Chapter 8

Jack had waited for two hours before he was allowed back into Danny's room. Danny seemed calmer and more relaxed. He sat down in the familiar chair he sat in the night before and watched Danny suffer a nightmare filled sleep, once again. Jack really had to talk to Danny about some serious things, but it wasn't going to happen until Danny woke up. Jack noticed that beads of sweat were covering his forehead, so he took a napkin and wiped Danny's forehead and sighed. Suddenly Danny's eyes popped open and he gasped like he'd been holding his breath. His fear-ridden eyes darted around the room until they settled on Jack.

"Jack," he began a bit more calmer than the last time, "I'm sorry for going ahead and talking to Ryan; I should have waited for back-up. I could of killed you guys and many others. I completely understand if you want to kick me off the team." he laid his head back down and turned his head away from Jack.

Jack sighed and began to talk to Danny. "Danny, look at me. Look at me."

Danny turned his head and looked up at Jack.

"I'm not kicking you off the team. Stop blaming yourself. Get that through your thick head! Nothing is your fault. You may have made a bad call, but I can't say I wouldn't of done the same thing. And...I apologize for being so rough with you that day. I was just angry and scared. You could of gotten yourself killed. I almost lost Martin, I couldn't afford to lose you, too."

Danny was speechless for about a minute before he replied. He nodded and said, "Okay. Thanks, Jack."

Jack smiled and said, " You're welcome. Just think of being here as your punishment and your sick-leave a vacation."

Danny smiled and chuckled, "Well, I don't see this as much of a punishment when there are hot nurses all wanting to take care of me."

Jack gently punched Danny's shoulder and they laughed. After they talked for a while, Danny's eyes were getting heavy, so he leaned back onto his pillows.

"Thanks, again, Jack," he whispered.

"Anytime; and if you ever want to talk to someone, the team and I are always here for you."

Danny smiled sleepily and drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Jack smiled as he looked at his Casanova agent. The one and only; he patted Danny's hand a breathed a sigh of relief. He talked to Danny, set him straight and had a good laugh. It felt like a 200 lb. Weight was lifted off his chest. Things were finally starting to look up.