The moment played out in slow motion. Danny watched powerless as the car sped towards them. Even with his best effort he wasn't able to get Michelle out of the way fast enough. He heard the thud that her body made as she hit the hood of the car then again as her body made contact with the pavement. All Danny was able to do was watch the red tail lights heading into the blackness of the night.

"JIMMY!!!!!!!" he screamed as he ran to Michelle's motionless body. "JIMMY!!!!!!!"

"Oh my god, Danny," Drew cried as she and Jesse exited the club.

"Come on, Michelle, baby, open your eyes," Danny pleaded his voice thick with fear. He stroked the hair away from her face. He would have given anything to see those beautiful brown eyes of hers.

"I called 911," Jimmy said breathless coming to stand behind his friend, "The ambulance should be here any minute. They said not to move her."

"WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU?" Danny turned fury raging as he grabbed Jimmy by the jacket. All his fear spilling over as vehemence for a job he thought hadn't been done.

"Danny, easy man," Jesse said doing his best to come between the two.

"BACK OFF!" Danny said in a controlled violent whisper. "This has nothing to do with you."

"Danny you know where I was. You sent me to get the car, man."

"JIMMY.....you know as well as I do......." Danny's words were drowned out by the screaming of the ambulance sirens.

Danny rode all the way to the hospital never once letting go of Michelle's hand. He scolded himself for ever letting her back into his life. He had known that no matter what he would do she would never be truly safe. That the threat would always be looming over head.

"Damn," he whispered, "I should have protected you from me too. I should have gotten back on the plane the minute I saw you."

"No," he heard her faint voice say.

"Michelle, sweetie. Don't try to talk. Oh thank god you're awake." Danny felt the tears falling freely now.

"Danny,"

"Sshhhh.....you take it easy. I'm so sorry Michelle....so sorry," he said bringing her hand against his face.

"WHERE'S MY SISTER?!?!?!?" Rick bellowed, "YOU....you again," he pointed at Danny, "It's always you. Does my sister have to die before you get that you're no good for her?"

"Easy Rick," Jesse said trying his best to calm him down. "This wasn't Danny's fault."

"How can you say that!?!?!?! Everything that has happened to her has been his fault."

"Dr. Bauer," Jimmy began.

"YOU KNOW WHAT?!?!?! I've had enough of you TOO!!!! You're nothing more then the thug he pays you to be."

"Rick," Danny fumbled for the words to say what needed to be said, "I understand you're angry. I am furious with myself. I should have never let any of this happen. I knew the risks yet I chose to ignore them......"

"YOU'RE PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH MY SISTER'S LIFE!!!!!!"

"I never meant for it to be that way......."

"YOU NEVER MEANT FOR IT.........." Rick's ire filled him without warning he had Danny by the suit coat pushing him into the wall. On instinct Jimmy lunged at him protecting Danny as he had been trained to do.

"YOU SON OF A BITCH.....I swear to you that you have seen the last of my sister. I DON'T CARE IF I HAVE TO KILL YOU MYSELF!!!!!!" Rick screamed as Jimmy pulled him off of Danny.

"RICK....ENOUGH," Michelle's soft voice caused a deafening silence.

"Michelle," Danny rushed forward, "Thank god. You're okay?" he questioned looking at the doctor who had followed her.

"She's going to be mighty sore in the morning and have some pretty nasty bruises but all in all she will be fine." the doctor remarked.

"You're absolutely sure? I mean she was out cold for a while."

"No signs of any head trauma. She just pretty shaken up. Nothing a good nights rest won't cure. Just remember Michelle, take it easy for the next few days."

"She will," both Danny and Rick said in unison.

"If you think that I am letting you anywhere near my sister again....."

"There won't be much choice," Danny countered. "I intend on making sure that Michelle is well taken care of."

"Oh you mean the way she was almost taken care of tonight? How do I know that you still aren't trying to make her pay for Mick's death?"

"I won't even dignify that with a response."

"What....I hit a nerve?" Rick rode Danny hard waiting for the volcano to erupt.

"BOTH OF YOU ENOUGH!!!!!" Michelle yelled, "Drew, Jesse will you take me back to the loft?"

"Michelle," Danny said anguish in his tone. He could see the fear in her eyes. He hated that look. It was the look she had had that night on the docks. The night he had spared her life. "I promise you that your brother doesn't know what the hell he's talking about."

"Like hell I don't!" Rick shot back.

"Danny," she walked to face him, "I have no doubt that you love me. I know it in my heart," she took his hands and rested them over her chest, "I just got a clear dose of reality and it's scary." she whispered.

"Michelle," he cried, "I promise you that I will take care of this. I will never let anything happen to you."

"Yeah right," Rick quipped.

"As for you Rick," she now turned on her brother eyes blazing, "You have no right to interfere in my life. It's my life! Who I chose to have or not have in it that's my business. Do you understand me?!?!?!?"

"Michelle......"

"Rick, do you understand?"

"You're making a horrible mistake....."

"Again Rick, do you understand?"

"FINE!" he growled.

Michelle turned back to face Danny once more, "Danny, I love you. I want to be with you. I just need some time right now. Can you understand that?"

"Yes," he whispered his eyes all the while begging her not to leave him this time.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" she asked.

"If you still want me there?"

"I wouldn't want it any other way." she stated.

"Then I'll be there. I love you too, Michelle." He gently pulled her body to his holding her close against him. The whole time thanking god that she was safe.

Danny motioned to Jimmy. He knew all too well that he wasn't to let Michelle out of his sight. This had been the last straw for Danny. He wasn't about to take any chances with her life. Plan or no plan he was gone. After the wedding, he and Michelle would be on a plane to who knew where. As long as it was far away from the Santos' and Rivera's. He'd figure the rest out as he went along.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Danny used the cab ride back to the country club to think. He knew he was about to fly by the seat of his pants but he wasn't about to leave anything up for chance.

He and Michelle were gone by tomorrow. After Drew's wedding they were history. He would wait until they got where ever it was that they were going and then he would tell her everything. Tell her what his life had really been like without her. How he couldn't imagine ever being without her again.

This had to at least buy him a little time. Time enough for Jimmy to come up with just exactly why Bernard and the Ramerez Family were connected. Danny knew that connection would be his ticket to freedom.

He paid the driver and looked out into the parking lot. The sound of Michelle's body hitting the ground still ringing in his ears. If he closed his eyes he was able to see the scene vividly. He shook his head ridding himself of the awful thoughts. It amazed him that she had come through it all virtually unhurt. All he could do was thank the man upstairs and pray that he would help them get through all of this together.

Danny slid behind the wheel of his car. He had to get a plan of action together. As much as he wanted to believe that they could disappear into the night, he knew that that was unlikely. Carmen and Bernard would be on the warpath. He didn't stand a chance against them without some help. But who? Who would be able to help him slip away undetected?

"Father Ray Santos, please," Danny sat drumming his fingers against the steering wheel waiting for Ray to answer.

"This is Father Santos," he said in a sleepy voice.

"Ray....Danny." I need your help man."

"What? What is it?" Ray was fully awake now.

"I need you to find a place for Michelle and I to go hide out for awhile."

"What?"

"You heard me. Michelle was run down tonight....."

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah she's fine...but I'm not about to take any more chances. My plan is taking too long. I have to move and move now. I need for you to set something up with one of the church's your parish is affiliated with. I don't care how you do it…..But we need……..," Danny stumbled for the word he was searching for.

"Sanctuary?" Ray said.

"That's it….exactly….sanctuary. What ever it takes man do it!" Danny returned forcefully.

"Danny what's going on?" Ray was still in a state of sleepy confusion.

"I can't wait any longer. I have to be sure that Michelle is out of harms way. And this time I am going with her."

"Danny!"

"Ray, tonight was just another warning. But only they are getting more dangerous. I can't let anything happen to her," Danny was desperate.

"I thought you said you took care of everyone?"

"RAY!!!!" Danny yelled, "ARE YOU GOING TO HELP ME OR NOT?!?!?!?" He was frustrated by Ray's lack of comprehension.

"Of course I will help you Danny. There was never any doubt about it. I just want you to think about what it is you are planning. If Carmen or Bernard is behind this how do you plan on slipping away unnoticed?"

"I have a plan."

"Oh really?" Ray was highly skeptical. "What plan is that?"

"Well Jimmy has been doing some digging. Seems our friend Bernard is aligning himself with the Ramerez's as well."

"WHAT? You are kidding right?"

"Nope. I just need a little more time to get the information I need to nail him. But I can't risk having Michelle hurt so I have no other choice."

"Danny, listen to me. Don't you think that it's going to seem strange that you just disappear?" Ray said trying to make Danny see the big picture.

"Ray, I don't intend on being away from Michelle. That's my final decision. I know that it's risky but I'm doing it. Let the chips fall where they may. That's why I need your help. I need you to hide us."

"How do you plan on getting out of the country unnoticed?"

"Got that covered."

"How?" Ray pushed.

"Bill Lewis."

"Bill Lewis?" he echoed.

"We will use the Lewis jet. I think that's the least my new brother-in-law to be can do for me….don't you?"

"What?"

"You heard me. Bill asked Pilar to marry him tonight."

"That's wonderful!"

"Yeah…a little hard to believe thought. She was just a kid not that long ago."

"Danny. I will do whatever it is you need. You line up the plane and I will get the other things in place. I will have everything for you in the morning."

"Great Ray. Thank you. I'll check with you in the morning."

Danny went on to contact Bill as well. He didn't go into much detail except that he wanted to whisk Michelle away for a romantic getaway after the wedding. Bill was more then happy to accommodate his needs without much question. Danny was relieved. It looked like everything was going to be all right after all.

Danny hurried about his bedroom getting everything in order. He wanted to be gone before his mother and Theresa returned from Paris.

"Jimmy," Danny said into the mouthpiece, "Just checking in. How is everything looking over there?'

"Quiet."

"Michelle and I will be heading out of town the minute the wedding is over. Ray has a place for us to stay until we can nail Bernard."

"That's great Danny." Jimmy was relieved to hear that Danny was again thinking clearly.

"So you keep an eye on things and I will check in with you in the morning."

"Sure thing." Jimmy returned, "I promise she will be safe."

Danny dialed the phone again. He was thankful that Abby not Rick had answered. He gave her the same story that he had Bill. He asked her to pack up some things for Michelle and he would be by before the wedding to get them.

Danny actually was feeling quite good about his entire plan. For it being a fly by the seat of his pants kinda thing it actually was coming together quite nicely. That was until her saw Theresa walking through the door of his room.

"Danny," she gushed dropping her bag, "I am so glad to be home. I missed you so much…..Paris was wonderful….Fredrica was absolutely fabulous," the words fell from her mouth so fast that Danny wasn't able to catch them all.

He felt the knot in his stomach tighten. This was a snag that he hadn't counted on.

"I thought you were going to call me you were to return," he tried to sound calm, "I would have picked you up at the airport, honey."

"I wanted to surprise you."

"Mama with you?"

"No actually she flew on to Chicago to help poppy. Seems things are quite a mess there. What's the suitcase for?" she asked noticing the bags on the floor and passport on the desk. "Where are you going?" Theresa couldn't hide her surprise.

"Business."

"Danny?" She looked at him with those dark eyes questioning his every move.

"Theresa, I didn't expect you back so soon. I wanted to have this situation handled before your returned. I'm sorry baby," he kissed her cheek. She smelled a scent that in no way belonged to her. She knew exactly who's it was though. Michelle Bauer.

"It's something that I have to take care of right away. Before it gets even more out of hand."

"I'll bet," she countered beneath her breath. "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning actually."

"When will you be back?" Theresa asked through clenched teeth. Now she understood perfectly. Danny's sweet gesture had been nothing more then a rouse to get her out of the way. Out of the way so that he could be with Michelle again. Well that was the last straw for her. She wasn't about to let Danny Santos make a fool of her again.

"I really don't know. I hope soon." Danny did his best to be vague.

"Well then there's something I think you should know before you go honey," her voice dripped with sweetness all the while her eyes never leaving Danny's face.

"What?" he half laughed, "What…..what's going on Theresa?"

"Danny, you are going to be a daddy. I'm pregnant Danny."

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The day for Drew and Jesse's wedding dawned beautifully. Michelle had never saw a more perfect morning sunrise. Sleep hadn't come last night. No matter which way she placed her body, she was in agony. Every bone, every muscle ached. She toyed with the bottle of pain medication that the doctor had prescribed but she knew that if she had taken any there would have been no way for her to function in the morning.

This was Drew's day. Michelle didn't want anything to take away from that. Especially not her mess of a life. She crept to the sofa and gingerly sat down. She was amazed that Drew was still fast asleep. For as wound tight as she had been yesterday at the rehearsal, she was sleeping like a log now.

Michelle was relieved in a way. She knew her friend well enough to be certain that Drew would be after her to talk about what had happened last night. For that Michelle wasn't quite ready. She had spent most of the night doing her best to put it out of her mind. That had been a difficult task. It had brought back all those fearful memories. Things that she thought that Danny had put an end to.

She had told Danny that she needed time to think. Think about what though? In her heart there wasn't any question where she belonged. The time she had spent in New York had been a testament to that. No matter the jeopardy she would be walking into she knew that she would continue ahead if that meant being with Danny.

"Thought you could use this," Jimmy said as Michelle finally made her way to answer his knocking.

"Thank you," she took the steaming cup of coffee from him.

"How are you doing?" It was obvious to him by her gait that she was in a great deal of pain.

"That doctor wasn't kidding when he said I would be pretty sore," she tried to keep from laughing, since it hurt too much, "Sore just doesn't quite describe it." Jimmy helped her ease herself back down on the sofa.

"You sure you are up for this?" Jimmy knew that Danny would be beside himself when he saw her.

"I have to be," she returned, "She's counting on me. I'm her maid of honor for god sake's!"

"I understand that, but Michelle you did get hit by a car last night."

"Like I need reminded," she quipped.

"I heard the doc say you need to take it easy. I don't think being in a wedding today exactly qualifies," Jimmy laughed.

"Jimmy, she planned this whole thing around my schedule. I can't disappoint here. It's too important."

"Then at least take one of these things," Jimmy pushed the pill bottle towards her.

"Yeah right....like she needs a doped up maid of honor?"

"Michelle." She never ceased to exasperate him. For every remark he made she had a better answer. He hated to admit it but it felt like old times again. Actually it was nice. She was the only women who had been able to hold her own with him and Danny.

He was happy to know that his friend was finally getting the happiness he so richly deserved. An secretly he couldn't wait to watch the fallout. He would have a ringside seat for the show. He could only imagine what those three would do when they realized that Danny had duped them all.

"Good morning," Drew said yawning as she joined them, "You got one of those for me?" she asked pointing to the extra cup sitting on the table.

"You bet," Jimmy returned.

"How are you?" she turned to Michelle.

"Fine...everything's fine," what was a little white lie Michelle said to herself.

"Are you sure?" Drew's concern was evident.

"Hey," Michelle stood cautiously, "This is YOUR day. Stop worrying about me. I am fine," she returned a little too confident.

Jimmy waited outside the loft door giving Michelle and Drew the privacy they needed to get ready. He could hear them giggle and squeal as they helped one another. Two hours later both young women emerged. Jimmy stood in awe. First there was Drew. Her long white gown flowing like silk ribbons in the wind. Jimmy took her by the hand as she turned circles before him.

"Well........?" she blushed.

"Jesse Blue is one lucky man."

"Thank you."

Jimmy now glanced towards Michelle. The burgundy gown clung to every curve of her body. Hadn't it been for his friend, he might have wanted her for himself. She was absolutely stunning. Her alabaster skin was a pure contrast to the deep hue of the dress. Only making her all the more appealing. Danny would flip when he saw her. Jimmy was certain of that fact.

"No words for me?" Michelle said playfully punching him, "I am crushed Jimmy."

"Danny is one lucky man."

"Wow," she mocked, "You are a man of many words," she laughed.

"Are we ready?" he asked pulling his gaze from her.

"Most definitely," they said in unison.

Jimmy helped Michelle the best he could in navigating the stairs. He watched the pained expression as she took each step. This was going to be a long hard day for her. He was glad that when this was all said and done that Michelle and Danny would be off to who knew where but she would be safe finally and his friend happy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The blood in Danny's veins froze. "What?" his voice barely a hoarse whisper.

"I'm pregnant," she said a bit too snidely. Enjoying the mired of expressions passing across his face.

The room spun around him as he sank into the chair. The very life was being squeezed out of him. He felt as though he was being suffocated. The deeper he breathed in the less air he seemed to be getting.

What was happening here? This hadn't been part of his plan. Tomorrow he and Michelle were to ride off into the sunset and he was to bury Bernard and his family. But now in an instant their families had become one. They would be tied together forever. There was no way in hell he was getting out of this now.

"Danny, did you hear me? You're going to be a father."

"Yes."

"Isn't it wonderful? It's the best wedding present you could have given me." She rubbed her palms across her belly.

"How?"

"If you don't know then I'm not going to tell you. How about I show you though?" she knelt in front of him.

"Huh?"

"Danny, I want to make love to the father of my baby."

"Huh?"

She was tiring of his one syllable responses, but that was all that Danny was capable of at the moment. His mouth was dry and his entire body was numb. He kept waiting to roll over and wake up. Praying that this was all just a horrible nightmare.

"Danny," Theresa shook him by the shoulders, "Danny are you hearing me?" she whined, "We are going to have a baby!"

"Yes Theresa, I heard you," he returned flatly.

"Looks like me may need to step up this wedding or I won't be able to wear that beautiful dress that Fredrica designed."

"What?" Danny was still in shock. He wasn't able to get passed the fact that he was going to be a father. He had wanted children so much but this wasn't how he expected it to go.

The children were supposed to his and Michelle's.

"Danny," she called again frustrated by his dazed manner about this all. "I think we should called Carmen and poppy and give them the good news. Better yet I think we should go to Chicago and tell them in person."

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why?" she whined.

"I still have that business to take care of." Danny did his best to get it together again. Baby or no baby he had to get Michelle to where she would be safe. He would put her on the Lewis jet as planned, send her away for the time being until he could figure out a way out of this mess.

"I don't think you will be going anywhere Danny!" Theresa returned forcefully.

"Excuse me?" he said stunned.

"I said you aren't going anywhere. Not if you want your precious Michelle to live to see another day!"

"What the fuck are you talking about Theresa?" Fear and anger mixing as he spoke.

"I am sure you know exactly what I am talking about Danny. You may have left me once but not this time. Not when I am pregnant with your child and especially not for Michelle Bauer!" she spat.

"Theresa, you don't know what you are talking about. I told you I have business to take care of. Nothing more then that!" he forced.

"Danny, I'm not as naive as you all would like to believe."

"I never thought that."

"Like hell you didn't. You think I'm so stupid that I can't figure out that the entire time I was gone you were with her?!?!?! I may be head over heels in love with you Danny.....but dumb I am not."

"Theresa......."

"No Danny! This is my way or no way."

"Theresa....what are you threatening me?" Danny said in awe of the women before him.

"If that's what I have to do...then yes that's exactly what I am doing. You know how much my father wants me to be happy. I'm sure he will do whatever is necessary to make that happen."

The callous look in Theresa's eyes told him all he needed to know. He was well aware of the facts here. Well aware that Bernard wouldn't hesitate to dispose of his daughter's enemy and hell he would make points with Carmen to boot. It was a win win situation for him.

Danny rubbed his hands over his chin trying desperately to buy himself some time. He had to get word to Jimmy. Had to be sure that Jimmy talked to Ray and that Michelle was on that plane. He wasn't about to put his faith in Theresa. Faith that Michelle would remain unharmed even if he went along with all of this.

"I think we should head to Chicago tonight. I mean you are already packed and everything," she smiled coyly.

"Theresa...."

"DANNY," she stood firm.

"Whatever," he sighed as he felt for his wedding ring hiding deep in his pocket. "I will be back for you Michelle......." he whispered to himself as he followed Theresa from the room.

Michelle walked into the lavishly done up courtyard where the wedding was to be held. She looked around at the beautiful bouquets of lilies. They filled the area. Their fragrance was intoxicating. The white chairs all neatly in their rows. Michelle stepped on the white runner that lead to the altar.

In a flash she was transported back in time. She was standing on the steps leading to the Santos living room. Getting ready to take those fateful steps that would make her Danny's wife. She could see it all so clearly. Danny and Ray standing there looking on as she and Rick made their way down the aisle. She could hear Father Thomas speak the words that would link them as one. She recalled how caring Danny had been when she was too nervous to speak. How he said all the things that were in her heart. She remembered how their bodies melted into one as they danced. How gentle Danny had been as he caressed her preparing to make love to her. She also remembered how she backed away from him. How hurt he had been. If she had only told him then how she had felt about him. If she hadn't be so stubborn or afraid to admit it to herself, they would have been together all this time. She scolded herself once again. The past was the past. There was nothing more that could been done about it now. Most important was the fact that she and Danny were together now. Together forever if she had her way.

Michelle took one last look around. Drew would be more then pleased. All her hard work had come together perfectly. Just like Michelle had predicted, this would be a day Drew and Jesse would never forget.

"Michelle," Pilar said coming up from behind, "Drew is going crazy without you. Something about her veil. Nothing I do is right....you know Drew."

"Yes.....yes I do," Michelle smiled broadly, "Come on let's go calm the girl down before she has a coronary."

"Michelle, Ray needs to see me. Will you be okay for a few minutes?" Jimmy asked turning back to look again at Ray.

"Jimmy, leave the poor girl be. We'll be fine," Pilar spoke first. Jimmy stood his ground waiting for Michelle to reply. "Sure...Jimmy I will be fine. You go take care of whatever you need to and I will do my best to calm down Drew."

"You sure you feeling okay? You look pale to me," Jimmy asked.

"Jimmy, I'm fine really. Sore but fine. Don't worry. Go Ray's waiting."

He waited until the two of them rounded the corner before walking over to Ray.

"Have you seen Danny?" Ray questioned.

"Not yet. I figure he should be here soon though. He told me about his plan to get them out of the country. You have it all set up I expect?"

"Yeah everything is in place. I'm just worried. I thought for sure that Danny would have stopped at the rectory this morning. he was so anxious to get this taken care of last night."

"Well I guess we will have to hang tight and wait. I better get back to Michelle. I really don't like leaving her unattended."

"Yeah......you go. If you see Danny before me let him know I need to talk to him about everything."

"We'll do."

Jimmy took his post outside the door again. Listening to the conversation coming from inside. He smiled shaking his head as he heard Michelle reassure Drew over and over again that she was the most beautiful bride that she had ever seen. That everything would go off without a hitch.

"Excuse me," Jimmy said stepping in front of the door, "I need to know who you are before I can let you enter. Some ID please."

"What?" Buzz said in utter disbelief, "You are kidding right?"

"No."

"I'm hear to get the girls. It's about time for the ceremony to start."

"You work for the club then?" Jimmy inquired arching his browe.

"No!" Buzz laughed, "My name is Buzz Cooper. I am engaged to Drew's mother. I'm walking her down the aisle in a few minutes."

"Buzz," Michelle said opening the door, "Is it time yet? Drew is climbing the walls in here. If we don't get this show on the road soon she's gonna lost it."

"You know him?" Jimmy asked looking at her.

"Yes....I know him."

"I'm sorry Mr. Cooper," Jimmy offered him his hand in apology.

"Jimmy?" said her mouth falling open in disbelief.

"Michelle, you know we can't be too careful," Jimmy stressed.

"No harm done," Buzz added, "Totally understandable."

"No it's not!" Michelle hated feeling like a prisoner. Whether she understood the reason for it or not, she still hated it.

"Michelle! Please let's not do this all over again," Jimmy pleaded.

"Jimmy......"

"I hate to break up this argument and all but the wedding is about to begin without the bridesmaids or the bride," Buzz piped in.

Both jimmy and Michelle relented for the moment smiling all the while at Buzz.

"Guess it's show time," she said, "I'll go get Drew and Pilar."

The ceremony was magnificent. The piece of perfection that it had been scripted to be. Jesse and Drew said their vows as the guest looked on. Michelle searched the sea of faces for Danny. She thought for sure that he would have been there. Maybe it had been wrong of her to have sent him away last night. She looked again to see Jimmy standing at the rear keeping watch. "Where is he?" she whispered as Ray and Rabbi Gould pronounced Drew and Jesse man and wife

Michelle milled about the reception looking for Danny between the stops for niceties. She was really getting worried now. Something in her gut kept telling her that Danny wasn't coming. As hard as she tried to bury that feeling it continued to surface.

"Ray, have you seen Danny anywhere? He was supposed to be my date," she cornered him.

"I'm sorry Michelle I haven't. Actually I have been looking for him myself. What about Jimmy.....has he seen him?"

"I think he's been too busy watching me to notice," she quipped.

"Michelle, you know Jimmy is just........"

"Doing his job," she finished the sentence. She had heard it so many times now it was becoming second nature.

"No....I was going to say that he is just taking care of you until Danny can do the job himself."

"You know I hate this, Ray....all of it!"

"Yes I do. But you also know that it's necessary."

"It shouldn't be!" she forced.

Jimmy had searched the entire room in his quest for Danny. He wasn't anywhere to be found. This wasn't right. This wasn't like Danny. Especially where Michelle was concerned. He saw Ray and Michelle in a heated conversation. He could just imagine the earful she was giving him. He better go rescue him. "Oh, Abby excuse me," he said almost knocking her to the floor in his haste to help Ray.

"Oh Jimmy, I was meaning to ask you. Have you seen Danny today?"

"No I haven't why?" curious as to why she had asked.

"Well he called the house last night and told me to have Michelle's things ready for him to pick up this morning. He said he was taking her on a romantic getaway and he never showed up. I was just concerned that something was wrong."

"I don't know Abby. I wish I did. I have an awfully bad feeling about this." He looked on as Michelle grabbed another glass of champagne. He dialed the house hoping to find a reason for Danny's no show."