Promises

Parts 27-28

By Candy

Danny and Michelle finally made it back to their bedroom after several hours of discussion about her going to Europe and they both holding each other while they cried. Danny couldn't fall asleep until he was sure she was sleeping. He laid there on his side, watching her sleep, thankful she had finally shut her swollen eyes. How was he going to be able to make it through the next few weeks or maybe even months being apart from her? Especially now. He had loved being there every day, seeing their child grow inside her…experiencing everything with her for the first time. Now that was all coming to an end. She would have to go through the rest of this pregnancy with her father, not him. If there were any other way…no, he thought, there is no other way. His first priority had to be keeping them safe and he had to put his own selfish needs aside to make sure they were taken care of. He was so tempted though, to jump on that plane with her, but he had to stay behind to deal with what was going to happen. Ben had crossed the line and it was time he was dealt with…once and for all. And if anyone else was involved, he would make sure they paid too.
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The next morning, Danny woke up to find Michelle still sleeping. He gently slipped out of the bed, grimacing when he turned his shoulder the wrong way and went downstairs to find Carlos asleep on the couch. A shiver overcame him as looked up and saw the bullet hole in the living room wall. So many things could have happened last night…most of them bad. The idea of Michelle firing a gun when she thought she was in danger was enough to finally push him to tell her about his idea about her going to Europe. He didn't tell her he had already talked about it with her father. After Bernard told him about the planned hit on her life and Frank told him about Carmen's release, he knew he needed to get her out of town somehow. Her father agreed that she needed to be kept safe, but that it would be difficult to convince her to leave him. Luckily, it wasn't as hard as he had thought it would be. He knew she was scared and that was probably the only thing that allowed him to get through to her.
Carlos woke up quickly when he heard someone in the kitchen. "It's just me," Danny said, starting the coffee maker.
"Rough night last night, huh?" he smirked, getting up from the couch.
"Yeah," Danny sighed. "I didn't get a whole lot of sleep. Thankfully, Michelle is still sleeping. I think I finally convinced her to go to Europe with her father."
"Good," he smiled. "I haven't been to Europe in ages."
"Well, you're not going there for sightseeing," Danny glared. "The only thing I want you watching is Michelle."
"Don't worry," he reassured. "She'll be safe over there."
"I wouldn't be letting her go if I didn't think she would be," Danny said. "Her father already has the plane reservations for the end of the week. So if you need a day to get things in order before you go, it's okay."
"You know me boss," Carlos smiled. "All I have to do is back a bag and I'll be ready."
"I can't thank you enough for doing this," Danny said, pouring them both a cup of coffee.
"Hey, it's my job," Carlos said. "Not only that, you know how I felt about your father and about you. I promised your father I would always look out for you."
"My father respected you a lot," Danny remembered. "You were his most trusted bodyguard. I can't help but think that if he hadn't made you go with me that day…"
"Don't do that," he demanded. "Your father sent me with you because of the threats on your life. He wasn't going to let anything happen to his precious son. Danny, you were the light of his life. I hope you know how much he loved you."
"I know," he sighed. "I just wish he were still here. I wish he knew about the baby. I know he would have been a wonderful grandfather."
"He would have spoiled the kid rotten," Carlos laughed. "But don't worry, he's still here and he knows. He'll always watch over you…all three of you."
Danny turned as he heard Michelle walk down the stairs. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. "Good morning sweetie. How do you feel?"
"Okay," she mumbled.
"Would you like some coffee?" Carlos asked uncomfortably.
"I can't," she frowned. "Have to avoid caffeine."
"I'll make you some decaffeinated if you want it," Danny said.
"No, I don't want any," she replied, opening a cabinet to get a glass.
Danny looked at her with worry as Carlos excused himself.
"Are you sure you're feeling okay?" he questioned.
"I'm jut tired," she sighed. "And worried."
"Baby, don't worry about anything," he whispered, putting his arms around her from behind. "I don't want your blood pressure getting any higher."
She dropped her head and leaned back into him. "How am I not supposed to worry when I'm going to be on the other side of the world from you, not knowing what's happening or if you're okay?"
He spun her around, looking into her eyes. "I will be fine. And once I know it's safe for you to come back, I will come get you myself."
"I just don't want you putting your life in danger," she said as tears threatened to escape.
"I promise," he whispered, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
She leaned her head against his shoulder. They were silent, each enjoying being in the others arms, knowing it would be awhile before they were able to do it again.
"Ow!" she grimaced as she pulled away from him.
"What?" alarm in his voice.
"I think the baby just kicked," she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Here give me your hand."
She grabbed his hand and moved it over the spot where she had felt the kick. He waited patiently, waiting to feel something. He was about to pull his hand away when he felt it. When he tried to speak, he realized he couldn't talk around the lump in his throat. He quickly cleared his throat and tried to get his emotions under control.
"That is so amazing," he whispered. "Have you felt him kick before?"
She looked up at him and smiled, "There have been a few times, but I didn't know if it was a kick or not. But this is the first time I've ever felt HER kick this hard."
"Her…him," he smiled. "I don't care. As long as it and its mother are safe and healthy, that's all I care about."
"I trust you," she murmured, pulling his face closer to hers. "I trust you to always take care of us."
"I will," he said. "I promise."
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A few days later, Danny left Michelle reluctantly packing her suitcase. She didn't want him going anywhere, but he convinced her that his shoulder was feeling better and he wouldn't be gone for long. He told her he needed to run by his office, but in truth he was going to pay a visit to Mr. Ben Warren, who was indefinitely detained behind bars. The judge had refused bail considering the charge of attempted murder and he was considered a serious flight risk. Danny felt it was about time he paid a visit to his family's ex-lawyer to find out what he knew about the continued threats against Michelle. Bernard hadn't been able to find anything else out. Whoever was behind the hiring of this hit man, was making sure there were no cracks.
"Danny," Ben smirked as the guard led him to a chair. "So nice to see you."
"This isn't a social call," Danny glared. "I want to know who you hired to kill Michelle."
"Danny, Danny," he smiled. "How many times do I have to tell you that it was never my intention to kill your precious wife. I've admitted to having her poisoned, but as you well know, it wasn't enough to kill her and that was never my intention. Of course, there are people out there who do want her dead."
"Who?" he demanded. Ben gave a stifled laugh that made Danny's anger reach the boiling point. He lept across the table and grabbed Ben's shirt collar, pulling him out of his seat. "I'm sick of the games Warren. You tell me who is after my wife."
"Or else?" Ben smirked.
"I'll kill you," Danny threatened.
"Kind of hard to kill me with so many witnesses," Ben smiled. "That's the funny thing about jails…they have so many guards around."
"That can be taken care of," Danny seethed. "Just because I left the family business, don't think I still can't make one phone call and have you disposed of or I can do it myself."
"Danny!" someone shouted from behind him.
His head snapped around to find Carmen standing there with a nervous look on her face. "What are you doing here?" he demanded.
"Trying to keep you from making a terrible mistake," she shouted.
Danny turned back around and flung Ben back into his seat. "The only mistake I ever made was thinking you weren't involved in this."
"I'm not involved with anything Ben does anymore," she protested. "I haven't been in a long time."
"Come on Carmen," Ben sneered. "He's on to us. He knows you want Michelle dead."
"Danny, don't listen to him," she begged. "He's trying to throw you off track. I want to help you."
"And why should I believe you?" Danny asked. "It's not like you haven't tried to kill Michelle yourself."
"You are my son and I love you," she demanded. "I will do whatever I have to protect you and your family."
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Carlos answered the door while Michelle finished packing.
"Pilar," Carlos greeted, kissing her on the cheek. "It's good to see you again."
"You too Carlos," she smiled. "You remember Bill."
"Of course," he said. "Come in."
"We just wanted to stop by to see how my brother and Michelle were doing," she explained.
"Your brother isn't home right now and Michelle is upstairs," he said.
"Where's Danny?" Pilar questioned.
"He had some things to take care of," he said, not elaborating.
"How's Michelle?" Bill asked.
"You can ask her yourself," Michelle said, walking down the stairs.
Bill made a beeline for her, drawing her into a hug. "How are you? You still look tired."
"I'm feeling better," she smiled, holding onto him. "Just getting ready to go on a little trip."
"You're going somewhere?" Pilar questioned, not taking her eyes off the pair.
"My father needs to go back to Europe to tie up some loose ends with his clinic and I'm going with him," she explained as Bill released her from his hug, but not from his arms.
"Why?" Bill asked.
"Danny thinks it would be best if I left town for a little while," she sighed. "There have been some threats and he's worried."
"So Danny's not going with you?" Pilar asked.
"No, he's going to stay here," she said. "Then when things settle down, I'll come home."
"When are you leaving?" Pilar asked.
"You're just full of questions, aren't you Pilar?" Carlos laughed.
"I'm just concerned about Michelle and the baby," she explained with a frown. "I know she doesn't need any undue stress."
"That's right, you don't," Bill's voice full of concern. "You've been through so much lately. You know your dad is probably going to be busy. You want me to come with you to keep you company?"
"Bill," Pilar exclaimed with surprise.
"It's okay," Michelle patted Bill's arm. "I'm hoping I won't be there for long anyway."
"She won't be alone," Carlos stated. "I'll be there with her."
"You're going too?" Pilar turned quickly to face Carlos.
"Of course he is," Michelle smiled. "He hasn't let me out of his sight for months. Why should he start now?"
"You know how Danny worries about you," he said. "He just wants someone to look out for you."
"I know. He's always been overprotective, but…" she stopped short as a sharp pain ripped through her. She doubled over, reaching for the edge of the couch.
"Michelle, what's wrong?" Bill reached for her arm.
"I don't know," she breathed heavily. "I just had this sharp pain."
"Come over here and sit down," he led her to the couch. "Carlos, I think you should call Danny."
"No," Michelle demanded, her voice still unsteady. "I'm okay. He's got enough to deal with right now."
"He needs to be here," Bill began.
"It's gone now," she sighed. "It was probably just a cramp or something."
Pilar slipped away from the living room and pulled out her cell phone.
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"I don't need your help, mother," Danny exclaimed. "Your 'help' almost cost me my wife before and I'm not going to let you hurt her again."
"Why won't you believe me?" she begged. "I am telling you the truth. I want to protect you and Michelle and my grandchild."
"You've fooled me before, but I won't let it happen again. I am not going to let you…" Danny stopped as his cell phone rang. "Yeah?" he answered. "What? Slow down Pilar, what is it? Is she okay? I'll be right there."
Without another word to either one of them, Danny bolted out the door.
Carmen watched him leave and then turned back to Ben. "You are not going to hurt my son, Ben," she glared. "Never again."
"Hurting Danny, never was the plan, was it Carmen?" Ben smiled. "Relax, you're getting what you want. Michelle will be out of your way soon and you'll have your son back."
"You have no idea what I want," Carmen fired back as she turned to leave.
Once outside, she pulled out her cell phone and dialed that now familiar number. "What did you found out?…He was here but he ran off when Pilar called him…She's at their house?…Do you know what's wrong?…Europe, why?…That can't happen…She can't go…Find a way to keep her here…I don't care…You do whatever you have to do to make sure she does not get on that plane…No, I don't want anything changed…Everything as to go on as planned…It's the only way to get my son back."

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Danny came flying up the driveway and ran into the house. He found a pale Michelle sitting on the living room couch, with Bill close by her side. He sat down on the edge of the coffee table and pulled her hands into his.
"Sweetie, what's wrong?" his eyes full of fear.
"I'm fine," she whispered. "How did you…?"
"I called him," Pilar confessed. "I was just so worried about you when that pain hit you."
"Where does it hurt?" he questioned.
"It doesn't," she said. "Not anymore. I'm sure it was just a cramp or something."
"I think we should call Dr. Sedwick and have her take a look at you," Danny said.
"I already called her," Bill spoke up. "She said for Michelle to rest and if the pain came back or got any worse to call her and take her to the hospital."
"Bill, I think we should go and leave them two to themselves," Pilar stated.
Bill hesitated, not taking his eyes off of Michelle, "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes," she smiled. "Go on with Pilar. I'll call you before I leave for Europe tomorrow."
He leaned over and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Call me if you need anything."
Pilar reached for his hand and pulled him out the door.
"I'll be outside," Carlos said, leaving them alone.
Danny waited for him to leave, "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Honey, I'm fine," she smiled. "I think it scared me more than anything else."
"Scared the hell out of me too," he sighed.
"Where were you?" she asked.
He hesitated, searching her eyes, before he answered. "I went to see Ben."
"Why?" she gasped.
"I tried to get answers from him," he explained. "But of course he wasn't talking."
"So I guess I'm still off to Europe tomorrow," she frowned.
"I'm sorry," he winced. "If there were any other way…"
"I know," she forced a smile. "I know you're just trying to protect me. I just can't stand the thought of being away from you."
He moved from the table to sit beside her on the couch, pulling her into his arms. "I don't want to be away from you either, but we have to do this. I'm going to find out who is behind this and once I do, we will be together again and we're going to be free from all of this."
"Danny, don't," she sat up, pulling away from him.
"Don't what?" he asked.
"Don't make me a promise you will never be able to keep," she sighed.
"I will keep that promise, Michelle," he demanded. "We are going to be together again and we are going to have the life we both want. There's not going to be any more threats. We won't have to look over our shoulders anymore."
"How?" she asked. "How can you possibly make that happen?"
"I will find a way," he stated. "Somehow, some way. I promise."
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Michelle woke up the next morning after a restless night sleep. She turned to look at Danny still sleeping, with a tug at her heart. He had been so gentle with her last night. He hadn't wanted to make love after her scare earlier that afternoon, but she convinced him she was fine. She knew this night would have to last them for the weeks and months ahead and she needed him. She needed to feel close to him again before she left, not knowing when they would be together again. He needed it too. She gently brushed the side of his face with her fingertips. He always looked so peaceful when he was sleeping. Even after they were first married, when she hated him, or at least thought she hated him, she loved to lie in bed and just watch him sleep. She imagined sleep was the only time of late he ever got any real peace. All this was taking a toll on him too. She had noticed the dark circles under his eyes and the lines of worry etched on his forehead. With a sigh, she remembered what she had to do today. She had been dreading this day ever since Danny convinced her to go to Europe. It wasn't going to be easy to walk away from him.
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"So are we ready to go?" Carlos entered through the garage door.
"I guess," Michelle mumbled from the living room.
"Are we picking up Mr. Bauer?" he asked.
"No, my dad is meeting us there," she said.
"Okay, I guess we better get going," Danny walked down the stairs with the last of Michelle's suitcases.
Carlos took the suitcase from him and carried it to the car. Danny walked over to Michelle who was standing by the fireplace, looking at the collection of pictures of the two of them.
"You ready to go?" he whispered, wrapping his arms around her.
"As ready as I'll ever be," she sighed, trying unsuccessfully to hold back her tears.
He turned her around and wrapped his arms tighter around her as she cried. "This won't be forever."
"I know," she choked. "I just can't imagine waking up in the morning and you're not being there."
He lifted her chin with his finger and looked into her watery eyes. "I will always be with you. Just like you're always with me." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Forever."
"We really should be going," Carlos said from behind them.
"Come on," Danny sighed. "We have to do this."
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"I was getting worried that you weren't going to make it," Ed grunted once they arrived at the airport.
"If only," Michelle grunted. "Carlos has already taken our bags over. I guess the only thing left is to board the plane."
"Yeah," Ed nodded. "I'll wait over there with Carlos and give you two some time."
Michelle nodded her head as the flood of tears returned. Danny drew her into his arms once again, fighting his own tears.
"This is even harder than I thought it would be," she sobbed.
"Shh," he whispered. "This is all going to be over soon. I promise."
She pulled back as he wiped the tears from her face, "There's only one thing I want you to promise me."
"Anything," he frowned.
"Please take care of yourself," she begged. "Don't do anything dangerous where you could get hurt. I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you."
"I told you nothing is going to happen to me," he smiled. "You just take it easy and relax. Enjoy your time with your dad. Paris is beautiful this time of year."
"There's going to be nothing enjoyable about this trip," she groaned. "And I don't want to do anything in Paris unless it's with you."
"Michelle," Ed called for her. "That's the last call for our flight."
"Okay," Danny sighed. "Come on, you've got to go."
She looked up at him with a tear-stained face as they gave each other a final kiss. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," his voice cracked.
He walked her over to her father and watched them as they walked with Carlos down the ramp toward the plane. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. This was for the best. She would be safe and he could concentrate on finding the person responsible for threatening her. This wouldn't be forever. He knew all this was true, he just wish his heart understood. He began the slow walk back to his car when his phone started ringing.
"Hello?"
"It's so hard to say good-bye isn't it?" the voice mocked.
The voice was muffled and hard to understand. "Who is this?"
"You know you can't protect her in Europe. You just made my job a lot easier."
"Who the hell…" he began as he heard a click. "Hello? Hello? Damn it!"
He snapped the phone closed and started to sprint back to the gate Michelle had entered. He found an airline employee and grabbed her by the arm, "You have to stop that plane."
"Excuse me," she glared at him. "Would you please let go of my arm?"
He dropped her arm, "Sorry, but my wife is on that plane. This is an emergency. You have to stop it now."
"I'm sorry sir," she said. "It's too late. The pilot is preparing for takeoff."
"You don't understand," his voice in a panic. "If that plane takes off, my wife is as good as dead."
"I'm sorry," she repeated. "There's nothing I can do. Maybe you can reach her once she lands in Paris."
He ran his hands through his hair as she walked away. "Think Danny," he said to himself. "There's got to be a way to get to her."
He made his way over to the ticket counter, "I need to buy a ticket for the next flight to Paris."
She scanned the computer, "The next flight isn't until morning."
"What?" he exclaimed. "There has to be a way for me to get there tonight."
"I'm sorry," she frowned. "But all our other flights have been delayed."
"Delayed?" he questioned. "Why?"
"There's heavy fog rolling in," she explained. "Now if you want, I can get you on…"
"What about the flight to Paris that is supposed to be leaving right now?" he asked hopefully.
"From the computer, it looks like it was the last one to get off," she explained.
"Damn it!" he exclaimed. "I have to get to Paris tonight."
"That's just not possible," she said. "Now I can get you on a flight first thing in the…"
He didn't hear the rest of her sentence as he suddenly heard the sweetest voice in the world. "Danny?"
He turned around and relief poured through his body as he ran and pulled Michelle into his arms.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "And why are you still here? I thought you would have left by now."
"What happened with your flight?" he asked. "They said it was the last one to take off before the fog got too thick."
"Mechanical problems," she said, searching his face. "Now tell me what is it."
"You can't go to Europe," he sighed.
"What?" Ed exclaimed. "Danny, I thought we agreed that this was the best thing for Michelle."
"I know," he groaned. "But things have changed."
"What changed?" Carlos questioned.
"After you boarded the plane, I got a phone call," Danny explained. "Whoever it was said I couldn't keep you safe in Europe and I had made their job easier."
"What?" Michelle gasped.
"It's okay," he reached for her hand. "I promise you I'm going to keep you safe. But you're not going to Europe."
"And just how do you plan on keeping her safe?" Ed demanded.
"I'll up the security at the house and Michelle will have to stay there at all times," he explained.
"A prisoner in my own house?" she exclaimed. "I don't think so."
"Michelle, it's the only way," he pleaded.
"I've got a couple of people I can call that can help us out," Carlos said. "Once we get back to the house, I'll give them a call."
"Good," Danny nodded. "I think we need to get going."
"I'll go see about getting our bags off the plane," Carlos replied.
"Dad, are you coming with us?" Michelle asked.
"I still have to get to Paris," he explained. "As soon as the fog lifts, they said they were going to take off with another plane."
"So you're going to stay here and wait?" she asked.
"I'll keep myself busy at some of the shops," he said. "Danny, you get her home."
Michelle hugged her Dad tightly. "You are coming back aren't you?"
"Of course," he smiled. "You just don't have this baby early and I'll be back in time."
"I'll miss you," she said.
"You just take care of yourself sweetie," he kissed her on the forehead. "And you listen to your husband. He'll make sure you stay safe."
"I promise," Danny said.
"I'm holding you to that," Ed glared.

Parts 29-30

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