Wondrous aromas filled Lindsay's nostrils as she entered the apartment. Licking her lips, she took off her coat and shoes. Danny's head poked out from around the corner and raised a curious eyebrow.

"Well, looks who's here. You're home early."

"Stella let me go."

He studied her carefully. "She told you."

Instead of answering, she placed both hands on his cheeks and kissed him. The baking food was momentarily forgotten as they moaned lightly, entranced by the other's taste.

"Listen, why don't we eat and then, if you want, we can talk about it."

Lindsay smiled. "Food before important talk. You never cease to amaze me, Messer."

---

The everyday noises of the city dwindled as darkness swept over, engulfing Manhattan in a velvety blanket of stars. Lindsay sighed happily as she felt Danny's arms tighten around her waist, pulling her in towards him. Despite the beautiful evening, both felt slightly uneasy about the current case. Mac's words haunted Danny, and he related them to her.

"I'm sure it's nothing."

Danny snorted teasingly. "You're not very good at lying, Montana."

She slapped him lightly on the thigh, and her tone dropped into a serious whisper. "You think it could be a serial killer?"

"I don't know. If another body shows up and has similar markings…" his voice trailed off nervously. Lindsay knew he was started to become affected as well.

"Look, there's nothing we can do about it now. Let's get some sleep and work on it tomorrow." She reared up and claimed his lips for a few moments before settling back down.

He released a moan as she broke the kiss. "You may need some work at lying, Montana, but you sure know how to make a guy feel good."

---

Laughter echoed all around him, but he could not locate the source. His legs refused to cooperate; they turned to jelly as he struggled to move.

"Hey, 'ero!"

His head whirled around at the yell, and his eyes widened at the sight they fell upon. Louie was on his knees, a knife at his throat. A man stood behind him, gripping Louie's hair tightly as he strained his neck back. His face was cast in darkness, but Danny's stomach churned as he sensed something terribly familiar with their statue and voice.

"Louie!" His voice sounded distant, even to himself.

The stranger laughed maliciously. "Ah, the ever mighty Danny Messer. Gettin' into more trouble, eh?"

It can't be. Danny cursed as he thrashed around, but he remained fixated to the spot. Louie's eyes pleaded with him. The mysterious figure pressed the blade ever so lightly against the delicate skin, causing a drop of blood to appear.

"Too bad you can't save your own brother!"

Danny let loose a blood-curdling scream as the knife was pulled across Louie's throat. Rage brewed in his veins, but there was nothing he could do. The man stepped forward, face still concealed, and punched Danny in the face. Lifting his chin, he smiled evilly as the darkness faded away.

The colour in Danny's face drained as his eyes fell upon the ghastly figure.

Sonny.