Time was now the enemy. Mac's worst fears were confirmed: this was indeed a serial killer's doing. He nearly wrenched when Sid handed him the results of the DNA found on Rebecca Flint.

"Sonny Sassone."

Danny shook his head. "That bastard's free now. I should have known it was him. Those letters we found on both victims, Mac – it's Tanglewood." He threw himself onto the couch and muttered an incoherent word under his breath.

Mac glared at him. "You are off this case. I will not have you involved with him again."

The younger man returned the stare. "Not to be rude, but I think I'm in this one way or the other."

---

The cool morning gave way to a warm afternoon, and a slight breeze whistled over the crowded city. Sonny was in a cheery mood; not only had he killed two woman, he had also dug into the skin of the CSI unit. Despite his crazed brain, he was still a smart man. He knew they would track him down, but he felt no concern.

They'll wish they had never messed with me once I'm through with them, he thought to himself, internal voice bouncing from one topic to another. Danny Messer, I remember that one. His traitor of a brother is probably dead now, and for good reason. Ha! Mac and his crew think they can outsmart me, Sonny Sassone, eh? Well, we'll see about that.

---

Mac stifled a yawn as he relentlessly continued work. It was growing close to 11:00, but like a true officer he stayed on task, knowing the clock was against them.

He still remembered Sonny's cocky strut and crude remarks. The gang leader was well-known around the NYPD. Not that Mac was scared of him; he was a Marine, and not much fazed him. But that small air of unease always seemed to come about whenever Sonny or Tanglewood was mentioned, Mac knowing Danny's personal history with them.

Sonny Sassone raped and killed Rebecca Flint. He also murdered Katie Martin, the second victim. What is the connection?

His thoughts were interrupted when Stella knocked on his door. "Shouldn't you be home?"

"It's Sonny."

"Yeah, Danny told me."

"Funny you should mention him. I want him away from this case, but he said he was in it one way or the other."

Stella cocked her head to one side. "That's strange. Why do you think he would say that?"

"Sonny and Danny will always be connected through Louie," He paused for a moment. "I think he's trying to get to us, rattle our brains for putting him away. What I don't get is, we've had hundreds of rape cases before and while I'm always affected a little bit by every one, this one seems different."

Stella placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure it out Mac. Like you always say, everything is connected."

---

Rivers of yellow and orange swam through the evening sky, creating a magnificent scene that dwelled over the city skyline. Danny and Lindsay walked along the river, hand in hand, neither realizing that Sonny was situated on the other side.

"I don't want you getting hurt." Lindsay's voice was sincere and full of concern.

Danny squeezed her hand gently. "Don't worry about me, Montana. I'll be fine."

"How do you know for sure? How do you know Sonny isn't trying to get to you?"

He was unable to formulate an answer. Sighing, Lindsay stopped walking and pulled him close to her, their noses almost touching.

"Sonny is an evil person. If you get mixed up with him..."

He stroked her hair, flashing his trademark smile in an effort to calm her. "Whatever happens, I want you to know that I love you, Lindsay Monroe."

They shared a kiss underneath the glorious sunset. Lindsay gripped him in a tight hug, burying her face into his neck. He barely made out the muffled reply.

"I believe I've always loved you, Danny Messer. Even before I met you."