Danny sat at the bar, sipping on his fifth straight glass of whisky. The game was on in the corner but he took no notice. It was almost happy hour so the place was starting to fill up fast, one more drink and he'd start to make his way home before all those drearily happy drunks started signing and making speeches about how good their lives were and how hard it was to be them. If they had any idea what true misery was then maybe he'd be a bit more forgiving. No. They were so clueless to how good live was for them that they deserved to be knocked down a peg or two. He took another sip, sculling the last half of his glass and stood up. He knew the way blindfolded as he stumbled towards the men's room at the back of the bar past the pool tables and slot machines. The numbness he searched for every night was well on its way, one more drink should do it then he'd be out like a light for the rest of the night. Truthfully he didn't know what he was living for. No home, just a crappy motel, no wife, no family, no job. The only thing that got him out of bed in the morning was the taste of that first drink. He knew it wasn't healthy but it was his life. He relieved himself, barely making his target as he leaned into the wall. Shook himself off and went to wash his hands. He didn't look at himself in the mirror anymore, the image was never very appealing. He'd even stopped trying to pick up random chicks, that didn't give him pleasure anymore either. He looked around as he made his way back to his stool, what sad people they all looked. Regulars, like him, but he'd never bothered to learn their names or their life history. He sat back on his stool and ordered another drink. As he lifted it up to his lips he noticed the old guy in the corner, he looked eighty or ninety, staring into his drink, all life gone. God. He thought to himself. I hope I die before I get like that.
"Sad, isn't it." Someone interrupted his train of thought. "The names Frank. What's yours?"
"None of your business."
"Hey. Just trying to be polite. I'm new in town, just moved her."
"You don't say." He said sarcastically
"I'll have what he's having." Frank told the barkeep he scorned knowing full well Danny didn't want to be interrupted. He had tried making conversation with Danny while he drank years ago, now he just made sure his glass was kept full and took his keys when he'd drunk too much.
"Look I don't know you and I don't want to know you."
"Fair enough. But do you mind if I sit here and have a drink?"
"It's a free world."
"That it is." Frank smiled, then sat silently beside Danny drinking his whiskey. They sat there, for three more drinks before he tried again.
"Are you hungry?"
"What?"
"Hungry? Are you hungry?" Danny just ignored him. Did this guy not get the point? "I know this great little shop round the corner, it makes the best hamburgers."
"Look."
"My shout." Danny hadn't eaten in ages, nothing except a few stale beer nuts and the occasional doughnut. Cash was sparse at the moment and shopping just wasn't a priority.
"Well. I'm going to head there now. If you'd like to join me you can." Danny didn't get up straight away, he finished his drink, the place was almost full with all those miserable people he'd mentioned earlier. Well past his time to head home. He stood up and took a step back to walk around the stool.
"Hey. What are you blind?"
"Did you hear what I said? This is a $100 shirt. Whose going to pay to replace it?" He asked pointing out the scotch and coke stain all down the front.
"I'm sorry."
"Well sorry isn't going to cut it."
"Back off Tom. It was an accident." His friends insisted, but Tom enjoyed the challenge and took a step forward.
"No. I want to know what this drunk is going to do about it?"
"Who are you calling drunk!" Danny hated the word.
"You old man. Look at you, you can barely stand." Tom laughed in his face. Enraged Danny swung to hit him in the jaw but missed and fell forward into the guy.
"Get off me" Tom yelled, throwing him back into the bar. "Somebody needs to call this old man a taxi before he hurts himself, or someone else."
"Leave it be Tom." His mates warned again.
"Hey." A familiar voice called out from behind the crowd. "Pick on someone your own size."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Whose going to make me?"
"Me." He said, rolling up his sleeves.
"Huh." Tom scoffed before being hit from behind. Tom fell forward into Danny, who swung again and got him in the ribs. Tom grabbed Danny's waist and head butted him into the bar. Frank came from behind to pull him off and Tom turned around, broken bottle in hand and started swinging. Danny ducked, narrowly missing a blow to his head and Frank jumped back out of range. Danny charged at Tom from behind and Tom fell to the ground. Please Danny grinned at Frank then ducked at the last minute as the bottle was thrown at him, barely missing him as it smashed into the mirror bringing it down along with several shelves of liquor.
"That's it. Break it up." The Barkeep yelled, trying to reign Danny in. Tom stood up, held back by his friends.
"You'll keep." Tom threatened.
"Leave it be Danny." The bar keep warned as the cops showed up. Danny looked around but Frank was gone. The cops didn't ask any questions they just handcuffed Danny and Tom and took them outside to their waiting vehicles.
"What happened this time Danny?" The officer asked as they drove back to the station.
"I don't know."
"Well maybe some time in the drunk tank will hep you to remember. Sleep it off tonight and well call your sister in the morning. Danny lowered his head in shame, he'd done it again. He wouldn't blame Michelle if she didn't show up this time, he didn't deserve to be helped.
Michelle woke up feeling more relaxed than she had in days, almost like it used to be. Her head on his chest she reached up and started kissing him on his bare chest, then up his neck to his lips.
"Mmm. Good morning." He smiled.
"Good morning." She echoed, eager for more.
"Look Michelle."
"What?"
"Last night, that should not have happened." Tony apologised as he sat up and pushed her back a little.
"I'm not sorry. It was good. It's always good."
"Just good?" He teased, regretting it instantly.
"You know what I mean." She grinned as she traced over the lines of his chest with her finger, wearing nothing but the bed sheet to cover her. Tony got out of bed and put his shirt on, buttoning it up for distraction as she leaned over the top of his shoulders locking her hands around his chest and resting her head on his back. He reached up and placed his hands on hers, her warm breath igniting the feelings within him that he was trying to avoid. As he drew her scent into him, he was grateful for the timely interruption of the phone as it rang.
"Almeida…. Uh huh." He said looking over at Michelle. "When was this… no I understand. We'll be there soon. Thank you."
"Who was that?"
"LAPD"
"LAPD? What did they want?"
"It's your brother."
"Danny. What happened?"
"He was in a bar fight again. They need someone to bail him out."
"Oh god. Danny." She said glumly.
"I said we'd be right down."
"Yes. Of course."
"There goes lunch." He said regretfully hinting that he had something special planned.
"I'm sorry." She moved behind him, wrapping her arms around him and placing her head on his back.
"I know he's your brother, and I understand I do but isn't there anyone else they can call?"
"Mum and dad won't even mention his name. I'm all his got."
"Then you have to get him some help. What's going to happen once the baby comes?"
"I know. I do. This is the last time. I promise."
"That's not what I'm asking. I just want to know when enough is enough? He's a grown man he needs to start acting like one."
"I'll talk to him." She promised gathering her own clothes and heading to the bathroom to freshen up.
Tony opened the door as he and Michelle made their way inside the police station and towards the reception desk. Michelle had done this too many times before, and every time Danny promised it would be the last but it never was and she feared it never would be.
"Hi. I'm Miss Dessler. You have my brother Danny inside."
"Ah yes." The officer said from behind the desk, checking her list. Tony stood behind her silently. "Drunk and disorderly."
"What happened?" Tony asked, wanting to know what she was getting in for.
"He got into a fist fight with another patron. Caused quite a bit of damage. The bar owner called us in."
"Was anyone hurt?"
"Just him and the other guy. He's in there too."
"Is the bar owner pressing charges?"
"No, but he will have to pay for the damages."
"How much?" Tony asked again, as Michelle sighed upset she was having to go through all of this again.
"$2500."
"$2500." Tony Scoffed displeased.
"Evidently he threw a glass into the mirror behind the bar. It broke along with several bottles of top shelf liquor."
"When can I take him home?"
"Once the damages have been paid. As long as he stays in your care for the next 48 hours but if he breeches the terms of his release then we'll have no choice but to charge him."
"I understand. Thankyou." Michelle said handing over her credit card as Tony shifted his weight behind her judgmentally.
"I'll be right back." The officer said, heading down the corridor to her right.
"Look Michelle…"
"I know what you're going to say Tony and I don't disagree, but his my brother and he has no one else to turn to. What do you expect me to do?"
"All right, but I'm going to have a word with him when we get home."
"Tony! Please…"
"No arguments Michelle. You don't need to be dealing with all of this right now and he needs to know the score."
"Just promise me you'll take it easy on him. It's not his fault."
"It's not yours either." He added as the officer appeared with a very sorry looking Danny.
"Danny!" Michelle gasped as she greeted him with open arms.
"Michelle. I'm so sorry about this." He apologised, ashamed. She held him tight.
"What happened?" Danny asked noticing the bandage on her wrist and the cut above her eye.
"It's a long story." Michelle didn't think this was the time or place to go into the details, "Let's just get you home." She distracted him, taking his arm and escorting him out to the car. Tony walked two steps behind, this was the last thing she needed right now and he wasn't going to let Danny make their situation any worse.
"I can't thank you enough. If you just drop me back home." Danny said as he rode in the back seat of her car.
"You're coming with us Danny." Tony told him sternly as he drove them back to their place. The weight of what had happened starting to dawn on Danny. Michelle sat silently in the front seat, watching Tony as he tried to hide his hatred for how Danny treated Michelle, and for the pain that he caused her every time he came back into her life. She appreciated that he was keeping his thoughts to himself, She knew it wasn't easy for him and she promised she'd make it up to him later.
Tony took a deep breath trying to hide his negative feelings about the situation as he pulled into the drive way and parked the car. Michelle watched her brother from the mirror in the visor above her seat, stepping out of the car as Tony opened the door for her and escorting Danny inside.
"Wow." Danny looked around at the front of the house. "I like this place, it's much better than the old one."
"Yeah. Thanks." Tony grunted as he unlocked the door and stepped aside letting Michelle and Danny go in first.
"You can stay in the spare room, it's just of to the left." Michelle pointed as Danny took in his new surroundings, the small hallway led into beautiful French style doors that opened up to an internal courtyard. To his left was the dinning table and the guest room and bathroom, to his right was the kitchen which led to the garage and laundry on the far wall. Taking the corridor to the left Michelle gave him the tour, "Down here is the guest bathroom, the spare room were you'll be staying, then around the corner is the master bedroom and another guest room."
"You certainly have done well for yourself little sister."
"I think so." She said, smiling at Tony who had gone through the kitchen and met them half way before going into their bedroom trying to find excuses to be busy, and keeping an eye on Michelle at the same time. Danny adored his sister, but he had a violent streak and anything could set him off, normally Tony would stand back at let Michelle take the lead, but things were different now and he wasn't willing to take that chance.
"There are some clean towels in the bathroom, I thought you might like to freshen up before lunch."
"Thankyou. That would be nice." He said, aware that his clothes were old and stale and he smelled like the inside of a jail cell.
"Well. Just yell out if you need anything." Michelle instructed him.
"You don't need to worry about me sis. I'll be fine. You've already done more than enough."
"Hmm." Michelle smiled as he closed the bathroom door behind him. She had a good feeling, maybe if she could convince him to stay then this time it would be different.
"How is he?" Tony asked coming back out from the bedroom, a few clothes in his hand.
"I think he's well."
"I just don't want you to get your hopes up."
"I'm not hoping for anything Tony."
"Good."
"Don't be like that. Please. He needs to know that we trust him."
"But we don't trust him." Tony said sadly, unable to look at her in the eye. "and I still don't know if having him here, with all that's going on, is the right thing for him or us right now."
"It's never a good time Tony." Michelle held back her emotions, if she started crying now then she wouldn't stop. Tony sensed her pain and stepped closer, reaching out and grabbing her hand.
"Michelle. I'm sorry, I promised myself I'd be more supportive."
"You're not saying anything I haven't already said to myself."
"I just don't want you to get hurt again."
"There's nothing you or I can do to prevent it short of kicking him out of our lives and I can't do that. He's my brother Tony for better or worse."
"I know." He pulled her close and held her tight.
"What are the clothes for?"
"I thought he might need something to wear. They should fit."
"What would I do without you?" Michelle smiled at his thoughtfulness.
"Why don't you go and make us something to drink. I'll be there in a minute."
"All right." She smiled, letting his hand go as she walked away then turned to face him, "And Tony."
"Mmm."
"Thank you."
Tony just grinned, pushing his tongue against his lower lip like he did when he was pleased. It was good to see her smiling again.
"That felt so good. Thank you." Danny said still towel drying his hair as he joined them in the kitchen. "And thanks for the clothes too Tony. They're almost a perfect fit."
"You're welcome." He said pouring another cup of coffee, "Here." Danny took the cup and looked around, not sure what to do.
"Why don't we go outside." Michelle offered, "We can catch up on old times."
"I'd like that." Danny smiled as he followed Michelle out onto the patio. "I'm sorry I didn't contact you guys earlier. I'm glad you too are together again."
"Me too." Tony added.
"You were always good to my sister."
"We actually got married again."
"You did. When?"
"Two weeks ago." Michelle answered, showing him the ring.
"Wow that's great. Congratulations." He said getting up and kissing his sister on the cheek before shaking Tony's hand.
"Thanks Danny." Tony shook his hand back. He considered sharing the rest of their news, so he knew the score in case his temper got out of control again, but he decide to leave that up to Michelle. "I hate to be rude, but if you'll excuse me." There was so much to be done and Tony couldn't stand waiting around here wasting time. He had to find these people before they found him.
"Of course, please don't let me get in the way of what you would normally do."
"We just have a presentation due."
"I understand. Life's so fast paced these days who has time to sit and chat. Is there anything I can do?"
"I'm afraid not." Tony couldn't risk him finding out what was really going on.
"I'll be in the study if you need me." He said, kissing Michelle on the forehead and running his hand along the back of her shoulders.
"Do you want some help?"
"No. What I want is for you to sit and rest. It will do you some good to take it easy for once." Danny sensed there was something else going on, something they weren't telling him but none of that mattered. His sister was happier than he'd seen her in a long time.
"I'm not in the way am I?"
"Of course not. I'm glad you're here." Michelle patted him on the leg. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too Shell."
"Do you remember when we were little and you use to take me on your wild adventures."
"Hmm." He chuckled, "Camping under the kitchen table.."
".. in the Amazon."
"Hunting for buried treasure…"
"… in the backyard."
"We've come a long way since then." Danny smirked regretfully.
"How are you? Really?"
"I'm fine."
"Are you still working for the clerks office?"
"No. That didn't last long. I'm between jobs at the moment." Michelle faked a smile, She'd gotten him that job over a year ago, last time he'd promised to get his life back on track. "You seem to be doing all right for yourself though."
"We run our own company now."
"Well it suits you. You look happy Shell."
"I am.." She wondered if Danny would ever be this happy ever again. She wanted to ask him about the kids, if he'd seen them, what he was doing now but she already knew the answers. She loved her brother but there was so much they couldn't talk about including politics, the government, her job, pretty much anything that could provoke differing views which didn't leave much left.
"Danny. You'd tell me if you were in trouble, wouldn't you?"
"It was just a little bar fight that's all. This jerk came up behind me and made me spill my drink, he made a big deal about it and we came to blows."
"Are you sure?"
"Hey. I'm the big brother. It's my job to look after you remember."
"I have some news." Michelle decided she needed to lighten the mood.
"Yeah?" He asked, taking another sip of his drink.
"We're going to have a baby."
"Oh my gosh. Shell. That's fantastic." He said giving her a friendly hug. "When's it due?"
"Not for another seven months. I'm almost twelve weeks."
"That explains it then."
"Explains what?"
"Why he can't take his eyes off of you. He always was very protective of you."
"He cares a lot about this baby, we both do." she said mournfully.
"Shell? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
"I don't believe you."
"It's just been a tough few days." She said, rubbing the bandage on her arm." Why hadn't he noticed that before. He could be so self absorbed at times.
"What happened?"
"We had some trouble on our job in Africa."
"Are you all right? Is the baby all right?"
"The doctors say so… but…?"
"Well don't you worry little sis. Now I'm here I'm going to look after everything, you wont have to do a thing."
"You sound like Tony."
"Well at least we agree on something." Michelle laughed at Danny. He seemed changed, more responsible. Maybe it was safe to get her hopes up. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to use the little boys room."
"Of course." Michelle got up to show him where it was.
"No. Please. Don't get up, I'm sure I'll be able to find it." He told her.
Danny made his way down the corridor, past the second bedroom where they had set up a miniature study. He looked inside and watched Tony as he looked intently through some files on the computer. He wondered what he was thinking, what he was doing. He looked so together, so what was the word? Perfect. Danny knew about Tony. About his drinking and how things had ended between Michelle and him. Danny had been glad to see Tony knocked off of his pedestal, to see Tony walking a mile in his shoes and as he looked at him now he contemplated what it mike be like for him if he had someone, like his sister, to help bring him back around. Could he have it all again? The house, the job, the car, someone to love? If Tony could do it why couldn't he?
"I just heard the news." Danny finally spoke up, "Congratulations."
"Thank you." Tony said, turning away from the computer screen.
"You're very lucky. She's a wonderful girl."
"I think so."
"But?"
"I promised Michelle I wouldn't."
"It's just me and you here Tony."
"No."
"You're wondering what my intentions are?"
"You could say that."
"Don't worry Tony. I would never do anything to hurt Michelle."
"Not intentionally, but you always do."
"We're family. You know what that's like."
"Things are different now Danny."
"You mean with the baby?"
"Did she tell you there have been some complications?"
"No." Danny stiffened a little, worried about his sister.
"Listen. Michelle was lucky, if that's the word, to fall pregnant but there's still a big chance that she could loose the baby."
"She never told me."
"Well I'm telling you. The last thing she needs right now is any more stress. Do I make myself clear?"
"Look Tony. I would never…"
"Yes. You would. I'm not a fool. I know what its like, living each day with nothing better to do than downing another bottle, I understand completely but I also know first hand what it does to the people around you. She's your sister and she loves you but it breaks her heart every time you go on another bender. When we got back together I promised her I'd never let her go through that again, and I meant it."
"I'm going to stop this time. I promise."
"Just do me a favour, if you can't… leave before it's too late."
"I'm not going anywhere Tony."
"We'll see." Danny just nodded, at least now they knew where each other stood. Certain Tony was wrong Danny walked off, headed for the bathroom.
"How are you?" Tony asked Michelle, leaning over her as she sat in the chair and kissing her on the cheek as she joined them outside.
"I'm fine." She smiled, "Where's Danny?"
"He's in the bathroom."
"He seems happy don't you think?"
"Michelle!"
"I'm just saying. I haven't seen him this stable in a long time."
"I hope for your sake you're right."
"He can do it Tony. I know he can."
"You can't save everyone Michelle, no matter how hard you try."
"I saved you." She smiled.
"And I'll thank you for that for the rest of my life."
"Maybe if you had a talk to him?"
"I don't know. Wouldn't it be best if he came to me?"
"Please."
"All right. When the times right. I'll see what I can do." He promised, kissing her hand as he played with her fingers.
"Is anyone hungry?" Danny asked as he returned.
"Starving." Michelle had noticed her appetite was staring to increase. She'd never really suffered morning sickness, something she was secretly ecstatic about, which is probably why it had taken them so long to find out she was pregnant.
"How about club sandwiches with tomato and ketchup."
"Sounds good." Michelle agreed.
"All right. 3 Club Sandwiches coming up." Danny said as he went into the kitchen to prepare their lunch. Michelle looked at Tony giving him an I told you so smile. Tony just smiled back.
"I'll talk to him. I promise."
The day had come and gone and Danny hadn't had one drink. He was proud of his restraint but he knew it was still early days. Michelle and Tony had been busy working on their presentation which left him free to gather his thoughts, set some goals and to put some perspective into what was going to happen next. It was almost six o'clock so he decide to start preparing something for dinner. He looked through the fridge and picked out some fresh ingredients, lettuce, tomatoes, celery, cucumber, olives, everything he needed to make a nice salad. He found some chicken in the freezer compartment and some pasta in the cupboard. With a little spice and some crushed tomatoes, he could make a nice sauce to go with it. Spreading the ingredients out n the table beside him he began looking for a salad bowl and all the other equipment he would need.
"Is everything all right?" Michelle asked, coming to see what all the commotion was.
"I was just looking for a salad bowl."
"A salad bowl?"
"I thought I'd make you guys something to eat. It's the least I can do."
"Here." She said reaching up into the cupboard above him.
"Here. Let me do that." He insisted. Michelle didn't know how she was going to cope with two overprotective men in her house, but it felt good. She lowered her arms back down and explained where it was. Danny found it in no time.
"Can I help?" She asked.
"Not a chance. I use to make this dish all the time when…." When he was still living with his wife and kids. Michelle didn't say anything, she just waited for him to continue. "… Let's see if I still remember how it goes."
"Do you have everything you need?"
"Just about. You're quite well stocked, when did you learn to cook?"
"I haven't, yet. It's Tony he's the chef around here, and when he found out about the baby, well lets just say he went a little overboard on fresh fruit and produce" Michelle laughed, "No more processed food for you, from now on we're sticking to a clean wholesome diet." She imitated Tony's speech.
"No harm in that." Danny agreed."
"Yeah. I know. It's just so frustrating. It was nice knowing I could just put a pre prepared meal in the microwave and not have to worry about burning anything."
"Hmm." Danny laughed, "Remember the time you set fire to the stove."
"I was trying make spaghetti Bolognese if I recall."
"The sauce boiled over, it went everywhere. I can still picture mum trying to put the flames out with the tea towel. The smell of the burnt walls lasted for weeks."
"Oh my god." Michelle sighed, embarrassed. "She never let me in the kitchen again."
"You should get Tony to teach you."
"He tries… but I guess some people were just never meant to cook."
"Don't worry sis. You'll get it eventually."
"Yeah. When?"
"That was delicious. Thankyou." Michelle said as Danny took their plates and headed inside to the sink.
"My pleasure. Would you like anything else?"
"No thank you." Tony was too worked up to eat.
"I think there's some ice cream in the back of the fridge if you'd like some."
"Ice cream it is… coming up."
"I'll give you a hand." Tony offered.
"No. It's cool. Just stay and be look after my sister" Danny put the dishes in the sink went to look in the fridge for the ice cream. As he stood there looking in the fridge something else caught his attention. Just above the fridge and to the right six bottles of glistening red wine slept in their racks, put aside for the occasional celebration with clients. The only alcohol that remained in the house, no point in staring at temptation every day Tony had decided.. He looked outside, Michelle and Tony were snuggled up to each other, too engrossed in each other to notice what was happening inside. One little sip wouldn't hurt, just enough to take the edge off. He grabbed a bottle, pulled the cork and took a large sip. It wasn't his usual scotch but it would do the trick. He took another sip then replaced the bottle and put it back on the rack. Checking to make sure he hadn't been seen, he reached in and grabbed the ice cream. Making a bowl from himself and Michelle. Before he went outside he looked through Michelle's purse, as it sat on the counter, and found some breath mints to disguise the smell.
"Here you go." He said handing it to Michelle, careful not to breath on her.
"Thanks Danny."
"How come you can cook like that but your sister can't boil an egg?" Tony enquired.
"Hey!" Michelle elbowed him in the ribs.
"Luck of the draw I guess." Danny smiled at Michelle, "You're not too bad yourself."
"When you grow up with a big family you learn pretty fast."
"How is your family?"
"They're well."
"Do they know?"
"Not yet?" Danny tried to make polite conversation but the taste of the wine lingered in his mouth. He tried to numb it with the ice cream but it wasn't working. His mind wandered, what excuse could he make to go back into the kitchen? Would he get caught? No. He couldn't do it. He owed it to Michelle.
"I'm sure they'll be pleased." Danny returned too the conversation, "Look. I'm pretty tired." He said putting the bowl of ice cream down, "I might call it a night."
"Do you have everything you need?"
"Yes. And thank you again." He said standing up and making his way inside.
"Good night." Michelle called out.
"You should get some rest too. It's been a big day."
"Will you join me?" She asked Tony.
"In a minute." Tony wanted to make sure everything was locked down tight. He didn't think they'd come for them, but he couldn't be sure.
"Hey. It's Shafer. I need to speak with Delton." The man said, holding his jacket tight against his chest as he tried to remain inconspicuous in the telephone booth.
"I'm sorry but he's unavailable at the moment."
"I need to speak to him. Now."
"You'll have to call back in the morning."
"Please."
"I'm sorry." The woman apologised before the line went dead.
"Damn it." He said smashing the phone into the holder. It had been almost 24 hours. He tried to lay low but he had to talk to Delton. What if Almeida knew where he was? Damn it? He started looking through the telephone book, he had a rough idea where he lived. He called three Delton's in the book before he tried the last number.
"Hello. Is Mr Delton there?"
"Who is this?"
"An associate. I'm sorry to call at such a late hour but it's important."
"Just a moment." The phone went silent and Shafer tried to calm his nerves, if he sounded hysterical then Delton would make him a liability.
"This is Delton. Who is this?"
"It's Shafer sir."
"How did you get this number?"
"That's not important."
"What do you want?"
"I need your help."
"Look Shafer or whoever you are I have no idea what your on about."
"I know who you work for?"
"What is this?"
"They hired my guys and me to do a job. It went south." Delton realised who it was, his heart raced. He couldn't be associated with this, if they traced them back to him he would be up for murder. The deal was he stayed clean, nothing and no one could touch him.
"I don't know who you are but I'm certain I can't help."
"Wait. Please. It's about Almeida." Delton didn't say anything, "He came after me. He knows."
"Damn it." Delton cursed under his breath
"What should I do?"
"Do you know the park on the corner of Elm and First?"
"Um yeah?"
"Twenty minutes."
"I'll be there." Shafer hung up the phone and zipped up his jacket, put his hands in his pockets and made his way there.
Tony couldn't sleep. He left Michelle asleep in their bed and went to make himself something to drink. It was only 10 o'clock, Michelle had been asleep for almost two hours. He grabbed his papers from the study and went into the kitchen.
"What the hell?" Tony threw the papers onto the bench top and went to take the bottle from his hand.
"It's not what you think." Danny insisted.
"Keep it down. You'll wake Michelle." Tony was furious. He emptied the rest of the bottle down the sink as Danny stood there, arms out stretched pleading his case.
"Tony please."
"I don't want to hear it." Tony looked around, it only appeared to be one bottle, "How could you do it? You promised me, You promised Michelle."
"I'm sorry, what can I say. I'm weak, I need help."
"Then get some but don't bring your troubles here."
"Are you kicking me out?"
"Look at you, you can't even stand straight."
"I'm fine honest. It wont happen again."
"You're right about that."
"Who are you to tell me what to do?" Danny said, taking a swing at Tony but missing and knocking the dishes off of the bench.
"I told you I wouldn't let you hurt her again."
"Tony?" Michelle came out in nothing but her nightshirt and summer gown. Still half asleep she wondered what he was arguing about.
"Stay back Michelle."
"What's going on?" She asked looking at the mess on the floor. "Oh Danny." She gasped, putting a hand over her mouth t hide the sorrow as she realised what had happened.
"Tell him to leave me alone Shell."
"What's he talking about?"
"He's trying to kick me out."
"No. Please Tony you can't."
"Michelle Please." Tony went to grab Danny while he was distracted, but he fought back. Tony managed to spin him around and lock his arm behind his back.
"Owe." Danny cried.
"Tony NO! You're hurting him." Michelle cried out.
"Please Michelle stand back." Tony held him there as Michelle went in front to face Danny, she ran a hand down his cheek.
"Why?"
"I just needed to take the edge off. That's all."
"You promised." A single tear falling down her face. She looked at Tony. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm sorry Michelle."
"No you can't."
"What." Danny asked confused.
"Tony Please."
"He broke the conditions of his parole, he'll be better off there."
"No!" Danny realised he was taking him back to the police station. He couldn't go back there. Danny fought against Tony's held and Michelle placed a hand on his face trying to calm him down.
"Please Danny."
"Michelle get back." Tony cried out.
"You Bitch." Danny cursed her.
"I'm sorry." She cried as Danny pushed hard into Tony, he stumbled back tripping on plate that lay on the floor. As he steadied himself Danny broke free. Michelle stood in front of him, hands out
"Danny no. Don't do this." She pleaded. He pushed Michelle aside, spinning her around and throwing her into the kitchen cupboards.
"Michelle" Tony cried out as he leaned down to make sure she was all right. Danny headed for the front door, unpursued.
"I'm all right." She insisted, her hand to her cheek as she rubbed where it was tender.
"Let me have a look." Tony pulled her hand away, there was no broken skin. He checked her vision, it seemed fine.
"What's going to happen to him?"
"I'm more worried about you. That's quite a knock you got there." He said checking the rest of her.
"I was so sure it would be better this time." Michelle was too sad to think of anything else.
"Do you want me to go look for him?"
"No. He'd never listen anyway, he just needs to cool down." Or sober up Tony thought to himself.
"I'm sorry." He said helping her up and getting her a bag of ice.
"It's not your fault." She told him, she knew that. Michelle took the bag of ice and pressed it to her face as she sat down at the table.
"Are you sure you're all right. I can ring the doctor."
"Tony I'm fine. It was nothing."
"He threw you into the bench Michelle."
"It was an accident he was just trying to get away."
"And he didn't care who he hurt in the process." Tony retorted as he handed her a glace of water and started to clean up the mess on the floor. "If he had of hurt you."
"Don't."
"I can't help it. It makes my blood boil…"
"What?" She asked sensing there was something deeper going on.
"Was I ever like that?
"What?"
"When I drank, was that what made you leave? Did I ever…. hurt you?"
"Oh Tony." She sighed joining him on the floor and taking his head in her hands. "Never. You never laid a hand on me, you couldn't. It's not in your nature."
"I wonder sometimes, I mean look at what I do, what I was trained to do."
"That's different."
"Is it?"
"Leave it." She said, taking his hand to stop him picking up the broken pieces of cutlery.
"Michelle. No. Especially after what just happened."
"Just hold me."
"Hmm," He scoffed as she led him into the bedroom. She had such a gentle, caring soul. If he couldn't stop Danny from breaking her heart the least he could do was to try to put it back together again.
Shafer sat on the back of the bench, his feet on the seat as he jumped at every noise around him. He was so wired, he hadn't slept in almost 2 days. He noticed a man walking towards him, he wished he had a gun, or even a stick, something to defend himself. The man made a direct line for him. He jumped off of the seat and stood there waiting.
"Hey."
"Mr Delton couldn't make it but he sent me to help. Tell me what happened."
"Almeida followed me to the bar. I got out before he could make me."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"How did he know you were there?"
"He must have seen me at the station."
"Have you told anyone else?"
"No."
"Good."
"What am I going to do?"
"Come with us." The man took him by the shoulder and walked him back to his waiting car.
"Thank you." Shafer said, glad to have an ally.
"You're welcome." The man said, shooting him as he leaned inside. He pushed the rest of his body in and then sped away from the scene.
"It's done." He reported into the phone.
"Good."
"Would you like me to take care of Almeida?"
"He shouldn't be a problem."
"Whiskey. Straight."
"Coming up." The bar tender raised his finger in acknowledgment as Danny ordered as he sat down at the bar. It wasn't his usual bar, he decided that it would be best if he laid low for a while, it would be the first place that Michelle looked. No this was some back ally off the books place that he'd stumbled across while he was out walking one day, and for now it would do.
"Anything else?"
"Keep them coming." He said handing over a hundred dollar note he'd taken from Michelle's purse. He's conscious weighing heavy with what he'd done, just another reason to drink till he passed out again tonight. Why couldn't he keep it together, not even for one day? Was he really a drunk? He banished the thought from his head and took another sip. How they hell was he going to fix this one? He'd hit her, that much he could remember. He hoped she was all right, he'd never forgive himself if anything happened to her. And Tony. If he was lucky he just might survive the night, and then it was just a matter of avoiding him for the rest of his life. Danny took another sip. It was smooth going down with an after bite that made it all worth while. The bartender poured him another drink and as he looked at it longingly a hand on his shoulder startled him, his throat tightened as he imagined who it might be. Had he found him here already. It didn't surprise him if he had, after all he knew they were involved with the government, probably CIA he had once decided. Somehow he didn't picture his sister sitting at a computer analysing data all day for the counter terrorism unit. Then there was the injury she'd received several years ago in DC. How does a data analyst get shot on a routing fact finding expedition? Not to mention Tony being charged with treason. It just didn't add up. Danny closed his eyes and turned around.
"Look Tony." He swallowed hard.
"Tony? Whose Tony?" The man asked, sitting down beside his friend.
"None." He said, letting out the breath he'd been holding. "How did you find me?"
"I looked around. I wanted to make sure you were all right."
"Just great."
"Did they let you go?"
"You could say that." Danny said taking another sip.
"I'm sorry I split on you back there, one more strike and I'm out so to speak."
"I know the feeling."
"You look terrible. Why don't I take you home."
"Can't."
"Why?"
"Long story."
"My place then? My sisters out of town. You can sleep in the spare room."
"I'm good."
"I insist. My way of saying sorry." He begged. Danny thought about it while he swallowed the rest of his drink. It was better than sleeping in the streets, and Tony would never be able to find him there, that was a positive.
"All right. But I want to stop off at the bottle shop first."
"Whatever you say." He said pulling out some change to pay for his drink. Danny gave it back to him,
"My shout." He said.
"Thanks friend. I appreciate that."
"No problem." Danny stood up, a little groggy. Maybe he shouldn't have skulled three glass of bourbon on top of half a bottle of red wine. Frank helped him outside and into his waiting car.
"How far id it?" Danny asked, wishing he had of gone to the bathroom first.
"Not far." Frank smiled.
"Ok. Thankyou." Michelle said solemnly as she hung up the phone and traced her fingers down the telephone directory and called the next number.
"No luck?" Tony asked her, already knowing the answer.
"No ones seen him."
"Me either. We'll find him." He promised. "He's probably just sleeping it off somewhere. In the morning he'll realised what has happened and he'll be in contact. I promise.
"Hmm." Michelle didn't feel so certain as she dialled the next number. Tony hung his head, he'd failed to help ease her mind, and dialled the next number into his phone. Bar after bar they were disappointed to learn he wasn't there. After they'd run out of places to call Michelle put the phone down on the bench. She grabbed the car keys and headed for the front door.
"Michelle." Tony said, grabbing her by the arm to stop her.
"What if he's injured?"
"I'll go."
"We'll go." Michelle told him as the phone rang. Tony put his hand up to say wait as Michelle listened in carefully.
"Almeida."
"Are you alone?"
"Who is this?"
"I'll take that as a no. Go somewhere we can talk in private."
"What is this?" He asked. Michelle listened in, concerned. Was it Danny?
"It's just kids having a bad joke." He said, "Go and get the car started. I'll be there in a minute." He said giving her the keys.
"All right. I'm listening."
"Good. I need you to open up your email."
"Why."
"You'll see." He baited him as Tony woke the computer from its sleep mode and opened the email program. An unopened letter with an attachment sat there waiting for him. He opened it up.
"Who is this?" He asked angrily.
"We have a mutual friend."
"What do you want?"
"It's simple. You're brother in laws life for the life of Delton's nephew."
"What do you expect me to do?"
"Tony. We both know what has to happen. Stop playing games. You have seventy two hours, after that I can no longer guarantee Danny's safety."
"What about my wife?" He needed to make sure she wasn't their next target.
"Oh yes. Poor Michelle. I was sorry to hear she wasn't well. It would be a shame if she had to find out about all of this. Imagine what kind of stress that would place on her."
"If I ever get my hands on you…"
"You're wasting your time Mr Almeida. Seventy two hours or Michelle becomes an only child." The line went dead. "Damn it." Tony cursed slamming the phone back down. He looked out the window then picked up his jacket and went to join Michelle. What was he going to tell her? He'd promised no more secrets but could she handle it?
"Michelle."
"I thought we might try downtown first. He couldn't have gotten too far."
"Michelle." He said reaching through the drivers side window and turning of the car,
"What are you doing?"
"That wasn't kids."
"What? Tony you're not making any sense."
"We're not going to find Danny."
"What do you mean. Tony. Where is he?" She asked getting out of the car and standing in front of him. Who had called? Was it a friend of Tony's? The police? Oh my god. Had something happened to Danny? "Tony?"
"Delton has him"
"Delton? I don't understand." She said, starting to go hysterical. She wanted to jump in the car, to go and get him ad bring him home.
"Delton's nephew has been kidnapped."
"What does that have to do with Danny?"
"He's collateral. They asked me to help before and I told him no. Somehow they figured out that the only way to get to me was through you."
"But…"
"They've given me seventy two hours…"
"What are we going to do?"
"I don't see that I have much of a choice." He said holding her tight.
"Tony no." She shook her head, "You can't. As soon as his nephew is free they'll kill you both."
"Not if I'm careful."
"Oh god Tony." When was this all going to end?