Chapter 4

After signing all the paperwork, and there was a lot of it, the three of them, plus a nurse, headed towards the parking lot. Danny stood out of the wheelchair and the nurse went back inside. The heat was overwhelming, but also slightly redeeming. The beating sun mixed with the dense humidity and the smell of salt water made her feel at peace. Granted, it was a long way from the rough bark of cottonwood trees and the scent of magnolias that she grew up with. What she wouldn't give to run full-speed into the ocean and let it purge her of all sins, both hers and the ones that belonged to others. Abandoning everything that was her past and never looking back, only forward. She knew that would never work. She had already tried to gain forgiveness by shedding her own blood, but to no avail. Peace never came. Danny truly believed it never would. Maybe she should just make a break for it, just run as far as her lungs would allow. Run until her chest was heavy and her throat burned and her muscles throbbed and her stomach convulsed. But what would she run to? Would she finally be able to outrun her past or would it catch up to her yet again? She didn't have the answers.

She was drawn from her reverie by a hand on her shoulder. The touch was soft and gentle, so she allowed it. She hadn't even realized they had stopped. She was standing near the wall of the parking structure overlooking the city. She sighed and opened her eyes. Her mind once again to the matter at hand, and leaving freedom behind.

"We have an hour before I have to be back at the lab. Would you like to get something to eat?" Calleigh asked. Horatio was already gone.

"What did you two decide?" Danny still had her attention focused on the tall buildings and glimmering water.

"What?"

"It had something to do with the case, and me, otherwise you would have spoken near me instead of trying to hide your conversation. That and your friend didn't look happy when you convinced me to sign my soul over to you. " Her eyes met Calleigh's and she noticed a bit of color had returned. Danny was very perceptive; Calleigh had to give her that.

"It was nothing you need to worry about. We have an hour to get some food, then we will be going to the lab, then we will talk about you."

"Oh boy, won't that be exciting." Calleigh just smiled and rolled her eyes. "But food will be nice."

"Where would you like to go?" Calleigh asked.

"Wherever you want to go, I'm not picky."

************

McDonalds had never tasted so good to Danny. She had gotten a burger and fries while health conscience Calleigh got a salad. They ate in silence. Neither of them knew what to say. Danny wasn't ready to give up any private information just yet. After all, trust had to be earned, and she wasn't sure Calleigh deserved her trust. She and Calleigh climbed back into the hummer. Calleigh finally broke the silence.

"Where are you from?"

"Huh?" Damn! She had thought too soon.

"I mean, you said you lived in that warehouse. Where did you live before the warehouse?"

"Why should I tell you?"

"You signed your soul over, remember?"

"It took a long time to get away from my life, and if I tell you, I will have to go right back. I need someone else's life right now, I'm sick of my own."

"What did you run away from?"

Nothing. Danny's eyes were again distant and cold. She turned her head and looked out the window. Her lips pursed and she drew in a deep breath.

"Danny, I want to help you, but to do that I need you to talk to me."

"Talk to you? What I could tell you would make you wish you'd never met me; all the dirty details of the disaster that is my life. You wouldn't be able to protect me, you wouldn't want to be near me, and I would be sent back or worse. I'll die before I let that happen. And I will take out anyone that gets in my way." She continued her study of the passing scenery.

"I promise that won't happen." Calleigh said with sincerity.

Danny turned from the window to look at Calleigh; her eyes were cold and empty. "Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I don't." Calleigh countered. "Danny, please. Help me out."

"I was born in Bridgeport, Mississippi. My name is Danniella."

"What's your last name?"

"I don't know what it was."

Calleigh let out an exasperated sigh and focused on the drive.