A/N: Why Lindsay, you ask? Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Since I came up with this idea Lindsay was the one I wanted to kill off. Not that I dislike her (I have loved her ever since she arrived on the show), but I wanted it to be her. I'm sure all of you at one point have read a book or seen a movie where a key character is killed. There will be an epilogue, which I will post tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed the story, as always it is greatly appreciated. You are the ones who keep us writers going.
Fully aware of what had taken place, officers began to clear the building. Bodies of the gang members, including that of Sonny Sassone, were brought outside and prepared for transport.
"We'll have to process them just like any other victim." Mac said with a hint of disdain.
Danny's unconscious body was lifted into the back of an awaiting ambulance. The bullet wound, coupled with exhaustion and the weight of Lindsay's death, had caused him to black out. Stella stood alongside Mac as the vehicle drove off into the distance.
"She had her whole life ahead of her."
Mac wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder, and they stood in silence as Lindsay's limp form was carried out from the warehouse. Everyone, even those who had barely known her, bowed their heads for a few distressing moments.
"I know, but she's locked in Danny's heart now, and there she'll stay."
---
Several days passed before Danny was well enough to be released from the hospital. He had come through it in silence, never speaking a word. Though getting stronger in body, his eyes were cast in grey shadows and had a faraway look to them.
The entire lab was in a mournful state. Though most had only seen Lindsay here and there, they knew her as a bright personality and gracious heart. Mac helped his team cope with the loss. As much as he wanted to assist Danny he gave him space, knowing there was nothing he could do for him. In time the young man would heal, but the scar would never vanish.
---
"It is always sad when a young life is so cruelly taken away, especially when their path has just begun to unwind. In this time of sorrow I ask that you not mourn for Lindsay Monroe, but instead celebrate her life, for that is what she would have wanted."
The priest's words passed unheard through Danny's brain. Despite being surrounded by friends and colleagues, he felt alone and frightened. No amount of prayers could bring back Lindsay. He stared at the brown coffin which housed her body.
After the priest was finished, Danny had a few words to say. There was no denying the slight quiver in his voice.
"I must admit that I didn't think much of Lindsay when I first saw her. She was taking the place of my former partner, Aiden Burn, and I saw this as almost a threat. However, I soon realized that this country girl was more than I had bargained for. She was a feisty character, never one to back down from anything. Before long I found myself falling in love with her…the simple girl from Montana."
"Lindsay taught me many things that I will always carry with me. She taught me to live life to the fullest each and every day. She showed me to forgive and to always hold onto hope, even when it seems the entire world is against you. But most of all, she taught me how to love. She was my life, my pillar of strength, and my future. Her beautiful smile is forever burned in my memory, and her warm laughter channels through my veins like a fierce river."
He placed a single rose on the coffin, letting his fingers trace over the wood. "Let us remember this brave and courageous young woman, for she has left us far too early. We shall carry her forward both in our minds and hearts."
Hands clasped and heads lowered in silent remembrance of a flame that should have still been burning.
---
Soon following the speech, the crowd began to diminish, leaving seven to huddle around the coffin. Mac offered calm and quiet words of encouragement.
"Lindsay would not want us to weep for her. Instead she would want us to continue on in our work and keep her memory alive. By doing this we will pass on her torch and make sure that no one forgets this special person."
---
After each had offered their condolences, they departed to allow Danny some time with Lindsay. He did not even attempt to hide the tears, letting them flow freely. His spirit felt so heavy that he once again fell onto his knees, head in hands as he rocked back and forth.
"You didn't let me say goodbye, Montana. There were so many things I wanted to tell you, that my heart has kept hidden for so long. Even the words that were already spoken, I wanted you to hear them again, so you knew just how much I truly loved you. I always will, Montana. No matter where I go and what road life takes me on, I will always love you. I'm so sorry…I killed you, Lindsay. My past killed you…"
A gentle breeze whispered over the earth as the sun hung in the late morning sky, watching over the lone figure in the cemetery as they kissed the casket for the last time.