catch me, I'm already falling (Danny!)

[Deleted]

Her engine was idling as she stared down at the letter. She couldn't help that these letters ran her life; until she caught the Sniper, that was the way it had to be. She wasn't going to risk her life like her partner had. Though, part of her was tempted to do it. Just say screw it, rip up the letter, and wait for the Sniper to try and kill her. She thought that there was a good chance she could take her. But, that was assuming that she would be the one targeted. She could easily lose her daughter, or Danny. And if that ever happened, she couldn't bear herself. That was one risk she just couldn't take. Once more, she found herself about to follow instructions of a letter written by a person she didn't know. But there was a difference this time. This time, she hated herself for it.

Part of her knew she was to blame. Rhean had known that it was a bad idea to knock on his door and ask for sugar. When would she ever have enough room in her life for both work and romance? Especially with this case. But she hadn't cared. She had been selfish. And now, she was paying the price for it.

She had to do this before things got much worse. Danny was in danger; the letter made that clear. God, he might hate her for this. Would he ever forgive her? The man was already going through a divorce, and now this. She hoped he wouldn't take it too hard. She didn't want to do this; she was simply left with no choice. Rhean hoped he would understand it. Though, a sinking feeling in her chest told her that he probably wouldn't.

Sighing, she finally turned the engine off, removing the key. Getting out, she popped the trunk and slipped her purse inside, never knowing that she was actually preventing the sniper from listening in on the conversation. Rhean couldn't wait until that night. Not when she had planned on making him dinner. She wouldn't have the strength to do it if she waited. So, she went inside the school. The final bell was ringing, so she figured Danny would be free. When she spotted Hazel, she approached her.

"Hi, there. Could you tell me where Mr. Maxwell is?"

"Detention room, probably. 201." she said, in a hurry to get to her club meeting. Rhean sighed. Of course. It was after school and he still had to deal with teenagers. Groaning, she made her way to the room. She wasn't sure how she was going to get him alone, but she would have to try. For his safety. Going inside, she spotted the sheet of kids who were supposed to be there. Looking around in the empty classroom, she suddenly grinned and grabbed a pen, writing in her name on the bottom of the sheet. She then took a seat in the back corner, furthest from the window. She didn't want him to take notice until he saw the paper. It was more fun that way. Though, fun wasn't exactly what she was supposed to be having at the moment. But, she didn't care. Besides, she would get to it eventually.