DISCLAIMERS: I do not own any of these characters. They belong to Jerry Bruckheimer and the wonderful writers for CSI: NY. Any resemblance to scenes from the episodes is included for clarity and continuity and I do not claim any of those as my own work. However everything else is mine.

At the Hospital

Stella had barely pulled into a parking spot at the hospital before Danny was out of the SUV and on his way into the ER. Stella quickly put it in park, yanked the keys out of the ignition and ran after Danny. This was her watch and she would be damned if she was going to let Danny out of her sight. She caught up to him at the check in desk.

"Detective Danny Messer," he clipped out as he flashed his badge to the matronly nurse behind the desk. "I'm looking for Detective Lindsay Monroe, an assault victim, brought in a few minutes ago."

Stella noticed the catch in his voice when he said assault victim but he was doing a commendable job of keeping his emotions under control at this point.

"I'm sorry," the nurse said soothingly as she realized quickly that the woman in question meant more to this haggard and anxious young man than merely as an assault case, "but all I can tell you is that she is alert, the doctor is in with her and doesn't want to be disturbed." To let him know the gravity of the situation she said softly, "They may have to run a rape kit."

Stella caught the complete look of horror that passed over Danny's face when he heard the words, rape kit. She quickly took his arm and led him over to some chairs and sat him down. He put his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands in complete and utter disbelief.

"Danny," Stella said as she squatted in front of him, resting her hands on his knees to balance herself. "Danny, look at me," she said more firmly this time. He looked up her with tears in his eyes and anguish on his face. "She's a big girl, Danny. The worst is over. She beat that bastard at his own game and she doesn't want him to do it to anyone else. So she is gonna do everything in her power to see that he goes away cleanly for a long time and if that means a rape kit then that's what she'll do. She's keeping her wits about her, you have to keep your wits about you too. Okay?"

Danny nodded mutely as he sat back in the chair and ran his hands up and down his pants a few times. He crossed his arms over his chest, tipped his head back and blew heavily through his lips, his knee bouncing up and down compulsively.

The wait was excruciating. When Danny could no longer sit, he began pacing up and down in front of the row of chairs where Stella was seated. Stella caught sight of Mac and Flack coming through the ER doors and waved them over.

"How is she?" Mac asked Stella. He could tell that Danny was in no mood to talk.

"She's alert and they are checking her over. We haven't heard if they're going to have to do a rape kit yet or not."

"Are you guys here for Lindsay Monroe," said a fatherly-looking doctor who had come up behind the worried group.

Danny turned to the doctor quickly offering his hand, "Detective Danny Messer, how is she doc?"

The doctor shook his hand and said, "Well I have to say she is one tough little cookie and I think she is going to be fine. I want to keep her overnight just for observation, but she wasn't having any part of it until I cut a deal with her."

Everyone gave a little smile at this especially Danny. She really was going to be okay.

The doctor continued. "She is chomping at the bit to give her statement to a uh, uh Detective Flack."

"That's me," as Flack stepped forward.

"Okay good, you're here. Do what you have to do but afterwards I want her upstairs in a bed for the night. Victims say they're alright but there is always the aftermath when the shock wears off."

Then the doctor turned to the young detective who had his heart in his eyes and said a little more lightly, "Then she wants to see you Detective Messer." Danny's face flooded with relief and joy that he was going to see Lindsay. He didn't know if she was going to be mad or glad to see him but he didn't care.

The doctor nodded at Flack, "I'll take you back now."

Flack paused beside Danny and said, "I'll take care of her, you can trust me."

Danny nodded, "Just let her take her time."

Flack nodded in agreement and followed the doctor through swinging doors back to where the exam rooms were located.