Page 97 of Caged
"Hey, you two, no fair slipping off for alone time when you have guests." Jessica walked over to them, followed by Gary and Rani.
"The food was delicious. Thanks for cooking for me," Gary said.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. How do you like the team?" Danny asked, curious about Gary's impression now that he'd met everyone.
"I'm amazed at the complexity of your group. Whoever put all this together planned it out well. They took everything into consideration. I was a bit worried at first about the security of information and the risk of arrest, but after talking about the finer details, I'm not as uncomfortable with things. I'm fascinated with your skills and how you find these people. You really are saving lives." Gary looked around at the group gathered. "I'm hoping my skills won't be needed for anything serious in the future, but I'm looking forward to having an hour to sit and talk with each of you once every month or two."
"If nothing else, he's got some cool video games in his office," Danny quipped.
"A man after our own hearts." D laughed. "Too bad Faith's already left. She could give him a run for his money."
Gary grinned. "Faith's an amazing girl. I'm looking forward to talking to this woman who has counseled her since her kidnapping. Maybe she can give me some advice to help me know better how to get someone to open up."
Danny blushed.
"Faith didn't talk at first, either." D gripped Danny's shoulder. "It was Xander who really helped her. Also her bond with Beau and her sudden passion for medicine. I think having a goal helped give her something to focus on. She clung to Beau and learned everything he could teach her. That's why I really want to push you to follow your dreams, Danny. Find what you love and go for it."
"I am. I'm going to go to school to be a chef as soon as this stuff with Larry calms down." Danny took a deep breath. "I just don't know when that will be."
"Just don't forget us once you have your own restaurant." Jessica nudged him.
"I'll always be happy to cook for you guys. Jess can do the baking and I'll do the cooking." He wrapped his arm around her. "You were the one who inspired me. I owe you."
She kissed his cheek.
"Well guys, I need to head out," Gary said. "I have a client at seven in the morning tomorrow." He turned to Jeremy. "Let me know when you want me to start seeing your team and I'll add them to my schedule."
"Our team," Jeremy said. "You're now part of us. This means, if you need someone to talk to, you're stuck with me. Or I guess you could call Katie in California and talk to a real therapist."
"As I said, I'm looking forward to that call, even if it's not for her to get into my head. Just let me know when I can set you guys up and I'll work it out. If you need anything before that, call me. I'm able to take emergency sessions if needed." Gary turned to Danny. "I'll see you on Tuesday."
Danny nodded.
Jeremy and D walked Gary out, and Danny turned to start picking up dishes that were scattered around. Adding Gary to the team seemed right and he was glad they'd chosen him. He wasn't sure how long he'd need to see Gary on a professional level, but he liked they'd stay friends even after.
"I'm going to head out." Rani smiled. "Thanks for a great dinner and good company."
Marshall hugged Rani. "You know you're welcome over here any time."
Danny nodded. "I agree. I've either cooked or have leftovers, so there's always food. If you have time, drop by. Make sure you take the leftovers with you tonight. Let the team enjoy them tomorrow."
"You two are the best. I'll bag stuff up." Rani waved as he walked out.
It took only ten more minutes before everyone else left and the two of them were finally alone.
"Leave the mess until morning. We can pick it up then." Marshall took Danny's hand. "I'm tired and lazy."
Danny sat down on the couch beside Marshall. "I owe you. If it wasn't for you, I don't know where my life would be. You've taken me in, shown me love, introduced me to your friends, and given me a life I probably would never have if you hadn't been the one to save me."
Marshall shook his head. "You saved yourself. I was just the first person you saw. I'm glad I was. My life was empty before you. I'd sit here at night, thinking about my past, dreading my future. I focused on work and nothing else. You've changed all of that. You've made me look forward to the future. Our future."
Danny leaned in and kissed him. With Larry caught, he was starting to do the same thing. He was looking forward, focusing on his dreams and desires. He was trying to forget the past, the pain, the fear, and see that the world wasn't a dark and scary place where he always had to be on guard. Marshall would always be his safe place when the darkness moved in, but he was finally able to look ahead and see where life might take him. A year ago, he figured he'd die in Larry's house, now he looked forward to many years of freedom and learning to live.
As he relaxed in Marshall's arms, he smiled. All he had to do was get through the court cases and his life would be near perfect.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Tears rolled down Danny's cheeks, but he ignored them. It was finally over. He'd given his victim statement earlier in the day, and now, he watched as Larry was led out of the courtroom to spend the rest of his life in prison.
