Yes, Brianna left Danny Jr, she's still alive.
This is the last bit of angst, the next chapter is all Christmas eve, leading to Christmas day.
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When the girls arrived at the Mall they headed to the Food Courts. "Oh cool...Mason is here. Come on Karen...you'll like him, he's really hot." "If he's so hot Sharon, how come you're not with him?" "See that guy beside him...the one with the long blonde hair, and gorgeous green eyes?" "Yeah.." "He's my boyfriend, his name is David."
"Whoa...lucky you. Alright introduce me to Mason." "Hey Mason...come here." "What is it Sharon?" "I'd like you to meet my cousin Karen, Karen this is Mason." "Hi...it's nice to meet ya." "You too, great accent, New Yorker, right?" "That's right, how'd ya know?" "I have an Uncle and Aunt from Brooklyn."
"Awesome...so what do you do for fun in Miami?" "Lots of cool stuff. Some friends and I are just heading to the beach. We have this little spot where we get together." "Hmm...sounds interesting...can we tag along?"
"Sure...Sharon has been there before." "Cool, can we Sharon?"
Sharon didn't like going there, either did Shanon or Sara. "Umm...maybe next time. This is our first day out, how about we just hang here." "Suit yourselves. See ya round." After they left Karen became angry..."what did you do that for? Why couldn't we go?" "Trust me Karen...you are only asking for trouble there. It's all older kids."
"So what...here I thought you guys were cool. Obviously I was wrong. "What do you think Sara? It is daylight, it may not be as bad as it is at night." "I don't know Sharon, daddy was serious when he told us to stay away from them. I mean...I think we may be pushing the limit with that one. Sneaking out is one thing, but hanging out where we were told not to, is just plain stupid."
"Oh come on...why is it worse?" "It just is Karen...a young girl was brutally attacked down there, five other girls beat her really bad." "She probaly asked for it. Come on...please?" "Fine Karen...but the first sign of trouble we leave." "Deal Sharon."
"Sharon...I'm going to go home. I'm not getting grounded for Christmas." "That's fine Sara, take Shannon with you. I'll be okay, as David is my boyfriend." Leaving the Mall Sara and Shannon headed over to Miami-Dade instead of home. "Hey Uncle Don...where is daddy?" "He's in his office. Why? What's the matter kiddo?"
"Nothing yet." "Sara...talk to me?" "I just need to tell daddy, please." Walking her up to her dads office she ran into his arms. "Whoa...hey Peanut...what is it doll?" "I think you need to get to the beach. To that hangout where we are not supposed to go." Pulling her up to look in her eyes, he said..."Why?"
"I'm sorry daddy...cause Karen begged Sharon to take her. So she did." Taking his daughters by the hand, he left Miami-Dade with Don in tow.
The Hangout...
When Sharon and Karen arrived they looked around and noticed David nor Mason were there. "We better go Karen, I don't see my boyfriend." "I'm sure he's around, let's look for him." "No...trust me, if you don't have the right kids with you, you'll find nothing but trouble." As they turned to leave they came face to face with a gang of teenage boys.
"Well, well...so what do we have here?" "Looks like two hot naughty girls to me, what do you think Ralph?" "Mmm...I think I'll have to agree. But a taste of their lips will tell us more." "Leave us alone. My boyfriend is David." "We know who you are Sharon, don't worry. You can watch your friend."
"Don't guys, she belongs to Mason...just ask him." "Hmm...no..." Grabbing Sharon three of the boys held her, while the other four tried to attack Karen.
Meanwhile Eric stopped by the beach to grab Danny. "Dad...where's Danny?" "He's in the house with Danny Jr, why?" "Danny...Danny..." "What is it Eric?" "Grab your gun and let's go, the girls are in trouble." "What girls Eric...please tell me?" "You're daughter and mine DJ, now let's go."
When they arrived at the hangout they could hear screaming. "That's Karen...let's go." Rounding the corner Eric didn't give warning as he fired in the air. Releasing Sharon, the three guys tried to take off up the beach but were caught by Officers. The other four were now cuffed and taken to the squad car.
Taking off his shirt, Eric covered Karen with his shirt. Thankfully only her shirt was torn. Gripping onto Eric...she wouldn't let go. As DJ watched he could hear Eric cooing his daughter, telling her over and over that she was safe in his arms. With tears in his eyes Danny Jr finally realized that Michael was right, Eric was a wonderful husband and father to those girls.
Picking up Karen in his arms, he passed her to her father. "Thanks Eric...thanks for saving my little girl." "You're welcome. Sweetheart...are you doing okay? You're not hurt are you?" "No daddy...I'm so sorry I disobeyed you, I really am, and I'll take my grounding." "I think you girls have been punished enough, I need to go too the station, DJ will take you back."
When they got back to the house Mackenzie gripped her daughter in her arms, and while she scolded her over and over, she hugged her at the same time. As the family watched, they realized Mackenzie didn't know whether to shake her daughter or hug her. All they knew was that Mackenzie had almost lost not only a child, but a niece as well.
