****** Here is Chapter One – it's a bit short but I hope you enjoy and let me know what you think ******

She walked towards him, "It's not forever"
He replied, "Okay"
She said softly "Okay"
His voice cracked with emotion, "I'll take that as a promise"
With tears welling in both their eyes she replied, "Promise" as they embraced.

They stood on the pier holding onto each other and as tears fell she added softly, "Thank You"
He couldn't believe that she was leaving….not Kono. Chin had said to not try to stop her, and he wouldn't. She loved Adam, he'd known that for quite some time now although they had never really talked about it. As they stood with their cheeks touching she whispered into his ear, "Don't ever stop smiling Steve"

As they parted Steve said, "Be careful Kono, take care of yourself"
"I'll be careful" Looking at Adam she added, "We'll take care of each other. I'll see you soon. I love you"
He kissed her cheek, smiled and said "I love you too sweetheart"

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5 WEEKS LATER...

Steve was waiting for the bartender to return with the round of drinks he had ordered. His eyes were trained on the table where his team sat….or at least part of his team. He felt a pang of sadness as he looked at Danny and Chin chatting away. Danny was already quite tipsy and even more animated than usual. He really missed Kono. He had gotten a letter from his Mom two weeks ago letting him know where they had settled in China and that they were safe.

His mind drifted back to a similar outing at this club three years ago. The team had wrapped up a particularly tough case involving a missing child. Thank God they had found the little girl unharmed but for two days none of them had slept, working 'round the clock. He hadn't been surprised by Danny's intense reaction to the case, but Kono had been seriously affected as well. Seeing that they all needed to unwind, Steve had taken them all out for a nice quiet dinner and then they had come here for a nightcap. Chin and Danny had become engrossed in a debate over which food was better….Jersey Pizza vs. Hawaiian Sushi.

There had been a band playing that night and Steve had asked Kono to dance.
As they held each other close Steve had asked, "Are you okay Kono?"
Hesitating slightly she had responded, "I'll be fine Steve. I just can't believe how scared I was for that little girl"
"I know. But we found her. She wasn't hurt and she's home and safe with her family tonight"
"But things don't always turn out so well Steve"
"No they don't"
"I feel like I was a detriment to the team the last couple of days. How can you do this boss? You have such amazing control of your emotions. How can you stay focused all the time?"

"I have to stay in control Kono. If I don't, I'm no good to anybody. It's my job. It's my job to stay focused and to help keep you and the guys focused. You, all three of you, are the best at what you do. But each of us, including me, has weaknesses. We are all skilled as individuals but we are amazing together as a team. Don't ever feel bad or insignificant Kono, because without you we are not 5-0. For those times when cases are hard for you, lean on us….because we are there for you and there will be times when we will need to lean on you as well"

She had thanked him for his support and he had flashed her the infamous McGarrett smile that not only showed her he loved her and cared about her but also made her feel safe and secure.
She had grinned and he asked, "Did I say something funny?"
"No, no not at all…..never mind….."
"Never mind? Come on, spill it"
"It's your smile"
"My smile? What's wrong with my smile?"
"Absolutely nothing!" She chuckled nervously, "Now I don't want you to take this the wrong way boss….."
Again, Steve smiled as he said "I won't, I promise"
"You have the most beautiful smile. It warms hearts and it shows love, and it makes me feel safe and happy. Steve McGarrett…God I love your smile"

He was smiling at the memory as the bartender handed him the beers. As he made his way back to the table he hoped that Kono was feeling safe and happy tonight, but he couldn't get rid of the nagging feeling that something wasn't right…

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Two days later Steve was at his desk working on a report when the text came through.
Opening the message from his Mother, a chill shot down his spine at the single word on the display, "HELP"
He raced from his office finding Danny and Chin at the computer, "GUYS, we've got problems"
He handed the phone to Danny as he grabbed Chin's forearm, "Kono's in trouble"

Danny asked, "Is this it? Is this all you got?"
"Yes"
"Did you try to respond?"
"No….I don't think that's a good idea. Doris would have sent me more info if she could have done so safely"
Chin said anxiously, "We don't even know where they are..."
Steve responded, "I do"

Danny looked at him with a shocked expression on his face, "What? What about this being classified and all your bullshit about us not being safe if we knew where they were?"
"What about it Danny? You guys DON'T know where they…only I do"
"And what Steve? Your safety doesn't matter?"
"Danny listen! Kono works for me! Her safety is MY responsibility"
Chin broke in, "GUYS, STOP…..please stop…Steve, when are we leaving?"
Danny put up his hands, "I'm sorry …."

Steve replied, "It's okay, we're all worried. Danny I need you to book us flights under alias's to Hong Kong and get our ID's and passports together . We'll rent a car there. They were staying in a small town about forty miles to the North. Chin, run reports on Michael Noshimuri's allies. We need to see who's left the country in the last few weeks. I need to call Denning" Looking over his shoulder as he moved away he added, "Hey guys, we're going to find them"

******* So? I hope you like the start - much, much more to come! *******