Danny sighed as he looked at his stubbled reflection in the mirror. There wouldn't be time for sleep now. There were too many details for this evening's events at the club to be taken care of. Danny knew things were in quite capable hands but he certainly didn't like the thoughts of Carl worming his way into every nook and cranny. Just because things had turned out well with Jenny, in all actuality the exchange between he and his aunt had amazed him, he had much less faith in Carl's lame attempt.

As Danny stepped under the pounding stream of hot water he couldn't help but contemplate Jenny's words. There had been justifiable questions with laughable answers. Again he was at odds with his heart and his conscious. Both of which wanted completely opposite things.

His heart would have been content in the charade that he had spun. It was simple and safe and it gave him everything he never knew he even wanted until now. While his conscious on the other hand, was throwing the faces of Bernardo, Manuel.....and not to mention Carmen before his eyes.

This was a dangerous tightrope he had concocted for himself to walk. One platform was the life he had left behind and the platform off in the distance was the life he wanted, deserved yet the chasms between them was a bottomless pit. Danny knew it would be a free fall if he told Melanie the truth about himself.

There was no simple way to make this work. He felt as if his life was a crapshoot and he had just rolled snake eyes.

Jenny was just hanging up the phone as Danny made his way into the kitchen. "Would you mind if I caught a ride to the club with you?" she asked smiling like a giddy schoolgirl.

"No, no not at all."

"Thank you. Just let me grab my purse and I will be right out," she remarked racing out of the room.

"Where's the fire?" he called to her. This was the first time since his arrival he had actually seen a genuine smile on his aunt's face.

"No fire," she commented checking her face in a tiny hand held mirror, "Just a long over due lunch date with my husband," she gushed.

"Oh really?" Danny smiled mischievously.

"Yes really. Now could we go?"

"Sure."

Jenny almost skipped the entire walk to Danny's car. She was dizzy with excitement. She felt as if she and Albert had gone back in time to the days of their courtship. He had been a wonderful suitor. And an even better husband. He remembered the little things that slip past most men. Albert was the one to call he just to say that he loved her, or out of the clear blue give her a romantic card for no special reason. When Richard was born those things took a back seat; not that Albert stopped doing them it was that Jenny was so wrapped up in her son that nothing else mattered. Finally upon Richard's death everything loving around the both of them ceased. But today when Jenny picked up the ringing phone, she heard the voice of Albert from days of old. He was playful and bursting with surprises for her. This was the first time in many years that she felt a yearning for the man she married. Jenny hoped that this was only the beginning of their rebuilding process.

"Aunt Jenny," Danny began hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"I need some advice."

"You are asking my advice?" she was puzzled. Even though they had made progress this morning, Jenny didn't expect Danny to suddenly see her as the advice giving one of the family.

"I think that you are the only one who can answer the questions that I have."

"I will do my best."

"How did you react when Uncle Albert explained to you what his family was all about? I mean you still married him."

"Well first thing Danny, he never came out and said 'hey I am in the mob' if that's what you are thinking."

"But you said earlier that you knew what went on in the family?" Danny was confused.

"Danny," Jenny tried not to chuckle at his surprisingly naive thinking, "You said it yourself, even people who don't know the Santos's have an idea of what they are all about. I had my suspicions. But you see, the rumors and innuendo that were thrown about the neighborhood back then weren't anything like the man that came to my door with fresh wild flowers because he knew they were my favorite."

"So you fell in love with him despite what you knew he was all about?" Danny wasn't sure whether he could believe that or not.

"I fell in love with the man, Danny, not his name. He could have been named Jack the Ripper and I still would have fallen for him. He was everything I could have ever dreamed of. What's with all the questions?" she asked her curiosity getting the better of her now.

"Well......," Danny paused.

"Does this have anything to do with that pretty blonde? The one who is friends with Carl's daughter?"

"Yes," Danny was stunned that even during their arguments she knew so much about his life.

"And your problem is cause you are a Santos?"

"Well, it wasn't until a little bit ago........."

"So that's why you suddenly took our name?" she questioned.

"Yeah," Danny relented.

"Are you falling in love with this girl?"

"From the moment I laid eyes on her," For once Danny was laying his cards out on the table, "I have been fighting it from the very beginning. It's not fair to complicate someone else's life with my bizarre problems," the anguish was evident in his voice.

"Does she love you?" Jenny asked.

"Yeah....yeah actually I think that she does."

"And your afraid of what is going to happen when you can't hide anymore? Aren't you?"

"Yeah. Is she going to hate me for the lies? How am I supposed to explain my family to her? What are the right words to say well 'I am supposed to be running this organized crime family' or 'hey you know the GODFATHER movies, well that's me Don Santos'?"

"I'm not so sure that I would phrase it like that," Jenny smiled understanding the dilemma he was in.

"Then how?"

"There isn't any good answer to that question. Trust me you will know when the right time is."

"Yeah you mean like when Bernardo or Carmen is holding a gun to her head cause they know that she's my weakness? I can't lose another person I love that way. My father's gone, Mick's gone......I would rather leave her wondering then have another person die in my arms," Danny choked again on the tears that he was holding at bay.

Jenny gently reached over and laid her hand on Danny's arm. She hadn't until this very second regretted the time she spent despising him. Albert had been right about their wounds and scars. The life that they all had led was hard on them and they only way to wade through the aftermath was together.

"Danny, the only thing I can say to you is don't do what Albert and I have done for fifteen years. Don't shut down your heart. It's the only thing in this world that makes you alive. It's worth all pain if you find that one person you truly connect with.

Danny looked up as he pulled in front of The Two Step to see Albert standing out front with the picnic basket he and Melanie had used the night before.

"So for the record you aren't the only romantic in the family," Albert joked taking his wife by the hand and leading her to his awaiting vehicle.

Danny smiled thinking that if after all they had been through, Albert and Jenny had found their way back to one another. Maybe there was hope for him and Melanie yet.

Michelle propped her heavy head up with her hand and listened as Professor Marsh droned on. There was still lab time to do before she was able to get out of this over heated room. A state that only hastened her need for sleep.

The thoughts of last night were the only thing that was keeping her semi-conscious. Danny's face and the voice on her answering machine kept her thinking about the night that was to come. That was if she could stay awake long enough to get there.

"Hey, you planning on joining me or what?" her lab partner Sam asked tapping her on the shoulder.

"Huh?"

"Are you helping me with this experiment or not?

"Yeah....sure....whatever," she said absently wondering if her and caustic chemicals were such a good mix this afternoon.

Sam finally relented to doing the mixing and measuring while she recorded the results. Not that her concentration was better at that portion but it was far less dangerous she thought.

The knocking on the door was virtually ignored by many in the room. It wasn't until it became louder and more persistent that Professor Marsh had no choice but to acknowledge it.

"Can I help you?"

"I need to speak with Melanie Branson."

Michelle's head shot up at the sound of her name and the all too familiar voice speaking it.

"We are in the middle of an experiment, sir."

"I understand that, but it's necessary that I speak with Ms. Branson right away," Jeremy Lucas resisted the urge to whip out his badge to get what he wanted. He still possessed a bit of reality about him.

"Melanie," Professor Marsh called to her, "Collect your things, apparently you are needed elsewhere," he said snidely.

"Thank you," Agent Lucas returned thrilled as he watched Michelle make her way to him. However he missed the contempt that blazed in her milky chocolate eyes.

"WHAT THE HELL GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO PULL ME OUT OF CLASS!?!?!" she bellowed once the door was securely closed behind her.

"Why didn't you return my call?" he asked ignoring her question completely.

"WHAT!?!?!"

"I left a message for you. Why didn't you call me back?"

"Are you for real?" she questioned in disbelief.

"Why are you so upset?"

"WHAT????"

"I was just worried about you. You are still my responsibility."

Michelle had grown so tired of all of this. His words were like a broken record continually skipping at the same spot over and over again. It was past wearing thin on her nerves. It was to the point of an obsession that she couldn't take anymore.

"GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!"

"Huh?"

"This has nothing to do with your responsibility. I have been here for months now. Isn't it time you moved on for god sakes!?!?!" Michelle knew her shouts were louder then they should have been but enough was enough already.

"Keep your voice down!" he growled.

"Why?" she countered harshly.

"You know damn well why. You shouldn't be drawing attention to yourself like this."

"And you just popping up whenever you want or calling me time and time again that doesn't draw attention to me??? Who am I supposed to say you are when people ask me? What happens if one time you call I am not the one to answer the phone.................."

"Who the hell else would be answering your phone?" he asked angrily cutting her short.

"What the hell does that matter?" she shot back, "It could be anyone. And if I remember correctly, my new life, you know the one you handed me in a folder months ago doesn't include you!!"

"Could we please not do this here?" his senses finally getting the better of him as he watched the people that walked past them stare.

"You came looking for me. So why not do it here?"

"You haven't changed at all have you? You are still stubborn as ever. It's either your way or no way. Well not this time," he said tugging at her arm leading her down the hall.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING??" she yelled again.

"Would you just shut up and come on? We need to talk in private."

Michelle stared into Jeremy Lucas' eyes refusing to speak. The bar off campus that he had chosen was loud and smoky. No one was paying attention to them or much less cared that they were even there.

"So why didn't you return my call?" he asked as if they had started over again.

"WHAT????"

"I just think it's common courtesy to return a phone call."

"You are unreal....you do know that don't you?!?!?"

"Unreal why? For expecting you to return a phone call?"

"Would you get off the damn non-returned phone call!!!" she spat, "I was busy. I didn't have to time to call you back. Besides I thought I made it clear that I would call YOU," she stressed, "if I needed to."

"Why were you too busy to call?"

Jeremy Lucas wasn't about to let this go. He wanted to know exactly what it was that had taken her attention away from him.

"I do have a life!!"

"So what were you doing?"

"ENOUGH!!!!!!!!" she shouted, "I don't know what twisted little fantasy you have going on in your head about us but get over it!!" Michelle got up to leave. She wasn't about to be party to this any longer.

"WAIT!"

"NO! I don't know what your game is Agent Lucas, but I am not playing."

"I'm not playing a game. I am quite serious about this. It's my job."

"BULL SHIT!! And as for your job, let's hope you still have one after I make my call to your superiors," Michelle was being brazen and she knew it but she had little or no choice.

This wasn't something that she could run to Danny with. How was she supposed to explain that a Federal Agent was obsessed with her and not tell him why she knew him in the first place.

Jeremy Lucas raised his hand indicating he wanted another beer to drown his sorrows in. Why hadn't he just been honest with her from the very beginning? Why hadn't he just told her how he felt about her rather then hiding behind the guise of doing his job. His job, he had to laugh, if she had been serious in her threat that was a bomb that no doubt would be blowing up in his face sooner then later. He left the full glass on the table and went to do damage control if that would be even possible now.

Michelle flopped down sinking deep into her sofa, thankful that the tedious day had finally drawn to a close. The lack of sleep had set her on edge and coupling that with the bizarre encounter with Agent Lucas it had been enough to drive anybody batty.

There was a part of her that wanted nothing more to crawl under her down comforter and get lost in a blissful slumber. Yet there was a larger part that wanted to shower and change and find her way into Danny's arms once more. She sat weighing the two as the doorbell sounded.

"I was looking for you at school all day! Where have you been?" Sarah asked bursting through the door.

"Aaahhhhh!" Michelle heard her brain silently scream. "I got caught up in some things beyond my control" she said trying to remember that is wasn't Sarah she was angry with, "I wasn't supposed to meet you or something was I?"

"No......I just was hoping to catch up with you."

"Are you okay?" Michelle asked pulling two Cokes from the refrigerator.

"Fine why?" Sarah answered reaching for the cold can that was offered.

"Just wondered. With Christmas getting closer I thought maybe you were having a rough go of it."

"Carl's trying......but his idea of Christmas is a silver tree from lord only knows what century," she groaned.

"That bad huh?"

"Norman Rockwell he ain't," Sarah laughed.

"Then might I suggest that you show him how it's done?"

"Like he cares. He's so wrapped up in that club that he's lucky to know that it is even Christmas time."

Michelle thought that rather odd. She knew from her own observations that Danny was not giving Carl all that much responsibility. So why was it that he still didn't have time for his own daughter?

"I would just rather pretend the damn holiday didn't even exist," Sarah scoffed.

"You can't mean that, really?"

"It's not Christmas without my mom and all the things that she made special about this time of year."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault that she died," Sarah heard the sharpness to her words. The whole Christmas season was wearing thin on her frayed nerves.

"Sarah," Michelle spoke softly kneeling beside her friend, "I have been where you are. It hurts like hell. You don't think that you will ever get through it. But you will. Not immediately but through time you will come to cherish the memories that you have of your mom."

"God, I wish I believed that," Sarah sighed.

"You can.................."

The doorbell's shrill sound stopped Michelle mid-sentence.

"We need to talk," Jeremy Lucas said stepping over the threshold, "Oh sorry, I didn't know you had company," he was startled to see the young girl on the verge of tears sitting on the edge of the couch.

"I'm kind of busy right now," Michelle said through a clenched jaw.

"It's really important," he countered.

"So is this," she shot back. This is exactly what she had been afraid of happening. Now, no matter what she was going to be forced to come up with but another lie. The tale she had woven thus far was growing far too large for Michelle to keep all the lies straight.

"Please."

"I'll be right back okay?" she asked Sarah hoping that her friend would flat out refuse.

"Sure whatever."

"Damn," Michelle said to herself.

"What on earth could you want now?!?!?!" she did her best to keep her voice and temper in check.

"I think we, I mean I, need to clear the air between us."

"I am quite clear on everything thank you!"

"Please hear me out," he said stopping her turning the knob on her apartment door.

"Why? So you can once again tell me that you are doing this for my own good. How this is your job and you intend on seeing it through until you feel that it's done?!?!"

"Not exactly."

"Then what?"

"I know this goes against every protocol of my job but I can't help myself. I....," he hesitated.

"You what?"

"I think I am falling in love with you."

"Huh?"

"From the minute you walked off the plane in the airport I knew that I should have turned you over to another agent. You set every part of my body on fire. I thought I could handle it though. Well I can't. I can't do this anymore. I can't stand the thought of you not being a part of my life."

Michelle was dismayed by the words that she had just heard. Here was this man who represented all the things that she had left behind; was a constant reminder of the all she had lost and he wanted her to feel something for him.

"Please, say something."

"I don't know what to say," she countered honestly.

"Melanie," the door swung open, "Danny's on the phone," Sarah's words were all the conformation that Jeremy Lucas needed.

"Tell him I will be there in a sec, kay?"

"No that's okay, I got the picture," Jeremy said.

"Sarah, please. I will be in in a second."

"Sure thing Mel." Sarah closed the door not exactly sure what she had just been witness to.

"I'm sorry," Michelle said searching for the words to make him understand.

"I see what has kept you so busy now."

"You have to understand something," Michelle said, "I can't feel about you the way you do about me. Not even if there wasn't anyone else in my life right now," Michelle watched him cringe at the realism of her words, "You have to appreciate the fact that each time I am with you forces me to remember why I am here. And who I truly am. Maybe other people can live that double life but I can't. I have to be free to move on. Please know that it's not you, it's the circumstances......."

"But if it hadn't been for the circumstances I would have never met you," he cried his voice begging her to reconsider.

"Agent Lucas," she said forcing him to remember who he was to her, "Please don't make this harder then it has to be."

"You don't understand........"

"I do. But I can't. More importantly I won't. Please don't make me have to go over your head," she pleaded, "I will be in touch when and if I need to be."

"Can I ask who's the lucky guy?"

"His name is Danny......Danny Sampson."

"Well you tell him for me that if he isn't good to you, he'll have me to answer to!"

"I'll be sure to do that."

"Good-bye Melanie."

"Good-bye Jeremy."

"Who was that?" Sarah asked the minute that Michelle stepped inside.

"Not now," Michelle said holding her hand up in front of Sarah's mouth. She needed a few seconds to regroup and come up with something believable.

"Danny, you still there?" she asked.

"Yep."

"Sorry for the wait."

"That's okay. I was just calling to be sure you got my message. Are you coming to the club tonight?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Michelle said looking longingly at the bed that called to her from the other room.

"Okay. Well then see you in a bit. And Melanie," Danny paused, "I can't wait to see you." Those weren't the words he had really wanted say but for the time being they would have to do.

"Me neither. See you soon."

"One at the door, one on the phone.....I wish that I had such troubles," Sarah smiled letting herself forget her own misery for the moment. It appeared that Melanie had as much drama as she did.

"Very funny," Michelle said falling back against the sofa for the second time that day.

"So are you going to tell me who the hell that was or do I have to drag it out of you?"

"I thought we were talking about you?" Michelle countered.

"Well you are far more interesting."

"No seriously, I want to do what ever I can to make Christmas better for you."

"If you could resurrect my mom.........," Sarah's voice trailed off.

"Can't do that but how about I help you remember her instead of mourn her?"

"Isn't that one in the same."

"Not hardly."

"Remembering is much better and far easier on you then the mourning."

"I still don't see the difference."

"Remembering let's you laugh about all the wonderful things you two experienced together. The inside jokes that only you both understood. How you knew what the other was thinking without even saying it. That's much better then crying over what you can't get back." Michelle's words of wisdom had come from many years of doing exactly what Sarah was doing now.

"You make it sound so easy."

"Sometimes it is. You just have to let go of the hurt and remember the happiness. I promise to help you."

"Thanks. I am sure that I am going to need it. Since Carl doesn't give a damn."

"Forget him. Don't let his lack of Christmas spirit bring you down."

"Easier said then done."

"Look Christmas is less then a week and a half away. How about you stay with me? I mean we can do all of the traditional Christmas things....you know the cookies......the whole nine yards."

"Won't that cramp your style?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What about you and Danny and who ever that was at the door a few minutes ago? It looked pretty intense from where I was standing."

"That was nothing," Michelle tried to sound nonchalant. She really hadn't had the time to process all that Jeremy Lucas had actually said.

"Yeah, tell me another one."

"No, it's nothing."

"The look on that guy's face said he wasn't buying it."

"No he understood. There is no future for us."

"You mean because of Danny?" Sarah asked.

"Yes and no."

"Huh?"

"Even if I had never met Danny, there would be nothing between the two of us."

"Why? From the quick look I got of him, he is handsome enough."

"Circumstances. It just would have never worked."

"You are one complicated girl," Sarah said studying Michelle carefully.

"So are you going to stay here or not?" Michelle said ignoring Sarah's pointed comment.

"As long as you don't think it will interfere with you and Danny."

"Not a problem."

"Then I would say that it looks like you got yourself a new roommate."

"Cool."

Michelle had asked for Sarah as much as herself. This Christmas would be tough on her as well. She tried hard not to think about all the things that she would be missing back in Springfield. It was time she started forming her own traditions and stop reaching for things that weren't attainable any longer.

Danny exited the office with a smile that could have reached from one side of the continental United States to the other. Even in his state of uncertainty the thought of Melanie brought him comfort. It was such a strange sensation, that being the thing that scared him the most was the very same thing that brought him great peace.

"Danny," Joe called across the room, "Albert's on the phone."

"Hello."

"I hate to ask you this but can you handle things for a little while longer tonight? I know that Jackson's daughter is playing the club and it should be packed but........." Danny heard his aunt giggle in the background.

"No explanation necessary, " Danny said, "I won't expect you this evening," it was difficult for him to contain his gladness for them. Things seemed to be working out.

Danny swallowed hard knowing it would be necessary to rely more on Carl tonight then he would have liked. Ever since he had arrived at the club late this afternoon, that man had been buzzing around him like a fly that came back no matter how many times you swatted at it.

"The action should be heating up soon," Danny said to Joe, "I need to ask you a favor man."

"Sure."

"Albert more then likely won't be in tonight."

"He's okay?" Joe questioned. It was very un-Albert like not to be at his establishment each and every night.

"No...no he's fine. Actually I would say much better then fine," Danny remarked slyly, "But I will need you to pick up some of the slack. Would you mind too much stepping out from behind the bar tonight?"

"Are you sure? I mean isn't that gonna piss Carl off?" Joe grinned mischievously knowing the answer to his question before he even asked it.

"I'll handle Carl. Not to worry. I just need to be sure who is watching my back." Danny heard those words and the ominous meaning they once had. But in a way that's exactly what he was looking for. He didn't trust Carl and wouldn't have put anything past him. So in this instance, the old habits would come in handy.

"Thank you so much for letting me borrow this dress," Sarah said as she smoothed the seam on Michelle's olive dress.

"It looks a whole hell of a lot better on you then it does me. I say your proportions fit it a bit better," Michelle laughed as she pointed to her B-cups.

"Get out of here!" Sarah swatted at her playfully. Since Melanie had asked her to stay with her during the holidays it was like the dark cloud that had been hanging over her for days had lifted.

"Hey beautiful," Matt said slipping his arms around Sarah's waist.

"Hi yourself."

"Hi Melanie," Matt said as he opened the door for the ladies.

"I thought you weren't going to be able to make it tonight? You told me they needed you to help out at the station tonight."

"Change in plans. Danny called me and told me that 'She Devil' would be performing here tonight. So I thought I would scoop some of the other local college stations and get an interview with them. Station Manager thought it was a hell of an idea."

"Good thinking Matt," Michelle offered.

"Besides that means I get to see you too. Now how could you go wrong with those odds? I make my boss happy and my girlfriend too."

"Even better thinking," Sarah said looking at Melanie.

"Looks like we better find a table, it's filling fast."

Michelle searched the crowd for Danny. She hadn't said anything but knowing that Alexa Packerd was on the premises had her a bit spooked. The images of Danny's first encounter with her were burned into Michelle's memory.

"I'm going to grab a drink. Anyone want one?" Michelle asked her nervous energy getting the better of her.

"Sure I'll take a beer," Matt spoke up.

"Sarah?"

"No nothing for me right now."

Michelle eyed her friend as she walked away from the table. She had to come up with something that would help Sarah deal with not having her mother this Christmas. It had been easy for her. She had family to do that for her. The whole town pitched in and made her feel like Maureen had still been there. Those were some of the Christmases that she cherished the most. Unfortunately Michelle knew virtually very little to nothing about the life that Sarah had left behind. Her only hope would be in Sarah's very aloof father. Michelle spied him across the room. He was looking as cocky as ever. She couldn't blame Danny for not putting his faith in that man. He had left his daughter and her mother penniless in search of god only knows what, but to help her friend it appeared that he was the place to start.

"Hey you!" Danny said softly blowing his hot breath on the nape of her neck. Instantly her body was set ablaze.

She pivoted to face him, "Well hey to you too," she kissed him sweetly. Danny would have given the world to have been able to slip away with her unnoticed but tonight that wouldn't be the case.

"Two-fisted drinker tonight? I thought you swore off those?" Danny pointed to the Kahlua and cream in her hand.

"You only live once right?" she laughed, "Do you have time to join us?"

"The band should be going on any minute. I really should get up there and be sure that they are ready." Without even realizing it, Michelle looked down at her glass tracing circles along it's rim with her finger, "Hey," Danny brought her eyes to meet his, "What's with that look?"

"Nothing," she countered as she made a feeble attempt to look away from him again.

"Come on.....what's going on in that head of yours?"

"I just can't help thinking about the first time you met her," Michelle pointed to Alexa, who currently was enjoying the attention that Matt was lavishing in her direction, "I know I shouldn't care, but I do."

"Right now I don't think it's me you need to be concerned with. Looks to me like it's Alexa."

"What?"

"I don't know Sarah all that well but she is starting to look pretty pissed."

"Come on," Michelle said pulling Danny through the crowded room, "I can't believe I am about to say this but you distract Alexa and I will try to keep Sarah from blowing her top. By the way did I look half as pissed that night as she does right now?" Michelle wondered aloud.

"Oh yeah," Danny said brows arched recalling that night in his mind.

"And you didn't think I was a total loon?"

"Nah, thought you were incredibly sexy!" he growled.

"GO.....GO.....Sarah's getting ready to pounce!"

"Matt, you have taken up way too much of my leading lady's time. I need her on stage man! And I think you are needed back there," Danny looked in the direction of Melanie and Sarah who looked as if they were enacting the war of the worlds.

"Looks like you might be right. It was really great to meet you. I would love to have you on my radio show sometime."

"Anything for you sugar," she purred.

"Oh brother," Danny thought to himself. "You about ready to go on?" he turned to question.

"You bet."

"Can I have everyone's attention please," Danny said into the microphone, "It is my pleasure to introduce for the first time to The Two Step and many more I hope 'SHE DEVIL'" The blaring guitar rift mixed with the cheers of the crowd soon had Danny's voice drowned out.

As Danny approached the table, his sympathy for Matt ran high. Sarah was relentless in her anger. He couldn't help thinking there had to be more to this then just Alexa's mock attempt at flirtation.

"You know what? You can do whatever it is you want! I AM OUTTA HERE!!!" Sarah yelled without looking back.

"Matt, let her go," Michelle said grabbing for his arm.

"Huh? I can't just let her walk away. She has to understand that......."

"I know where she's coming from, in more ways then one. I think there's something you need to know before you go running after her." Michelle motioned for them to sit, "Sarah's mother died of cancer not all that long ago. That's why she is here. Her mom made arrangements with her father, if you can really call him that," Michelle said looking in Carl's general direction. He was playing up his macho man act for the members of the band. Michelle tried to remember that she needed him if she was going to help her friend get through this holiday.

"Tell me this isn't her first Christmas without her mom?" Danny asked slipping his arm around Melanie.

"Yes it is. And let's just say that Carl's holiday spirit leaves much to be desired. So I asked Sarah to stay with me for a while. She's just having a rough time of it right now, but that doesn't excuse your behavior either," Michelle said shaking her finger in Matt's direction.

"I only wanted to get her and her band on my radio show......"

"I know everything is business with the two of you," Michelle turned and looked directly at Danny, "But could you try to be a bit more understanding? I know how tough that is for you men but if you care about Sarah you can at least try."

"Looks like I have some apologizing to do," Matt got up from the table.

"Wait there's one more thing. I want to have a little tree trimming party. Since Sarah is missing all those traditional things about Christmas I thought it would be nice to do something special."

"I'm in," Matt said.

"Great, I was thinking next Friday."

"Sure thing."

"That was really nice of you," Danny gently kissed her cheek, "You are a special person."

"I just remember what it was like those first years after my mom died. I just want to help and I am hoping that Carl feels the same way."

"What?"

"I was hoping that maybe Carl could help put me in touch with someone, anyone, on Sarah's mother's side of the family. I want to put together a scrapbook for her."

"And you think Carl can help?" Danny didn't like the thought of Melanie having anything to do with Carl Beck, even if it was just to talk to him. He couldn't put his finger on it but everything about him spelled bad news.

"Yes, the number I am looking for is in Springfield, Illinois. The name is Santos, Carmen Santos," Carl scribbled the number and repeated it back to the operator, "Thank you. No....no need to ring through."

He neatly folded the slip of paper and placed it securely in his pocket while he watched Danny and Melanie walk towards him. He pasted a pleasant smile on his face as they drew closer to him.

"Carl," Danny said paving the way for Melanie's idea.

"Yes?" he returned his voice sweet as syrup.

"Melanie has something she would like to ask you."

"Certainly."

"Hi Mr. Beck," Michelle placed her hand in his, "I am friends with your daughter and I was hoping that you could help me."

"Anything."

Danny resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Carl was laying it on a mighty thick for even him.

"Sarah is missing her mom a great deal. I wanted to do something special for her this Christmas. Do you think it would be possible for you to put me in touch with some people that could help me gather mementos?"

"I..........,"

"Sarah has told me that you weren't all that close when she was growing up," Michelle did her best to sugar coat the truth, "But I was hoping that you could at least lead me in the right direction."

"Well I may have a few things back at my place."

"I will take anything."

"Why don't you come over Monday afternoon? I am pretty sure that Sarah will be in class. We could go through what I have then?"

"That would be great."

"Well then Monday it is."

"See you then Carl," Danny spoke up. Melanie wouldn't be alone when she arrived on his doorstep. He wasn't buying Carl's act in the least bit. The longer he stood there starring at him the more certain he was then ever that needed to be removed.

Dietz caught the figure of Ben Warren out of the corner of his eye. It had been almost a week and still he had not been able to locate even the remotest sign of Danny. Carmen was quickly nearing the end of her reign. Bernardo and the others would soon come knocking, and now that Dietz had armed Bernardo with the necessary ammunition all that was left to do was play the go between to a very unsuspecting Carmen.

Upon hearing the door slam, Dietz knew he could safely press his ear to the door in an attempt to further his foothold into the Sandoval operation. By the sounds of the shouts, he could have stood at the other end of the hall and still gotten an ear full.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU STILL HAVEN'T COME UP WITH A LEAD YET???? I CAN'T BELIEVE I ONCE THOUGHT YOU WERE THE MAN FOR THIS JOB!!!!" Carmen's venom filled voice permeated the heavy wooden door.

"I have explored every avenue that you have given me. I have left virtually no stone unturned," Ben said growing weary of these incessant confrontations, "Where ever your son has gone, he's gone to great lengths to keep his where a bouts a secret."

"HE COULDN'T HAVE JUST VANISHED!!!!!!!!"

"Funny, I thought that's what people in your business were best at," Ben chuckled.

"I thought you understood how much is at stake here." Carmen did her best not to sound desperate. Yet she was exactly that, desperate. In the blink of an eye everything that she had worked for and dreamed of would be gone. Bernardo's threat was as real as Daniel's had been. Carmen laughed silently weighing each for it's own merit. Either one left her with nothing.

"What do you propose that I do Carmen? Take out a missing person's ad?" Ben wanted to laugh but thought better of it this time.

"WHAT!?!? You think this is some kind of joke, Mr. Warren?"

"Hardly. I just don't know what else you want me to do."

"FIND DANIEL!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"A task that is much easier said then done," Ben countered dryly.

"The last thing I need from you is excuses!" she spat, "I highly over estimated your talents. That's a mistake that I won't be making again," Carmen said cryptically.

"Or maybe you under estimated your son," Ben countered.

"I have worked too hard to let this slip through my fingers now," Carmen said more for herself then Ben.

"There has to be someone or something that you haven't thought about."

"There is no one. Daniel would have never turned to anyone else. Especially given the threat that he levied."

"There must be some way to buy you a bit more time," Ben was grasping at straws.

"Nope," Dietz hissed at the door. When he had told Bernardo that Carmen had no idea where Danny had gone, he could have sworn he heard the man jumping for joy finally to be rid of the albatross that had hung around his neck for too long already.

"Excuse me," Rosa said tapping him from behind.

"What?"

"There is a call for Senora Santos."

"And?"

"I asked his name but he refused," Rosa had worked for the Santos's long enough to know that calls like this were funneled through Dietz always.

"I'll handle it. Hello," Dietz said into the mouthpiece.

"Who the hell is this?" the voice from the other end growled, "I want to speak to Carmen Santos."

"Mrs. Santos is unavailable."

"Not for long!" the voice hissed, "I have some information that I think she will be very interested in."

Danny watched until Melanie's car wasn't more then a speck on the horizon. The afternoon at Carl's had turned out to be nothing more then a wild goose chase, which only served to heighten his feelings that Carl was not to be trusted.

He hated to see how disappointed Melanie had been in the lack of information that Carl was able to provide. She was hell bent on making this Christmas special for her friend.

Danny wished he could shake this overwhelming sense of doom that hung over his head. He had decided to trust in Jenny's words and that when the time was right to tell Melanie everything he would know it. But he still couldn't get past the gnawing in his gut.

"I'm really sorry about the other night. I hope it wasn't too much trouble handling this place without me. Jackson called to say that the band would love to sign a contract to play here once a month," Albert remarked.

"No trouble. Joe was a big help. Albert there's something that I need to talk to you about."

"Sure."

"Not here. Can we go in the office?" Albert sensed the foreboding of Danny's tone.

Danny shut the door as Albert settled into the chair behind the expansive desk.

"Thank you," Albert started before Danny could.

"Thank you???"

"Yes. You don't know how grateful I am for the effort you made with Jenny. For the first time I feel like we are a family."

"I am glad, but that's not really what I wanted to talk to you about," Danny leaned forward in his own seat heightening the mood.

"What? What is it?" Albert couldn't help but play out all kinds of scenarios in his mind.

"I can't put my finger on it, but something with Carl Beck....well it's just off."

"Huh?"

"I think he's trouble."

"Carl?!?!"

"Yes."

"Danny, he's worked for me from the every beginning. I know he's a bit disgruntled with your arrival......."

"DISGRUNTLED???? I would say that's putting it mildly. He has done everything in his power to screw things up for me."

Albert had been noticing things about Carl as well but he wasn't putting much stock in them. Given the fact that he didn't trust his own judgment as of late. But listening to Danny ramble off just a few of the things that Carl had done mixed with his sudden curiosity about Albert's family, he couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this then just a peeved employee.

"I know you aren't going to like this but, I think it's time Mr. Beck looked for another job."

"Danny, that's a bit harsh. He's been a loyal employee for fifteen years," Albert said knowing those were the words that Jenny would use when he told her this news.

"I know all about loyalty, Uncle Albert. But there's something about him that I can't shake. I just think it would be better for all concerned if he was gone."

"So you want me to fire him just like that?"

"We can make him a good offer. Enough money that he can get by on until he can find another job."

"What are we going to do for a manager?"

"I think Joe can handle it."

"Joe......the bartender......Joe?" Albert countered in disbelief.

"Yes. He did a great job last night. He is a natural."

"So what do we do for a bartender?"

"Joe can do it until we find his replacement."

"You are full of answers aren't you?" Albert quipped, "Then why don't we leave Carl in his position until we have find a new bartender? Would make things a whole hell of a lot simpler. Especially since Christmas is just around the corner."

"NO!"

"Danny? Why are you being so obstinate? A week more or less with Carl isn't that big a deal."

"Trust me Albert. I don't know why but I see Carl as the nothing more then the serpent in the Garden of Eden."

"Don't you think we should talk to Joe first? I mean what if he doesn't want to be manager?"

"Already talked to him. He's up for the challenge. Besides he and I work much better together."

"So you do have all the answers."

"Not hardly. It's just a feeling and sorry Uncle but my hunches have kept me alive this long. I don't intend on ignoring them now."

"Danny need I remind you this isn't Springfield?"

"And that's the way I want to keep it," Danny countered knowing in his heart he was doing what was necessary.

Danny had agreed that given the animosity between he and Carl that it should be Albert that spoke to Carl. But Danny had insisted on at least being present. Something inside of him wanted the satisfaction of watching Carl's reaction. He still had a way to go in completely freeing himself of the old way of life.

"Joe said you wanted to see me," Carl remarked to the pair.

"Yes, please have a seat Carl," Albert motioned to the sofa in the room. Pensively Carl lowered his body onto the leather cushions. The tension in the room was thick and ominous, "There are going to be some changes in the management structure of the club."

"Changes?" Carl didn't like the sound of that and the look on Danny's face far less.

"Yes. The direction that the club is going in leads me to believe that we are not longer in need of your skills."

"Excuse me?" Carl asked as if he had just been spoken to in a foreign language.

"You will be given a nice severance pay. It should carry you well into your finding employment elsewhere........"

"Let me get this straight. Are you politely trying to say that I am fired?!?!?"

"Yes!" Danny said as Albert's eyes shot daggers in his direction.

"We just don't think that we can utilize your skills any longer. I assure you if you need a letter of recommendation, I would be happy to provide one. Carl you have been an asset for many years.................."

"UNTIL HE SHOWED UP TO ROCK THE BOAT!!!"

"This was a collective decision. The direction we are taking the club warrants the change. I want you to understand Carl, this is nothing personal," Albert tried not to choke on the lie.

"IT'S COMPLETELY PERSONAL!!! Keep your damn money!!" he seethed as Albert handed over an envelope, "I don't want any blood money!!" Carl shouted slamming the door as vacated the room.

Carl pulled out his cell phone anger still coursing through his body. "Two can play this game. You ruin mine.......I ruin yours," he cackled.

"So you think you have information that Mrs. Santos would find interesting?" Dietz mocked. He wasn't taking the bait. He wasn't so easily fooled as Nino had been.

"Extremely interesting."

"I'll be the judge of that," Dietz was immensely-enjoying being in the driver's seat once again.

"I talk to Carmen Santos or I talk to no one!" the angry voice forced.

"Then it appears you will be talking to no one," Dietz said ready to place the receiver in its cradle.

"WHOA!!! I have some news on the whereabouts of a one Danny Santos. Think she might have time for me now?" he laughed.

"Why should I believe you?" Dietz countered.

"Because if you don't it is my understanding that Carmen stands to lose a great deal!"

This person's candor about the situation at hand had Dietz wondering who the hell this could have been.

"Mrs. Santos's only concern is that her son is doing well. Things between them were left quite unsettled. Her only interest is in making amends with her son," Dietz said easily.

"Is that so?"

"May I ask who this is?" Dietz asked pulling out all the stops on the niceties.

"I don't think who I am matters as much as the information I have to offer. Put Carmen Santos on the phone!"

Dietz pressed the hold button and laid the receiver along side the phone. He was completely intrigued by this caller. And maybe this was just the ticket he needed to show Carmen how useless Ben Warren was.

"Excuse me," Dietz said as he entered the room, the war between the two still waging.

"WHAT IS IT, DIETZ?!?!?!" Carmen shouted.

"A phone call."

"I don't have time......"

"I think you should make the time."

"WHAT?!?!?" she was stunned by the way he had spoken to her.

"It's about Danny."

"Daniel?"

"Apparently they are claiming to know where he is."

"Who is this person?" Carmen asked the life being breathed back into her future.

"Won't say."

Carmen touched the blinking light. "Hello," she said into the speaker, "I was informed you have some information about my son."

"Damn right I do!"

"Well I haven't got all day," Carmen said annoyed by being so close to the information that she desired and still at another person's mercy.

"Thought you might be wondering where your son has run off to," the voice chuckled.

"If you have information on my son then I suggest that you be forthcoming with it and stop wasting my time!"

"Now I see where your son gets his lack of patience," the voice chided as Carmen's ire grew from the pit of her stomach.

"ENOUGH!!!"

"You don't have to be so testy," the voice wanted to enjoy having the upper hand a little while longer.

"I am not in the mood for games. You either know where my son is or you don't. I am betting you don't."

"Well I hope you are up for losing your shirt. I know exactly where dear ole Danny boy is......that is if you are interested."

"What's the catch?" Carmen asked never believing in something she couldn't see.

"Catch?"

"Yes, the catch. How much is this little bit of information going to cost me?"

"Nothing. Just the satisfaction that I have reunited a mother and her son."

"WHERE IS HE?!?!?!"

"Your dear son is in Galveston."

"Texas?" Carmen questioned.

"That would be the place."

"What on earth for?" Carmen said aloud not expecting to get an answer.

"Why don't you ask him yourself? You can find him staying with Albert Sampson......or Santos as he was once known."

The line clicked off dead after those words leaving Dietz, Carmen and Ben starring at one another.

"Texas," Ben mused to himself. And the very town that he sent Michelle Bauer, Mick's killer, to.

Carl hit end to silence his conversation. Now all he had to do was sit back and wait for the fireworks to begin.