Disclaimers: usual
A/N: More thanks to Cyko the Wonder Beta. and all of you who take the time to read. I apologize for any spacing issues/inconsistencies: FF net and my computer don't have a very loving relationship. Here is where the story actually gets going - the most angst I have ever written in a D/L fic. Still, I can't go long without the fluff and squees. :)
Chapter 4
Danny: Taken
Danny was daydreaming again, a habit that was becoming more frequent now that he and Lindsay had become involved. In this particular fantasy, they were alone in the lab in the middle of the night; she in nothing but a white lab coat, stiletto heels, and goggles. He had worked late on a tough case, she had come in to surprise him. It was an exciting scenario, and he wondered if she would ever be interested in trying it in real life. Before the vision could develop further into steamier territory, Danny was interrupted.
"Danny? Come with me." He jerked suddenly out of his daydream. Mac. Reluctantly, he followed Mac into the corridor, leaving the image of Lindsay and her naughty treat behind. Danny assumed that this had something to do with the case he and Hawkes had been working on. It had been a full week since the murder of a local attorney, and they still had no suspect. He sighed and rolled his eyes. He grew curious, however, when they walked past Mac's office, and kept going at a brisk pace.
"Uhh… where are we going?" Danny inquired.
"Just follow me," Mac replied, his voice giving away nothing. His stride was brisk and purposeful. They stepped onto the elevator, politely nodding at two colleagues who were stepping off. They remained silent as the elevator began its descent. Danny was immensely confused, and he surmised that although he liked surprises from Lindsay, surprises from Mac couldn't possibly be good. A ding sounded as they reached their destination - the third floor.
"This way," Mac commanded as the door opened, and Danny followed him mutely, his mind reeling with all the possibilities. They walked past the AV department, past Ballistics, to a stairwell, and then down two more stories. This brought them to a rear fire exit that led into the alley behind the lab. Mac held the heavy, windowless door open, waving Danny out into the bright afternoon sunshine. Danny blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light.
Parked just outside the door was a sleek, black SUV, with tinted windows and government plates. Leaning against the vehicle were two men in suits and sunglasses; one chewing gum, one smoking a cigarette.
Danny balked, attempting to go back inside the building. Mac grabbed his arm.
"Dammit Mac, what the hell is going on?" Danny snapped, beginning to panic.
Mac regarded him solemnly. "Danny, after speaking with the DA and Chief of Police, we've decided that it would be best if you are placed in protective custody during Sassone's trial."
Danny stepped back, raising his hands defensively. "Uh-uh, no way. Look, I'm a big boy, I can take care of myself."
"These are dangerous people," Mac warned. "You should know more than anyone what they are capable of."
"So what, lock me up like a criminal? Punish me by carting me off somewhere?" Danny was getting scared, and his fear was manifesting itself as anger. "This is like in the movies."
"Danny, the testimony you have to give will be the nail in Sassone's coffin - a guilty verdict is almost guaranteed with the information you have. That makes you a huge target. Sassone may be in jail, but you know he has thugs to do his dirty work."
"Then let them come after me," Danny growled. "Bring it on." As he and Mac argued, the two government agents regarded them with mild interest, still smoking and chewing.
"Is that what you want?" Mac asked, losing his patience. "For them to beat you senseless? For Lindsay to have to live with what you're living with? Do you want her to sit there at your bedside for months, wondering if you'll ever open your eyes and look at her again?"
Danny was mute, in shock as reality hit him. God, no, he didn't want to bring Lindsay any sort of pain. The thought made his chest ache; he would do anything to protect her.
Mac, sensing Danny's faltering resistance, reached out to touch his shoulder, and looked him directly in the eye. "Danny, remember when you came to me with those test results a few month ago?… You asked me to trust you. I did. And now, I'm asking you to trust me."
Danny knew what he had to do. There were no other options. "Alright," he said in a low voice, defeated. "What do you need me to do?"
"I need your badge, for starters," Mac explained. "Your gun, cell phone, your wallet, your keys."
He waved over the two agents, and handed Danny's belongings to one of them. "This is Agent Warren and Agent Hess, they'll be taking you to a secret location where you'll stay for the duration of Sassone's trial - probably about 5 days or so. Instead of bringing you back to testify, you will give a taped deposition. You'll have a guard accompanying you 24/7, and you can have contact with no one."
"Not even Lindsay?" Danny asked hoarsely.
Mac shook his head gravely. "Not even Lindsay," he said, sympathy evident in his voice.
"Don't I get to say goodbye to her?" Misery was written across Danny's face.
"There's no time," Mac said urgently. "You have to get out of here."
Danny pulled out his wallet - a photo of Lindsay was situated on the front flap. He took one last glance before handing it over. "You'll talk to her?" he asked Mac pleadingly.
"I'll tell her," Mac nodded. "I'll tell her as much as I can."
Mac exchanged a few words with the agents. One hopped into the front passenger seat of the mysterious vehicle, while the other opened a rear door and waited for Danny to get in.
Mac squeezed Danny's shoulder. "This is for the best," he promised reassuringly.
Danny could only nod, then he climbed in the back seat of the mysterious vehicle. The door was slammed shut behind him. The second agent got in the driver's seat and started the engine. Danny watched Mac through the window as they drove away. Tell her I'm sorry, was all he could think. Tell her I love her.
