Summary: Danny’s having a bad day and while on a walk, things spiral out of his control. Later his friends prove just how loyal to him they really are.
My First Sports Night Fic so please be kind
Notes: The story is set two years after the series ended. Any episode of Sports Night could pop up. Assume after the series ended Jeremy and Natalie got back together (as it looked that way anyway), Dana and Casey finally decided to go out and Danny has had an on/off again relationship with Rebecca. Oh yeah pretend that CSC was never sold (the new guy seemed too nice to do something that occurs later in the story) and the same evil corporate people are in charge. Just assume the money crisis was solved some other way.
Feedback: email me at Partnrpal@aol.com
A Time To
By Mer
A time to be loved
A time to break down
A time to dance
A time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
From Turn, Turn, Turn
Dana’s office (6 pm)
“Dan, what the hell is wrong with you? You just handed me the tape of the NL west, the same exact assignment Casey handed in to me an hour ago. I need the NL east.” Dana screamed.
“Sorry I got them mixed up. I will make you a tape of the east.” Danny replied as he hurried out of her office.
“I can’t believe him. What the hell is wrong with him this week?” Dana screamed to Casey who happened to be walking by.
“What’s the problem Dana?” Casey asked as he casually leaned against her doorframe.
“I’m going to kill Danny.” Dana replied as she threw the tape Danny had given her at Casey.
“What’s this?” Casey asked as he picked it up from the middle of Dana’s floor where it had landed.
“It’s the NL West tape.” Dana replied with seething teeth.
“Ah.” Casey said though he really didn’t know why she was pissed.
“His head hasn’t been here all week. Last night he mispronounced some hockey player’s name, today he spilled coffee all over his script and the laptop computer and now he handed in some footage you had already edited.” Dana replied.
“So he’s having a bad week.” Casey shrugged.
“Casey, I just want to be furious with him right now.” Dana replied.
“Okay. Are we still going out tonight?” Casey asked with a smile.
“Of course, just as long as you take me to a Danny-free zone.” Dana replied.
“How does my apartment and a bottle of red wine sound?” Casey asked.
“I like the way you think McCall.” Dana replied.
Dan & Casey’s Office (2 1/2 hours later)
Danny sat at the table scribbling on a pad of paper. The laptop was being cleaned of the coffee and there was some hope it might be salvable. Dana’s yelling plus an oldies song kept running though his head. A song that he himself liked but it was Sam’s favorite song so having heard it on Sam’s anniversary didn’t help. He scribbled on the piece of paper to try and get rid of both sounds.
Once they found out he was on Dana’s hit list everyone else had avoided him. They didn’t want to get involved. Casey especially since Dana was his girl friend and she could be quite mean to him if he wasn’t on her side.
Danny felt as if the whole world were caving in. He was fighting with Rebecca. He was screwing up at work and to top it off it was the anniversary of his brother’s death. It was hard to believe that Sam had been gone for fifteen years.
No one at work ever remembered the anniversary, even though he had come out on national television with the announcement, four years earlier. Casey, who was supposed to be his best friend, had a hard enough time remembering how old his son Charlie was. Danny knew that he shouldn’t expect anyone to give him a knowing pat on the back and he was past the point of bringing it up with everyone.
He talked to his mom the previous night and she was dealing with it in her own way. She knew the guilt Danny felt inside and always tried to lessen it by saying it was just Sammy’s time.
His father still barely spoke to him even after all of these years. Jake Rydell wished nothing more than to see Danny in the ground instead of Sam. Anything else Danny did was something that Sam should be doing instead so he hated Danny. Danny tried not to let it bother him but it had.
That afternoon was a good example because he checked his email on the laptop and he saw a message from his father. Danny made the mistake of drinking coffee and reading the email at the same time. His father asked him if he thought 15 years was long enough time for Sam to have forgiven him and some other nasty comments. He spit out his coffee and managed to spill the cup on the keyboard and his nearby notes.
He started to shake and yet laugh at the same time so Casey, who had been in the room at the time, figured the coffee incident was because Danny had read something funny. Danny didn’t feel like setting him straight even though the email had become frozen on the screen as a result of the incident.
Shortly after the coffee incident, there was the tape incident and Dana wanted his head on a stick. He tried to apologize to her when he gave her the correct tape but she wasn’t hearing any of it. The scurrying of everyone else came after the recently completed eight o’clock rundown meeting, in which Dana said nothing at all to Danny and glared at him when he spoke.
Danny dropped the pen and headed towards the couch. He laid on the couch wishing that he could just go to sleep and pretend the day never happened. Sleep however would only bring the image of his brother lying on the Emergency Room table after the doctors had finished working on him and finding out there was no hope.
“Everything okay Danny?” Casey asked when he entered the room.
“Dana wants to kill me.” Danny replied with a shrug of his shoulders.
“I was referring to something new.” Casey answered at which Danny pretended to be offended by.
“I’m hurt.” Danny replied placing his right hand over his heart.
“Seriously, is everything okay?” Casey asked.
“I’m just having an off day.” Danny replied.
Casey nodded, knowing that it seemed Danny was indeed having a bad day. Off day was the code the two of them had that meant while one of them had some sort of problem or myriad of problems the person wanted to deal with it on their own. I’m fine usually was the signal that meant they needed to talk.
“You sure you’re okay?” Casey asked again.
“Yeah I just to lie here and reflect on how much worse this day as a potential to get.” Danny answered.
“Maybe you should take a walk Danny boy.” Casey suggested.
“Case, do you realize that it is like less than thirty degree outside? And that it’s the coldest September ever?” Danny asked.
“Yes, which is why I think if you went outside your problems will all just freeze themselves away.” Casey joked.
“Go to hell.” Danny replied with a playful throw of a pillow.
“Can’t Danny you took the last bus of the night.” Casey replied as he scooted out of the office.
”What and you’re too cheap to take a cab?” Danny playfully yelled from the office, loud enough for Casey to hear.
“Indeed.” Casey yelled back and headed out of earshot.
Danny decided a walk was a good plan. He put on his leather jacket and his hat and gloves. He left his scarf knowing he probably would go outside and then come right back in because the cold would be such a shock to his system.
“Natalie, I’m talking a quick walk. I’ll be back for the 10 o’clock rundown I swear.” Danny said as Natalie came in and placed something on the desk.
“Okay but you realize some weird cold spell has come in right?” Natalie asked.
“Yes.” Danny replied as he pointed to his hat and gloves.
“Okay. But when you come back, just between you and me, I think you should avoid Dana. She kind of wants to harm you right now.” Natalie replied.
“You mean kill me.” Danny corrected.
“Yeah that too.” Natalie said with a small smile.
Isaac’s Office 9 pm
“You got a moment Isaac?” Dana asked in sad voice.
“Sure, what’s troubling you?” Isaac asked as he waved her in.
“Danny.” Dana replied.
“Are you still mad that he said that guys name wrong? Dana he corrected it immediately.” Isaac replied.
“It’s not that.” Dana sighed.
Isaac knew that was part of the reason. Dana liked to have her shows run smoothly and an on air mess-up was something out of her control and something she hated. Dana had taken forever to truly forgive Danny for his Draft Day 2000 performance.
“He wasn’t himself today either. Isaac he spilled coffee all over the laptop and over his copy. He also handed in an edited tape that Casey had already turned in. Something’s not right.” Dana fretted.
“Have you discussed this with Danny or have you just yelled at him about it?” Isaac asked.
Dana’s sheepish grin told him all he needed to know. He was very aware or the reason Danny was having a bad day. He remembered Danny’s speech about his brother. No one else ever remembered. Isaac always tried to give Danny a little extra encouragement on the previous few anniversaries. He hadn’t been able to today.
“Dana, give him a break. Everyone can have a bad day. If you are that upset with him then maybe you should give Natalie the wheel tonight and watch the show in here with me.” Isaac replied.
“No, I can do my job. I swear Isaac if he makes one more mistake today I’m suspending him for tomorrow.” Dana replied.
“Dana…” Isaac scolded.
“I’m serious Isaac. He doesn’t seem to be taking this job seriously right now.” Dana replied.
“Talk to him before you decide to suspend him. I mean really talk to him, first.” Isaac urged.
Streets of New York (9:30 pm)
Danny had braved the cold a lot longer than he thought he would be able to. Between Dana’s yelling and Otis Redding’s Sitting on the Dock of the Bay running through his head he had easily become distracted.
Dana always seemed to get mad at him pretty easily. He wasn’t sure why, but he believed because she was jealous of his relationship with Casey. Casey had always been more open with him than he was with her and Danny figured Dana was pissed.
Casey had tried to remain neutral about the whole thing but Danny knew he could tell. Dana acted like Casey was a prized procession now that they were dating. He figured it was because it had taken over fifteen years for the two of them to finally get together. But he didn’t know.
Danny liked Dana but he found her mildly annoying. She was also the reason that Casey had to endure the hell that was Lisa. Consequently, Danny had to endure her too even though Lisa hated his guts. He had to put up with Casey’s mood swings and rants over Lisa from almost the very beginning of their friendship. Casey’s marriage to Lisa never should have happened and while he had almost stopped Casey, Dana had convinced him Lisa was the perfect girl.
Danny knew now it had all been a misdirection ploy because Dana was in love with Casey and was too afraid to admit it. Dana never really came out and expressed her feelings but Danny sensed them long before Casey did. And Casey was still too dense to realize it even then.
Overall though Casey and Dana were too of his closest friends and he hated it when either one of them was mad at him. The two of them loved to hold grudges and Danny wondered how long it would be until Dana would stop glaring at him.
He was still deep in thought and two blocks away from the studio when he felt something poke into his side accompanied with a gruff voice.
“Give us your wallet.” The voice said.
In the dim light of the alley Danny could see two guys with dark ski masks and one of them was wearing a New York Rangers coat. He knew at least one of them had a knife. It also probably wasn’t the best time to tell them he left his wallet upstairs.
“All I have is my watch.” Danny replied as he extended his arm to reveal the Rolex watch he was wearing.
“That’s not good enough.” A second voice said as Danny felt himself get hit with something in the back of the head.
Danny fell to the ground and pretended to be knocked out. They stripped him of his leather jacket and watch. After this was done they began to kick and punch him. Danny laid there not making a sound hoping if they thought he was unconscious they would soon tire and leave him alone.
His plan backfired as he felt a knife jab into his shoulder and then again into his right side. Danny felt an explosion of pain from both jabs. The clang of the knife on the ground and scurried feet told him they had left.
Danny opened his eyes once he heard they had deserted him. He was in immense pain and it was hard to breath. Danny knew that if he stayed in the darkened alley he could bleed to death. He somehow mustered up some energy to crawl a few feet to the main side walk.
Once he was back on the sidewalk and back into plain view he collapsed from the pain. No one was close enough to see him. He tried to call out but the pain was just too much. He whacked his head, hard on the concrete.
‘Dana is really going to be pissed now.’ Danny thought as he drifted off into unconsciousness.
Danny and Casey’s Office (10:15 pm)
“Casey if Danny isn’t here in the next fifteen minutes you will have to do the show alone.” Dana seethed.
“Natalie said he went for a walk. Maybe he got stuck in sidewalk traffic.” Casey joked.
“Do I look like I am in the mood to joke with you?” Dana asked curtly.
“Sorry.” Casey replied.
“Danny’s skating on thin ice with me. I’d suspend him but Isaac said I had to talk with him first. But if he isn’t here for the show I think it means I have free rein to suspend him for as long as I wish.” Dana threatened.
“Maybe something happened to him. Dana there has to be a good reason why he isn’t here yet.” Casey replied.
“Do you think he’s with Rebecca?” Dana asked.
“They’re fighting right now. But I will give her a call and see whether or not she has seen him.” Casey offered.
“Please do.” Dana urged as she left the office.
Casey looked at Danny’s rolodex. He found a couple of different numbers listed for her. He figured his best bet would be her cell phone.
“Hello.” Rebecca said after the second ring.
“Rebecca its Casey. You haven’t by any chance seen Danny in the past couple of hours have you?” He asked.
“No I haven’t seen him for a few days. We did talk on the phone this morning but I haven’t seen him in person recently. He’s meeting me for breakfast tomorrow. Why?” Rebecca asked.
“It’s just that he went for a walk and never came back.” Casey replied.
“Did you try his cell phone?” Rebecca asked.
Casey hadn’t even thought of that. He thanked Rebecca for the suggestion and told her that he would contact her if he found out anything else and she promised to do the same.
Casey dialed Danny’s cell phone and was dismayed when he heard it ringing in the office. It apparently had fallen out of Danny’s coat pocket. Casey picked it up and placed it on the table.
Streets of New York (same time)
A man walking his dog noticed Danny lying on the sidewalk. The dog went over to Danny and started barking hysterically. His owner realized that Danny was hurt.
He pulled out his cell phone and dialed 9-1-1. Danny was barely breathing and he had lost a lot of blood in the half hour he had been lying on the sidewalk. He had also gone into shock.
Danny had no identification on him and the fact he wasn’t wearing a coat led the paramedics to believe he was mugged or involved in a drug deal gone bad. They quickly dismissed the drug deal idea once they didn’t find any evidence of drug use. No matter what the case Danny was in pretty bad shape.
Studio (10:56 pm)
Casey received the five minutes to air call and realized Danny was going to be in some deep trouble as he had yet to turn back up. Casey had a nagging feeling that something was wrong. It didn’t help the fact that Jeremy started going over the statistical possibly of Danny being mugged or attacked on the streets. Casey wasn’t assured when Jeremy said he didn’t think that had happened to Danny though.
“He promised me he’d be back.” Natalie said from the control room.
“Danny usually keeps his promises too.” Casey replied.
Casey couldn’t remember the last promise that Danny had broken was. He didn’t think there were very many. Danny was a man of his word. He had intended to come back and hadn’t yet. Casey didn’t like the thought of that.
Dana meanwhile was furious. She was going to suspend Danny for a week when he came back. The sad part was that Isaac had reluctantly agreed to let her do it. A replacement was already set up for the next night’s show.
Hospital Emergency Room (11:30 pm)
The doctors got Danny stabilized enough to go to surgery. He had lost a lot of blood and they had lost him twice on the trauma room table. Both times they had been able to bring him back pretty easily. The injury sustained to his head troubled them because he wouldn’t open his eyes. He did respond somewhat to verbal commands but not as well as they would have liked.
His identity still remained a mystery until he was being wheeled up to surgery. An intern who came to help with the transport recognized him. A nurse agreed to look up the TV stations number to try and get the other information they needed.
Isaac’s Office (11:35 pm)
“Isaac Jaffe.” He said as he pressed the speaker phone button.
“Hi. My name is Marina Wells. I am a nurse at Columbia Memorial and one of your anchors was brought in with severe injuries.” The nurse said after she had been routed to the proper authority.
“Danny?” Isaac asked.
“Yes.” The nurse replied.
“Is he going to be alright?” Isaac asked.
“He was just taken into surgery. He appears to have been the victim of a mugging.” The nurse said, causing Isaac’s breath to catch. “Can you give me the number where I can reach a family member?”
“It’s okay I’ll take care of that.” Isaac replied as he numbly hung up the phone.
Isaac went to Dan and Casey’s office and he found the number for Danny’s mother. He told her all that he knew and that everyone else would be told as soon as the show was over. Danny’s mom promised to call Isaac’s cell phone if she found anything out before they arrived at the hospital.
During a commercial break Isaac went into the control room. He wanted to tell them immediately but he knew Casey wouldn’t be able to finish the last few minutes of the show.
“Something wrong Isaac?” Dana asked.
“I need to gather everyone together in the conference room after the show.” Isaac replied sadly.
“Okay.” Dana replied as she relayed the message.
“What’s going on?” Casey asked from the desk.
“You’ll find out in a few minutes.” Natalie comforted him.
Conference Room (12:05 am)
Natalie, Jeremy, Casey and Dana had all gathered in the conference room. Dana was moaning about Danny’s absence when Isaac walked in hanging up his cell phone.
“What’s up?” Casey asked when he noticed Isaac’s pale complexion.
“Danny didn’t quit did he?” Natalie asked.
“He better not have. I want the satisfaction of yelling at him again. He is going to be dead meat.” Dana replied.
Isaac flinched at her harsh words and Jeremy was the only one to picked up on it.
“Something’s happened to Danny hasn’t it?” Jeremy asked, causing everyone’s mouth’s to drop.
“Yes. Danny was mugged tonight. I just got off the phone with his mother. He was roughed up pretty badly and he’s in surgery right now.” Isaac replied softly.
“Surgery!” Dana exclaimed.
“How badly was he injured?” Natalie asked.
“I’m not entirely sure. I do know that he was stabbed sometime in the process.” Isaac said.
The room fell silent. Dana especially felt bad. She had been bad mouthing him and wanted to strangle him with her bare hands and Danny had been fighting for his life the whole time. He had intended to come back but was attacked first.
“He’s going to be okay, right?” Casey asked with an anguished voice.
“They don’t know yet.” Isaac replied sadly.
Hospital Waiting Room (3:30 am)
Isaac and his wife Ester sat on a two person love seat holding each other. Dana, Casey and Danny’s mom Annie sat on a couch. Dana was asleep on Casey’s shoulder and Annie was holding on to his other arm. Jeremy and Natalie sat together in a wide chair, originally intended for one, but they both managed to snuggle into it.
Danny’s father Jay paced the floor. He seemed very upset and Casey wasn’t sure exactly what he was upset about. Casey didn’t know if it was because Danny was hurt or if it was due to the event occurring on Sam’s anniversary.
Casey had finally figured that out when he went back to the office to get his coat and he noticed a picture of Danny and Sam was lying on the table stained with coffee. He flipped it over and could still read the smudged caption, ‘Danny and Sammy on Danny’s moving to college day, 9-23-87.’ Casey knew that Sam had died the day Danny moved to college, which when he calculated it in his head was fifteen years ago that day.
Now as he sat in the waiting room watching Danny’s father pace he felt sick to his stomach. Every so often, he could hear Jay mumble something, barely auditable, but something about fifteen years to late. He hoped that Annie hadn’t noticed any of it.
A doctor in blood splattered surgical scrubs appeared. He looked weary. No one wanted to be the first to ask how Danny was. Jay almost looked a little too gleeful. Annie jumped up off the couch and she stood in front of the doctor before Jay could.
“I’m Danny’s mother. How is he?” Annie asked.
“He’s in critical condition but is stable for the moment. He has lost a lot of blood, which is of concern. He’s already received one blood transfusion and may require another if his blood pressure drops again.
“The stab wound to the stomach luckily missed all of his vital organs but there is some muscle damage which might require some minor therapy to help him overcome. The stab wound to the left shoulder was more extensive and will definitely require physical therapy.
“We are also concerned by his head wound. We will run more tests to see how extensive if any the damage is, but right now, I want to make sure he remains stable first.” The doctor said.
“So he’s going to be okay?” Annie asked.
“The next 48-72 hours are critical. He has lost a lot of blood and sometimes a body doesn’t recover from that kind of shock.” The doctor answered.
“When can we see him?” Dana asked.
“Family members should be able to see him in a few minutes after he is moved from the recovery room. Everyone else will have to wait until his condition is more stable.” The doctor answered.
“Damn him.” Jay muttered aloud once the doctor was out of earshot.
“Jacob Rydell, don’t you even start.” Annie begged not wanting a scene made in front of Danny’s friends.
“Fifteen years ago we had to make arrangements to bury our gifted son and the one who should have taken his place is still hanging on to life.” Jay exploded.
“Jay, when are you going to accept that it wasn’t Danny’s fault Sam died?” Annie asked with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Never. Is that okay with you Annie? He’s the reason that my beloved Sammy is dead and I’m never going to forgive him.” Jay replied as he stormed out of the waiting room.
“I apologize for my husband’s display of anger. I wish I could say it was just because of the stress of the situation but its not. Jay truly wishes that Danny were dead.” Annie said as she wiped away some of her tears.
Danny’s Hospital Room (7:30 am)
Danny’s condition remained stable and the doctor was able to run some tests to determine the severity of his head injury. It was determined Danny sustained a severe concussion but no brain damage. However, he still had yet to wake up.
Annie had barred Jay from seeing Danny, afraid that he might find a way to make the situation worse. While she talked to Danny for a while, she knew in her heart of hearts that he would respond better to one of his friends than he ever would with her. While she tried to show him that she loved him, she knew that Jay’s insistence that he had something to do with Sam’s death didn’t help her case any.
Casey was the first person she told the nurse was a relative. She didn’t consider it too big of a lie since the two were best friends and acted a lot like brothers.
Casey was shocked by Danny’s appearance. His face was an extremely pale, almost grayish white. A few ugly looking bruises lined his face, including a black right eye.
His left shoulder was heavily bandaged and his left arm was taped across his chest. Casey knew that Danny would throw a fit when he woke up since he was left handed.
Another bandage was wrapped more around his waist. The space in between showed many bruises and one was even in the shape of a shoe print.
Danny was wearing some kind of scrub pants so Casey couldn’t see the damage to his legs but he could tell at least one leg was puffed up, slightly by a bandage.
All sorts of wires surrounded him. Casey knew one of them showed his heartbeat. The lines seemed to be going up and down as they were supposed to. He took some comfort in that.
“Hey Danny.” Casey said as he sat down on the right side of his friend.
A nurse told him that he should try and talk to him and even touch him to try to get him to respond. Casey picked up Danny’s right hand and held it with both hands. It seemed a little cold so he rubbed it some.
“You know Danny there are easier ways of getting out of doing the show with me. I mean really don’t you think you are being a little dramatic here? Sure you were having a bad day, but now you want everyone to coming running to your bedside as if you are hurt or something. That’s low even for a cream puff like you.” Casey teased.
Casey wondered if Danny could hear him. The medical staff seemed convinced but Casey didn’t see any signs Danny did. It didn’t seem like his friend at all.
“I talked with Rebecca and she doesn’t seem to be mad at you anymore. I think she’s just scared of being hurt again. Her husband was a jerk and you both work the same type of job so she’s afraid. You need to be patient with her. I know it’s frustrating but at least it’s different than when I wanted to date Dana. At least she’s not telling you to date other women for six months.”
Casey continued talking to Danny for about an hour. While Danny didn’t open his eyes Casey was able to make out a little moan. He hoped it was because of his bad jokes and not because Danny was in pain.
Rebecca was the next person allowed in to see him. Danny’s mother said she was his fiancée. Rebecca didn’t spend the night in the waiting room because they forgot to call her. She did however rush right over as soon as Danny’s mom inquired where she was and Casey ran to call her.
Like Casey she was shocked at Danny’s appearance She tried to not to let it bother her. She sat in the same chair Casey had and held his hand gingerly.
“I’m sorry I was mad at you. You didn’t really do anything wrong. Please let me make this up to you. Please let me show you how I really feel.” Rebecca replied.
She felt the slightest bit of pressure on her hand. His eyes were still closed but Rebecca knew he was trying to reach out to her.
“Can you hear me?” Rebecca asked softly.
Her hand was squeezed with a little more force. Rebecca was delighted. It made her feel as if Danny was going to be okay.
“Yesterday I received the flowers you sent and the card was classic you. ‘Still willing to try and break down those walls’ I didn’t even have to see your name at the bottom to realize it was you. I love that you send me flowers even though you know it was me who should be sending you flowers. I’m the one who screwed up. I’m the one who got upset for no reason. I’m the one who doesn’t deserve someone as sweet as you, in my life.” Rebecca said as the tears began to fall down her cheeks.
Danny tried to open his eyes but they felt cemented shut. He squeezed her hand again. He wanted so badly to wipe away her tears. A tired feeling swept over him and he realized sleep was about to overtake him.
“Don’t cry.” Danny whispered very faintly.
“What?” Rebecca asked not having heard the words but could tell he had spoken.
“Don’t…” Danny began but his voice trailed off.
“Danny?” Rebecca asked, trying to get him to squeeze her hand again.
She felt nothing. Tears streamed down her cheeks even harder. She tried to wipe them away but it didn’t work. Instead, she decided to leave the room.
Annie went back in after Rebecca left. She saw the anguish Rebecca was going through and she wondered if her son knew just how lucky he was.
She planned on telling him but as she sat down a monitor started going off. A flurry of activity swirled around the room and it pushed her out. Annie was semi-grateful that everyone else had gone to the cafeteria and weren’t there to witness the activity.
“Mrs. Rydell, his blood pressure dropped dramatically. We are gave him some medication to help him temporarily and he will also receive another blood transfusion. He also is showing signs of an infection so we have him on some antibiotics. We’ve done all we can medically. The only thing left to do is wait and see how he responds to the second transfusion and to the antibiotics.” The doctor said when he came out.
“Are you saying that my son is going to die?” Annie asked.
“I can’t say for sure. I would suggest that the people closest to him to be allowed in to him see him. He might respond better to familiar voices and at the very least…” The doctor’s voice trailed off because Annie knew what he was referring to.
Hospital Cafeteria (9:15 am)
With a heavy heart, she headed down to the cafeteria. Everyone was trying to eat something but they were either picking at their food or stirring their coffee absently.
“I have some bad news.” Annie said when she came to the area where they all were.
“Danny’s condition changed didn’t it?” Rebecca asked quietly.
“Yes, his blood pressure dropped and they think he might have some kind of infection. The doctor thinks it’s a good idea to allow all of you into to see him.” Annie said trying to sound positive.
“Danny’s a fighter Annie. He’ll make it through this.” Casey said as he came over to comfort her.
“Casey’s right Mrs. Rydell. I don’t think Danny is through with this world quite yet.” Isaac replied.
Danny’s Hospital Room (4:00 pm)
Natalie and Jeremy were finally allowed in to see him. Dana, Casey, Isaac, Annie and Rebecca had monopolized his time. Danny’s older brother David was even there for awhile. Dana and Isaac had to leave to get ready for the night’s show, though neither wanted to. A replacement had been found for Casey. Jeremy and Natalie were supposed to be in for the six o’clock rundown unless something drastic happened.
“Hey Danny it’s me Natalie.” She said as she sat next to his bed.
“Jeremy’s here too.” He added as he stood beside Natalie’s chair.
“You’ll never guess what’s happening right now. Orlando Rojas is pitching a perfect game at Comisky Park in Chicago and Cubs rookie sensation Mark Prior is doing the same thing at Wrigley. You’d love it.” Natalie gushed.
“Do you know that has never happened? There have never been two complete games in the same city at the same time. Course not a lot of cities have two baseball teams but it is really incredible.” Jeremy added.
“Yeah it’s like the time that guy got all ten wickets in Cricket.” Natalie replied.
“Well not really but it’s similar.” Jeremy replied.
“Rebecca is watching the Orioles game with Casey right now, but I know she’d much rather be watching it with you. He’s driving her nuts because he describes every single pitch and every single movement the pitcher makes.” Natalie said.
“Rojas has thrown mostly fastballs and in one inning he got out of it with only throwing three pitches. That surprisingly enough has happened nearly three-thousand times in the past twenty years.” Jeremy rattled off.
“We of course are taping the game for you, so we should probably shut up about it.” Natalie realized.
The two were silent for a moment, trying to figure out what to say to their friend. His blood pressure was stable but the infection had caused him to get a fever. His once pale skin was now flushed with a little color. Still Danny had yet to respond to anything.
“Do you think I should throw some water on him?” Natalie asked.
“Gee Natalie don’t you think the doctor’s would have thought of that trick if it worked?” Jeremy asked.
“It worked when he had writer’s block.” Natalie protested.
“No it didn’t, all it did was make him wet.” Jeremy answered.
“I think you’re wrong.” Natalie protested.
“I’m really right. He won’t come anywhere near you now when he has writer’s block.” Jeremy replied.
“So I’ve scared him huh. Maybe I need to scare him again. If not water what should I use?” Natalie asked.
“Natalie, you can’t scare someone back into life. Our job is try and make him come back, not to put the fear of God into him.” Jeremy replied. “Besides with his present condition I’m afraid if you try and scare him you might end up giving him a heart attack.”
“That would be a bad thing.”
“Yes, that would be a very bad thing. Danny do you hear what I have to put up with? She thinks that pouring water on you or by yelling at you that’s going to help.”
“Hey didn’t he say he had a song stuck in his head yesterday?” Natalie asked.
“Yeah, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. Why?” Jeremy asked.
“Maybe if we sing it to him he will wake up.” Natalie suggested.
“Oh please don’t.” Jeremy begged.
“Sitting in the morning sun, I’ll be sitting when the evening comes. watching the ships roll in then I watch them roll away again. I’m sitting on the dock of the bay watching the tide roll away. Come on Jeremy you know the words.”
“I’m sitting on the dock of the bay, wasting time. I left my home in Georgia, headed for the Frisco Bay. Cause I’ve had nothing to live for. Looks like nothings going to come my way. So I’m just going to sit on the dock of the Bay, watching the tide roll away. I’m sitting on the dock of the bay, wasting time.”
“Looks like nothings going to change, everything still remains the same. I can’t do what ten people tell me to do so I guess I’ll remain the same. Sitting here resting my bones and this loneness won’t leave me alone. The two-thousand miles I’ve roamed just to make this dock my home. Now I’m just going to sit at the dock of the bay. Watching the tide roll away. Sitting on the dock of the bay, wasting time.” Natalie finished up.
“You see even our horrible singing couldn’t wake him up.” Jeremy replied and was smacked across the top of the head. “Ow.”
“Serves you right for dissing my singing.” Natalie replied.
“Natalie we are supposed to be positive around him right now.” Jeremy replied.
“This is positive. He sees us act like this every day. It’s normal. Sitting on the dock of the bay wasting time.” Natalie replied before she started to break into song again.
Jeremy and Natalie were so caught up in their fight that they didn’t see Danny open his eyes. He had been trying all afternoon to open his eyes because everyone sounded so urgent. But no one was holding his hand and he had no way of letting them know he was trying. He couldn’t get his voice to work.
But sometime during the song he had opened his eyes and though squinted because of the light, they were still open. Everything looked fuzzy and he was a little dizzy but he knew had to find a way to make them stop singing that song. They didn’t know it was Sam’s song and he didn’t want to hear it right then.
Finally he balled his right hand up into a fist and he hit it on the bed. He didn’t know why he couldn’t move his left hand, but figured the right would work since they were on that side anyway.
“Danny you’re awake.” Natalie exclaimed when she saw his hand pounding on the bed.
He couldn’t really move his head to nod, nor could he open his mouth to speak. His mouth was just too dry.
“Do you need some water?” Jeremy asked and Danny tapped on the bed slightly.
Jeremy filled up a cup of water from the bedside table and found there was a straw as well. He placed the straw to Danny’s lips and Danny took a small sip.
“Hi.” He managed to say when Jeremy moved the cup.
“Everyone is going to be so happy you’re awake.” Natalie replied and Danny closed his eyes because the dizziness was too much.
“Okay.” Danny said his voice a little stronger.
“The horrible singing did it, didn’t it?” Jeremy asked.
“Yes.” Danny replied as he made a pained face.
“It wasn’t that bad.” Natalie said as she smacked Jeremy on the shoulder.
“Hey he’s the one…” Jeremy began.
“Like I’m going to hit him. Geez Jeremy.” She said as she smacked him again.
“Jeremy, I didn’t realize you liked to sing.” Danny joked softly.
“I don’t but someone here made me.” Jeremy replied.
“Casey and your mom are in the waiting room. I think Rebecca’s here too.” Natalie said as Danny tried to nod but felt the pain immediately.
“I see.” Danny mumbled.
“You have a concussion.” Jeremy supplied.
“Feels like I was hit with a jack hammer.” Danny replied.
“Don’t worry the pain will go away eventually. I got a concussion once. It was during my Dorothy Hamill days, I tried to do a double axel and I landed wrong.” Natalie said.
A small smile appeared on Danny’s face. He was trying to imagine Natalie in her little skater outfit hitting the ice. A small laugh escaped his lips.
“Oh really. I’m glad you can laugh at my expense.” Natalie said as she crossed her arms over her chest, pretending to be mad.
“Sorry Nat.” Danny said quietly, his voice beginning to fade again.
“I wonder if she has any pictures of her skater days at her apartment.” Jeremy asked as he gave Dan another sip of water.
“I figured you’d want to see her in one of the outfits.” Danny joked his voice a little stronger now.
“That too.” Jeremy smiled but then frowned when he got the look from Natalie. “Or not.”
“Oh sweetie I think maybe you should go and tell Casey that Danny here is awake.” Natalie said as she pointed towards the door.
“I’ll be back.” Jeremy said.
“Bye.” Danny said with a small smirk.
“Do you have any idea how happy I am to be mad at you right now?” Natalie asked as soon as Jeremy left the room.
“That’s quite a sentence there Nat.” Danny replied softly.
“We were so scared that…” Natalie began but tears started to fall.
Danny motioned for her to come closer to him. She placed her head on the upper right side of his chest and he gently stroked her hair with his right arm. It was quiet except for the machines and Natalie’s sobs for a few moments.
“I’m still here Nat.” Danny whispered. “By the way I’m glad you two started to sing instead of that water idea. That would have been a little cold.”
“So you heard what we were saying?” Natalie said as she wiped some tears away.
“Yeah. I’m sorry I scared you.” Danny said sincerely.
“I promise we are taping the game for you.” Natalie said as she lifted herself up off him.
“That’s good, now don’t tell me if he blows it okay? I want to be surprised.” Danny said as his eyes began to droop.
“Okay.” Natalie promised as she noticed he had fallen back asleep.
6 o’clock rundown meeting
“Dana guess what I have great news.” Natalie said as she and Jeremy entered the room.
“What?” Dana asked tiredly.
“Danny was awake for a little while. He’s still got a fever but his blood pressure has remained stable and he’s starting to crack jokes again.” Natalie replied.
“He was teasing Natalie about her Dorothy Hamill days.” Jeremy supplied.
“That’s wonderful.” Dana said with a smile.
Danny’s Hospital Room A week later
“No Danny there is no way I’m going to let write your part of the show from your hospital bed.” Casey said as Danny was urging him to bring his laptop.
“Why not Case? They have internet capabilities in this hospital right?” Danny asked.
“Yes but you can only type with one arm since your other one is still taped to your chest and besides that it hurts when you move your side too much. I’m not going to be responsible for you tearing out your stitches.” Casey admonished.
“I feel like I should be doing something.” Danny pouted.
“Yes I know but you get a little vacation from the show.” Casey replied.
“I would call this far from a vacation. I can’t even get out of bed, much less share it with Rebecca. Here we are not fighting any more and I can’t even satisfy my woman.” Danny complained.
“Oh I’m sure the Danny-love can wait.” Casey laughed.
“You never know. You see it’s power only lasts for so long.” Danny kidded but the laughing hurt.
“See you can’t even laugh without hurting yourself.” Casey pointed out.
“You know I think you probably had me stabbed yourself so you could work alongside Bobbi Bernstein every night.” Danny teased.
“Nah if I had you stabbed I would’ve had them carve my initials so you could always look down and think of me.”
“That’s sweet Casey. You know only you would wish someone had left your initials. Do you remember that day you said, ‘If something bad has to happen to one of us, I hope it’s you.’”
“Yeah.”
“I just want you to know that being in the hospital isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Yeah I know I get all these flowers and visits from beautiful women, but the food here my friend, sucks.”
“No provolone here either?”
“No and it’s surprising since they have a better food budget than we do.”
Casey smiled. Danny’s capability to joke about things had always amazed him. Casey wasn’t sure how he would react if the situation were reversed.
“Danny, I’m glad you’re okay. You know that I never meant for anything bad to happen to you when I said you should take a walk right?” Casey asked.
“The thought never crossed my mind Case.” Danny replied with a smile.
“You scared the hell out of us. Dana thought you didn’t come back on purpose so she suspended you for a week.” Casey admitted.
“A week huh, well I guess I only have two more days left of suspension.” Danny quipped back.
“Danny…” Casey said but his voice trailed off, however his meaning was understood.
“I was scared but I figured if I died it would be only fitting.” Danny admitted as he turned his head away from Casey’s gaze.
“Danny look at me.” Casey ordered.
“Yes.” Danny replied as he did as he was told.
“Your brother Sam was looking out for you that night.”
Danny was silent as he took in Casey’s words. He was told that he had died twice but was brought back both times. Casey’s explanation was as good as any.
“I know Casey.” Danny replied softly.
“I’m sorry I didn’t remember what day it was. I knew you were having a bad day and I just figured you were upset about Rebecca. I would’ve gone with you on that walk if I had known.” Casey said sincerely.
“Yeah but I’m glad you didn’t. You’re a wimp when it comes to blood my friend.”v
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Hey your dad was here for awhile that first night.”
“What was he praying for my demise?”
“I’m not sure. He didn’t look very thrilled when he learned that you had survived the surgery. He got into a fight with your mom and I haven’t seen him since.”
“It’s probably just as well. Casey, my mom tries but he’s her husband. She’s loved him since she was eighteen. Just because he hates me is not a reason for them to break up.” Danny defended.
“I’m not bashing your mother Danny. She stood up for you in front of a room full of people who was witnessing your father’s true colors for the first time. She wouldn’t allow the nurses to let him visit when you were teetering close to death. Your brother David was even here for awhile.”
“Dad got to him. Mom said they went out drinking the shortly after she called to say I was awake. It’s okay though. David and I have never really gotten along even while Sam was alive. He’s five years older than me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Did they tell you what was frozen on the laptop when I slipped the coffee?”
“No, but it was fixed by the way. It sitting on the table just waiting for one of us to turn it on. Though it does smell surprisingly like bad coffee.”
“Yeah I’ll bet. I spilled my coffee because there was an email from my father .In it he asked me if I thought fifteen years was long enough for Sam in heaven to have forgiven me.”
“He didn’t.”
“Oh but he did. Casey my dad sees me as the jackass who brought the world of drugs into our family. He naturally forgets how David was the kid who actually spent the night in jail when he was fifteen for drug use.”
“Danny I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I have all of you guys.”
“So is it true that Natalie’s singing is what woke you up?”
“Actually, I had sort of been awake before that but when I tried to come out from the drug induced haze nothing happened so I was in that semi-sleep, semi-awake stage until the singing. God it was awful Casey. Jeremy and Natalie were both singing.”
Casey had to laugh at the face Danny made. He knew what Danny was talking about because Natalie had been singing the song around the office. Jeremy had decided against any encore performances.
“I heard her say she was going to throw some water on me so I guess I’m lucky that she only started to sing.” Danny replied as he hoisted himself up more on the bed.
“That again? I thought she had given up that tactic.” Casey asked with a laugh.
“Apparently not. Jeremy talked her out of it. That would have been cold. Casey, I wasn’t even wearing a shirt then.”
Casey watched as Danny’s face went into another smile. It was so good to see Danny smile especially when he wasn’t sure a week ago if Danny was going to make it.
“Well the police think caught the guys that did this to you.” Casey brought up.
“Yeah but they say my leather jacket is ruined. I got that the first weekend I was here in New York. I lost something else too but the jacket was the most important thing as it was a memory from the good ole days when I had to go shopping with you for Lisa’s birthday present.” Danny lamented.
“That’s a low blow man. The cops did find something interesting in the coat though.” Casey said, not revealing what he was concealing in his own coat pocket.
“Really what did they find besides my blood?” Danny asked.
“Just this.” Casey said as he threw a box on the bed.
Danny reached for it but then was stopped by the pain. Casey had thrown it just out of his reach. Casey had forgotten about his mobility problems with the repercussions from the two stab wounds and the injuries he suffered from the kicking attack.
“Sorry.” Casey said as he placed the box in Danny’s hand.
“It’s the engagement ring I bought Rebecca. Why didn’t they try and sell it?” Danny asked as he opened the box to show Casey.
“Apparently it was nestled safely in the inside pocket where you left it.”
“I bought it and then Rebecca got mad at me again so I didn’t ask her when I was going to. I kind of forgot it was in there until they took my coat, and then I was worried about surviving so I didn’t point it out.”
“Do you want me to hang on to it for you?”
“Yeah just stick it in the desk drawer. I’ll ask her when I can do it properly. Right now I don’t think I could get down on one knee.”
“You know I might actually pay to watch that.”
“The sad thing is I know you aren’t lying.”
“So did you watch that Orioles game tape I brought over?”
“Yeah Rebecca watched it with me yesterday. She’s really starting to pick up on baseball because she was giving me all of this inside information.”
“Oh really?”
“Yeah apparently she had already seen the game with you, so she threw in some facts that only you would know to comment on.”
“Oh, our secret is out then.”
“Uh huh and apparently you annoyed her so much she declared she’s never going to a real game with you.”
“But we can change her mind on that can’t we?”
“Yes, next season I think we shall.”
Danny’s Hospital Room (three weeks later)
“Look here this is a card all the way from Germany. I didn’t realize you had any international fans.” Rebecca said as she was helping him sort through his get well fan mail.
“My charm isn’t limited to this country.” Danny said as he smiled at her.
“True because America alone isn’t big enough for your large ego.” Rebecca teased back.
Danny smiled. He let her read a few more cards to him and then he decided to ask her something that had been nagging him since the attack.
“Rebecca there is something that I have been meaning to ask you.” Danny said seriously.
“Yeah?” Rebecca said as she dropped the card she was holding and gave him her full attention.
“I need to ask you this because I’m concerned. It’s not that I haven’t been enjoying your visits but…”
“Danny, what is it?”
“I know that before this happened you were still dealing with issues caused by your marriage to Steve…”
“Danny…”
“I just wanted to make sure that you want to be here right now because you want to be with me and not because you think you owe it to me because I got hurt.”
Rebecca looked at him strangely for a moment. She didn’t answer right away and Danny felt like a jackass.
“You’re asking me if I’m here because I love you and not because I’m pitying you?” Rebecca asked.
“Yes.” Danny answered.
“Danny if anything your attack re-affirmed for me my need to have you in my life. When Casey called me I felt mortified. And then when we weren’t sure you were going to make it I was scared that I had missed my chance. I love you Daniel Rydell.” Rebecca said as she leaned over him and gave him a very passionate kiss.
“Okay I’d say that wasn’t a pity kiss.” Danny said once she pulled away.
“That’s what I thought you would say.” Rebecca replied.
“So it doesn’t matter to you that I can only use one arm right now?” Danny asked.
“The strength will come back in your left arm. And even if it doesn’t come back fully I will still love you.” Rebecca reassured him.
Danny smiled a huge smile of relief. It was the best smile Rebecca had seen since he was in the hospital. It made her feel good.
“Danny I’m sorry but I have to go back to work now. I will be back later tonight to sneak you in some dinner. Any requests?” Rebecca asked as she leaned down so Danny could kiss her.
“Something that hasn’t been any where near Jell-O.” Danny replied after he kissed her good-bye. “Why they insist on feeding me Jell-O I have no idea.”
“Because you look funny trying to eat it one handed and keep it on the spoon.” Rebecca joked.
“Get out of here will ya.” Danny smiled.
“Okay. Bye.” Rebecca said as she disappeared out of sight.
Danny moved his left arm a little once she was out of sight. It was finally un-taped and for the last week he had been doing some physical therapy with it. It was frustrating that he could barely move it but his therapist insisted that in a few more sessions he would be able to move it higher. His shoulder muscle just needed time to heal so it wasn’t doing the amount of work it normally would have.
Danny was frustrated by it. He wanted to get out of the hospital and get back to work. He hated feeling helpless. That helpless feeling came especially when he watched Bobbi on TV filling in for him. He belonged next to Casey.
“Hello Danny.” A voice said from the doorway.
“Hi Dad.” Danny said with more enthusiasm then he really felt.
He didn’t really want to see his father. Jay hadn’t been there since that first night so Danny had a bad feeling about his visit now. There was just something about his father’s demeanor he didn’t like.
“Danny I got a call from someone at your network. I really nice fellow by the name of JJ.” Jay began and Danny groaned inwardly.
“Oh really.” Danny managed aloud.
He and JJ had their differences. Neither one of them really liked the other because Danny was more critical of JJ’s role than anyone else on the show and JJ knew it.
“Danny I’m afraid they want to replace you with that pretty broad permanently.” Jay said.
“What?” Danny exclaimed.
“He called with a severance package. It’s a really good offer Danny. I think you should take it.” Jay said.
Danny felt as if he had been slapped in the face. He had been stabbed and nearly killed and the network wanted to replace him. He couldn’t believe it. The fact that he was hearing about it from his father of all people really bothered him.
“I’ll have to give it some thought.” Danny replied, trying not to let his anger show.
“Yeah. I think you should. You weren’t really cut out for TV anyway.” Jay said.
Danny and Casey’s office (A week later)
Casey had visited Danny almost everyday that he was in the hospital. While Danny joked and cooperated fully with the doctor’s, Casey had a nagging feeling he was holding something back. His spirits seemed high so Casey didn’t call him on it; he decided to wait until Danny was back at work and observe his behavior before saying anything.
Throughout the month Danny had been in the hospital legions of fans and well wishers had sent cards and letters. Casey initially tried to take Danny a box a day but the letters kept pouring in and Casey finally stopped. He just piled them up behind the couch. The mound was so big that it threatened to overtake the room.
Bobbi Bernstein was Danny’s replacement and Casey didn’t feel comfortable sharing the office with her so Dana had found a desk for her in the bullpen. Bobbi seemed to understand because she knew how close everyone was to Danny, but Casey could never be sure. However Casey could just never seem to click with her.v
“Did you save me three minutes for the NL East?” Bobbi asked as she entered the office.
“I can only give you two-thirty.” Casey replied.
“No problem. I’m a little short on the NL West so that evens out.” Bobbi said.
“What about the NL Central? I think there is only room for two minutes.”
“I can cut some time out.”
“Good.”
“You know Casey I never asked to be Danny’s replacement. I was happy being a correspondent/analyst.”
“I know.”
“I don’t think you do. I have tried to compensate all of you and your worry for Danny, but none of you even tries to help me.”
“It’s just taking us a little time to get used to you.”
“I’ve been here a month Casey.”
“Danny and I have worked together for fourteen years. Excuse me if a month isn’t enough time to break in someone new.”
“You know what your problem is Casey? You don’t want another partner. You have never tried to build a repiore with me because you’re afraid of what will happen if you do. What do you think the network is going to offer me Danny’s job or something? Because I can tell you they did, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to.”
“Oh really and why is that?”
“Do you honestly think I want to be known as the woman that took over Dan Rydell’s job? Oh, that poor Dan Rydell he was stabbed and that bitch took over for him. I wonder what kind of severance package they gave him in return.”
“What the hell are you yelling at me for? I wouldn’t think that.”
“No, you would probably be out the door so fast my head would spin. Dana, hell the whole crew would probably walk out with you.”
“So what is the point in telling me this then if you know what will happen if you do accept?”
“Because they offered me his job permanently.”
“What?”
“That’s right. JJ came to me a week ago and asked me if I wanted to keep my temporary position.”
“You accepted didn’t you?"
“I haven’t made up my mind yet.”
Casey slammed his hand down on the desk so hard a picture of Camden Yards fell off the wall. He had just found the root of Danny’s problem; Danny was worried about being replaced.
“Does Danny know about this?” Casey yelled.
“Yes JJ said he was visiting him right after he offered me the job to work something out.” Bobbi replied.
“Do you know how hard Danny has worked to get where he is today?”
“What you think I haven’t clawed my way up either?”
Casey stormed out of the office without another word. He slammed the door behind him so Bobbi couldn’t immediately follow him. He headed straight for Isaac’s office where Isaac was talking to JJ about the latest budget proposal.
Casey walked right in and he punched JJ so hard that he knocked him to the ground with one swing. His fist hurt like hell but his message was clear.
“Casey, what the hell was that for?” Isaac asked.
“Oh JJ knows or have you been too afraid to tell Isaac and Dana what you did.” Casey said furiously.
“I assume this has to do with Bobbi.” JJ said as he got up rubbing his jaw.
“You assume right.” Casey replied angrily.
“Will one of you tell me what exactly is going on here?” Isaac asked.
“Why don’t you do the honors JJ since you are the network’s puppet.” Casey spat out.
“The network has offered Bobbi, Danny’s job permanently and are prepared to offer Danny a handsome severance package.” JJ admitted.
“And when exactly were you going to tell me JJ? If I’m not mistaken I am the managing editor and I do have some say in who gets hired or fired on my show.” Isaac asked.
“Bobbi hasn’t accepted the offer. I was going to tell you when she accepted.” JJ replied.
“I oughta hit you with my cane right now. Danny is recovering from a near death experience which I don’t think should merit the loss of his job. You didn’t go to Danny with this crap did you?” Isaac asked.
“Yes I told him.” JJ replied.
“And what exactly was his reaction to the news?” Casey asked.
“He said whatever was best for the show.” JJ replied.
“You didn’t talk to Danny directly did you?” Casey asked.
“Not exactly.” JJ admitted.
“What did you talk to his girlfriend or his mother?” Isaac asked.
“His father actually.” JJ said.
“You did what?” Casey said as he dove to hit JJ again but Isaac stopped him.
“His father seemed to understand perfectly.” JJ answered.
“Get the hell out of my office now JJ and you had better go retract that job offer to Bobbi. I don’t think Luther would be too happy if the whole staff of Sports Night, right down to the food service people walked out. Everyone but Bobbi that is.” Isaac threatened.
JJ scurried out of the office and Casey thought twice about following him. He really wanted to rip JJ’s head off but he didn’t think Isaac would approve.
“Get me Luther Saks down in my office right now. I don’t care if he has a meeting with the President of the United States, I want his ass in my office now! If he has a problem with that he can come down and tell me himself.” Isaac yelled at Luther’s secretary.
“Isaac, Danny’s father is the worst person that JJ could have told. He wanted Danny to die that night.” Casey said when Isaac got off the phone.
“I know I was there, remember. Casey I need you to gather the whole support staff into the control room and explain the situation to them. I’ll talk to Luther next to the open mikes on the stage. I’m sure most of them will walk out if I walk out.” Isaac said.
“Do you think Luther will listen?” Casey asked.
“He’d better.” Isaac answered seriously.
Studio A (ten minutes later)
Casey managed to gather everyone from the Sports Night staff and most of the people from the West Coast Update. Bobbi had gone out on an interview so she wasn’t a threat. Everyone was horrified when they heard what Luther was planning to do.
Isaac led Luther into the studio, where he couldn’t see the angry staff in the control room. Casey said anyone who wasn’t willing to walk-out should go back to their station and not fear their job. No one had left.
“Dan Rydell has been here from the beginning. He didn’t jump ship when the network came close to being sold, even though he received an excellent job offer in California from one of our competitors. He has done everything that the network has asked of him, including apologizing on network television. Do you know how hard it was for him to tell his brother’s story? He did it because you wanted an apology. He’s taken his lumps and has been a dutiful employee. But once he is mugged and nearly killed the network decides to turn its back on him. Do you have any idea how full Danny’s office is of sympathy cards and letters from the viewers? Do you know how many questions we get about when he’s going to be back?” Isaac asked.
“No, but Isaac viewer ship has nearly doubled since he’s been out.” Luther said.
“Do you think that some of that has to do with the sensationalism of the crime? It has been on the news nearly every night of course viewer ship is going to be up. Luther what I’m saying is that if you go ahead with this, nearly everyone from Sports Night will walk out. I’m not just talking about the anchors either. Is that really have you want it to work out?” Isaac asked.
“I don’t believe you people. Bobbi hasn’t even accepted the job and Danny hasn’t accepted the severance package.” Luther protested.
“Maybe that’s because JJ told Danny’s father, a man who hates his son’s guts about the plan. Do you think a man like that is going to tell his son there is a severance package? He probably told Danny that he was flat out fired.” Isaac exploded.
“I had no idea.” Luther mumbled.
“You had no idea. Well maybe I need to give you a demonstration.” Isaac said.
He waved to the control room and he started for the exit. The control room door opened and the staff started filing out behind Isaac. Luther couldn’t believe it.
“Wait. I’ll retract the offer. Please everyone stay and do your jobs.” Luther begged.
“So Danny’s job is safe then?” Dana asked.
“Absolutely. JJ is the one who will lose his job, he said you all went along.” Luther said.
“Well I guess here is your answer.” Isaac said as he waved around the room.
Amongst all the commotion, no one noticed Danny and Rebecca had slipped in and were standing in the background behind the cameras.
“Do you have anything else to say for yourself, Luther?” Isaac asked.
“Danny can have a raise when he gets back. I think that if he commands this kind of loyalty from the crew he deserves to be paid more in the range that Casey is.” Luther mumbled.
“Don’t you think you should call Danny and tell him the good news?” Casey asked.
“That won’t be necessary.” Danny said as he stepped out from the shadows.
“Danny’s back!” A unanimous cry came from the crowd of people.
“How long have you been standing there?” Luther asked.
“I got here around the same time you did.” Danny admitted.
“Did you put them up to this?” Luther asked looking at Danny who shook his head.
“I had no idea. They didn’t even know I was going to be here today.” Danny replied.
“I put them up to it Luther. If you want to be mad at someone then you can be mad at me.” Isaac replied.
“Fine. Danny you can keep your job since it’s obvious you mean a lot to these people and get a raise. Now if you’ll excuse me I have other business to attend to.” Luther said as he walked off in a huff.
“Danny it’s so good to see you. I would’ve gotten you a cake if I had known.” Dana said as she went over to hug him.
“As long as it was Casey approved.” Danny joked.
“What?” Rebecca asked, not getting the reference.
“It’s just a discussion we had awhile ago about how picky I am.” Casey supplied.
“Ahh.” Rebecca smiled.
“So when are you coming back to work?” Dana asked.
“I was kind of hoping you would let me come back on Monday. Unless of course I’m still suspended.” Danny said with a sly smile.
“Of course you can come back on Monday.” Dana replied as she gave him another hug.
“That means I have to suffer for two more shows without you?” Casey moaned.
“Yeah but it should help you build character.” Danny replied. “I guess have to do some physical therapy and can’t be here until one or one-thirty. Can someone give me the notes?”
“I think we can arrange that.” Dana said.
Danny wasn’t one hundred percent yet but he was decent enough to be back on the air. His arm had even more mobility then the previous week but it still wasn’t perfect. He could however write and type with it and do his on air duties. His doctors had cleared him as long as he continued therapy and didn’t try and do too much until his arm was fully healed.
“So when did you get out?” Casey asked.
“Rebecca was able to spring me this morning.” Danny replied.
“And you are just now getting here?” Casey said noticing it was almost ten.
“Well that’s because I needed some time alone with him before he got sucked back into your world.” Rebecca joked.
“Danny love?” Casey asked.
“Casey that is none of our business.” Dana said as she punched him in the arm. “Was it?
“Well Danny do you want to tell them or shall I?” Rebecca asked and Casey gave Danny a knowing smile.
“Give me a minute. I need to go to the office first.” Danny smiled, and began whistling a love song.
Danny left the three of them and everywhere he went people hugged him and told him how glad they were that he was back. Just as he reached the office he noticed Bobbi Bernstein sitting at her make shift desk with tears in her eyes.
“Dan, I didn’t realize you were here.” Bobbi said as she tried to smile at him.
“Bobbi I think we should talk.” Danny said as he pointed to his office.
“I never asked for them to offer me your job, Danny.” Bobbi said once she had closed the door behind them.
“I know.” Danny replied quietly.
“Honest. I wasn’t going to accept it anyway. They never took to me the way that they took to you. Everyone was pretty friendly but it was clear I was only here until you got back. I understood I was only your temporary replacement. I didn’t mean to piss everyone off.” Bobbi sobbed.
“I believe you.” Danny said as he gave her a hug.
“All I had to do was enter this office and notice the ever growing stack of get well cards and realize how loved you were.” Bobbi said once she had pulled away.
“I wanted you to know that I know this wasn’t your fault. This was all the network’s idea and I’m sorry they put you in this position.” Danny said.
“How can you be so understanding?”
“Bobbi, we have a history remember? Which I still can’t completely remember.” Danny said and Bobbi laughed softly. “I know you and I know that while you are looking to move up you would never deliberately set out to take my job.”
“Yeah.”
“But I came to tell you I’ll be back on Monday so you have to put up with my partner for two more shows.”
“Thanks. It’s really good to have you back.”
Bobbi left the office and Danny grabbed the ring out of the top desk drawer, exactly where Casey had promised to place it. While he had already gone ahead and proposed to Rebecca without the ring he wanted the chance to do it right.
He walked back over to where he left everyone. Casey was doing an impression of someone causing Rebecca and Dana to laugh hysterically. Danny took the distraction and got down on one knee in front of Rebecca.
“Rebecca, I have loved you since that first meeting in the elevator. I loved you even when you chose your husband over me. I have never stopped. When I am with you, nothing else in the world matters. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” Danny asked.
Rebecca started to cry when she saw the ring, even though she had already accepted. Dana started crying to as she witnessed the event and Casey knew he would have to give her the ring he had recently purchased, lest she get too jealous.
“Yes.” Rebecca said as Danny slipped the ring on her finger.
“Unfortunately I need a little help back up.” Danny said as Casey came to his aide.
“It’s good to have you back man.” Casey whispered in his ear.
“I know.” Danny replied.
“Hey Casey we have a run-down meeting to go to now. I think they need to be left alone.” Dana replied.
“Yeah.” Casey answered.
“Guys…” Danny began.
“Yes.” Dana and Casey both said at the same time.
“It wasn’t Bobbi’s fault so please don’t be mad at her okay.” Danny pleaded.
“Okay as long as you are here by two o’clock on Monday.” Dana replied.
“I’ll make sure he’s here then.” Rebecca replied.
“Now go and celebrate your engagement.” Casey said with a mischievous smile.
“Oh I think I know just the place.” Danny answered as he led his fiancée away.
The End