It's amazing what you can find when you clean up some....
Title: Unknown
Fandom: CSI:NY, House MD and the Unit
Characters: Danny, Don, House, the Ducklings, the Unit
Pairing: Gen
Summary: What will Danny do when he gets the mafia after him? Does he have a place to hide? And will they find him?
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone. I just like to play with them a little.
AN: Found this laying around on the computer. It is ages since I wrote it and it is probably filled with mistakes and I hope anyone that reads it will notify me when they see them. It doesn't have quite the ending I had planned when I started it, but I can't seem to find it in me to get into the story and make it perfect. Maybe I'll someday make an epilogue. Who knows? Here is part 1 of 2...
Great. His phone was ringing. Should he take it? Nah... Let the answering machine get the honor, if it was anything important the person calling would leave a message.
«Hello Greg. It's Danny. I just wanna call you and tell you not to believe what ever will come on the news, if anything comes on the news. Only trust information that come from my boss Mac Taylor or my other coworkers Stella Bonesera, Aiden Burn or Don Flack...» House had jumped out of the chair he had been sitting in and ran to the phone when he heard who was on the phone and the seriousness in his voice. At least he had tried to run, his leg made that a little hard.
«What's happened?» House demanded to know.
«Hey Greg, thought for a minute that you weren't home. Maybe it would be easier if you hadn't been.» the voice on the other end sighted and House could hear traffic in the background.
«What. Has. Happened?»
«Nothing has happened.»
«Danny.»
The voice on the other end sighted again. «Nothing has happened yet. Sent a made one to jail and now there is a bullet out there with my name on it if I shall believe the rumors. Got to get out of Dodge and go to ground before it finds me.»
«How?»
«The feds.» was the short and sarcastic answer he got in reply.
«You'll be dead within a week! They leak like a sill!» House exclaimed terrified and angry on the other man's behalf.
«Don't you think I know that? But if I stay here I'll be dead much faster. This way I have a small chance of being alive long enough for the authorities to make some sort of arrangements. I've no better choice.»
«Yes you do.» House replied, his mind formulating a plan.
«I do?» the man sounded hopeful.
«Yes you do. Nobody knows about me. Not even your boss I guess. And you are currently using a public phone so that nobody can trace your call.» House did not wait for an answer before he continued. «Here is what you are going to do; rent a car under a fake name and drive to Washington. There you'll call your boss and tell him that you have gone underground and wont come out before you are sure the situation has been resolved. So far these mob grunts can manage to trace you, but there you'll disappear. You'll dispose of the car and I'll pick you up. We'll drive back and you'll stay with me.»
«It's too dangerous...» Danny started.
«No it is not. I know how potential dangerous it can get and I am telling you that I am not letting the fed take you and I am not letting you go underground alone. I have a gun and I grew up on military bases so I know how to use it. You have a gun and know how to use it. I am a doctor so I know hos to treat you if anything happens.»
«What about the hospital? It's not fair to them to drag potential danger there.» House heard that he had almost convinced the other man.
«We'll talk to Cuddy when you get here and if she doesn't like it I take some time of and we go on a road trip. It might be fun. If she doesn't protest you can stay here and help me and my ducklings with research. Always good with a extra set of eyes. Especially someone someone that's job involve to be observant and see trough lies. My staff are idiots so it would be nice with someone that at least knows something.» House would never admit it to anyone, but in the minute it took for the other man to reply, House were holding his breath and hoping that the other man would see his way and come here where he could keep an eye on him and make sure he was okay.
«I knew it would have been easier if you hadn't been home.» the man laughed. «Okay. Where do you want to meet?»
«Tomorrow. At the place that is both here and where you are. A place where we can go to eat some or take with us. Someplace that has something to do with my car. Or more specifically the color of my car.» House told the other man cryptic.
«Got it.» the man answered almost immediately.
«See! I told you that you are way smarter than my ducklings!» The comment had the expected effect and the other man laughed again.
«Okay Greg. See you tomorrow. Drive safe.»
«I always drive safe.» House protested, but the other man only snorted disbelieving before hanging up.
«Oh Danny... what have you managed to get involved in now?» House sighted as he put the phone back down. Good thing tomorrow was a Saturday and that he had the day off.
«I like the new hair color. It goes great with the new lenses.» House welcomed the man that slid into the chair opposite him gruffly while secretly checking him over to see if he was okay. He couldn't see anything wrong with him except the blond hair and the green eyes.
«Thank you very much. Thought a change in appearance might be a good thing. And don't worry, I am not harmed in any way.» the younger man smirked, fully knowing that the older man had been trying to asses him health.
«You called your boss yet?» House asked not bothering to look offended to be caught in the act. He was a doctor after all, he was supposed to be interested in other people's health. Especially friends that had recently been threatened by the mafia.
«Nah... Figured I should wait before I caught up with you and then boom. But I won't just make one call.»
«Yes I guessed you might want to call that homicide friend of yours. Flack wasn't it?» House asked after a mouthful. The food at the Red Lagoon was always good. For those that loved Thai-food that was.
«Yeah.» Danny sighted. «I would have loved to call them all, but I can't do that. I have to make the calls quick. And two is pushing it. Stella and Aiden will probably be close by Mac or easy to reach for him. Don on the other hand... He could be working a different case. And he is my best friend and deserves to hear from me and not Mac that I am fine. If I know them right they are very pissed and very scared right now after the way I disappeared. I was supposed to meet up with the feds last night and instead I went to a few ATMs and withdrew close to maximum on everyone before disappearing into thin air.» Danny went silent and stole some of House's food. «Maybe if this research gig you talked about works out I might make it permanent. I think I am too scared to ever return. They'll kill me for the way I left them.»
«Maybe that will be a good thing.» House mushed while protecting his remaining food. «Don't know if they'll want you back if they find out what your 'research' job will entail.»
«Oh?» Danny inquired.
«Yeah....it might have something to do with breaking and entering...» House mumbled.
«Did you just admit what I think you did to a police officer? Wait, don't answer that. Of course you did. Why should I have expected anything different.» Danny sighted, but House could see the smile lurking and knew that he wasn't offended or anything.
«We better go, we have a long drive in front of us and we have to go in extra early tomorrow so that we can talk to Cuddy.» House sighted and threw the money on the table.
«Yeah... and I have two phone calls I have to make that I don't look particular forward to.» Danny sighted and pulled up the disposable cell phone he had bought earlier that day. It looked like he had an internal argument before looking up at House.
«I'll make the calls in the car and when I am finished we drives a few blocks before I throw it in a container or trash can. Then we head out of town, but we'll drive west. That way if they manage to find out that I left town again they might think I left for California or one of the states in between.»
«Okay. I guess you know best what to do for not being found. I am only a doctor; you are the criminal expert.» House agreed to Danny's plan. He had no problem admitting that the CSI knew more about what was best for them to do than him.
«Crime Scene Investigator.» Danny corrected as they got into House's car.
«That's what I said. Criminal expert.»
«Whatever, but be quiet now. I am making the first call.» Danny waited in dread for the receiver to pick up.
«Flack.» Danny could hear how tired and worried his friend was.
«Hi Don. What's up?» Danny lightly asked, pretending that nothing was wrong.
«Danny! Are you okay? Where are you? What happened?» the questions raced out of his best friend and Danny heard the relief, but the worry was still there.
«Hey! Put on the breaks will you? I can only answer one question at the time. First off. Yes I am okay. And I left willingly yesterday, as Mac might have already found out from the cameras at the ATM there were nobody forcing me. I left willingly and I am staying gone. It is too dangerous for me in town right now and the feds would not have managed to keep me safe. The mob has too much power for that. So I am going underground. I can't tell you where I am, but I can tell you that I am out of town. And I can tell you that I am unharmed and safe.»
«You're sure?» Flack asked hesitant.
«Yes I am sure. But I've got to go. I still have to call Mac before I dispose of the phone.»
«You called me before Mac?» Danny could hear the hint of happiness in his friends voice. He was still tired and worried, but at least it wasn't as pronounced as before.
«Of course I called you before Mac. You're my best friend. Mac is only my boss. You take care now, you hear me? I'll be very pissed I come back and some perp has killed you or something.»
«Yeah I'll be careful as long as you do the same. I'll be very pissed if someone manage to off you.»
«I promise I'll be fine. I have a mother hen together with me and he had already promised me a promising job within breaking and entering.» Danny smirked.
«He knows you are a cop right?» his friend asked sceptically.
«Yes he knows I am a cop. I guess that is one of the reasons he's giving me the job.» Danny laughed and Don hesitantly joined in. «But I really have to go now Don. Have probably stayed on the line for too long already. Bye.»
«Bye. And remember your promise!»
«I will.» Danny whispered as he ended the call. «I talked a bit too long. Drive a few blocks away in case someone traced the call. You probably should keep driving. And drive in a circle while I make this last call.» Danny told his friend that was still smirking over the job comment.
«Yes Boss.» House saluted and started driving,
«Taylor.» came his boss' gruff voice over the line shortly after.
«Hey Mac. I just called to tell you that I left on my own free will and will stay gone until the situation has been resolved. No one is making me do anything I don't want to. And you shouldn't bother to trace this call, 'cause I am going to throw the phone away and I am a good CSI. Tell the feds that I am sorry, but I think I am safer on my own than I am together with them.»
«Just one question, are you okay?»
Danny had to smile. He could hear that his boss didn't like the choice he had made, but he was also smart enough to know that when Danny had decided to do something he would do it. Just like that case he had been denied to work, but had finished anyway.
«Yes Mac, I am fine. Tell Stella and Aiden that I am sorry that I couldn't call them, but I can't take the chance of making to many calls. I'll think of them tough, while I lie on the beach and drink Margaritas.» A false clue. Mac probably knew it too, but for all he knew it could be a fake fake clue. Danny could have given him the hint so that Mac should believe that that was the last place he would go. And the beach could be many places.
«I'll do that. Just make sure that you don't come back with a sun burn.»
«Stop worrying dad, I'll make sure to use sun lotion. Got to go. Bye Mac.» Danny answered back and hung up before Mac had the chance to say anything more.
«'Lie on the beach and drink Margaritas'?» House inquired.
«Mac probably has to write a report and I know he is going to tell Stella and Aiden about the conversation. Probably Flack too. In any case there is many that can over hear them or snatch the report. Or maybe his phone is bugged. Who knows. But at least somebody might believe I have left for Miami or California or maybe even Mexico. Another false lead. I have already planted a few by buying on line air tickets. For Canada, Europa and Mexico. It cost me some, a good thing Gran left me some money. Not that I believed she thought I would use them like this, but I think she would approve as long as it save my life.» Danny smirked.
«Think you are right. This look like a good place to dump the phone?» House asked.
«As good as any other I guess.» Danny answered as he jumped out of the car and threw away the phone. «Let's get going then.» Danny sighted as he sat back down again.
«Let's get going.» House repeated and started the long drive back to New Jersey. A drive that would take them threw many states.
«You trust her?»
«I trust her. She can be irritating, but I trust her.» House answered his younger friend early Monday morning while they were waiting for Cuddy to come to her office.
«Okay. That's all I need. What do you think she is going to say?»
«Hey House. What do you think she is going to say to what?» Cuddy asked as she walked into her office.
«Lisa. I've kind off got this situation and I could need some help.» House answered her completely serious.
The small smile Cuddy had been wearing vanished immediately by House's serious tone and the fact that he had used her first name.
«What can I do?»
«My cousin her, Danny, is in some trouble and I want him to stay here with me for a while. He is great at research and I figured he could help me with that or maybe some other trivial job. Or maybe just hang out. Whatever as long as he stays here.»
Cuddy turned her worried stare from House to the younger, more handsome, blond man by his side. She hadn't given him much thought before, but now that she looked him over she could see that he was on edge and constant on watch. She could also see something that could be taken as a hidden gun.
Danny saw Greg's boss look him over and the hint of scare when she looked in the general area of the place he had hidden the gun. Very carefully he opened his shirt and showed her that yes it was a gun.
«Greg here trusts you, Ma'am, and I trust him. I also didn't want to be here without you knowing the whole story. I am Detective Danny Messer of the NYPD. It is true that I am related to Greg, but it is way out and I don't think anybody else than we and Greg's deceased parents ever knew it. And that is one of the reasons I am here now. I want to reassure you that I am not in any problem with the law. More like the opposite. I am a Crime Scene Investigator and do a lot of my own lab work. That is one of the things I think Greg wants me to help with if you agrees. Anyway one of my latest cases resulted in very powerful member of the mob ending up behind bars and they have put a price on my head.
The mob got people everywhere. Therefor I couldn't stay in New York or go into any protection. When Greg found out he insisted that I come here. I want you to know that I have taken every precaution I could think off. My digital trace ended in NY. I rented a car under a false name and drove to DC. There I changed my hair and eye color as well as changing every piece of cloth in case someone had managed to put a tracer on me. I've left false clues leading to everywhere in the states and even some out of states too. Greg picked me up Saturday in DC and we used Saturday and Sunday to drive around in circles, not arriving here before late last night. I don't think it's likely that they'll find me here, but it can happen. And it is up to you if you'll allow me to stay or not. I promise you Ma'am, that if you find the risk too high I'll leave immediately and without an argument.» Danny finished his story to the surprised and speechless woman.
«He is telling the truth. And even if he won't argue I'll will.» House put in his two cents.
«Greg.» was all Danny needed to say to shut his relative up. It was all he needed to say to remind him of their deal.
«Wow. Anyone that can shot House up like that deserves a chance and you seem like a good kid. Your precautions seems solid, but are you sure nobody knows you are related?» Cuddy wanted to know.
«Thanks Ma'am. And yes I am positive. I am not from a good family. The Messer name is known in NY. My dad is involved in the mob, as is my brother. I followed in my mother's family's footsteps. She came from a family of cops, but they cut all ties after she married a criminal like my dad, a almost made man. The the relation between Greg and me are very far out. We didn't know before after a very long time. I came to visit one time when his parents were there too and they recognized the Messer name. We then found out that his part of the family and mine had had a falling out a ling time ago. I think along the lines of his grandparents and my great grandparents on my mother's side. Any way his side of the family had kept a few tabs out and heard something about the tragedy when by mother married the asshole. Sorry for my language Ma'am.» No need to not show manners. Or to show Greg that he actually had some sometimes. «Greg here has a few real cousins, but if Greg's parents were anything to go by, they have never been interested in family of any sorts. I don't even think they know they have a cousin. And I haven't spoken to my family since before I decided to become a cop. They don't know anything.» Danny finished his explanation and towards Greg, «Did I forget something?»
«Only that my parents never heard anything after your mom married your father.» House added after a while. «Other than that... What he said. Can I keep him?»
Danny laughed. «Be careful Greg. I know quite a few stories I am sure your ducklings, Wilson or Dr. Cuddy here might be interested in.»
«Yes Boss. Sorry Boss. Won't happen again Boss.» House promised the other man.
Cuddy look at the two men with a gleam in her eyes. «If you can make House behave some of the time I'll gladly let you stay here.»
«Deal.» Danny smiled as he took her hand. «This should be funny 'cause I know most of Greg's weak spots.»
«You do, do you? We are so going to have a talk.» Cuddy grinned.
«No you don't. Because Danny will be staying together with me to keep me in check. And you can't tell anybody what we just told you. Danny will be Daniel Meyers for his stay here, or maybe Danielle now that you have such lovely hair and such cute eyes? And he can be a body guard of sorts. A combined body guard and lab assistant if anyone asks. If they want to know why I need to have a body guard just give them a stare and tell them 'that it is House'. Okay?»
«Fine by me.» Cuddy agreed. «And Danny?»
«Yes Ma'am?» Danny turned around in the doorway.
«House got clinic hours from 12 today.» she smirked.
«Got it.» Danny smirked back.
«What have I gotten myself involved in?!» House exclaimed and threw his hands in the air while smirking as he too made his way out of Cuddy's office and down to his own.
When House and Danny walked into his office the entire minion flock plus Wilson had already gathered for the morning and were drinking coffee.
«Let me introduce to you all Mr Daniel Meyer. He'll be with us for a while. Meyer, this bunch of idiots are my ducklings Doctors Chase, Cameron and Foreman. And then we have Doctor Wilson, head of the Department of Oncology that has somehow ended up here together with us today.» House introduced them.
Danny seeing a chance to get back for the Danielle comment decided to ignore the rest of the people in the room for a short while.
«So Dr. House, you admit that you are an idiot?» Danny asked sweetly.
House that had been on his way to get a cup of coffee stopped mid step and it was lucky that none of the other doctors had taken a sip of their coffee, because id they had it would have gone the wrong way from the shock.
«Excuse me?» House sputtered.
«You just told me that this people are a bunch of idiots. And since you are the head of your department and you called them ducklings, I think it is fairly safe to say that you are their boss and mentor. I also happens to know that you have been working with them for quite some time now. My conclusion is that only an idiot would have failed to fire them if they are as incompetent as you say they are. And you have to be a really bad mentor to have failed to teach any of them nothing. 'Cause if they had learned something from you they wouldn't have been idiots.» Danny smiled sweetly at Greg that was currently gaping at him. Greg 1 Danny 1.
«Sorry about that.» Danny smiled to the rest of the group that were gaping just as much as Greg, but with something acing to admiration and humor in their eyes. «It's really nice to meet you all. I am Daniel Meyers as Dr House said and you can call me what ever form you feel like as long as it isn't Danielle.» during the last part Danny glared at Greg with a raised eye brown. «I am going to be here for a while, don't ask me how long 'cause I've got no idea. I'll be working with you, but mostly House here. Observing and maybe help you with some lab work and research.» By the end of Danny's short speech House had managed to get his tongue to work again.
«If it is war you want it is war you'll get.» he threatened and gave him his best glare. The one that even Wilson didn't like. But Danny only laughed.
«Oh my dear Greggo. You sure you are up for it? And remember what Dr. Cuddy and I talked about before coming here.» Danny sent Greg his sweetest smile; the one that managed to unnerve murderers.
House stared at his friend and suddenly realized how some of the criminals Danny had faced of during his life must have felt; it was unnerving. Danny wouldn't go trough with it and give Cuddy the blackmail information, would he? House stared Danny into his eyes and realized that he would do it. Damn.
Danny saw Greg capitulate. «You remember your clinic hours?»
«12. I'll be there.» House sulked.
«And I want you to be treating patients, and be nice to them, not sitting in one of the room watching TV or reading. Got it Greggo?»
«Yes Danno, I hear you. Actually treat patients. Be nice to the patients while treating them. Do you have any idea of what kind of cold turkey this hospital will go through when you leave?» House sulked even more if that was even possible.
«I am sure you'll survive, and it doesn't really concern me does it since I'll be gone then. And Cuddy might give me a raise when she finds out what a nice job of House-sitting I am doing.» Danny grinned and House left the room and closed the door to his office before he had to go around hugging people.
«How did you do that?» Wilson asked amazed. The rest of the doctors were still in the gaping stage.
«It's a secret sorry, but I might tell you before I leave. And we still have to wait and see if he does as I tell him to. But I can tell you one thing. I doubt life will be boring.» Danny laughed.
«I think you've got that one right, Mr Meyers.» Cameron smiled.
«Please doctor, Mr Meyers make me feels so old. It's Daniel, Danny, Dan, Danno or any other form you feel like as long as you don't start with Danielle as Greggo did.» Danny grimaced.
«Danielle?» Chase asked for clarification.
«Yeah. Something to do with my lovely hair color and my cute eyes. I think he was a little irritated over me getting the job to House-sit him.» Danny laughed.
«How did that happen?» Wilson asked curiously.
«You don't want to know.» Danny shuddered. «You seriously don't want to know.»
«So your job is to babysit House?» Foreman wanted to know.
«Yeah. I was told a bunch of other things like help you with a extra set of eyes, etc, but the bottom line was that I should watch House. Help him make it to the clinic in time and such. The part of him actually treating the patients he get is all on me, but I am sure Dr. Cuddy won't mind.»
«I won't mind what?» Cuddy asked as she walked into the room. She looked from the grinning doctors in front of her to the sulking one in the other room. «What happened?»
«Daniel here won the sparring match. Quite entertaining. Haven't seen anything like it.»
«Oh?» Cuddy asked curiously, silently cursing the phone call she had had to answer before following her best doctor and the NYPD detective.
«Yeah. He basically got House to agree that he was an idiot before making him promise to be nice to the patients he'll treat.» Cameron laughed.
«You looking for a raise already Daniel?» Cuddy teased the detective, fully knowing that there had been no talk about money or anything else like it earlier that morning.
«Not at all Dr Cuddy. All I want, Ma'am, is to teach Greggo a lesson. He should have learned by now that he should not start something he does not want to finish. But if there should be talk about a lunch or something I would not be too quick to say no.» Danny smiled up at her.
«You better stop calling her Ma'am, she could get used to it.» House said from the open door. He had realized how dangerous it could be for him to leave Danny in there alone with his colleagues, especially now that Cuddy had joined them. «And I want you to know Danno that I always finish what I start, most of the time.»
«In that case Greggo; Dr Cuddy, why don't we go and have that conversation you wanted to have earlier?» Danny said as he stood from the chair he had been sitting in.
«Please call me Lisa, and I would love to.» Cuddy smiled back at the handsome man.
Before Danny had a chance to say a word more he was dragged out of the room.
«Sorry to interrupt your planes, but I was planning to take Danno around the hospital so that he could get familiar here. See yeah!» House needed to raise his voice a little to be heard clearly over his cousins laughter.
«So you have managed to find someone that can manage to keep up with House and his job is to babysit him? This is going to be fun.» House heard someone say before he got out of earshot. It was more like him who would be detective-sit Danny, but the person had one thing right; this would be fun!
Part 2
Fandom: CSI:NY, House MD and the Unit
Characters: Danny, Don, House, the Ducklings, the Unit
Pairing: Gen
Summary: What will Danny do when he gets the mafia after him? Does he have a place to hide? And will they find him?
Disclaimer: I don't own anyone. I just like to play with them a little.
AN: Found this laying around on the computer. It is ages since I wrote it and it is probably filled with mistakes and I hope anyone that reads it will notify me when they see them. It doesn't have quite the ending I had planned when I started it, but I can't seem to find it in me to get into the story and make it perfect. Maybe I'll someday make an epilogue. Who knows? Here is part 1 of 2...
Great. His phone was ringing. Should he take it? Nah... Let the answering machine get the honor, if it was anything important the person calling would leave a message.
«Hello Greg. It's Danny. I just wanna call you and tell you not to believe what ever will come on the news, if anything comes on the news. Only trust information that come from my boss Mac Taylor or my other coworkers Stella Bonesera, Aiden Burn or Don Flack...» House had jumped out of the chair he had been sitting in and ran to the phone when he heard who was on the phone and the seriousness in his voice. At least he had tried to run, his leg made that a little hard.
«What's happened?» House demanded to know.
«Hey Greg, thought for a minute that you weren't home. Maybe it would be easier if you hadn't been.» the voice on the other end sighted and House could hear traffic in the background.
«What. Has. Happened?»
«Nothing has happened.»
«Danny.»
The voice on the other end sighted again. «Nothing has happened yet. Sent a made one to jail and now there is a bullet out there with my name on it if I shall believe the rumors. Got to get out of Dodge and go to ground before it finds me.»
«How?»
«The feds.» was the short and sarcastic answer he got in reply.
«You'll be dead within a week! They leak like a sill!» House exclaimed terrified and angry on the other man's behalf.
«Don't you think I know that? But if I stay here I'll be dead much faster. This way I have a small chance of being alive long enough for the authorities to make some sort of arrangements. I've no better choice.»
«Yes you do.» House replied, his mind formulating a plan.
«I do?» the man sounded hopeful.
«Yes you do. Nobody knows about me. Not even your boss I guess. And you are currently using a public phone so that nobody can trace your call.» House did not wait for an answer before he continued. «Here is what you are going to do; rent a car under a fake name and drive to Washington. There you'll call your boss and tell him that you have gone underground and wont come out before you are sure the situation has been resolved. So far these mob grunts can manage to trace you, but there you'll disappear. You'll dispose of the car and I'll pick you up. We'll drive back and you'll stay with me.»
«It's too dangerous...» Danny started.
«No it is not. I know how potential dangerous it can get and I am telling you that I am not letting the fed take you and I am not letting you go underground alone. I have a gun and I grew up on military bases so I know how to use it. You have a gun and know how to use it. I am a doctor so I know hos to treat you if anything happens.»
«What about the hospital? It's not fair to them to drag potential danger there.» House heard that he had almost convinced the other man.
«We'll talk to Cuddy when you get here and if she doesn't like it I take some time of and we go on a road trip. It might be fun. If she doesn't protest you can stay here and help me and my ducklings with research. Always good with a extra set of eyes. Especially someone someone that's job involve to be observant and see trough lies. My staff are idiots so it would be nice with someone that at least knows something.» House would never admit it to anyone, but in the minute it took for the other man to reply, House were holding his breath and hoping that the other man would see his way and come here where he could keep an eye on him and make sure he was okay.
«I knew it would have been easier if you hadn't been home.» the man laughed. «Okay. Where do you want to meet?»
«Tomorrow. At the place that is both here and where you are. A place where we can go to eat some or take with us. Someplace that has something to do with my car. Or more specifically the color of my car.» House told the other man cryptic.
«Got it.» the man answered almost immediately.
«See! I told you that you are way smarter than my ducklings!» The comment had the expected effect and the other man laughed again.
«Okay Greg. See you tomorrow. Drive safe.»
«I always drive safe.» House protested, but the other man only snorted disbelieving before hanging up.
«Oh Danny... what have you managed to get involved in now?» House sighted as he put the phone back down. Good thing tomorrow was a Saturday and that he had the day off.
«I like the new hair color. It goes great with the new lenses.» House welcomed the man that slid into the chair opposite him gruffly while secretly checking him over to see if he was okay. He couldn't see anything wrong with him except the blond hair and the green eyes.
«Thank you very much. Thought a change in appearance might be a good thing. And don't worry, I am not harmed in any way.» the younger man smirked, fully knowing that the older man had been trying to asses him health.
«You called your boss yet?» House asked not bothering to look offended to be caught in the act. He was a doctor after all, he was supposed to be interested in other people's health. Especially friends that had recently been threatened by the mafia.
«Nah... Figured I should wait before I caught up with you and then boom. But I won't just make one call.»
«Yes I guessed you might want to call that homicide friend of yours. Flack wasn't it?» House asked after a mouthful. The food at the Red Lagoon was always good. For those that loved Thai-food that was.
«Yeah.» Danny sighted. «I would have loved to call them all, but I can't do that. I have to make the calls quick. And two is pushing it. Stella and Aiden will probably be close by Mac or easy to reach for him. Don on the other hand... He could be working a different case. And he is my best friend and deserves to hear from me and not Mac that I am fine. If I know them right they are very pissed and very scared right now after the way I disappeared. I was supposed to meet up with the feds last night and instead I went to a few ATMs and withdrew close to maximum on everyone before disappearing into thin air.» Danny went silent and stole some of House's food. «Maybe if this research gig you talked about works out I might make it permanent. I think I am too scared to ever return. They'll kill me for the way I left them.»
«Maybe that will be a good thing.» House mushed while protecting his remaining food. «Don't know if they'll want you back if they find out what your 'research' job will entail.»
«Oh?» Danny inquired.
«Yeah....it might have something to do with breaking and entering...» House mumbled.
«Did you just admit what I think you did to a police officer? Wait, don't answer that. Of course you did. Why should I have expected anything different.» Danny sighted, but House could see the smile lurking and knew that he wasn't offended or anything.
«We better go, we have a long drive in front of us and we have to go in extra early tomorrow so that we can talk to Cuddy.» House sighted and threw the money on the table.
«Yeah... and I have two phone calls I have to make that I don't look particular forward to.» Danny sighted and pulled up the disposable cell phone he had bought earlier that day. It looked like he had an internal argument before looking up at House.
«I'll make the calls in the car and when I am finished we drives a few blocks before I throw it in a container or trash can. Then we head out of town, but we'll drive west. That way if they manage to find out that I left town again they might think I left for California or one of the states in between.»
«Okay. I guess you know best what to do for not being found. I am only a doctor; you are the criminal expert.» House agreed to Danny's plan. He had no problem admitting that the CSI knew more about what was best for them to do than him.
«Crime Scene Investigator.» Danny corrected as they got into House's car.
«That's what I said. Criminal expert.»
«Whatever, but be quiet now. I am making the first call.» Danny waited in dread for the receiver to pick up.
«Flack.» Danny could hear how tired and worried his friend was.
«Hi Don. What's up?» Danny lightly asked, pretending that nothing was wrong.
«Danny! Are you okay? Where are you? What happened?» the questions raced out of his best friend and Danny heard the relief, but the worry was still there.
«Hey! Put on the breaks will you? I can only answer one question at the time. First off. Yes I am okay. And I left willingly yesterday, as Mac might have already found out from the cameras at the ATM there were nobody forcing me. I left willingly and I am staying gone. It is too dangerous for me in town right now and the feds would not have managed to keep me safe. The mob has too much power for that. So I am going underground. I can't tell you where I am, but I can tell you that I am out of town. And I can tell you that I am unharmed and safe.»
«You're sure?» Flack asked hesitant.
«Yes I am sure. But I've got to go. I still have to call Mac before I dispose of the phone.»
«You called me before Mac?» Danny could hear the hint of happiness in his friends voice. He was still tired and worried, but at least it wasn't as pronounced as before.
«Of course I called you before Mac. You're my best friend. Mac is only my boss. You take care now, you hear me? I'll be very pissed I come back and some perp has killed you or something.»
«Yeah I'll be careful as long as you do the same. I'll be very pissed if someone manage to off you.»
«I promise I'll be fine. I have a mother hen together with me and he had already promised me a promising job within breaking and entering.» Danny smirked.
«He knows you are a cop right?» his friend asked sceptically.
«Yes he knows I am a cop. I guess that is one of the reasons he's giving me the job.» Danny laughed and Don hesitantly joined in. «But I really have to go now Don. Have probably stayed on the line for too long already. Bye.»
«Bye. And remember your promise!»
«I will.» Danny whispered as he ended the call. «I talked a bit too long. Drive a few blocks away in case someone traced the call. You probably should keep driving. And drive in a circle while I make this last call.» Danny told his friend that was still smirking over the job comment.
«Yes Boss.» House saluted and started driving,
«Taylor.» came his boss' gruff voice over the line shortly after.
«Hey Mac. I just called to tell you that I left on my own free will and will stay gone until the situation has been resolved. No one is making me do anything I don't want to. And you shouldn't bother to trace this call, 'cause I am going to throw the phone away and I am a good CSI. Tell the feds that I am sorry, but I think I am safer on my own than I am together with them.»
«Just one question, are you okay?»
Danny had to smile. He could hear that his boss didn't like the choice he had made, but he was also smart enough to know that when Danny had decided to do something he would do it. Just like that case he had been denied to work, but had finished anyway.
«Yes Mac, I am fine. Tell Stella and Aiden that I am sorry that I couldn't call them, but I can't take the chance of making to many calls. I'll think of them tough, while I lie on the beach and drink Margaritas.» A false clue. Mac probably knew it too, but for all he knew it could be a fake fake clue. Danny could have given him the hint so that Mac should believe that that was the last place he would go. And the beach could be many places.
«I'll do that. Just make sure that you don't come back with a sun burn.»
«Stop worrying dad, I'll make sure to use sun lotion. Got to go. Bye Mac.» Danny answered back and hung up before Mac had the chance to say anything more.
«'Lie on the beach and drink Margaritas'?» House inquired.
«Mac probably has to write a report and I know he is going to tell Stella and Aiden about the conversation. Probably Flack too. In any case there is many that can over hear them or snatch the report. Or maybe his phone is bugged. Who knows. But at least somebody might believe I have left for Miami or California or maybe even Mexico. Another false lead. I have already planted a few by buying on line air tickets. For Canada, Europa and Mexico. It cost me some, a good thing Gran left me some money. Not that I believed she thought I would use them like this, but I think she would approve as long as it save my life.» Danny smirked.
«Think you are right. This look like a good place to dump the phone?» House asked.
«As good as any other I guess.» Danny answered as he jumped out of the car and threw away the phone. «Let's get going then.» Danny sighted as he sat back down again.
«Let's get going.» House repeated and started the long drive back to New Jersey. A drive that would take them threw many states.
«You trust her?»
«I trust her. She can be irritating, but I trust her.» House answered his younger friend early Monday morning while they were waiting for Cuddy to come to her office.
«Okay. That's all I need. What do you think she is going to say?»
«Hey House. What do you think she is going to say to what?» Cuddy asked as she walked into her office.
«Lisa. I've kind off got this situation and I could need some help.» House answered her completely serious.
The small smile Cuddy had been wearing vanished immediately by House's serious tone and the fact that he had used her first name.
«What can I do?»
«My cousin her, Danny, is in some trouble and I want him to stay here with me for a while. He is great at research and I figured he could help me with that or maybe some other trivial job. Or maybe just hang out. Whatever as long as he stays here.»
Cuddy turned her worried stare from House to the younger, more handsome, blond man by his side. She hadn't given him much thought before, but now that she looked him over she could see that he was on edge and constant on watch. She could also see something that could be taken as a hidden gun.
Danny saw Greg's boss look him over and the hint of scare when she looked in the general area of the place he had hidden the gun. Very carefully he opened his shirt and showed her that yes it was a gun.
«Greg here trusts you, Ma'am, and I trust him. I also didn't want to be here without you knowing the whole story. I am Detective Danny Messer of the NYPD. It is true that I am related to Greg, but it is way out and I don't think anybody else than we and Greg's deceased parents ever knew it. And that is one of the reasons I am here now. I want to reassure you that I am not in any problem with the law. More like the opposite. I am a Crime Scene Investigator and do a lot of my own lab work. That is one of the things I think Greg wants me to help with if you agrees. Anyway one of my latest cases resulted in very powerful member of the mob ending up behind bars and they have put a price on my head.
The mob got people everywhere. Therefor I couldn't stay in New York or go into any protection. When Greg found out he insisted that I come here. I want you to know that I have taken every precaution I could think off. My digital trace ended in NY. I rented a car under a false name and drove to DC. There I changed my hair and eye color as well as changing every piece of cloth in case someone had managed to put a tracer on me. I've left false clues leading to everywhere in the states and even some out of states too. Greg picked me up Saturday in DC and we used Saturday and Sunday to drive around in circles, not arriving here before late last night. I don't think it's likely that they'll find me here, but it can happen. And it is up to you if you'll allow me to stay or not. I promise you Ma'am, that if you find the risk too high I'll leave immediately and without an argument.» Danny finished his story to the surprised and speechless woman.
«He is telling the truth. And even if he won't argue I'll will.» House put in his two cents.
«Greg.» was all Danny needed to say to shut his relative up. It was all he needed to say to remind him of their deal.
«Wow. Anyone that can shot House up like that deserves a chance and you seem like a good kid. Your precautions seems solid, but are you sure nobody knows you are related?» Cuddy wanted to know.
«Thanks Ma'am. And yes I am positive. I am not from a good family. The Messer name is known in NY. My dad is involved in the mob, as is my brother. I followed in my mother's family's footsteps. She came from a family of cops, but they cut all ties after she married a criminal like my dad, a almost made man. The the relation between Greg and me are very far out. We didn't know before after a very long time. I came to visit one time when his parents were there too and they recognized the Messer name. We then found out that his part of the family and mine had had a falling out a ling time ago. I think along the lines of his grandparents and my great grandparents on my mother's side. Any way his side of the family had kept a few tabs out and heard something about the tragedy when by mother married the asshole. Sorry for my language Ma'am.» No need to not show manners. Or to show Greg that he actually had some sometimes. «Greg here has a few real cousins, but if Greg's parents were anything to go by, they have never been interested in family of any sorts. I don't even think they know they have a cousin. And I haven't spoken to my family since before I decided to become a cop. They don't know anything.» Danny finished his explanation and towards Greg, «Did I forget something?»
«Only that my parents never heard anything after your mom married your father.» House added after a while. «Other than that... What he said. Can I keep him?»
Danny laughed. «Be careful Greg. I know quite a few stories I am sure your ducklings, Wilson or Dr. Cuddy here might be interested in.»
«Yes Boss. Sorry Boss. Won't happen again Boss.» House promised the other man.
Cuddy look at the two men with a gleam in her eyes. «If you can make House behave some of the time I'll gladly let you stay here.»
«Deal.» Danny smiled as he took her hand. «This should be funny 'cause I know most of Greg's weak spots.»
«You do, do you? We are so going to have a talk.» Cuddy grinned.
«No you don't. Because Danny will be staying together with me to keep me in check. And you can't tell anybody what we just told you. Danny will be Daniel Meyers for his stay here, or maybe Danielle now that you have such lovely hair and such cute eyes? And he can be a body guard of sorts. A combined body guard and lab assistant if anyone asks. If they want to know why I need to have a body guard just give them a stare and tell them 'that it is House'. Okay?»
«Fine by me.» Cuddy agreed. «And Danny?»
«Yes Ma'am?» Danny turned around in the doorway.
«House got clinic hours from 12 today.» she smirked.
«Got it.» Danny smirked back.
«What have I gotten myself involved in?!» House exclaimed and threw his hands in the air while smirking as he too made his way out of Cuddy's office and down to his own.
When House and Danny walked into his office the entire minion flock plus Wilson had already gathered for the morning and were drinking coffee.
«Let me introduce to you all Mr Daniel Meyer. He'll be with us for a while. Meyer, this bunch of idiots are my ducklings Doctors Chase, Cameron and Foreman. And then we have Doctor Wilson, head of the Department of Oncology that has somehow ended up here together with us today.» House introduced them.
Danny seeing a chance to get back for the Danielle comment decided to ignore the rest of the people in the room for a short while.
«So Dr. House, you admit that you are an idiot?» Danny asked sweetly.
House that had been on his way to get a cup of coffee stopped mid step and it was lucky that none of the other doctors had taken a sip of their coffee, because id they had it would have gone the wrong way from the shock.
«Excuse me?» House sputtered.
«You just told me that this people are a bunch of idiots. And since you are the head of your department and you called them ducklings, I think it is fairly safe to say that you are their boss and mentor. I also happens to know that you have been working with them for quite some time now. My conclusion is that only an idiot would have failed to fire them if they are as incompetent as you say they are. And you have to be a really bad mentor to have failed to teach any of them nothing. 'Cause if they had learned something from you they wouldn't have been idiots.» Danny smiled sweetly at Greg that was currently gaping at him. Greg 1 Danny 1.
«Sorry about that.» Danny smiled to the rest of the group that were gaping just as much as Greg, but with something acing to admiration and humor in their eyes. «It's really nice to meet you all. I am Daniel Meyers as Dr House said and you can call me what ever form you feel like as long as it isn't Danielle.» during the last part Danny glared at Greg with a raised eye brown. «I am going to be here for a while, don't ask me how long 'cause I've got no idea. I'll be working with you, but mostly House here. Observing and maybe help you with some lab work and research.» By the end of Danny's short speech House had managed to get his tongue to work again.
«If it is war you want it is war you'll get.» he threatened and gave him his best glare. The one that even Wilson didn't like. But Danny only laughed.
«Oh my dear Greggo. You sure you are up for it? And remember what Dr. Cuddy and I talked about before coming here.» Danny sent Greg his sweetest smile; the one that managed to unnerve murderers.
House stared at his friend and suddenly realized how some of the criminals Danny had faced of during his life must have felt; it was unnerving. Danny wouldn't go trough with it and give Cuddy the blackmail information, would he? House stared Danny into his eyes and realized that he would do it. Damn.
Danny saw Greg capitulate. «You remember your clinic hours?»
«12. I'll be there.» House sulked.
«And I want you to be treating patients, and be nice to them, not sitting in one of the room watching TV or reading. Got it Greggo?»
«Yes Danno, I hear you. Actually treat patients. Be nice to the patients while treating them. Do you have any idea of what kind of cold turkey this hospital will go through when you leave?» House sulked even more if that was even possible.
«I am sure you'll survive, and it doesn't really concern me does it since I'll be gone then. And Cuddy might give me a raise when she finds out what a nice job of House-sitting I am doing.» Danny grinned and House left the room and closed the door to his office before he had to go around hugging people.
«How did you do that?» Wilson asked amazed. The rest of the doctors were still in the gaping stage.
«It's a secret sorry, but I might tell you before I leave. And we still have to wait and see if he does as I tell him to. But I can tell you one thing. I doubt life will be boring.» Danny laughed.
«I think you've got that one right, Mr Meyers.» Cameron smiled.
«Please doctor, Mr Meyers make me feels so old. It's Daniel, Danny, Dan, Danno or any other form you feel like as long as you don't start with Danielle as Greggo did.» Danny grimaced.
«Danielle?» Chase asked for clarification.
«Yeah. Something to do with my lovely hair color and my cute eyes. I think he was a little irritated over me getting the job to House-sit him.» Danny laughed.
«How did that happen?» Wilson asked curiously.
«You don't want to know.» Danny shuddered. «You seriously don't want to know.»
«So your job is to babysit House?» Foreman wanted to know.
«Yeah. I was told a bunch of other things like help you with a extra set of eyes, etc, but the bottom line was that I should watch House. Help him make it to the clinic in time and such. The part of him actually treating the patients he get is all on me, but I am sure Dr. Cuddy won't mind.»
«I won't mind what?» Cuddy asked as she walked into the room. She looked from the grinning doctors in front of her to the sulking one in the other room. «What happened?»
«Daniel here won the sparring match. Quite entertaining. Haven't seen anything like it.»
«Oh?» Cuddy asked curiously, silently cursing the phone call she had had to answer before following her best doctor and the NYPD detective.
«Yeah. He basically got House to agree that he was an idiot before making him promise to be nice to the patients he'll treat.» Cameron laughed.
«You looking for a raise already Daniel?» Cuddy teased the detective, fully knowing that there had been no talk about money or anything else like it earlier that morning.
«Not at all Dr Cuddy. All I want, Ma'am, is to teach Greggo a lesson. He should have learned by now that he should not start something he does not want to finish. But if there should be talk about a lunch or something I would not be too quick to say no.» Danny smiled up at her.
«You better stop calling her Ma'am, she could get used to it.» House said from the open door. He had realized how dangerous it could be for him to leave Danny in there alone with his colleagues, especially now that Cuddy had joined them. «And I want you to know Danno that I always finish what I start, most of the time.»
«In that case Greggo; Dr Cuddy, why don't we go and have that conversation you wanted to have earlier?» Danny said as he stood from the chair he had been sitting in.
«Please call me Lisa, and I would love to.» Cuddy smiled back at the handsome man.
Before Danny had a chance to say a word more he was dragged out of the room.
«Sorry to interrupt your planes, but I was planning to take Danno around the hospital so that he could get familiar here. See yeah!» House needed to raise his voice a little to be heard clearly over his cousins laughter.
«So you have managed to find someone that can manage to keep up with House and his job is to babysit him? This is going to be fun.» House heard someone say before he got out of earshot. It was more like him who would be detective-sit Danny, but the person had one thing right; this would be fun!
Part 2