I had to write something for this episode. I know I have other stories hanging out there unfinished. I hope you indulge me. (And Tracey...please don't kill me!)

Danny was going to kill his partner. Fuming, he shook his head at the thought of Steve letting Amanda use his phone to lure him into a meeting. What was he thinking? Surely a Navy SEAL had to know an old lady stole his phone. No way did she do it without him knowing.

With one big sigh, he traveled slowly through the lobby, happy to have such a crowd to get lost in right then. His brain was scrambled from a day of dealing with the ghost of his past - literally and figuratively.

Do right by Rachel. What the fuck did that mean? He always did right by Rachel. Except when she was lying to him or trying to take his kids away. And even at his worst, he still treated her with some level of respect. She was the mother of his kids, for gods sake. He could not get Amanda's words out his head, and he wanted to punch something.

There was another voice there too. Steve. Reminding him that Amanda probably only ever heard one side of this argument. And she would always believe her daughter over her ex-son in law. It's what mothers did. Normal ones, anyway.

Amanda had never liked him. Her cheap explanation didn't mean a thing to him after years of her disdain and reproach. He didn't care. He just wanted her gone, off the island. Away from his home. Home. He chuckled. Hawaii was his home. The realization still took him by surprise. His kids were here, as was the other part of his heart. Even if he wanted to kick his ass at the moment.

With a whoosh of the sliding doors, he stepped into the warm evening air. On a day like today, the crisp, cold air of Jersey would be nice to clear his senses. But he wasn't getting that, so the next best thing was to go home and crank the AC. He was ready to slip into something comfortable and veg on the couch. Alone. With a ballgame blaring. Basketball was really heating up. He could get lost in a game, yell at the TV.

Something caught his attention, and Danny turned instinctively to the hotel driveway. His mother in law stood there waiting for her ride. Tapping her foot. She was headed to see Rachel and the kids. It was odd seeing her there unprotected. He wondered where Steve was. He had the urge to wait with her, but stopped himself, deciding to head the other direction. He'd had enough of her poison.

Until he saw it. A red new model sedan. Maybe a Caddie. Barreling up the drive. Heading straight for the devil herself.

"Mandy!" Danny shouted as he charged toward her.

She turned to look at him, frowning. "Daniel, what's the-"

He knocked her out of the way, sending her sprawling across the pavement. He was not so lucky. The gaudy red car hit him, and he rolled over the hood, smashing into the windshield before tumbling to the ground.

Certain he was about to become road kill, he sent up a quick prayer. The car backed up and swerved around him screeching out onto the street. Danny reached out reflexively, wanting to check on Amanda. Then everything blanked out.

At first there was nothing but his heart beating rapidly. His breath loud as he struggled toward awareness. He had to get up. Someone was in trouble.

Danny blinked, but he couldn't move. He could barely fill his lungs and his eyes watered, wide with panic. The screaming and calls to dial 911 were muffled but he clearly heard his ex-mother-in-law close to his ear.

"My God, Daniel. What in the hell were you thinking? I paid good money for this outfit."

Many of you already know I'm evil. If you're new here...welcome to the ride.