Daniel's Demon

Daniel opened the door and followed Sally in. She had been to his apartment before but he never got over the shocked look on her face at its cleanliness.

"I still don't believe you live like this all the time," she said. "Someday I'll show up unexpected, just to catch a glimpse of dust on the shelves or a piece of lint on the floor."

Daniel smiled and shook his head. "It must be Peter's British etiquette, he replied seeing his roommate enter from his bedroom.

"No, Daniel is just a neat freak," Peter retorted with his London accent. He turned to Daniel. "I am off to Sam's place. I'm not sure I will return by morning."

"You mean you're giving up the chance to see the wonderful movies we've selected?" Sally asked slightly mockingly.

"Although it pains me to leave a beauty such as yourself with this heathen," he lifted his eyebrows to indicate Daniel, "I must depart post haste. Farewell." He slid out the door behind them with a slight wave.

"He's a bit strange." Daniel remarked at his roommates performance.

"Fits right in."
- - - - - - - - - -

The credits began to roll.

"Did you get that?" Sally whispered to Daniel.

"Well... no." He hit the stop and rewind buttons on the remote control.

"Did he kill that guy just because he found out?"

"Beats me, I'm starting to think Mr. Ripley wasn't so talented if everyone kept finding out."

"Well, someone told me it was suppose to be good." Sally stretched out on the couch as Daniel stood to replace the tape in the VCR.

Daniel pushed the little triangle that indicated play, and then sat down with his back against the sofa.

LAST SCENE OF SOME MOVIE

"Aww, isn't that roma...." Daniel turned around toward Sally and a small smile crept across his face.
- - - - - - - - - - - -

Sally stretched and her hand hit a pillowed surface. Her eyes opened slowly. She was covered in a light blue thermal blanket and lying on the couch in Daniel's apartment. A slow Saturday sun crept through the living room curtains.

Daniel appeared next to her and knelt by the couch.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." He smiled and she returned a sleepy grin.

"I can't believe I fell asleep on your couch." Then she added, "What will the girls think?"

"Does it really matter?" Daniel asked slowly, leaning in for a morning kiss.

"'Spose not," Sally managed before their lips touched.

The phone rang. A look of interruption crossed his face as Daniel stood to answer it.

"Hello." Daniel's voice came from behind the thin wall that separated the kitchen and the living room.

"Yes, I have.... A couple of seconds ago.... In the living room." He chuckled slightly. "Yes, she's become my sex slave and was held in my room all night under kinky leather restraints. She knows how to use a whip, I'll tell you that.... All right, Good bye then." There was a click as he hung up the phone. A large grin covered his face as he rounded the corner.

"That was your mom," he stated.

"You're such a bad liar. It was one of the girls."

"Yeah, it was Jessica," he smirked. "You must have left your cell phone in the car. She seemed a bit perturbed by my explanation, though. But at least now she knows you're safe in your man's arms." He sat down next to Sally on the couch and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Speaking of 'my man', I should probably call him so he doesn't think I'm seeing someone on the side." She started to get up from the couch and Daniel grabbed her arm and sat her back down.

"Your man," he stated as he looked into her eyes. "I think you man's startin' to s'pect somethin'."

Sally's face contorted with giddiness as Daniel kissed her again.

He pulled away slowly, then asked, "Want something for breakfast?"

"Whatcha go?"

"Eggo waffles, Pop-Tarts, and assorted cereals. " They stood and walked into the kitchen.

"Got any Lucky Charms?"

Daniel reached into a cupboard and handed her the bright red box. "You're only after me lucky charms, aren't ya?"

"O'course," she smiled innocently. She grabbed the milk from the fridge as Daniel retrieved bowls and spoons.

They ate in quiet for a few minutes.

Sally broke the silence. "Which is your favorite marshmallow?"

"You have to ask?" Daniel looked at her shocked. "The green clover, of course," he stated as if it were the only choice.

"Your botany is woven into our very being, isn't it?"

Daniel smiled and stuck another spoonful in his mouth. After he swallowed he, "If I had to guess, I'd say yours was the..." he paused, staring into his bowl, contemplating the shapes. "The blue moon!" He looked up at her and her smile gave away his correctness. "Because good things come once in a blue moon."

"No, because my favorite color's blue, nerd." Sally corrected him playfully.

The phone rang again.

"Who could it be this time?" Daniels set down his spoon and headed toward the phone. He picked it up after the second ring.

"Hello." His face changed from casual to serious in a matter of seconds as he heard the voice at the other end answer. Sally watched as his eyes shifted as if searching for something, then stop to stare at nothing. His teeth gave his lower lip a quick squeeze. His whole face contracted into a look of disbelief and anger. "Yes," he said, detached. "I'm on my way." He hung up the phone slowly.

"What's wrong?" Sally asked carefully.

Daniel turned around slowly to face her. "My father's had a heart attack." He paused then added as if it were an after thought. "He may not live."

"I'm sorry, Daniel." Sally stood and embraced him. He felt rigid and tight. "Are you okay? It's okay to cry if you need to."

"No, it's just," he paused and a look of hatred seemed to flash in his eyes. "I... well, there's no other word... I hate him." Sally's eyes bugged in disbelief. "I hate him, and now he's dying."

"It's not your fault."

"No, but if he dies before I get there, I'll hate him more." He walked past her out of the kitchen and to his bedroom. Sally stood there, shocked and puzzled by his very words. She had known Daniel for over a year now, and he was always kind and almost innocent. It was hard for her to picture him hating anyone with the passion that was in his voice when he spoke of his father. Sally cleaned up the dishes in silence, trying to comprehend.

When Sally found him, he was packing a suitcase already. She watched him throw in some shirts, then a pile of socks.

"I'm going to go now, then," she said awkwardly, gesturing over her shoulder.

He looked up at her, his face calm except for the vulnerability that was portrayed in his eyes

"Will you come with me?" he asked with no feeling in his voice. She sensed that it wasn't even a question or that he had even meant to say it aloud.

"If you want me to come, I will," she replied.

He nodded. "Yes, I don't think I can drive."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Daniel grew up in a suburb of Kansas City. From Tequilla Heights the drive took almost three hours.
Daniel was quiet the whole way and simply stared out the window. He had stayed in the car when Sally went into the
Mansion to collect a few things. It was a good thing too, because when Sally had told her roommates the news there was a big uproar of sympathies.

They pulled into the parking lot of the KC hospital around one o'clock. Daniel casually walked in and to the reception desk. An elderly woman sat there with permed gray hair. She looked up from her computer screen as they approached.

"May I help you?" Her smile was easy and polite.

"I'm looking for the room of Simon Lairdlot."

The receptionist turned back to her computer as her fingers quickly typed in the name. "Third floor, check in at the ICU desk. They only let family in, you know."

Daniel nodded as they walked toward the elevators.
- - - - - - - - - - - -

On the third floor the sound of respirators and heart monitor beeps filled the air. It smelled distinctly of disinfectant. After checking in with a middle aged receptionist they headed down the east wing to room number 312. The hallway was lined with hard chairs and large windows looked into each room.

Outside room 312 stood a tall thin man dressed in a white pullover sweater and gray dress pants. He turned from the window as they approached.

"Daniel." The man put his arms around Daniel. When he was released, he introduced them.

"Jeff, this is my girlfriend, Sally. And this is Jeff. He works for my father is one of my best friends." Daniel turned to look through the window. "How is he doing?"

"Not good." Jeff glanced at Daniel's unchanging face, then looked through the widow. "I found him this morning when he didn't come down to breakfast. He was in bed, so I think he was asleep when it happed. He probably didn't even feel it. He's been unconscious the whole time."

"Why don't you go in?" Jeff urged. "They wouldn't let me sit with him because I'm not 'related'. You're the only family he's got." Jeff looked down at the young man and saw a hatred turned stubbornness growing in his eyes. "Daniel." He turned the boy towards him. "Go inside." The words were slow and stern. "He needs you."

Daniel walked stubbornly to the door but paused as he reached for the handle. Sally saw him take a long deep breath before he turned the handle and entered.

Jeff retreated to the uncomfortable chairs. Sally followed him.

"Do you know what happened between them?" Sally asked.

Jeff shook his head. "I've began working for the Lairdlots, oh, about ten years ago, when they first moved here. Already there was tension between them. Then a year later Mrs. Laridlot died. She was awfully sick when I arrived. I think they moved here for the medical treatment. I've known Daniels since was about ten, and I know I was his best bud all through his adolescence, but there are some things even I don't know about him. But I suspect their disgruntlement has to do with his mother's death. But that's just the cook's take on things."

"You're a cook?"

"Yes, by profession, but I do other household activities also. Chauffer, personal assistant, light maid work."

"Seems like an interesting profession."

"Oh, it is. It's like being part of a family. I've watched Daniel grow up." He glanced through the glass casually toward the young man sitting rigidly next to the hospital bed. "You know, he used to be a bit of a geek." He turned to face Sally's grin. She was looking at him through the glass now.

"But he's my geek." She blushed when she realized she had said her thoughts aloud.

"It's okay. Trauma brings people closer together."
- - - - - - - - - - -

When Daniel emerged it was already dark outside. Sally's head was propped up against her hand and her eyes were closed.

Jeff looked up. "Why don't you two head to the house. I'll stay and let you know if anything changes."

Daniel nodded and rubbed Sally's shoulder. Sally's eyes blinked open.

"Sorry, I mush have fallen asleep. Driving for three hours sure makes you tired." She stretched and stood.

"You made this poor girl drive?" Jeff scolded. "Haven't I taught you anything about how to treat a woman?"

"If I took your advice I wouldn't have a girlfriend," Daniel retorted. Sally glanced a small grin on his face. "'Night, Jeff."
- - - - - - - - - -

As Daniel pulled into the driveway, Sally's eyes blinked open again.

"This is your house?" Her eyes were wide as she stared at the massive building.

"It's not as big as where you live." They exited the car and headed up the walk.

"No, but... wow." Daniel unlocked the door and they stepped in. "What does your dad do?" She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. "I'm sorry."

"He's retired actually. He used to be... to work for the government. I'll show you to the guest room."

They headed up a big oak staircase to the second floor, then rounded a corner.

"This was... is my room." He flipped on the lights. The room was spacious, lined with shelves with knickknacks and books. The motif was green and natural like. Daniel walked in and set his suitcase on the large bed against the far wall.

"I never would have guessed." Sally said eyeing pictures of pressed flowers and plants on the walls. He have her a look then stepped out into the hallway."

"This door's a closet." He pointed to the next door down the hallway. "You can find towels and washcloths in here." He walked to the next door. "And this is the quest room." He flicked on the light.

The room was painted a light shade of blue and was rather neat and orderly. There was a couple small dressers and a large bed. She set her suitcase on it.

"I feel so at home. It's even blue." Daniel smirked at her.

"The bathroom is across the hall. If you need anything, I'm right down the hall." He started to exit.

"Daniel," he turned back toward her. "If YOU need anything, I'm right down the hall." He nodded slowly and exited.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When they arrived at room 321, Jeff was standing exactly where he had been when Sally and Daniel had first arrived.

"Good morning. Sleep well?"

Sally nodded.

"Why don't you go home now, Jeff. You look like you could use a good sleep."

"Yeah, I just might do that." He turned then paused. "Oh, say. A man was by earlier. Wanted to know about Simon, but wouldn't give his name. He was dressed in a suit and looked rather official. Seemed like a jerk, though."

Daniel nodded. "Thanks for telling me."

"No problem." He picked up his jacket from the chair. "Well, see you later."

Daniel turned to Sally. "You know, you don't have to say here if you don't want. You could go to the mall or something and pick me up later."

"Daniel," she reprimanded. "You should know me better than that." She put her hand around his. "I'm here for you." He squeezed it back.

"Thanks." He turned to look a the shape under the sheets behind the glass. "I don't want to go in there," he paused. "But I have to." He shook his head. "I despise him so much I can't be in the same room. But he's my father and I can't let him die alone." He turned toward her with the strain showing in his eyes.

"Maybe you should go in and try to reconcile."

"Reconcile?!" His face showed the incomprehensibility of the word. "Sally, you don't understand: This can not be reconciled."

"Daniel, whatever it is, it started over ten years ago. Maybe by withholding the verbalization of it, it has gotten out of control in your mind. Maybe if you said it out loud, it wouldn't sound so bad," she pleaded.

"Sally," he sounded calm. "I'm not a violent man, but when I think about what he did," He pointed toward the window, his voice becoming more tense with every word. "I want to do things... things that I would regret doing." The look on his face scared her.

"Oh, Daniel," she cooed sympathetically and wrapped her arms around him. He was tense. He put his arms around her and sighed heavily, the tension melted in their embrace.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As Sally came off the elevator she nodded to the receptionist.

"What's for lunch today?" she asked noticing the sandwiches in Sally's hands.

"Bologna and cheese. Hope it's good."

Before she rounded the last corner to room 312, Sally heard tense voices. Not wanting to interrupt a conversation, she stopped. She couldn't help but hear the dialog.

"Leave and don't come back," Daniel whispered harshly.

"Come now, young man," came another voice. "I have business with your father."

"No, you have no more business with him. He gave into you already."

"I don't think you know what you're talking about."

"He may have given in, but not me. I haven't forgotten."

"Don't push me, kid."

"I still know. And if something happens to him or anyone, there's proof that just might slip out."

"Don't bluff, kid. It doesn't suit you." Sally could almost feel a cruel smile emanating from the unseen face.

Then came Daniel's voice very serious. "Operation Flower Power ring a bell?" There was a pause. "You'd better leave."

Sally stood in the hallway casually until the man turned the corner. As he did, she began to walk. He wouldn't be the wiser that she had overheard the conversation.

He was an average looking man dressed in a sharp suit. She wondered if this was the man Jeff had mentioned. She rounded the corner. Daniel was staring through the glass with his arms crossed.

"Lunch is served."

Daniel turned and took a sandwich, unwrapping it from the plastic as he sat down. He looked up at Sally. "What?" he asked cautiously.

"I think I overheard something I wasn't suppose to." She sat down next to him.

He sighed. "Probably." He then took a bite of bologna and cheese.

"Did it have to do with the thing between you and your dad?"

"Yes." He took another bite.

"Is your dad in the mob?"

"No." Another bite was taken.

"Are you going to tell me or am I going to have to beat it out of you with hiking cleats?"

"No, and yes."

"Gosh, you're stubborn." She took a bite of her own sandwich.

"Yes, but so are you, so you have no room for complaint."

"I hate it when you're right."

"I know, but I can't help it." They both took another bite.

As Sally finished her sandwich she found herself staring through the window, transfixed by the unmoving personification of Daniel's demon. Her mind began to wander. 'I wonder if things would be better between them if he got better. Would Poopsie be able to heal him? How'd she be able to get here? How'd she get into the room without Daniel seeing or a nurse asking if she was family?' Sally finished her sandwich and rose.

"I've got to use the lady's room, I'll be back."

In the restroom she dialed the number.

"Poopsie? Yeah, I need a favor...."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

As Sally came around the corner, Daniel stood.

"My turn."

As soon as he had rounded the corner, Sally thought to Poopsie, 'Now.'

Poopsie suddenly appeared beside her. Sally pointed to the door and as Poopsie snuck in Sally kept an eye out for any witnesses.

Poopsie stood beside the bed. 'He's really weak. Even if I give him all I can, he may not live.'

'Just do your best.'

'Here goes nothin'.' Poopsie put her hands over Simon Lairdlot's heart and concentrated as hard as she knew how.

'He's still very weak, but he's a bit better. He may sleep a while before actually wakes up.'

'Thanks, Poopsie.'

'It's the least I could do. Tell Daniel he and his father are in our prayers.'

"Thanks again."

"Who are you talking to?" Daniel asked.

Sally glanced through the glass. There was no sign of Poopsie. "Myself, I 'spose." She smiled innocently.

"It's when you answer yourself when the problems begin."

"Too late."

Daniel began to sit down.

"Maybe you should go sit in there with him," Sally suggested.

Daniel looked at the glass. "Yeah, maybe." He walked into the room and sat down next to the bed where his father lay.

He looked up at his father. His hair was pitch black except right around the ears where grew had formed. There were well defined lines around his eyes and mouth. Daniel remembered back to when those lines were used often. That was a long time ago.

Daniel reached out slowly and laid his hand atop his father's. They hadn't touched forever, not even a handshake. Suddenly he felt the urge to talk.

"You are still my father." Daniel's eyes fell to the ground. "I don't agree with your decisions in fife, but you're still my father. I don't want to loose another piece of my family. I want us to be like we were. I want to see you smile again. I want you to be proud of me. I want you to meet the most wonderful person in the world. I want you to like her as much as I do. I need you, not just to be strong and get better, but I need you to be there: to be my dad."

Daniel looked back up at his father. His eyes were open and blinking up at the ceiling. Daniel stood, knocking the chair onto the floor, and reached for the call button.

Simon met Daniel's gaze with the same gray eyes. "I need you too, son." He squeezed his son's hand tighter.

The nurse pushed Daniel out of the way to take his father's blood pressure. Daniel stepped out of the room and peered through the glass, his and his father's eyes still locked. Sally put her arm around him.

He turned and smiled at her.

"Do you have your cell phone? Jeff will want to know."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Daniel was in the room with his father when the nurse interrupted them.

"Mr. Lairdlot needs rest now. You can come back and see him again tomorrow." She gave the patient two identical cups. One contained a small pill, the other was filled with water. "This'll knock you right out." She waited until he had swallowed the contents of both cups then shooed Daniel from the room.

"Don't worry. I'll stay and watch him again tonight," Jeff assured them.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sally was on the verge of sleep when she was called back to consciousness by a muffled sound. She listened to it for a second. "Daniel?" she called softly. She sat up and listed a little longer. She stood and walked to the door. She peeked into the hallway. Seeing a light coming from the bathroom door, she tapped on it lightly. "Daniel?"

The door opened, flooding the hallway in light. Sally squinted. Daniel stood there in pajama bottoms, his face red.

"Are you okay?" She looked up into his eyes.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. She returned the embrace, pulling him as close as she could.

"He could have died," he began to mutter. "He could have died all alone because of me. I would have let him die all alone."

"Shhh..." Sally quieted him, burying her neck into his.

"Tell me everything will be okay."

"Daniel." He pulled away from her slightly to look her in the eyes. Tears were running down his cheeks and his face had become an even darker red. She put her cheek against his and whispered in his ear. "Everything is going to be fine."

She walked him to his room and tucked him in like a mother would do to a scared child. She kissed him gently on his forehead then stood to go back to her bed.

"Sally, would you... It's just... I don't want to be alone." His voice was that of a pleading, frightened boy. He pulled back the sheets as she sat back down on the bed. She slid between them and lay down next to him. His hand intertwined with hers. "Thanks."
- - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sally slowly drifted into consciousness. She took a deep breath of morning air, then slowly blinked open her eyes. She turned her head. Daniel was lying on his side next to her, his arm across her waist. She smiled as a joke played in her mind. She stretched and Daniel yawned, his eyes slanting open.

"Morning," he said sleepily.

"I swear, Daniel, if I'd known you were gonna be fresh with me." Daniel smiled and cocked an eyebrow.

"Small steps: spend the night on my couch, then spend the night innocently in my bed, then.... small steps."

"Gosh, if my mother knew where I was waking up this morning, I'd be dead." She sat up and yawned, stretching her arms high, her t-shirt revealed her mid-section.

"Small steps," added Daniel eyeing the exposed flesh.

Sally grabbed a pillow and smacked him with it.

"Oh, is that how it's gonna be?" He sat up and rammed the pillow into her face, knocking her backward on the bed.

Sally grabbed for another pillow, but he grabbed a hold of it before she could fling it. He pulled it up, holding it above his head, hoping she'd let go, but she clung on. They were on their knees now, and the pillow was slipping from Sally's grasp. She lunged up to get a better hold, but lost her balance and fell back, pulling Daniel with her. Daniel's lips curved into a smile inches from hers. His eyes found hers. He leaned in and Sally brought down the pillow right into his kisser.

Sally jumped from the bed and did a small victory dance.

"You play dirty," Daniel said casting the pillow aside. "But, I'll say, it's the most fun I've ever had in bed."

Sally rolled her eyes. "Time to hit the cold showers, I think."

"Ladies first." Daniel collapsed back onto the bed as Sally exited.
- - - - - - - - - -

Sally came out of her room ready for another day at the hospital. Daniel was still in his room, sitting on his
bed. She knocked lightly on the door as she peeked her head in.

"Ready, Teddy?"

He gestured for her to come and sit next to him.

She sat down and put her arm behind him. He was holding a picture in his hands.

"You're only the second person to see this. It's the Lairdlot family."

In the center of the small group of people was a bespectacled young boy about the age of ten, with gray eyes and sandy colored hair. Behind his right shoulder was a younger version of Simon, with raven black hair and gray eyes, and easy contagious smile spread over his whole face. On the left was a woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, but still beautiful. Her hair was long and the same sandy brown as the boy's. But her eyes were a piercing blue that seemed to look straight out from the photograph. The small smile that played on her lips, seemed to hold secrets behind them.

"Your mother was beautiful."

"Yeah."

"And you were so cute!" Sally wrinkled her nose in giddiness.

Daniel shook his head, rolling his eyes.

"She looks like a great woman. And your dad seems very nice too. He looks like he could light up a room with that smile."

"They both could," he sighed and put the picture into a drawer of the nightstand. "But those days are over."

"Daniel, you talk about him as if he were already dead."

"He's different now."

"People change, Daniel. I'm sure you're not the same as you were ten years ago."

"But...."

"Oh, shut up," Sally scolded him, perturbed. She stood. "You're just making excuses. You may have lived in the same house as him, Daniel, but I don't think you know him at all. Ten years have gone by, the years. You've both changed. Maybe you've even matured enough to know that you need him in your life. I'm sure he'll be willing to try if you do." She turned to leave. "I'll be waiting downstairs when you decide to leave." She walked out.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

When they arrived on the third floor the receptionist stopped them.

"He's been moved," she said sweetly. "Room 594, up two floors and off to the left. Apparently he's too good for us now." She gave the couple a smart wink.

Daniel pushed the button of the elevator. "Maybe we won't have to stick around any longer now that he's better."

"I thought you didn't want him to die alone?"

"He's better, Sally. He's not going to die." They entered the elevator and he pushed the number five.

"We all die someday, Daniel. If you don't get to know him now, when he's confined and can't get away, you probably never will. And eventually... the inevitable."

Daniel looked at her unblinking. "I hate it when you're right."

"Can't help it," came the nonchalant reply.

He turned toward her. "Whatever happens," he looked deep into her eyes. "I love you. And I'll never rgret you making me do this." He kissed her lips gently. Then pulled away as the elevator doors opened.
- - - - - - - - - - -

Daniel was squeezing Sally's hand as they entered the room. Mr. Lairdlot was sitting up in bed. Jeff sat in a chair and friendly banter was being exchanged. Both men looked up as the couple entered.

"Morning, kids." Jeff smiled at them. "Glad to see you didn't get lost on your way up here. Sorry I didn't call about the move."

"No, it's fine. We were just glad to hear that you're doing so well Mr. Lairdlot." Sally smiled at the alert man in the bed. His face beemed back at her.

"And who might lovely young woman be?" Mr. Lairdlot's voice had a strong tenor quality.

"This is my girlfriend, Sally." Daniel spoke up. Sally nodded politely and smiled. Daniel's grip on her hand tightened.

"Please, call me Simon." Mr. Lairdlot's gaze fell upon Daniel and his smile brightened. He cocked a black eyebrow. "Maybe you should let go of her hand before it falls off." Daniel slowly followed his father's suggestion and Sally felt the blood returning to her hand.

"If you two don't mind, I'd like to talk with Daniel alone."

Jeff stood and followed Sally from the room. Daniel shot her a glance as she turned the corner. He looked as if they were leaving him to his death. Sally smiled hopefully, wishing him luck.

Daniel stood planted to the lanolium floor. His eyes avoiding his father's.

"Sally seems like a nice girl." His father offered to start a conversation.

"Yeah."

"How'd you two meet?"

"I was walking to class, and there were some jerks..." he trailed off deliberately, slightly embarrassed.

"Are you still getting bullied?" His father's voice gave a hint of disbelief.

"That was the last time."

"Remember how you'd com home from being in a fight with a black eye and a swollen lip. You always got the worst of it. Then he'd come in, untouched and grinning like the cat who ate the canary. He always stuck up..." Mr. Lairdlot trailed off when he saw that Daniel's eyes were on him. He averted his own eyes. "Why don't you sit down. You're making me uncomfortable." He forced a smile at the word.

"It's inevitable, we're strangers." Daniel took a seat, but sat rigidly.

"We're family," he corrected his son.

"And family sticks up for each other, right?" His voice was rising. "Just like you were thinking a moment ago."

"It wasn't that simple, Daniel can't you understand that. The decision was the best for the whole family."

"And that decision killed mom." Silence. Then Daniel slowly added under his breath, "Maybe the
alternative would have been better."

"Daniel Roosevelt E..." he stopped himself despite his anger. "Don't you ever say that!"

Daniel's face was hard and glared harshly at a spot on the sheets.

"It was his decision. He made it on his own." Mr. Lairdlot said slowly.

"He couldn't have... he was only..."

"Daniel, it's true." The sure simplicity of the words made Daniel doubt his hatred for this man.

"I let you believe it was me, because I didn't want you to feel this for him." Simon stared directly into his son's eyes. The hardness was gone from Daniel's face. A vulnerability had taken its place.

"He couldn't have," he tried to convince himself.

"He was a smart kid, a brave kid. He knew."

Daniel grabbed for his father's hand. Simon pulled his son to him. They embraced, an act that hadn't taken place for ten years.

"I'm sorry, dad."

"It's okay, you're already forgiven."

He pulled away from his father and returned to his chair, wiping away stray tears.

"Daft was here to see you yesterday," Daniel stated.

"Did he say what he wanted?" he asked although he knew.

"Just to see you, but I think he wanted to see if you had taken it to your death bed."

"Daniel, don't mettle..." but he was cut off.

"Dad, I almost have all the proof, It's just a matter of time before there's no doubt at all."

"Daniel," his father said again. "Don't, just don't. I don't want to loose you too, boy." His father's eyes were pleading with his.

Daniel nodded slowly.

"I mean it," his voice was the concerned voice of a parent, not just the angry voice of authority.

Daniel sighed. "Alright," he complied.

"Now," his father's face brightened. "Tell me about school."