The Dark Side
   

Michelle sat in the straight backed chair, her feet firmly planted on the floor. Her hands were folded in her lap. She stared at the man across from her. She hardly knew him anymore.

Still the same dark curly hair, those eyes that made her melt. Now those eyes were cold. He did not speak. He just stared back at her.

"Michelle, I think it is time you knew something about me. I want you to understand why this has to end"

Michelle felt the tears stinging her eyes. She could not bare to look at him anymore. She dropped her eyes and looked at her clenched hands. Please god she thought, don't let him continue.

Danny saw her body sag .. he knew the pain he was causing.

"Michelle, there is someone else in my life. She understands the business I am in, she knows everything about me"

Michelle wondered why she felt nothing at this moment. Maybe it was shock. She wasn't sure if she even heard all the words that he had spoken. What happened to his awe of my soul.. she almost laughed out loud.. what was happening? What happened to all the tender words and touches. The things they had shared. Why had her tears suddenly stopped. She felt as thought she should scream or shout obscenities at him. She could do nothing but continue to stare at her clenched hands.

"Well, go ahead.. say what you want to say Michelle" Danny continued

Michelle lifted her head and the look in her eyes must have startled Danny because he visibly shrank back in the chair.

From Danny's point of view he saw only the hatred in her eyes. They were black with rage.

"Danny, you are a fool. Why are you telling me about someone else in your life. Do you think I care who is in your life."

Her palms were bleeding now, her nails dug a half moon wounds in them. She hardly noticed it and then looked down and saw the blood on her skirt.

"Michelle, I know you are hurt.. but these things happen. I have known for a long time that you did not really understand everything about me. It has been five years and I thought maybe .. just maybe you would come to accept me.. but you never did. Danny Santos never really met your expectations, did he?"

Michelle wanted to scream.. what expectations.. I only wanted you.. I had no expectation other than you loving me..

Instead she stared back at him, wishing he was dead at this moment. After all she was.. wouldn't it be appropriate for him to fall over dead too.. she almost laughed again.. maybe she was going insane.. that's it she could kill him and plead insanity. Maybe she had been insane for five years. She felt as though someone had pulled her heart from her chest and left a gaping wound for everyone to see.

He stared at her again with a strange look on his face. He had a small smile starting and he suppressed it.

However, not before Michelle made note of it.

Now she was furious. How dare he laugh at her.. how dare he.

"Michelle, this woman is not from Springfield. She is from Chicago. I knew her a long time ago. She knows my mother and is acquainted with ,.. he cleared his throat..., with our business"

Michelle stood up and declared that this talk was over, she was not interested in talking about "this woman"

Michelle stormed out of the room and went to their bedroom.

Danny's robe was lying on the chair.. she picked it up and brought it to her face. She could smell his after shave... his body ..the tears were streaming down her face.

She threw down the robe and went to the bedroom door. She locked it. He would not see her like this.

Now and only now did she allow herself the comfort of crying.

After an hour she went to the master bath and climbed into a hot bath. She could see through the skylight above the stars in the sky. She kept heating the tub until the water felt almost scalding. She lay there trying not to think.. not to feel. Please God, I don't want to feel anything anymore.

There was a pounding on the door and she heard Danny shout.. "Michelle, stop acting like a child and open this door"

Something made her get out of the tub, she felt as though she was in a trance and her master's voice was calling. "I am going insane she thought.. that has to be it.. all of this is some delusion and I never heard him say those words.. no , he never told me that it was over.. no , he never told me there was someone else"

She opened the door and stood there dripping wet. She forgot to put on a robe.

Danny stared at her, still his eyes were cold.. she saw nothing there.

"Michelle, put this on " Danny said as he handed her the robe.

She dutifully put it on and walked to the bed.

Danny followed her

.

"Danny, did I hear you correctly ,, did you say it was over and you had someone else?" Michelle whispered hoarsely

"Yes, Michelle.. you know that is what I said"

"Oh.. I thought I had dreamed it.. A dream come true" she opened the night stand drawer.

Danny started toward her and she turned with the gun in her hand.

She shot him twice in the chest.

Michelle dropped the gun to the floor. She stood there for what seemed like hours just staring at his body.

"Now, you are dead too Danny"

The ambulance came and went. Carmen was screaming at her. Michelle just looked at her and nodded. She could not understand why Carmen was screaming at her. Didn't she know her son? Didn't she see what had been done to her.

Carmen kept repeating over and over" Why , why did you do this.. you killed both my sons .. why "

Carmen sat on the bed and sobbed.

The detective came to Michelle and asked her what happened.

Michelle looked at him for a long time. She did not recognize him. She smiled and said" He tore my soul from me. I had to make him die like he made me die"

The detective looked at Carmen and then back at Michelle.

" I think we better get her a doctor, Mrs. Santos. She is obviously not coherent."

The female officer took Carmen to the other room. She was still screaming about her sons and that everything bad that had ever happened in her family had been brought about my "that woman"

Michelle woke and turned on her side. She looked at the chair by the bed. She tried hard to focus.. it was Danny's robe. She sat up and swung her legs to the floor. She looked at the floor near the end of the bed. They must have taken his body. Why can't I remember? She picked up his robe and held it to her face again. It only smelled like detergent.. someone had washed it. Where were the police?

The door opened and Danny walked into the room. Michelle gasped and stared at him.

"What's wrong ,baby? Did you get some sleep? You freaked out after my mother left.. I thought you were asleep.. so I didn't bother you.. but it's 6:30 and I thought you might be hungry" He walked to the bed carrying a tray with tea and some sandwiches.

Michelle continued to stare at him until she realized her mouth was open and nothing would come out.

"I .. uh.. 6:30 am or PM?"

Danny laughed" Well, sweetheart.. it is PM.. " he looked puzzled

"Michelle , are you all right. You look .. well .. funny. You are white as that sheet" he said pointing to the sheet she held to her chest.

"I guess I was dreaming.. I .. it was upsetting"

"Well, you are awake now.. and here drink the tea.. try to eat something ,O.K."

She sipped the tea and tried to remember all of the dream. Most of it now fading into the background. Except the part about the shooting. She could still see the blood.

She drank her tea and Danny came and sat on the bed.

"Feel better now, baby, " he asked.

" The tea tasted good.. it's hot but good." Michelle sipped it slowly again trying to think back on the dream. Something about Danny's robe and bathtubs..

"It was no use , " she thought " I just can't remember"

Danny said' What did you say?"

"Nothing, I was trying to remember the dream I had... it was nothing.. "

"Sure looks like it must have been something. You looked really out of it when I walked in."

Michelle suddenly had the urge to take a bath. She got up from the bed and told Danny she wanted to take a long hot bath.

"Sure ," he said , you want me to draw it for you. You look kinda shaky.."

"No, I will do it myself, thanks"

Michelle sat in the warm water and tried to remember why she would dream about taking baths.. finally she gave up and said to herself.."it was only a dream.. Michelle get a grip"

That night as they lay in bed Michelle whispered to Danny" Are you asleep?"

Danny turned toward her and smiled.

"No, what did you have in mind?"

Michelle said she wanted to ask him something and it would sound strange , but to answer her truthfully.

"Sure," Danny said.

"O.K. well, do you know anyone in Chicago?"

Danny laughed.. "Chicago is a big town ,Michelle, lots of people.. could be someone there I know.. couldn't there?" he tickled her and she pulled away.

"What?" Danny looked at her as though she had lost her mind.

Michelle was afraid to ask anymore., it was all so vague in her mind and he already thought she could do with a psychiatric evaluation. She could tell from his expression.

"Nothing.. I just thought I remembered you talking about someone in Chicago." She tried to sound casual..as thought this was a normal question to ask in the middle of the night.

He pulled her to him and said " I think you are going around the bend Mrs. Santos. You have never acted like this before.. " he kissed her forehead and told her to get some sleep. He continued to hold her and she could feel herself relax.

"Yes, she thought, this is normal.. that dream was crazy and I am not going to dwell on it."

She sighed deeply and snuggled closer to Danny.

Danny was staring at the ceiling. His eyes betrayed what he was thinking.

" How the hell did she know," he thought

Michelle fell into a deep sleep. She was in Danny's arms and that was all that mattered. If she dreamt at all that night she remembered none of it in the morning.

She woke and saw the sunlight streaming in the window, she reached for Danny but he was gone. The sick feeling she had last night returned. Then she heard the shower. She sighed, and got up from the bed. Walking into the master bath she could see her husband outlined in the shower. He seemed to be leaning back and letting the water pour over him. She opened the shower door and he looked over at her with surprise and concern on his face.

"How about sharing with a friend" Michelle laughed.

"Sure, but I was just about to get out. Been in this water long enough." He looked uneasy&127&127 and Michelle could not understand why. This was not an unusual occurrence for them.

"All right.. sorry" She was not sorry, just upset that he seemed indifferent to a usually pleasurable time for them.

Danny stepped out of the shower and proceeded to dry himself. She took another towel and dried his back. He seemed to pull away but only for a second.

He took her in his arms and said "Maybe tomorrow . is it a date?"

"Sure."

He left the room and she could hear him talking on the cell phone. Business as usual in the Santos household.

Well, almost.

Dee sat in her living room in Chicago looking out at the skyline. The river looked more grimy than usual today.

The phone rang and she grabbed it quickly.

"Danny?"

"Oh , Danny did you tell her yet"

" No, she has been freaked out since yesterday. It just didn't seem like a good time to talk, you know?" Danny whispered

" Oh , I'm sorry sweetheart. You will have to do it soon. If we want this deal to work. You have to be rid of her. Besides, I am selfish, I want you to myself. I can't stand the thought of you sleeping next to her." Dee smiled at the thought of having Danny to herself.

"Baby, I am trying. It's just that she's not like us, you know. Even after five years , I am not always sure where she is coming from.. you know?"

"Gotta go"

He quickly hung up the phone. He heard the shower go off and shortly Michelle entered the bedroom.

Michelle was drying her hair with the towel and glanced at Danny sitting by the phone. He was shirtless and wearing sweat pants.

"Aren't you working today, Danny"

"A little later maybe.. I uh.. wanted to talk to you about something"

Michelle felt her throat close.

"You haven't asked much about the business in the past year. Why is that.?" Danny asked

" I just felt it was better that I not know too much Danny" she continued brushing her hair.

"Not the least bit curious anymore?" Danny said as he walked around the room.

"That doesn't concern me anymore, Danny. What you or your mother do .. it doesn't matter" Michelle tried to sound nonchalant. She finished brushing her hair and went to the closet.

Danny watched her and tried not to show his mistrust.

"Seen Bill lately?" Danny asked

" Not since the Christmas party at Towers, why do you ask?"

Danny thought about what his mother had told him. Michelle and Bill . That was over a year ago. She told him that she had seen the embrace, the kiss between them. He never mentioned it to Michelle. Bill was alone then. Pilar had gone back to Spain. So much had changed.

He knew they had been in touch. Why was she lying. Didn't she know he could get phone records checked. Mother had spies everywhere. She must have been a fool. Didn't matter now. He had Dee and she could be with Bill if that is what she wanted.

"Michelle , I think you need to know something about me"

Michelle's blood ran cold. God .. she remembered her dream now. Oh please don't let him say .........

"You have to understand why this has to end" Danny said

Michelle could hear her heart pounding. She swore she could hear the blood rushing through her veins. Her skin was on fire.. wasn't it.. if felt that way.

"What do you mean, Danny?" Michelle voice was barely audible.

"I mean the lies Michelle.. it has to end"

Michelle was suddenly back in the universe.. this wasn't like the dream. This was different.

Danny had tears in his eyes.. that didn't happen in the dream either...

"Lies, Danny? Whose lies" Michelle asked.

"Your lies and mine too I guess, time for honestly all around,O.K?"

Michelle took a deep breath.. she was surprised that she could breathe at all.

"Danny , what have I lied about?"

"About Bill .. and you .. I have known for a long time now. Did you think I wouldn't find out?"

Michelle burst out laughing.

"This amuses you ,Michelle?" Danny was angry now.

"Bill ... and me? Are you out of your mind Danny? Is this what you thought of me? That I could ever betray you like that? My god, don't you think I know what that betrayal feels like. Didn't we go all through this long ago?"

Danny sat and stared at her. He wondered why did she persist in her lies. "She is still afraid of me" he thought.

"Danny, I would never.. in my wildest dreams.. ever.. do anything to hurt you. Do you think I would risk losing you. I have turned a blind eye to everything that has happened. Sometimes you let me in, sometimes you don't"

Danny sat staring at his hands. Hands dirtied with all kinds of crimes. The worst may have been with Dee if Michelle was telling the truth. "What if she is.. ?" He was afraid of what the answer to that question might be, he really didn't want to know.

"You did not kiss Bill last year and go off with him somewhere?"

Michelle walked across the room to him and touched his face. She sat in his lap. She kissed him tenderly on the lips. "Danny, I would never do anything like that. I did kiss Bill last year on his birthday. A kiss on the cheek. He was missing Pilar. He was sad.. he is my friend. I kissed him like a friend. "

Danny wondered if now he could tell the truth. What would happen to this marriage then. "Damn , his mother had succeeded in destroying something again. When would it end. Now the business would be effected as well. He was about to lose it all."

Danny said defensively " You will never really understand me Michelle.. don't try to put the blame on me for shutting you out"

Michelle got up from his lap and walked to the window. "Where was this going ? " she wondered. She knew it had to be Carmen who made up this Bill story. "Damn her.. if anyone needs to get shot it's her" Michelle wondered why that thought popped into her head. "Losing it again, Michelle? "she thought.

"Michelle come back here, please. I need to tell you something. I want you to listen to me very carefully"

Michelle sat down across the desk from Danny. His eyes were not cold. His eyes were filled with tears.

" Michelle, I have made a terrible mistake. I made the mistake of trusting my mother ... again. I thought that you and Bill were.. well .. together. I felt that you never really knew me or accepted me. Do you know how that made me feel .. as a man?"

Michelle knew what was coming.. she knew there were parts of her dream that seemed to be true. She smiled at Danny and said "Danny , I know it will take a lifetime to understand you. I know that we may both old and gray before we do, but trust me I am trying."

Danny came around from behind the desk and lifted Michelle to her feet.

With his arms tightly around her he said" Michelle , I screwed up again.. I hope this will be the last time. Do you know what I am saying?"

Michelle told him that she did know , but not to ask her how.

Dee sat next to the phone. Surely Danny would call soon. He must have told her by now. She stared out the window and watched the traffic on the loop.

The last time Danny was here he had brought her a diamond necklace. She fondled it now , thinking about him and what he had said when he presented it to her. She understood him. Of course she did . He was so much like her father and her brother. Men of with ego's so large that they needed a forklift to carry them. She walked to the mirror so that she could see the necklace on her throat. She saw the reflection of a slim , dark haired woman. Her features were strong. She had large eyes and good bone structure. "Everyone told her so " she thought. She was the opposite of Michelle. "She is blond and pale.. she thought.. not like me" Dee thought smugly.

She held the necklace up to her throat. She was admiring the picture of herself in the mirror when the phone rang.

"Hello"

"Dee, this is Danny. I don't know what to tell you .. I don't like doing this on the phone. I can't come to Chicago. The deal we had is off. I know you will understand. My mother betrayed and tricked me again. You know her, you know what she is capable of and I don't want this to destroy our "friendship" I just want you to know that I can't through with the deal we talked about"

He was still talking and Dee was not hearing a word after "I can't come to Chicago."

She tried to focus on what he was saying but she could not.

"Danny.. Danny,"she interrupted him," you have to come. Didn't you tell Michelle that it was over. Didn't you explain about us?"

Danny replied that he didn't have to, that she knew somehow anyway.

Dee's dark eyes were black with rage. Damn Michelle .. Damn Carmen.. these two fools would ruin everything.

She tried to sound calm now.. speaking in her most soft voice she said" Danny, you know I want only your happiness. I understand completely. I am here if you need me. You know that. I will explain to my father.. as for me.. you know I love you.. always will"

Dee called her father. She explained that Danny had backed out. She said she would continue to work on him. She thought she could turn him around. Her father was not happy.

He demanded" Does Carmen have something to do with this.. I feel her fine hand in it somewhere?"

Dee told him she was sure that Danny found out about some more lies by Carmen. She would stop at nothing to keep him by her side. She was a sick person.

"I don't know about sick , but she is a crafty one.. don't underestimate her Dee" Peter said

Dee hung up the phone and called Carmen.

She told Carmen that her plan had failed. That Danny was back with Michelle.

Carmen hissed " Michelle.. that girl will be the death of me. Danny is blind .. he will never leave her. Five years I have had to put up with her incessant prying. Danny is completely hypnotized by her. She can do no wrong. I am always the one to blame"

Dee assured Carmen that Danny would not be this way forever. After all he did believe the story about Bill for over a year. Obviously there were weaknesses in the marriage. She and Carmen would just have to work on that premise.

"Carmen , together I know we can bring Danny around. Don't you feel that way?" Dee said sweetly

"Oh, Dee why couldn't Danny have married you.. it would have made everything so easy .. for both our families"

"Yes , it would ,Carmen" Dee was smiling now..

Danny hung up the phone. Michelle walked into the office and said" Still working or have you taken care of everything." the emphasis was on everything. Danny knew what she meant.

"Yes, I have ,.. everything but one"

" Michelle I want to tell you all about this ... situation.. no secrets anymore.. o.k."

"Would that be for my benefit Danny or yours?" she tried not to sound angry.

" Both, I hope"

Michelle sat down next to him and touched his lips with her fingers.

"I don't want to know, Danny.. I don't want to know every detail of your relationship with her.. I don't need to know and I don't want that in my head every time we make love.. which, by the way.. I hope will be often. Granted it might make you feel better to confess. Talk to Ray.. confess to him.. not me. all right?"

Danny's face darkened.. why does she always have to be right.. he thought.

"It does involve some business.. not just intimate stuff.. you used to like to know what I was up to.. didn't you?

Michelle kissed him and asked him to please stop talking.. .. she had heard enough about this nightmare of a day.

"Can't we just talk about our future.. Danny?"

Danny sighed.. what was the use.. he wanted to be able to talk to her the way he talked to Dee.. about everything.. everything that he thought about and did was important to Dee.

He looked at Michelle and he felt such love for her. She was stubborn, strong and sometimes damn pushy.. but he loved her with all his heart.. he knew that. She was also ,almost always, right.

Michelle thought to herself, " Someday Danny, I will be able to hear whatever you want to share. Now I would feel as though someone had skinned me alive.. she pondered that expression.. yes ,, like your skin had been stripped from your body.. exposing everything.. that was it.. exposing everything.. she would not be able to bear it , not yet"

Dee decided that she would take some action. No sense is sitting here thinking about Danny. She knew what she had to do. She went to her closet and found the dress that she had been wearing when she and Danny had first made love.. she laughed .. well that is what he called it.. she had another name for it. She also went to her perfumes and she selected the perfume that Michelle wore. She made sure she knew what that was. "All's fair in love and war' and this is war.

She called her father and arranged for the jet. She was off to Springfield. It would have been better to have this battle on her own turf.. but .. this called for immediate attention. Can't let those fires grow cold.

She arrived in Springfield and called Carmen. "Meet me for lunch please Carmen.. I need to talk.. I am heartbroken over Danny.. I need your advice."

Carmen said she would be delighted to meet with her and they could discuss strategy.

She and Carmen met at the millennium.

"Dee, you look stunning. I miss my Pilar.. she and I would have lunch here sometimes. Before she left for Spain she forgave me for everything. She really knows how difficult all of this has been for me since her father died. I long for the time when I can forget all of this business. I wish I could see my son happy and settled with someone who really understands him."

Dee listened to Carmen babble on and set a smile on her face. Her mind was on Danny. Would this woman never shut up.. Dee continued to smile at Carmen and pat her hand in understanding.

"Carmen.. I need to see Danny one last time to give him something. Do you think you could call him for me. Tell him to meet me say.. oh at some little park or something.. it would mean the world to me.. to see him one last time"

Carmen said" I don't know if he would take that information from me.. but ,,, I could call and then give the phone to you.. that way if Michelle answers.. she would think he was talking to me.. would that work?"

Dee smiled" Perfectly"

Danny agreed to meet her at dusk. He told her about the park. She made sure she was there before he arrived. She sat on the bench . He hands folded , demurely looking down. She heard his footsteps before she saw him. She continued to look down until she was sure that she had just the right amount of tears in her eyes. She looked up and he took her hand.

"Danny, thank you for coming. I .. am sorry that I had to disturb you at home" she wiped away a tear.

Danny sat close to her and put his arm around her shoulders.

"Dee, please understand.. my mother had me convinced that Michelle had cheated on me.. I was upset and lonely.. I know that isn't any excuse.. all I seem to do lately is hurt people I care about"

"Danny, you don't need to apologize to me.. I am just happy for the time we had together"

"I am going to be sick , if I have to talk like this much longer.." she thought

"I just wanted to return this necklace to you... I don't feel I have any right to keep it. It's only value was that you gave it to me... and now.. well.. that is over and I don't feel..."

Danny interrupted her and said " Please Dee, keep it.. I want you to have it . I bought it for you. You earned it.. All those nights of listening to me.. complaining and well.. you know."

"Yes ,I know.". she thought.". I know all right.. come to mama Danny.. tell mama all.. "

"Have you finalized the big deal yet," she asked. She brushed the curl from his forehead.. and ran her fingers down the side of his face. Such a beautiful face she thought.. what a shame .. She would hate to see it changed.

"Not yet.. still dealing with Ben Warren.. can't seem to get rid of the guy"

"Hmmm Ben Warren.. yes the lawyer who doesn't like to get his hands dirty. Kind of in the wrong business isn't he?"

Danny sighed.. "Mother gave him the Real Estate division, he didn't like my getting into it at all"

This latest deal was bigger than Donald Trump.. Dee knew it and she wanted that company.. Daddy said if she could do it .. she could have it.. well, damn Carmen , Danny and the whole Santos family .. Dee would have what she wanted. Who did these people think they were.. they were small time.. How they ever managed to get this deal was something she would never understand.. didn't matter.. because she would have it all anyway. Maybe Danny too. If not there were others more than happy to take his place.

"Danny , you know I will keep my ear to the ground. I hear anything.. and you will be the first to know. Is there anything in particular that I should be watching for.. people I should speak to .. whatever I can do to help ..you know that love.. don't you?"

She decided it was time to move.. she kissed Danny and out of instinct or memory he kissed her back. Her perfume enveloped him and he saw Michelle.. in his mind. Dee kissed him again and this time more passionately. He could feel himself responding to her and hated himself for it.. he broke away.

"Dee.. I'm sorry .. I have to leave. "

"Remember Danny .. I am always here for you, I just want you to succeed.. I promise I won't accost you again" Dee laughed..

Dee said "One small favor before you leave, please"

"What"

"Just a hug for an old friend, huh.. "

Danny put his arms around her and she slipped the diamond necklace in his pocket.

"Thank you .. Danny.. I am always with you remember that," she smiled

"Good-bye Dee.."

Danny was glad this day way over. His emotions had run the gamut. He knew he had hurt Michelle .. again. He swore the last time.. it wouldn't happen. This betrayal had gone deeper. Dee was different.. this wasn't some drunken "let's make each other feel good" it was more and it bothered him that it was. There was an connection there. She knew everything about him...every dark thought and mood. He wished that Michelle .. "O.K. stop right now.. don't go any further with this" Danny thought.

He walked into their bedroom and Michelle was putting away clothes and packing some winter things.

"Thought I would put away some things... a little spring cleaning.. "

Danny smiled.. maybe that is what he needed a little spring cleaning.. get the cobwebs out of his brain. Maybe his brain hadn't been the problem.

"Sounds like busy work to me.. why don't you come here to me.. I think I can keep you busy for a while"

Michelle gladly went into his arms. She missed this Danny. The one that smiled at her and made her feel that she was the only person in the world.

"Michelle.. I know that sometimes I can be .. well.. difficult. I want you to know that there is no one in the world who means more to me than you do. "

Michelle hugged him and she brushed her hands against his jacket pocket.

"What is that in your pocket.." she laughed at the expression on his face..

"What is the matter, Danny?"

She reached into his pocket and pulled out the necklace.

She stood in stunned silence. It was beautiful. She looked at Danny and guilt was written all over his face.

She had a terrible feeling that she knew exactly what it was.

"Damn.. she put it there, " he mumbled to himself.

Damn her.. why did he trust people he shouldn't. His instincts used to be so good.

Michelle sat down on the bed. She was going to have to face this. Just had to. Danny had been unfaithful.. he had met with this woman again. How many more times will she have to forgive.

"Michelle.. let me explain.. don't tell me you don't want to know. I have to tell you.. have to .. do you understand?"

"Yes" she said.. but she was miles away again

"She wanted to meet me to give back something I gave her. This necklace was a gift. I told her to keep it. .she wanted to return it .. so she slipped it in my pocket. I didn't even know it was there."

"How close were you when she slipped it in your pocket, Danny?"

Danny looked down at the floor.. this is something he didn't want to say.

"Close"

"Danny.. " .. Michelle started to protest and then she remembered her dream. This woman would not win. No one would take Danny from her.. no one"

A little voice in her head told her to be quiet. Just wait until he was talked out. " Just listen, Michelle."she thought.

Dee sat in the leather lounge chair on the jet talking on the phone.

"Bergstrom,,, Dee, how are you darling?"

"Whoops.. forgot about the time difference, sweetie. Well, you know that I do." Dee cooed.

"Danny Santos is not in the game anymore.. you understand. This is just between you and me, just like it should be"

"That deal is not going to happen for the Santos family..It is going to be mine.. all mine. Just like you are sweetheart"

She smiled and thought of Bergstrom drooling on his shirt. The old fool

Dee waved at the steward.. mouthed get me a scotch... ice .. she added.

He brought her the drink . She crossed her legs seductively and stirred her drink with her finger. She looked at the steward with a glance that turned his face red.

When he had left , she laughed at his embarrassment. "Don't waste it on the peasants, Dee. Didn't your Daddy teach you better than that," she thought

Danny and Michelle lay in bed. The silence was deafening. He had explained everything to her and she had said nothing. The vision of him with someone else kept creeping into her mind. She pushed it away. They may as well have been on different planets.

Danny turned toward her and said" Sooner or later you have to talk to me Michelle. We can't shut each other out. We have to be able to talk about it all. If you want to scream at me, hit me .. something.. just talk to me, please"

Carefully Michelle began to talk.

" Danny.. years ago, after Drew.. which I now understand.. you promised me.. not once , but over and over that you would leave the "family business" and do something else. Then you explained that there were all these connections.. all these situations that kept you from leaving. I stopped asking about the business because it only caused friction between us and I wanted you happy and whole when you were with me. I guess that was selfish , wasn't it" She couldn't resist that sarcasm. Just that little bit.

"I am sorry Michelle..."

"No, Danny.. I am not through. Now you tell me that because I didn't want to hear about the business .. you went to someone for understanding. Is the the old saw about "my wife doesn't understand me" is that what this is Danny. Because I have really tried. I think I deserve a medal for all the trying. Your mother has tried for 5 years to tear us apart. She stops at nothing. Then you believe some ridiculous tale about Bill and I having an affair. I am at a complete loss Danny to understand your reasoning. Completely."

"Well, right as usual Michelle"

Michelle felt now that she may have gone to far. "No dammit. I did not. It is the truth." So what, the little voice in her head said.. so what Michelle.. you have a need to be right.. good luck"

Danny ran his hand along her arm. His fingers brushed her breast and he kissed her neck.

Michelle was lost.. it didn't matter anymore... nothing mattered but his closeness.. his kisses , his breath on her skin. Nothing mattered.. she was far away again.. in that place he took her to, their place..

Dee's plane landed and she was met by her brother.

He looked on his sister as someone who thought like a man. She sure didn't look like one.. but she did think like one. He had never met anyone as shrewd in business or anything else for that matter.

"Pete, how are you darling.. you look wretched actually.. too much night life?" she smoothed his collar on his jacket and kissed him on the cheek.

"Daddy said you had a deal in the bag.. is that true. The one in Brazil.. how did you pull that off.. thought it belonged to the Santos kid.?"

"Danny made a mistake.. he thought he had a friend and he didn't . shit happens" she laughed.

"Yes, almost always when you are around."

"Now , now.. don't be peckish.. just because you don't understand high finance don't blame it on your big sister"

Peter glared at the back of her head as she stalked off toward the limo.

The following morning Michelle woke and found Danny sitting in the chair.. staring at her.

"Oh god, now what?" she thought

"Michelle, I have made a decision. We are leaving Springfield. It is over. I am through. I don't want anything but you in my life. No more Mother.. no more business.. it might be tough for a while . I know we can manage. I have money in a swiss account and I hear Paris is nice at this time of the year.. You up for that? Paris in the spring.. flowers , rain , romance.. making love in public.. who cares..What do you say.? "

Michelle told him he had lost his mind and could she lose hers too please:?.. How long til the next flight.. ?

Danny called the airlines.. got the tickets.. told Michelle to pack whatever she though she absolutely had to have and they were leaving for Paris in the morning.

Michelle asked if she could spend one night with Rick and Abby. Give her a chance to devote the last night to them. He told her he understood. That he would try and get through one night without her.

Danny lay in the bed that he and Michelle had shared. He tossed and turned unable to get Michelle off his mind.

He thought about Dee and the Bergstrom deal. What the hell , he thought, it didn't matter anymore. After an hour of struggling to sleep ,much against his better judgment, he took a sleeping pill.

The sheets were twisted around his nude body. He slept fitfully.. and it was obvious that he was dreaming.. a not too pleasant dream. His forehead was covered in perspiration.

The dream was shrouded in a gray mist.. he saw flashes of familiar faces.. they were blurred but he felt he knew them all.

He saw the bedroom door open.. and the mist cleared for a moment.

A gray wolf sat near the door. The wolf came closer to the bed.

He saw Mick and he was laughing.. "Don't you know , little brother.. Don't you know?"

Mick's face was contorted and his smile was a grimace. There was blood on his head.

Michelle was standing by the desk.. her hair was piled on her head... she was beautiful and he longed to hold her.. she disappeared as quickly as she came.

His mother was wearing red.. she offered him a cup..

"Drink this .. it will make you feel better" she smiled and whispered .. I can make this all go away.. don't you know.. I am your mother"

His body was drenched in sweat and he pulled the covers away..

The wolf snarled and moved closer to the bed

Michelle appeared again.

"Danny, Danny.. I knew you before time.. I knew you before all time"

Michelle stroked his brow.. she kissed his forehead.. he wanted to hold her.. he could not move.

"Cover me with your wildness, Danny" Michelle whispered.

Danny reached for her.. but she was just a wisp of smoke.

Mick appeared again.. he was a child.. crying.. His grandmother wiped away the tears and told him he must not be weak.

Michelle appeared and she held two sticks.. "when these are together , they cannot be broken"

She smiled and touched Danny's chest.. "here , she said.. here "

Danny did not understand.. he wanted to ask her but he could not speak.

The gray wolf lay down next to the bed. He placed his head on his outstretched paws. He seemed content to lie there.

Danny saw what Michelle had left on his chest. A key..

His mother appeared again..

She was just a skeleton.. she had no flesh.. she laughed.

She held withered flowers in her hands.. he could almost smell the pungent smell of rotting flowers..

Danny awoke and sat bolt upright.

The phone was ringing.

He grabbed the receiver and said "Hello" his voice barely audible.

"Danny.. this is Dee.. can you talk?"

"Dee, this is not the time.. I told you.. I can't do this anymore.. " his mind was still reeling from the dream.

"Danny.. I am sorry to have to tell you this.. darling. The Bergstrom thing.. it's dead.. you know.. He just changed his mind and you know how that old fool is.. once he makes up his mind"

Danny stared at the phone and shook his head. "What does she think I am , a first class fool" he sighed.

"Dee , I really don't give a damn about that deal.. did you really think that was what all that was about. For the first time in my life.. I am going to tell you the absolute truth.. it was great sex.. I enjoyed your mind games.. but they are over and frankly.. they bore me.. so , not to put to fine a point on it.. sweetheart.. find someone else to play with.. buh bye"

Dee laughed and hung up the phone. " You just have love'm ,Dad.. he didn't even blink"

Her father wondered if Dee ever had an honest feeling.

He need not have wondered. She didn't

Dee picked up the phone and called Bernard.

"Bernard, Dee here.. fine thank you" she said in her most business like tone.

"Bernard, I need to ask you a small favor. Danny Santos, I know he is an associate of yours. His mother and I are old friends.. she is quite concerned about him. He , well , uh has some problems as of late.. with his wife. She really doesn't approve of his business choices. Carmen is a little concerned that she will turn on Danny. Yes, he is smart.. I know.. and I don't think his mother doubts that for a minute. He is very shrewd.. but you know .. when it comes to affairs of the heart.. we are all susceptible, no?"

Bernard sat in his office wondering why Dee, of all people ,would call him. He knew Carmen only too well. She had expressed to him at one time that Danny was in over his head as far as his wife was concerned. Her name was Bauer. Yes, he remembered hearing about the Bauer's .

"What do you want me to do , Dee? " Bernard asked

"I want you to tell me what you know about the Bauer's"

"Why do you need to know ?

"No, Bernard.. not why...your correct question is what do I need to know and how soon."

"Bitch.." Bernard thought

Bernard took a deep breath... "O.K. Dee, I don't know much. Just that her father is Ed Bauer.. he is out of the country. The brother's name is Rick. The bride's mother is dead. Seems Dr Ed had quite a way with the ladies and a big drinking problem. Must run in the family.. I understand her grandfather liked the booze too. He pulled a couple of disappearing acts himself. Just your usual Springfield family."

Dee smiled. "Drinking huh? Any other weaknesses that you know about. Michelle have any problems with alcohol?

"Not that I know of.. there was one incident.. long time ago.. at the Millennium.. I don't think that was ever repeated though.. "

" No problem with drugs? "Dee asked.. hoping the answer would be yes.

"Nah"

"No legal problems in the family.. IRS nothing like that"

"What , you think I am the FBI, Dee?"

"Force of habit.. had to ask." Dee poured herself another drink ..

"Well, we shall see.. maybe that can change."

Bernard looked puzzled "What?"

"Nothing , sweetie.. don't you worry your silly old head.. just want to help Carmen out.. she isn't very objective about her son, you know."

Bernard hung up the phone. He wondered what she was really up to, she had too damn many connections. She new Bergstrom.. only too well from what he understood. She had connections in Vegas and Brazil.. her reach went everywhere.. what in the hell was Danny doing talking with her. Bernard didn't like the sound of any of this. Not at all.

Michelle sat across the table from Abby and Rick. They both looked concerned.

"Rick,, please try to understand. Danny and I need to get away. This past year.. well.. it hasn't been the best in our marriage. I guess I kind of cut myself off from Danny... there were things that made it difficult to connect sometimes.. you know.. "she looked pleadingly at Rick.. hoping he would understand and she would not need to explain further. Instead it was Abby who picked up on what she was saying.

"Michelle.. we do understand.. sometimes in a marriage...one person or another stops communicating. We understand , don't we Rick.

"Sure, Michelle honey.. you take your trip.. work out the kinks in the marriage.. I know you two will be fine.. at least you can escape Carmen for a while, huh?"

"Will you look up dad when you are there?" Rick asked

"Well.. Danny and I need sometime alone.. you know.. but maybe later.. give us a while,o.k.?"

"By the way Rick, if anyone asks where we are.. just give a vague answer ,o.k... you know.. traveling in Europe or in the East Indies .. just don't tell anyone where we are."

Rick looked startled.

"What do you mean, Michelle are you in some danger or something.. why shouldn't we tell anyone?I don't like the sound of this"

"Please Rick.. just trust me.. allright..please"

The next morning the car arrived and Danny came into the Bauer kitchen. Rick greeted him and offered him coffee. Danny declined.. he just wanted collect Michelle and get to the airport.

Michelle came downstairs in a pale green suit.. she looked radiant.. as if this were her honeymoon. She had been preparing for this since 5:00AM.

Danny smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"You look gorgeous, gorgeous..."

"You look handsome, handsome"

Rick laughed" It is too early in the morning for this.. don't think I can take it."

They were glad to get on the plane and on their way.

"Why aren't we flying Air France?"

"Michelle, I guess because we are not going to Paris"

"Where are we going," she asked

"We are going to South America.. Brazil to be exact"

Michelle stared at him in stunned silence. This can't be real. What is he doing now? Why Brazil? She was afraid to ask and then remembered their vow to tell each other everything.

"Danny, why Brazil?'

"Because I have to clear something up with someone."

He saw the look on her face and took her hand and kissed her palm..

"No, Michelle , it is not with Dee.. I have to talk to Bergstrom.. I have to clear myself with him"

"Why.. clear what Danny?"

"Bergstrom , I am almost positive, is unaware of what Dee is up to and I intend to bring him up to speed"

"Does that put you in danger, Danny? I thought you said she was dangerous and that she had connections everywhere."

Danny saw the fear in Michelle's eyes.. "Why did he always seem to do this to her," he wondered.

"Bernard called me before I came to pick you up. He told me that Dee had called him. I have to do this to protect everyone.. do you understand now, Michelle?"

"Does that everyone include me.. my family ,Danny?"

Danny hesitated.. he shook his head and looked out the window.

"I don't want to tell her this.. " he thought

Danny sighed.

"Michelle, Dee was asking questions about your family.. about your father and your brother.She was trying to dig up something. Bernard said he had to tell her some harmless stuff.. just to throw her off. This is a woman who will keep digging until she finds a weak spot.. she never gives up if she wants something. I had a deal with Bergstrom.. a big real estate deal.. involving billions of dollars.. it was for the good of the family. It was pretty well sewn up.. I thought that Dee really was a friend.. I know , I know .. I was a fool. She was working me and Bergstrom to try and take the deal for herself. I let her think she had won. She has a need to win, I knew that. She was using my mother too.. if you can believe that.. my mother trusted her.. well only because she thought that it would get rid of you."

Michelle was staring at him and suddenly realized her mouth was hanging open. She could not believe what Danny was telling her.. this was insane.. who was this Dee , why did she care about Michelle.. she had so many questions her head ached.

"Michelle , did you hear me.. "

"Yes.. I hear you.. I don't understand .. but I hear you"

Truth telling was not as easy as Danny had thought. Michelle's face had gone pale. Her hand was shaking as she held her drink. She took a sip of her drink and tried to calm herself.

"Is my brother or Abby in danger from this woman?"

"Again the truth Danny..aren't you the great advocate of truth.." Danny thought.

"They could be.. I don't know for sure how Dee will react to my talking to Bergstrom.. I will have to rely on his discretion in this.. I can only hope he is more concerned with getting Dee out of the way.. than betraying me"

They arrived in Rio and they spent the next morning touring Rio de Janeiro52;a city of distinct districts connected by tunnels drilled through granite mountains. Slums, called favelas, cling to some hillsides, rewarding their tenacious residents with magnificent panoramas of the harbor and of elegant clusters of skyscrapers in the city below. Far above this urban scene a thick rain forest carpets the crest of Tijuca, the highest of Rio's peaks. One of the famous masquerade balls was being held at their hotel. It seemed to appeal to the more adventuresome tourists and thousands of Brazilians, who pressed into every ballroom so compactly that they seemed like a many legged mass of flesh, writhing to a samba beat. . Many splendidly built young women were ecstatically flaunting their freedom, having cast off customary family controls, as well as their clothes.

Michelle was in shock. She had never seen this side of Danny. He seemed completely at home in this atmosphere. She had heard Pilar talk about Spain and the freedom of the woman and their behavior. She was not sure she was ready for this.

When they returned to the hotel Danny's mood was definitely romantic. She hoped it was her and not all these wild woman. She laughed at herself.. "What a prude you can be , Michelle.. " she thought

Danny watched her as she prepared for bed. He stared at her the way he did the first time he saw her. There was a slight smile that played around his mouth. He came up behind her and kissed the back of her neck. His hands followed the contour of her body. Her shoulders , her breasts and hips. He kissed her with such passion that it took her breath away. Her heart was pounding. She felt as if was the first time he had ever touched her. There was more fireworks in the room than occurred in all of Rio that night.

Early the next morning she awoke and looked at the place beside her. Danny was gone. She panicked.. where was he?

There was a knock at the door.

She put on her robe and answered the door.

The young man had a tray with breakfast and one white rose.

"Your husband said you should eat now. He will join you later . Please enjoy"

He handed her the tray and she sat down at the table. She lifted the cover and saw a box . She carefully opened it and saw a gold pin. It took her a moment to realize what it was. Two bodies entwined. What they were doing was no mystery. She saw the note.

My darling Michelle,

I know you will never wear this in public. See how well I know you? I just wanted you to remember last night forever, I know I will.

Love you,

Danny

She looked at the pin again. My god ,, no she wouldn't wear it in Springfield ,that is for sure. Probably get arrested.

An hour later he walked in the door.

He explained that he had been setting up a meeting with Bergstrom. He was to meet with him at noon. He wanted her to go with him. "I want him to see you.. I want him to know there are no secrets between us. Besides he appreciates beautiful women. "

They went to Bergstrom's office. It was paneled in beautiful mahogany. Oriental rugs covered the floor. The view was breath taking. The office smelled of cigar smoke. Michelle tried not to cough. They were introduced and sat across the huge desk in leather chairs.

"It is good to see you Daniel. How is your mother?"

"She is fine .. she sends her regards."

Bergstrom leaned back and stared at Michelle. She felt completely naked. He stared at her breasts so long that she thought of ripping open her dress just to make sure he didn't miss anything Her face was getting warm and she was really more than upset with Danny for bringing her here.

Danny looked over at her and realized that she was getting angry.

"Look Bergstrom, I came here to tell something not for my wife to be displayed for your pleasure"

"Bergstrom laughed.. "Gottcha.. Daniel.. Dee was right.. you are not very objective about your wife. She is beautiful.. sorry if I offended you Michelle. Just a little test of Danny's temper."

"O.K business, what is the problem ,Danny?"

"Dee is the problem. We had a deal. I made the mistake of trusting Dee, now she is playing one against the other. That real estate deal is mine. I did all the work ,, I expect the reward.. "

"What about Ben Warren. He claims that he came up with the contacts in Puerto Rico"

"Ben is way out of his league. Believe me.. he knows nothing about the extent of this deal"

"Well, your mother trusts Dee.. she thinks she is just the best.. even kind of hoped that she would be the next Mrs Santos."

Tears stung Michelle's eyes. How much of this was she to endure.

Danny reached over , without looking at Michelle, he grasped her hand. She felt him squeeze her hand lightly.

She knew that he understood the hurt that this man had just inflicted.

" There isn't going to be any second Mrs Santos, Bergstrom. This is the only one. Forever.. you understand. Dee was trying to come between us.. with my mother's help. Just isn't going to happen ,so anyone who tries this again is going to fail. Michelle and I are joined at the hip ."

"Allright Danny. I understand. What do you want me to do?"

"Close the deal today.. with me. I'll be happy, Bernard is happy, and my mother will be happy."

"Dee is going to be far from happy if I do this Danny"

"Business before pleasure , Bergstrom.. right?"

"You will be denying me a lot of pleasure Danny"

Danny was silent and stared at Bergstrom waiting. Trying to look more confident that he felt.

Bergstrom sat drumming his fingers on the desk.

He looked at Michelle and then at Danny.

"Any children yet ,Danny?"

Danny looked at Michelle and then at Bergstrom.

"What the hell kind of question is that" Danny wondered

Finally Danny answered. "Not yet"

"Plan on them being in the business, Michelle.?"

Michelle was horrified.. of course not.. what was she supposed to say?

"No", Michelle answered, glaring back at him.

"Good," Bergstrom said with a smile " next generation should all be lawyers and politicians.. almost as bad but not quite" he laughed at his own joke.

Danny and Michelle did not.

Bergstrom stood up and shook Danny's hand.

"All right Danny, I will take care of everything. I take it this is your final deal , right?"

"Yes.. this is it"

"Good.. I will take care of everything.. don't worry and Michelle.. I am not the monster you think I am.. just a very lonely old man.. I am glad that Danny found you." he shocked her by kissing her hand.

They stayed in Rio for a week. The deal was signed. Ben was out. Mama was rich. Dee had a mysterious accident. It seems her car swerved over a cliff in Monte Carlo. So sad. Oh yes and Bernard got Ben's job.