Here's another chapter guys. If theres been any spelling or grammar mistakes so far I apologize I'm not the greatest at either one. Same disclaimer as with previous chapters. And I finally got to the action part of the story. I always get brain freeze when it comes to that stuff. Enjoy!
Chapter Four
Noticing the door to their room was closed Danny reached up to knock. When there wasn't any answer he started to get worried. Checking the door he found it unlocked and turned the knob; swinging the door wide. Inside he found Arianna sitting on the bed; badge in hand as she stared at it; like she was reliving a memory. Hopefully it was a good one because he knew she'd had her fair share of bad the last couple of days. For the secondt time since she'd lost her temper at Sullivans she looked peaceful; at ease with the world and what was going on. It was a huge change from moments ago when she'd been talking with his nephew. She'd been so good with him but had looked like she wanted to burst into tears when he'd asked her to stay. Silently he praised him for getting through to her like no one else had been able to. If there was one thing he knew was that she had too big a heart to say no to a little kid; especially one as cute as Dylan. Clearing his throat as he made his way to the bed he was pleased to see a smile cross her face; something he hadn't witnessed since they'd first met.
"You gonna be okay?" He asked.
Standing up she placed the badge back were she found it and scoped up her wallet. "Surprisingly; yeah. Your family can be very persuasive you know."
"And annyoing. If I hear one more joke about me procrastinating I'm gonna scream. Thanks for bringing that up by the way." Danny grimaced; a twinkle in his eye all the while.
"That may be so but you still love them." Arianna reminded. Leaning over she placed a kiss on his lips. "And your welcome."
Shaking his head he walked over to his duffle to grab a different sweatshirt to wear. Once he was changed he made sure he had his wallet and keys before asking if Arianna was ready to go.
"As I'll ever be. I've never been to a New York mall this close to Christmas. Should be interesting." She confessed as they made their way down the stairs.
"Believe me you haven't seen anything like it." Danny warned.
After saying goodbye to his family; asking if they needed anything the couple headed out into the still falling snow towards the SUV. Making sure Arianna was settled he walked around to the drivers side and hopped in. Even if the circumstances weren't completely ideal it was nice to being doing something like this with her; something that most couples do. He'd never been much for shopping which was why he put it off so long. Once they were on the highway he was able to give hisself a chance to watch her. One hand resting on the center console; the other in her lap; head resting against the back of the seat she looked content; happy even. Reaching over he linked his fingers with hers; getting a smile out of her again. His personal mission before New Years came was to get that smile to be a permanet part of her face. When she smiled it made everything bad in the world disappear; well at least his world anyway.
"You with me cowboy?" Arianna asked.
"Yeah." Danny answered. " Ya know I'm glad you came with me; that you decided to stay." He confessed.
Giving his hand a squeeze she saw the happiness shining in his blue eyes and knew she'd made the right choice. Despite all the worries and fears she had about what she was doing being with him in the car on the way to the mall to do something so normal as Christmas shopping made it all a little bit more bearable.
"Me too." Arianna whispered.
As they suspected traffic was ridiculous and they ended up in a jam as soon as they hit the city. Taking the oppurtunity Danny leaned over the console and placed a kiss on her cheek. Not knowing that might be his last chance to kiss her.
They were only half way through their shopping expedition and Arianna had come to realize she was in way over her head. They had already gone to the mall and were now walking the main street of down town New York. After much protesting from Danny she had gotten him to agree to help her shop for presents for his family. When she had suggested he take her to one of the shopping districts she thought he was going to have a heart attack.
"Do you have any idea how expensive these stores can be?" Danny asked as they walked in Saks Fifth Avenue.
"For the millionth time yes. But I want to get everyone in your family something nice." Arianna argued.
"You tryin' to show me up or what?" Danny joked.
"Of course not." Arianna grinned. Stopping beside a display rack filled with sweaters she turned to him. "Just let me have this one thing; please. I know that giving them expensive gifts doesn't make up for everything; but it's something I want to do."
Seeing the look of pleading in her eyes; to hear it in her voice Danny knew he couldn't deny her. Despite his disdain about shopping during the holidays he was enjoying hisself. To see Arianna alive and free like a little kid again made his heart swell and smile permantley plater itself on his face. If doing this would keep her that way he was all for it
"All right; but your bank accounts gonna be feelin' it tomorrow." He warned.
"I think my feet'll be feeling it more." Arianna confessed.
Following her as they side stepped an elderly woman he thought he might ask about how he could get hooked up with some military contracts. About a week after she'd shown up they'd all gone out for Flacks birthday. Because he'd been turning thirty Stella had decided they should go someplace other then Sullivans; and picked one of the more expensive resturants in town. When the check had come Arianna had scooped it up before anyone else could and handed her credit card to the waiter. Needless to say everyone had been curious as to how someone on a Texas Rangers salary could afford to pay over two hundred dollars for them to go to dinner and not even flinch. From there she'd explained how her contracts with the military kept her bank account very well taken care of. Being polite as well as modest she hadn't told them exactly how well taken care of it was; but that she had no problems paying. Of course the military wanted her because of her ability to use her body as a deadly weapon at a moments notice. Something he'd never be able to do.
Stopping at a display that held Yankess paraphinalia he thought Louie might like Danny glanced over to see Arianna looking at leather jackets. For the last couple of hours he'd noticed that every once in a while she would reach up and touch her throat; like there was something that should've been there but wasn't. By common sense and process of elimination he knew it was a necklace; but what kind he wasn't sure. If he could find out then he'd have the perfect present to get her; because so far he had nothing. Walking up behind her he put his hands on her shoulders; feeling her relax when she realized who it was.
"Are you missin' something?" He asked.
"What?" Arianna was confused.
"You keep reaching up towards your neck like somethin' should be there." Danny explained.
"Oh that. When I turned sixteen my biological mom gave me a necklace with a silver wolf on it. Told me that it would always protect me; just as my Cheerokee name would. After she passed away it became even more special to me. About a year ago it got ripped off when a perp got a little rough. I've been meaning to replace it but haven't had the time." Arianna explained.
"And what would that be?" Danny wondered. When she didn't answer he elaborated. "Your Cherokee name. What is it?"
"Littlewolf. Uncle Ray said it was because my spirit is so much like hers and her madien name was Thunderwolf." Arianna told him.
"What happened to her?" Danny gently probed.
"She was killed by a bomb that was meant for me. It was about three months after I joined the rangers. Her vechicle was in the shop and she had to run some errands but my dad was in Houston on a case so I let her borrow mine. I said goodbye; watched her get in; and turned to walk away. As soon as she started the car up in exploded; right there in front of Company B headquarters. No one ever blamed me for it; myself included. Alex really stepped up to the plate when she and my dad started going out; and then when they got married. Of course it probably helped that Vanessa, Gabby, and I didn't give her a hard time about becoming a part of our family. We were all old enough to know that things like that happened; plus we were well adjusted to the life of a Texas Ranger and the dangers involved. But in the end we all miss her from time to time." Arianna confessed.
"She'd be proud to see the kind of woman you turned into. To see how you're handling everything being thrown your way." Danny kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks. She would've liked to meet you." Arianna turned to smile at him.
"I would've liked that too. Now come on; we've got a lot of ground to cover before I take you out to dinner." Danny confessed.
"Really? Hopefully not someplace too fancy. I probably look like I got run over by a truck." Arianna joked.
"Don't worry; I got it under control." Danny assured. "And you'll always look beautiful to me." He pulled her close and captured her lips.
Giving in she realized where they were and reluctantly broke away from him. "If you keep doing that I'm gonna get us both arressted for indicent exposure because I'm liable to rip your clothes off."
All he could do was chuckle before a scream erupted through the store. Turning they both watched as a man came running through the crowad; a canvas bag in his arms. Everyone was trying to get out of the way as he mowed them down. Not too far behind him was the security guard; trying his best but failing to catch up with him. Behind him was a petite woman in a blue buisness suit.
"Someone stop him. He just robbed my store!" She yelled.
Words didn't need to be said between the two as they sprang into action. By this time he was headed towards the back of the massive first floor and employee exit. Pouring on as much speed as she could Arianna started to gain on him; her feet pounding against the hardwood floor; Danny not far behind her. Just as she was about to grab him the guy ran through the door that she was sure would lead into the alley and it came back so fast that she slammed right into it; causing Danny to plow into her.
"You okay?" He asked.
"Yeah; I'm fine. Let's go." Arianna answered.
Pushing open the door she felt the cold air hit her face as she turned the corner; following the footsteps in the snow. About five feet in front of them was the man they'd been chasing; bag still in hand. Knowing there was no way she was going to catch him at this rate she reached underneath her fleece to the knife she had clipped to her belt. Unsheathing it she stopped and threw it up in the air; grabbing the tip of it before letting it fly. Yelping in pain he fell to the ground as the knife connected with his calf.
Coming to a stop Danny took a minute to catch his breath as he picked up the bag the guy had been holding. Opening it up he found a bunch of folded up pieces of paper.
"What the hell?" He wondered.
Leaving their man to wriggle on the ground in pain for a mintue Arianna came over to see what had caused such a reaction from him. Once she saw what was in it she knew there was something wrong. Looking around she realized there was only one exit out and nothing to use for a weapon. Some cardboard boxes; big green dumpsters designated for each store; and doors leading into said stores. Reaching down she yanked the knife from the mans calf. Grabbing the back of his shirt she hauled him to his feet and turned him around to face her before slamming him against the nearest concrete wall.
"All right; what the hell is going on? Why were you running through the store with a bag full of paper?" Arianna questioned.
"Because someone has a little unfinished buisness with you and thought it'd be a good idea to not do it in public." A voice came from behind her.
Fear raced inside her but she kept it in check as she handed their injured freind over to Danny. "Do you happen to have a pair of handcuffs?"
"Yeah. Why?" Danny asked.
"Because I want you to cuff him then get the hell out of here as fast as you can." Arianna said through clenched teeth.
Not waiting for an answer she turned to the man who had spoken. Instantly she recognized the bulky Latino as Mandala's right hand man Adam Gonzalez. Everyone in Company B had thought he was dead. When they'd raided Mandalas compound Gonzalez was no where to be found. After questioning some of Mandala's men they had come to the conclusion that he'd fled before the rangers had shown up; worried that Mandala would have him killed. It had taken them a while but they'd gotten a lead on him only for it to turn cold; hence the reason they thought he was gone and buried.
"Long time no see Gonzalez. Your boss send you to do his dirty work?" Arianna smirked.
"He doesn't even know I'm alive and I prefer to keep it that way. Same goes for your death." Gonzalez reminded.
"Was there a memo out that I didn't get because last time I checked I was alive and kickin." Arianna pretended to look confused.
Doing the first part of what she asked as they spoke Danny stood up and placed his hands at his sides. His outer calm was a contrast to the fear that was gripping him. Being a CSI he'd faced all sorts of crazy and dangerous situations. Hopefully the other guy with the bigger one that Arianna was talking to didn't know any of that fancy martial arts stuff or he was completely screwed. Back when Louie had been a Tanglewood boy and Danny had gotten messed up with them a time or two it had always been old fashioned streets brawls; nothing like what he knew Arianna was capable of.
"You won't be for long." Gonzalez warned.
With that he and the skinny guy with him advanced; menace in their eyes. This wasn't going to be easy; or fun. Three years ago when they'd first been in this same situation he'd almost killed her. Not only was he about two times bigger then her but was just as good if not better; and he showed no mercy. Putting her right foot back, hands raised to her face in fists, and legs slightly bent she was ready to take whatever he dished out. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed movement and glanced over to see Danny still standing where he had been when she'd told him to leave. Shoulders squared and jaw set in determination she knew there was no way that he was going to leave. Besides she didn't have the time to argue with him anyway.
"Arianna look out!" Danny screamed.
She'd been so wrapped up in worrying about him that she hadn't seen the fist that was aimed right at her face. Extending her right arm she blocked the punch and followed through with one of her own that connected solidly with Gonzalez's jaw; bone cracking as it broke. Watching as he stumbled back; moaning as he held his chin in pain Arianna took the few seconds that had given them to turn to Danny.
"Watch the skinny guy that's with him. I don't know who he is but if he's been with Gonzalez for any length of time he knows how to fight. But he hasn't made a move yet because he's been waiting for his boss to say something so you might get lucky." She warned him.
Nodding his head he looked over to see the guy in question coming towards him. "I think you mighta spoke too soon."
Getting nothing in response because she was busy with Gonzalez yet again Danny focused on his opponet. He was the same height as him; a little less muscualr in the frame. There was a beady look about him and his eyes were bloodshot; he kept swiping at his nose like it was running. Great; the guy was hyped up on crack. That was going to make it a lot harder. Body coiled and ready to strike he waited for Skinny to make the first move. When a foot came flying at his face he blocked it and ducked; bringing his fist in an uppercut straight to the guys balls. It was a cheap shot but one that would buy him some time. Knowing he shouldn't kick a guy while he was down Danny also knew that if he didn't it would mean a world of hurt for him his fist connected with the guys face; blood and spit flying as Skinny's lip split open. Taking a minute to catch his breath he didn't realize that the guy with the cuffs on had gotten them in front of his body and was know coming up behind him. The minute the steel connected with his neck Danny put his hands up to try to stop them from cutting into his skin. Even injured the guy was stronger then him and as he squeezed tighter it got harder to breath. Skinny had recovered by then and proceded to use his ribs as a punching bag.
Struggling against the make shift noose around his neck and the pain in his ribs Danny used all his strength to lift up his legs and plant them firmly in Skinny's chest; sending him careening backwards into the dumpster. A thunk was heard as his head connected with the metal; knocking him unconcious as he slid to the floor. In the next move he grabbed ahold of the links between the cuffs and lunged forward; flipping the other guy over his shoulders to slammed against the same dumpster as his friend; effectively knocking him out as well. Standing straight; ribs protesting with every move he walked over to the two and rummaged around until he found some plastic ties to bind their hands and feet so that when they did wake up they couldn't move. Also he checked them for any weapons they might use to cut said ties.
Once that was done he looked over to see how Arianna was faring and felt his anger flair anew. Being only a few feet away he could see the split lip and cut on her temple that Gonzalez had caused. Right now the man in question was staggering slightly as he and Arianna faced off. It made him feel better to know that he looked worse off then she did. Bruises had already started for form on his jaw and right eye; his lip was split as well and he was trying damn hard to not hold his ribs. Though he desperately wanted to step in and help he knew it wasn't a good idea. From the look on her face and the converstation that had passed between the two Danny knew that they had been accquainted before this. When she had mentioned his boss he had a feeling that it was Mandala which meant that he could quite possibly know where Arianna was; and the danger was even closer to his family then they'd orginally thought. If they were to get any information to back up that theory he had to leave Gonzalez to her.
I'm so going to be feeling this in the morning, Arianna thought as she and Gonzalez circled each other in the small space. Blows had been exchanged between them but neither one was willing to go down. Not daring to take her eyes off the man who was trying to kill her she had prayed that Danny was okay. Every time she had heard flesh connect with flesh or a body his something she had inwordly winched. The chance that he could get his ass whopped was not something Danny deserved to deal with; especially when it had nothing to do with him. Right now she was ready to get this over with and find out the answer to what had been nagging at her since the moment he and his buddy had walked into the alley. Had Gonzalez been telling the truth when he said that Mandala had no idea he was even here? It was hard to believe seeing how Mandala always knew no matter what the circumstances where his men were at all times.
Tightening her torso muscles as his foot contact solidly with her body she knew it was going to cost her but in the end it would be worth it. Letting herself fall to the ground Arianna closed her eyes and opened her mind; letting the world fall away. It was better for him to think that she was down for the count then know she was still in the game. Sensing his foot as he brought it up to get her in the face she grabbed it and held on tight. Using all of her strength she lifted up on his leg; throwing him off balance and flipping him until he landed flat on his face. Rushing forward she planted a knee on his back while reaching for the handcuffs she had tucked in a holder attached to her boot. Feeling someone beside her she lashed out with an elbow; ready to connect with the persons nose.
Seconds before she would've bashed him right in the face Danny put his hands up to stop her. "Arianna it's me!"
Sighing she put down her elbow; cursing herself for being so jumpy. "I'm sorry. Are you okay?" She turned to him to look him over.
"Yeah. I'll be feelin' it tomorrow though." Danny assured. Dragging her to him none to gently he crushed his lips to hers; needing to feel her against him; alive and warm in his arms. Though he knew she could handle herself he'd been scared to death that he'd lost her. Something he couldn't live with. "What about you?" He breathed once they broke apart
Breathless as well she could feel tears forming behind her eyes for what seemed the millionth time that day." Nothing I can't handle. I'm so sorry that this happened to you. It's all my fault."
Having rolled hisself on his back and gotten to his feet somehow Gonzalez interupted them before he was able to say anything. "This is really touching and all but I'm outta here." And with that he bolted; his gait a bit hampered due to being cuffed.
"No you don't you son of a bitch." Arianna snarled.
Running after him she closed the distance until there was only a little more then a foot seperating them and slid just like a major leauge baseball player. Catching both his legs Danny watched as he toppled and hit the pavement like a sack of potatoes. Racing over he helped her to her feet once she extracted herself from underneath Gonzalez. That probably didn't help her already bruised body but Danny had a feeling that Arianna didn't care. She wanted answers and she wanted them yesterday.
Not bothering to brush herself off because she knew it wouldn't do any good Arianna hauled Gonzalez to his feet and slammed him up against the wall. Levering an arm underneath his chin she gave him a sickening sweet smile. "You can't leave yet Adam; the parties just staring. I was just getting ready to start a round of twenty questions."
"Is there an option B?" Gonzalez choked out.
"Sorry; not this time. Nor is there any back country to get lost in so you can lead everyone to think you're dead." Arianna reminded.
"Now don't go telling lies Ranger Walker. Just because you couldn't catch me doesn't mean you have to make up stories." Gonzalez smirked.
"That's a load of bullshit and you know it. If you hadn't been so scared that Mandala would've killed you you would've been right next to him in that jail cell." Arianna shoved him against the wall again."Now it's time to stop playing games and get down to buisness. How did you know I was here? Is Mandala involved in this or were you actually telling the truth for once in your pathetic little life?"
"I don't need him to find you. I have ways of my own. None of which I'm gonna tell you." Gonzalez snarled.
"Hold that thought for a second." Arianna dumped him on the ground before turning to Danny; motioning for him to follow her.
Stopping a few feet from Gonzalez; keeping a discreet eye on him she directed the rest of her attention to the man in front of her. The one person in all the world that she didn't want to see this side of her. The side that had gotten good at interigation over the years. It could get pretty ugly.
"I want you to call the police; let them know what's going on and give them my name. Then go out and wait for them. I don't want to involve you in what's about to happen." Arianna confessed.
"I'll agree to the first part of that but not the second. I refuse to let you deal with this alone." Danny stood his ground.
"Getting answers out of him isn't going to be easy." Arianna warned; knowing that she didn't have to elaborate any.
As much as he cared about her this woman could be stubbron as all hell sometimes. When she had said she didn't want him to see what she about to do he knew it wasn't going to be good. Working with the military she was bound to learn exactly how to get information out of someone by any means necessary. If that was what was needed now then so be it.
"Do what you need to do. As far as I'm concerned I didn't see a damn thing." Danny nocholantly stated.
Knowning they were waisting precious time Arianna gave him a quick hug in response before turning back to Gonzalez. Crouching down in front of him she plastered the fake smile back on her face. "Now where was I? Oh yeah; is Mandala involved in any of this?"
"I'm not telling you a thing." Gonzalez spat.
"I thought you'd say that." Arianna stated. Using her expert balance she lashed out with her left foot while still crouched. Hearing a pop as his knee cap dislocated she couldn't help but be a little satisfied. What she was about to do to him was nothing compared to what he and Mandala had done to her.
"You think that's gonna get me to talk? You're even more desperate then I thought." Gonzalez tried to hide the pain in his voice but failed.
"Oh ye of little faith." Arianna tisked. Lashing out she took the first two fingers of each hand and jabbed them at the base of his neck. By the look on his face she could tell that he knew what was about to happen. But she thought she'd give him a little play by play to help out. "You only have about two minutes before the the blood flow to your brain is completely interupted. At first it'll feel like a dull ache; some blood will run from your nose and possibly your ears; then it'll become unbearable right before you die. So I suggest that if you want me to stop it and let you live without any brain damage you tell me what I need to know."
This was a side of her that Danny had never seen and though he knew it should bother him it didn't. The whole reason she was in such great demand by the military was because she could be lethal when need be. Could take down a man with no weapons expect herself. Plus he had a feeling this would give her a little bit of closer. A minute and a half passed and as Arianna had promised blood started to run out of his nose before he gave in.
"All right...I'll talk." Gonzalez rasped.
"Good boy." Arianna praised; reversing what she'd done. "Now tell me what I need to know."
"I wasn't lying. Mandala has no idea where you are or that I found you. I was able to get someone inside Company B headquarters to find out where you'd been sent on assignment to." Gonzalez explained.
"Give me a name; now." Arianna demanded.
"Maria Rodriguez." Gonzalez offered.
"Now was that so hard?" Arianna wondered.
Getting a snarl in response she turned to Danny; tried and ready to just go back to his parents house and collapse. But there were things that needed to be taken care of. She needed to find a way to call the Captain and let him know what was going on. Normally she wouldn't believe the word of someone like Gonzalez but there was something in his eyes that made her trust him. Like he was afraid of her or what would happen if he lied.
"Anything?" Danny questioned.
"How he found me. And that Mandala has no clue." Arianna stated.
"Do you believe him?" Danny asked.
"It sounds crazy but yeah; I do. If he was trying to protect Mandala he would've resisted more. Plus there's something in his eyes that makes me believe him." Arianna sighed.
"So what's our next step?" Danny wanted to know.
"I have to find some way of calling the Captain to let him know about Gonzalez's contact inside Company B. Then get everything wrapped up here and go back to your parents house. I'm not sure I can handle anything else right now." Arianna confessed.
"I called the cops while you were dealing with Gonzalez; told them we were in the alley behind Saks so it shouldn't be too long. Don't know about you but I'm gonna need a nice hot shower to help out these bruises." Danny grimaced.
"You and me both. Did you check our others freinds; make sure they were still alive?" Arianna remembered.
"Yeah; they'll live. Unfourtanetly." Danny smirked.
Shivering despite herself Arianna knew that if she didn't get out of her wet clothes soon she was going to be fighting a cold as well as Mandala. Right now she had a feeling that if she did get sick it would just about kill her. Despite the good nights sleep she'd gotten the night before it wasn't enough to make up for weeks of nightmares; of lying awake wondering if she was getting to old for her job at the age of thirty. Thankfully she'd been able to get her daily workout in at the gym her hotel had; which helped to keep her centered and healthy. And the fight with Gonzalez though challenging was mild compared to what she'd gone through in Mexico. But she still felt like she could stand in a hot shower or sit in a hot bath for a week. Of course that was probably due to the fact that the bruises from her experince over a month ago hadn't completely healed and still hurt like a bitch.
"None of this was your fault." Danny's voice came to her.
"Huh?" Arianna replied.
"I never got a chance to tell you earlier that none of this is your fault. You were expecting Mandala to come after you; not this guy. So don't worry about me or what happened." Danny reprimanded gently.
"Telling myself not to and actually doing it are two different things." Arianna grumbled.
"I know but I have faith in ya." Danny grinned before giving her a quick kiss. Hearing a vechicle behind them he turned to see a police cruiser; ambulance; and one of the CSI vechicels pull up. He didn't remember calling any of them but maybe they'd been listening to the police scanner and decided to come over.
His suscpisons were confirmed when Flack and Mac stepped out of the SUV; their stride determined as they made their way over. One thing Danny knew he could always count on was his boss and his best freind coming to the rescue when he needed it most. Seeing the smirk on Mac's face as he looked over at the three men lying on the ground Danny smiled for the first time since everything had happened.
"Who'd you piss of now Danny?" He wondered.
"He wasn't the one who pissed someone off. I did." Arianna spoke up.
"So when you said you couldn't go home for the holidays you were serious." Flack remembered what she'd said at Sullivans last night.
"Yeah. I should probably elaborate on that seems how there's a chance you could be involved." Arianna decided.
"I'll take care of that. You go talk to the cops. The sooner we get that over with the sooner we can get you into some warm clothes. Call when they need me." Danny interupted.
Opening her mouth to protest she closed it when she saw the faces of the three men standing before her. And they say Texan's are stubbron. They had yet to meet Mac Taylor and his team.
"Fine. It's three against one and I don't have the energy to fight with you." Arianna huffed before turning to walk away.
"Even if there is three of us she'd probably still whoop our asses." Mac commented.
Chucking Danny sobered as he proceeded to tell them the events that lead up to them standing in an alley behind a high end New York store in the middle of the winter; both he and Arianna bruised and bloody.
"If I never talk to another brainless cop again it'll be too soon." Arianna mumbled under her breath.
Over an hour later she had given her statement to the police; found a way to call the Captain and let him know what was going on; get Danny to give his statement; and tell two cops who should've known better how to do their jobs. It was guys like that who gave cops like Danny and his freinds a bad name. Now she was ready to go take a hot shower; get some dry clothes and spend some time with Danny and his family. Mac said that he would make sure the whole team knew what was going on and that if she needed anything at all to call. That and the fact that she'd been able to talk to her dad for a few minutes made her feel better. She assured him that she was okay, told him what had happened with Gonzalez, and how the situation was here in the big apple.
When he had asked to speak to Danny she had almost rolled on the ground with laughter at the comical look on the young mans face. Working together they'd had many converstation's about their lives' about the kind of people their parents were. Cordell Walker was a good and decent man with a huge heart but when it came to his daughters he was very protective. Luckly the phone call had gone smoothly; with no threats of bodily harm.
"All set?" Flack wondered.
"Yup. Their gonna take them down to the precinct and book them overnight so the Captain can catch the red eye to take the case from here. Said that the farther I'am from this incident the better chance I have that Mandala won't find me." Arianna explained.
"In that case we'll let you guys head out so you can get some dry clothes. But if you need anything..." Mac reminded.
"Give you a call. Yes I know; now get." Arianna gave them both a playful shove towards their vechicle.
Finally encased in the SUV after having to trek back through the store Danny took a moment to breath; something he hadn't dared do until now. This was the most excitement he'd had in a long time; and that was saying a lot considering what he did for a living. Right now though he was more worried about the woman sitting across from him; head resting against the cool glass. Just when she thought there might be a chance that she'd get a leg up on the man who was after her it all falls apart when she finds out that Gonzalez doesn't know a damn thing.
"Gonna be okay?" Danny asked.
"Surprisingly; yes." Arianna admitted. "Let's go. I promised your mom I'd help her bake some cookies when we got back."
"Can you even bake?" Danny questioned as he merge into traffic.
Swatting him across the arm she frowned. "Quite well actually. Don't make me beat you up because you questioned my skills in the kitchen."
"Do you even have the energy to beat me up?" Danny countered.
"No; but I do have enough to threaten it." Arianna grinned.
"Bring it on sweetheart; bring it on." Danny challenged.