A/N: A huge thanks to everyone who has commented on this story. I greatly appreciate all your feedback :) I apologize if the chapters are a little short; I'm still trying to figure out this story, though I've got a good picture as to where I want it to go. Unfortunately there is a thing called RL and it tends to get in the way a bit. I'll try my best to update this story regularly.
With a strangled cry, Danny awoke from his terrifying nightmare. He sat bolt upright in bed, beads of perspiration lining his temple. He peered at the sleeping form of Lindsay, who seemed to be unaffected by his movement. After gaining control of his rapid breathing, he slowly climbed out from his side and headed for the kitchen, where he poured himself a glass of water.
Questions raced through his brain as he tried to make sense of it all. Why is Sonny appearing in my dreams? Does he have something to do with the murder?
A frustrated groan escaped his throat as he clenched his fists angrily. Sonny was the one who had beaten Louie into a coma. He had been found guilty and sentenced to jail time, though how long Danny didn't know.
Could he be out?
---
Sonny Sassone perched near a window overlooking the city harbour, glancing up at the countless stars that lined the night sky. He had set up headquarters at an old and forgotten building, a perfect place for his base of operation. In the days following his release he had managed to forage some former members, convincing them that he would restore the once glorious days of New York gangs. The greedy men believed him, but Sonny was just like any other leader: manipulative, cunning, and making false promises of great wealth and fortune.
He turned his attention to a young woman, tied at the hands and feet to a wooden chair. Licking the blade of his favourite knife, he spoke in a soothing tone.
"Don't worry my dear. You're all part of the plan."
---
It was not the wake-up call they were expecting. Danny and Lindsay hurried to get ready after Mac called with yet another murder, this time in the Hudson River. There was no mistaking the nervousness in his voice when he related the finding. Danny was still a little shaken from his rough night, so Lindsay offered to drive.
"It was horrible," he recounted as they headed to the scene. "Do you think it has somethin' to do with this case?"
"I don't know, but everything is starting to become clearer. Mac was right; there's something wrong."
---
Four CSI members lifted the seaweed-entangled body from the river and placed it gently down upon the grass. Stella and Mac were already there, a grim look on both their faces. Upon seeing the victim, Lindsay felt an instant sickness. The bruises were almost identical to those of the first one, Rebecca Flint, and they were both female.
Ever the officer, Mac promptly issued orders. "Listen to me, all of you. We've got a serious issue here, possibly a serial killer. We need to work hard and fast. We can't let them get a head start."
As the team scanned the area for any signs of evidence, Lindsay was left examining the body. She picked blood from underneath the fingernails and was about to photograph the bruises when a large mark caught her attention. Her breath hitched in her throat.
"Mac, you better see this."
The head CSI bent down and Lindsay turned the body over. Mac's eyes became hard.
"The same marking, only this time it's the letter W."