Danny placed the frame photo of him and Mac in front of ‘Sue the T-Rex’ at the Chicago Field Museum, tucked onto the bedside table next to his bed. When he had to spend the night away from his Mate to keep appearances it will remind him they are happy and one day they won’t have to hide.
“So he finally came out of the woodwork.” Hannibal was sitting on Danny’s new kitchen table, swinging his legs slightly. “The one time I was sure he was going to flee the coup, was after 9/11 … he wanted to be there for you.”
Mac gave the Hunter a look, nodding softly. “I’m not sure I would’ve been able to handle it at that time.”
“There was a reason why we all sat on him, Yasuke might have literally sprawled across his lap. Considering how huge he is, there was no way Dan was moving.” Hannibal laughed at the obvious memory. “Instead we all went out to one of the nearby temples, lit some candles said said prayers for the dead. It was interesting actually, considering Dan and I are Buddhists, Paul is Jewish, and Yasuke is Catholic. It was a moment when you realize how stupid killing others for their faith is … there we were four totally different people, a cowboy, a soldier, a samurai, and a spy – praying for the same thing. For a lost soul to find their way home, and for comfort for the ones left behind.”
Mac blinked back the tears. The very idea that four people who never even met Claire, had taken the time to say prayers for her. “Thank You.”
Hannibal shrugged, suddenly quiet and shy. “You do realize why I couldn’t tell you, and why Blade can’t know. I’ll tell Don when the time is right, but Dan needs to stay hidden, not just for the sake of the Hunt for Chang, but for his own safety, especially now that you’re a Hunter.”
“Why would I be a threat?”
Hannibal gave him a ‘are you kidding me look’. “You and Quinn Jr over there are on the way to be a damn formidable Hunting pair. You have ties to Sylum’s leadership, Danny with Speed and you’re friends with Horatio who’s connected to Speed. And I’m sure the moment you meet Tony’s Mate, Jethro – a fellow Marine – you two will get along like old war buddies. Assholes are going to be coming out of the woodwork thinking the great Nicolaus Meridius is vulnerable after the attack on the Manor, and then that thing that happened in Vegas … they would be complete morons, but that won’t stop them from trying. There would be nothing stopping them from using Dan to get to you … though I’ll buy the popcorn just to watch Yasuke go on a rampage if they touch is Mate.”
“I’ve got a feeling Dan would do his own damage.” Danny added into the conversation.
“True.” Hannibal absently rubbed his thigh, as if remembering an old injury. “Many are fooled by the wheelchair, a man with no legs can’t be much of a threat right … so wrong. So very very wrong. He’s got a least three weapons hidden in that chair, and I’ve seen him use the chair as a weapon.”
“Doesn’t surprise me. Taylors are tenacious.” Danny kissed his Mate’s cheek, laughing at his ‘accurate’ look. “What about Murdock and Templeton?”
“Peck doesn’t know Chang is alive and kicking, being a right asshole across Asia. If he did, he would be out searching for him, and when you meet him don’t let the million dollar smile fool ya, the man was SOG, and it was his team that moved a village out from under Chang’s nose … he’s a damn good soldier. The problem is Murdock, I love him dearly, he sees the world differently, but he’s a functional Schizophrenic and the mental capacity it takes for Peck to deal with him on a daily basis is untold. I don’t want the added pressure of Chang on either of them.”
“How does that work? I mean is it healthy for either of them?” Mac had got some insight on the Mated pair, from his uncle as they had reminisced about that fateful meeting when he was seven. Though he still hadn’t gotten an answer about the dog.
“It works for them. Murdock isn’t a threat to society, and Temp grounds him. Murdock is awesome, and his flying skills are phenomenal. But if Chang got a hold of him…”
Mac nodded understanding the reasoning. “I don’t like not telling Blade, but can understand.”
“Thanks. Blade would feel obligated to tell Templeton, and we just discussed why that would be bad.” He scooted off the table. “One day, when you can, you need to visit Shogun, hell stay there for a few decades. Learn from Yasuke and also the tiny little demon.”
“I think once we’re done here, when we know it’s time to leave.” Mac glanced over at Danny giving him a warm smile. “Japan might be our first stop.”
Hannibal patted the table. “Nice and sturdy I’m sure it seems some good action.” He gave them a wink as he walked out the door, getting them both to laugh. As he exited the building he grabbed his phone and dialed an old familiar number. “You sneaky bastard, surprising him like that in a cemetery of all things.”
‘It was perfect and you know it.’ Lt. Dan laughed. ‘How’s he holding up after the big reveal?’
“He comes from good stock. Mac took everything like a Taylor, with grace, dignity and a million questions.” Hannibal quickly texted Don if he wanted him to pick up food, he snorted at how domesticated they had gotten. “I’m sure in time your Mate will get his hands on them, and make them into proper Hunters.”
‘He made you into one.’
“Yes he did.” Hannibal said with a small smile. “And despite the bruises I still have, I’m grateful for it.”
‘Take care of my nephew.’
“I will.” With that he hung up, checked his text message not surprised to see Don’s answer, he pulled out the last post-it-note and wandered off for hot dogs.
Loved this chapter! I am so glad Dan is “alive” and came to see his nephew. Sneaky way to do it though…absolutely perfect. Look forward to the next installment.
—Naj 🙂
Love this!
What a surprise to have “Lieeeuuutenant Daaan” in the equation. Thank you, I just love it. 😀