Page 83 of Caged
Danny didn't respond and after a few minutes, Marshall realized he was asleep. He took a deep breath, thinking about everything that had happened since they met. This was right. Being together was right. Somehow, something horrible had turned into something beautiful, and he was blessed that Danny had come into his life. They still had a lot to get through, but together, he was sure the future would only get better.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Danny wished they hadn't chosen to go to a movie. Now they were stuck in the dark, unable to use their cell phones and find out what was going on with the sting in Colorado Springs. It was still early, and they'd told him they wouldn't go in until after midnight, but it didn't matter. He didn't like being out of contact.
Going out to dinner and a movie gave them an alibi, proving they were in the Denver area if anyone questioned them, but being out was the last thing he wanted. He wanted to be at the STK house, watching video feeds, listening to calls, praying that it really was Larry they were going after.
His stomach ached, and he worried he'd throw up everything they'd eaten at dinner. He couldn't calm his nerves no matter how he tried.
"Easy, we'll be home soon." Marshall leaned close as he spoke, his fingers linked with Danny's.
"I hate not knowing."
"They aren't even there yet."
"You're sure?"
"They never go in early. Being out of town, they'll stick to the plan. Xander, Matt, and Jeremy are at the house. They'll call us if there is any news."
Danny sighed, trying to focus on the movie they'd picked, but he'd lost track of what was going on nearly as soon as it started. He couldn't stop thinking about everything. Memories of his torture played through his mind, then fantasies about what the team would do to Larry would replace them. He thought about the children there, wondering if Larry had abused them too. He just wanted this over with.
It seemed like hours before the final credits ran and they were finally able to get up and leave the theater. The night was cool as they stepped out into the darkness. He glanced up at a nearly full moon and sighed. "I'm a mess," he admitted to Marshall as they walked toward the car.
"I know, but it will be over soon. We'll go home and have some ice cream and wait for their call. I've made sure we've walked by enough cameras to prove we were here, and we have our receipts if anyone asks. I think we're safe to go home now."
Danny glanced at his phone, frustrated to see no calls or texts. "What if it's not him?" He was so hopeful it was that he wasn't sure he could handle if it wasn't.
"Then we keep searching. We'll watch his mother's grave. But I'm pretty sure they'll get him tonight. Too many things link him to the place. I'll be shocked if it's not him."
"If it is, how long will he be in the hospital before he goes to jail?"
"That depends on a lot of things. I'm guessing a week or more, but if he has other problems we don't know about or if the doctor is over-cautious, it could be longer. The reconstructive surgery isn't hard, but everyone heals at a different rate. The police will keep a guard on him while he's in the hospital. He won't get away." Marshall paused as they got to the car. "If everything goes right, it will be over tonight."
"Except for the court case." Danny shuddered.
"Yes, but you can stop looking over your shoulder, stop worrying that other kids are being hurt." Marshall brushed a kiss over Danny's mouth. "I'll be with you through whatever comes. You're not facing him alone ever again. Let's get home." Marshall opened the passenger door for him.
Danny sank into the seat, trying not to think about how many things could go wrong. If anyone on the team got hurt or arrested, it would be because of him. He couldn't live with himself if anyone was hurt or worse killed. It didn't matter how many times the team assured him they knew what they were doing, he still worried. Faith had told him stories of injuries, gunshot wounds, stabbings. It only took a second for everything to go wrong.
"A couple more hours and it will be over." Marshall started the car before reaching for his hand.
He nodded but remained silent. What could he say? There was nothing to say. It was too late to cancel everything, and honestly, he didn't want to. He wanted Larry to pay for what he'd done and wouldn't do anything to stop tonight from happening, but he still couldn't calm his nerves.
"Jeremy is going to ask Gary to join the team. He wanted to know if you wanted to be there when he does it since he's your counselor." Marshall pulled out on the road.
"Is that normal? Does he always have people with him?"
"I know when I was hired, I was contacted by Jeremy and met him for coffee first, but then went to dinner and met the others before going back to the house. It's up to you if you want Gary to know you're involved in all this or if you want to remain in the background."
"He'll find out if he joins the team anyway, won't he?"
"Probably in time, but as you're not an official team member, you won't be on the list of people D gives him to talk to. There's a chance Gary won't be around the house often since he's not actively hunting people. Though I've met Gary when I've dropped you off and I'll have to start seeing him, so it will link you that way."
Danny thought about everything. It was probably best to be open with Gary from the start. So far, he hadn't lied to Gary about anything and he didn't want to start now. Not that it would be a lie, but it was a pretty big piece of information. "I'd like to be there. In fact, Jeremy and D can just come to one of my appointments if they want. It might be easier."
"I'll have Jeremy and D talk to you and make plans." Marshall sighed. "I have to admit, I'm not looking forward to being forced into talking to someone."
"Gary's easy to talk to. He won't force you to talk about things. Besides, it's just about work, right? He won't dig into your personal life. He won't ask about us, will he?"
