Chapter 6Rocky Mountains, CO 123 hours missing
"Martin!" Danny yelled again, as he looked wildly around. He slowly made his way down to the last place he saw Martin. Finding himself slipping, he quickly secured a rope to the rock and then to himself. He again slowly made his way down to the ledge. "Martin!" he yelled desperately. This couldn't be happening - not again. Clenching his jaw, he closed his eyes tightly as childhood memories danced in front of his vision. He shook his head, he had to keep it together, and he had to rescue Martin. He wasn't going to abandon him like he did with his mother. He took a deep shaky breath as he forced himself to concentrate on the task in hand. But it was so hard when all he could think about was his mother falling to her death. Angrily, he wiped away the tears that started to fall. Martin couldn't die like his mother did. He had abandoned his mom and let her fall to her death - but he wasn't going to abandon Martin.
"Martin!" Danny yelled as he crawled towards the ledge. Carefully, he peered over the ledge and felt his heart skip a beat when he saw Martin lying motionless a few feet down. "Martin!" he yelled again.
Martin stirred as he thought he heard a voice calling him. He shifted as he tried to see where the source of the voice was coming from, but cried out as pain shot through his leg.
"Martin, are you okay?" Danny yelled in concern as he watched Martin move in obvious pain.
"Danny?" Martin tried as he rolled onto his side.
"That's right, man," Danny called out. "Are you okay?"
"U-mm," Martin said as he shifted again. He moved his leg and almost cried out when pain shot through it. "I think I may have broken my leg."
"Shit," Danny swore quietly. Raking his hands through his hair, he tried to figure out what he was going to do. He wasn't use to all of this outdoors mountain shit. Looking around, he spied a rope a couple feet from his position and quickly secured it to the rock.
"I am going to pass you down a rope. Tie it around yourself, and I will pull you up."
Martin watched as a rope was thrown down to him, he grabbed it and quickly tied around himself. He tried to move into a move comfortable position but it was near impossible with the pain that radiated through his leg. "Danny," he called up, trying to hide the pain from his voice. "Are you okay?"
Danny frowned - why was Martin asking if he was okay, when he was the one with the broken leg? "I'm fine. Don't worry. I will get you out of there in a few minutes," Danny reassured. He closed his eyes - why were the flashbacks happening now of all times. He hadn't had a nightmare of his mother's death in years. Why now - when Martin's life was depending on him? Taking a breath, he forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand - saving Martin's life. Leaning back, he started pull. At first, he didn't think he was making any progress but as the rope began to move in his hands he felt as though he was making progress.
"Danny, I am just below the ledge," Martin yelled out as he made the slow but steady progress to the ledge.
Danny took a breath and quickly secured the rope around the rock and carefully made his way down to the ledge. "Martin," he yelled in relief as he saw his friend alive. He took Martin's arm and pulled over the ledge. Pausing briefly, he took a deep breath before he started to pull Martin up the mountain - away from the ledge. He closed his eyes as his lungs, ribs and hands began to protest.
"Danny, you can stop now," Martin called out. He frowned with concern when Danny didn't stop. "Danny…it's safe now, we are far enough away from the ledge."
"No, Martin, we have to keep going. We can't be anywhere near that ledge. I am so sorry, Martin, I am so sorry. I am so sorry, Mom," Danny rambled as he pushed his fever-ridden body farther up the mountain.
Martin frowned; he could've sworn that Danny had said Mom. He was beginning to think there was a lot more to this than him slipping off the ledge. He grabbed the rope and yanked it - causing Danny to fall. "Danny, look!" Martin exclaimed. "Danny, we are safe. Under this snow is solid rock - Danny, look the ledge is all the way down there!"
"I'm so sorry Martin, I'm so sorry," Danny said as he continued to ramble. "You've broken your leg and its all my fault and I'm so sorry Martin. I never should've abandoned you. Its all my fault."
"What are talking about? It's not your fault. You didn't abandon me - you saved my life," Martin started. He looked at Danny's pale face and almost glazed eyes, and found himself beginning to panic. What if Danny was going into some form of shock? He knew Danny's parents had died when he was kid, so maybe him slipping off the cliff had triggered a delayed post-traumatic stress attack?
"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," Danny continued to ramble as he held his head in his hands. He closed his eyes tightly as he fought the visions of his mother falling to her death. "I should've never abandoned you, I'm so sorry."
Martin grabbed Danny's shoulders and shook him slightly, as he continued to get no response. "Danny, I am fine. You did not abandoned me - you saved my life," Martin stated clearly. "What's up, man?"
Danny blinked and stared at Martin as if he hadn't been aware that Martin had been there the whole time. "Nothing," he quickly stated and looked down - feeling embarrassed.
"Oh come on. Something is up. You can tell me. I won't judge you," Martin reassured. "Maybe I can help."
"You can't help," Danny almost yelled as he quickly stood up and turned away.
"You don't know, unless you try," Martin stated. He hissed in pain as his leg reminded him the reason he was probably having this conversation.
"You can't help because she is dead!" Danny exclaimed. He angrily wiped the tears that started to fall. Spinning around, he stared at Martin - why was he doing this? He didn't understand why he was reacting like this - Martin was only trying to help. When he was the one that should be helping Martin.
"Who died Danny?" Martin asked gently.
"My mom," Danny said quietly as looked away from Martin.
Flashback
An eleven-year-old Danny sat in the back of the car playing with his baseball glove, as he tried to ignore his parents' argument. But it was so difficult - why did he always have to yell and hit her? His mom never did anything wrong in his eyes. But she obviously did in Papi's eyes - then everyone did something wrong in his Papi's eyes.
"Why do have to yell at her?" Danny asked - not able to contain it any longer.
"What did you say you ungrateful little brat?" Marco Alvarez yelled.
Danny closed his eyes briefly as the unmistakable smell of rum and whiskey invaded his senses. "I-I said, I-I said why d-do have t-to yell at her," Danny stammered feeling very brave all of a sudden.
"Oh you think you are so brave. You think you can tell me what to do?" Marco yelled as he raised a fist and thumped Danny on the shoulder. "Well I tell you what you ungrateful little brat - I think me and you will be have a little `discussion' when we get home."
"Marco!" Daniela Alvarez yelled in fright at truck that was come straight at them.
Marco yanked the steering wheel to the right, barely missing the truck. But his reactions had been drowned in the copious amounts of alcohol he had consumed through out the day. The car went into an uncontrollable spin - if Marco hadn't been drinking then he may have able to recover it. But he couldn't and the car continued spin out of control towards the cliff edge. It slammed into to a tree and all was suddenly silent.
Slowly opening his eyes, Danny surveyed the wreckage. There was a tree branch sticking through the windshield on his father's side - he couldn't see his mother. He opened the door, and was so just around to step out when something stopped him. He looked out and promptly emptied the contents of his stomach on to the floor when all he could see was blue Miami sky - car was hanging over the edge of a cliff. It had to be about 200ft drop.
"You little brat, you are going to pay for that," Marco slurred as he turned around to face Danny.
"I-I I-I," Danny stammered and looked down. He was trapped in here with his father.
"Look what you have done," Marco slurred. "This is all your fault."
"I-I I-I'm s-so s-sorry," Danny stammered. He looked up again to find his father was staring at him with glazed eyes - his father had died right in front of him and it was all his fault. He slowly and carefully began to make his way to the other door. All the time the car continued to creek and shifted slightly.
"Danny," a weak voice called out.
Danny spun around to see his mother covered in blood and trapped, on the cliff side of the car. "Mom," Danny exclaimed quietly. "Mom, I- I'm so sorry."
"Danny, this is not your fault," Daniela said weakly. "I love you Danny-boy, that's why I named you after me."
"Mami, I am going to get you out of here," Danny started.
"Danny, I want you to get out of the car and get help," Daniela instructed weakly.
"No. I am not leaving you," Danny exclaimed.
"Danny, I am trapped. I need you to get help," Daniela exclaimed. "Go Danny I am so proud of you, but I just need you do this one thing for me."
"But Mom," Danny started. He looked into his mother's eyes and knew he had to get help. But he didn't want to abandon her. He didn't want to leave her alone with the body of her abusive husband. He closed his eyes tightly as tears stung his eyes. He looked from his mother to the door and very slowly edged his way towards it. As his feet met firm ground, he turned around and looked into his mother's eyes. "I won't be long, I promise."
"I know you won't because you are my Danny and I am so proud of you," Daniela said with a smile. It wasn't as though she didn't love Raffi, but Danny was her little boy and there was nothing that she wouldn't do for him. She felt the car rock again and closed her eyes. "Go Danny," she called out - knowing the car was about to fall. She knew Danny would achieve so much in his life and she didn't want him to die with her and that bastard of her husband.
Danny reluctantly started to back away. "I will be right back. I promise," he said as he turned and started to walk towards the road. But sound of creaking and scraping metal caused him to spin around. He watched in horror as the car started to slide off the edge. "Mami!" he screamed as he ran towards the car. He locked eyes with his mom and felt his knees buckle as he watched the car fall. Collapsing to the ground, he broke down. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," he cried as he rocked back and forth.
End of flashback
"Oh Danny," Martin exclaimed - not knowing what else to say.
"You see Martin, it is all my fault," Danny said in between tears. "It's my fault that my parents died, it's my fault Raffi died, it's my fault the plane crashed and it's my fault you fell off the ledge."
"Danny, listen to me!" Martin said slightly firmly. "None of it is your fault Danny. I hate to speak ill of the dead but - Raffi made his choices. It was my fault that I fell off that ledge - I shouldn't have been walking so close. We both decided to take the FBI plane, but we didn't crash it."
"What about my parents?" Danny exclaimed, as he hung his head - tears falling freely down his face. "My father blamed me and I abandoned my mom. I fucking abandoned her!"
"Danny, your father was driving! There was nothing you could've done - you were just a kid, Danny. You didn't abandon your mom. She was trapped and you went to get help. You were trying to save her Danny! Its not your fault," Martin reassured.
Danny wiped away the tears that had been falling and tried to take a couple of calming breaths. "I'm sorry, Martin. I am going to pieces while you have broken your leg," Danny said in a shaky lost voice. "Are you okay, man?"
"It's okay, don't worry about it okay?" Martin reassured. "I am not fine, but it's going to be okay and we are going to get out of here. I'll just strap my leg up and continue walking."
"No. No way," Danny exclaimed. "There is no way I am going to let walk on that leg. I will carry you or-"
"No, Danny, you are not going to carry me. For one, you will just sink into the snow and it will make it near impossible to walk. I think what's best if you log my position into the GPS and go for help." Martin could have slapped himself as soon as the words came out of his mouth.
"No Martin I can't… I won't leave you here. I abandoned Raffi and he died. I abandoned my mom and she died, I am not going to leave you here to die!" Danny rambled. He looked wildly around for some means of transporting Martin. "We'll try converting the sled thing we have been using to transport the food. I will pull you - but I am not going to leave you here."
"Okay, Okay," Martin said soothingly. He really didn't want to put any extra strain on Danny put it didn't look like he had a choice - but he had no idea how much longer Danny could go on for.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
26 Federal Plaza Same Time
Jack stared at his computer with glazed eyes. After he had yelled at George, he had forced himself to calm down and try persuaded him to start search again - but to no avail. Did they really think that Danny and Martin were dead? He closed his eyes and raked his hands through his hair. He had to tell Viv and Sam that the search had been called off and when it resumed it would be a recovery mission. He bit his lip as his eyes fell on a photo of the last Christmas party - before Martin had joined. He just couldn't get it into his head that he may never see Danny and Martin again. It would kill them if they lost the boys, especially Danny. It was not because they disliked Martin just they had known Danny for much longer. He took a breath this couldn't wait any longer; he had to tell the team - or what was left of his team.
"Viv, Sam can you come here a minute," Jack said in a tired voice, as he stepped into the bullpen.
The two women looked up, observing their boss's downcast expression and felt a chill down their spines. "Jack?" Viv questioned, as she closed the door behind them.
"I've just been speaking to George Thompson of the FAA - he's been coordinating the search. Well anyway, u-mm, he said…" Jack trailed off not knowing what else to say.
"He's called off the search, hasn't he?" Sam asked quietly.
"Yes."
"How can he?" Viv exclaimed. "That bastard doesn't know them like we do, I know the boys are still alive."
"What did Victor say? Please don't say he agreed," Sam added.
"Whoa, whoa," Jack said as he held his hands up in mock surrender. "As I said, the search has been called off. The search teams and Victor may have given up, but I haven't. I am going to get the boys back - I know they are alive somewhere out there."
"What are we going to do?" Viv asked. "I mean, the search has been called off."
"Well every now and again you have to max your credit cards," Jack said with a slight smile as he pulled out his wallet. "I am flying out to Denver in a few hours, where I am going to rent a chopper, find the boys and bring them home."
"There's not much on this one," Sam said as she handed her credit card over. "But use it - I will sell my car if have to. I just want them back."
"I've got credit cards, a car I will milk everything just so we can get enough money to search for them," Viv added. She held her head in her hands. "Jack it's been five days - honestly what do you think the chances are that they are still alive?"
"I don't know. I really don't," Jack sighed. "But all I can say if anyone would still be alive it would be Danny and Martin." He looked down at his watch. "Look, I have to go."
"Well I guess I should head home, if I want to catch the flight as well," Sam said as she stood up and walk towards the door.
"No, Sam you and Viv have to stay here and hold the fort. I need you here to relay any information about the boys," Jack cut in. He looked at both of their grim expressions and added. "I will bring the boys home, I just I-I just need you two here."
"That's a good idea," Viv agreed. "But we will drive you to the airport."
Jack smiled softly. "Thanks," he said. "Look I have to go by my apartment and pick up a couple things before I head to the airport."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rocky Mountains, CO 125 hours missing
Martin felt guilt weighting heavily on his shoulders as he watched Danny struggling. He didn't want to Danny to burden with his life but he didn't have a choice. He briefly closed his eyes - watching Danny struggling reminded him of his twin sister. Danny and Jessica would've got on so well, he thought sadly.
"Hey Danny, why don't we take a break?" Martin called out.
Danny collapsed onto his knees and gasped for air. "No Martin we have too go farther so we can make it to that place before nightfall," Danny gasped as he picked himself up again and tried to carry on.
"Danny, you need to rest. It doesn't matter if we don't make it to that place before nightfall. It was only a plan to begin with and it was made before I screwed up," Martin exclaimed. "Danny you can take five minutes - you need to take five minutes."
Danny sighed and staggered towards Martin. He collapsed next to him and held his head in hands. "Martin this is screwed up," Danny whispered. "This is so screwed; I mean we shouldn't be here. We should be in the office, probably being yelled at by Jack."
"I know Danny, but we will be soon," Martin started. He looked at Danny's confused expression and added. "We will be sitting in the office being yelled at by Jack, but you have just take it easy - okay?"
"Take it easy?" Danny exclaimed. "How the hell can I take it easy when we are the stuck in the middle of nowhere?" He tried to take a breath but found he could only cough - deep painful coughs.
"Its okay man, just take it easy. Just breathe, just breathe okay," Martin coached. He closed his eyes - all he could think about was his twin sister dying of leukaemia. He knew Danny didn't have leukaemia, but all he think about was his sister taking her final breaths.
"You okay, man," Danny asked - still slight breathless from the coughing fit.
"Yeah I'm fine thanks," Martin replied in a lost voice.
"Are sure, you seem a little lost - it's not your leg?" Danny asked - concern evident in his voice.
"No, I mean my leg hurts, but its not that I was just thinking," Martin said in the same lost, small voice.
"About what?"
"My sister," Martin replied.
"You have a sister?" Danny asked with a slight frown.
"She was my twin sister, but she died from leukaemia when I was nine," Martin explained sadly.
Flashback
Martin sat on the hard hospital chairs and held his head in his hands. They thought that he didn't understand what was happening to his sister - but he did. He knew his sister was dying, he had seen it in the doctors' eyes. He had seen in his parent's eyes. But they had to be wrong - Jessica was the strong one. Jessica was born first and had weighed two more pounds at birth. She was their parent's favourite and there was nothing he could do to change that and he doubted that would ever change. He looked up and watched the doctors' leave Jessica's room. He quickly scanned the corridor for signs of his parents as they never let him see Jessica - they thought he couldn't cope with see her like that. But all he wanted to do was see her and talk to her.
"Hey Jess," Martin said as he walked to her room. He forced a smile and bit back the tears that threatened.
"Martin," Jessica said weakly. "I haven't seen you in a while."
"I know, I'm sorry Jess - but mom and dad wouldn't let me," Martin said quietly as he gently held her hand. "But I am here now."
"So what have you been doing?" Jess said as she coughed weakly.
"Nothing much - well you know school and stuff," Martin replied quietly
"How's school?" Jess asked weakly as she smiled at her twin.
"Its okay - not the same without you," Martin said. "But you will see for yourself, you will back before you know it."
"No I won't, and you know it," Jess replied.
"Yes you will, you will," Martin said almost pleading. He briefly closed his eyes - why was this happening to Jess. Why couldn't it have happened to him? Jess had been so full of life - this was so unfair.
"No I won't, Martin," Jess said sadly
"Jess what are you talking about? Jess you're going to be fine," Martin said - nearly rambling.
"No I am not Martin, they don't say but I know," Jess replied. She weakly coughed again, and closed her eyes.
Martin felt himself begin to panic. Jess seemed to be getting paler by the second - it was though her life was leaving her right in front of him. "Jess, Jess are you are okay?" Martin asked in a panicked voice. "I'm going to get a doctor."
"No, don't leave me."
The voice was so quiet and weak that Martin almost didn't hear it. He turned to see Jess's eyes were barely open. He gently took her hand and squeezed it. "I'm not going anywhere," Martin said gently.
"Thanks," Jess said as she closed her eyes one final time.
"I will always be with you, I will never leave you," Martin said, as tears began to roll down his face, as he realised what was happening.
"I love you," Jess said - her voice barely more that a whisper now. She took a shallow shaky breath.
"Please don't go. Please don't leave me," Martin said in between tears. "I love you Jess."
"Goodbye Martin," Jess whispered as she took one final shallow breath.
Martin buried his head next to Jess's and broke down. He barely noticed the alarm sounding or the doctor coming in to silence it. She was gone, she had left him. He had felt like part of him was missing - he had Jess had almost telepathic connection. But that connection was broken now - forever. He closed his eyes and cried himself to sleep. End of flashback.
"I'm so sorry, Martin," Danny said quietly.
"Yeah," Martin sniffed. "She was so full of life and intelligent, I still feel as though part of me is missing."
"Man that must be tough," Danny said as he stifled back a cough - not wanting to add to Martin's guilt or fears.
"I know my parents didn't let me visit her - but I should've gone. I left her there when she needed me. She was my goddamn twin," Martin exclaimed - not bothering to wipe the tears that were falling freely down his face.
"Martin, you did all you could. You were there when she needed you most. Because of you she didn't have to die alone - and there is a lot of honour in that," Danny said gently.
"I guess," Martin said quietly. He sighed and looked down at his hands, he hated talking about his sister's last moments of her life and he hadn't talked to about it to anyone for ages. In fact, he couldn't remember talking about it to anyone before and he couldn't believe he had just told Danny. "So you wanna grab a bite to eat?" Martin said quickly
Danny produced a small smile. "Sure. What shall we have from the wonderful selection of food?" he said - letting Martin change the subject.
"Well we have energy bars, crackers, airline food and energy bars," Martin reeled off with a small smile - glad that Danny allowed him to change the subject.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Somewhere above the Rocky Mountains, CO 127 hours missing
Jack pressed his head against the cool glass and stared out on to the beak landscape below. All he could see was snow for miles on end occasionally broken up by the odd rocky outcrop. Viv was right - could the boys be still alive in this beak landscape after five days? He closed his eyes - this was so screwed up. He thought would feel better once he knew what had happened to the boys - but he felt worse. He had no idea where they were and he had no idea if they were alive or not.
"You want something from the drinks trolley?" a voice asked
Jack turned around, what he really needed was a small whiskey to calm his nerves, but he needed to be alert. "Coffee please," he said. "Thanks," he added once the flight attendant handed him a mug of steaming black coffee.
"Going anywhere nice?" the flight attendant asked.
"U-mm, I hope so," Jack replied tiredly. He looked down and stared into his coffee - his thoughts were as black as his coffee. It had been 5 days - the likelihood of the boys being still alive was slim to none.
Chapter 7
Rocky Mountains, CO 130 hours missing
Closing his eyes, Danny forced himself to put one foot in front of the other. The mountain seemed endless. His cough seemed to be constantly with him now, it was as though he couldn't go more that a few feet without coughing. He was also in constant pain now. Every time he breathed—it hurt. Between this, and the headache that had developed, there were tears in his eyes. He just wanted this to end. He wanted to curl up and sleep – but he knew he couldn't. He had to keep on going - that was the only thing playing on his mind. He had to keep on going.
"Danny, let's take a break," Martin called out. It was almost unbearable to watch Danny continuing to struggle. But it was his fault Danny was suffering. If he hadn't walked that close to the ledge, then they wouldn't be in this situation. At least he could share the burden with Danny. "Man, let's take a break," Martin called out again, when Danny didn't respond.
"No, we have to keep on going," Danny said in a slightly distant tone as he continued to push his fever-ridden body.
"No, you- we need to take a break and grab something to eat from our wonderful selection," Martin replied, as he eyed his friend's struggling form.
"I have to keep going Martin, `cos if I don't, I don't think I will be able to get going again," Danny said in almost desperate tone. "I just can't stop, man."
"It's okay, man you need to take a break and you will be able to get going again," Martin reassured.
"No, I have to keep on going – I have to. If I don't, we will die out here!" Danny rambled. He wrapped his arms around his chest as started to cough again. Each time it felt like someone was stabbing him in the chest. He felt tears stream down his face. "We are going to die out here!"
"Danny, listen to me, we are not going to die out here," Martin reassured, his voice laced with concern. "Man, you need to take a break, you need to rest!"
"I need to keep going, Martin – I don't think I can do anything else," Danny rambled. "I have to keep going."
"No, Danny you need to rest, man. It's not going to make any difference if you take five minutes," Martin started. He looked at Danny struggling and wondered what he could do to persuade Danny to rest. "Danny, please, you know Jack would think it was a good idea."
"How would you know? Jack isn't here," Danny exclaimed.
"I know, but I know Jack is a good guy and he cares about you. Danny none of the team would like you to push yourself like you are – nor do I," Martin explained calmly. "Please Danny just stop." `Before you kill yourself' Martin silently added.
Danny collapsed to the ground and tried to catch his breath – but it was so difficult and painful. He wrapped his arms protectively around his chest and pulled his knees up. He rested his head against his knees and let a few tears escape. Now that he had stopped, he had no idea if he could get up again – but he had to. Every step felt like a mile. Every breath felt like he had been stabbed in the chest. He just wanted to wake up from this nightmare – but he knew he wouldn't. He knew he would die out here and, months later, someone would find his frozen body, on this bleak landscape. Closing his eyes, he let the tears run freely down his face. He couldn't go on. They were going to die out here and it was going to be all his fault. Before he could sink deeper in his dark thoughts, a voice pulled him out of them.
"Hey man, just take it easy," Martin said gently as he draped a blanket over Danny's shoulders.
"Martin," Danny started. He briefly looked at Martin before he stared blankly out on the bleak mountainous landscape. "U-mm look, I'm really sorry about the way I have treated you."
Martin rubbed his leg and leant back. "Its okay man, I doubt I would have welcomed you with open arms if I had been in your shoes – I guess it's a guy thing," Martin said with a smile.
Danny rubbed his hands over his weary face. "I don't know. The way I have seen some women react around each other, the way they attack each other – man, it's plain scary." He shivered slightly and pulled his coat closer to his body in a vain attempt to conserve his body heat. "I don't understand why people come to places like this out of choice."
Leaning back, he grabbed a blanket and draped it over Danny's shoulders. "Well to start off-- you aren't generally in this kind of situation. You have a pack and take a day hike around the trails – it's amazing, usually. It's really good fun if you and couple of buddies camp out for the night. You have a couple of beers, light a camp fire, cook on the fire and talk to the early hours," Martin said with a smile.
"How is that fun?" Danny exclaimed with spread a part arms – gesturing to the landscape. "Man it's freezing, I am exhausted, hungry and all I wanna do is sleep."
"You walk a bit, you're not pushing yourself unless you want to," Martin explained. He looked up at the sky and tried to gage the clouds. He needed to figure out what the weather was going to do, so he could plan the rest of the route. He turned to Danny and added. "I will have to take you for a hike when we get back."
"No offense, Martin, but if we make it out of here alive it will be a while before I head back up to the mountains," Danny replied.
"Good enough," Martin said with a smile. "But once we get back you have to come with me to my aunt Bonnie's. I love her to pieces, and they will all probably love you."
"M-Martin," Danny stammered, genuinely shocked by Martin's gesture. "I would love to, but it will be a while before Jack and the rest of the team let us out of their sights."
"You think?" Martin asked
"I don't think, I know," Danny said confidently. He found himself grinning as he thought of the group of people that had become the closest thing he had to a family in a very long time. For the first time in his life since Raffi died, he felt as though someone actually gave a damn. "Nah Fitzy – Jack, Sam and Viv are good people and they really care."
"I know," Martin started in a slightly distant tone. "Can you remember my first day?"
"Yeah!" Danny said with raised eyebrows. He took a breath and shrugged away his judgemental attitude. "I remember, but it's always tough on your first day."
"Well after I left you, well as you know I went down to Bart's place – where I screwed up," Martin sighed as he thought back to his first day.
Martin groaned as he slowly and reluctantly returned to the world of consciousness. He quickly closed his eyes as painfully bright light stabbed his eyes. What the hell had happened? Why was he lying on the floor with a splitting headache? Then it hit him, he groaned again as he was met with hundreds of flashbacks. He had really screwed up and it was his first day. He felt a hand on his shoulder and groaned again."Martin, Martin," Jack said his voice laced with concern.
"J-Jack," Martin tried as he tried to sit up, but found a set of hands stopping him.
"Easy Martin, easy just stay down, okay. I am going to get some medics to check you over, okay?" Jack said gently
Martin allowed himself to relax slightly. He closed his eyes again, allowing himself to slip in the sanctuary of the darkness. He couldn't believe he had completely screwed up on his first day. Why did he have to be all gung ho - running in there to try and save the damsel in distress. He tried to sit up again but found the same set of hands stopping him. "Jack, Maggie. Is Maggie all right?" he asked desperately
"Maggie is fine," Jack said quickly as he fought the urge to add – no thanks to you. But Martin didn't need that right now. "I don't want you to worry about that right now, okay, Martin?"
"Look Jack I am really sorry, I screwed up and could've got Maggie killed, I am so sorry," Martin said in a lost tone as he struggled to sit up again.
"Okay it wasn't the best of things to do, but it's in the past and Maggie is okay. So don't worry about it," Jack reassured. He quickly scanned the room – waiting for the medics to arrive. He could barely contain his frustration with Martin. He couldn't believe that he had been so gung ho and nearly got Maggie killed. But right now he was more concerned about Martin's well being.
Martin nodded weakly. He couldn't believe Jack was so concerned. But it was probably because he didn't want to be an agent down or because he feared the wrath of his father. What was he thinking that someone actually cared about him, but it had been nice for those few moments that someone did care about him? He slowly sat up and felt the world spin violently – causing him to nearly fall. But Jack was there in a second.
"Damn-it Martin, I told you to stay down," Jack said in a suitable guff voice. He looked and nodded as the medics came in. He stood back a little and let them treat Martin, shooting an intimating glare every now and again.
"It sounds really stupid now, but I dunno. I think I was probably imagining it," Martin stuttered, as he looked around. How could he possible think that they cared? The team were only co-workers, why would they care? When he had worked in Seattle his co-workers hadn't really cared – apart from who his father was. Martin sighed and raked his hands through his hair. He guessed that he was one of those people that no one really gave a shit about as long as his father was happy. Maybe they would show `concern' but that was only because they thought that they should. "Man, they do care," Danny said genuinely. "I promise you man, they really do care," Danny reassured. "Jack's the kind of boss that gives us hell, but would kill someone that attacks one of us. He can get very scary and overprotective." Danny added with a smile.
"So you think he's biting off heads to find us," Martin said in a small voice as he stared at the ground. He couldn't imagine his father doing that. As long as he didn't embarrass him, his father didn't care. He guessed his father had showed concern to begin with because it looked good – he didn't wanted to appear completely cold and inhuman.
"Yeah, he's probably growled at several officials. It wouldn't surprise me if he has slammed a couple against walls – demanding information. I don't know what you think about Jack, but for me, he's the best boss I have ever had and he's one the first people in my life that actually gave a damn about me."
"So if you had offers to join other units of the FBI or take another career you would turn them down?" Martin asked, as he watched Danny struggle to pull himself to his feet.
"P-Probably," Danny panted breathless as he putted himself to his feet and looked around. "I guess it's the security. For the first time in my life, I feel happy and relaxed and safe. And that's because of the team."
Martin smiled, he wondered if he would ever feel this security that Danny was talking about. He sighed as he watched Danny preparing to start walking. "You know you should rest for a bit longer," he said quickly.
"Nope. Can't, Martin. I am getting slower and slower. And because of this, I have to hike for longer," Danny quickly explained. He massaged his temples as the latest wave of pain shot through his skull. He stumbled slightly but forced himself to start walking. Each step, each breath was like torture. He didn't want to tell Martin – that he doubted he able to go on after a few hours.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Denver, CO Same time
Jack stepped out the bus and pulled his thick coat as the icy wind bit into him. He looked up at the mountains. If he was cold down here, how the hell were boys faring – if they were alive? He took a breath and wandered into the heliport. He smiled at the young woman behind the desk, but silently sighed. The boys would have charmed her in five seconds flat, they probably would've rented the chopper for a heavily discounted price.
"Can I help you, sir?"
"U-mm yes, yes you can," Jack started with his most charming smile. "I would like to rent a helicopter."
"What is the purpose of the rental?" the receptionist asked with a smile.
"A rescue mission," Jack replied nervously. He tried another smile and pulled out his ID. He didn't want to intimidate her, but he just wanted to let her know he meant business.
"Sir, that is usually dealt by the FAA or mountain rescue," she replied slightly nervously as she stared at his ID.
"I know, but they have called it off," Jack said tiredly as he raked his hands through his dishevelled hair.
"Sir if they have called the search off then…" she trailed off, slightly afraid of how this obviously desperate man would react.
"No, you don't understand, they are still alive, my agents are still alive," Jack said desperately. He dug into his pocket with trembling fingers. His hands were shaking so much that contents of his pockets spilled out on the reception desk. "Please help me," he pleaded as he pulled out the official `missing' photographs of Danny and Martin. "Please help, I know these two are still alive."
The receptionist looked at the desperate agent sadly and her heart went out to him. "I will see what I can do," she said gently.
"Thank you, thank you so much," Jack said in a small voice as he produced a small smile. He looked around the reception area and found a threadbare chair and collapsed into it. He held his head in his hands and dug his fingernails into his scalp. He had to get a chopper, he had to find the boys and he didn't care about the cost.
"Excuse me?"
Jack looked up to see the receptionist and a tall man in his fifties. He stood up and extended his hand. "Jack Malone," he said with a smile.
"Andrew Davidson," the tall man said as he shook Jack's hand. "I hear you want to rent a chopper for a rescue mission."
"Yes, I do," Jack replied quickly. "Look I know the FAA and Mountain rescue deal with this – but they have called off the search."
"And you believe your men are still alive?" Andrew said as he looked the dishevelled FBI agent up and down. It was obvious that these two agents meant more to him than simply agents.
"My agents aren't quitters. They wouldn't simply give up. They are tough, strong and fit – I know they are still alive," Jack said passionately.
Andrew nodded slowly. "You say you are FBI?" he said as he thought things through.
"Yes, yes I am," Jack said quickly as he pulled out his ID.
"So your men were on that FBI plane," Andrew asked. "Which crashed about a week ago?"
"Yes they were on that plane," Jack replied slowly. "I know what you're thinking. How can they possibly survive five days in the mountains with the weather conditions that have been through this region? Add that to the fact that no wreckage has been found."
"No I believe you. I was in a chopper crash several years ago when we were flying over the Bering Strait. It took us two weeks to get back to civilization," Andrew explained. "With the plane, it could have been exposed to a magnetic pulse – thus messing with the navigation systems."
"So you think the plane went down in a different location?" Jack asked, his voice alive with interest.
"Yes – do you want to come back to my office and we can try and work out where your agents are?" Andrew asked as he guided Jack towards his office.
After several hours and mugs of coffee, Jack felt like he had poured over hundreds of maps. He felt like he had gotten no closer – but Andrew seemed excited. He was buzzing around, pulling out more maps and doing more calculations. Leaning forward, Jack frowned as he looked at the calculations – not understanding a single number. "Andrew do you any idea where my agents are?" he asked
"I have an idea, but I will explain when we are in the air," Andrew said as he started to stride towards the helipad. "I have rung a couple of my friends, who are medics and mountaineers - I thought we might be needing them."
Jack jogged to catch up with Andrew's long strides. "Why are you doing this?" he asked.
"Because you seem like a nice guy and the mountains can be an inhospitable place – so if you can help you do," Andrew explained as he started to check the helicopter. He nodded as three of his friends jogged over to the chopper. "Okay, let's go," he shouted and started up the engine an soon as his friends had stepped aboard.
"So what are your calculations based on?" Jack asked as the helicopter flew over the mountains. He looked around him and found a smile as he looked at Andrew's friends. He couldn't believe his luck. Most people would've given him a sympathetic smile and sent him on his way – but Andrew. Andrew believed Danny and Martin were still alive. He just hoped his luck held.
"The calculations are based on the normal flight path, air traffic control, the plane's `GPS location' and data from what happens to navigation systems when they have been exposed to a magnetic force," Andrew reeled off. "Jack why don't you sit up front with me and you can get a better view."
Jack slowly and carefully made his way to the front of the chopper and sat down next to Andrew. "So based on these calculations you think the plane went down in this area – 200 miles from the GPS reading?" he asked.
"Yes, I do," Andrew said as he turned Jack. "There is a good chance your men are still alive. It's just everyone has been looking in the wrong place."
"Why do you think the plane was exposed to a magnetic field?" Jack asked as he tried to understand the situation.
"It makes sense. Even if the plane crashed at full speed and blew up on impact there would be some evidence. A plane doesn't simply crash and leave no evidence these days," Andrew explained gently.
Jack raked his hands through his hair and closed his eyes. "But I read about plane crashes in this region where the plane wasn't found for months, if at all," he said in a slightly panicked tone.
Andrew sighed, he guessed that everyone got this now. The person `googled' the information pulled up one website, usually in a panic and didn't think about the facts. "Jack did you look at the dates?" he asked gently.
"U-mm, I can't remember," Jack stammered as he looked at the wild expanse of bleak landscape.
"I am guessing you googled `plane crashes in the Rocky mountains.' And yes there was wreckage that wasn't found of months on end but that was in the 1940s and 1950s. The rescue techniques are completely different now. We have GPS, we have IMINT which can be used for rescue, we have thermal and infer-red cameras and search planes. Today a plane can simply not disappear – someone is watching," Andrew reassured. He checked his GPS and looked out the window. "Okay we are approaching the region where I think the plane went down.
Jack stared out of the window – forcing himself not to blink, he didn't want to miss a thing. If Danny and Martin were out there, he was going to find them. After an hour, Jack looked across at Andrew he knew that he would have to refuel sometime – he just hoped it wasn't soon. He heard someone yell from behind and spun around.
"Check your four o' clock. We have a possible sighting," James yelled.
Jack stared down and felt his heart skip a beat as he was a snow covered object. He grabbed his seat tightly as the chopper banked hard towards the wreckage.
"Can you see any possible landing sites?" Andrew yelled
"Not at the moment but be careful this area is a serious avalanche risk. It has already had some by the look of things," James yelled back.
Jack's body tensed up as he stared down at the object. He could swear it was a plane, but maybe that was because he was hoping it was a plane. But avalanches – the boys may have survived a plane crash but could they survive an avalanche?
"I can see a possible landing site, its on seven o'clock. Do you have it?" James yelled.
"Got it," Andrew yelled as he banked the chopper to the possible landing site. He hovered over it before gently touched down – keeping the engine running. "I'll stay here with the bird running, just in case it becomes unstable. You check it out."
Before anyone could say anything Jack had climbed to the back of the chopper and was standing by the door. "I am going with you," he said in a tone that clearly stated that there was no room for agruement.
"Okay," James said, as he gripped the door handle – preventing Jack from opening it. "But this is my turf and you will do what I say."
"Fine," Jack replied. "Can we go now?"
"Yes," James sighed. He had known from the moment he had seen Jack that he wasn't the kind of person that was going to sit in the chopper while they searched for his agents. "But you stick behind me."
"Fine," Jack replied as he followed James out of the chopper. He shivered as the icy mountain air hit him – how could the boys survive this? Martin was use to the cold, but Danny was always complaining when it got cold in New York. After what felt like hours, he reached the snowed object which on closer inspection was a plane – a gulfstream. He felt as though the air had been sucked out of his lungs as he stared at the tail. It was FBI plane and had had been in an avalanche. He collapsed to his knees as he was over come with grief – this could not be happening.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rocky Mountains, CO 132 hours missing
Danny fell to his knees as looked up the ridge. He knew he had to make it up there, but he didn't know if he could. But he had to – he had to see what was on the other side of that ridge. He held his head in his hands and tried not to break down. He was so tired and confused all we wanted to do was lie down and sleep – but something told him that he had to keep going. He didn't really understand everything was so confusing; he just wanted it to end.
"Danny, Danny," Martin called out his voice thick with concern.
"U-mm, Martin," Danny tried. He closed his eyes and curled up in the snow, it was so cool, so soothing that he just wanted to fall asleep right now.
"Danny!" Martin exclaimed as he crawled towards Danny and shook him. "Danny come on man, don't do this to me. Not now, Danny. We are nearly there, then you sleep as much as you want. But you can't sleep now."
Danny groaned and tried to shake off the annoying set of hands. Why were they doing this to him? Didn't they understand that he just wanted to sleep? He was so tired and the snow was so cool, he felt at peace. Why didn't they want him to be at peace?
"Danny!" Martin screamed as he shook Danny hard. "Come on man, wake up. You cannot sleep now! Please Danny wake up," he cried. He angrily wiped away the tears that began to fall – he was so scared. This couldn't be happening. Not now when they had gone so far. He wasn't going to let Danny die out here. But what could he do?
Danny slowly rolled over and cracked an eye open. Why was the light so bright? What was happening? "Martin," he tried again.
"Yes Danny that's right man. Come on. Let's get you sitting up," Martin said gently as he pulled Danny into a sitting position.
Danny groaned and coughed hard as he sat up. He closed his eyes tightly as the world began to spin. What was happening to him? He took a painful breath and tried to hold back the tears. It wasn't so much tears of emotion but tears of pain. It felt like he couldn't do anything that didn't cause pain.
"You okay, man?" Martin asked his voice thick with concern.
"Yeah," Danny said slowly as if he had to think about the question. "Yeah, I'm okay." He closed his eyes again and massaged his temples. The ridge, he suddenly thought. He had to get to the ridge. He forced himself to stand and swayed as he did.
"Sit down before you fall down," Martin said firmly.
Danny dodged Martin and looked up at the ridge. It couldn't be that far. If he walked up there himself, he could check it out and then he would know if there was any point of dragging Martin up there. He started to walk up towards the ridge.
"Danny, Danny what are you doing?" Martin called out concern and fear evident in his voice
"I am going to check out the ridge I need to find out what's on the other side," Danny said in a distant tone.
"No Danny you can't," Martin started, as he tried to think of away to stop Danny from walking.
"I have to Martin, if I walk up there by myself I will save energy and see if there is any point to walking up there," Danny said in the same distant and now completely despondent tone.
Martin opened his mouth to protest but he knew it made sense. He just didn't want Danny to walk up there alone in his current state. If Danny wasn't back in an hour he would go after him, Martin decided. He pulled out one of the GPS units and programmed it with his location, handing it to Danny. "Man here is the GPS unit, I have programmed it with my location," Martin said cautiously. "Danny if you are not back in an hour I am coming after you."
"Okay," Danny said slowly. He looked up again and produced a small smile. "See you in a bit, man," he said as he started to make his way slowly up to the ridge.
"Good luck," Martin called out, he closed his eyes – he just hoped Danny would return in one piece.
Danny slowly made it up the mountainside – trying not to take deep breaths. He briefly closed his eyes and pinched his nose. He forced himself forward, he had to. But if this happened to earlier – before he was on the team, he didn't know if he would carry on. When he had a joined the team, he hadn't felt like he belonged somewhere. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was home. He loved working with the team; he closed his eyes as he thought back to the first time he realised that they cared about him.
Leaning against the car, Danny clutched his ribs. They had just arrested a suspect, and he had taken a pretty hard knock. He felt the world tilt violently. He closed his eyes and held the on to the car as if was the only thing holding upright. He vaguely watched people walk around the crime scene. He felt cold sweat run down his back and took a breath. He heard a voice and knew he should respond. It was his boss. He knew Jack was probably mad at him. He should be in that apartment – helping to process the evidence. He should be debating theories with the team. But he could move from the car, because if he did he didn't think that he would remain upright."Danny," Jack called out again as he walked towards his agent. There was something off about Danny - the way he was standing, the colour or lack of colour in his face and his shallow breathing. "Danny, are you alright?"
Danny frowned with confusion as he tried to process the question. He didn't understand what Jack was asking him – but he knew he should answer the question – whatever that meant. "U-mm," he stammered, as he looked at a blurry image of his boss. He could swear Jack was angry. Of course Jack was angry, everyone in his life had been angry with him and why would Jack be any different?
Jack quickly approached Danny and put his hand on his shoulder. He could feel the slight tremors running through his body. He gently eased Danny to the ground and yelled for the paramedics. "Danny are you alright?" Jack asked again his voice laced with concern. He frowned when Danny remained unresponsive.
"Jack," Danny tried
"That's right Danny, are you alright?" Jack asked again.
"U-mm yeah I'm fine," Danny said slowly, he added a smile for good measure.
"Are you sure? Because you don't look it," Jack said as he sat knelt down in front of Danny.
"I told you I am fine," Danny said as he tried to sound convincing and smiled again. But his mind was plaguing him with questions. Why was Jack asking all the questions? Everyone he had eve known was fine with his simple explanation. But not Jack. Why did he care? He was just an agent to him, that's all he was. Then why was he so concerned? Danny guessed it was because Jack would be a man down and he would have to fill out a ton of paperwork.
"That's great Danny, but I am still going to have you checked out," Jack said as he stepped back making way for the medics.
"Jack, I'm fine, I don't need to be checked out," Danny weakly protested. He hissed in pain as one of the paramedics touched his chest. He glared at them as they ripped open his shirt and started to yell medical terms at each other. "Jack I am really sorry I messed up, I will write up my report in a couple of hours."
"Danny I don't want you to worry about writing the report and you didn't mess up. You did good Danny," Jack reassured, as he squeezed Danny's shoulder. "You are part of my team now Danny. So the rest of us will write up our reports and you'll write yours later – much later."
"Look Jack I am fine, I really don't need to go to hospital. I need, I should be helping you out of this mess that I created," Danny pleaded, as he was loaded into the ambulance.
"First of all Danny you need to go the hospital – you have been stabbed. Second I was there and so was the rest of the team, so we all created that mess," Jack said. He looked around, before he jumped into ambulance next to Danny. "Danny remember, you are part of my team now and no one messes with my team."
Danny leaned against a rock and tried to catch his breath. He felt tears rolling down his face as he thought of the first time he realised that people actually gave a damn about him. For the first time in his life, it had almost been perfect and now he was probably going to die. Why was life so cruel? All he wanted from life was to be happy – was that to much to ask? He wrapped his arms around his chest and tried to carry on, but found himself stumbling. He managed to regain his footing and leant against a rock for support. He took a breath, biting back the tears as pain shot through his chest. He looked around at the white landscape, at the place that was going to become his grave. He had pushed himself for the last three days but he couldn't take it any longer. He didn't think he couldn't carry on, but he forced himself to carry on up the mountain.
He could see the top of the ridge yet it never seemed so far. He was so tired; all he wanted to do was curl up and sleep. There didn't seem any point to carry on, he was going to die here – he was already dying. He let himself collapse; he leant against a rock, before curling up. He closed his eyes; he hoped they would find Martin alive. He didn't mean to cause any pain but he was just so tired. Every moment he made, every breath he took was agony. He closed his eyes and hoped death would be painless.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Somewhere above the Rocky Mountains, CO Same time
Jack raked his hands through his hair. He didn't know what to do. He knew his agents had survived the crash and he knew they hadn't gotten caught up in the avalanche that had almost destroyed the plane. When they had searched the area they had found the pilots body in a cave with a note beside it. It had said that they were both alive and they had decided to walk out, then it detailed the route they were going to take.
He wanted to scream and shout how unfair it was. What had Danny and Martin ever done to deserve this! He stared out the window, at the snow covered landscape. He hoped that he would bring the boys home, put with each passing hour, with each passing storm, this became less and less likely.
Chapter 8
Resting his head against the window, Jack stared out over the bleak, snow covered landscape. With each passing mile, with each passing hour, he felt his hopes diminishing. How the hell could Danny and Martin still be alive? He didn't know what he would do if he found the boys dead. It would destroy the team--what was left of it. After briefly closing his eyes as the chopper flew over a ridge, he felt his heart skip a beat as he looked down. He could've sworn he saw body down there. Blinking his eyes again, he found himself yelling at Andrew to land the chopper. He looked again and forced himself to calm down. He wasn't still sure it was a human body, and it wasn't moving. Maybe it was one of the boys, but maybe he was too late. He didn't know what he would do if he was. He cursed as the chopper continued to circle, why was it taking so long? It could be one of his agents down there and they needed his help.
As the chopper began to descend, he stood by door waiting for the moment it landed or nearly landed. He was sure he had found one of his agents and he wasn't going to leave them for a moment longer. Feeling a soft thud as the chopper touched down, he yanked open the door. He sprinted down to where he believed he saw one of his agents – praying that he wasn't too late. Feeling his heart skip a beat once again, he recognised the unmoving form.
"Danny," he yelled as he knelt next to him. He bit back tears as he noticed how pale and fragile Danny looked. He hesitantly moved a trembling hand towards Danny's neck – praying that he wasn't too late. He sighed with relief when he found a pulse – but it was weak and thready. Danny was also burning up, despite the freezing temperatures. "Danny," he said as he gently shook him – hoping… waiting for a response.
"Danny, come on kid. Don't do this to me!" Jack cried when he didn't get a response. He cradled Danny's head in his arms and bit back the tears that threatened to fall. This couldn't be happening, Jack thought.
Danny groaned as he felt someone shaking him. After his violent childhood and everything else that happened to him in his life – was it too much to ask for his death to be peaceful? He just wanted to die in peace, but the voice wasn't going to go away. As he listened to it, he noticed how concerned and gentle it sounded. He tried to cracked open an eye, he tried to respond to the voice but found he started coughing again. He felt tears of pain stream down his face as he struggled to catch his breath. He didn't understand what was happening – everything seemed to be a blur of pain.
"Shh. It's okay Danny, take it easy and just breathe okay," Jack coached. He gentled rubbed Danny's back. He felt glad for the response, but he felt his heart breaking as watched tears of pain streaming down his face and his agent struggling to breathe. "It's okay, Danny. You're safe now." Jack closed his eyes as he felt his eyes brimming with tears – hadn't Danny been through enough it his life without this, he thought. Where was Martin? He interlaced his hand with Danny's and squeezed it.
Frowning, Danny recognised the voice but he couldn't put a face to it. Somewhere in his fever ridden confused mind, he connected the owner of the voice was safe – but whose was it? He wanted to know yet he was so tired. Every action seemed to drain his energy – he didn't think he could even open his eyes to see who it was. He felt himself slipping towards the darkness, too tired to fight it.
"Danny, Danny come on Danny-boy, open your eyes for me," Jack pleaded as he continued to cradle Danny's head in his arms. He shivered slightly as the icy wind whipped around him, but he didn't care. "Please Danny," he pleaded again – almost in tears.
Fire danced around him, it was so hot and he couldn't escape the terrible heat. It surrounded him and taunted him, like the nightmares of his past. He could see his father running towards him with a broken beer bottle, he watched as blood began stain his father's shirt – yet he continued to run towards him. The image of Raffi's lifeless body floated in front of his vision – his lifeless eyes boring into him. He could see his mother's blood stained body with her terrified face as she fell to her death. Now the images were joined by his father's drunken yelling and Raffi and Daniela's terrified screams. He couldn't make it stop. He tried to escape them but it was met by something slightly soft. He grabbed hold of it and buried his head against it. "Make it stop," he cried – tears streaming down his face.
Jack hugged Danny tightly as he suddenly sat up. He rubbed his back and whispered comforting words into his ear, while rocking him slightly – hoping it would chase away whatever demons that were plaguing him. He smiled slightly as he felt Danny relax slightly – but he still didn't know where Martin was. "You're safe now, Danny- boy," Jack said as he continued to reassure him.
"Make them go away, Jack," Danny pleaded desperately in a lost tone.
Jack felt his heart break as he looked at Danny's unfocused fever and fear ridden eyes, "Make who go away, Danny?" Jack asked gently.
"Them!" Danny exclaimed. "They won't leave me alone."
"Its okay, its okay Danny. I won't let them hurt you, I promise," Jack reassured as he realised Danny was probably hallucinating because of the fever. "You're safe now, I've got you."
"Jack!" Danny tried as if he was completely unaware of him before.
"Yes, Danny that's right," Jack said gently
"H-How did you get there?" Danny stammered
"I flew here, to find you and Martin," Jack explained gently
"What's happening to me?" Danny exclaimed with tears streaming down his face. "I d-don't u-understand. What's happening to me?"
Jack let Danny rest his head against his shoulder. He put a protective arm around his shoulders. "You are sick, but I am taking you to hospital and you are going to be just fine," he reassured.
Danny closed his eyes and relaxed slightly. He didn't understand what was happening – he barely knew what was real and what wasn't. But he did know Jack was here and he was real – not some hallucination and if Jack was here, then everything was going to be all right. He was safe and some how he knew Jack would take care of everything.
"Danny, where's Martin?" Jack asked gently, as he squeezed his hand supportively.
"M-Martin," Danny exclaimed as he tired to force his fevered brain into gear. He felt himself panic, he couldn't think of an answer for Jack's question – he knew he should know it.
"Its okay Danny, just take it easy," Jack reassured the panicked Danny Taylor. "Just take it easy Danny-boy. Do you know where Martin is?"
"I-I, I-I," Danny stammered in a panicked tome. He just couldn't think of an answer for Jack's simple question.
"What's this?" Jack asked gently as he pulled the GPS unit out of Danny's pocket and showed it to him.
"U-mm, u-mm," Danny stammered in the same panicked lost tone. "I-I don't, I-I don't know Jack, I don't know," he finished as sobs raked his body.
"Shh, its okay Danny its okay. Is this where Martin is?" Jack asked in a gentle soothing tone as he pointed to the GPS unit. He hated to push Danny when he was in state – but he had no choice, he had to fine out where Martin was.
"U-mm," Danny stammered as he closed his eyes. He fought the continuous nightmarish images of his father killing Raffi and his mother. He had to try and think of where Martin was. All he could think of was Martin falling off the ledge. He managed to force himself to focus on the GPS – was that were Martin was, he asked himself. He closed his eyes as another flashback across his vision. He remembered Martin handing him the GPS and telling him that he had programmed it with his location.
"Yes. Martin is here, he's got a broken leg and I've got to help him," Danny replied frantically. He tried to stand up but found a set of hands stopping him.
"Good, Danny," Jack said as he took the GPS from Danny and handed it to James. "Its okay they will get Martin."
"No you don't understand. I've got to help Martin!" Danny said in the same panicked tone as he struggled against Jack.
"Danny its over, its over," Jack reassured as he pulled him into a safe embrace. "You're safe now, we're helping Martin. You can relax now." He felt himself smile slightly as he felt Danny relax again and rest his head against his shoulder.
Shifting again, Martin looked at his watch. He wondered if he should give Danny a few more minutes, after all the ridge could be farther that he thought. He hissed in pain as white hot pain flared through his leg. He should've never have let Danny walk to the ridge in his current condition. He knew the end was looming and Danny walking up to the ridge may save their lives – but the fact of the matter was that was unlikely. It sounded selfish but he should've never let Danny walk to the ridge because he didn't want to die alone. He closed his eyes, he could've sworn he heard a helicopter, but that was just wishful thinking. He was going to die out here and probably alone. He let a few tears escape; he knew his father would be disappointed. Whatever he had done and would do in his life would never he good enough for his parents. He sighed and shifted as he thought of how he was going to make it up to the ridge. He had wandered through life – hoping to find somewhere he belonged. Only to have it ripped from underneath him once he found it. He closed his eyes and leaned back on a rock - willing the pain to go. He knew he was screwed. He knew that both him and Danny would die and there was nothing he could do about it. He was so lost in a world of pain and dark thoughts that he didn't notice the two men.
"Martin Fitzgerald, we are here to help you," a voice called out.
Martin opened his eyes and squinted in disbelief at the two approaching figures. He shook his head, he was hallucinating now – he had to be.
"Martin, my name is David Cartwright and this is Chad Becker. We were sent by your boss, Jack Malone, to find you," David said as he knelt down next to Martin.
Martin frowned and blinked again. "Jack sent you?" he asked – still not believing they were real.
"Well he was the one that rented the chopper, but your friend – the other agent was the one that told us you were here," David explained as he showed the GPS unit to Martin hoping that he would make the connection.
"D-Danny told you?" Martin stammered as he tried to make sense of things. He moved but instantly regretted it as he cried out in pain.
"Yes he did," David replied
"I-Is he okay?"
"He's pretty sick, but he's going to get medical attention, he will be fine," David reassured. "So how about we get you out of here before your boss kills me."
Martin closed his eyes, he could've cried with relief. It was finally over. He and Danny were both alive. He knew his father would be disappointed, but right now he didn't care. He was alive, Danny was alive and they were going to live to annoy Jack for another day.
Jack sighed, he had finally persuaded a feverish, delusional Danny into the helicopter. He frowned with concern as he watched Danny draw his knees up to his chest – his big fearful eyes darted around the chopper. Slowly and carefully, he moved across the chopper towards Danny and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Danny, Danny," Jack said as he tried to get a response.
The metal box was airless, Danny felt as though the metal walls were closing in on him. He wanted his terrified mother's dying screams to stop; he wanted the images of his murdering father to stop. M- Martin was dead and it was all his fault. He dropped his head to his knees and draped his arms over his head. He felt sobs begin to rack his body. It was all his fault. Martin was dead and it was all his fault.
"Danny!" Jack tried again, his concern rising by the second. What demons were chasing Danny, he thought, as he slightly shook Danny. "Its okay, Danny. You're safe now."
"I promise I never wanted you to die," Danny mumbled. "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," Danny continued to mumble as he rocked back and fore. Tears streamed down his face as he thought all of the people that had died because of him. His flashed between his father yelling at him, to Jack yelling at him. They both were going to kill him; he just wanted it to end. He felt someone shaking him and backed against the wall. They were going to kill him – he just hoped it was going to be quick.
"Danny, Danny its okay, I promise you," Jack said as he cautiously wrapped a protective arm around Danny's trembling shoulders. "Its okay Danny-boy, I've got you."
The images seemed to disappear as he heard that name. No one apart from the people that cared about him called him Danny-boy. Maybe he was safe, but it didn't change the fact that he killed Martin. Martin was dead because if him. He looked up and slowly opened his eyes. "Jack," he tried in a small lost voice.
"That's right," Jack replied in a soothing voice as he pulled Danny into a safe embrace.
Danny pulled away – fearing Jack's reaction when he told him about Martin. "I'm so sorry Jack, I screwed up. It's all my fault. M- Martin," he stammered with tears streaming down his face. "M- Martin, I'm so sorry."
Jack frowned slightly as he tried to make sense of Danny's feared ramblings. Then it clicked – Danny's guilt and Martin's name. Danny thought Martin was dead. "Danny, Danny, Martin's alive. You're both going to be fine," Jack soothed.
"M-Martin, Martin's alive," Danny stammered.
"Yes he is," Jack reassured.
"Then where is he?" Danny explained and tried to get out of the helicopter. "How do know he's alive?"
"Because," Jack said as he pulled Danny down again. "Because when we gave that GPS to those people. They went down to find him, once they found him they radioed up to say that they had – they are on their way up now."
"So Martin's okay?" Danny questioned
"Apart from a broken leg and being a bit cold he seems fine. You did good Danny, you really did," Jack reassured.
"B-But the pilot, we have to bring his body back. We have to make sure that his family is looked after – he has two small kids," Danny rambled in a slightly panicked tone.
"We are doing that Danny, we are bring his body home. You need to calm down, you need to relax," Jack reassured as he put an arm around Danny's shoulders. "Everything is going to be all right."
Danny looked wildly around. He closed his eyes again – he could hear voices again, he hoped they were real not come figment of his imagination. "M-Martin," he stammered as he saw a stretcher appear thought the door.
"Hey Danny," Martin said and took Danny's hand into a brotherhood grip. "How are you?"
"I'm-I'm fine," Danny stammered as he stared at Martin in disbelief, he couldn't believe Martin was alive. If Martin was alive then maybe everything was going to be okay. "How about you?"
"I'll be fine," Martin replied with a smile. "Thanks man."
"Thanks for what?" Danny asked in a confused, lost tone.
"Thanks for saving my life," Martin replied. "If it hadn't been for you, I would be dead."
"I d-doubt it," Danny stammered and looked down feeling embarrassed and confused. What was Martin talking about? He left Martin to die like he did with his mother and Raffi.
"You did," Martin insisted.
"I-I," Danny stammered. He closed his eyes as he felt the affects of exhaustion and fever take hold. He turned into Jack's embrace and rested his head on Jack's shoulders. Maybe it was over, he thought. But he was just too tired to think about it now. All he wanted to do was sleep. He wanted to tell Martin, if hadn't been for him they would gotta off this goddamn mountain ranges ages ago. That he wouldn't have a broken leg. That Jack had rescued them. That the reason they were alive was because of Jack and not him. But he was just too tired.
Jack cradled Danny's exhausted, fever-ridden body in his arms and rubbed his back. "Its okay Danny, you did good, you did real good," he reassured. "It's over Danny-boy," he whispered. He looked over Danny's head to Martin and mouthed, "You okay?"
"Yeah," Martin whispered. He closed his eyes, so this was what Danny was talking about. Jack really did care about them.
"You sure?" Jack questioned not quite believing him.
"Yes," Martin said, hoping his voice sounded more convincing his time. "Yes, I'm good Jack." He added a smile for good measure.
Jack frowned, he didn't believe Martin, but he would deal with that later. Once he knew the boys were going to be okay physically he would deal with the emotional fallout. He felt Danny become restless again as the helicopter landed and rubbed his arm. "Its okay Danny we are just landing that's all, you're safe now. Its over."
Jack continued to reassure Danny as the doctors loaded him on to a gurney, he watched Martin disappear into the hospital. He didn't want to leave either of his agents but Danny was the one that needed reassuring. He sighed and jumped out of the helicopter and quickly jogged to catch up with Danny's gurney. He took Danny's hand and squeezed it. "It's going to be all right, Danny. Both of you are going to be all right," Jack said with a reassuring smile.
Danny swallowed and nodded. He closed his eyes tightly as he was wheeled into the hospital. The harsh white lights painfully penetrated his skull. He moaned and tightened his grip on Jack's hand. In an instant, he felt a comforting hand stroking his hair and voice saying comforting words. It was Jack – he would make sure that everything was okay. He allowed himself to relax; he was safe. It was over – he could relax now.
Jack hovered, not knowing what do as the doctors started to treat Danny. He knew it was out of his hands now, but he couldn't bring himself to leave. He didn't want Danny to feel alone and scared – with his current condition that was highly likely. But he needed to know how Martin was. He sighed and slowly walked up – careful to avoid the doctors. He took Danny's hand and squeezed it. "Danny."
"Jack," Danny tried in a small, lost voice.
"That's right kiddo," Jack said soothingly as he rested his hand on Danny's head. "Are you okay?"
Danny nodded and tried to bite back the tears that were welling up. He guessed his emotions were all over the place because he was sick. He so desperately wanted to put on a strong, brave face for Jack – but he couldn't.
"I'm going to check on Martin? But I will be right back, okay Danny," Jack said gently.
Danny nodded, not knowing what to say. He produced a small smile for Jack.
Jack smiled and rubbed Danny's arm. "I'll be right back, I promise Danny. I will be right back," he reassured. He reluctantly turned – leaving Danny to find Martin. He stepped next door and quickly found Martin. Unlike Danny, Martin appeared calm and relaxed but that could have something to do with that he wasn't running a 105 degree fever. "Hey there Martin, how are you doing?" Jack asked as he squeezed Martin's shoulder.
"I'm okay, glad to be off that mountain," Martin replied. "How's Danny?"
"He's pretty sick, but he's Danny, so he's going to be just fine," Jack replied with a smile. "Now are you sure you're all right? Do you want me to phone anyone else apart from your father?"
"No, no its okay. Thanks," Martin replied quickly as he clenched his jaw and bit back the tears that threatened. "I doubt my father would care anyway."
Jack smiled sadly at Martin. "You did good, Martin. I'm really proud of both of you," he said as he gave Martin's shoulder another squeeze. But he felt his blood boil slightly as he thought of the `great Deputy Director'. How could he treat his son with such disregard?
"You should check on Danny, I'm fine," Martin said as he looked away. He didn't understand why Jack was so concerned about him – he was only an agent to him, he was replaceable. He looked away and closed his eyes tightly, biting back the tears that threaten.
"I am going to check on Danny, but I wanted to make sure you were all right as well," Jack explained.
"I'm fine," Martin replied quickly. "They are pretty sure that I won't need surgery, so that's good. In a couple of minutes they are going to take me up to x-ray," he continued in a monotone voice. "I'll be fine Jack, I think you should check on Danny – he's worse off that me."
"I know he is, but I need… I want to check that you're okay as well," Jack said, concern evident in his voice.
Martin looked away again, unable to look Jack in the eye. He didn't deserve Jack's concern or pity – Danny did though. The reason they were alive was because Danny pushed himself past the breaking point to get them to safety. He produced a small smile. "Really Jack, I'm fine. Just… everything is catching up with me, that's all."
"Okay," Jack said slowly not believing a word Martin said. "I'm to check on Danny again, but if you want anything, anything at all, get someone to get me – understand?"
Martin nodded and added, "will do Jack." He added a smile for good measure.
Jack sighed and squeezed Martin's hand before he left. Right now there was nothing he could do and besides Martin was right, Danny needed him more. Danny needed to know he was safe and he doubted the doctors could do that. Because of his past, Danny took a long time to trust people and that was going to be made worse by the fact he was running a very high fever. He sighed again and wandered next door, to be met with the scene of Danny panicking. He rushed towards him, pushing past people. He grabbed one of Danny's flailing hands and squeezed it tightly. "Danny, Danny-boy its okay, you're okay," he said as he rested his hand on Danny's cheek.
He struggled again, what was happening? Why were people stabbing needles into him? Jack had said he was safe – then why was this happening? Or maybe Jack had never been there, maybe Jack had been some hallucination. What was real? Was he eleven years old again, and he was being treated after the car crash that claimed his parents lives? He had to get the needle out of his hand; he had to get out of here.
"Danny, Danny-boy," Jack said again as he grabbed Danny's other flailing arm – preventing from yanking the IV out of his hand. "Danny-boy its Jack. You're safe now, I won't let anything happen to you but you have to calm down."
"Jack," Danny tried in a panicked, small, lost tone.
"Yeah that's right kid," Jack said. He felt his heart break as Danny stared at him with unfocused, fearful eyes. "You're okay Danny, you're in hospital, but you have to calm down – understand?"
Danny nodded and blinked back tears. He sat up despite the doctors and Jack's protests. He just wanted the images to stop – maybe Jack would help. Maybe Jack would understand.
"Its okay Danny, its okay," Jack said as he pulled Danny into a safe embrace. "Danny I'm so proud of you. I am so proud of you. You did good out there, you did real good, but you just need to relax now."
Danny nodded and relaxed into the embrace, he was too tired and confused to talk about the hallucinations that he didn't even know were hallucinations or not. But Jack was here and if Jack was here then he would make sure that everything was alright – that must he was sure of.
Jack felt Danny relax again and helped him lie down. He squeezed his hand again and gave a warm reassuring smile. He needed to know what demons where chasing Danny – but that had to wait, as they were taking Danny for more tests. "You okay now," he asked.
"Yeah," Danny whispered, feeling glad for Jack's presence.
"Good, now Danny they are going to take you for more tests but you are going to be fine. They just need to confirm some things, that's all," Jack reassured. He looked in the direction of the doctors and nodded.
"Yeah, I-I'm fine," Danny stammered but added a smile for good measure as they started to wheel him out of the treatment room. He felt his eyes begin to close and gave into the battle.
Jack gave Danny's hand one final squeeze before they took him up to x-ray. He was glad that Danny had finally fallen asleep, the poor kid was suffering from exhaustion as well as pneumonia. But it was Danny and now he was in the right hands, he would back to his normal self before he knew it. He was so wrapped up his thoughts that he didn't realise Andrew was there until he walked into him.
"Are your men going to be okay?" Andrew asked
"U-mm, yeah they going to be fine – they're tough and stubborn," Jack managed to blurted out, he added a smile for good measure.
"Well I knew that much already," Andrew replied. "Are you okay?"
"Me!" Jack exclaimed. "Yeah I'm fine, I wasn't the one stuck on that mountain range for a week."
"You sure?" Andrew questioned not quite believing him.
"Yeah, I'm fine thanks now. Now I know my agents are going to be okay, I'm just fine," Jack replied. He rested his head against the wall and blinked a couple of times before replying. "U-mm how much do I owe you?"
"Nothing," Andrew replied with a smile.
"What!?" Jack exclaimed. "Nothing?"
"Yes," Andrew replied.
"Why?" Jack exclaimed
"Because, the search for your guys should have never been called off and I was glad to help," Andrew explained
"Oh," Jack replied, his voice full of emotion. "Thank you; I really don't know how to thank you."
"There is no need, the fact that your guys are alive is good enough for me," Andrew said. "Look I have to head back, I think my parking ticket is about to run out and then they will tow my chopper," he added with a smirk.
Jack chuckled. "I guess so. Really thank you Andrew, I really mean that and so do the rest of my team, you never know you may get a personal thanks from the Deputy Director of the FBI," he said sarcastically.
"You never know. Goodbye Jack it was nice meeting you," Andrew said as he turned and headed towards the roof.
"You too," Jack said as he watched the man that saved Danny and Martin disappear into the elevator.
He pulled out his cell phone and stared at it for a while. He knew he had to contact the team and Victor Fitzgerald. The team would be easy, but the `lovely' Deputy Director on the over hand was a whole new ball game. He sighed, he would start with the easier phone call first. He punched the speed dial and waited a couple of seconds, before the phone was answered.
"Agent Johnson."
"Viv, its me."
"Jack," Viv exclaimed, causing Sam to look up from her paperwork and hurry over. "Where are you, how are you?"
"I'm at St. Anthony hospital in Denver and I'm great," Jack replied with a smile as he leant against the wall.
"H-Have, have you u-mm," Viv stammered
"Yes I have the boys," Jack said with a huge grin on his face. "And they are going to be just fine."
Viv sighed loudly in relief. "How are they?" she questioned.
"Martin has a broken leg and the doctors are pretty sure that Danny has a bad case of pneumonia, but they are running more tests just to make sure," Jack explained.
Viv couldn't help but smile. She knew it was bad but not half as bad as what they were dealing with before. "Jack, make sure they take care of the boys and make sure you take care of yourself as well."
"Will do"
Sam gestured to the phone. "Hang on Jack, Sam wants to talk to you," Viv said as she handed to the phone over to Jack.
"Jack how are they?" Sam asked
"Sam this is the boys we are talking about, they are going to be just fine."
"Okay," Sam sighed. "Look Jack u-mm, can you tell Danny that the Die Hard trilogy will be waiting for him when he gets home and that goes for Martin as well."
"Will do, Sam I've gotta go," Jack said.
"See you soon Jack, bye."
Jack hung up and stared at the device as he tried to summon the courage to contact Victor Fitzgerald. He wondered if the man would give a shit that Martin was alive. Sighing, he guessed that he would just have to find out. He punched in a couple of numbers and waited. The call went straight to voice mail, where he left an irate message. He sighed again and punched in another number and waited. This time he got through to Victor Fitzgerald's disinterested secretary, where he left another irate message. He couldn't believe Victor Fitzgerald, he had a great son, yet he treated him like dirt.
Closing his phone, Jack leaned against the wall, letting himself slide down it. It was over. It was finally over. Both of his agents were going to be okay.
Chapter 9
Leaning against the wall, Jack felt the events of the last week catch up to him. He sighed and rubbed a hand over his weary face. He couldn't believe a week had past since this nightmare had begun. Was it really over a week ago when he'd sent Danny and Martin half away cross the country to `duke' it out? He thought it would make them rely on each other, but he never intended it to be like this. He thought it would force them to work together, that when they got back they could go through a day without shooting looks as though they were about to kill each other. But they had survived in a situation Jack knew that he probably wouldn't. He smiled despite the situation, although it happened in a nightmarish way, it had still happened - the boys were now working as a team. Whether it would continue or not, he didn't know. But they were alive because they had worked as a team. What would the `great Deputy Director Fitzgerald' think of Danny Taylor now, he silently wondered to himself? If that man had one bad word to say about either of his agents, he would just rub in the fact that he was only the Deputy Director of the FBI. He knew that was a sore point for Victor. He knew that in Victor's dream world he would be Director of the FBI, or possibly the National Security Council Advisor and Martin would be a Senator who was making huge headway for the Republican ticket. He shook his head at the thought. He could see Martin as a politician; he would win huge support from the female population - good looking, smart and a former FBI agent. But he also that Martin would run for the Democrat party, just to spite his father.
The annoying shrill pulled him out of his thoughts. "Malone," he said in a gruff voice.
"Agent Malone, I do not approve of that tone of yours when you answer your phone," Victor Fitzgerald said in a suitably arrogant tone.
Jack ignored Victor's statement and got straight to the point. "When are you coming out to see Martin?" he asked.
"Well I have some business to attend to here and my wife has a charity function so probably with in the next day or two," Victor droned.
"What!" Jack exclaimed. "Your son has been through hell; at the very least you should drop everything and get the hell over here!!"
"Agent Malone, do not take that tone with me or I will have your badge," Victor almost screamed down the phone.
Jack sighed angrily. "You know what? If you're going take that altitude, it might be better if you don't come at all. Martin doesn't need it; he needs support," Jack growled. "So if you can't come right away and be civil, don't come at all."
"You've known my son all of two months, and you think you know him better than I do?" Victor yelled. "I was there for his birth - I think I know what my son wants."
"That you may have been - but how much have you been here for him after that?" Jack growled.
"What!?" Victor exclaimed.
"I'm at St. Anthony's hospital in Denver, I hope to see you there," Jack growled and abruptly ended the call. He raked a wearily hand through his dishevelled hair. He and Victor Fitzgerald had always been at odds with each other. But now even the thought of the Deputy Director made his blood boil. If it was one his kids, he would drop everything to be there for them - like he did for Danny and Martin. In his opinion, nothing in the world was more important to him than his girls. He would do anything for them, and the very thought of them hurt or in danger made his stomach turn.
"Are you here for agents Taylor and Fitzgerald?"
"U-mm, yes," Jack said as he shook his head -trying to pull himself out of his thoughts and stood up. "H-How are they?"
"They are both fit, young and healthy so they will both make a full recovery," the doctor started. "Agent Fitzgerald sustained a fracture to the left fibula. It was a simple fracture so we just put it in a cast."
"What about Agent Taylor, what about Danny?" Jack demanded. "How is he? Can I see him?"
The doctor raised his hands. "Agent Malone, if you would let me finish. Agent Taylor has a bad case of pneumonia and three cracked ribs, but he's going to be fine. Both of your agents are young, fit and strong. So they are going to be fine, but in Agent Taylor's case I would prefer it if-"
"Look doc I respect your opinion but you don't know Danny," Jack said cutting the doctor off. "It takes him a long time to trust someone, and so he needs someone with him whom he trusts."
"Actually if you had let me finish, I was going to say I would prefer it if you sat with him. He's got a high fever and its making him delusional. As you said he trusts you, so it would better when he wakes up you were there," the doctor explained.
"Good," Jack said nodding. "Can I see Martin quickly?"
"Of course," the doctor replied.
Jack nodded and followed the doctor down the mass of corridors. He was desperate to see his agents - only then would he believe this nightmare was finally over. He was shown into a small, stark white room where Martin was. He thanked the doctor before turning his attention to Martin. "Hey, how are you?" he asked as he walked across the room to one of his formally missing agents.
"Better," Martin replied with a small smile.
"Good, you look better," Jack said as he gave Martin's shoulder a squeeze.
"How's Danny?"
"Pneumonia and a couple of cracked ribs, but apart from that, he's going to be fine," Jack reassured.
"Good, that's great Jack," Martin said as he tried to sound enthusiastic. It wasn't that he wasn't happy that Danny was going to be okay, he was more than happy. It was just then that he realised how alone in the world he was. Danny had no family, but he had the team. He may have a family but that rarely mattered - it wasn't as though his parents would turn up. He thought about asking Jack to phone his aunt Bonnie, but dismissed that thought - Jack had already done enough.
Jack frowned with concern as he stared down at Martin. He was worried about his latest member of the team. He always seemed so lost - just like Danny had been when he had first joined the team. Although Martin and Danny had totally different childhoods, he knew they shared one thing in common - neglect, he was sure of it. He cleared his throat to pull Martin out of his thoughts. "I phoned your father."
"Don't worry about it; I know he is busy. He will only come if he's on business or my Mom wants to go to some fundraiser," Martin said bitterly.
"He will come, Martin, he will come," Jack said with a knowing smile.
Martin looked down unable to hold Jack's compassionate glaze. "I know what you are trying to do, and I thank you but I don't want you to jeopardize your career because over this," he mumbled.
Jack squeezed Martin's shoulder again and sat on the bed - looking him in the eye. "You are part of my team. We look out of for each other," he said with a smile hoping Martin would draw some comfort from his words. "Oh and Martin - No one messes with my team."
Martin produced a smile hoping Jack would believe it - Jack didn't need to worry about him, he needed to worry about Danny. "Thanks Jack, really thank you for everything you have done for me."
"No problem. As I said, you are part of my team," Jack said in a slightly stern tone, hoping his message would get thought to Martin.
"You should check on Danny, he probably needs the reassurance right now. More than me, anyway," Martin mumbled as he looked down again - not knowing how to cope with Jack's concern.
Jack frowned again, he knew what Martin was saying was right, but he really didn't want to leave Martin in this state. "Okay, but if you need anything, anything at all, just get someone to get me - understand?"
Martin slowly nodded. "I understand, thanks Jack," he said and added a smile for good measure.
Jack nodded and squeezed Martin's shoulder before heading out towards Danny's room. He didn't understand why they couldn't put his agents in the same room - it wasn't as though Danny was contagious. And it would make things so much easier for him. He took a breath as he reached Danny's room. As he stepped in he smiled, as he saw the sleeping form of Danny Taylor. He collapsed into the chair next to Danny's bed and smiled. It was over - this nightmare was finally over.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Several hours later
Danny Taylor moaned as he felt himself returning to the world of the living. His world felt foggy, but not the fever-ridden fog that he had staggered through earlier but a strangely drugged fog. He didn't feel as bad as before, nor did feel the bitter icy winds of the mountain rip around him. Slowly opening his eyes, he looked around at the stark white walls. Hospital, he thought - but how? He turned his head to see his boss snoring in the chair next to him - then he remembered. Jack had come in a chopper. Jack had saved him and Martin. He stared at the IV in his hand for a while and wondered how close he had come, how close they had come to returning in a wooden box? He knew personally that he wouldn't have survived out there for more than a day, and he doubted Martin would last much more than that.
"So you've returned to the world of the living," Jack said with a smile as he noticed Danny was now awake.
"Yeah," he said in a hoarse voice. He found himself having a coughing fit and clutched his chest.
"Easy Danny, just breathe okay?" Jack reassured as he poured a glass of water and handed it to Danny. He noticed Danny's shaking hands and held the glass as Danny drank from it. "That's good Danny, that's good just relax okay?"
Danny sunk back on the pillows - exhausted as he tried to catch his breath. "How's Martin?" he asked breathlessly.
"Martin's fine," Jack replied as he squeezed Danny's shoulder. He knew he should ask Danny about the hallucinations, but the poor kid was exhausted - his questions would have to wait. "You should probably go back to sleep."
Danny nodded as he felt his eyelids begin to grow heavy again. "Okay," he mumbled as he gave into the battle.
Sighing, Jack leaned back on his chair. It was over, it was finally over. He frowned as he watched Danny mumble something in his sleep. He rested a hand on Danny's forehead. "Shah, just relax Danny-boy, you're safe now," he reassured. He smiled slightly as he watched Danny relax again.
Jack closed his momentarily, but quickly opened them when he heard the unmistakeably arrogant voice out in the hall. Rubbing his eyes, Jack yawned. He looked to one side to see Danny still sleeping peacefully and smiled. He stood up and squeezed Danny's shoulder. "I'll be right back Danny. I've just got to deal with something."
Jack walked into the corridor and took a breath as he prepared himself to face Victor Fitzgerald. He stood and waited as he listened to part of the conversation between the two people. He needed to know what he was dealing with.
"Darling, we have to get to Senator Allard's fundraiser," Sarah Fitzgerald droned on.
"Dear, this will only take a couple of minutes then we'll go to the fundraiser just like we planned and finish off with a good meal," Victor said with a smile.
"Victor," he said softly as he could as he tried to catch the other man's attention. But he felt his blood boil - these people didn't deserve their son. Sure they hadn't physically abused him, but the way they treated Martin was almost as bad.
"Agent Malone," Victor called out in an arrogant tone. The kind of tone that clearly stated you are below me, you are privileged that you are even in the same room as me.
"I am glad you are here. Martin is in room 245," Jack said in cold tone that matched Victor's.
"Oh, thank you for the information," Victor said as he held his head in the air and started to walk away from Jack.
"Look, Martin doesn't need a fly-by visit. He has been through hell, he needs support," Jack growled as he glared at Victor.
Victor met Jack's cold stared with unblinking eyes. "Don't talk to me about my son!" Victor nearly yelled. He turned and continued to stride in the direction of Martin's room - his wife following him.
Jack sighed and walked back into Danny's room - where he was relieved to find his agent still sleeping peacefully. He collapsed into the chair and leaned his head back - losing himself in his thoughts. He would check on Martin later, hoping he was showing no ill affects from his parent's visits. But right now there was nothing he could do apart from rest.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Martin buried his head into his pillow. He didn't want anyone to see him cry - Fitzgerald's don't cry. His parents had just left but he wished they had never had come. They always made him feel useless. It was as though he had crashed the plane just to piss them off or embarrass them. But maybe it was his fault; if it hadn't been for him, Danny wouldn't have ended up in the state he was in. He inhaled sharply and flinched as he felt a hand on his shoulder - was his father back? His father would be so disappointed if he found him crying.
"Martin," Jack said softly as he touched Martin's tense shoulder.
"Jack!" Martin exclaimed in a slightly panicked tone.
"You okay?" Jack asked gently noting Martin's tear stained face.
"I'm fine," Martin said quickly - maybe a little too quickly. He looked away - he didn't deserve Jack's concern or pity.
"Its okay Martin, it's over. Danny's going to be alright as well," Jack reassured as he squeezed Martin's shoulder again.
Martin nodded and continued to look down as he felt tears begin to stream down his face again. Why was this happening? Why couldn't he keep it together? He had kept it together in front of his parents, why couldn't he keep it together in front of Jack - his boss?
Putting a supportive hand on Martin's shoulder, he coaxed him into giving in to his emotions. Hadn't his parents done this? How many people had actually given a damn about Martin? "It's okay, Martin, it's okay. Just let it all out, everything is going to be alright," he reassured.
"I'm so sorry Jack, I'm so sorry," Martin said as he cried quietly.
"What are you sorry for?" Jack said as he kneaded Martin's neck. "You did good, Martin, you really did. I am so proud of both of you."
"Y-You are?" Martin managed to stammer. He looked up and stared at Jack in shock. "My parents weren't - they were disappointed," he finished and looked down.
"They actually said that!?" Jack exclaimed in shock.
"N-No, but I know they were thinking it," Martin said bitterly.
"I am sure they weren't thinking that. And even if they were, we are proud of you. Martin the whole team is proud of you. I know Danny is. You kept him alive out there," Jack stated.
"Thanks," Martin mumbled as he composed himself. It was so nice to have people in his life that actually gave a shit about him. He looked up and gave a Jack a small smile.
Jack collapsed into the chair next to Martin's bed as Martin found a smile. "Oh and Martin you think I haven't noticed."
"What?" Martin exclaimed
"That the only people that had been in and out of yours and Danny's room have been female," Jack said with a smirk.
Martin returned the smirk. "Damn Danny's taking some of those pretty ladies from me?" he joked. "I better work fast. I won't have a chance when finally wakes up and turns on the charm.
"The amount of young, giggling women with ultra short skirts that have checked on Danny - well I have lost count," Jack yawned. He rolled his eyes as another young, pretty nurse can to check on Martin. With the amount of staff in this hospital, he smirked again at the thought. He just found it amusing that all the people that checked on Danny and Martin were female. As the nursed walked out of the room, Jack added. "Danny has got them to bring him food."
"And you think I haven't?" Martin replied with a smirk. "I have just order a double cheeseburger with bacon and extra fries."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Three days later
Danny sat on the bed, eyeing the bag with disgust. Finally after what felt like a lifetime, he was finally being allowed to go home. It wasn't that he hated in the hospital. The nurses and doctors had been great, but he just wanted to go home. He blinked and shook his head as he stared at the bag again. Jack had brought him some clothes for his trip home. He took a breath and pulled the clothes out of the bag, and turned his nose up in disgust.
"What did you get me?" Danny exclaimed as he stared at the neon orange fleece. At the least the rest of the clothing wasn't as bad - just jeans, a white t-shirt and sneakers. "The fleece is bad enough but did you really have to buy them from Wal-Mart?"
Jack smirked and bit back the laugh that threatened to escape his lips. "I know your Agent Casanova, but my budget can't account for Armani so you are just going to have to cope with Wal-Mart," he said as tears screamed down his face as continued force himself not to laugh.
"Don't laugh; this is serious. I cannot be seen in that!" Danny exclaimed.
"Well by all means, go to the airport in the hospital grown," Jack laughed
Danny glared at Jack and stormed off to the bathroom - holding the Wal-Mart with the tips of his fingers. He emerged a few minutes later glaring at Jack and neon orange fleece. "You just got this," he said indicating to the fleece, "to torture me."
"No Danny, I would never do that," Jack smirked. "I just thought I wouldn't lose you in the airport with it." He noticed Danny's sudden tense at the mention of the airport. "It will be fine, okay? The important thing is that you stay warm," he reassured.
"How do you know that?"
"I don't, but you more likely to win the lottery than be in two plane crashes in as many as weeks," Jack reassured. "And anyway, if the plane even considers crashing, I will deal with it," he joked.
Danny found a small, nervous smile. "What about Fitzy?"
"Martin is going back to DC to recover," Jack said slightly bitterly. He knew it was the wrong decision. He knew he should have almost forced Martin to come back to New York with Danny and himself. In DC, Martin may recover physically, but emotionally - well that's why Martin should be flying to New York with them.
"Oh," Danny said quietly. After the last week on the mountain with Martin, he had bonded with him. And in his head, this nightmare wasn't over until both of them were back in New York - annoying Jack.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Denver International Airport
Martin closed his eyes as he felt beads of sweat down his back. He looked around the huge airport for any signs of gate 56, but all he could see was endless fast-food joints. His father had pressured him into going to DC with him, but he had changed his mind. He had booked a flight to New York - he just hoped it was the same one as Danny and Jack. He readjusted the bag on his shoulder before he hobbled through the airport.
At the far end of the airport, he spied two figures and smirked. He saw Jack in his normal street clothes but what made him smirk, was Danny. He couldn't believe Danny was wearing neon orange fleece. He guessed that Jack had bought it as a joke, considering Danny was usually dressed in the most stylish clothes he could afford. As he grinned, he hobbled towards them.
"Danny, are you sure you are okay?" Jack asked, concerned laced into his voice, as Danny had just had another coughing fit.
"I'm fine," Danny said breathlessly.
"Okay," Jack said not quite believing him. "Why don't you get some rest, our flight doesn't leave for another half hour."
"Jack!" Danny whined. "I'm really okay. Well I would be better if I didn't have this Wal-Mart neon orange fleece."
"At least you don't have to wear a suit back," a voice said.
"Martin," Danny and Jack exclaimed together as they looked up.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming," Jack exclaimed. "Sit down."
"Jack, I'm fine," Martin started but he was soon cut off by Jack.
"So you are catching the same flight as us? Are you okay? Do you need anything?" Jack said as he began to fire off questions.
"U-mm yes, yes and no," Martin replied with a smile.
Jack frowned as he looked Martin up and down. "I am going to get some food for both of you. Stay here, don't move and don't chat up any flight attendants," he growled as he stoked off.
"Welcome to the world of the scary, overprotective, mother-hen Jack Malone," Danny said as soon as Jack was out of ear shot.
"I guessed that much. How are you, man? You look a little better than when I last saw you," Martin said with smirk.
"I'd say the same about you, but I can't," Danny joked. "Seriously man, are you sure you are okay?"
"I'm good man," Martin said as he leaned back.
"Excuse me."
Danny and Martin both looked up to see a pretty blonde flight attendant standing in front of them. "Hello. What can I do for you?" Danny asked with his most charming smile.
The flight attendant giggled slightly as looked at the two men. "Are you two flying on the 1134 United to New York?"
"Yes, yes we are," Danny said as he sat up. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself I am Special Agent Danny Taylor and this is Special Agent Martin Fitzgerald." Danny looked across at Martin to see he was smiling sheepishly.
"Oh you're FBI. Were you hurt on the job?" the flight attendant asked.
"Yes," Martin replied with his best puppy dog eyes. "It was a plane crash, after we had been on a case."
"We were trapped up on the Rockies for a week," Danny added with big brown eyes staring at the flight attendant.
"Oh that's terrible. I'll see if I can get you an upgrade," the flight attendant said sympathetically as she walked towards the gate.
Danny and Martin looked at each and grinned. "You know what? Jack is going to be so mad if we get upgraded and he doesn't," Martin said with a smirk.
Danny smirked but his expression soon turned serious. "You know, I don't think I ever thanked you for saving my life," he said in a small voice.
"No need, because it was you that actually saved my life. Remember?" Martin said with a reassuring smile.
"Well if that's the case then you can tell Jack that we are flying first while he's flying coach," Danny said with a smirk. He looked at Martin's nervous expression. "Relax man, we are a team, we are partners--after the shit we have been through together after the last week. You're not alone anymore - you know that, don't you?"
"Yeah," Martin said slowly.
"You have the team now," Danny said. He watched Martin smile before adding. "But as you are the rookie, you still have to be the one to tell Jack about the upgrade."
"What upgrade?" the gruff voice asked as he approached his two agents.
Fin