version," Danny said grinning.

""Well apart from the chicks and the guns," Martin started in a light hearted tone. He looked over at Danny – who was grinning like a Cheshire cat. "It has a lot to do with my father."

Flashback

Martin groaned and rolled over as the phone woke him. He had been out celebrating the end of his exams until the early hours and was defiantly feeling the affects of it. He groaned again and picked up the phone – hoping it wasn't his father.

"Hello," he said groggily

"Martin, it's your father."

Martin groaned again and looked at his watch. "Dad its seven o' clock in the morning," Martin exclaimed.

Victor Fitzgerald ignored his son's last comment. "I'm in town with Senator Lennon and Joseph Chadband," Victor said in his annoyingly arrogant voice.

"Yeah right, u-mm okay," Martin said as he forced his hungover mind into gear. "Who is Joseph Chadband?"

"Martin, he's the chairman for the Republican party in Washington state" Victor exclaimed.

"Sorry dad, what do you want me to do about it," Martin said as he tried to keep the annoyed tone out of his voice.

"I am thinking about your career," Victor exclaimed, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I want you to meet with us for lunch and discuss your future."

Right, Martin thought, more like you and the political heavy weights will discuss my future while I sit there and smile and nod at the right places. "Sure Dad. When and where?" Martin found himself saying.

"The Ivy at one o' clock," Victor replied sharply.

"Okay. See you there," Martin sighed – as if I have a choice he thought.

Several hours later Martin wandered through campus with a down cast expression. He had just spent three hours having his future discussed. Apparently he was going to do some accountancy course and charity work. When he turned 25, he was going to campaign for one of the state congress seats – which was apparently was going to come available in a few years. It was as though his future had be planned, all needed to do now was mail order the wife, kids, dog and house with a white picket fence. He looked down and carried on walking to his room

"Hey man you should look where you are going," a voice said as he bumped into them.

Martin looked up. "Oh shit. Sorry, Mike," he said as he came face to face with his best friend.

"Let me guess, you have just had lunch with your father."

"Yeah," Martin sighed. "God he is such an ass, why can't he just stay the hell out of my life?"

"Because he's your father," Mike joked

"What are you doing now man?" Martin asked as he leaned against the wall.

"I'm going to the careers fair, but I guess you have had your career planned," Mike joked

"They may have planned my career but they can't force me to do it," Martin said as he started to walk towards the careers fair.

Mile jogged to catch up with Martin. "With your father, I don't doubt that," he joked

Martin wandered into the careers fair. He didn't know why he was drawn to the FBI stand, it was as though he was in some kind of trance. He found himself standing there staring at the information before he heard a voice.

"So you're interested in joining the FBI?"

"U-mm, yeah," Martin managed to stammer. He sighed it wasn't just to piss his father off but it was career he could see himself doing – unlike politics. "I've just graduated in criminal justice and I was about start on an accountancy course."

"Excellent," the FBI recruiter said, as he pushed over an application form. "So what's your name?"

"Martin, Martin Fitzgerald," Martin said with an easy smile, as he waited for the comments about his father.

"This is going to sound like a strange question, but do you know Victor Fitzgerald?" the FBI recruiter said

"He would be my father," Martin replied with a smile

"Following in your father's great career, I hope."

"Something like that," Martin replied.

End of flashback

"So that's how I joined the FBI – not exciting as you," Martin said with a smile.

"I don't know – escaping for the cruel world of politics sounds pretty cool to me," Danny replied. "So Senator Fitzgerald shall we start walking again."

"Hey – in a few years time, that would have President Fitzgerald, thank you very much," Martin joked as he stood up.

"I think you will find that it would be, President Taylor. That has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Danny said with a massive grin.

"President Taylor. God help us," Martin exclaimed in mock disgust.

"Not as bad as my grouchy Secretary of Defence, Jack Malone," Danny joked.

"I don't know if I would have Jack as my Secretary of Defence or State. I think he would be quite good at it," Martin said as he walked around, observing the terrain.

"If some country or head of state didn't do want he wanted, he would growl or scare them until they did," Danny joked. "Of course I would make sure that you and the girls would have some high ranking and important job."

"Me too," Martin replied. "So who would be your chief of staff – you know the person you would trust with your life?"

"I don't know," Danny replied. "Who would be yours?"

"I don't know," Martin said as he walked towards the ledge. He didn't realise that it was only supported by ice not rock. It wasn't designed to hold the weight of a fully grown man. It started to give way.

"Martin!" Danny yelled as he watched in horror as Martin disappeared off the ledge. "Martin!" he yelled again when he got no reply.