It was past four in the morning when Danny finally gave up on sleep. It had taken some time to bring Sawyer back to reality, and after that they had spent hours on the phone trying to get in contact with any family Sawyer had left in Boston, as well as calling the hospital in which Sawyer's father worked. Both proved useless, and by two both had agreed to head to sleep and then try again in the morning.

Sleep came easier to Sawyer; as if the emotional exhaustion had pushed her over the edge into a deep sleep. Danny hadn't been as lucky. He pressed a soft kiss to Sawyer's forehead, and left for the living room.

He hated feeling so useless. Normally he was the source of comfort; the person who never failed to cheer people up even in terrible situations. There was no use in that now. He may have tried to paint the best picture possible for her, but it didn't take long for both to realise that there were no positives to this situation.

He began to clean what parts of her apartment he could., thinking back on the night's events. Sawyer hadn't mentioned wanting to go back to Boston, and he hadn't brought it up. Leaving now would mean that she would have to abandon their project right in the middle of production. Not only would that mean ticking off their producer; It would mean acknowledging just how bad things could be. That her Dad might die.

Danny hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Jared; largely due to his own fears and insecurities that seemed so silly now. Now he might never get the chance. That made his heart ache in a way which he couldn't quite describe. Geez, if I'm like this I can only imagine how Sawyer feels.

That thought made him stop. He could remember how upset he had been hearing that his little sister had broke her leg when he couldn't be there to help her, and that was nothing life threatening. Everyone had the right to be with the people they loved in their time of need, no matter the circumstances. Especially if it might be their last chance.

Danny shot up from his seat, and hurried into the bedroom to pull on his jacket, suddenly grateful that they hadn't thought to undress. He glanced up at her clock. 4.45. If he was quick he could be back before seven. He leaned down to place a final, lingering kiss to Sawyer's head. 'I'll take care of everything' he whispered, before hurrying out the door and into the night.

It was 6 pm by the time Sawyer's flight was called. The flight seemed to be pretty empty, so boarding wouldn't take too long. The waiting still left her too much time to think about everything. About her father, her career, Danny. Everything just felt like a bad dream.

'Your flight is booked for this evening. If we start packing now we can have you there in plenty of time. You'll be home with time to spare'. Sawyer stared down at the ticket in her hands, unsure of how to respond. she hadn't really thought of leaving as an option.

'Danny this is a lovely gesture but...I don't know if this is a good idea.'

'And what makes you say that?'

'Between you, the movie and everything I just don't know if this is-'

She was cut off by Danny, who sat down and grabbed her two hands in hers. 'I'll be ok, LB can sort something out, and right now you shouldn't have to worry about anyone but your dad. Listen, you know that's where you want to be. And I'll be right here when you get back'

He had been totally right, and she had let him drop her off with no resistance. She would miss him dearly, but it wasn't a time for romantic goodbyes. A day spent making endless phone calls which seemed to get them nowhere had left them both drained, to the point where it was tough to care about anything but getting her on that flight. She was relieved to board, and even more so to find that she had gotten a seat by herself at the back. She needed a little privacy.

'Excuse me, Miss McDermid?'

Sawyer was alerted by a kind faced flight attendant standing over her, holding out a parcel. 'Your boyfriend left this with us this morning; he asked for it to be left with you'.

Sawyer scarcely knew what to say, but managed to muster up the common sense to thank the woman before taking her package. Looking down, she noticed a small note addressed to her, and began to read.

Sawyer,

In here you'll find some supplies to keep you and your Dad going while you find your feet. Mom always said a good, easy meal was the best help during hard times, and I just hope she's right.

Now on to the important stuff: Don't worry. Your Dad's a strong guy, and he'll make it. He's a doctor, and he knows how to take care of himself. And don't worry about the job, I'll take care of everything. And finally, don't worry about me. I'm a big boy, and I'll keep myself together until you get back. Don't worry more than you need to, and just remember I love you. Always will.

Danny

Sawyer stared down at the page, beginning to notice how her eyes stung. With shaking hands she put the letter back, and finally cried in earnest.