So, here we go!

I cannot thank you all enough for your kind posts to my last, (and all) of my stories. Your encouraging words have convinced me that I should continue to do what I love, which is to continue to write about my favorite TV show, the characters I love AND the actors that inspire my muse.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you and I hope you enjoy!

I do not own Five-0 or any of it's characters. No copyright infringement intended.

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Steve and Danny returned to their hotel room a little after 8:00 after spending a wonderful day with Mary and little Joan, who was now toddling around and chattering in the language only understood by two year olds.

They had arrived in LA early that morning and by tomorrow morning they would be on the road and heading to Las Vegas.

Danny had been handling Gracie's move to Nevada pretty well but over the last couple of weeks he had become increasingly edgy and it was obvious that he was missing his daughter greatly. The team had just finished up a long and difficult case and Governor Denning had surprised them all with 10 days off and the timing could not have been better. Chin and Kono had a family wedding to attend on Maui and Steve had surprised his partner with plane tickets to the mainland.

As they entered the room Danny said, "Mary seems really happy Steve"
The SEAL smiled, "Yes she sure does. She's certainly grown up hasn't she?"
"A baby does that to you" Seeing the look of deep contemplation on his partner's face Danny asked, "What's on your mind Steve?"
"I'm just thinking about my Dad...he would have been so proud of Mary, she was his little angel"
Smiling, the Jersey detective said, "I can understand that"
"You'll see Gracie in just a few hours now buddy"
As tears glistened in his eyes Danny replied softly, "Yeah"

While Steve showered Danny called his now twelve year old daughter.
"Hi Danno!"
"Hi Monkey, how are you?"
"I'm so excited to see you. Where are you?"
"We're at the hotel in Los Angeles. We just left Mary and Joan"
"Oh I wish I could see Joanie!"
"Next time we come, we'll make sure to plan a visit with them. I took pictures of her and I'll send them to your phone"
"Okay, thank you. How's Uncle Steve?"
"He's good. He's anxious to see you too Gracie"
"It's been such a long time Daddy, I miss you so much"
Noting the sadness in his child's voice he said softly, "I miss you too baby, but I'll see you in the morning okay?"
"Okay...I love you Danno"
"I love you too Monkey, good night"
"Good Night"
Hanging up the phone Danny sighed deeply as he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.

God, he hated this shit. The last three months had been the longest of his life and without Steve, Chin and Kono he would have lost his mind. He hated being apart from Gracie but he knew this was just temporary. Even so, being 2700 miles from his child was devastating. God he needed to hold her, to smell her...he drew in a deep breath and walked out onto the room's balcony.

Steve joined him a few moments later, "You okay?"
Nodding his head Danny said quietly, "No..."
"Did you talk to her?"
"Yeah. Damn it Steve, I miss her so much"
Repeating his words from earlier Steve said, "You'll see in just a few hours buddy"
"I know. She sounded so sad Steve"
"I'm sure she is sad, but this couldn't be helped and it's only temporary"
"I should never have let them take her from the Island"
"Come on man, you did the right thing and you know that"
"If it's the right thing, why does hurt so damn bad?"
"That's WHY it hurts so damn bad D'. You need to re-assure her buddy. She needs to see that you're okay"
Danny smirked, "What makes you so smart when it comes to kids huh?"
"Everything I know, I've learned from you partner. You're a great Dad Danny. I know you're hurting but you did the right thing and it's only for a year"

Danny said softly, "Only a year..."
Steve shrugged, "Well actually only nine months now"
"Is that supposed to make me feel better babe?"
"Well yeah. I mean your a quarter of the way done already"
Danny chuckled, "I know you're a glass half-full kinda guy Steven, but we're not half-way there yet"
Steve smiled, "You'll make it partner. Do you want to head down to the bar and grab a drink?"
Danny muttered, "Or six, or eight...yeah, let's go"

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By six o'clock the next morning the men had picked up bagels and coffee and they were on the road. Danny's excitement was evident as in less than five hours he would be with his daughter.

The temperatures were going to be scorching today, reaching well over a 100 degrees and it was already over 90. The car windows were down and a hot breeze was blowing through their hair as classic rock and roll cried out from speakers. They had been on the road a little over an hour and Danny was tapping his fingers to the music when he saw the vehicle pulled off to the side of the road a couple hundred ahead.

Steve said, "Looks like they're having car trouble"
Not wanting to stop, but knowing they had to, Danny replied unenthusiastically "Yeah...great"
Steve grinned, "It won't take long buddy"

The pulled off the deserted highway and parked behind the vehicle. The hood was up on the truck and steam was rising from it. The truck was pulling a travel trailer and as the men exited the car a man emerged from the trailer.

Steve called out, "Hello, do you need some help?"
"Yeah...thank you"
As Steve and Danny followed the man to the front of the truck they didn't see or hear the second man exiting the trailer carrying a rifle.

Steve and Danny were side by side and as they heard the gun cock behind them they moved instinctively but they had been caught off guard. Steve lunged towards the man in front of him as Danny turned.

The man pulled a pistol from his waistband and as he swung around he brought the gun crashing down onto the left side of Steve's head.

The last sound McGarrett heard as he fell to the ground was the sound of the rifle firing and his partners tortured scream.

***** Okay a bit of a short chapter, but what a place to stop huh? I guess you can call it a bit of a teaser chapter. Lot's of Danny whump ahead and SEAL Steve heroics! It's good to be back and I'd love to hear your initial thoughts! (any constructive criticism and all civil comments are always greatly appreciated) *****