Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 8

concerns."
    That had both Harlan and Nathan sitting forward, and Harlan could tell that Nathan was barely able to keep himself still. "What is it, doctor?"
    "We found a rather troubling amount of diacetylmorphine in his blood."
    "Heroin?" Harlan asked, stunned.
    At the rather dubious look they received, Harlan presented his badge. Having put the doctor's mind somewhat at ease, he carried on. "Yes. Judging by his extensive physical injuries, it's possible that while hospitalized, he may have developed an addiction to the morphine he was given. As he wasn't treated in the United States, and I have no notion as to what hospital he may have ended up in, there's no way to determine what treatment, if any, he may have been given for his addiction. At the moment, it seems he's in control of the doses, but there's no telling how much longer that will remain. We would have to discuss it with him and arrange treatment."
    Nathan nodded, though Harlan could tell his lover was having a great deal of difficulty taking all this in. From the corner of his eye he saw John heading toward them. The expression on his face didn't bode well.
    "Can we see him?" Nathan asked, just as John reached them. The doctor took one look at John and stepped back. "This is Detective Flynn. He's investigating the shooting. He's also a friend," Nathan added.
    "Oh, of course," the doctor said with what was very clearly relief. "Yes, you can all go in, but not for long. He needs rest."
    They followed the doctor into the private room that Harlan had insisted Danny have. If he was footing the bill for this, he might as well go all the way. Whatever it took to put Nathan's mind at ease, he'd do it. The doctor gave them a nod and left them alone, closing the door behind him.
    Danny was propped up against his pillow, his eyes glassy but open. The moment he saw Nathan, he smiled and turned his hand over. Nathan was at his side in a blink, holding it.
    "How are you feeling?" Nathan asked him.
    "Like I got plugged," Danny replied hoarsely. As Nathan and Danny talked, Harlan leaned over to whisper at John.
    "You have to do something about that poker face, John."
    A deep red flooded John's face, bringing Harlan to chuckle. Apparently his friend thought Danny was more than just a 'looker'.
    "What happened, Danny? Why did Shifty shoot you?" Nathan asked, drawing Harlan and John's attention. "Someone went through a hell of a lot of trouble to get a gun in his hand, and I don't think it was a coincidence that he shot at you."
    Danny took a deep breath, which made him wince. When he opened his eyes, his gaze was on John. To Harlan's surprise, Danny's face lit up and he smiled.
    "Detective Flynn, nice to see you again."
    "Brogan," John muttered by way of greeting, his face still holding some of that pink.
    "Maybe you could share what you've discovered?" Danny said, a knowing look in his pale green eyes. "I'm kind of tired and I know there will be questions."
    All eyes were on John who cleared his throat and gave a curt nod. He looked at Danny straight in the eye and said, "You were on the take."
    "What?" Nathan straightened, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Easy there, John. You can't just throw around accusations like that without—"
    "He's right," Danny said, sucking the air right out of the room.
    Harlan's heart went out to Nathan who looked like someone had just kicked his puppy. Danny, however, ignored Nathan, his gaze still on John.
    "You're doing good, Johnny. Go on."
    John gave Danny a smirk and continued. "You've also got a price on your head."
    Danny nodded his approval. Harlan and Nathan were too stunned to speak. Harlan especially couldn't understand how the hell Danny could be so cool and collected about the whole thing. He decided he'd keep his trap shut until he knew exactly what the hell was going on. Nathan must have had the same idea, because he just stood there, waiting for John to finish.
    "I called in a few favors at the Bureau in Chicago, and…" John gave Danny a smile, which only went to make matters even more confusing. "Hoover's after you."
    Harlan grabbed John's arm and turned him away, speaking quietly. "John, what the hell is going on? I'm not crazy about the guy myself, but you don't gotta look so happy about it."
    "Let him talk, Harlan," Danny insisted quietly. When they turned around, Danny looked almost impressed. "I want to see how good your detective friend is."
    "You got it," John replied then turned to Nathan. "Hoover's