The next morning Danny arrived at the courthouse at about 9 a.m. He was there for Chloe and was hoping for the best. Danny was thinking most of the night what Chloe said to him and that it was her fate to end up in jail, he didn't think so. Chloe was brought in and Danny saw the look in her eyes, it didn't look like she slept. Chloe looked his way and gave him a weak smile, he just nodded his head. The courtroom was brought to order. Chloe's arraignment was the first one to be heard. Danny noticed that her parents were right behind her.

" Why did they leave her alone knowing that Mason was on the run?" Danny thought.

Danny sighed and sat down as the arraignment began. Chloe sat down and listened carefully to the charges. Chloe's father had hired a lawyer who was pleading Chloe's case.

" My client has no priors, she helped the police nab a murder suspect, and cooperated with all questions."

The judge took note of that.

" The D.A.'s office has looked over Ms. Donavon's statement and decided that no charges need to be brought. However, I do suggest probation and community service."

Danny heard those words and was satisfied. He looked at Chloe, who also seemed to be relieved.

" So noted," the judge said," Ms. Donavon you are hereby released on 1 year probation and 6 months community service to be set up within twenty four hours. Next case."

Chloe was so happy that she sat down and began to cry.

" It's over sweet pea," her father told her," Let's go home."

As they were about to leave they were hearing Mason's case. Mason came in and he looked right at her.

" This isn't over Chloe. I'll see you again soon. You can't get rid of me or forget me."

" Sit down," the guard told him," Not one word."

Outside the courtroom Danny was waiting. Chloe went up to him.

" What are you doing here Danny? Don't you have to be at work?"

" I told Mac I was going to be here for you. He wished you the best of luck. I knew it would work out for you."

Chloe nodded her head.

" That's what Detective Flack told me."

" Seriously? He's the one who arrested you."

" It surprised me too. I don't even know who to thank."

" I misjudged him. Looks like he believed in you too."

Chloe smiled.

" You've been great Danny. I'm glad you were here."

" I'll be in touch. I have to get to the lab."

Chloe nodded her head as Danny left. She was happy to go home. The first thing she was going to do was get some sleep before going to see her probation officer.

Danny made his way to the lab just after 10 a.m. Mac looked at him.

" Where have you been Danny?"

" I went to the courthouse. I had to be there for Chloe. Everything worked out for her, she went home."

" I know. I talked to Flack, even though she broke the law, I'm glad she was able to go home. Now to only know what'll happen to Mason Anderson."

" I hope he rots in jail Mac. It's over for now, but when it comes to testify, Chloe will have no choice but to look at that monster again."

" Chloe's strong Danny. She helped us out and got the break she deserved. In the end, she'll be okay."

Danny nodded her head and went on with his day. There were other cases to be worked on.

It was later that evening, the caseload was over for now, in fact it was quiet. Flack made his way to get something to eat. On his way in ,someone was coming out and bumped right into him.

" Excuse me," they said.

Flack noticed he was looking at Chloe.

" Detective Flack?"

" For some reason this would be the last place I'd expect to see you, Ms. Donavon."

" You'd probably expected never to run into me again. I was looking for a friend who worked here, but she's not here tonight."

Flack continued to look at her which made Chloe feel awkward.

" I'd better get home. My parents go crazy if I don't arrive at home when I said I would. Plus, I'm glad Mason isn't allowed to roam free and I got a second chance to live my life."

" Even though you're on probation?"

" It's better then sitting in a jail cell, which I never want to be in again."

Chloe shyly smiled, but then she looked away. Flack happened to grin back at her. Chloe felt even more awkward. Chloe then took a deep breath and decided to take a chance.

" Would you care to join me for some dinner?" Chloe asked.

Flack looked at her, surprised at what she asked.

" Don't you think that's a little unusual? I was the one who took you in."

" You don't need to apologize for doing your job and I guess so. Maybe some other time."

Chloe was about to walk away, but then stopped when Flack called her.

" Why not. I could use the company. Everybody else I know is busy."

Chloe sat down and Flack joined her and they just began to talk. Chloe felt in the back of her mind, she got a second chance for a reason, but what it was, was unclear.