Coney Island was in Danny's sight. He grew anxious as he pulled off the street to the nearest parking lot. Danny wasted no time turning off his bike and jogging down to the beach. A swift breeze woke up his dulling senses. The beach held several residences, more than Danny would expect for this time of year and day. Danny walked quickly down the beach, staring out at the water. He prayed he wasn't too late. God that would kill him. Kill the team, kill her family. If they lost Lindsay, nothing would matter anymore, to anyone.

He was losing the sun fast, and he didn't have a flashlight with him. Once the sun dropped, the search would be slowed to a painful crawl.

"C'mon Lindsay. Please be here." Danny whispered.

Then he saw her, or what looked like her. Standing in the water, nearly seventy feet from where Danny stood. The water was already up to her chest…and she was walking in. Danny took off running down the beach toward her. Adrenaline kicked into his system, pushing him down the beach. But then he stopped suddenly. Lindsay had been through hell today, running up might provoke her further. Danny had to this slowly, and calmly. Thankfully, he was close enough to Lindsay that he didn't need to run.

Danny walked quickly to the waters edge. His inhaled deeply and called out. "Lindsay Monroe!"

He saw the figure stop. His heart leapt inside his chest. It was her. And she was walking into the water. Danny bit his lip and took a few steps into the water. The icy shock greeted his body, but Danny forced it from his mind.

"Lindsay." Danny called. He waited fro her to reply, or turn, but she never did. "Lindsay, I just wanna talk to ya."

Lindsay said nothing, nor did she move further. Danny walked further into the water, to his knees. "Lindsay, I know…that it ain't easy bein' on the other side of the tape. It ain't easy bein' the victim. I know that, everyone knows that. But I also know that there're other ways to deal with the pain from it."

Lindsay lowered her head.

"Come back Lindsay. Please. Think about you family back in Montana. I know you can't leave them hangin' like this. They'd be devastated." Danny said. He watched Lindsay carefully. Her back was hunched toward the water. With the fast dissipating light, Danny could make out her trembling figure. Whether from the cold or from crying, Danny didn't know.

"You know what this would do to everyone at work? I don't think anyone could handle it. Ever since you joined the tea, that place has always been brighter. If you leave…it'll kill everyone. Mac, Stella, Hawkes, Flack, Sid, Adam, Angell. Nothin'll be the same without you." Danny explained. "Come back, Lindsay. Come back to us. Please."

"I…I don't think…I can." Lindsay replied.

"Yes you can. I know you can, Lindsay. Just take that step. Just one step back, Lindsay." Danny said.

Lindsay's back shook. "I can't."

"Yes you can, Lindsay. Just look at me." Danny said.

Lindsay slowly turned her head. With the sun setting behind him, Danny could see Lindsay's face clearly. Tears had constantly been falling from her face.

"You can do this, Lindsay. Just walk to me. You walk to me, and I'll walk to you. You can do that." Danny said.

Lindsay nodded. She turned completely, facing Danny. Danny watched Lindsay take her first step back before he moved toward her. He fought the strong urge to run to her and bring her to the beach. They would take this step by step. The water rose up his legs as he grew closer to Lindsay.

"You're doin' good Lindsay. Just keep coming." Danny said. He never took his eyes off Lindsay. She was staring at the water as she moved toward him. The water level had lowered to her mid stomach. Danny slowed his pace.

Then Lindsay stopped, unable to go any further. Danny stopped against his will. Lindsay stood at least six feet from Danny. The waves rocked her unsteadily. She stared down at the water in front of her. Lindsay seemed uncertain if she could-or should- take another step closer to Danny.

Danny held out his hand in front of him, "Come on, Lindsay. Take my hand."

Lindsay swallowed without glancing up. She bit her lip, inching back toward the open ocean.

"You're almost here Lindsay. Just a little closer." Danny replied. "I know you can do this."

Lindsay closed her eyes tightly. The waves seemed like they were pulling her from Danny. Calling her out to the sea. She wanted to answer that call, but she couldn't. Not with Danny in front of her. He would follow her, he would bring her back. Why? She didn't know. But she did know, was that she couldn't do without Danny. Forward or back, she needed Danny. The waves danced around her, tempting her. Lindsay ran to Danny, nearly tripping. She grabbed his hand, letting him catch her.

Danny slowly led Lindsay form the water. Her hands were cold against his skin, but he was glad to hold them nonetheless. As they freed themselves from the icy waters, Danny removed his jacket, wrapping Lindsay in it. Most of her hair was wet, and clung to her trembling figure. He gently touched the side of her head, lifting her face to him. Lindsay's eyes focused on him. More tears formed in her eyes and she buried her face into his shoulder.

Danny closed his eyes. He brought his arms up around Lindsay's shoulders. Then every emotion Danny had been holding back since Mac had called him, everything he'd felt throughout the day…washed over him. His hold around Lindsay tightened protectively as tears fell from his eyes. He'd come close to losing her twice today. Too close. All he wanted to do now was hold her…and never let her go.

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you didn't think i'd really do that to lindsay, did you?

i own nothing