The sun's morning rays peaked over the horizon as Danny watched. He had been sitting in the chair looking out the window since he had talked to Jimmy.

Sleep had been the last thing on his mind then. A feeling of dread had consumed him. He kept hearing Jimmy's words over and over again. That Michelle was fine for now. His mouth went dry and palms were sweaty. He wasn't able to shake the feeling that he had put Michelle in danger but again. A tug of war was being played between his head and heart. Sadly enough the heart was winning hands down.

Michelle was all that he could think about. His every thought was some way tied to her. Danny glanced over to where Theresa was still sound asleep. He cringed just thinking about the night before. As much as he knew it had been necessary, Danny still felt sick at the very thought.

He needed a way to be with Michelle. His plan was taking too long. It could be months before he would be able to come up with anything on Bernard. He couldn't wait that long and most certainly didn't want to have to marry Theresa. He would be forever married to Michelle and only Michelle.

He walked over to his dresser pulling out the top drawer. He knew he shouldn't, but he did just the same. Lifting out the false bottom he retrieved a wedding photo and his wedding band. He slipped it on his finger. It had felt so right there. So natural, nothing like the charade he had been playing with Theresa for months now.

He needed a way to get Theresa, his mother and Bernard out of Springfield. At least until Michelle was to head back to New York. Yet how was he going to pull that off. He had to think. But thinking about anything but Michelle's gorgeous face was impossible.

As Danny let the warm water of the shower fall over his body, an idea came to him. A way to get them out of town and still appear to be the loving fiancé he was pretending to be. Quickly he finished his shower and dressed. Theresa still sleeping he grabbed for his phone.

"Angela, it's Danny," he began. "I need you to do something for me."

"Sure," his secretary returned.

"I need you to come up with some reason....any reason for Bernard to be called back to Chicago."

"Like what?" Angela asked.

"I don't know....I don't really care what you tell him....just get him on a plane back to Chicago. I need him out of Springfield."

"Well there was this accounting snafu the other day. I'm sure he would like to know about it."

"Perfect. Put the call into him at breakfast."

"Sure thing, Danny. Is everything okay?" she could hear the urgency in his voice.

"Yeah, everything will be fine as soon as Bernard is back where he belongs."

"Okay, well then I'll make call around 9:30. Is that a good time?"

"That will be just fine. And remember Angela, we never had this conversation. Do you understand?"

"Of course Danny," she returned in her most professional voice.

"Angela, thank you. You are a lifesaver."

Danny went to his briefcase for his computer rolodex. There was just one more call he needed to make. It would ensure him good standing with the threesome, show his commitment to this arrangement and get Carmen and Theresa out of town as well.

"Yes, hello Fredrica please. Tell her it's Danny Santos." Danny waited as he heard the young girl announce his call.

"Hello," the voice returned with a thick French accent.

"Fredrica, how are you?" Danny asked with the proper amount of sweetness.

"Fine Daniel and you?"

"Well I'm in a bit of a bind. I thought you might be able to help me with."

"Yes, what would that be?"

"Well, I am sure you are aware that I am to be married soon."

"Of course."

"Well my Theresa......" he swallowed hard trying to sound genuine, "she hasn't found a gown to suit her. I was wondering if you might do us the honor of designing her wedding gown?"

"I am quite busy right now, Daniel. I have my fall line to think about you do understand?"

"Of course, but it would mean so much to her...to us actually. I want this to be a day to remember for her," Danny could taste the bile rising up his throat, this was more difficult to do then he had imagined. "Fredrica, it would be quite a favor to the family. Carmen would be more then willing to forget about that debt of your late husband's. I'm more then certain of that."

Danny was pulling out all the stops. He needed for her to agree. Her agreement would ensure Carmen and Theresa to be in Paris for a week if not more. Enough time for him to be sure that Michelle would be safely on her way back to New York.

"You don't say?" Fredrica's interest had been peaked. She would have given her right hand to be out from under Carmen Santos' thumb. "Well maybe I could find the time to help your lovely Theresa."

"That would be wonderful. I will make the arrangements. My mother and Theresa should be on their way to you by the afternoon."

"Fine Daniel. So you can assure me that our financial matter will be closed?" she said in a questioning tone.

"Yes...I guarantee you Fredrica you do this favor for me and you debt will be repaid in full."

"Well then your bride will be walking down the aisle to you in a Fredrica original."

"Thank you again. It will mean the world to us all."

Danny threw the phone on the chair and smiled. So far so good he thought to himself. Maybe just maybe there was a chance for this to work after all.

Danny was still smiling as Theresa came from behind slipping her arms around his bare waist. It took every thought in his head to keep himself from tensing under her touch. If all went according to his strategy, this would be the last time she would touch him.

"You're up bright and early," she cooed.

"I had something I was working on," he commented.

"Business again?" Theresa whined.

"No actually a surprise for you."

"SURPRISE!" she exclaimed, "What...what kind of surprise?" Theresa wasn't able to contain her enthusiasm. This was totally unexpected.

"I can't tell you now."

"Why?" she pouted.

"Get dressed and join the family for breakfast. I will make the announcement then."

"Announcement?" she questioned.

"Yes.... Announcement. I'm sure everyone will be pleased."

"Is it about that business deal you have been working so hard on?"

"Enough with the questions. My lips are sealed."

"I bet I could un-seal them," she said as she positioned herself between Danny and the bureau.

Before Danny knew what was happening she was kissing him. He watched his own reflection in the mirror. He saw clearly now the picture that he had been portraying to the outside world. No wonder everyone was suspicious of him. Ray had been right. His lack of love for Theresa was written over every feature of his face.

"Hey, at this rate you will never find out what the surprise is." He did his best to pull away from her, but she held her body tight against his.

"I think I could be persuaded to wait just a bit," she smile seductively as the slipped the straps of her silk gown off her shoulders.

Danny wasn't about to subject himself to this again. Last night it had been done to throw her off the scent of things. But now that he a scheme, that he was sure would work. He wasn't about to sleep with her again.

"Hey easy. You know how mama hates it when anyone comes late to breakfast," Danny returned.

"I think she would make an exception on our account....don't you?" she kissed him but again.

"Theresa, really honey," again he tried to sound genuine, "I have to discuss some things with your father. I know how much you hate it when we talk business at the table. I thought I might get it out of the way before you joined us." Danny said smile pasted on his face.

"How sweet of you," she commented being totally taken in by the act, "I really appreciate that."

"I told you that I would do my best here. I'm sure when you hear my surprise you will know how much I mean that. Now get dressed before you are late for breakfast."

"I love you Danny."

"Me too," he tried not to cringe as the words passed his lips.

He watched her retreating frame in the mirror. He pulled his black T-shirt on as she closed the door to the bathroom. He took a deep breath relieved that the game would be over soon.

Danny walked up the back stairs to Jimmy's room. He needed to clue him in on what he set in motion. More importantly he wanted to know what had happened with Michelle last night. Each step closer to the room sent his heart racing. Even though Jimmy had told him that Michelle had been fine, it still caused him concern.

Lightly he tapped on the door. No answer. Knocking louder this time. Still no answer. Danny swallowed hard. Imagining all kinds of scenarios. The way Jimmy had left things last night had him wondering now. Had something else happened to Michelle, something that Jimmy hadn't had time to go into?

"Jimmy," he said as he knocked again, "Jimmy man, are you in there?" Danny could hear the fear in his voice.

He looked at his watch. It was nearly 9:15. Angela would be calling soon. He needed to be in the room when Bernard received that call. Reluctantly he walked away from the door hoping that whatever had happened the night before Jimmy had things under control.

"Morning mama," Danny kissed Carmen's cheek, "Bernard," Danny poured himself a cup of coffee sitting down across from him.

"Daniel," Bernard's eyes pierced through Danny like daggers. He was less then happy with his future son-in-law. Carmen had been so wrong about her son. She didn't know him at all. But he did. He knew what kind of man Danny was and who he wasn't. "Where's my daughter this morning?"

"I believe she should be down any moment. I left the room she was showering. Could you please pass the orange juice?" Danny said as though everything was as normal as always.

As if on cue Theresa entered, "Hello, poppy," she smiled slipping into the seat next to Danny, "Morning Carmen."

"Theresa, my aren't you happy this morning," Carmen commented looking directly at Danny.

"Well Danny has some sort of surprise for me," she gushed.

"Oh really?" Carmen raised an eyebrow at her son.

Before Danny could speak Rosa entered, "Mr. Rivera, sir….you have a phone call from Chicago."

"Thank you," Bernard returned walking to the phone on the table.

"That a girl, Angela," Danny said to himself.

They listened to Bernard's side of the conversation. Well aware that he was less then pleased. Danny heard his tone grow impatient. Surely from Angela's insistence that he return to Chicago.

"FINE," he growled, "I will be on the first plane out this morning. You tell Peters in accounting that I expect everything on my desk before I get there," Bernard slammed the phone down in it's cradle.

"Bernard?" Both Carmen and Danny said in unison.

"Those idiots in accounting!"

"What seems to be the problem?" Danny asked sipping on his coffee. Loving every minute of Bernard's discomfort.

"Apparently the new accounting software that we purchased has crashed."

"CRASHED!" Carmen was obviously interested as well.

"Nothing to worry about…really. But I need to be there to be sure that the funds are reconstructed correctly."

All at the table understood perfectly. This company in Chicago was his front. He had to be certain that illegal and legal aspects remained separate.

"It looks like I will be there for a couple of days though."

"Do you need my assistance?" Carmen inquired, "Since we are about to merge our businesses."

"I can handle it perfectly Carmen. No need for the two of us to be there."

"I don't know I would feel….."

"Mama, actually I have plans for you," Danny started.

"You have plans for me?" Carmen stifled a laugh.

"As a matter a fact I do. For you and Theresa."

"What?" Carmen said unsure of her son's intentions.

"Well that little surprise Theresa just mentioned…."

"Yes?" Carmen was tiring of Danny's suspenseful set up.

"I know how unhappy Theresa has been with all of the wedding gowns that you two have looked at so far. I put a call into Fredrica this morning."

"FREDRICA?!?!?" Theresa squealed, "I absolutely adore her collections."

"Yes, Fredrica. I persuaded her to design a gown for Theresa."

"Oh Danny!" Theresa kissed him. He tried to remember not to present the image he had seen of himself earlier that morning. "I can't believe this. She's going to design my dress! Thank you so much."

"That was quite nice of you Daniel," Carmen said in a reserved manner.

"I want Theresa's day to be special for her," even to Danny the statement sound contrived. He needed to remember not to lay it on too thick in the beginning. They would really be suspicious then.

"It's about time you started thinking about my daughter," Bernard said coldly.

"I understand what you all have been thinking. And I will admit at first this was only an arrangement, but I want everyone to get what they want here. And I know that it has to start with me. This is my peace offering so to speak"

"Danny, this is wonderful. I can't thank you enough. When do we leave?"

"Early afternoon."

"I'm not going anywhere!" Carmen said firmly.

"Why not mother?" Danny asked trying to stay calm.

"With Bernard having to head back to Chicago, I can't be heading to Europe now. Who will keep things in order here?" she questioned.

"Don't you think it's about time you let me take the reins?"

Carmen sat silent for a moment. She was leery of all of this. Something didn't sit right. She wanted to believe her son. She wanted to think that he was making a show of good faith.

"It's a great deal of responsibility Daniel."

"You don't think I'm ready for it…what?"

"No…it's I just don't think it's….."

"Carmen, please…you have to come with me," Theresa interrupted. For once Theresa might actually be a help to him. "I couldn't imagine going without you."

"Yes Carmen, please go with my daughter…she is a daughter to you as well," Bernard added all the while looking at Danny.

"Well I guess I have been out voted," Carmen smiled.

"Well I better go pack," Theresa said placing her napkin on the table, "I can't believe that Fredrica is going to design my wedding gown. This couldn't be more perfect."

"Looks like we all need to get packing," Bernard and Carmen stood as well.

Danny watched as the three of them headed for the stairs. He actually felt relieved. For the first time since stepping off the plane he was at ease. However Jimmy's weary face changed all that.

Rick made a hasty exit from the room again. Michelle looked at Jimmy, "I am so sorry. He is a bit over the top at times."

"Michelle, don't sweat it. I completely understand where he is coming from. You're his sister and he wants to protect you. No one could blame him for that."

"Yeah, but you're not the enemy."

"I do work for the enemy though," he grinned.

"Well....this is true," she returned, "Jimmy, all those things you told Rick about Danny were they actually true?"

Jimmy shifted in his chair a bit uneasy about having to discuss what Michelle was obviously fishing for. He wanted more then anything to tell Michelle all that he knew. The deal that Danny had made to spare her. How he was about to embark on a loveless marriage. That he would have given anything to be able to turn back the hands of time, running away with her rather then setting her free.

"Jimmy?"

"Huh?"

"I want you to tell me the truth. I need to know what's going on here," she said desperately.

"Michelle, I wish I could. You know how this works. Trust me though. Danny is looking out for you."

"Trust you...trust him...you are kidding right? I mean my house was wrecked tonight for what? Some memories that don't mean anything to anyone but me." The reality of it all was finally hitting home. That her family could have been hurt for a few trinkets. "My god, Jimmy what would have happened if Abby and the baby had been here?"

"Michelle, calm down. You know as well as I do....that wouldn't have happened. This was a warning for you and only you. No one was meant to get hurt. You were just supposed to know your place."

"My place? How stupid does that sound? I know my place Jimmy. It's at Danny's side." she was adamant.

"Michelle....you know that's not..."

"Don't say it. I don't want to hear that. There has to be a way for us. There just has to be."

"Michelle," Jimmy tried to sound stern but he couldn't help thinking of what Danny had said. That he had a plan for them. He wanted to tell her so badly.

"Jimmy, Danny and I shared something tonight. Something that I have never experienced before. I'm by no means ready to let that go." She angrily slammed her cup on the counter and stormed out of the room.

"Damn it," Jimmy said following after her, "Michelle...wait!"

Michelle flopped down on the sofa amidst the mess. Absently she threw some of the debris across the room. She was so frustrated right now. All she had done was return home for her friend's wedding and now she had been sucked back into it all. Not that she had ever truly been out of it. In heart anyway.

"Michelle," Jimmy sat down beside her. "I know that you're scared, angry and lord only knows what else but please. Listen to me. You have to steer clear of Danny. At least for the time you have left in Springfield. It's for your own good," he pleaded.

She turned to look at him tears welling in her eyes. He could feel her heart break just by looking at her.

"Jimmy, please tell me what the hell's going on here," she cried.

"I can't." he remained firm.

"DAMN IT, Jimmy! This is my life we're talking about!"

"Michelle, I can't. Danny has to be the one to do this."

"YOU JUST SAID I CAN'T EVEN SEE HIM!" anger mixed with anguish as she spoke. Jimmy could do more then stare at her helplessly, "AAHH," she groaned, "I can't take this anymore," again she stormed from the room leaving Jimmy on his own.

Jimmy walked back to the kitchen, the sun was crested upon the horizon. He poured himself another cup of coffee and sat again at the table.

"Oh my..." Abby jumped at the sight of Jimmy.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Bauer. The last thing I wanted to do was frighten you."

"No...you just startled me. What are you still doing here?" she questioned getting Jake's bottle from the refrigerator.

"Well....I...it's just that...." Jimmy was at a loss for words. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her. And he certainly didn't want Rick on his ass again.

"Michelle is in danger isn't she?" Abby said more as a statement of fact then a question.

"Well, there is that possibility."

"Danny sent you?"

"How did you know?" Jimmy was curious. She was so unlike her husband.

"I know that Danny and Michelle may no longer be married but they are far from separate. I know how much Michelle longs to be with Danny. No matter what man may be in her life none of them will ever be to her what Danny Santos is. I sense that Danny feels the same way or you wouldn't be here right now."

"You are a smart women, Mrs. Bauer."

"Abby, please."

"Okay...Abby."

"I can't believe you are still here!" Rick's voice boomed throughout the room.

"Rick, please not again."

"Abby how can you sit here with the likes of this man? I thought you wanted Michelle safe as much as I do?"

"Rick you are missing the point. She is safe. Michelle is safer with Danny then without him."

"WHAT?!?!?!?!"

"Rick, she loves Danny. You have to face that fact."

"NEVER!"

"She is more in danger chasing after him then she would be if she would just catch him."

"Abby, do you hear what you are saying?" Rick returned infuriated by his wife's opinion.

"Dr. Bauer," Jimmy began waiting to be shot down but again.

"Go on...this should be good," Rick spouted.

"I totally understand your concerns. I would feel the same way if Michelle was my sister. But right now you must know that both Danny and myself are doing everything in our power to keep her safe."

"Well then where were you last night when my house was being ransacked?" Rick quipped.

"Looking out for you sister as I was instructed to."

"Instructed to?" Michelle said in horror. "What do you mean instructed to?" Jimmy looked at Michelle's face and knew he better come up with something and fast.

"Well.....you know that Danny has said that you will always be protected."

"So....I didn't think that meant being guarded and followed for god sakes."

"Michelle, you know who we are dealing with. Danny wasn't taking any chances, especially since it just so happens that you both are in town at the very same time."

"You know what Jimmy I really don't have time for this right now. I have to meet Drew and Pilar at Millennium." Michelle was too furious to even begin to think about it all any longer.

"I'll drive you."

Michelle's angry eyes flashed a look of utter contempt. "That isn't really necessary," she countered.

"Michelle, you know better then to argue with me." Jimmy tried to hide his growing grin.

"Yeah, but I always win," she smiled back her anger fading a bit. She knew that Jimmy was only doing as he had been told. It was Danny who she was really upset with.

"Not this time," Jimmy returned firmly.

"Michelle, wait!" Rick called, "This is by no means finished."

"Rick please, please just drop this." Michelle closed the door behind her leaving Rick alone with his wife.

"She's right. You have to drop this. You have to give her the space she needs."

"Damn it, Abby! I thought Danny Santos was out of her life for good. What about this Dylan? I thought she was so happy with him," Abby could hear the desperation in his voice. "I can't let anything happen to her. You know it and I know it.....if she pursues Danny she will end up hurt or worse."

The ride to Millennium was a silent one. Neither of the pair knowing what to say. Michelle had so many questions but she knew it was senseless to ask. Jimmy wasn't about to tell her anything.

She watched as the scenery flew past her. As much as she wanted to stay in Springfield and fight for Danny there was a side to her that was just as strong telling her to run...run as fast as she could back to New York. With her wedding ring and memories god knows where and the fact that Jimmy made it perfectly clear that she was not to see Danny, Michelle felt empty. Like a shell of the person she once was.

"Thank you for the ride....or are you staying?" she asked opening the door.

"I have to meet up with Danny this morning. I will be back though. Just remember what I said Michelle....watch your back. If you need anything....anything looks weird or out of place to you...you call me no matter what. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," she said in a whisper, feeling like a child instead of a grown women.

"I'm sorry for all of this," Jimmy said wishing there was more that he could do.

"It's not your fault." Michelle closed the car door. Jimmy waited until she was safely inside the club before pulling away from the curb.

As he entered the house, Jimmy was trying to put some order to his thoughts. There was so much he needed to discuss with Danny. He saw Carmen and Bernard climbing the staircase while Danny watched smiling like a man who had just won the lottery.

"Danny?" Jimmy questioned.

"Jimmy, you look like hell."

"Feel like it too," he added.

"How's Michelle? Please tell me that everything is okay with her. You scared the shit out of me last night."

"Michelle's fine. She's a stubborn one but she's fine. I just left her with Drew."

"You're kidding right? I told you not to let her out of your sight."

"Cut me a break here Danny. I have to talk to you about a few things first. Besides Michelle knows the deal. She knows to watch her back and contact me if she needs me."

"WHAT!?!?!? What are you saying? Are you saying that you told her that she's in danger?" Danny's black eyes danced with fury.

"What Danny do I look like an idiot? She figured that one out all on her own," he shot back. Lack of sleep was getting the better of his judgment.

"Whoa, back up! What the hell's going on? Why would Michelle think that she was in danger if you didn't tell her?"

"Maybe because someone left her a message or two."

"CUT THE GAMES JIMMY!" Danny yelled as he lost his cool.

"Danny," Theresa said pensively as she entered the room, "What's going on in here?"

"Bad news on the deal. We hit a snag," Jimmy said knowing that Danny was unable to think clearly at the moment.

"Are you sure you still want me to go? Maybe I could stay and help you two."

"No...no you go to Paris and get your dress designed. I will handle everything here," Danny said as he kissed her cheek.

"Paris?" Jimmy wasn't able to hide the surprise in his voice. Just what was Danny up to now.

"Yes, Danny arranged for Fredrica to design my wedding dress. Isn't that wonderful? Carmen and I are leaving today. I am so excited." She slipped her arms around Danny's waist. Danny was too preoccupied with thoughts of Michelle to even notice.

"Yes...that's very nice Theresa. How long with you two be gone?" Jimmy questioned.

"As long as it takes to make the dress, I suppose."

"Theresa dear, are you about ready?" Carmen asked as she and Bernard entered the room.

"Yes..yes I am. I can't wait to get there."

It was now that Jimmy noticed the suitcase in Bernard's hand as well. How Danny had pulled this one off he would never know.

"Daniel, you have the number of where we will be staying should you run up against any trouble while I am gone?" Carmen asked.

"Yes, mother. No need to worry. Everything will go according to plan."

"Maybe I should have Dietz stay behind with you. You may need him here."

"No mother," Danny said a little too quickly. "I would feel much better if he accompanied the two of you. I wouldn't want you to be traveling alone."

"He's right Carmen. I am sending Carlos along as well. I want to be sure that you ladies are safe," Bernard offered, "You know how to reach me as well Daniel," Bernard said coldly.

"Jimmy bring the car around please," Carmen remarked as she fixed her stole.

"Mama, actually Jimmy and I have some business to finish. Could you have one of the other men drive you?"

"I don't see why not. Dietz, have the car brought around."

"Yes, boss," Dietz eyed Danny wearily as well. He didn't like the feeling he was getting in his gut. He felt for sure Danny was setting them up.

"Well have a safe trip," Danny said kissing both his mother and Theresa, "Call me when you know when you will be returning."

"Thank you so much for this Danny. I promise to be the most beautiful bride you have ever seen," Theresa gushed.

"Fat chance on that happening," Jimmy chuckled to himself.

Danny and Jimmy watched as the black Bentley rolled down the drive. Danny had been successful in getting everyone including Dietz out of Springfield. Jimmy was awe struck.

"Please......tell me what just happened here?"

"Michelle is safe for now. And I can be with her until she leaves for New York."

"Just until she leaves for New York?" Jimmy inquired as he arched his brow.

"Well.......longer if she'll have me."

"Don't think you have to worry about that one." Jimmy laughed.

"What happened last night," Danny asked as they walked inside.

"Well first someone left a little warning for Michelle at Laurel Falls then again at her house."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well after you called me I headed back up there to be sure that she got home okay. Lucky for her I did. Someone messed with her car Danny." He watched his friend's face grow pale.

"Messed with it how?" Danny's voice barely a whisper.

"Nothing that would have killed her....but they switched the battery terminal wires so the car wouldn't start. If she would have touched them she would have gotten juiced pretty damn good."

"DAMN IT!" Danny slammed his fist against the desk top, "Thank you for looking out for her. That doesn't sound like Dietz," he looked at Jimmy quizzically.

"My thoughts too. But this does."

"You mean there's more?" Danny eased himself into his mother's leather chair.

"Well that call I got last night while we were talking....."

"Yeah."

"It was Michelle. Someone had been in her house. As a matter of fact whoever it was turned it upside down."

"God, please tell me that everyone is okay." Danny thought about Abby and the baby. He couldn't bare the thought of anything happening to them.

"Yeah fine. No one was hurt. Actually I'm pretty sure the house was empty. Here's the kicker though. The only things missing were her wedding band from your marriage and a box full of momentos from your time together."

"She still had her wedding band?" Danny wasn't able to hide his shock.

"Yeah she did. That's what made her call me. Danny come on Michelle's a smart girl. Nothing else in the entire house was missing. She knew that it had been a sign for her."

"I'm so glad that I got rid of the three of them for a while then."

"By the way how did you do that?"

Danny began explaining his plan as Pilar entered the room.

"What so you aren't going to marry Theresa after all?" Pilar smiled as she heard Danny's last words. The words stating that no matter what it cost him...he and Michelle would be together.