For the first time in months, Danny was completely calm. His heart didn't ache in his chest and his tired eyes were not clouded with tears, he saw light at the end of the tunnel, and for once he wasn't afraid. He knew that running away from his troubles was not going to solve them, but he didn't care.

He wasn't leaving forever. He just needed a break, a vacation, even if he didn't leave New York, he needed time.

Picking up an empty bag from his closet, he began filling it with clothing, not knowing where he was going he packed for everything he could need. Once the bag was full, he zipped it up and walked to his night table, picking up his cell phone he messaged the only person he felt deserved to know his where abouts, even if it wasn't the truth.

'Mac, I'm taking some time. I don't know when I'll be back. I'm sorry. -D' Sent.

Taking a moment, he looked at his phone. Breathing deep he thought about Lindsay, he wondered if she would worry in his absence, if she would care if he left, if she still cared at all. Turning around, he lifted his bag and went for the door, opening it up he looked around his apartment and closed the door behind himself locking it in the process.

Lindsay walked into the crime lab in a daze, confused about Danny's final words, she felt helpless.

"Lindsay?" She heard but did not stop walking until she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Oh Mac, sorry." She explained, the look on Mac's face told her something was wrong.

"Can I see you in my office." He asked in a tone that told her she didn't have a choice.

"Yeah, sure. Is everything alright?" She asked, knowing it wasn't. Entering his office he closed the door behind them as she took a spot across from his desk.

"Have you seen Danny this morning?" He asked as he sat on the edge of his desk crossing his arms infront of himself.

"Yeah, I just came from there."

"Did he seem off to you?" Mac had a tone that Lindsay had not heard before, it was fear.

"A little... he, well, he said 'good bye'." She looked at her hands.

"I'm worried about him Lindsay, I got this message about twenty minutes ago and he isn't answering his phone." Mac said, showing her the message on his cell phone.

"You don't think..." Lindsay said, unable to finish the sentence. "... you don't think he's done something to himself do you?" Her voice caught in her throat.

"I don't want to speculate, but he hasn't been acting himself lately. He's here all hours of the night, he isn't sleeping, I can't help but think he's done something stupid." Mac said returning to his desk.

"Want me to go over there? See if he's just taking a couple days to unwind?" Lindsay hoped.

"That might be a good idea. Call me if you find anything." He called as she left him office, heading to the elevator and to Danny, terrified of what he was capable of doing.

Danny's truck was still warm when he got in and settled himself into the seat. Taking a moment to get comfortable, he turned the ignition thinking only of the open road, before he put the truck in gear, he heard a tap at the window.

Standing outside his truck was an older man, his hair was grey and his eyes were ocean blue. He looked familar, Danny rolled the window down.

"Can I help you with something?" He asked politely.

"Detective Messer?" He asked, his tone was hallow.

"Yes?" Danny was confused.

"I've been looking for you." He answered quietly, as he pulled a gun from his coat and pressed it to Danny's forehead. "Now, play nice and turn off the truck." He smiled as Danny's body began to tremble with fear.