Underground

I woke up alone a few days later and sat up, slightly disoriented and rather cold. Daniel hadn't left the bedroom before me since I'd brought him to bed with me, and I immediately worried that something was wrong. I glanced to the bedside table to see that his glasses were still there, but along with them was the small package of opium, half wrapped and a third used.

I got out of bed and threw on my robe, leaving the room. "Daniel?"

A soft whimper was the only reply. I found him in the bathroom, pale and shivering, curled up against the clawfoot tub. When I knelt beside him and touched his shoulder, his skin cold and clammy. "God... you're freezing." I gave a soft sigh, wrapping my robe around his shoulders along with the fluffy bath towel, then cupped his cheek with a hand. "Daniel. How long has it been?"

He blinked up at me, eyes bloodshot. "Ah. It... two, three days. Since... since the last time you caught me with it. Since you... took me to bed."

"Jesus. Do you want me to bring some to you?"

"No!" The reply was almost a sob, and he reached up to grab my wrist, holding tight to it. "Please, I - I can't get rid of it. I can't make myself. But you can, please. Please John, I - I don't want it anymore."

"Shh, it's all right." I freed my hand from his embrace, stroking his hair gently. "You were supposed to tell me if you wanted to do this. I can help, Daniel."

He gave a weak little trembling laugh. "I didn't know if I could," he gasped, looking up at me helplessly. "I'm sorry...."

"It's all right," I said again, and leaned in to press my lips to his forehead. "Give me a moment, all right? Let me go see what I have to make this easier for you."

Daniel managed a little nod, and I stood and left, going into the kitchen to recover the brown paper bag that I'd stashed in a high cupboard, not caring about my nudity for the moment. I ripped out the staple and upended the bag onto my kitchen counter, staring a little blankly at the bottles of pills, supplements, vitamins, and syrup that rolled across the counter top. There was a folded piece of paper as Fowler had mentioned, written in a handwriting I didn't recognize, and I unfolded it, reading through. It did make the process rather clearer, though no less complicated.

I went back to him, crouching beside him. "Nausea? Chills? Well, you've been sitting in the bathroom naked, so that's a bit hard to tell. Muscle cramps?"

"God, yes," he gasped. Wordlessly, I reached over him to turn on the bath, running the water as warm as I could comfortably stand. Then I pressed my lips to his hair.

"Do you think you can keep anything down right now?"

Daniel gave a little helpless whimper and shook his head. I stroked my fingers over his hair gently. "It's all right. I have stuff that will help. I just need to run to the store to pick up a few things. If you wait for me in the bath the heat will help with the cramps."

"You have to go?" He sounded so helpless that it almost broke my heart. I pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, tugging my robe and the towel from his shoulders and helping him up.

"Just for a little bit. I promise I won't make you go through this alone."

Daniel caught my shoulders, pressing close with a shuddering sigh. "Thank you," he whispered, and let me help him into the bath, giving a soft sigh of relief as he did.

I turned off the water and brushed my lips against his. "I'll be back before you know it."

"And join me?" He managed a small smile, which I returned, brushing my thumb against his bottom lip.

"See? If you can still flirt, it means you'll be better in no time. Just try and relax."

He nodded, and I left, throwing on clothes and heading out. I took the opium with me, tossing it into the first dumpster I came across without a second thought. There was a small grocers within walking distance, conveniently enough. It didn't take long for me to return with what I needed. I checked in on him quickly, then returned to the kitchen, stocking the fridgidare with enough bananas to feed an army of chimps. I uncapped a bottle of ginger beer and dumped it into a pot on the stove, stirring it to reduce the carbonation as it warmed, then pouring it into a mug.

Daniel looked up at me wearily as I returned. I perched on top of the toilet and handed him the mug, setting the bag full of pills on the vanity. "Try this. It should settle your stomach."

He sipped at it carefully, drawing a sharp breath at the taste. "Ginger."

"Yup. It's an old Chinese remedy for nausea, believe it or not." I started measuring out pills on the vanity, then held them out. "And a hell of a lot of random vitamins, minerals, and some kind of medication that...." I paused. "Actually I don't really know what it does other than make this easier. You take a lot at first and then taper it off over the next few days."

Daniel managed a tired smile, taking the pills from me and swallowing them without question. Stroking my fingers over his hair, I watched as he finished the drink in small sips, then closed his eyes and leaned into my touch. I took the mug from him and set it on the vanity. "How are you feeling?"

"Like hell," he murmured softly. "I always forget how bad this is, when I'm using. But I do feel less nauseous, and the heat helps... but it's getting cold...."

I rolled up my shirt sleeve and reached in to pull the plug. "We'll add some more heat then, shall we? You can stay here as long as you like, or I can turn on the jets in the jacuzzi outside."

"I can't just stay in your bath...."

"Why not? I'm certainly not complaining about the view." I gave him a wide smile, getting a small one from in in return. "Once you're feeling up to it I'm supposed to feed you a whole lot of protein from... anything but red meat, really. I've got eggs, I'm not sure you want to trust me in the kitchen with anything else, but I can order out. And bananas." I put the stopper back in the tub and turned on the water. "Tell me if this gets too hot?"

Daniel nodded, and his eyebrows knit a little. "John, you don't have to do this...."

"Don't be silly, I told you I'd take care of you."

He looked up at me, somehow seeming very small and lost in the big porcelain tub. "I don't deserve you."

"Hush." I leaned in to kiss his forehead. "Do you still want me to join you?"

"Please...."

By the time I'd pulled my clothes off the bath was full. I turned off the taps, climbing in behind Daniel as he moved forward. The clawfoot tub was more than big enough for both of us, and he leaned back against my chest with a soft sigh. "I've been trying to stop since you brought me home," he said quietly, laying very still in my arms. "You must think me so weak...."

"You're anything but," I replied, smoothing a hand down his midline under the water, fingers stroking slow circles on his stomach. "For everything that you've endured, everything that you've survived... you're so strong, Daniel."

Daniel shivered against me. "I don't feel it at the moment."

"Doesn't matter. Just relax, all right? I'll stay here with you as long as you want me to." I nuzzled his hair, still stroking. "Do your muscles still ache? I can rub them if you like?"

"My thighs, believe it or not," he said, and I heard a very soft laugh.

I chuckled, pressing a kiss to his temple, stroking my hands down his sides to begin to kneed at his thighs carefully. "Let me know if I'm being too rough." I let my fingers work at his thighs, trying not to think too much about the little gasps he was making as I worked at sore muscles or the fact that he was currently very naked in my arms, skin soft and slick from the bath. He needed my support, and certainly not my desire.

"It feels really good," Daniel murmured, and I heard his voice catch in his throat, giving a little whimper as my hands moved higher, kneading at the tops of his thighs. "John...."

"You all right?"

"Yes, but...." I felt him shiver in my arms, squirming a little back against my cock, which was quickly becoming far too interested in the proceedings despite my mental admonishments. Daniel let his head rest back against my shoulder, baring his neck, and when he spoke again his voice was more than a little husky. "Can I ask you to distract me from this?"

"Of course. How?"

He drew a shivering breath, and one of his hands found mine under the water, tugging it up to place it over his erection. I gave a soft groan, feeling my cock twitch against him at the thought. I curled my fingers around his cock, stroking him slowly as I pressed soft kisses to his throat. "All right. One condition though; you relax, I do all the work."

"John..." Daniel's whimper was almost pained, and he tried to grind back against me. "But...."

"I insist," I murmured, nipping gently at his throat. "You're sick. Relax."

I wasn't sure that either of us could really follow my orders. It felt too good, to have him pressed against me, rocking up a little into my touch and grinding against my cock as a result. He pressed back against me a little more, squirming to let my erection press between the cheeks of his ass, his breath in little whimpering groans as I stroked him. "Feels so good, John. like the first time we were together. Oh god...."

I smiled at the memory, sucking at his earlobe, lavishing attention to the soft skin just under it. "I couldn't resist you, the way it felt to be close to you, the taste of your skin...." I thrust up against him slowly and nibbled along the edge of his ear, letting my breath tease his skin. "Most of all, I really, really liked jerking you off."

Daniel gave a helpless little whine, hips jerking back against me, and his voice shook when he spoke. "Oh god... don't tease me, John, please. Make love to me. Need you inside me, please..."

"You're supposed to be relaxing," I murmured, my voice more husky than I'd intended.

"Can't," he breathed, and reached for the bottle of conditioner, pressing it into my hand. "Please, John. It'll be fine, you won't hurt me. Please...."

I let out a shuddering breath, feeling almost mindlessly aroused by his whimpering pleas. The hair product was thick and silky in my palm, and I curled my fingers in a fist around it, trying not to lose it to the bath water as I reached down to coat myself. With the water as an aid it wasn't difficult to fit myself against him, bracing against the end of the tub with his thighs on either side of mine, easing him down onto my cock. Daniel tried to rock back against me, but I caught his hips tightly, keeping him still. "There's no rush," I murmured softly, rocking deeper into him with far more patience than I felt. "I told you, I'm doing the work here. You lie back."

A soft whimper of pleasure was Daniel's only reply, and I went back to mouthing at his neck and shoulder, not letting go of his hips. When I was fully sheathed inside him I let my hands stroke over his hips and thighs again, grinding up into him slowly, my fingers curling around his cock to stroke him just as slowly. The tight heat of his body felt as good as it always did, and I had to fight to keep control of myself, to keep from fucking him hard and fast and frantic. "Feels so good, love... god, you're so perfect, so beautiful...."

"John!" His voice was shaking, and I let myself thrust up a little harder into him, shifting a little more until I felt him jerk tense against me, grinding back against me as much as he could. We'd spilt water on the floor, but I didn't care. I couldn't think about anything but Daniel, shivering in my arms with pleasure. I couldn't focus on anything but his erection in my fingers, the sound of his voice urging me on. As much as I tried to keep my movements slow and languid, I couldn't resist his throaty groans of pleasure, the way he begged for more, his body clenching and shuddering around me as our bodies moved together.

"Show me how much you needed this," I murmured, nipping lightly at the corner of his jaw, my breath hot and hard against his skin. "Show me how good it feels, love. Let me feel you come."

Daniel's answering cry was almost helpless, and his fingers curled around my wrist, clenching hard and keeping me from moving as he bucked on me, thrusting up into my fingers. His breath caught in his throat, and I felt his climax shudder through him, his body tightening around me. The heat and pleasure of it was exquisite, and I rocked up a little harder into him, letting his body draw my own to orgasm.

He all but collapsed back against me, boneless and languid as he caught his breath, his hand finding mine under the water to lace his fingers with mine. I pressed a soft kiss to his cheekbone, nuzzling the corner of his mouth. "Are you all right?"

Daniel let out a long sigh, turning his head enough to kiss me lightly. "Yes. Oh yes. I... that was very relaxing, actually. I feel a lot better."

I smiled, stroking my free hand over his chest. "I'm perfectly happy pleasing you, you know. I don't want you to feel like we have to have sex all the time."

Daniel squeezed my hand gently, glancing down. "I'm sorry, it's just... when you're inside me, John, I - I can't think about anything else. You become my whole world, and it feels so good. I - I've never managed to just lose myself to sex like that before."

"Why me?"

He shifted a little more, looking up at me with a little smile as he reached back with one wet hand, brushing the back of his knuckled over my cheek. "You care for me. You're an amazingly unselfish lover, John. It's beautiful."

His words were so sweet and honest found I couldn't reply, and I settled for pressing a warm kiss to his temple. "Do you want to stay here for a bit longer?"

Daniel gave a little yawn, curling back against me. "Is it all right if I sleep?"

I chuckled softly, and pulled the plug with my toes. "Probably should have mentioned that those pills are likely to knock you out. Let me get you out, and I'll curl up in bed with you for a bit. I'll fill a couple of hot water bottles to help the pain stay away."

"Thank you," he murmured, seeming a little sleepy already. I climbed out carefully, throwing a couple of spare towels down on the tile to soak up the puddles, then helped him out, wrapping him in a big towel. I let myself drip on the carpet as I took him into the bedroom, bundling him into a large flannel nightshirt despite his half-hearted complaints, then urging him back into my bed. When I returned, towel dried and back in my boxers, he was already half asleep. I tucked a hot water bottle between his thighs and another against his legs, then curled against his back, pulling the quilts around him.

"Sorry," I heard him mumble sleepily, and I kissed him gently.

"Shh. Sleep, love. I'll be here."

~~~~


Part of me knew that I shouldn't be spending so much time and energy on Daniel. I needed to be focused on my mission, on the three years of work I'd put in to getting close to this monster. But I couldn't bring myself to leave Daniel. I called in to tell Ray I wouldn't be at work that first night, and spent a bare minimum of time there in subsequent nights. Instead I nursed Daniel, who, if left to his own devices, would have probably never moved from bed. I made sure he stuck to the regiment of pills and supplements and tonics, made sure he ate, and made him spend more time in the bath or jacuzzi than out, letting the heat relax aching muscles.

He didn't ask me for the drug, no matter how bad it got for him. I wasn't sure I could have denied him if he had.

The fourth day was the worst, spent trembling and half unresponsive, silently letting me feed him the pills, hold him tight in the jacuzzi. I talked to fill the time, told him about anything I could think of - my childhood, my parents, my first lover. Stories I'd heard, places I'd been.

"When this is all over and done with, I'll take you on a trip," I promised. "We can go to the ocean, and we won't have to worry about anything at all. It'll be beautiful."

"Why?" Daniel asked, soft enough that I almost didn't catch it.

I pressed a soft kiss to his hair. "Because I want to make beautiful memories with you. Because I want you to be by my side. Because I love you."

"Don't," he whimpered, and standing and pushing away from me with surprising strength. "Stop this, John. Please. I don't deserve it, this care, your love, I don't!" I stood and reached for him, but he caught my hand before I could touch him. "Don't - don't tell me I'm wrong, don't tell me to trust you and that it's your choice. I've manipulated you and I've used you and I'm a horrible person. You shouldn't love me!"

Daniel was in tears, his hand trembling in mine enough that I could have broken free easily. Instead I let him hold to it, and took a deep breath. "All right," I said slowly, "Will you explain it to me?"

"Explain?" The request seemed to catch him by surprise, and he stared at me, blinking away tears.

"Tell me why. How have you used me?"

He gave a shivering breath, closing his eyes for a moment. His voice was a little calmer when he started speaking, but still rough with emotion. "I was one of the best, I told you that. Before...." he made a motion towards his scarred eye with his free hand, "this. Because I could make the clients ask for me, fight for me, come back to me time and time again. I spent my life making men fall in love with me. That's all I've done to you. I don't deserve you."

"How?" I asked softly, and shifted hand a little in his grip so I could stroke the back of his fingers with my thumb. "Sex? It can't be all sex, because I fell in love with you when we weren't having any. And I wouldn't have slept with you again if I didn't love you."

Daniel opened his mouth as if to answer, then stopped, seeming confused and distressed. "I was vulnerable. I made you want to - to protect me."

"Is that a bad thing?" I moved closer, slowly, reaching out to touch his arm gently. "Tell me, Daniel. Have you lied to me? Pretended to be something that you're not?"

He blinked, eyelashes matted with tears. "No, but - "

"But?" I stroked his arm gently, lowering my voice. "Listen to me, Daniel. If I was like the others, if I just wanted a pretty thing on my arm, a toy to fuck and set aside when I had no use for you... would I be here? Or would I make you keep poisoning yourself so that you couldn't survive without me?" I moved closer, and when he didn't pull away, pressed a soft kiss to his temple. "You're so much more than that to me. I know you might not believe it now, but... just let me show you what you're worth to me. Let me love you, Daniel, please...."

For a moment Daniel just stood, lips parted and trembling, looking at me with wide eyes and seeming very much like a small, frightened animal caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. Then he threw wet arms around my neck, clinging tightly, his voice a sob as he spoke. "I love you. God help me, John, I love you so much. I shouldn't, I can't, but I do. It scares me more than anything, but I can't stop myself. You make me so happy. I love you. I'm so sorry."

I held him tightly and drew a shuddering breath against his hair, feeling a surge of emotion clench almost painfully vibrant around my heart. "Oh god. Don't apologize for that, never apologize for that. It's more than I could have ever hoped for."

"But - "

"No buts," I murmured, and kissed him before he could say anything more, warm and long and slow. I kissed him until he calmed against me, until his body relaxed and stopped trembling. "Thank you," I said softly, and freed a hand to stroke his cheek gently. Calm as he was, he seemed absolutely exhausted, though I couldn't tell if it was from the detox or his revelation. "Let's go inside. I need to give you your meds. Then we can curl up and relax."

Daniel nodded mutely, letting me help him out of the hot pool and back into the house. It seemed easier for him to give himself over to my care, and before long we were curled in bed together, with Daniel looking very small and fragile in my nightshirt.

"I love you," he whispered again, reaching up to touch my cheek, looking at me almost anxiously.

I smiled and took his hand, kissing the back of his fingers and watching him slowly relax. "I love you, too."

~~~~


Things gradually got better after Daniel's fourth day off the opiate, enough that he started reading again, and asked me to bring the books home with me so that he could complete his work. I was able to focus back on my work as well, though there hadn't been much change in anything. Still as much as I'd waited for it, I was completely blindsided when Peterson knocked on my office door late one weekday evening at the club. "Boss. The Hand is here."

"Here?" I was on my feet in a second. "Here, now?"

"Here and talking to Ray. They're on their way up. Sorry I couldn't give you more notice."

I bit back a curse and smiled. "No problem. Thank you." I gathered up the papers I'd been working on and locked them in my desk, trying to take a deep breath. With more notice I could have called Bumstead, but this was just the first visit. If he was pleased now, then they could become more regular. I could anticipate them. We could plan.

I stood, moving to meet them at the door - my general manager leading Hand and a group of three goons. "Mr. Hand. I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you."

"Nor should you have," he replied. The fur coat was gone this time, replaced with a long black trench coat with a tall fur collar, a wide brimmed black hat completing the look. It made him look more ordinary than the fur, but at the same time just as ominous. "I trust you have some time to talk?"

"Of course. Ray - if you'll take these gentlemen to the booth at the bottom of the stairs, please have Fowler bring them anything they'd like. Complimentary, of course." I glanced to Hand. "Will that suffice?"

"It will," he replied, and waved away his goons.

I shut the door behind him. "May I take your coat and hat, Mr. Hand?"

He handed it to me wordlessly, revealing a smartly tailored suit underneath, which strangely enough seemed to be made of a very soft leather. I hung his things on the coat stand. "Please have a seat. Can I offer you something to drink?"

"Whiskey, no ice." He sat at the head of the conference table, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other. He took a silver filigree cigarette case from inside his jacket, fitting a cigarette into a matching silver holder and lighting it. I poured a glass of whiskey for him and myself from my small, personal bar before taking the seat to his left, deferring without comment to his claim on the position of power in the room.

"What can I do for you tonight, Mr. Hand?" I lit a cigarette myself, letting myself focus on the calming task of inhaling, ashing it into a tray.

"Very little, Murdoch. We simply came to play a visit. To see how things are going, yes? They seem to be running smoothly, I must say. We are most satisfied."

"Thank you." I sipped my drink, watching him. "We've received your payments as agreed. Our arrangement is proving quite equitable to my establishment. I can show you around, if you like. Or you're free to take a look on your own."

"A tour would be most appreciated." He looked out through the venetian blinds on the windows that overlooked the club, taking a sip of the whiskey. "I trust you are still paying off the authorities?"

"As agreed," I replied, watching him. "We haven't had trouble from them in ages. My contact understands the advantages of our arrangement and keeps a tight reign on his people."

"Good." Hand finished his drink and set it aside, taking another long drag of his cigarette before speaking again. "Before I leave tonight, you will give me some time with my favourite server alone, yes?" he said smoothly. "For old times sake. I do miss him so."

My heart stopped, and I forced myself to react without hesitance. "I'm sorry, Daniel is not here. He's entertaining tonight," I lied through my teeth, "an important associate of mine. I can't pull him away."

Hand gave me an even look, reaching out to grind out his cigarette on the tray. "An associate more important than I? Murdoch, you disappoint me. Call him here."

The thought of giving Daniel back to him even for a short time made me nauseous. "Forgive me, Mr. Hand. I have no desire to offend you, but I am a man of pride like any other. I don't like other people touching my things."

"I find it interesting that you hold so much stock in a slave that has been had by hundreds of men before you, Mr. Murdoch. He is not worth this fuss, yes? He is not worth my displeasure."

I fought to keep my composure, my mind racing all the while. How much power was I giving him over me, by this admittance? How much danger was I putting Daniel in? "Since he became my property, no other man has touched him but me. That is enough for me. I hope you'll forgive my pride over such a silly little issue. Anything else that I own is at your disposal."

Hand was silent for a long moment, revealing no emotion at my words. Then he fit another cigarette into the silver holder and lit it, taking a long drag. "Tomorrow night I will be arriving at ten PM sharp to deliver an important piece of merchandise and collect on payment. It won't take long. After that, I expect to have Daniel and a room at my disposal for as long as I like, yes? Then you and I shall settle the books." Ice blue eyes flicked to mine, holding my gaze coldly. "I hope that I do not have to remind you of what it means to displease me, Murdoch. I would hate for our business arrangement to come to an end."

"I understand," I forced myself to say, keeping my voice even and calm. "I will arrange for things to be as you have asked."

I was a bundle of nerves for the rest of the night, though I kept my outward composure. If Daniel sensed my distress when I arrived home he said nothing, but it seemed as though our lovemaking was a little more gentle, more comforting. I stayed awake long after Daniel had fallen asleep in my arms, mind going over Hand's words again and again, wondering how on earth I was going to get out of this.

When I finally slept it was fitful, and I awoke early the next morning, pressing a soft kiss to Daniel's hair and leaving him asleep in bed. Then I took a car I seldom used out of the underground parkade and drove out to a lake on the edge of the city. I wasn't sure if I was still being watched, and I'd picked this place because it would make it much more obvious if I was. I parked the car, walking down to the path that ringed the lake, making my way casually as if going for a morning stroll. Finally I stopped at a small pier, taking a paper bag with a few crusts of bread inside out of my pocket and starting to break pieces off to feed the ducks.

"Nice morning."

"Hey, Frank." I didn't have to move to recognize the voice behind me. "Thanks for coming."

"What, no jokes about my love life? This must be serious."

I gave a soft, mirthless laugh, tossing a hunk of bread out to a particularly friendly mallard. "He's coming tonight. Ten pm. Says he's going to drop off some merchandise, and then... we're going to balance the books."

"Wow. I'll get things rolling to move tonight. We'll get plainclothes tails on the regular high profiles to try and keep this as quiet as we can. You figure you'll be in your office? We can run scenario D."

"There's a slight problem," I said slowly. "And I don't know how to work around it. He wants Daniel. First, before anything else happens."

"Your little slave boy?"

I nodded, turning back to meet his gaze finally, feeling helpless. "We won't be in my office, we'll be in the last meeting room.... I can't put Daniel in that room with him, Frank. I put him in there and he's an instant hostage. I promised that I'd protect him. But if I refuse..." I let out a long breath, shaking my head slowly. "At the very least Hand'll take off. More than likely it'll be the end of our agreement, and I won't get another chance to get close to him."

Bumstead folded his arms across his chest, regarding me silently for a moment. "So ask Daniel if he'll help."

"Don't be ridiculous. Just because I trust him doesn't mean I trust my own judgement enough to risk blowing three years of work and our best chance to catch this guy. If I tell him and I'm wrong about him - "

"Not telling you to blow your cover, Murdoch. Just ask him to help. Tell him that the business deal's over if you can't give Hand what he wants. Tell him you'll be personally keeping guard on him. Sting goes down, you take out the other guard and you're right there to take Hand down immediately."

I gave a slow nod. "Okay. I'll signal you tonight, let you know what's going on. If Daniel's in, we go with C. Three minutes on the timer, but I need you there within that three to back me up. I'll get you in the back way ahead of time with the musicians. It's amateur night, so it shouldn't be a problem."

Bumstead nodded slowly. "I think I can come up with some talent to bring in. And if your boy can't help?"

I threw out the last chunk of bread, upending the paper bag onto the ground to shake out the last few crumbs. "Well... then we go with A and hope to god you can get to me before he takes off or shoots me in the head."

Bumstead turned, not looking back as he started away. "I'll wait for your call."

~~~~

I returned home to the smell of coffee, and found Daniel curled up in the armchair in my living room with the paper. I smiled before he could speak. "Sorry to run off this morning, I didn't want to wake you. How are you feeling?"

"It's a good day today," he replied with a soft smile, and stood. "Have you eaten... lunch? I can put something together."

"I'm all right," I replied, moving closer to him. "Look... I need to talk to you about something."

Daniel looked up at me a little warily. "Please don't tell me that I have to eat more bananas."

"I wish that was it." I glanced down with a soft sigh, trying to find the words. But even though I'd gone over and over the matter in my head on the way home, it still didn't make things any easier.

"John?" He let his hand rest lightly on my shoulder, and I tried to give him a smile.

"I... I have a problem," I started softly. "Your former boss is coming tonight.... and he wants to see you. I don't want him anywhere near you, but... if he doesn't get what he wants...."

"There's going to be consequences," Daniel whispered, his body growing very tense and still.

"Yeah," I agreed softly, unable to meet his gaze. "Daniel... this is entirely up to you. If you don't want to do this I'll get you someplace safe. If you can... I'll be right outside the whole time. I won't let anything happen to you."

Daniel sank down slowly onto the chair, arms wrapped tight around himself. He stared out into the room silently, but didn't appear to be focused on anything. I slipped to my knees in front of him, covering one of his hands with my own. "Forget I said anything. I'm not going to let him touch you again. I'll find some way out of it."

"No," he said softly, blinking a couple of times before meeting my gaze. "John... this isn't just a business deal... is it? It's not just because he wants me... you need me to distract him."

I wet my lips, then gave a slow nod. "Yeah."

"Please tell me you aren't trying to cheat him, John."

"No. But it's possible that he could see it that way."

Daniel gave a soft moan, closing his eyes. "Don't do it. Please, John, I beg of you. I don't want to lose you."

I ran a hand over his hair, wishing I could somehow reassure him. "I have to. Remember when I told you that doing business with Hand was the lesser of two evils for me? Well... this has to do with that. I can't back out, Daniel. I'm sorry."

"He'll find out," he whispered, looking back at me helplessly. "You know he will. He'll hurt you, he'll kill you...."

I shook my head. "I'm going to send you some place where you'll be safe, all right? When this is all over I'll come for you. I promise. But I have to do this, Daniel."

I watched Daniel's mouth tighten, watched the helplessness in his eyes. Then he swallowed hard. "I'll help you. I'll distract him."

"I don't want you to. Forget I said anything."

"No. You know that you'll have a better chance of - of whatever it is you're doing - if I'm there. And if things go bad, if you go down..." he gave a soft, helpless laugh. "God help me, I want to go down with you."

"I don't want him to touch you."

"Perhaps he doesn't have to." Daniel managed a small smile. "Perhaps he just wants to quiz me more on you, try to dig up dirt on you. Give me something to tell him, something big. Preferably something that won't piss him off."

"Something like where that extra money in the ledgers is coming from?" I watched Daniel's eyebrows raise, and smiled. "I know you noticed. Would that do?"

"I think that could be just what we are looking for."

There were a couple of scenarios Bumstead and I had planned, and I picked the more complex one. I moved to perch on the couch, turning to face him. "I have a partner in one of the art museums, and we've been fencing stolen art on the side. Buy it hot at a tenth of the market value, resell it and take a notable profit. I'll give you partial contact info for a couple of my suppliers and buyers... even better, you were entertaining one last night."

Daniel looked up at me evenly. "He thinks that you're whoring me out?"

"No," I said quickly, and watched him relax a little. "Love, I swear to you I did everything I could to dissuade him. He knows that I don't want anyone touching you, and he knows how angry I am about this." I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling a soft, helpless laugh escape my lips. "Maybe that's why he refused to give in."

He reached out to cover my hand with his, squeezing gently and offering me a brave smile. "I know you did, John. And I know that he specifically does things like this to... remind people of his power. It's not your fault."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Of course not." Daniel stood, running a hand through his hair, and let out a shaky exhalation. "All right. If you will excuse me, John... I will need to become more familiar with the details of those payments, and... then I will need to prepare for him."

I stood as well. "Prepare?"

He pushed his glasses up on his nose with the kind of forced calm I had become familiar with him displaying when he was uncomfortable with something. "Yes. He has very strict guidelines for his slaves. Washed, clean shaven, and... ah, prepared." He gave a thin smile, but I could see the terror in his eyes.

I shook my head. "It won't come to that. I promise."

"Don't underestimate him," Daniel replied softly. "In all honesty, I'm more afraid that he'll give me the drug. Now, if you'll excuse me, John, I really must begin my work. Do what you need to prepare for tonight."


I passed the coded message to Bumstead, then showered and dressed, going over and over the details of scenario C in my head. I unlocked the bottom drawer of the file cabinet in my study to pull out the Colt 45 and shoulder holster I kept there. I tucked a spare magazine in my pocket and holstered the weapon, putting on my suit jacket over top of it, checking in the mirror to make sure it was as concealed as possible. I was used to packing heat, and even kept a spare revolver in my desk at the club, but tonight I felt felt more nervous about it than I ever had before. We'd only have one chance at this, and the fact that I was putting Daniel in harms way made it even worse.

I turned to catch Daniel in the doorway of my room, staring at me with wide eyes. I managed a smile, moving to touch his arm. "Hey. You all right?"

He shuddered under my touch, staring at my side where the pistol was hidden. "John... don't go tonight. Please don't go tonight. Whatever you have planned... it's not worth the risk."

"I have to," I said softly, stroking his shoulder. "I'm sorry, love. I can't pull out of this one."

"You can always pull out," he said, voice thick with emotion. "Lets leave, just you and I. Go someplace where they can't catch us, please. You said you'd take me away from here...."

"After tonight, I will," I replied softly, pulling him close and wrapping my arms around him. "I promise, Daniel. As soon as this is done."

"And what if you get hurt?" Daniel's fingers clenched at my back, digging into my skin through my jacket. "What if something happens? What do I do without you, John?"

"You'll be safe no matter what," I said softly. "I have friends, friends with power. If something happens to me they'll take care of you. They won't let him take you back."

"What good does that do for me without you?" He looked up at me, blue eyes bright with unshed tears. "I have nothing without you, John."

I pressed my lips to his forehead, then each eyelid in turn, slowly kissing along his face until I pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "I'll be careful, I promise. I love you, Daniel."

"I love you," Daniel murmured, soft and heartbroken. I tried to remind myself that this could still be an act, that he could be playing me like a master musician. It was hard to believe that though, not with him trembling against me, his arms tight around with me.

"I know. And I'm not going to give up such a beautiful gift so easily."

~~~~

I arrived at the club with two hours to spare, knowing I needed to look over everything, to make sure everything was just right. I settled Daniel in my office, who was happy to sit and do paperwork, though he looked as anxious as I felt.

"Would you like a drink? I asked softly, touching his shoulder.

Daniel sighed, and gave his head a little shake. "No, thank you John. Just some water, if I may. And...." He stopped and lowered his head, the tips of his ears turning pink. "Never mind."

I bent to press my lips to his forehead. "No, tell me? Please?"

He swallowed audibly. "Do you happen to have any of those little blue and white pills on you?"

I found the pill bottle labled 'Librium' in my jacket pocket, shaking one out and placing it in his palm. "Ask when you need them. They're meant to help you, all right?" At his nod, I touched his cheek gently, then leaned in to press a warm kiss to his lips. "I have to take care of a few things, I'll send Fowler up with some water. I'll come see you before ten, all right?"

Daniel nodded, and I left.

I found my assistant manager in the small greenroom we had for the convenience of hired musicians. The turnout was standard, and though I knew many of the performers on amateur night would sit in the club and socialize before their short set, a number of them were here, warming up and tuning instruments. Looking around the room, it took a moment for me to recognize Bumstead. He was wearing large, black rimmed spectacles and a white zoot suit, sitting with a young brunette in a sparkling green evening gown. Her heart shaped face looked strangely familiar. I stared for a moment, then moved over and offered my hand to her. "Pardon me, miss. Have I seen you here before? I'm John Murdoch, I'm the owner."

The girl had striking blue green eyes, and looked up at me with a smile. "I'm Anna. Anna Williams. I sing here almost every week, Mr. Murdoch."

"That's right. I've heard you, you're very good. I thought I'd asked my manager to sign you on more permanently?"

"No? But if you'd like that, my manager and I could discuss it. This is Frank Williams, my manager." She gave a grin and lowered her voice almost conspiratorially. "He's my dad."

"Is that so." I glanced at Bumstead, making a note later to tell him off for bringing someone else in undercover without telling me.

He didn't bat an eye, offering his hand to me. "Pleased to meet you, sir."

"Likewise." I called Ray over, taking a look at his schedule. "I'm going to throw a wrench in things, Ray. I want you to get Anna here on stage twice. Once early on... say about nine? And then again at ten thirty. Can you do that for me? And work her into the regular schedule."

"Your wish is my command, boss."

"Thank you." I patted his shoulder and left, knowing the arrangements would give Bumstead an excuse to stick around late enough that it wouldn't seem suspicious. There was a hallway backstage that eventually lead to my private meeting rooms, and I'd made sure that the door leading from the green room to that hallway would be left unlocked.

With that done, I had nothing more to do than hover. I knew that if my staff thought me unusually nervous, they'd simply chalk it up to tonight's visit. I had a glass of bourbon over ice but didn't dare have anything more. I needed to be in full command of my faculties when the time came.

A little before ten I returned to my office, where Daniel was still pouring over the books. He looked up as I came in, setting down his pen and giving me a brave smile. "Are you ready, John?"

"Are you?" I stepped forward to embrace him as he stood. "I'm so sorry about this, Daniel."

"I know," he replied, and pressed his lips to my jaw, breath a soft sigh against my skin. "We do what we must. I love you, John. Thank you for giving me all of this."

Before I could reply, a knock came at my open door. I turned to see Peterson. "He's here, boss. Waiting downstairs."

"Thank you." I touched Daniel's arm gently. "Lets go."

He fell into step behind me, quiet and submissive in a way that I hadn't seen in a very long time, and I hated Hand all the more for causing it. I found him waiting at the bottom of the stairs to my office with the same three goons from the night before. "Good evening, Mr. Hand. I trust you are well?"

"Quite," he replied, and shook my hand before looking over my shoulder, his eyes moving over Daniel with a scrutinizing, hungry look. "I'm glad to see you have allowed me to be reunited with my old friend. We will move somewhere more private, yes?"

"Yes." I started through the club with him, slowing as we reached the hall that lead to my private rooms. "I think one guard is sufficent for our meeting, don't you? I'll watch the door myself while you two catch up. Let your other men have a drink and relax."

Hand's eyes narrowed. "My men stay with me."

I gave a little nod. "We could do that, and I can bring two more of mine. But I'm sure you'll agree that in such a small space there's no need for so many people. Myself, Daniel and one of your men. I insist."

Hand stared at me evenly for a moment, then gave a nod. "Of course. Fonzo, you're with me. You two wait here."

I gave an inward sigh of relief, taking them down the hall and around the corner to the last room. It was the largest, sporting both a small table for dinner and a set of couches around a coffee table, the decore in dark woods and jewel tone upholstery. I'd had it redecorated to echo the feeling of Hand's club once I'd been there, hoping to unconsciously lull him into a false sense of security. More importantly, this room was the farthest from his men, and out of their direct sight from the end of the hall. Hand's goon waited at the door while I let them inside, forcing a smile far more gracious than I felt. "You may have use of this room for as long as you like."

"Thank you, Mr. Murdoch. You have been most hospitable, we are pleased with you." Hand move past me, throwing his long coat and hat over one of the couches and lounging on the other. "Daniel. Come here."

I heard a soft, trembling sigh behind me, but Daniel didn't hesitate, moving past me to sink to his knees beside the sofa. I fought the overwhelming desire to pull him out, to call this all off, but not to speak. "You are welcome to him, but if you harm him in any way it will be highly detrimental on our business together, Mr. Hand."

"Of course." Hand gave me a thin lipped smile, then produced the silver holder and a cigarette. Daniel knelt up to light it for him, completely focused on Hand. I could only hope that the information he had to give would keep Hand busy while this all went down.

"Thank you," I replied, and glanced at my watch, noting the exact time. "Please excuse me, gentlemen."

Three minutes. That was my mark, clearly audible through the room's surveillance system to the officers monitoring from outside. Three minutes was all I'd have to wait, and yet it felt like an eternity. I shut the door behind me, giving a nod to Hand's goon, and quietly took up security detail on the other side of the door with my arms folded across my chest in such a way that I could easily see my watch.

Two minutes, and the police would burst silmultaneously through the front and back doors of my club. They'd take the loading bay at the same time, where I knew Hand's car was, and hopefully whatever merchandise he had brought here tonight. It would be mostly goons, but it was likely that Simms would be there as well, playing host to the buyer the same way he had to me when he'd taken me to the Hand's club.

One minute and Bumstead would start making his way here, ready to make the arrest. Then I heard Daniel cry out inside, softly but clearly.

My pistol was in my hand before I'd hardly thought, levelled at the goon. "Hands in the air, slowly." The goon, however, had grabbed for his gun before I'd hardly finished speaking. I pulled the trigger without a thought, the bullet catching him in the teeth. He went down hard, and I kicked open the door, gun at the ready. "Freeze!"

Hand still sat on the couch, with Daniel at his feet. But one pale hand was clenched around my lover's throat, slowly tightening as Daniel gasped for breath. The other held a polished silver revolver with the tip pressed to Daniel's temple. He was waiting for me, still with the same thin-lipped smile. How had he known? "Be a good boy and drop your weapon, Mr. Murdoch, yes?"

"Let him go!" I shot back, tightening my grip on the gun.

He looked back at me calmly. "Surrender, or it will result in this one's life." It had been one minute. How long would it take Bumstead to get here?

I let my pistol fall to the ground. "There. Now let him go. Please."

"In good time. Kick the gun over here."

Trembling with the mixture of rage and adrenaline that pumped through my veins, I kicked the pistol towards him. "Let him go!"

"But of course." He released Daniel's throat without another word, and brought the butt of his revolver down on the top of his head. Daniel went out like a light, crumpling to the floor. Out, but still breathing. Still alive.

Hand stood, revolver levelled at me, slowly moving closer. "Now. Care to explain just what is going on here, Mr. Murdoch?"

Before I could reply we heard gunshots and screams from the club. In a flash Hand had shoved me in front of him, one arm around my neck and the revolver flush with my temple. "This sounds suspiciously like a raid, Mr. Murdoch. I hope you don't have anything to do with this? No matter, you will be my ticket out. Move. Take me to the nearest entrance, if you please."

I moved slowly, mind racing, trying to figure a way out. The police were at all exits, but how could I make sure he was caught without ending up dead myself? And had they been able to successfully dispatch Hand's other goons? The hall to the green room also lead to the loading dock, and we started down it, stepping over the body of the goon I'd killed.

A familiar figure in a white suit rounded the corner in front of us, pistol in hand. "Let him go, Hand!"

I tried to freeze, but Hand forced me forwards, the tip of the gun cold where it pushed against my skin. "You seem familiar, like a certain policeman who's been taking money to be on our side. You're going to let me walk, Inspector, because if you do not, I will kill him, and you."

"You're not walking. You're going to drop the gun and let him go."

"You drop yours, Inspector. You know full well what I'm capable of doing." His arm tightened around my neck, and he shoved me forward with his body. "Murdoch, move!"

"Don't listen to him, Frank," I tried to gasp. "Take him down. Don't worry about me - "

"Silent," Hand hissed. "Keep moving. Inspector, drop your weapon!"

Three shots rang out behind me, the force slamming into Hand enough to throw him off ballance. The revolver fired as it yanked from my temple, and I felt an agony of red hot pain blossom in my shoulder as I fell against the wall, hand clenched on the wound.

"John!"

I was aware of Bumstead rushing to my side as I slid down the wall, but all my attention was on the one who'd called my name. Daniel, leaning heavily against the door frame of the room we'd just left, my pistol smoking in his trembling hands. I met his gaze, forcing a weak smile for him, and let the darkness claim me.

~~~~

I awoke the the smell of antiseptic, to beeping and being somewhat cold, other than a warm clasp on my right hand. My mouth felt like cotton, and I swallowed hard, trying to blink open my eyes.

"John?"

The familiar voice woke me up exponentially, and I blinked hard, trying to focus my gaze. "Daniel...."

"I'm here." My hand was clasped in his, I realized, and he gave it a light squeeze. "How are you feeling?"

"Cold," I replied truthfully, my voice rough and dry. "And... groggy."

"They had to operate to remove the slug from your shoulder. I'll go ask for another blanket - "

"Stay," I managed to argue, trying to hold onto his hand. "Need you."

Daniel looked a little shaken, but nodded, settling back down. "I won't leave you."

I smiled, trying to reach for him with my other hand and feeling a hot shock of pain lance through me from my shoulder. I glanced over to find it bandaged, an IV in my arm. I frowned, and looked back to Daniel. "Are you all right, love?"

"I'm fine." His smile was reassuring. "Just a conk on the head. They're keeping me overnight for observation, but the nice detective convinced them to let me stay in here." He paused at that, watching me. "Back in the club... you're really a police officer, aren't you?"

"Yeah." I glanced away with a rush of shame. "Been undercover for three years trying to get to The Hand. I'm sorry I lied to you."

Daniel shook his head. "You had to, John. And truthfully... some things make a lot more sense now that I know." I watched his lips shift against each other, blue eyes watching me, bright with emotion. "He would have killed me, John. You saved my life. Again."

"I love you. I promised I'd take care of you, Daniel. None of that was a lie." I returned his shaky smile, struggling to recall the events before I'd blacked out. "Hand... you shot him."

"Actually, you shot him." I looked past Daniel to find Bumstead in the doorway, who gave me a wry half smile. "Came to congratulate you on it, Murdoch. Would have preferred him alive, of course, but he shot first, so it's completely understandable that you took him out. Self defence."

I gave my head a little shake, which only seemed to make things swim more around me. "But Daniel...."

Bumstead moved to the other side of the bed to place a heavy hand on my shoulder. "Your gun, your prints, Officer Murdoch. If you catch my drift. It's a bit unfortunate that we can't interrogate him, but self defence is entirely understandable. Life of an officer is far more important." He gave a wry smile. "Besides that, we took Simms and five of Hand's goons alive. Simms broke immediately like you'd anticipated, gave us the club. That was a hell of a jackpot. Only thing we don't have is The Hand's main residence, but I'm sure we'll get it out of someone."

"I can give you that." I glanced to Daniel, who looked up at Bumstead calmly. "I've been there for private functions. I don't know the address, but I know surrounding businesses. Will that do?"

Bumstead looked more than a little impressed. "Yeah. Yeah, that'll be very helpful. Let me get one of my guys in here to take down the details and investigate." He stepped out for a moment, and I heard the low murmur of voices outside.

"What happens now?" Daniel asked softly, watching me. "I've been with the Inspector since... since you were shot, and he's been very kind to me, but... I didn't want to bother him with any questions. Can I still stay with you, now that you're a cop again?"

"You're free to do whatever you want," I replied with a soft smile, squeezing his hand. "Including staying with me, if you wish. In fact, they'll probably reccomend it, at least until we have everything cleaned up. Don't want any of Hand's friends to see you as a target. Better stay with me." I winked, and Daniel gave a soft, relieved laugh.

Bumstead returned at that, leaning back against the wall at the end of the bed. "So, continuing with the debrief. Obviously your cover's blown, so you can't go back under. You'll be working this case with me until we've got all the loose ends tied up. You're considered at risk until then, so there'll be a guard on your room day and night until they let you out. Then it'll be your penthouse. Obviously not yours anymore, but it's the safest place for you for the time being, both of you. For me too, given I'm not too popular with the city's organized crime scene at the moment. I'm commandeering your spare room."

I quirked an eyebrow, giving him my best innocent smile. "Perhaps we'd be safer with a third officer living in residence. Maybe someone on your team?"

He shot me a look. "Hey. If you're well enough to sass you're well enough to get back to work."

"But isn't laughter the best medicine? Seriously, Frank. You should think about it. Very convenient. Not a lot of opportunity for that."

Bumstead frowned and decided to completely ignore my words. "Back to the matter at hand, Murdoch. You're with me until we wrap this up. Then we'll figure out where to get you safely assigned. You've got three years of back pay coming, so don't worry too much about starting over. We're also filing a motion to use the Hand's recovered assets as reparations to his remaining victims." He glanced to Daniel. "Don't worry about money. Either of you."

A young officer poked his head in the door before he could say more. "You wanted to see me sir?"

Bumstead beckoned him in. "Yeah. Husselbeck, this is Daniel Schreber. He's got some info on where we might be able to find the Hand's main residence. I want you to get what he knows."

"Officer Husselbeck," I repeated, grinning as I placed the name and the face.

The officer looked at me a little confusedly. "Do I... know you from somewhere, sir?"

For a moment I only smiled at him, chuckling softly as I heard Bumstead groan. "John, don't you dare...."

"Don't I what? I haven't said a thing. I'm sure if I have met the young officer before it was completely... coincidental. I'm John Murdoch. Pleased to meet you."

He stared at me for a moment longer, then gave a sharp gasp of recognition, turning very red. "Oh god. You were an undercover cop. Please, I - " He glanced back to Bumstead, who'd covered his face with a low groan. "Sir?!"

"Don't worry, Leon. I won't say a word," I promised, and looked pointedly down to where Daniel's hand was still firmly clasped in mine.

~~~END~~~


And... that's all she wrote! Thank you for your patience, my little two segment smutfic turned a bit... epic.
Drop a comment and let me know if you liked it?