Author's Notes: Here is another update. Not sure when the last chapter will be up, what with me heading off to Italy for Tom and what's her name's wedding. Not sure whether to get them the toaster or the blender.
Hope you like this chapter. Review please.
CSI:NY CSI:NY CSI:NY CSI:NY
The day had dawned dark and cloudy, a perfect continuation from the day before. New York City with its skyscrapers is a land of sun light streets and dark canyons. The dim light filtering down to the street level gave everything a dreary look. Ash looked out the window from the hotel room she was currently residing in. She had been at the station last night until after 9 pm, when Mac had decided to stop with questioning for the night. He had requested that a uniformed officer escort her to a hotel and remain on guard until she returned in the morning. It wasn't the Ritz, but it wasn't Motel 6 either. Looking around the room, Ash reflected on the fact it was much more comfortable than she would have been in either a jail cell or even her "apartment". After checking in last night she had soaked in the tub until she turned into a prune and had fallen asleep watching cable television. Now she was thinking about what the next step would entail.
Ricci had not broken last night. Even with the evidence linking him to the murder, he wouldn't accept the offer the DA had on the table. He wouldn't admit Frankie Scalero had a connection to any of his activities. To make matters worse, detectives had yet to uncover any trace or evidence of the men that she had heard being gunned down. It was like they had never existed. It was obvious that Frankie knew how to bury deeply those who opposed him.
Mac had laid out the options last night for her. Best case scenario was they found a body and Frankie went away for ever. Worse case, if they couldn't find a body or other forensic evidence, it would be her word against his. This worried Ash the most. She had surfaced from being in hiding, talked to the police and now Frankie could find her. It wouldn't be Frankie that would pull the trigger, but there was always someone on the payroll that would follow his orders.
Sighing she turned from the window and went over and started searching through the bag of clothing that the female detective brought over. That detective had a great eye for size, the jeans and shirt fit like a glove. Dressing quickly she went into the bathroom and ran a brush through her hair. She needed a cut, but it would have to wait. A knock on the door broke into her contemplation.
"Miss, are you ready to go?" The voice was that of the officer that had been setting outside the door all night.
Moving towards the door she called out, "I'll be right there." She loaded her pockets with her belongings and headed out the door.
CSI:NY CSI:NY CSI:NY CSI:NY
The officer dropped Ash off at Mac's office, and she was shown to his office. After a few minutes the stoic ex-Marine entered carrying several files. "I hope you slept ok last night."
"Very well thank you. How's Don doing this morning?" Ash had been given an update last night when Flack had come out of surgery, but she had heard nothing since then.
"Stella stopped by earlier this morning and said he was awake, but still a little disorientated. The doctor feels that once more of the swelling goes down he will regain the rest of his memory." Mac sat the files down on his desk. "I'm bringing Ricci back up from central holding and trying again, but if we can't find something more we won't be able to bring Frankie in. I want to ask if you remember anything else that could help?"
She thought for several minutes, running the whole situation over in her mind again. "I think I've told you everything."
"That's fine Ashley, I want to keep you under wraps for a few more days. I'm sure that Ricci's lawyer has told Frankie that you've been helping us and if he's going to make a move on you I think it would be when he thinks that he's got the most to lose." Mac looked at his watch and then back to Ash, "I'm going to get an officer up to accompany you back to a hotel. Let me show you to our break room and I'll have you wait there for someone to get you."
Ash followed Mac to the lounge and settled down with a magazine. A few minutes later she moved to the door and opened it and looked out into the room. Seeing that no one was paying much attention to her, she slipped out and headed straight for the exit.
CSI:NY CSI:NY CSI:NY CSI:NY
On the street she quickly got her bearings and headed for the closest subway station. Twenty-five minutes later she exited the train and headed up the stairs. She was only five minutes from her destination. Going in she approached the information desk and gave her most winning smile to the woman at the computer, "I need the room number for Donald Flack Jr."
The elevator dinged as it reached the floor. Stepping out she suddenly felt unsure. The decision to come here was one that she had made last night while setting in the tub. She had to see him and confirm with her own eyes that he was doing fine. He had been moved out of intensive care that morning and now with it being close to lunchtime the floor was not as busy as she thought it would be.
Taking a deep breath she pushed the room door open and entered in. He was propped up in the bed, eyes closed. Moving to him quietly she looked at the tubes and lines connected to him. His hair was tousled and she reached out to smooth it. His eyes opened quickly, startling her. "I'm sorry. I though you were asleep."
His voice was gravely, the result of the breathing tube that had been inserted during his surgery. "No, just resting my eyes." He looked at Ash intently, "I didn't think you going to come by."
Ash laughed lightly, "Sorry, but your boss Mac had other ideas for me last night."
Flack raised one eyebrow, indicating that the reason might have been less than above board.
She smacked his arm lightly, "Keep your mind out of the gutter. He was asking me questions about something I heard concerning someone they want to get their hands on. But hey, lets talk about you. How are you feeling?"
"Good thanks to you."
"Thanks to me you got yourself shot." Ash turned slightly, only to feel a hand reach out and grab her arm.
"No, I just wasn't on the top of my game. Normally I take on guys like him for breakfast and never break a sweat." His smile was genuine.
"I'll remember that." Ash looked up as she heard the door opening again. A woman entered holding onto a coffee.
"I'm sorry Donny, I didn't know you had company."
"It's alright Mom. This is Ash, she helped me when I was on the street." Flack watched as his mother sat her coffee down and move towards the girl.
"It's a pleasure." Mrs. Flack held out her arms and gathered Ash into a warm hug. "Thank you for helping bring him back."
"I didn't do much to help out." Ash felt a little embarrassed.
"Nonsense, without you he wouldn't be her." Letting the girl go, Mrs. Flack turned to Don. "Would you like me to give you sometime alone together?"
Ash spoke up quickly, "No, that's ok. I've got to get going. It was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Flack. Don, wow, that is still hard for me to say, you did seem like a Danny."
Flack smiled at that. "Don't let my friend Danny hear you say that, it will crush his ego."
Taking his hand and giving it a squeeze Ash looked at him and gave him a smile. "I've got to run. I'm glad you're doing well."
"When will you be back to see me?" Flack held onto her hand.
"I don't know. I've got some stuff that I need to deal with, so I really can't say." Ash avoided his eyes.
The confusion in his voice mirrored the look in his eyes, "What stuff?"
"Don't worry about it." She leaned forward and gave him a quick peck on the forehead. "Goodbye."
"Wait a minute Ash."
"Sorry got to run." Ash nodded to Mrs. Flack and hurried from the room.
Mrs. Flack moved to the bed, "She seems nice."
"She is Mom."