The door closed with a thud as Danny made his way around Kathy's desk. He picked up the receiver and started to dial Ray, but he stopped short. As much as he didn't want to call Bernard, that's how much Danny knew he had too. Ray wouldn't be able to make the connections that Bernard could with regards to finding Derrick Lawson.

Ray's job was to keep the money in the corporation making money in all the legitimate avenues he could find. Bernard on the other hand sought out those streets shrouded in the darker side of their life.

"Rosa," Danny said as the young women's voice traveled through the line, "I need to speak with Bernard…..Immediately," Danny had gained his full metal jacket again. He was head of the Santos family once more. Even from behind these walls he commanded respect.

"Si, senior."

Danny waited and listened as Bernard made his way to the awaiting call. "Daniel," his voice boomed. "How are you son?"

Danny bit his tongue at Bernard's family reference. "I was just thinking of you……….."

"This isn't a social call," Danny cut him off, "I need your assistance. Seems as though the Illinois State boys are having difficulty locating a Derrick Lawson. I need him found!"

"What seems to be the trouble Danny?" Bernard played his part to the tee.

"He attacked one of the women who works here. She's scared to death. I WANT HIM FOUND!!!!!!!"

"So what you need me now?" Bernard wasn't able to resist the barb. "You know that you can't just drop in and out of this business to suit your needs."

"I don't have time for your games!" Danny spat. "BESIDES YOU OWE ME! Handle this Bernard or I will find someone else to do it."

"Your threats don't carry much weight anymore," Bernard heard the sarcasm in his tone.

"Thanks to you and Ray," Danny returned coldly.

"Now Danny, you know we did what we did for your own good. You left us very little choice if any at all."

"Bernard!!" Danny had had enough of this conversation, "So will you be handling this…..or should I look elsewhere?"

"I will see what I can come up with. I can't make any promises. You have anything that I can go on as to where to find him?"

Bernard listened as Danny rattled off the things that he had heard Michelle tell the officers. He made the ceremonial uh-huhs necessary to make Danny believe he was going to help him. Funny though Bernard had pangs of guilt coursing through him. It was tough to deny that Danny had made progress. That he once again sounded like a Santos through and through. Maybe he could give him a chance to redeem himself before having to take such drastic measures.

That now that the problem had been resolved Danny would return to the fold…to his rightful place again.

"I will be in touch," Bernard commented before hanging up the phone, "Just remember Daniel, you can't have it both ways you know."

Danny ran his hands along his face knowing what Bernard said was true. He couldn't in one breath despise the life that had been left him and in the next turn to it for the help no one else could give. Right now though all he was able to concentrate on was making sure that Derrick Lawson was as far away from Michelle as he could be. It didn't matter to him what invisible line he had just crossed.

"Ray," Danny said into the mouthpiece, "I need to see you. I need your help."

"What is it?"

"I need you to find Derrick Lawson."

"What on earth for?"

"It looks like he skipped town. The cops went to pick him up for what he did for Michelle and they can't find him. I called Bernard, but……." Danny wasn't about to sit on his hands this time around. The last time he had trusted Bernard with someone this important to him they wound up dead. Danny needed to know that he had someone truly on his side this go round.

"I'll do what I can. You know this cloak and dagger stuff is a bit out of my league," Ray joked but Danny got the meaning.

"Grab a pen. I have some people for you to contact." Ray followed his instructions.

"Who are these guys?"

"People who were loyal only to my father. They have helped me in a pinch."

"So are you saying that Bernard doesn't know anything about them?" The wheels in Ray's head began to turn. Maybe he could get the goods on Bernard yet.

"Exactly. We all have our secrets," Danny stated.

"Okay, well as soon as I know anything I'll call you."

"Great…..and Ray thanks. I mean, thank you for everything." Danny's unspoken thoughts rang out loud and clear.

"Anything for you man," Ray returned easily.

"I'll be waiting to hear from you."

"Sure thing Danny." Ray went to work as soon as he put the phone down. It was a relief to finally know that Danny had forgiven him. It made nailing Bernard all the easier.

Danny opened the door to see Kathy and Michelle's heads bent in conversation. Danny felt Michelle's fear with every fiber of his being. The sensation was frightening and exhilarating at the very same time. There was no use fighting it Michelle's spell had been cast. He was unable to do anything to reverse it.

Danny approached the pair well aware of the anxiety the Michelle had succumb to. He would have given anything to wipe the look of despair painted on her features. It ripped him apart to sit by helpless.

At this very moment he felt as helpless as he had the day he watched his car burst into flames with Caitlyn inside. That was certainly not how he wanted this to replay.

"It's going to be okay," he heard Kathy's soft voice speaking, "You can stay with me as long as you have to."

"Thank you so much," Michelle returned, "Where would I be right now without you? More than likely dead," she said answering her own question.

Danny shuddered at her last remark. Even entertaining the mere thought of her words had his heart in his mouth.

"Michelle, I called in a few favors. I have a few friends of mine out there looking for Derrick as well." Kathy shot him a look that he couldn't quite read. It was somewhere between thanks and disbelief. He wasn't sure which.

"Thank you." Michelle walked away from Kathy wrapping her arms around Danny's waist. She buried her face in his chest. If she hadn't been so frightened, his scent would have caused her head to spin. Yet right now all that she was able to concentrate on was the fact that she felt safe in his arms. Protected and sheltered. A feeling she wasn't ready to give up just yet.

"I know you have made arrangements to stay with Kathy......." he hesitated trying to gauge the reaction his next statement would elicit, "I think maybe it would be a better idea for you to stay here until this is all over. I mean security here is a hell of a lot better I assume. Don't you agree Kathy?"

"Maybe Danny's right," she returned much to his surprise, "There are a few empty rooms you could use one of them." As much as she hated to admit it Kathy knew that Michelle was far safer here with Danny close by then she would have been at her apartment across town. Derrick was capable of anything. Kathy wasn't about to risk it.

"I don't know."

"Please Michelle," Danny implored, "I think we would all sleep easier knowing that you were safe."

"Are you sure that Dr. Chajson won't be angry? I mean Kath, I really need this job."

"I'll handle him. Danny's right your safety comes first."

"Thank you," Danny mouthed to Kathy over Michelle's shoulder. "How about that dinner?" he asked pulling back to look at Michelle.

"I'm really not all that hungry." The thought of food right now caused her stomach to somersault.

"You have to eat. Come on, I hate eating alone," Danny added with his best little boy voice.

She was unable to resist the child like grin spread across his face, "Fine......"

"Good, let's go."

Michelle was quiet throughout their meal barely doing more then moving the food about her plate. Danny searched for the words to allay her fears. To assure her that she would always be safe.

"Hey," he rested his hand atop hers.

"Huh?" she jumped.

"Where are you?"

"Lost in another space and time," she laughed.

"I still feel like I'm eating alone," he added.

"I'm sorry."

"Well....well what do we have here a dinner date?" Kirk settled himself in the empty chair to the right of Michelle. If Danny had been quicker he would have pushed the chair out from under him knocking Kirk to the ground.

"This is a private conversation," Danny answered.

"Now Danny............haven't they taught you in group that nothing here is 'private'," he returned cunningly.

"What the hell do you want?" he said not doing a good job at containing his rage.

"Just thought since Michelle has been having some men troubles...well I thought maybe she could use all the protection that she could get," Kirk draped his arm over Michelle's shoulder drawing her body into his.

"BACK OFF!!!!!!"

"Now Danny......please control yourself. I meant no harm really. I only want the same things you do," he smiled coyly. Danny knew full well what this ass wanted and he would be damned if he was going to get it.

"Danny, let's go okay? I wasn't really that hungry anyway," Michelle said removing herself from Kirk's entanglement.

"THIS ISN'T FINISHED!!! You hear me Maxwell? Not by a long shot!"

"Damn straight!" Kirk cackled the minute that Danny and Michelle slipped out of sight, "I intend on finishing it Santos and you ain't going to like it."

This was all working like a charm. All he needed now was the go ahead and it was a done deal.

Danny followed Michelle down the corridor to one of the empty rooms that Kathy had spoke of. His mind racing with the thought of Kirk Maxwell. Danny was certain that he was as much a threat to Michelle as Derrick was. He just couldn't put his finger on why. It was more then the obvious physical attraction that he feigned. Danny just wasn't able to put his finger on it yet. He knew for sure that he needed to keep a closer eye Kirk, especially now taking into consideration that Michelle would be staying at the center. His first thought was her safety, but now he was wondering if sending her home with Kathy wouldn't have been the lesser of two evils.

"Here we are," Michelle said placing her hand on the door to the room that would be her temporary home until Derrick was found. She looked around the stark room thinking back to her first days at the center. Here she was again but this time around the desperate feeling from before wasn't there. She had completeness about her now. For the first time even amidst of the chaos around her she felt centered.

"I can see you got the luxury accommodations," Danny tried to make light as he sat down on the bed in the far corner of the room.

"You like?" she quipped setting what little she had with her on the desk. Michelle reached over and turned on the radio. She turned the dial searching for anything to drown out the silence of the sterile room.

"Oh yeah…" Danny laughed.

Before Michelle even realized it was happening she was crying. The events of the day finally hitting home. Derrick's barrage on her over the last several days was crashing down hard.

Instinctively, Danny wrapped his arms protectively around her. She melted deep into his body. They fit together becoming one body rather then two. For the moment Danny let Michelle cry. It seemed to be the right thing to do. He gently rubbed her back until the sobs subsided and she pulled back to look up at him.

"You okay?" he asked.

"It's just…this is nuts……I mean I don't even have a change of clothes," she sighed.

"How about I run to my room and grab you a T-shirt to sleep in at least?"

"That would be great," she returned drying her eyes. "I'm really sorry about breaking down like that. It's just……" Danny silenced her words with a slow sweet kiss.

At first Michelle waited for the adverse reaction to strike her again, but this time it wasn't there. Danny drew her closer to him again. Michelle could feel the heat rising from both their bodies. He gazed intently into her eyes while he ran the back of his hand along the softness of her cheek. Danny stopped at the purple bruise that was still present at her jawline. The anger welled in him again. It was an emotion that he had no control over. The vision that he still carried of Derrick striking her was far too vivid of a picture.

Danny brought his mouth to hers again where Michelle willing returned the kiss. She was lost in the heat of the moment.

I can read your mind

And I know your story

I see what you're going through

It's an uphill climb

And I'm feeling sorry

But I know it will come to you

Don't surrender

'Cause you can win

In this thing called love ** 

Danny's hands traveled the length of Michelle's back. Each stroke of his fingers had her feeling like her nerves were an exposed live wire. His touch was electrifying.

When you want it the most

There's no easy way out

When you're ready to go

And your heart's left in doubt

Don't give up on your faith

Love comes to those who believe it

And that's the way it is ** 

Michelle entwined her fingers through his thick chocolate curls. Enjoying the softness of each strand. It was as though she had stepped outside of herself. She stood above watching as she let her lips travel down Danny's neck. She listened to his breathing quicken with pleasure.

When you question me

For a simple answer

I don't know what to say

But it's plain to see

If you stick together

You're gonna find they way

So don't surrender

'Cause you can win

In this thing called love **

Danny pressed his form harder against hers. His excitement evident. The hot breaths that escaped past his lips caused Michelle to shudder. Even with the heat pulsing throughout the room Michelle felt the goose bumps rise on her flesh.

When you want it the most

There's no easy way out

When you're ready to go

And your heart's left in doubt

Don't give up on your faith

Love comes to those who believe it

And that's the way it is **

Michelle's hands rested on the hardness of Danny's chest. She was able to feel every muscle through his thin black T-shirt. She noticed the tremors over taking him as her fingers gently grazed his nipples. She watched him bite his lower lip to once again gain control of his body.

When life is empty

With no tomorrow

And loneliness starts to call

Baby don't worry

'Cause love's gonna conquer it all **

Danny once more brought his mouth to hers. The kiss was one of passion and longing. A longing that Danny knew came from deep within the depths of his tortured soul. Michelle's returning kiss was one of the same intensity. For she had the same tortured soul.

Danny stood in awe of the woman before him. In a few short days this creature had breathed life back into a once barren soul. As he brought his mouth to hers again, his heart swelled. He was consumed with emotions that he thought he was to never feel again.

"Michelle....." Kathy walked in unaware of the scene she was about to find, "Ah......I'm sorry....I just wanted to make sure you were settled before I went home," her face was noticeably red with embarrassment. Michelle imagined that it mirrored her own.

"I'm fine," she returned finding her voice.

"I can see that."

"I'll go grab that T-shirt for you," Danny couldn't get out of the room fast enough. He felt like he was back in high school when Maria Santiago's father had walked up behind them as he was giving Maria a good night kiss.

"Thanks," Danny was gone before he even heard her response.

"Michelle," Kathy sounded cross, "Is this why Danny suggested that you stay the night here? Tell me that you aren't planning some midnight rendezvous."

"Kathy!" Michelle gasped.

"Well, what am I supposed to think? I mean you looked pretty cozy a minute ago." As hard as Kathy tried, she still couldn't stop thinking of Danny as the Mob Boss that he was. No matter how gentle and caring he was with Michelle, she wasn't about to forget the man he was.

"It was all innocent.....I swear."

"Michelle, you just got out of one bad relationship. I mean give yourself time to come up for air for god sakes."

"It's nothing like that."

"So what....what is it like then?" Kathy asked curiously.

"I don't know.....but I know it's something. There's something between us. It's like we know the other person without even speaking. I know how crazy this is going to sound....so please spare me the speech. Just hear me out okay?" Kathy nodded, "I feel like I've know Danny my whole life. I look into his eyes and I see myself there. I have been where is he. You know as well as I do that I'm still there. I think that we need each other. I know that I need him. I want him Kathy. I can't deny that."

"Michelle...................."

"What? What's wrong with finally feeling connected to someone? Feeling safe in a man's arms again. Isn't that the first step to healing me?"

"Someone else can't do the healing for you. You have to find that within yourself. Don't you get that? You can't expect Danny Santos to solve all your problems....when he can't solve his own!"

"I'm not looking for Danny to be my savior. I know that......" Michelle countered exasperated with Kathy's unwillingness to listen.

"I'm scared for you. You don't know anything about him really. You haven't a clue what you are walking into." The words from Danny's file flashed before her eyes. All she could remember reading was that Danny's fiancé died at the hands of rival family. Kathy didn't want that happening to Michelle as well.

"I know all I need to know. I know that for the first time someone wants me to be the person that I am. That me, Michelle Bauer, is good enough!" The tears came even though she did her best to stop them. It was beyond her comprehension why Kathy was fighting her on this.

"Michelle?" Danny questioned as he came through the door. His eyes toggled between the two women. He didn't like what he was seeing. He had thought that Kathy had agreed to a truce. This certainly didn't look like much of a truce to him.

"It's okay," she tried to reassure him but Danny was less then convinced. "Kathy and I were just discussing Derrick. It's still a bit overwhelming."

"You don't have to worry about him anymore. I promise that he won't be a problem for you from now on."

"I wish that I could believe that," she scoffed. Michelle knew from past experience that Derrick wasn't one to go quietly. "Danny, do you mind leaving us alone. I have a few more things that I need to discuss with Michelle?"

"Sure.......," his tone was agreeable yet Kathy read the cold harsh look in his eyes. The was no denying that Danny Santos felt for her. That Michelle was now a part of him. A part that he wasn't about to give up. "Here's the shirt I promised. I guess I'll talk to you later?"

"Yeah.....thanks for everything. I mean that."

"It was nothing really." Danny wanted more then anything to take her in his arms again and kiss her sweetly. However Kathy's presence held him at bay. He got the impression that Kathy was less then happy about what she walked in on.

"Good night, Mr. Santos," Kathy pointedly used his full name. She wanted him to remember exactly who he was and more importantly that she knew who he was.

"Okay, you were successful in getting Danny to leave. You've done your job. What more can you have to say or do?" Michelle was frustrated. For the first time in years she felt alive again. Not stuck in that same old vacuum. Why wasn't Kathy being more supportive?"

"Would you please just hear me out?"

"What.......I'm listening."

"Really? Are you really going to listen to me? Or are you already building up some elaborate fantasy in your head as to how you and Danny are going to ride off into the sunset together living happily ever after?" Kathy's words were harsh and cruel. The worst part is that how she meant them to be. She couldn't let Michelle set herself up to be hurt again.

"Yeah, Kathy I have us married and a baby on the way as we speak," Michelle spat back with just as much venom.

"Michelle, have you ever heard of the Santos Crime Family???? You know the Mob...the Mafia.....???? Who do you think heads up that family? Who do you think orders those hits.....Santa Claus?????" Kathy knew how ridiculous she sounded but it didn't matter. "IT'S DANNY SANTOS.......MR. WONDERFUL!!!!! The man whose T-shirt you plan on sleeping in tonight."

"Kathy, you think that I just crawled out from under a rock or something? I mean I would have to be a complete idiot not to know that. His picture has been on the front page of every newspaper and tabloid in town."

Michelle admission surprised Kathy. She fully expected Michelle to be shocked. "You're telling me that you have known all along?"

"Of course."

"And you still want to spend time with him?" Kathy was astonished.

"That's what I have been trying to tell you. I know in my heart that he's not the man he's painted to be. Have you ever taken the time to talk to him? I mean talk to Danny......not the Mob Boss you expect him to be?" Michelle's clarity amazed Kathy, "You expect him to be a certain way so in your eyes no matter what he does he can't shake that image. Did you know his parents died when he was ten years old. That his brother died a few years later. Danny Santos isn't the monster you want him to be."

"Michelle........"

"No," she cut her short, "You told me that everyone here gets a clean slate. Why should Danny be any different? Why isn't he entitled to that as well? You have cleaned my slate a dozen times. Telling me to pick myself up and start again. Don't you think that Danny should be afforded the same chance. A chance to find that little boy who he never got to be?"

Michelle didn't know where all of those words and thoughts had come from. Some of them were thoughts about herself along with Danny and some were hers and hers alone.

"I'm scared for you," was all Kathy could come back with.

"I'm not. For the first time in years I feel safe. Danny makes me feel that way. I don't like what he's about. I won't pretend to say that I understand the life he leads...but those who live in glass houses should not throw stones." Michelle knew her life hadn't been picture perfect either. She just wanted the chance to get to know the man behind the mask.

"I hate to admit this....but you are starting to have the makings of one hell of a counselor," Kathy stated.

"Thank you."

"Just promise me you will be careful. Things aren't always what they seem you know?"

"I promise."

Danny closed the door behind him as he retreated to his room for the night. The blood coursing through his body was still heated with desire. Closing his eyes Danny was still able to feel Michelle's lips against the flesh of his neck. The very thought of it caused his manhood to grow beneath the constraints of the fabric of his jeans.

Everything was happening so fast. His world was in perpetual motion and for once he wasn't about to stop it. His only hope was that Bernard, Ray or hell even the police came up with Derrick soon. He wanted Michelle to feel more then gratitude towards him. He needed to know that her passion was more then just being grateful for his protectiveness.

Danny undressed hoping that a cold shower would aid him in sleeping that night. It was hard to think about Michelle being feet away from him but not being able to go to her. He was sure that that's what Kathy wanted to discuss with her. The rules of the center. Danny was certain that they didn't include relationships between workers and patients. Yet Danny couldn't get her out of his thoughts. She was deep beneath his skin now. As hard as he had fought it he hadn't been able to stop it. He stopped himself from looking at Caitlyn's picture resting on the desk. He didn't want the voices in his head to start taunting him again. He couldn't bring her back. Nothing he did would ever do that. His drinking hadn't, cutting himself off from the world hadn't. All the logical things that tried to bring themselves front and center still weren't able to compete with the guilt that depleted every fiber of his being. Each moment of pleasure was defeated by a stronger sense of culpability for the events that had taken Caitlyn from him.

Danny shook his head doing his very best to rid himself of those darks thoughts. The cold water of the shower did very little to quench the heat in the core of his body. With every close of his eyes Michelle's image danced before him. He felt her lips again. He could taste the kisses that she had so willing returned. His effort to control his desire by a cold shower was fruitless. He stepped out from under the icy water, dried himself off and headed for bed knowing full well that sleep was the last thing on his mind.

Michelle tossed and turned in the tiny bed. She missed the comfortable surroundings of her own apartment. She had forgotten how weird this place was in the dead of the night. The clock on the dresser read 2:45am. She had been laying there for hours now. The only comfort she found was in wrapping herself tightly in Danny's simple black T-shirt. His scent penetrated her skin. If she closed her eyes that scent carried her to hours ago. It conjured up the images of the passion that was undeniable between them.

Michelle wasn't sure exactly what would have happened if Kathy hadn't interrupted them. She wanted to believe that she knew. Wanted to imagine what it would have been like to lay down with Danny. To feel his touch on every inch of her body. The mere thought of it now caused her to feel wet with desire.

She rolled over again looking for a cool spot anywhere on the sheets to take the edge off the heat that was over taking her. It wasn't working. Michelle rose out of bed heading for the bathroom hoping that a cool drink would do her some good. The frozen clear liquid was refreshing but it did nothing to reach the pit of her soul where this fire grew from. That fire burned brightly there. The image that looked back at her was of a person that she had once known. In the short time that she had come to know Danny, he had transformed her into the Michelle Bauer from long ago. She was no longer the lost soul looking for a way out.

In some ways Michelle resented Kathy's harsh comments regarding Danny. It wasn't like she didn't know who he was. It wasn't like she didn't know what he represented, yet she wasn't able to shake the feeling that Danny was just as unhappy about his lifestyle. That it ate away at him. Maybe that's why he was there. Why he had turned to alcohol to whisk him away to a place that wasn't filled with the violence that she was certain filled his life as it was now. She wanted the time to get to know him….know all of him. The thought was a scary one. She had seen all the GODFATHER movies and a few other films fashioned after the mob lifestyle. Michelle knew that they were just movies but it was had to imagine that they were that far from the truth.

She couldn't let that stop her from moving forward with this. Hell she didn't think she could have stopped even if a fifteen-foot thick concrete wall had been constructed in her path. She was drawn to Danny like a moth to a flame. She just kept hoping that she wasn't about to get burnt.

Kirk waited just beyond the iron gates. He stared intently at the ornate plaque reading The Hillman Treatment Center. He couldn't wait for this all to be over. He had enough of playing the misunderstood drunk. He glanced at his watch for the twentieth time in the last fifteen minutes. It now read 9:30pm one minute later then the last time he had checked it.

The anger grew. He had been waiting out here for over an hour. This was getting ridiculous. It was the second time that he had been stood up. Absently, Kirk brought the cigarette to his lips. The bright red ember illuminated the darkness of the night. He blew smoke rings watching them drift away from him. Each light in the center began to click off signaling that it was about time for bed check. If he didn't get back soon there would be hell to pay. Tossing the unfinished cigarette to the ground, Kirk made his way back up the drive. This would have to wait until tomorrow. It was then that the ringing of his cell phone pierced the stillness of the night.

"Yeah?" his tone gruff, "Where the hell are you? I thought I was supposed to meet you by the gate at 8:30?……..What? What do you mean a change in plans? That's all this has been for the get go….is a change in plans." Kirk was less then happy with the responses he was hearing.

"So what do you want me to do now? NOTHING!?!?!?! What do you mean nothing? I have a way to handle this. I think that you will be more then pleased. It will crush him. No chance of a comeback whatsoever. Since when?" Kirk spat not believing his ears, "So you are saying that you want me to sit tight and wait….again?!?!?"

"That's exactly what I am saying," the cold voice shot back.

"This doesn't make any sense. Why all of the sudden change of heart?"

"Nothing for you to be concerned with. All I expect of you is to follow instructions. I will let you know if and when I want you to strike." The statement was firm in conviction. "I'll be in touch."

With that the phone line went dead in Kirk's ear. His breath escaped in short hard bursts. His ire was noticeable. "I'll let you know when and if to strike," Kirk parroted the words that he had just heard. "THINK AGAIN!!!" he hissed.

Kirk wasn't about to let anything stop him. When the time was right he intended on enacting his plan no matter what the order was.