Hank was beating the two brothers with a crowbar, the two brothers had been screaming in pain and agony but Voight hadn't stopped yet. The older man stopped for a moment.
"Why the hell are you two stalking my daughter?" Hank asked dangerously.
"She...ain't...you're kid". Miguel spat.
"Marco wants Dani back". Juan said.
"When you see Marco and I promise you will, tell him he will never see Dani again as long as I'm around". Hank told the two brothers.
"He'll get her back, one way or another".
After that was said Hank once again raised the crowbar and hit Miguel then Juan. Dani was up in the squad with the team, the six year old was still scared and shaken by everything. The little girl sat on the couch in Hank's office with her knees pulled to her chest, nobody hadn't checked on her since they came in. Erin got up from her desk heading to the office and took a seat next to the shaken six year old.
"Dani, you ok sweetie?" Erin asked gently.
"I didn't mean to run away from Adam and Kevin, I could still see them". Dani spoke quietly.
"We know you didn't mean to run off. Did you know the two men in the park?"
"Yes, they're Marco's friends. Miguel and Juan Salazar. They went out and got things for Marco and the others".
"Do you remember what they got?"
"It looked like medicine but they crushed it up and sniffed it, sometimes they smoked things it smelled really bad".
Erin was in anger and disbelief, they had used and smoked around a six year old. This made her blood boil even more, she wanted to be the one to end Marco.
"Sweetie this is really important but do you remember anything else they did while you were with them?"
"Don't make me say, they could tell Marco and I don't want him to find out".
"Hey hey, Marco won't find out and he won't find you. I promise".
"I'd always be upstairs locked in my room when Marco had people over, I was always to stay out of the way or else Marco would hit me. I snuck out of the room one time they were all acting weird and very angry, I can't remember his name but he was waving a gun around he was yelling. I don't like yelling it scares me. Something about making Ray pay I don't remember, Marco saw me on the step I tried to run back to the room but he caught he hit me hard then locked me back in the room for almost two days".
Erin felt anger and sadness through her, how could someone do this to a child? How could they stomach something like that?
"Do you remember the day we found you?"
"Yes. They were about to leave, Juan locked me in the closet. Everyone was moving a lot then I heard the front open and you guys, Antonio found me then daddy came. I don't wanna go back Erin please don't make go back. I like it here".
"Honey you aren't going anywhere".
"Will I ever have to live with Marco again?"
"No you don't".
"I wanna go home".
"You're safe now sweetie, nobody won't hurt you ever again".
"Where's daddy?"
"He's talking to Miguel and Juan".
"They aren't gonna hurt him are they?"
Erin wanted to chuckle but gave the six year old a reassuring smile. "They aren't gonna hurt him".
"Can I see him? Please".
"I'll go see if he's finished".
"Ok".
Erin got up and left the office she then headed for the cage, Dani eventually left the office and went over to Adam. Adam was tossing a foam ball in the air when the six year old went over to him.
"Hey sweetheart what's up". Adam says.
"I'm sorry I ran away from you and Kevin, I didn't mean to. I just wanted to explore". Dani replied shyly.
"As long as you're safe that's the only thing that matters, but Dani don't sneak off like that again ok".
"Ok, I promise".
Erin made her way to the cage when Hank was returning to the squad.
"What's wrong?" Hank asked.
"Dani needs you". Erin replied.
"Is she ok?"
"She's still a bit shaken and scared but otherwise fine".
Hank heard his surrogate daughter's voice, he heard the anger, sadness, and disbelief in her heard and it made him curious.
"What's going on Erin?"
"Dani told me some things that Marco and some of his sick friends did".
Insistently the older man was sicked to his stomach, what had they done? Did any of them cross a line they shouldn't have?
"What'd the sick bastards do?" Hank's voice became cold and dangerous.
Hank was ready to turn back and finish the two brothers off in the cage if he heard the wrong things.
"They definitely used around her, they'd smoke. Dani told me that she saw Marco and the others getting high and he beat her then locked her in a room for two days. The day we found her apparently they were getting ready to leave when we came".
The older man was furious to what he heard, he wanted to make sure everyone all paid for hurting his little girl. Erin saw the very familiar look in his eyes, she saw his body getting ready to turn.
"Hank no I just told you Dani needs you, don't do anything stupid to ruin your chances of adopting her and giving her a new life".
Hank wanted to make everyone suffer but Peter and now Erin warned him not to do anything stupid to ruin his chances of adopting Dani. As much as he wanted to do something he wouldn't.
"Go see her Hank, she needs you right now".
Without another word the older man walked past his surrogate daughter back to the squad, once he was close enough by he saw his little girl. Dani saw her father and ran over to him, bending down Hank swept the little girl up and kissed her head.
"You're safe now sweetheart. Nobody won't ever hurt you again". Hank whispered.
"I wanna go home daddy". Dani whimpered.
"Let's go".
As Hank carried the six year old she eventually fell asleep on his shoulder he walked through the squad and signed for them to stay quiet. Holding the small girl with one arm he gathered up his stuff with his other arm. He left the squad as everyone looked on not saying a word.
Hank opened the door to his SUV and carefully as he could he put Dani in her booster seat buckling her in he then set his work beside her, closing the door he didn't see Peter standing there which made him jump.
"Sorry Hank. But we need to talk". Peter said.
"What's wrong?" Hank asked a bit worried.
"Marco wants to go to court as soon as possible and fight for custody. Hank this is about to be a very nasty custody battle".
"I'll be ready".
Peter then had a sad expression on his face. "Hank during the duration of the trial, Dani can't be in your custody. She needs to be in a neutral environment. She can't be with you or Marco".
Hank felt his heart and world shatter, he didn't expect the custody trial to happen now and he didn't expect for his little girl to be taken from him during that time.
"Peter you can't take her, she's still terrified. Dani will think Marco will take her and abuse her again".
"I'm sorry it's out of my hands, Dani will be taken as you as you get her home. Court will start tomorrow morning at 10".
"Please don't do this, she doesn't deserve this".
"As I said it's out of my hands".
"Can I at least have a few minutes with her?"
"A few minutes that's it".
The older man got in his car and drove home, as he was driving Hank glanced into the rear view mirror and saw Dani sleeping peacefully his heart broken because in a matter of minutes she was gonna get ripped away from him.
Hank wanted to drive slowly so he can at least have some time with his little girl, it took him a little while before he got to his house. When he arrived he saw Peter with Dani's social worker this was it his little girl was gonna be taken from him for who knows how long. Looking in the back the six year old was starting to wake up.
"Hey sweetheart". Hank said, pain filled his voice.
"Daddy? Are we home?" Dani asked sleepily.
"Yes. Dani, sweetie I need you to listen to me".
Dani heard his tone of voice and got scared. "Daddy what's wrong?"
"You have to go away for a couple of days".
The six year old looked horrified, why'd she have to leave? Did he still want her?
"You don't want me anymore?"
"It's not that sweetie, tomorrow I have to go to court and the judge will decide if you can live with me forever".
"So why do I have to leave?"
"They wanna make sure you aren't caught up in anything, nobody wants you to get hurt".
"I wanna stay with you daddy".
Hank felt his heart break and ache with pain, this was literally physically hurting him by the second.
"I know honey but it's just for a couple of days, I promise".
"No! I wanna stay with you!"
Hank got out of the car and went over to get Dani out of the car, Peter gave him a sad look while the two walked inside. The older man packed a small suitcase for the six year old while he did that the little girl looked on as tears came down her face.
"Daddy please don't make me go please. I wanna stay with you". Dani cried.
"I know you don't wanna go baby but it's just for a couple of days, I promise". Hank assured her.
"Will I live with you forever?"
Bending down to her level Hank looked into her teary green eyes, he used his thumb to wipe away her tears. "I'm gonna make sure you live with me forever and that you'll never ever have to go back to Marco".
"Will Marco stay in jail forever?"
"Yes he will. Dani, I want you to be brave and strong for me. Can you do that".
"I guess".
"No I know you can, you can be very brave and strong for me. I know you can sweetie".
"Ok, I can do it".
"That's my girl".
He kissed her head and grabbed the suitcase, as they walked down the stairs Dani saw a picture of Hank with a woman she didn't know.
"Who's this daddy?"
When she pointed to the picture of him and Camille he felt many things at that moment. He had a sad expression on his face.
"That was my wife, Camille".
"Where is she?"
"She was really sick and she passed away".
"Like Justin?"
"Justin he was really hurt and he passed away".
An idea had popped into the six year old's head, she was gonna change her name if the adoption was gonna go through.
The two walked outside, Dani held onto Hank's hand tighter she didn't want to leave. Hank felt his heart break into more pieces. Peter reached and grabbed the suitcase from the older man.
"It's only gonna be for a couple of days Hank". Peter assured him.
"Is she gonna be safe?" Hank asked.
"Of course she is, the family is amazing. Their background came back clean, Dani will be safe Sergeant". Kaylee said.
"I had my investigators do the background, they're clean. She won't be found". Peter says.
As much emotional pain as Hank was in he slowly let go of Dani's hand and handing her over to Peter and Kaylee. The six year old dropped the woman's hand jumping her father in a hug.
"I'll miss you daddy". Dani whispers.
"I'll miss you too sweetie". Hank whispered.
After a couple of minutes Dani let go of Hank and went back with the social worker. The olde man watched as Kaylee took his little girl, Peter stood by as he held a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"You should call everyone". Peter said.
"Peter she can't go back to him, if she does go back he'll kill her". Hank says.
"I'll try my hardest to make sure Dani stays with you, I can't make any promises".
"I understand".
Peter left to get ready for the trail, Hank called everyone over to his house. In record time the team, a few people from 51 and Med made it to Hank's house, they saw the older man on the couch as tears streamed down his face. Erin rushed over and put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Hank what's wrong? Where's Dani?" Erin asked.
"The custody trial starts tomorrow, Peter came by with her social worker and they took her. He said that Dani needs to be in a neutral environment so she can't be with me or that son of a bitch". Hank spoke, wiping the tears away.
"Whatever you need let us know, we'll do it". Alvin said.
"Peter said I'd need a few character witnesses".
"Consider it done". Antonio spoke up.
"Antonio's right, we'll speak on your behalf if you need us to". Casey agreed with his brother in law.
"I really appreciate it". Hank told everyone.
"Dani's family and we look out for family". Will chimes in.
Hank smiled he was so glad that his little girl had a large and very caring family like this one.
By the next morning Hank was completely nervous, could the trail be over today? Would he get Dani back? Could Marco get custody again? Many things roamed his mind about the whole day, Erin had went over to pick him up.
She wore a red blouse with black slacks and heels, her brown hair was in a high ponytail and her makeup up was light. Erin walked in to see her father figure on the couch.
"Hank you ready?" Erin asked.
"What if I don't get her back? Marco's going to prison. What if she goes into the system? What if-" Hank was cut off by his surrogate daughter.
"You gotta stop with the what ifs, those are gonna kill you what you should be focused on is getting Dani back. When the judge awards you not Marco but you full custody that's the only thing that'll matter".
"We should go before we're late".
"Let's go".
The two headed out for the court house, by the time they arrived everyone had shown up. The whole intelligence team, all of 51, Will, Natalie, Maggie, Connor, and a few others from Med showed up. Alvin's wife Meredith had even showed up. Hank couldn't believe that his little girl had such a great family.
Peter came out to see everyone their and they filled up the courtroom, he headed over to the older man.
"You ready for this Hank?" Peter asked.
"You bet your ass I am". Hank replied.
"Let's do this".
The two walked in and headed over to the table sitting down.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Parker". The guard says.
Everyone in the courtroom stood up as a judge came in and sat down.
"You all may be seated. We are here today to determine physical sole custody of one Danielle Adrian. Mr. Stone you may begin opening arguments". Parker says.
"You're honor, Dani deserves to be in a loving and caring home with a father and a family who loves her. Hank Voight can provide her with that, he loves Dani like his own child. If you look in the courtroom you can see for yourself that this little girl already has a large loving and caring family. If it hadn't been for the Intelligence team who knows what could have happened to this little girl. Her biological father, Marco Adrian has been a terrible father for the little girl. He had done drugs around her, drank, and did who knows what else around her. Dani doesn't deserve to be in that kind of environment, what she does deserve is to go to a place she can call home and be with people who love and care about her. In just a matter of months she already won over a lot of people, she now has a real home, she has a father who can love her, provide love, care, shelter. All I ask is that you make the right decision and give custody to Sergeant Voight". Peter said.
After that Marco's lawyer had gotten up, she had smoothed her black pencil skirt out.
"Yes it is amazing that in a matter of months Dani has people she can call family but what she needs is to be with her real family. I'm not saying what Marco did was right but not everyone is perfect. Nobody is a perfect parent. After talking with him, Mr. Adrian has agreed to go into rehab, go to counseling, and take parent classes. He wants to do right by his daughter give him a second chance, let him be a father again. Sergeant Voight he doesn't have a safe environment, he's not home all the time being a police officer let alone the Sergeant who runs the Intelligence unit is always busy and is never home. Being a police Sergeant is not only a demanding job but also dangerous who's to say that his line of work will put the child in danger? His work is also long and demanding, where would the child be if he has a case? Your honor let Mr. Adrian have a second chance at being a father, one that Dani would love and be proud of". She spoke.
"Mr. Stone, you have a few character witness you'd like to cross exam".
"Yes your honor, my first witness is Detective Antonio Dawson". Peter said.
Taking a breath Antonio had gotten up and went to the stand after being sworn in Peter got up from his seat.
"Detective Dawson, who was it that found Dani locked in a closet?" Peter asked.
"I found her". Antonio answered.
"What state did you find her in?"
"Dani was scared, terrified. She looked like she hadn't bathed in a while, her hair was a mess. It took her a little while to come out".
"When she came out of the closet did she go to you?"
"No she jumped Hank, she held onto him for a good while".
"In the past few months that Dani was with Hank has he ever once hit, mistreated or neglected her?"
"Absolutely not, the second Dani wanted or needed anything he dropped what he was doing and went to her. He's never raised a hand to her".
"In the past few months I'm pretty sure you and your team have grown a bond with Dani".
"Yes we have".
"Detective how do you describe your relationship with her".
"I consider her my niece"
"As a father yourself, do you think Hank Voight would make a good father to Dani?"
"Hank would make a damn good father to Dani, whenever she's upset, scared, anything he'd be the first person she ask for".
"Does she have a relationship with her biological father?"
Antonio glanced over at Marco glaring at him. "Hell no. Dani's terrified of him, if it hadn't been for us finding her he could have killed her".
"Who does she consider her father?"
"Hank".
Peter looked to the judge. "The people rest".
After he sat down Marco's lawyer got up and made her way to the stand.
"Detective, you said that Dani was found locked in a closet correct". She started.
"That's right". Antonio responded.
"Could it have been possible that Dani was simply playing and locked herself in the closet?"
"Ain't no way in hell that happened, the door was locked from the outside not inside. Marco locked her in there as a punishment".
"Is Hank Voight keeping her from Mr. Adrian?"
"He's keeping her safe from him".
"You said that Dani considers Mr. Voight as her father".
"She does".
"Why doesn't she see her biological father that way?"
Antonio chuckled dryly. "That sick bastard beat that little girl, he used around her, had weapons around her, locked her up like an animal. Dani was petrified when I found her she was afraid to say a word to any of us because of everything he did to her. Now counselor you think a child should belong with someone like that? If we didn't find her when we did he could have done god knows what to her".
Without another word she went and sat down, it was now Erin's turn on the stand. She was sworn in and Peter got up to question her.
"Detective Lindsay, it was true that Sergeant Voight took you in as a teenager". Peter started.
"Yes, he and his wife took me in got me clean, in school, and helped me straighten out my life. I'd be dead or in jail if it weren't for him". Erin replied.
"In the past few months that Dani has been with Hank what changes have you noticed".
"They're both a lot happier, Hank's a father again. Dani's in a safe place she can call home and has people that she can call family".
"Have you ever witnessed Hank mistreat, abuse, neglect, Dani in any kind of way?"
"Absolutely not, Hank would die for that little girl we all would. She's apart of our family now".
"Detective Dawson said earlier that you all have grown a bond with her".
"He's right".
"What is you're relationship with Dani since meeting her?"
"Dani's the little sister I never had, I'd do anything and everything to protect her".
"Has Dani ever talked to you about her time with Marco Adrian?"
"Yes she did".
"What did she say?"
"They used drugs around her, they smoked, the day we found her they were actually about to go out but we stopped them".
"Dani saw them using drugs?"
"She told me that she got out of her room and stood on the stairs, she saw them snorting drugs. When Adrian found her she ran but he got her, beat her then locked her in a room for two days".
Peter was finished and Marco's lawyer got up to question the Detective.
"Detective Lindsay, if Dani claims she witnessed this why not say something sooner?" She asked.
"She was scared of what Adrian would do if he ever found out". Erin answers.
"What made you believe her right off the bat?"
"Dani has no reason to lie to any of us".
"So instead of investigating the claims she made you took the word of a six year old child for all you know could have made it up".
"She didn't make it up! You can't make up that kind of abuse, Dani may only be six but she has been through hell and back because of what he put her through!"
"Do you consider Marco Adrian, Dani's father?"
"Not a chance in hell. The only father that Dani will have after this is Hank".
"Do you consider Hank a good father?"
"He's a damn good father, that's why Dani considers Hank her father and not Adrian".
She went and sat down now it was Hank's turn on the stand.
"Sergeant, since meeting Dani it was known that you changed". Peter said.
"I have. I have the chance to be a father again, I never thought I'd have that chance again". Hank replied.
"The day you found Dani, what happened".
"My team were making arrest and I went to find d Detective Dawson, I saw that he had his weapon down and he was in front of a child. When he moved I saw Dani, I felt sick to my stomach. We told her it was safe to come out and when she did she latched onto me, I rode with her to the hospital and stayed with her after that".
"Why's that".
"Dani got scared if I tried to leave her, I felt attached to her. I saw this scared little girl in need of a home, a family, I took her in and I'd do it all over again".
"Two of your colleagues said that you consider yourself Dani's father".
"I do, just because I'm not her biological father doesn't make me any less her father. A father cares for their children, protects them, loves them, shelters them. Marco Adrian isn't a father, he made Dani terrified of him, he did drugs around her, drank around her, beat her, threatened her, and locked her up. I would never do that, I'd treat Dani as if she were my own blood I already do".
Peter sat down then Marco's lawyer got up and went to question the older man.
"Sergeant the day that Marco Adrian was arrested did you at all tell him that he'll never see Dani again". She spoke.
"Yes I did, because he'll never see her again she doesn't need him in her life". Hank said.
"Do you think children should stay with their biological parents?"
"That would depend".
"On what exactly".
"If they don't harm the child, put them in danger, can care for them properly".
"You don't like Marco do you?"
"This ain't about me liking anybody".
"It was said before that you were able to be a father again, what does that mean".
Hank froze, he still had a real hard time talking about his son's death. It haunts him everyday.
"A few years back my son died, that day I lost my only son. My only child. Now that I have a chance at being a father again I'm taking it".
"Is Dani a replacement for your son?"
"Objection!" Peter yelled.
"Sustained". The judge spoke sharply.
Hank was now fuming, how the hell could she ask a question like that? Nobody could ever replace his only son.
"Nobody can ever replace my son". Hank's voice was sharp and firm.
Hank got off the stand and now it was Marco's turn, his lawyer questioned him first.
"Marco, the things that happened to your daughter you did them?" She asked.
"I admit I used when she was around but she was always in her room. I'm not a perfect parent nobody is". Marco answered in a fake innocent voice.
"Have you ever abused or mistreated you're daughter?"
"I spanked her a few times, I never went to the extreme".
"There are claims where she was locked in rooms for days at a time".
"I can't help it if the kid wants to be in her room all day long".
"How do you feel knowing that Sergeant Voight is trying to get custody of Dani?"
"Pissed off. Dani is my child not his, he has no right trying to get custody of a kid that ain't his".
"If you get custody are you planning to change for her?"
"Of course, I said I'd go to rehab, get counseling, and take parenting classes. I'll do anything to get my little girl back".
After she was finished Peter got up and went over to question Marco.
"Mr. Adrian, you just said you do all that for your daughter". Peter said.
"That's right". Marco replied.
"Why not do that sooner?"
"I don't know".
"What's Dani's favorite food?"
"I don't know".
"How about her favorite color".
"Don't know that either".
"How about her favorite cartoon".
"No".
"You don't know a single thing about your child but yet you want her back. What would you do if she had an allergic reaction to peanuts".
"Take her to the hospital".
"I think that's the only smart answer you gave today".
"I love Dani like I said I'm not perfect nobody is".
"The only reason you want her back is to beat her again after she told what happened".
" That's not true".
"Are you mad that another person chose to be a father to your child when you weren't?"
"You're damn right I am, he has no busy raising my daughter".
"I think you mean his daughter".
After Marco got off the stand the judge then spoke.
"After everything that I heard and everyone's testimony I came to my decision. I hereby award physical sole custody of Danielle Adrian to…Hank Voight. Court is adjourned".
After the gavel slammed down everyone cheered for Hank, a moment later Kaylee came in the court with Dani. The six year old ran to her father, Hank had swept her up holding her tightly.
"Do I get to live with you forever?" Dani asked.
"Yes you do". Hank chuckled.
"Hank, I just spoke to Judge Parker. If you want we can do the adoption now". Peter informed him.
"Really?"
"Yes".
"Ready to do this sweetheart?" Hank asked his little girl.
"Let's do it". Dani says.
"Alright now that everyone is gathered here, Dani do you know what adopted means". Parker says.
"I get to live with my new daddy forever right".
"That's right you also get to take his last name. Would you like to add anything to your name?".
The six year old looked to Hank. "I…I was kinda hoping my new name could be Danielle Camille Justine Voight. If you're ok with that".
Hank smiled as a couple tears ran down his face, Dani wanted to take the names of his late wife and son. Everyone else smiled as tears ran down their eyes, Erin had more tears running down her eyes because she knew that both Camille and Justin would love this and she knew deep down Hank knew it to.
"I'm ok with that sweetheart". Hank assures her.
"Ladies and gentlemen here is now, Danielle Camille Justine Voight". Parker said.
Everyone cheered, Hank held his little girl tightly to him and kissed her head.
"Celebration at Molly's". Herrmann told everyone.
"Herrmann there's a six year old here". Gabby told him.
"We'll get some kid friendly stuff".
" Ready to go sweetheart". Hank looked to Dani.
"Ready". Dani said.
The six year old was ready, she had a new life, a family, a home, and a father. She couldn't have been happier. Hank was over the moon he had his little girl with him and now the two were ready to take on whatever life threw at them.
….
The story isn't over!