Page 74 of Caged
"More than okay. I want to look the bastard in the eyes as I tell everyone what happened." Marshall smiled. "And I'll be right there when you do the same."
"Thanks." Danny let out a long breath. "Now what?"
"Now, I call D and Jeremy and let them know things are okay. They'll want to speak to you eventually I'm guessing, but I doubt it will be tonight. Let me call them, then we can figure out something simple for dinner."
Danny stood. "I'll throw together something while you call. Tell them I didn't mean to find out, it just happened."
"It's okay. They know there's a risk since D was arrested. No one is going to be upset. Like Xander said, this was probably the easiest way for you to find out. I'll answer any more questions you have once I talk to D and get the okay." Marshall kissed him. "I'll meet you in the kitchen."
Danny smiled and turned away, but he really wanted to stay and listen to Marshall's phone call. He worried he'd gotten him into trouble, and he wanted to defend him. Let them know it wasn't Marshall's fault.
As he walked into the kitchen, he wondered if this would change things between them. He hoped not. He admired what the team did, even if it was graphic and violent. He'd lived through the abuse, and in his opinion, people like Larry were just getting what they deserved.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
"It's a house." Danny looked out the car window at the STK house.
"It is. It blends in well. No one knows what goes on. It looks like a few guys live here who hang out with their friends." Marshall shut off the car.
After talking to D and Jeremy the night before, they'd decided to call a group meeting to discuss things and formally invite him into their circle. He wouldn't work for STK, but he would be allowed to come to the house and know everything that was going on if he wanted to. "Are you sure it's okay that I'm here with you?" Danny eyed the house nervously.
"I'm sure. They said you were more than welcome. Come on, let's go in." Marshall climbed out of the car and went around to wait for Danny who was moving much slower.
"I feel like I'm intruding."
"Don't feel that way. Think of it as visiting Rani at home. He lives here with Patrick. We're just visiting friends." He linked hands with Danny and tugged him to the front door. He didn't give him time to hesitate as he pushed the door open and stepped inside. Once in, he shut the door and headed to the kitchen where Danny could hear Jeremy laughing.
"Hey, look who's here." Jessica walked over and hugged Danny. "I'm so glad you know everything."
"Do I?" Danny looked around the room once he pulled back from the hug.
"You will." D smiled. "If you want to. That's one of the things we'll discuss in a bit once everyone gets here. Rani won't make the meeting, he's at the hospital and can't get away."
Marshall glanced at Danny. "Want a drink?"
"Water?" Danny moved to stand against the counter near where Marshall was getting into the fridge.
"Here ya go." Marshall handed a bottle to Danny, then looked at the rest of the group. "Danny's feeling a bit odd being here. I assured him that everyone agreed he could be included."
"True." Jeremy smiled. "We talked to everyone today and they all agreed to let you in on what we do. Now it's up to you to decide how involved you want to be."
"Meaning?" Danny asked.
"Do you want details on cases? Do you want to know when the team is going out? Do you want to hang around here when there is a chance at any time we could be raided by the cops if they track us down?" D stood. "I'm being blunt and honest with you. Anyone who knows what we do could face charges if we are ever found. The chances of that are slim, but there is always a chance. The more you know, the more you could be in trouble. We obviously have decided we can trust you not to tell anyone about us, but that doesn't mean that you'll choose to know everything."
Danny gripped the counter tightly, his knuckles turning white. "I know the risks. Marshall and I talked about them earlier today. I think it would be easier for me to know than wonder if everyone is safe. I don't need graphic details, but I like knowing what is going on, what you're all working on." Danny looked at Marshall. "I'd like to maybe be here with you when you work late instead of home alone."
Marshall smiled as if the news made him happy. "Then it's time to relax." He took Danny's hand in his again.
The front door opened and Faith, Xander, and Matt walked in.
"Sorry, we're late. I thought California's freeways were bad, but Denver comes close to being worse." Xander shook his head. "I can't imagine it in the snow."
"It's not fun." D grimaced.
Faith smiled at Danny. "I'm glad you're here." She pulled him into a tight hug.
Danny pulled back and stared at her. "Have you always known about this?"
