Erin was a bit stunned, she thought she knew almost all of Voight's CIs. Why not tell her about Serena?
"When was she your CI?" Erin asked.
"About seven and a half years ago, I got a tip from her one day about Marco after that I stopped hearing from her. I figured she left town after that". Hank replied.
"Did you know she was pregnant?"
"No. If I did, I would have helped her. She probably took off so Marco wouldn't harm her or the baby".
"I still can't believe that son of a bitch is her father".
"No he's not. As far as I'm concerned, I'm Dani's father now he's nothing to her just as she's nothing to him".
"You're doing a great thing for that little girl".
"I'm hoping if possible to fast track to adopt, nothing stopping me".
"What if Marco tries to stop it?"
"I can and will have his parental rights stripped".
Before Erin could speak Dani bounced over to the two, she looked up at the woman with a bright smile on her face.
"Erin you wanna see my room?" Dani asked excitedly.
"Of course I do". Erin replied with a smile of her own.
Hank smiled at his new daughter as the excited six year old took Erin to her new room, he was glad that he was able to give her a home but most of all a family.
After a while everyone had left, Dani had fallen asleep on the couch so Hank had cut the tv off and gently picked her up. The six year old felt herself being moved and she blindly looked around.
"Daddy?" Dani says sleepily.
"Shh sweetheart go back to sleep". Hank said soothingly.
She turned and went back to sleep, once in the room he laid her down and covered her up.
"Sweet dreams sweetheart". He whispered.
He kissed her head and went to his room for the night.
The time was now 2:30 in the morning the house was quiet and dark, all of a sudden Hank was woken out of his sleep by a scream. He then remembered Dani, he shot up and ran to her room he got to her door and saw that she was tossing and turning. He then went over to her and gently shook her shoulders.
"Dani wake up sweetheart it's alright, it's just a dream. You're safe wake up sweetie". Hank says soothingly.
The six year old woke up with a start as she looked around frantically till her green eyes saw her foster father.
"Daddy". Dani cried.
Hank gathered his foster daughter into his arms and held her as she cried and the entire time he felt her shaking like a leaf.
"Shh it's alright sweetheart, everything's ok. You're ok, you're safe now. I'm here sweetie". Hank soothed her.
After five minutes Dani had stopped crying and she was slightly shaking, she gripped Hank's shirt in her small fist. She was still afraid of her dream, it seemed all too real for her.
"Wanna talk about it sweetheart?"
"M-Marco...he hurt you...a-and then h-he hurt me".
Hank's blood was boiling the entire time he was ready to pay Marco another visit but he could do that another time at that moment his little girl needed him.
"Dani I want you to listen to me sweetheart ok".
"Ok".
She wiped her eyes and her wet cheeks, as she looked up at her father a couple more tears ran down her cheeks and Hank wiped them away with his thumbs.
"I'll never ever let anyone hurt you again".
"P-promise?"
"I promise".
After Dani had calmed down she fell back asleep, just as Hank was about to put the six year old back to bed she clung to him tightly and he gave up. He laid down next to her and she curled into him.
The next morning Hank awoke and when he opened his eyes he saw pink and purple walls and got confused for a moment then it hit him. Dani had a nightmare and stayed with her. He looked down to see her still fast asleep he carefully he removed her from his grip then headed to his room and got ready for the day.
After showering and getting dressed he headed downstairs and started breakfast for him and Dani. Once he started the coffee he heard someone knocking on his door, checking the time and seen it was only past 7:15 in the morning. Who'd be at his house this time of morning?
Walking to the door he opened it and it was Erin standing there.
"Morning Hank". Erin said.
"Morning". Hank replied.
"Is Dani awake?"
Before Hank could answer Dani came down the stairs rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Morning sweetheart". Hank greeted her.
"Morning honey". Erin says.
"Good morning". Dani spoke to the two.
The six year old was afraid to ask Erin if she could do her hair, she never had her hair done. It's always been down, knotted and dirty. She never had a female figure in her life so she doesn't know much about doing hair or any of it. The two adults noticed something was off with Dani.
"Sweetie what's wrong?" Erin asked.
"C-could you maybe do my hair please". Dani says nervously.
"Of course I can".
Dani was surprised to hear Erin say yes, she was always told no so she never asked for anything or any help. Eagerly the young girl went up to her room to grab her brush and ponytails. The two adults chuckled at her actions and headed back to the kitchen.
"How's Dani?" Erin asked her father figure.
"She's good. Happy. Last night she had a nightmare". Hank answered.
"What happened?"
"She had a dream where Marco hurt me then her".
"I still can't believe someone can do that to a child".
"I wanna kill the son of bitch".
"You and me both".
"I'm hoping to fast track for adoption".
"This is a really amazing thing you're doing Hank".
"Dani deserves a home. A family".
"Yes she does".
A few moments later Dani came down dressed in a light green shirt with flowers on it, a matching green skirt with white leggings and her sneakers in her hands was a brush and ponytails. She stood in front of Erin holding the brush and ponytails and the woman took them smiling down at the six year old.
"How do you want you're hair Dani?"
"Can you do a braid please?"
"I most certainly can".
Erin then began brushing her long blonde hair, it took a few minutes to get all the knots and tangles out till it was soft and silky. She then began braiding the six year old's hair till it was finished.
"All finished honey".
Dani went to look in a nearby mirror to see and when she saw a huge smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you!"
She then hugged Erin tightly then bounced over to Hank the smile still plastered on her face.
"Daddy don't I look pretty?" Her voice was full of excitement.
Hank smiled as he looked down at his daughter. "You look very beautiful sweetheart, go get you're stuff Dani we'll be leaving in a few minutes".
"I get to see where you work again?"
"Yeah you'll get to see where we work again but before that we have an appointment".
"Where?"
"I'm taking you to a friend of mine, he's a doctor".
"I don't like needles".
"He isn't that kind of doctor, this one you talk to him and he talks to you".
"He won't hurt me?"
Hank and Erin both looked and felt heartbroken when Dani asked that, it made the older man furious to hear that. Who could hurt a child to the point they would be afraid of everyone?
The older father got down on one knee and looked at the six year old in the eye giving her a soft gentle look. "Sweetheart nobody will ever hurt you again. Not with any of us around. Not with me around".
Dani then threw her arms around his neck holding on tightly. "I love you daddy".
With a huge smile on his face Hank hugged her back and kissed her temple. "I love you too sweetie".
"See you guys at the District". Erin said.
"See you". Hank replied.
"Bye Erin". Dani spoke.
"Bye sweetie". Erin says, hugging her.
Once Erin had left the father and daughter had left as well, Hank strapped Dani into her booster seat and headed off for Med. He put the radio on for the six year old as she was singing along to it.
After a fifteen minute drive the two arrived to the hospital, Dani made sure to stick close to her foster father. She was still unsure about everyone around her, they all seemed nice but she didn't know. As they walked Hank held onto her small hand, the entire time he kept his guard up once inside the hospital they were met by Maggie.
"Hey Maggie". Hank says.
"Hey Hank, who's this". Maggie replies.
"This is my foster daughter, Dani. Dani this is Maggie she's a nurse here".
"Hi sweetie". Maggie says to the young girl.
"Hi". Dani said shyly.
"Is Dr. Charles around by any chance?" Hank asked.
"Yeah I can page him for you". Maggie answered.
"Thanks".
"No problem". She then turned to the six year old. "It was nice meeting you Dani".
"Bye". Dani spoke waving.
While they waited Will was coming around checking on his patients, he then seen his brother's boss and Dani.
"Hank, how's it going". Will greets the older man.
"Will, how are you?" Hank replied.
"I'm good. Hi, Dani my name's Will you remember me. My friend Natalie and I helped you".
"Hi". Dani says shyly.
"Wanna know a fun secret".
"What?"
"My brother, Jay he works with your dad".
"After we leave here I get to see where he works".
"I bet that'll be very exciting".
Will's pager had went off. "Excuse me, I gotta check on a patient but good seeing you guys".
"See you Will". Hank spoke.
"Bye". Dani says.
The older Halstead waved and went to check on his patient, a few minutes later Dr. Charles and Sarah had found him with Dani.
"Hank how are you". Dr. Charles said, shaking his hand.
"Daniel, Dr. Reese". Hank says, shaking their hands.
"How are you Sergeant". Sarah spoke with a smile.
"I'm good, thank you".
Dani shrank behind Hank hiding behind his leg gripping his pant's leg, the two psychiatrist seen the young girl. Hank then looked to see his little girl hiding behind him he gently brought her around and held her hand.
"Dani these are two of my friends, Dr. Charles and Dr. Reese. You talk to them about your feelings". Hank says to his daughter.
"Hi Dani". Dr. Charles said to the young girl.
"Hi it's nice to meet you Dani". Sarah spoke.
"Hi". Dani says shyly.
"I was hoping one of you wouldn't mind talking with her for a little bit".
"We'd be happy too. Dr. Reese why don't you take Dani some place comfortable, get her a snack and we'll be there in a few minutes". Dr. Charles says to his resident.
"Alright. Ready to go Dani". Sarah said.
The six year old looked up at her foster father silently asking for his permission, Hank looked down at her with a smile.
"Go on sweetheart I'm right here when you're finished". Hank tells her.
Dani then went with Sarah while the two men stayed behind, a smile remained on Hank's face Dr. Charles then glanced over at the older Sergeant.
"How have you been Hank?" Dr. Charles asked.
"Good". Hank replied honestly.
"What you're doing for Dani is amazing".
"Ever since….my son died I never thought I'd be a father again, when I found Dani I don't know something clicked. She became attached to me. All I want to do is give her a home, a family, a new life".
"How's she been coping with everything?"
"Pretty good. She's still having a hard time trusting people but that's to be expected. Last night she had a nightmare".
"Did she say what it was about?"
"Her biological father hurt me then her".
"Give her a little bit more time I'm sure she'll come around".
"I'm hoping to fast track the adoption to make it permanent".
"I'm sure it'll work out in your favor".
"I hope so to".
Sarah and Dani were in the children's playroom, the psych resident was playing with the six year old.
"So, Dani do you like it with Sergeant Voight". Sarah says.
"Yeah. He's my new daddy. My other daddy was mean". Dani replied.
"How was he mean?"
"He hurt me a lot, sometimes he locked me in the closet as punishment if I got in trouble".
"What else would he do?"
"He let his friends hit me. Most days if I got in trouble I wouldn't get anything to eat and when I did eat i ate really fast and got sick he didn't like that very much".
"Where's your mom?"
"She died when I was a baby".
"I'm sorry".
"It's ok. I have a new daddy now and I got a new family".
"What do you like about your new family?"
"They're all nice, I like them. Some of them are police officers, some are firefighters, and some are doctors".
"You met them?"
"They came over when I went to live with my daddy".
"Dani if you ever wanna talk or play you can always come see me".
"Thank you, Dr. Reese".
Sarah chuckled. "You may call me Sarah".
"Ok Sarah".
After playing for a while longer Hank and Dr. Charles went to find the two playing, the smile never left Hank's face for a minute. The six year old looked to see her foster father and ran to him with a huge smile on her face, he bent down to pick her up and held her.
"You have fun sweetheart?" Hank asked.
"I had a lot of fun daddy, I can't wait to come back". Dani replied.
"I'm glad you had fun we're gonna head to the District now".
"Bye Dr. Charles, bye Sarah". Dani says to the two psychiatrist.
"See you around kiddo". Dr. Charles said.
"Bye". Sarah spoke.
Hank set Dani back down on her feet and left the hospital, the six year old held onto her father's hand tightly. After strapping his daughter into her booster seat Hank hopped into the diver seat and headed off for the District.
As he drove he was thinking about his life and Dani's life. He now had to think about Dani. What would he do if he couldn't care for her anymore? Who'd take care of her? What would happen to her? One thing for sure she wouldn't go into the system, he'd be damned if that would happen, being a cop for years he knew what happens to kids who go into foster care most of the cases weren't pretty. Dani needed to be around a family, a true family that would care for her, love her, protect her, he knew what he was going to do.
The two finally arrive to the District, Dani hopped out and went to stand by her father. Even at the District, Hank made sure to keep his guard up as he scanned around for any kinda threats. The six year old loved seeing the K-9 dogs, Trudy was at her desk when she seen her friend and the young girl.
"Hey Hank, hi Dani". Trudy says.
"Hey Trudy". Hank replied.
"Hi Ms. Trudy". Dani said with a smile.
"Sweetheart go wait for me by the stairs I gotta talk to Trudy". Hank looks at the six year old.
"Ok".
Dani headed over to where the stairs were that led to the squad while Hank stayed over by Trudy's desk the entire time she was giving him a curious look.
"What's up Hank?" She asked curiously.
"I was wondering when you and Mouch had minute would you guys mind coming over, I have something to discuss with you guys and Alvin and Meredith". Hank replied.
"Of course".
"Thanks".
"Anytime".
Hank headed over to the stairs where his little girl was, he scanned his hand then punched in his code then the gate opened Dani went first with Hank behind her.
The team was in the squad going over some paperwork, the six year old was at the top and was amazed it may have been her second time there but it still fascinated her.
"This is so cool". Dani commented.
"Yes it is". Hank says with a smile.
Everyone looked over at them and they all had a smile on their face.
"Listen up, you all know Dani. Dani, I would like for you to meet my team". He then pointed over to Antonio's desk. "That's Detective Antonio Dawson. He has two kids who are just a little older than you".
"He's the one who found me too". Dani says with a smile.
"That's right".
"Nice seeing you again Dani". Antonio said with a smile.
Hank then pointed over to Erin's desk. "You already met Erin this morning".
"Hi Erin". Dani chirped.
"Hi honey". Erin replied.
Next he pointed to Jay's desk. "That is Detective Jay Halstead, his brother was you're doctor".
"How's it going kiddo". Jay spoke with a smile.
Dani waved just as Hank kept going, next was Adam. "That is Detective Adam Ruzek, you met him last time you were here".
"Hey Dani, I have a secret". Adam says playfully.
"What". Dani replied.
"I think they're might be more cookies in the lounge".
"Really?"
"Maybe".
After everyone chuckles Hank continued, next was Kevin. "That is Detective Kevin Atwater, he has a brother and sister".
"Are they my age?" Dani asked.
"They're a little older than you".
Next was Alvin. "That is Detective Alvin Olinsky, he's one of my oldest friends and he'll be your uncle".
"I never had an uncle before".
"You'll have a very good one with Al".
"That's right kiddo". Alvin said with a smile.
Lastly was Mouse. "And this is our tech guy, Mouse".
Dani chuckled. "That's a silly name".
"It is". Mouse chuckled.
"Sweetheart why don't you go to the lounge, I'll be there in a minute". Hank tells her.
"Ok daddy". Dani replied.
The six year old bounced from the squad to the lounge closing the door so she doesn't overhear anything. The entire team looked at their boss, nobody hasn't seen him happy since after Justin's death to see him happy was a good sight.
"How's Dani doing?" Antonio asked.
"She's good. Dani's doing well". Hank answered.
"Sarge anytime you need a babysitter you got us". Adam spoke.
"I appreciate it Ruzek".
Down stairs Peter Stone had entered the District and went to Trudy's desk. "Excuse me, I'm here to see Sergeant Voight".
"Follow me please". Trudy replied.
The two headed up to the squad, Hank was still talking with his team when he heard footsteps he turned to see his friend with Peter.
"Thank you". Peter says to Trudy.
"You're welcome". Trudy replied.
The Attorney then turned to the older man. "Hank nice to see you again".
"Peter". Hank said.
"Is there somewhere private we can talk?"
"Yeah follow me".
The two head to Hank's office and closed the door, Hank sat behind his desk and Peter sat across from him.
"What's going on".
"Marco Adrian he's going to prison".
"Figured as much".
"I understand you're fostering his daughter, Dani".
Hank tensed up when Peter said that, could he try and stop the adoption? Would he take Dani away from him?
"Yeah that's right. I'm hoping to fast track to adopt. That little girl has been through a lot she deserves a stable life. She deserves to have a father that will care for her, love her. She deserves to have a family. A life".
"I can take your case".
"Thank you. Is there anything I should know".
"First we have to get Marco to give up his parental rights".
"Couldn't we just strip him of his rights? He abused Dani, locked her in a closet for days on end. She had no food, no water, no anything. Not to mention he was dealing drugs with her around, using. If it hadn't been for us that little girl wouldn't be alive right now. What more needs to be said".
"He could fight the adoption, you could possibly lose custody".
"Peter there's no way in hell that little girl is going into the system or going back to that son of a bitch. I'm not letting either of those things happen".
"I can try to get his rights stripped because of those facts. If you're serious about adoption, I'd recommend a few character witnesses".
"Alright".
Peter stood then faced the older man. "Hank don't do anything to ruin your chances of this".
"I won't".
The Attorney then left the office while Hank sat at his desk, Dani left the lounge and went found her father in his office. Hank rubbed his hand down his face tiredly.
"Daddy?" Dani spoke from the door.
The older man looked to see his little girl. "Hey sweetheart".
"Is this your office?"
"Yup".
"It's big".
"Yes it is".
"Who was the name you were talking to?"
"His name is Peter he's a lawyer, he puts bad guys in jail after we arrest them".
"Did he put Marco in jail?"
"Yes he did".
He noticed the look on Dani's face and was concerned. "Come here sweetheart".
The six year old went over to her father and he picked her up setting her on his lap, he gave her a gentle look as he put a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Dani you'll never ever have to worry about Marco or any of them again. Nobody won't ever hurt you ever again, not with me or the others around".
"He always told me if he went away he'll find a way to come back and get me".
"He won't ever get anywhere near you again".
"Promise?"
"I promise".
Dani headed back to the lounge to color, Hank then stepped out of his office and looked to his friend.
"Al you got a sec". He said.
"Yeah man". Alvin replied.
Alvin headed to Hank's office and the door shut.
"What's up".
"I was hoping if you and Meredith wouldn't mind coming over tonight I'd like to discuss something with you two and Trudy and Mouch".
"Yeah of course".
"Thanks".
Hank then went to go check on Dani, the six year old was curled up on the couch fast asleep, he smiled then slipped his jacket off and went to cover her up with it. He then kissed her head.
A couple of hours had went by and Dani had woken up, she saw that Hank's jacket was covering her she slipped it on and headed out of the lounge. Everyone was wrapping up on their paperwork when they seen the six year old.
"Hey Dani". They said.
"Hi". Dani says, her voice still filled with sleep.
She headed to her father's office as she was rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Hank had just hung his phone up when he saw his daughter enter his office.
"Have a good nap sweetie?" Hank asked.
"Yeah". Dani replied.
The work day was finally over and everyone headed home for the day. Hank and Dani headed back to his house, once back there they headed inside. The six year old was full of energy, the older man headed to the kitchen to start dinner.
While Hank was cooking Dani was exploring the house and saw all the pictures, when she saw a picture of Hank and Justin she got confused at who he was. After Hank had put a tray in the oven he glanced to see his daughter looking at the pictures he then went over to her. The six year old looked up at her father with a confused look on her face.
"Who's that with you daddy?"
"That's my son, Justin".
"Where is he?"
Hank felt his throat tighten but coughed to continue. "He passed away".
"I'm sorry".
"It's alright".
"Would he have liked me?"
"Sweetheart he would have loved you, he's always wanted a little sister".
A few moments later there was a knock on the door, Dani ran excitedly to the door with Hank right behind her and he opened the door. He opens the door to see Trudy, Mouch, Alvin, and Meredith.
"Come in please". Hank says to the group.
Dani stayed close to Hank the whole time she was still a bit shy around the new people she met.
"Sweetheart you already met Trudy and Alvin. This is Mouch, he's Trudy's husband. And this is Meredith, she's Alvin's wife". Hank introduced the people.
"It's very nice to meet you Dani". Mouch says.
"It's lovely to meet you sweetie". Meredith said.
"Hi". Dani says shyly.
"Sweetheart why don't you go play in the backyard, I'll call you when dinner's ready". Hank tells her.
"Ok".
The adults watched as she ran out to the backyard, they all then sat down at the table. Hank took a deep breath and began talking.
"As you all know I'm fostering Dani, I'm hoping to fast track to adopt her". He began.
"Hank that's wonderful". Trudy said.
"It's such an amazing thing you're doing". Meredith says.
"Hopefully once I adopt her, I'd like for you all to be Dani's godparents. I know normally it's two but I need to know that Dani's in good hands and she's safe should anything ever happen to me".
"We'd be honored". Trudy said.
"We'd love to Hank". Alvin spoke with a smile.
A smile appeared on his face, he knew that his little girl would be in good hands and she'd be safe. Once dinner was ready Hank wanted to tell Dani the good news. Dani sat by her father at the table while everyone else sat in their seats. A few minutes had gone by before Hank spoke up and looked to his daughter.
"Sweetheart, I have some good news". Hank says.
"What?" Dani replied.
"Trudy and Meredith they're gonna be you're godmothers, Mouch and Alvin are gonna be you're godfathers. They're gonna be your godparents".
"What's that?"
"A godparent is someone who looks after you if I can't, so if I was sick or hurt they would take care of you".
That had frightened Dani a little, she had just gotten with her father. Was he sick? Was he hurt somehow?
"But your ok now right?"
"I'm fine now, it's just in case something happens".
After dinner the father and daughter wished everyone good night, Hank saw it was just after 9 in the evening.
"Alright sweetheart go get ready for bed, I'll be up in a few minutes".
"Ok".
The six year old ran up the steps to her room and got ready for bed, he loaded the dishwasher of the dirty dishes. Once that was finished he then went to go check on Dani.
Up in her room Dani had changed into pink princess pajamas, her blonde hair still in the braid. A moment later Hank had entered the room and went over to her, the six year old sat on the bed as she held a book in her hand, her hands were shaking as she held the book.
"Want me to read to you?"
"Would you? Please".
"Sure".
Hank tucked his little girl in and opened the book and began reading, half way through the story he heard soft snoring he looked to see his precious little girl fast asleep. He then kissed her head.
"Sleep tight sweetheart".
He got up and left the room quietly he stood outside the room smiling, he was determined to give Dani a good life. A better life.
The next day
Hank and Dani woke up and got ready for the day, he wore a short sleeve blue shirt with jeans and his boots. He put his badge and gun on his hip. Dani wore a short sleeve purple shirt with blue overalls and white and purple sneakers, she took her hair out hoping Erin could do it again.
Since it was summer Hank didn't have to worry about taking her to school just yet, but for the time being she would go to the DIstrict. He'd want her somewhere he knows she'd be safe and within his and the team's sights.
After packing her stuff up Dani slipped her pink and purple backpack on her shoulders and came down the steps.
"Ready to go sweetheart". Hank says.
"Yup". Dani chriped.
The father and daughter headed out for the day, Hank strapped the young girl into her booster seat and headed off for the District. He turned the radio on and Dani began singing along with it. The entire time a smile was planted on Hank's face.
After ten minutes they arrived to the DIstrict, Dani held onto her father's hand as they went inside. Trudy was inside and seen her friend and now goddaughter.
"Hey guys". Trudy spoke.
"Hey Trudy". Hank greeted her.
"Hi Ms. Trudy". Dani spoke.
"Sweetie you can call me Aunt Trudy now". Trudy says to the young girl.
"Ok Aunt Trudy".
"Oh Hank before I forget, Peter Stone is here to see you. He's in your office".
"Thanks Trudy".
The two head up to the squad, the team was in the squad as they were all talking and joking with each other since they didn't have a case. Once they heard footsteps they opened something acting as if they were doing work. When Hank had seen Peter in his office he felt his breath getting caught in his throat.
He feared that Dani would be taken from him, trying to block out all of the negative outcomes he headed to his office. Dani headed over to Erin's desk.
"Hey sweetie". Erin said.
"Hi. Um could you please do my hair again". Dani says.
"Absolutely".
She took a brush out of the backpack along with a couple ponytails and began doing her hair.
Hank entered his office and saw Peter sitting down, he closed the door so no one overhears anything.
"Peter". Hank greets his friend.
"Hank, I wish I were here on better terms". Peter replied.
"What's going on?"
"Marco Adrian. I tried to see if he'll voluntarily sign his parental rights away he refused".
"So strip them from him".
"That's the thing. He wants to go to court and fight".
"What are you saying?"
"He's fighting for his rights which means he's going to try and fight the adoption".