Michelle walked to the nurses station and ordered a sedative for Danny. There was no calming him down. He went on and on about how Theresa had deceived him. How she had made him fall in love with a baby that was never going to be.

She watched as he angrily punched at the mattress trying so hard to hold it together. She could only imagine what he had to be going through. Theresa may as well have miscarried, for that was the grief that Danny was feeling at the moment. He had lost his child imaginary or otherwise.

Michelle reached out to touch him and in that instant Danny began to sob. Her heart ached as she watched him finally reach his breaking point. Without thought she moved beside him cradling him in her arms. Hate and love fought a battle inside of her. She hated him, truly hated him for everything that he had put her through in the last four or more years. How he had turned her life upside over and over again. Hated him for seeping into her heart and her soul. Taking possession of her very being. Yet out of that hate she knew that there had been born love. A love that was so strong that it had a life of it's own. Their love was an immovable force. She leaned forward kissing his cheek as the sedative was finally beginning to take effect. She had so many questions maybe it was about time that she got some answers. Maybe it was time to listen for once instead of assuming the worst.

"Jimmy...Michelle," she said as he picked up the phone.

"Michelle?" he hadn't ever expected to hear from her again, "Everything all right?"

"No................actually it's not."

"What's the matter?"

"Danny and Theresa were in a car accident. They are here in New York."

"What happened? Are they all right?" he asked more about Danny then the other.

"Yeah they are going to be fine, but I think you and Ray need to get out here right away. Danny got some unsettling news a while ago."

"Oh my god...the baby?" he questioned.

"Jimmy, I don't know all the details and I'm not sure if I ever will but there never was a baby. Apparently she made up the entire story."

"THAT FUCKING BITCH!!!!!!!"

"Jimmy, Danny really needs you guys right now. Can you come?"

"I'll go grab Ray and we will be on the next flight out there. Michelle, steer clear of Theresa do you hear me?"

"Jimmy, I'm her doctor."

"I don't care what you have to do but you turn her over to someone else. I don't want you anywhere near her and neither would Danny."

"Jimmy......."

"Michelle, for once please don't argue."

"But......."

"No buts, do you still have feelings for Danny?" he forced.

"You know that I do. I couldn't turn them off no matter how hard I've tried to," she relented.

"Then listen to me when I tell you that this may all be over sooner then you think. Trust me please."

"What are you talking about? Could you please just explain this all to me?" she returned desperate for some answers.

"All in due time. You take care of Danny and Ray and I will be there as soon as we can."

"Okay." she remarked not knowing what else to say.

Jimmy couldn't stop smiling. Theresa had finally dug herself a hole she wasn't about to get her way out of. That coupled with the fact that Angela had been able to locate the missing piece of the Rivera/Ramerez connection the final nail had just been driven into the coffin. Danny and Theresa's sham of a marriage was just about to crash and burn.

Quickly Jimmy packed a few things and grabbed the information that Angela had recently faxed to him. He knew that this would be a blow to the Santos Family but for the sake of Danny's happiness he was willing to risk it

They had made it to New York in record time. Michelle was relieved when she saw them getting off the elevator. Danny had still been sleeping but he was restless. Tossing and turning she could only imagine what was going on in his head.

"Michelle," Ray embraced her tightly.

"Hi Ray, you remember Dylan don't you?"

"Yes," Ray offered his hand to him, "It's nice to see you again. I wish it had been under better circumstances."

"As do I." Dylan was less then happy to see Jimmy. He wasn't able to forget about their last encounter. The two eyed one another at a safe distance. Jimmy didn't want Dylan getting in the way of Danny and Michelle's reunion.

"When can they be released?" Jimmy inquired.

"Well Theresa will be released later this afternoon. However Danny will need to stay at least a day or so more."

"Perfect," Jimmy said turning to Ray, "You take care of Theresa until I can give Danny the low down on what I have come up with."

He had filled Ray in on all the details of his find during their plane ride to New York Ray had not been surprised by Jimmy's news. Somehow he had always known that Bernard was one not to be trusted.

"Fine, I think I can handle that. Can I see her?" Ray asked turning to the doctors.

"By all means," Dylan answered.

"Jimmy what the hell's going on here?" Michelle asked pointedly as Ray and Dylan walked away.

"All in due time Michelle. I need to talk to Danny."

"I'm not sure if he's even awake yet. Let's go in and check."

"Jimmy, what are you doing here?" Danny asked doing his best to sit up.

"Michelle called me. Said that you needed us. Ray's here too."

"Then she told you? She told you that never was a baby?" he said in a cold violent whisper as his blood boiled beneath the surface.

"Yeah," Jimmy rested his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"I'M GONNA KILL HER!!!!!!!" he spat.

"I've got a better plan," Jimmy produced the folder from his bag.

"What's this?"

"You ticket to ridding yourself of Theresa and Bernard once and for all. And it just might help you handle Carmen as well." Jimmy smiled like a cat who had just eaten the mouse.

Danny looked at Jimmy with utter disbelief as he read the contents.

Danny looked at the folder again. Starring at the words on the pages. He wasn't able to breath. The thought of this being true had caused his heart to stand still.

"Where.....where...how did you get this?" his voice barely audible.

"That secretary of yours is something else. She kept right on digging until she came up with the names that I needed."

"Jimmy, you understand what this means don't you?"

"Exactly."

"How after all these years could we have been so blind?" Danny was still trying to make this make sense in his head. As badly as he wanted to nail Bernard and free himself of the hell he was trapped in, he never once expected any of this.

"I think that's they way it was meant to be Danny. A perfect plan down to the very last detail."

"I still can't believe it. It's unthinkable." disbelief filled his voice.

"Danny, you know what you have to do. You have to expose this. You have to not just for you and Michelle but for Carmen as well. She had a right to know who she had aligned herself with."

"Jimmy....do understand what you are asking me to do? You know damn well what the outcome is going to be."

"Danny, are you telling me that you are willing to sit back and say nothing? Even after you know that Theresa trapped you. She had you believing that she was pregnant for god sakes!"

"NO!!!!!" he growled. Danny's fury for Theresa was the fuel for his flame at the moment. If she hadn't lied to him, he and Michelle would have been safe. Instead of being ripped apart all over again.

"Here's something else." Jimmy handed over a large envelope.

"What's this?" He emptied the contains onto his bed. Out fell Michelle's wedding band and the other things that had been taken from the Bauer house that night. "Where did you find these?" As if Danny didn't already know the answer.

"They were hidden in your room at the house. The night you didn't show up at the wedding. Rosa told me that you left with Theresa. I turned your room upside down that night. I found those in the back compartment of the closet that Theresa was using. I guess in her hurry to get you out of there she forgot about them."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Danny starred at him.

"How could I? The next time I saw you...you told me about the baby and the wedding. I didn't know what to do. I knew that given the circumstances you wouldn't leave her. You couldn't. Besides Michelle was already gone."

"I had a right to know. You should have told me!"

"Danny, what difference would it have made? You're life was set. They had you right where they wanted you. I didn't want to add to the burden."

"So why now. Why give them to me now?"

"I think it's time you put that ring back where it belongs," Jimmy stated, "Don't you?"

"She's never going to understand. You should have seen the look on her face when she heard about the baby. Michelle isn't going to be able to accept this," Danny said in anguish.

"Don't underestimate her, man. She loves you. She has always loved you. Danny she knew what it must have been like for you finding out that there was no baby. That's why she called me. She's still looking out for you man."

"I've hurt her so badly though........"

"I think that's all about to change. You have the ammunition to put an end to this finally. DO IT!!!!!!" Jimmy countered frustration filling him.

"We have to think. Theresa can't know that I know. She has to think that everything is the same. I can't let her go after Michelle again. I have to set this up so that there's no way for any of them to know it's coming. I have to blindside them." Danny spouted as the wheels began turning in his head. A plan taking shape.

"What do you need from me?"

"Make sure that Michelle stays clear of Theresa. She can't know that Michelle has had any contact with me."

"Already taken care of. Ray is with Theresa now. She's to be released this afternoon."

"Good. Make sure Ray takes her home. And keeps her there. Be sure to contact Bernard and let him know to meet her in Springfield."

"Done."

"You have any idea when I'm getting out of here?" Danny questioned.

"That doctor friend of Michelle's said a day or two."

"Good. I need you to set up a dinner party for me. I'm sure you know who the guests should be," Danny smiled sinisterly.

"I think I have a good idea."

"Then be sure you make enough copies of this," Danny handed him back the folder. "This will be a dinner party that will go down in the Santos Family record book."

"What about Michelle?"

"When Theresa is gone. I will tell Michelle everything. You let me know when Ray takes her to the airport and then bring Michelle to me. It's about time that I was honest with her."

"We'll do Danny. And man I'm really sorry about everything. I knew sometimes things are better left dead and buried but I couldn't just let this one drop."

"You did the right thing Jimmy."

Michelle sat on the edge of Danny's hospital bed and listened intently to all that he had to tell her. The reasons why he had pushed so hard for the annulment. Why he had forced her from his life. As much as he loved her he knew that she would never be able to accept the life that had been mapped out for him.

"You deserved to feel safe. You shouldn't have had to look over your shoulder all the time," he said taking her in his arms.

"I did feel safe with you," she whispered reveling in his touch.

"I couldn't let you get sucked into my world. I loved you too much to let that happen."

"I didn't care, Danny. I knew what it meant to be your wife. It didn't matter to me. All that mattered was you!"

"I love you!" he whispered holding back his tears. It had been so long in coming that he couldn't believe that they were so close to finally being together.

"I love you too!" she leaned forward and kissed him with such passion that she felt her blood race.

"There's more. You have to hear everything. You have to understand that........"

"I don't care," she silenced him with yet another kiss.

"Michelle....you deserve the truth."

He continued with how Carmen had forced his hand. Forced him to take his place at the head of the family making his marriage to Theresa a part of the deal to spare her life. He watched Michelle's face as she listened to his words. He saw the sorrow in her eyes. He felt the compassion she had for him pour out in her gentle touches as he went on to say how Theresa had told him that she was pregnant the night of Drew's wedding. That she had threatened to take action against her if Danny didn't comply with her wishes. Michelle watched Danny's eyes grow sad again at the mention of a baby that never was.

"I'm so sorry," she said holding him tightly.

"You're sorry????" he returned disbelieving.

"Yes....sorry that you have to mourn a baby."

"THERE WAS NO BABY!" His anger for Theresa came rushing back.

"That doesn't matter, Danny. You thought you were going to be a father. To you it's still a loss."

He was amazed by her understanding. Amazed that through all of his explanation she never once flinched or made an attempt to move away from him. Instead she had done just the opposite. She had brought herself even closer to him.

"You are unbelievable," he took her face in his hands, "You are the most extraordinary women I have ever known."

"Danny, I don't care what it took or how long it took to get us here. All I care about it that we are here finally. Nothing but you and me matters anymore." The war that had been raging within her heart had been won. Won by the love that she had for him. The hate had been vanquished. "I want us to start again." she brought her lips to his. Danny tasted the salty tears that were falling on her face. He could smell the lavender on her skin. He would have given anything to be able to take her in his arms right now and show her just how much she meant to him. The constraints of the hospital wouldn't allow it.

"I want that too. First though we need to complete one last chapter before we can start the next book. I want you to come back to Springfield with me."

"You do?" she had been surprised since he had done his best to keep here away from there.

"Yes. Jimmy and I have a plan. A plan to be sure that Bernard, my mother and Theresa pay...pay dearly for what they have done. I need one thing from you though."

"What?"

"Can you get Theresa's medical records. Just the part stating that she was never pregnant?"

"I don't see why not. Why though?"

"It's all part of the plan. You will have a ring side seat. I promise you that."

Ray watched as the players of this production filed into the room. It gave him a sense of satisfaction to know that once and for all the wrong that had been done would finally be made right.

"What is this all about, Ray?" Carmen asked starring at her nephew.

"Danny is coming home and he just wanted everyone to be together for a family dinner. Given what a close call he and Theresa had and also the fact that their baby is all right as well, he just thought it called for a celebration."

"Isn't my husband such a wonderful man?" Theresa cooed as she rested her hands on her stomach. Ray felt the bile rise in his throat stopping himself from saying any more. He wanted to wipe that smug look right off of her face. But that would happen soon enough.

Danny, Michelle and Jimmy approached the door. Michelle tensed remembering what this house had been like for her. The hell that it had been.

"Listen you stay out here with Jimmy. Ray will come out to get you when it's time." Danny gently squeezed her hands. "You have everything I need to pull this off right?" he asked looking at his friend and cohort in crime.

"Everything Danny."

"Great! Soon this will all over and you and I will have nothing more to worry about......EVER!"

"Please......be careful," she pleaded. Even though she wasn't sure of his plan she didn't trust the three other people in the room. She left like Danny was walking into the lion's den.

"Don't worry. They won't know what hit them."

Danny took a deep breath before entering the formal dining room. He was actually nervous about all of this. He was certain that his mother would be taken aback by what he was about to reveal. He knew all too well that his mother was not a forgiving women. This was about to end very badly. He could feel it.

"Hello," he said as he entered.

"Daniel, how are you feeling?" Carmen embraced her son. The sense of relief over taking her. She had been worried when Ray had called to tell her about the accident. She knew that Danny would be fine yet it was hard to think of the possibility of losing but another son.

"I'm fine mama, really. Just about good as new."

"Danny," Theresa gushed as he came forward to kiss her husband. Danny had to stifle a laugh thinking that this would be the last time she would ever be doing that.

"I wanted to stay with you, but Ray thought it would be better for me and the baby if I recuperated at home," she continued on with her fable. Danny did his best not to tense under her touch. The mere fact that she was still holding onto this charade made it all the easier for him to squash it.

"Rosa," Danny called, "Get us the best bottle of wine from the cellar. We have some celebrating to do."

Danny walked around the table filling each glass. He was enjoying being in charge of the room. He loved the look on his mother's face. A look that showed for once she wasn't able to read her son's actions. That exactly what Danny had wanted. He wanted the element of surprise on his side for this.

"Danny!" Theresa shrieked, "You know I can't have any alcohol." She tried unsuccessfully to cover her glass but the vibrant red liquid filled it just the same.

"Ah.....but Theresa my dear, I think that you can." On cue Ray exited the room returning with Michelle and Jimmy in tow.

Three pairs of eyes starred at them. Michelle shifted nervously between Jimmy and Ray. It was like reliving the very first night that Danny had brought her to this house. The night that Carmen pointed a gun at her. It was hard not think of that happening again.

"What are you talking about Danny?" Theresa's eyes darted between Danny and Michelle. "You know that I shouldn't drink while I'm pregnant."

"But Theresa my dear.....I don't think that it will a problem for you?" Danny couldn't stop himself for laughing yet there was no humor to the sound.

"Daniel what is the meaning of all of this?" Carmen growled as she stood.

"SIT DOWN, MOTHER! All in due time......it will all make sense in one minute." Ray began passing out sheets of paper to those at the table. The paper told the true tale of Theresa faux pregnancy. Danny took pleasure in watching Theresa squirm in her chair. It wasn't the agony he felt that day in the hospital finding out the truth but for now it would do.

"What is this?" Bernard asked choking on his drink.

"It's a copy of Theresa's medical records. A record showing that there was no evidence that she was ever pregnant!"

"There must be some mistake," he gasped.

"No...no mistake. Your daughter was never carrying your heir. It was a lie. All of it. The baby, the marriage...everything was a god damned lie!"

"Baby or no baby you are still married to my daughter!" Bernard wasn't about to let all that he had worked for go up in smoke. "There will be other babies Daniel!"

"Not from this marriage. It's over Bernard. You can forget about ever getting what you thought you deserved."

"Danny, what are you talking about?!?!?!" Carmen was still trying to make sense out of all of this.

"Do you see this ring?" he asked taking Michelle's wedding band out of his pocket. Theresa looked at Michelle with such rage that felt her blood boil. "This is the ring of the only wife I have ever had!"

"I DON'T THINK SO DANNY BOY!!!!!!!" Bernard stood drawing his gun. Quickly Jimmy placed himself in between the barrel and Michelle, gun drawn as well.

"SIT DOWN, BERNARD! We aren't quite finished with show and tell," Danny quipped.

Once again Ray made his way around the table handing out the next piece of the puzzle. Carmen sat in silence as she read and reread the words before her. She turned to Bernard looking at him with utter contempt. Michelle had seen that look before. She knew it all too well.

"YOU!!!!!!! All this time....you played me for a fool. IT WAS YOU WHO SET UP MY MIGEL TO BE MURDERED!!!!!"

"Carmen, this isn't true. None of this is the truth."

Carmen looked to Danny. Her eyes imploring him to make sense out of this nonsense. "It's all there mama in black and white. The order....the bank account......the continued contact with Antonio Ramerez. What more do you need to prove it. To prove that Bernard was behind papa's death?" Danny let out an anguished cry.

Michelle stepped out from behind Jimmy. She was certain that as much as Danny was trying to hold it all back this had hurt him deeply as well.

Theresa looked on as Danny took Michelle in his arms. The scene was more then she was able to bare. Jimmy blocked her as she tried to run from the room.

"Where do you think you're going?" he questioned.

"I can't........."

"SIT DOWN! You are going to wait and watch like the rest of us."

"Carmen you are going to take the word of him over me?!?! He had lied to you repeatedly about this girl," Bernard pointed to Michelle.

"Bernard......you killed my husband. You took his life and now it's time for me to settle the score don't you think?" she returned in a cold and calculating voice.

"CARMEN...think about what this will mean to the business. Think about what this will do to things. Think about how you will have to explain all of this." Bernard searched for anything to spare his life. It was a completely different scenario being on the other end of the gun.

"There will be no explanation necessary Bernard. It will look like you and Antonio had a difference of opinion that ended badly. No one would blame me for stepping up to the plate and taking things over. Just the way you had tried to do when Migel had been killed."

"CARMEN!"

"No Bernard...it's over! IT'S JUDGMENT DAY!" Carmen raised the barrel of the gun. She remember watching her husband's life draining from his body as Bernard stood over them spouting his vemance about revenge against the Ramerez's. What a joke that had all been.

"My work here is done mama. You know the truth. I am done. I am no longer a part of this world."

"Daniel!"

"No mother! I am taking my wife," he returned looking into Michelle's eyes, "and we are leaving. Leaving to start over. I have lived the life you wanted me to live for long enough. It's my turn now. My turn to have what I want."

"Daniel!" she cried again. "You can't leave me this way."

"It's done mother." he said with finality.

Michelle and Danny walked away without looking back. They heard the two shots ring out into the stillness of the night. Danny forced himself not to look back.

What was done was done. He had wasted so many years already. It was time that he and Michelle had the life they deserved. He wasn't about to let anything stop that from happening.

Jimmy and Ray looked on as Danny's car pulled out to the drive for the last time. Both knowing that they wouldn't ever see either Danny nor Michelle again.