Danny heard the hollow sound the heels of his shoes made as he walked down the extensive corridor leading up to Michelle's room. Click.....click.......click......click, the noise rang in his ear. He vaguely thought it sounded like the metronome that Caitlyn practiced the piano to. Caitlyn, there was her name again. Her face starring back at his conscious, yet this time it was different. It wasn't accompanied by the intense feelings of guilt that had plagued him before.

Now, it was as if he was drawing strength from the image. That Caitlyn was urging him to at last move forward. It was such a unfamiliar sensation. It was though he had found some sort of peace. The tranquil feeling was a comfort.

Danny's eyes came to rest on the black numbers. He read 318 knowing that he had reached Michelle's room. Gathering what little strength he had left, Danny steeled himself for the worse. The room felt so cold to him as he entered. Feeling his flesh rise with goose bumps, Danny ran his hands only his arms in vain attempting to make them disappear.

The room was quiet. The only sounds were those of the various machines that Michelle was attached to. She looked fragile laying there. Danny stood there froze. He felt utterly helpless.

I wanna be the face you see when you

 close your eyes

I wanna be the touch you need every single night

I wanna be your fantasy

And be your reality

And everything between**

He summoned the courage to move forward. Each step he took was painstakingly deliberate. Each step brought him from the past into the present. He could barely hear the voices of the past. The ones that had called to him time and time again. Those that laughed at his tears. Consumed his every thought. Danny wasn't sure where they had disappeared to, but the silence was welcoming.

I want you to need me

Like the air you breathe

I want you to feel me

In everything

I want you to see me

In your every dream

The way that I taste you, feel you,

breathe you, need you

I want you to need me, need me

Like I need you**

Danny drew closer to the bed. She was so still. If it hadn't been for the soft rise and fall of her chest he would have thought her dead. That idea sent chills down his spine. He wasn't about to lose her. In the short time that he had come to know Michelle, Danny couldn't imagine her not being part of his life. Running his hands along the length of her arm, his awareness of their connection was overwhelming. It was almost like she was a part of him. A part that he couldn't live without.

That realization was frightening for Danny. The walls that he had built for protection were crumbling down all around him. He once thought that he needed them to shield him from the outside world. A world he thought he didn't deserve any longer. Slowly he was finding that not the case.

I wanna be the eyes that look deep into your soul

I wanna be the world to you I just want it all

I wanna be your deepest kiss

The answer to your every wish

And all you ever need**

Danny looked deep within him. For the man that he had the potential to be. The man that he was certain Michelle saw. He couldn't forget her words. That she cared about the man not the life. That had stuck with him. Making him realize that he as much as the world bought into the grand illusion that surrounded Danny Santos.

He had become what the world expected him to be. He was everything that he had despised about the life he led. Killing Rico had been the show stopper for him though. Blinded by grief he had done something that he hadn't before. Now he wasn't sure if there was any turning back. This life had it's hooks in him now.

Looking at the angel laying there, Danny fought with himself. Fought the fear.....fought the knowledge of what this way of life did to people. What it cost them. Could he really bring this beautiful person into all of it? Yet Danny knew he couldn't let her go either.

I want you to need me

Like the air you breathe

I want you to feel me

In everything

I want you to see me

In your every dream

The way that I taste you, feel you,

breathe you, need you

I want you to need me, need me

'Cause I need you more than you could know

And I need you to never let me go

And I need to be deep inside your heart

I just want to be everywhere you are**

Looking at her again, Danny felt the tears trickle onto his cheeks. He hadn't been looking for this. Hadn't expected it. Actually, Danny never thought he would find love again. But it had found him. As much as he cursed Bernard and Ray for shanghaiing him into the center that was how much he should have thanked them.

They had helped bring Michelle to him. The world was a mysterious place. With each bad thing that you must endure, a wonderful one follows. It was a series of highs and lows. Each brought forth to teach you a lesson about the world and yourself.

This had taught Danny about the infinite facets of love. What a broad term that was. How many emotions that it truly encompassed. And more importantly that love will go on. Memories weren't a substitute for the real emotion. He only hoped he got the chance to tell Michelle what he had learned. He was sure it was a lesson she needed as well.

I wanna be the face you see when you

close your eyes

I wanna be the touch you need every single night

I wanna be your fantasy

And be your reality

And everything between.................

I want you to need me

Like the air you breathe

I want you to feel me

In everything

I want you to see me

In your every dream

'Cause baby I taste you, feel you,

breathe you, need you

I want you to need me, need me

Like I need you......like I need you**

Danny pushed the hair away from her face. He swallowed hard around the lump forming in his throat. "Please give me the chance to be your everything. The way you have done for me," Danny's voice quivered as he fought to hold the tears at bay, "I don't know what a miserable son of a bitch did to deserve you......," his voice cracked, "But thank you. Thanks to the man upstairs for giving another chance at love. I won't let you down....I promise," he whispered leaning in to kiss her. "I love you Michelle. Please....please baby don't leave me!" Danny choked unable to say anymore. All he could do now was wait, hope and pray that she had heard him and trust that that would be enough.

Ray glanced up to see Danny exit the room with a nurse in tow. It was easy to read the body language. Danny would have sat there beside Michelle all night if they would have let him.

"Danny," Ray spoke softly, "How is she?"

"The same."

"How are you?"

"Numb.............."

That word panicked Ray. He had heard Danny say that over and over again after Caitlyn was gone. He feared that Danny was about to embark on another tour of duty with a bottle of scotch.

"It's not like before," Danny assured him reading the unspoken thoughts of Ray's mind. "I just can't believe that she OD'ed. I can't shake this gnawing feeling that there is more to this. I just wish I knew what it was!" Danny returned exasperated.

"I think I might have what you need to shed some light on it." Ray cautiously handed Danny the folder containing the information that he had come up with.

"What's this?"

"All the answers to ALL your questions."

Danny fell back into the chair. The words lept off the page. Forcing him to read them again. Disbelief filled every inch of his being.

"Where did you find this?" his voice was a violent whisper. "Those names you gave me. The men loyal to your father. They helped me. I told them my suspicions. They confirmed them. I'm sorry man," Ray rested his hand on Danny's shoulder.

The rage that devoured him forced Danny's body to tremble. It took every fiber of his being to hold it together. The tale that was written before him on the pages was phenomenal. One that the best fiction writer couldn't have concocted, but it was real. The whole sick joke of it all was that he had been the star character.

"ALL OF IT......IT WAS HIS DOING. ALL THE HELL......HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Danny's voice boomed throughout the barren hall.

"What are you going to do?" Ray was afraid of the answer.

"I'M GONNA KILL THE BASTARD WITH MY BARE HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Danny seethed.

"Danny there's more," Ray hesitated.

"MORE!?!?!? How much worse could it get?"

"It has to do with Michelle."

Danny's posture shot to attention at the mention of her name, "What......what are you talking about Ray?"

"I saw someone when I pulled into the lot tonight. They were running away...I mean at first I didn't think much of it. That was until I saw Michelle lying there........"

"Who......who was it?"

"I can't be sure.....but it looked a hell of a lot like Kirk Maxwell."

"FUCK!! That bastard was chasing her from day one..................."

"Danny's it's a lot more complicated then that......."

"Huh?"

Before Ray was able to finish, the doctor from the ER approached them. "Excuse me, Mr. Santos."

"What.......what did you find out from Michelle's tests," Danny turned completely ignoring the conversation he had just been embroiled in.

"Well it's a bit disturbing.................."

"Would you just get to the DAMN point," Danny's response was gruff annoyed by everything this man did.

"It appears to be some form of heroin. But it's 'A' typical."

" 'A' typical," Ray repeated.

"It's synthetic," Danny said before the doctor was able to answer.

"That's right," he turned to look at Danny surprised that he was familiar with the terminology.

"Is Michelle going to be all right?" Ray questioned while Danny stood there the wheels turning. This information coupled with the facts the Ray had uncovered brought a picture into clearer focus. It was happening all over again. The people around him were being used as pawns in this elaborate chess game. One that he had no intention of losing. It would be check-mate for him this time. There wouldn't be any room to move this time around.

"Danny?" Ray touched Danny's arm bringing him back to reality. "Did you get that?"

"Huh?"

"What the doctor said about Michelle's condition?"

"No......I'm sorry what did you say again?"

"The drug has caused some liver damage. I am not sure how extensive it is right now. We will need to do a complete blood work up......"

"You do whatever you need to. I want her to have the best care. Do you understand me?" Danny's voice grew stronger.

"Understood."

"When do you think she will wake up?" Ray spoke asking all the things that he thought Danny should have been. He looked at his cousin and friend doing his very best to read his thoughts. Yet all he was able to see was the hard shadows bouncing in his eyes.

"We expect it to be soon."

"How soon?" Danny questioned.

"That's hard to say. Every overdose is different........"

"LET'S GET ONE THING STRAIGHT HERE DOC!!!" Danny said in cold controlled tones, "THIS WAS NOT AN OVERDOSE! You tell Officer Coury that I want to see him NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The doctor backed away as Danny raged but he did exactly as instructed. Officer Coury was standing before Danny and Ray within minutes.

"What is it?" he sounded annoyed at being summoned.

"What if I told you that I could hand you the Rivera Crime Family on a silver platter?" Ray turned to Danny his mouth gapping. The statement he had just heard sent him reeling.

"What?" Officer Coury said mockingly cleaning his ear as if he hadn't heard Danny right.

"This is your one and only shot so take it or leave it."

"I'm taking it! But tell me just how you plan on doing it?"

"Don't you worry about that. Just be at the Rivera mansion.....I'm sure that you know the address.........tomorrow no later then two o'clock. You can have what's left of them," Danny said foreboding.

"Cleaning house Mr. Santos? Getting rid of the competition I see?" Officer Coury returned sarcastically believing that this was all a little too easy.

The anger inside Danny burst forth as he hurled the officer against the wall, "ARE YOU A COMPLETE ASS?" the question came out more like a statement. "After tomorrow there won't be a Santos Crime Family either! Just be there!"

Danny turned and walked away. Office Coury stood adjusting his shirt as he watched Ray run to catch Danny. What had just happened. Had Danny Santos....THE DANNY SANTOS just said he was turning on the Rivera's? Had he heard right? Had he also heard that the Santos Family would cease to exist as well. Just to satisfy his own curiosity he was going to show tomorrow. He had a feeling it would be one hell of a show.

Danny slid into the passenger seat of Ray's car. Ray watched him as he stared intently out the side window. The lights of the city passing them at a quick pace.

"Danny.....what's going on in that head of yours?" Ray questioned not at all liking the expression etched on Danny's face.

"Don't think you'd really want to know," he stated.

"What was that back there? Handing the Rivera's to them on a silver platter? What's that shit?"

"Exactly what it sounded like......that is after I have a little fun," Danny growled.

"What the fuck's going on?!?!?" Ray was agitated.

"I say it's payback!"

"Danny?"

"Oh don't worry my friend. No one is going to die this time. But they don't have to know that until I'm good and ready!" Danny let out a tortured laugh.

"What the hell's going on in that mind of yours?" Ray asked again.

"What do you care? You never liked Bernard anyway?"

"That maybe true. I really don't give a damn what happens to him. But I sure as hell care what happens to you!"

"Not to worry my friend......I have no intention of going anywhere....except back into Michelle's arms. That is if she'll have me, after all of this."

Ray looked at Danny and for the first time saw a completely different man looking back at him. He sensed that the mobster was gone. Whatever Danny had in the works would finally free him of those constraints. For that Ray was thankful and a bit fearful. He knew the great lengths that Bernard had gone to keep him bond with those ties. Ray was certain that no matter what Danny had up his sleeve Bernard wasn't about to let him go.

"Take me back to Hillman."

"What?" Ray said almost slamming on the brakes, "Why? Why would you want to go back knowing what you now know?"

"Little unfinished business."

"What?" There he went again with the riddles. A trait Ray had never gotten used to in all these years.

"Kirk Maxwell....I think he and I are in need of a talk."

"Danny.......Kirk is....."

"I know what Kirk is," Danny cut him off. "I need him to think that I don't for this to work."

"WHAT TO WORK?!?!?!?" Ray was past frustration now.

"Meet me at Bernard's in the morning. I will clue you in then. And Ray thank you. Thanks for being there for me. Even when I didn't make it all that easy," Danny said as he exited the car.

"Would it do any good to tell you to watch you back?"

"NO," Danny smiled as he walked away. On went the mask necessary to set the wheels in motion. It was about time that Kirk found out exactly who he was messing with.

Michelle's scent hung in the air. Danny breathed in deeply letting the memories envelop him. The images of him and Michelle brought him comfort. The completeness he had finally achieved with her was encouraging him forward.

He reached out for the picture of Caitlyn. "I'm sorry that you got caught in the crossfire," he whispered for the first time not seeing the explosion. The first time not feeling the guilt for he had been as much of a victim in all of this as she had been.

"I can't bring you back but I can be sure that I make this right for once. So that both our souls can rest in peace." Danny brought his fingers to his lips and placed one last kiss on her lips, "I will carry a part of you with me always."

Danny laid down on the hard mattress starring at the ceiling like he had done every night since coming there. But tonight the silence he heard was different. He was different and after tomorrow the sky was the limit. He and Michelle would start fresh. No walls and no secrets. "Dear Lord, I am not a praying man. You know my sins all too well, but tonight I'm not asking for me. I am asking for the beautiful creature lying in that hospital bed. Even if she walks away from me that's okay just let her be all right."

The sun broke early that morning. Danny welcomed the bright light. It brought a cleansing sensation. He cleared his mind for what lay ahead. The first thing that he needed to do was call and check on Michelle. Then the fireworks would begin.

The office was still dark when he entered. He dialed Michelle's room certain that Kathy had never left her side.

"Any change?" he asked when it had rung through.

"No. She's still unconscious. There is good news though."

"What?" Danny felt a glimmer of hope.

"Apparently the drug didn't do as much damage as they first thought. It looks like given a little time she should be good as new."

"THAT'S GREAT!!!!" Danny shouted at the top of his lungs and then mouthed the words thank you to the sky.

"Danny, she still has to wake up," Kathy returned.

"She will. I know it."

"I hope you are right."

"Don't worry Kathy. I have a good feeling about today. It's our turn. You know what I mean?"

"Yes....I think I do."

"Hey Kath, how long has Kirk Maxwell been at then center?"

"He came to us shortly before you did. I think it was less then a week. Why are you asking?"

"No reason really. Just was wondering. Here's my cell number. You call me the minute that Michelle wakes up."

"We'll do."

Danny hung up the phone secure in his conviction. There was one last thing he needed to confirm before the show was to begin.

Danny waited in the office until he heard the bell chime for the serving of breakfast. He watched as the people filed past the plate glass window. It was then that he saw Kirk. The effort that Danny forced was tremendous. The effort to stay put and follow through with his intended goal, even though the biggest part of him wanted to race after him.

Slipping quietly out the door Danny headed back in the direction of the rooms. He was certain that Kirk's room would reveal all that he needed to know. Danny did his best to keep his emotions in check. That thought of Michelle being in danger sent his blood boiling. All the things that Kirk had been saying about her prior had all been a ruse. A game to force Danny into a corner. Well the tables had just been turned. Danny couldn't wait to see the expressions he got from the players when it was he doing the pushing.

Danny walked into Kirk's room closing the door behind him. It didn't look any different then the room he occupied. His search began. Danny rummaged through the closet, the desk, the bureau……nothing! He was getting more frustrated by the minute. Kirk was better at the game then he thought he would be. Danny walked into the bathroom. It looked as clean as the rest of the room. It was then that Danny remembered something that Bernard had told him long ago. He lifted the porcelain toilet tank lid. "BINGO!!" Danny whispered.

Taped to the underside Danny found all he needed to be certain that Michelle hadn't overdosed. Danny easily removed the package of drugs and syringes. He slipped them into the inside pocket of his leather jacket just before he heard the door to Kirk's room open.

"WHAT THE FUCK'S GOING ON IN HERE?????" Kirk's voice boomed as he saw Danny exiting the bathroom.

"I can here to take you up on your offer. I think you would be an asset to my organization. But there's someone you have to meet first."

"WHO?" Kirk questioned unable to read the expression on Danny's face. After last night this wasn't the man he expected to see in front of him. He had whole-heartedly planned for Danny to be smashed out of his head by now.

"Not to worry. You will find out soon enough. You ready?" Danny asked as he gestured towards the door.

"Sure why not?" Kirk returned a bit uneasy about the man standing before him. But there was no turning back now. He was in this for the long haul.

Kirk stopped short when he saw the black limo resting at the curb.

"Morning, Roberto," Danny nodded.

"Mr. Santos," the man returned opening the door for them to enter.

"What are you waiting for Kirk?" Danny stood motioning Kirk to enter first.

Uneasy Kirk complied with the request. It was an odd feeling that over took him. His eyes darted between Danny and the man named Roberto who had also joined them in the back of the limo. Roberto pushed the button for the darkened glass window between them and the driver to descend.

"Paulo, the Rivera estate please," Danny instructed. He felt Kirk squirm beside him. He took pleasure in the fact that Kirk was sweating. "What's the matter Kirk? You look like you just saw a ghost," Danny half laughed.

"Rivera? Are you talking about Bernard Rivera?" Kirk's voice cracked.

"Why yes….you know Bernard?" Danny questioned curiously wondering how long it would be before Kirk made a slip of the tongue.

"NO…..NO!" Kirk returned a bit too quickly, "It's just he's as well known in the state as you are Danny." Kirk did his best to cover his tracks.

"Oh really…..you keep up with us mob families, do you? It a hobby of yours or something?" Danny mocked looking at Roberto laughing.

"Why do I need to meet with Mr. Rivera," Kirk remained firm to the game of not knowing Bernard, "If it's you that I will be working for?"

"Bernard and I collaborate on many things together. Our families have been connected for quiet some time. I'm surprised that you didn't know that," Danny pushed again, "So I really can't expect Bernard to accept you sight unseen. If roles were reversed I would expect nothing less from Bernard."

Kirk shifted in the leather seat. His mind raced. This wasn't what he anticipated happening. Danny was supposed to be a basket case by now. Instead a cool, calm and collected Danny Santos stared back at him. He couldn't imagine that he hadn't heard about Michelle yet. Why wasn't he at the hospital sobbing by her bedside? Or found his way to another bottle of scotch? Could it have been that had read Danny completely wrong? That he hadn't been as infatuated with Michelle as he had thought. The neat plan that Kirk had laid out in his mind had taken an abrupt turn. On that he had a sneaking suspicion that he was about to find himself on the losing end of. He had no intention of ending up like Rico.

Danny watched as the iron gates locked behind the limo as Paulo climbed the drive. A climb that Danny was glad to be taking for the final time. After today he knew that he was free. The very thought made him giddy. Danny's eyes came to rest on Ray's bright red coupe. Danny vaguely wondered if Ray had gotten any sleep at all last night. He knew his cousin all too well, he more then likely stayed up half the night worrying and wondering exactly what he had planned.

"Danny," Ray said opening the door.

"Ray," he returned as the two men followed suit exiting the car, "This is..................."

"Kirk Maxwell," Ray finished the sentence before Danny could, "What's he doing here?" Ray was astonished by the fact that Kirk was still breathing. He thought for sure that Danny would have disposed of him by now.

"He's here to meet Bernard."

"Meet Bernard?!?!? But Danny you know damn well...................," Ray stopped short. The look in Danny's eyes told Ray he needed to follow his lead.

"Yes," Danny forced, "Mr. Maxwell would like to join the organization. I think we could use his skills, that is if Bernard agrees."

"I see," Ray said playing along. "Does he know you are coming to pay a visit?" Ray imagined the scene that was to play out before him. The folder he had given Danny last night neatly tucked under Danny's arm. Ray met Danny's knowing glance with a sinister smile. He was glad to have a front row seat for this one.

"Actually no. I didn't have time to give him a call. Seeing as how I spent most of the evening at the hospital with Michelle."

Kirk's head shot up at the mention of Michelle. The panic in his eyes was evident to all those around him. His mouth went dry and blood ran cold as he watched Danny pulled the items from his inner coat pocket.

"You wouldn't happen to have any idea who would have wanted to hurt Michelle?" Danny asked mocking him as he swung the bag before his eyes. Kirk was about to bolt but Roberto and Ray blocked his path of escape, "Whoa......it's impolite to leave a party that hasn't even started yet. Didn't Bernard teach you any manners?" Danny said beginning to lay his hand on the table.

"You set me up! You son of a bitch!" Kirk reacted the only way he knew how.

"No more then you did me," Danny countered, "Payback's a bitch! Let's go meet Mr. Rivera....shall we?" Danny grabbed Kirk by the forearm shoving him towards the awaiting door.

Ray and Roberto held Kirk in the foyer as Danny strode confidently into Bernard's study. Danny knew all of his moves. In the past fifteen years Bernard never broke with tradition. He would be sitting behind his desk in his black silk robe, coffee in one hand and latest deal in the other.

Danny was happy to see the Bernard hadn't disappointed him. Just like he had imagined. Danny's presence caught Bernard off guard. "Danny? What.........how did you?" he didn't know what to actually say. The expression on Danny's face was one he couldn't read. And that troubled him. Danny had grown a little too unpredictable for his liking.

"Sorry to disturb your morning routine," Danny feigned apology, "I have someone I would like you to meet. I think he would be a great asset to the business."

Bernard relaxed thinking that Danny had returned to the fold. It wasn't until he saw Ray and Roberto strong arming Kirk into the room that he began to think twice.

"What's this all about Danny?" Bernard put forth his most aggressive voice.

"I told you. Bernard this is Kirk Maxwell. He is interested in working for us."

"As what?" Bernard laughed as he searched his brain for a way to cut ties with Kirk.

"Well I would say that he is a man of many talents," Danny continued as Ray enjoyed the cat and mouse game that Danny was a master of.

"Danny, if you have a point I wish that you would just make it!" Bernard spat.

"No point really. I thought you might like to know that he is not the best drug runner you have ever employed," Danny tossed the package of drugs on Bernard's desk, "Found those in his room. You really need to find a better hiding place Bernard. Everyone knows it now a days. You are still running synthetic heroin...right? Didn't you say how much cheaper it was to produce. That's what I recall you saying......."

"Danny, I don't have any idea what you are talking about. I have never seen this man before today," Bernard rose up behind the desk. "If we are finished here I have some business that I need to attend to." He was looking for any reason to escape.

"Not so fast Bernard. I don't think that we are quite finished yet," Danny laughed. A tormented laugh that filled the room.

"What more is there to say. If you want to hire him hire him. I don't have a problem with it."

"Of course not since you hired him some time ago. I think it's quite a coincidence that he showed up days before me at Hillman. Found it a bit odd that you didn't cover your tracks better. What....are we slipping in our old age Bernard?"

"I don't know this man. I have never seen him before today," Bernard held firm to his story. He had a bad feeling where Danny was headed with all of this.

"CUT THE SHIT, BERNARD!!!" Kirk shouted knowing full well that he was trying to hang all of this on him. He wasn't about to let that happen. Not in a million years.

"So now you know Mr. Rivera?" Danny turned to look at Kirk, "A few minutes ago you had never met the man. Now boys, don't you think you should have gotten your stories straight?" Danny enjoyed every minute of his barrage. It gave him great pleasure to be the puppeteer for this once instead of the one being held up by the strings.

"Danny, I've really grown tired of this game. If you have a point please make it."

"OKAY.................HERE'S MY POINT YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Danny threw the pages from the file at him. "You are a bastard! From the word go you have manipulated me. Turned every situation to your advantage. You fabricated some mob family that only existed in your own mind until it was necessary for them to come to life. You used that threat to box me in and then to try to kill me. Instead you got an innocent girl killed in the process. You sick mother fucker. Then you use my grief to your advantage as well. Commit me to some loony bin. Hoping that I will fall away into oblivion."

"Danny, you have got this all wrong. It wasn't like that," Bernard did his best to remain calm as he watched Danny pull a 38 from his jacket pocket.

"Oh yes, please tell me how wrong I am? Tell me how you only did all of this for my own good!" Danny cackled.

"I had to make you understand that there's no walking away from this life. From cradle to grave....................."

"So what you just decided that my meeting my death should have been sooner then later?" Danny cried, "I looked up to you when I was a kid. You were the father that I never was to have."

"I still am, Daniel," Bernard played on Danny's feelings.

"Like hell. You stopped being that the minute you began planning my execution. SO NOW I HAVE PLANNED YOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Danny said the calmest he had been thus far. He came to stand along side Bernard. The 38 fitted neatly in his palm. The cold steel felt good against his flesh. The terror he saw in Bernard's eyes was identical to that of Rico oh so many months ago. Danny let the giggles escape from his throat. Enjoying the way Bernard starred at him. Not sure what he would do next.

Danny wasn't about to disappoint. He took his best target range stance and placed the barrel of the gun at Bernard's temple. Bernard was afraid to flinch fearing any movement would set Danny to pull the trigger.

"DANNY!!!!!!!" Ray's voice bounced off the walls. This wasn't what he wanted to be witness to.

"What????? This man has been tried and convicted. There's no need to wait for sentencing. I have the sentence etched in my mind.......DEATH BY FIRING SQUAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Danny howled.

"MR. SANTOS DROP THE GUN!!!" Officer Coury's voice filled the room.

Relief washed over Bernard. For the first time in his life he was actually glad to see the police. It was almost laughable but true.

"Not until I finish what I came here to do!" Danny countered violently.

"You don't want to do this Danny!" Ray prodded, "Is his life worth yours?"

"DAMN STRAIGHT!!!!!!!!!!" Danny pulled the trigger as the barrel click off six empty chambers. The room watched Bernard fall to the ground sobbing uncontrollably. He lay on the floor arms wrapped around his knees shaking.

"Here," Danny threw the package from Bernard's desk to Officer Coury, "I'm positive once you test this you will find that it was the drug used on Michelle. And I am more then sure that his prints," Danny pointed in Kirk's direction, "Are all over it. And if that's not enough to put him away," he continued, "I have a whole hell of a lot more where that came from."

"You said that your were handing me the Rivera's on a silver platter. I'm sorry but I don't see it," Officer Coury said.

"Here," Danny handed over the folder that Ray had given him one day ago, "There's enough there for you to hold Bernard Rivera for questioning in the attempted murder of myself and the actual murder of Caitlyn Rodgers. The rest of it I'll give to the Feds."

"Where are you going?" the officer countered.

"To the hospital. There's someone there I need to see." Danny was gone before anyone had a chance to say anymore.

Ray chased after Danny, still not comprehending what he had just witnessed. That was a scene that he had not expected. The Danny he had known would have taken his revenge. Bernard's blood would have been spilled, yet that hadn't happened.

It was an odd feeling that Ray had in his stomach. It was as if he were looking at a completely different Danny Santos. In one fail swoop, Danny had found the means necessary to liberate himself from the only life that he had ever known. Ray felt relief fill him. That was what he had wanted from the very beginning. All he had ever wanted for Danny was normalcy.

"I thought you were really going to kill him," Ray remarked entering his car.

"Apparently so did he," Danny chuckled. "Think old Bernard shit his pants when I pulled the trigger."

"No doubt!"

"Guess now he knows what it's like to be on the wrong side of the barrel," Danny said solemnly realizing just how many hits Bernard had ordered in his life.

"Absolutely. You know you were brilliant, Danny. A complete master."

"Well, you were witness to my last performance. All I want now is to start over......hopefully with Michelle by my side," Danny added softly.

"I'm sure you don't have to worry about that."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that Ray. I mean my god she could have died. All because Bernard was playing his games. Do you know what that would have done to me?" Danny cried.

"Yes......Bernard did too. That's why he played it like that. He saw how you reacted to Caitlyn's death. And he used that to his advantage. He was sure that you wouldn't have survived another death that you thought that you had caused."

"I should have killed the bastard!" Danny's voice grew harsh once more, "He could have had the business......I would have gladly given it to him on a silver platter. Why the hell did he think he had to kill me to get it?" Danny's mixed emotions finally surfacing. "That man was like a father to me for so many years......I just don't understand."

"I don't think that you ever will. So I wouldn't waste another minutes thought on it," Ray stated, "Now your only concern should be Michelle. Has there been any news yet?" he asked turning the key in the ignition.

"I spoke with Kathy this morning. She's still not awake but the tests did show that there isn't as much damage to her liver as they originally thought."

"Danny, that's great!"

"Yeah, but she still has to wake up," Danny echoed the words he remembered Kathy saying earlier.

"Don't worry. She's a strong one. She's gonna pull through this."

"I want to believe that." Danny looked out the window as the car found it's way to the bottom of the extensive drive way. As the iron gates closed again, Danny felt like one chapter of his life was closing and another one was now opening. He only hoped that Michelle would be there to write it with him.

The sight of Kathy standing in the hall tears running down her cheeks sent Danny running. His heart was in his throat causing his speech to stop. He couldn't bring himself to ask the inevitable.

"Kathy?" was all that he could muster.

"SHE'S AWAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kathy returned. Those words were the sweetest that Danny ever remembered hearing.

"THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!" Without thinking Danny picked Kathy up in his arms swinging her in the hallway. The joy that encompassed him was overwhelming, "Can I see her?" he questioned.

"As soon as the doctor finishes examining her."

"How long will that be?" Danny's impatience coming through.

"I really don't know. He just went in a few minutes ago."

"How about we all go grab a cup of coffee and wait," Ray said to the both of them.

"I don't want to leave. I want to see her as soon as possible," Danny stated.

"I'll make you a deal," Ray began, "I'll go talk to the nurse at the desk. She can page us as soon as we can get in to see Michelle. Besides when was the last time either of you ate anything?"

"I don't even remember," Kathy returned.

"Okay......just be sure that nurse lets us know the minute that we can see her," Danny forced.

"I'll make sure of it," Ray walked away.

The smile the covered Danny's face was one of pure elation, "I can't believe this is all working out," he whispered afraid to say the words any louder.

"Yeah, it's pretty amazing. I just wish that Michelle hadn't overdosed. I really thought that we were making progress," Kathy sighed disappointed in herself as much as Michelle.

"That's not the way it was.....not at all!" Danny stressed.

"Well you both ready to hit the cafeteria? I'm buying," Ray said as he approached the pair.

"Not right now, Ray," Danny countered.

"Huh? I thought we agreed to grab a bite to eat?" he returned confused missing the vibes between them.

"There's a few things Kathy and I need to discuss regarding Michelle," Danny said looking at Ray knowingly.

"I'll just wait over here," Ray pointed towards the lounge. He absently wondered if Kathy would be ready for all that Danny was about to tell her. He also hoped the Danny wasn't opening up one hell of a can of worms.

"Danny, what are you talking about?" Kathy questioned .

"Michelle didn't OD."

"Excuse me?" Kathy couldn't hide her astonishment, "What....what are you talking about?"

"Michelle was drugged. Kirk Maxwell was responsible for what happened to Michelle."

"WHAT?!?!" Kathy paced trying to process Danny's words.

"Kirk was planted at the center by Bernard Rivera. He was there to be sure that I never came out. Michelle ended up a pawn in his game. They found my weakness and they exploited it. Michelle got caught in the cross fire. Just like Caitlyn," Danny took a deep breath to keep the tears at bay.

"We have to tell the police," Kathy stated still in a bit of a daze.

"I have it taken care of it. No need to worry."

"WHAT???? What did you do Danny?" Kathy wasn't able to hide her fear.

"Not what you are thinking. I turned Bernard and Kirk over to the police this morning. I plan on cooperating with the Feds to make sure that Bernard never sees the light of day again!"

"Can you really do that?" Kathy questioned.

"It's done. I don't want anything more to do with that life. I haven't wanted it for a long time now. It's time I moved on. I just hope that Michelle will move on with me," Danny's apprehensions seeped into his words.

"Danny, Michelle loves you. I have known that since the moment she laid her eyes on you."

"But that was before someone from my life tried to take hers," Danny countered.

"Mr. Santos, the doctor has finished examining Ms. Bauer. You can go in and see her if you would like," the nurse said as she came upon the pair.

"Here's your chance Danny. Be honest with her. I know how hard it will be for you. But for both of you to move forward....together you have to do it."

"Thank you Kathy. Thank you for ..........being my friend."

"Go....go to Michelle."

Danny hesitated gathering the words he needed to say, yet as he saw her beautiful face looking back at him all thoughts were lost. Her smile sent chills throughout his body.

"Hey," she said as he come forth to her.

"How are you?"

"One hell of a headache....but the doctor says in a few weeks I will be as good as new."

"I was so scared," Danny's voice was raspy as he took her hand in his, "I'm so sorry."

"Danny, what? What is it?" gently she reached out to him. His tears melting into her flesh.

"Kirk Maxwell.....that bastard he did this to you!"

"Kirk??????"

"Are you sure that you are up to this?"

"Danny, please talk to me," Michelle prodded pushing herself closer to him.

"I wish I knew how."

"Try."

"What happened to you. It was my fault. You were a victim of a very badly played out game. I let you get close to me and they used that to their advantage........"

"Who??? What are you talking about?" she cut him off.

"People from my world. They saw and opportunity to get me and they went for the jugular."

"I don't understand."

Michelle sat listening intently to all that Danny had to say. He left no part uncovered. Through it all just never once flinched. For all intensive purposes it drew her closer. The mere thought of someone wanting him dead caused rage in her. This wonderful, sensitive, caring person deserved so much better.

Michelle knew all the myths of Danny Santos.....the gangster.....but she never once bought into them and she had no intentions of doing it now.

"I would understand if you never wanted to see me again," Danny said around the lump in his throat. Doing his very best to prepare himself for the worst.

"Ssshhhh," she pressed her finger to his lips, "You listen to me. I am not going anywhere. You didn't scare me before and surely don't scare me now. And as for this being your fault......forget that. I was playing with fire long before I met you Danny."

"Yeah....but................"

"No buts. If I don't blame you then you shouldn't blame you." Michelle's words resounded in his ears. He had dreamed that she would say these things but never let himself believe he would ever hear them.

"I can't believe this?"

"What? That I love you?" she whispered bringing her mouth to his. The tenderness he felt at that moment was unmatched to anything he had ever felt before.

"Yes," he murmured returning the emotions.

"Well get used to it buddy cause you are stuck with me now," she giggled playfully punching him in the arm.

"I think that I like being sticky," he countered kissing her once more.