Feelings

Chapter 15

Donnie was missing but Daniel had just informed Kate that he pretty much knew where Donnie would be tomorrow.

"Where?" Kate asked.

"First, he'll make a stop to his office," Daniel told them, "I don't know exactly what time, but I can guarantee you, he'll be there before 9 am."

"Why would he need to go there?" Kate asked.

"He'll need to pick up the money, which he probably hid somewhere in the snack room, since that was the last place he was before SWAT found him."

"What? You think he stole the money and then left it in the adjunct building?" Kate asked.

Daniel nodded.

"I do. It's the only thing that makes sense. And I am more convinced than ever that Donnie helped Yuss escaped."

Kate looked relieved, "So Yuss is real."

"Yes, I think Yuss had that money first. But Donnie's responsibility was to retrieve it. Unfortunately things went haywire the day of the shooting and he had to leave it in hiding. Remember when Donnie was laid up in the apartment and he had called you, asking you for the office keys? My guess is that he was anxious to return back to the office to retrieve the money and tomorrow morning will be his first opportunity to get a hold of that money."

It certainly made sense the way Daniel explained it.

Kate asked, "You really think Donnie will tell us where we will be able to find Yuss and the money?"

"I think it's a strong possibility," Daniel reasoned, "I know Donnie well enough to say that he does have a conscience, and guilt will make him open up. But instead of taking the rest of the night contemplating theories and plans, I think it's a better idea if we get a good night's sleep to confront him tomorrow," he dreaded the thought of another lonely night, but tomorrow would be a big day.

"You're right," Kate ruefully responded, as she felt a strange pit in her stomach, "It's getting late."

But she didn't leave and they stood there, transfixed on one another, causing Kate's pulse to race. And when she looked in his eyes, she caught a look of simmering yearning in them.

She hesitantly cleared her throat, "So what time should I meet you tomorrow?" her voice sounded strangely husky to her.

"I figure around 8:30 in the morning," Daniel responded, "We'll meet at the adjunct DA building. Donnie will be there."

Kate tilted her head, "How do you even know that?"

"I have a feeling Donnie is making plans to skip town. So his first stop will be his office building so that he could pick up the money he's probably hidden over there. But before he goes, he'll want to say good-bye to Stacy. And visitor's hours at the cancer place begin at 9 am."

"And you know that time at the top of your head?" she asked.

"I had summoned up my brilliant powers to utilize a communication tool called a telephone," Daniel deadpanned.

Kate laughed and that, fortunately, seemed to break up the tension in the air.

"Well, then, maybe I should go," she said as she stood, "if tomorrow we are to question Donnie, nail Yuss and find the money, I have a feeling I'll be having one hell of a sleepless night tonight!"

They both walked slowly to the door, each wanting to make the time together last longer.

When they got to the door, Daniel took Kate hand in his. Her mouth made an attractive 'o' as she hadn't expected the gentle gesture. Both felt the exciting leap of sensation that resulted from their hands touching. They were so physically close now, with only a couple of breaths seemingly separating them.

And for the first time, Daniel thought he might really have a chance with her.

He looked at her with such a look of desire that it made her blush, making her even more enticing. When she looked at him, her face was so open, vulnerable. Daniel seemed to be able to breathe freely now, his lungs feeling free and relaxed now.

"I'm so glad you came here tonight," he told her as he squeezed out a smile.

"Daniel," she paused at the entryway, her gaze so intense, "I was feeling so upset tonight, but after seeing you and sharing our feelings, I have... hope for us. I think I was wrong about having a sleepless night. We've settled some issues, so I think I'll sleep the best I ever have!"

Daniel felt dazed. Never in a million years would he have guessed that he would be holding her hand and gazing in her eyes while she admitted a possible future with him.

"Before you go," Daniel said, holding firmly to her hand, "I need to ask you one more thing."

Kate couldn't imagine what it could be. She took a hard swallow.

"Alright," she stated diplomatically, ready to answer anything he asked, "What is it you wanted to know?"

"Kate, you've been someone I can lean on, someone who is always there, even when my world has gone crazy. So it makes me wonder...are you sure that all this isn't happening because I'm your rebound person?" he asked, "I'm saying this because just yesterday you were engaged to-"

"I know, I know what you're going to say," she interrupted, a little embarrassed by some of her life choices and that all she admitted to him did seem rather sudden, "but I swear to you, Daniel, you are not a backup plan, and definitely not a second choice for me. From the first day I walked into your class, you've been my first choice. I was just...too stubborn and embarrassed to admit it to myself, and you have to admit that you did a good job of pushing me away, too."

"I just thought...you deserve better, Kate."

"That's what people say when they don't won't to own up to their own feelings."

Daniel acknowledged her words by nodding, "You're right. But I'm ready for you to know the real me."

He released her hand, already missing the feel of her feminine touch. But it wouldn't be for long; his hand immediately went up and touched her cheek. The intimate caress caused a surge of pleasure to course throughout Kate's body. She enjoyed how his eyes traveled everywhere over her face, absorbing every detail of her before looking back into her eyes.

"I'd love to kiss you, again, if you don't mind," his voice sounded low and sensual.

His eyes had turned warm and inviting.

She felt her lips slightly parting, "I'd like that."

Daniel's head lowered swiftly as he took her mouth and this time he kissed with a passionate expertise that sent all her senses scattering. His mouth teased and twisted over hers while she strained upwards in helpless response.

When they separated, Kate felt breathless. All of this was so new. Wonderful, yes, but if she stayed any longer she would never leave.

Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were blushed, "Good night, Daniel," she whispered, letting him know by her tone that she really didn't want to leave.

Daniel gave her a smile that would linger well into her dreams.

"I love you, Kate."

After all these years, a ripple of pleasure went through her body at the words she longed to hear, "I love you, too, Daniel."

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The next morning light filtered through the window as Daniel heard, rather than saw, Poirot.

"Dr. Pierce, are you awake yet?"

It took some effort for Daniel to open his eyes.

He saw Poirot standing over him, wearing what could only be described as a burgundy silk smoking jacket with a men's coordinating pajama set underneath.

"What time is it?" Daniel wanted to know, as he lifted his head off the pillow, "Why hasn't Lewicki been up here to wake me up?"

"Relax, my good man," Poirot assured him, "it's only 6:30 am."

Daniel plopped his head back on the pillow. He knew today would be an important day. Unfortunately it also meant betraying someone he considered a friend. Although Donnie brought all the misery to himself, still today might be the day that Donnie Ryan not only lost his fiancé, but there's a good chance he may lose his freedom as well.

.

Meanwhile, inside her apartment, Kate woke up with a start.

For once she had a smile on her face. Sitting up and stretching, she was feeling wonderful. It was amazing what a difference 24 hours could make. Bounding out of bed, she rushed to the bathroom.

It was only when she was brushing her teeth that she realized that today she would find the answers to Donnie's involvement with Yuss, and it may not turn out well for him.

And then her heart sank slightly.

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The adjunct building to the DA's office was not opened. Kate drove up in an FBI-issued SUV. She had brought along two agents. When she arrived at the door, Daniel and Max were already there, waiting.

At the sight of Daniel, she instantly brightened.

When he turned and saw her, he seemed to light up, too. But seeing the two agents behind her, his expression became solemn once more.

"Daniel, Max," Kate greeted them, and then gestured to the two suited men behind her, "This is Agent Woo and Agent Barnaby."

She tried to keep her voice steady, but it was difficult with all the flutterings she was feeling. After all, she was standing next to a man she loved with all her heart and he loved her, too.

.

They stood at the front door of the adjunct building of the DA's office. Not wanting to attract the attention of anyone inside, Kate covertly pulled out a zippered case and opened it. Finding two sharp tools, she inserted the long one in the keyhole first and then the short one followed and she began to fiddle with both of them, waiting to hear a 'click'.

"Uh, excuse me," Max stated, "aren't those tools that thieves use to break in?"

"I've never said I didn't learn anything from the bad guys," Kate jested as she smiled at the sound of a clicking sound.

Taking the tools out and replacing them in the case, she opened the door as quietly as she could. As silent as possible, the five of them crept up the stairs, the three agents with their guns drawn. Daniel could feel his heart tightening with anticipation; he couldn't imagine what Kate must be going through, going up a darkened stairway to possibly confront her ex-fiancé of a crime.

They were now on the third floor.

The hallway was dark except for the light spilling out of one room. Kate turned to face the other four and Daniel knew she had mouthed the words "snack room". Stealthily and slowly they approached the room with the light, stopping short of the doorway.

They heard some noise of some metal scraping along with some groaning. Daniel recognized Donnie's moaning sounds. He was definitely moving something heavy and the pain from his injuries must be excruciating.

Kate stuck her head around the doorway.

And what she saw made her sick.

Donnie's back was to her as he pulled out a paperbag from behind the soda machine, with the machine being pulled slightly forward on one side. Kate hated to do what she was going to do next.

Lifting her gun towards her target, her entire being filled the doorway.

"Hold it, Donnie," she said in her most official tone as she began to walk in and the two agents, Daniel and Max followed behind, "Put the bag down very slowly,..."

Donnie's mouth dropped. He could not have looked more surprised if a rhinoceros came charging at him.

"Kate...I...I can explain," he told her as he very carefully placed the bag down, "I was forced to do all this...really! This was all Yuss' doing, I swear!"

"Where is he, Donnie?" Kate sounded forceful, never letting her gun down, "Where is Yuss? Tell us, NOW!"

"Y-You've just missed him," Donnie sounded slightly nervous, "...he just, um, went down the hallway to the men's room...he just left."

Agent Woo was already headed out the door, "Barnaby and I are on it."

They left to pursue Yuss.

Meanwhile, Donnie was staring down the barrel of the Kate's gun.

"Kate, can you put that away?" he asked in an insistent manner as he head-gestured to the gun she was holding, "I'm telling you, I was forced to do this against my willpower. I can explain EVERYTHING..."

Kate's hand didn't move.

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