While taking the scenic route to the seldom used house, Steve recalled Danny's conversation with Benny while he was waiting to be released. 

"Why do I feel so comfortable with Steve and nervous around everyone else?  I still don't really know him."


"I'm not sure.  I know when they brought you in, you were calling for him.  When you regained consciousness, I was told you called for him then as well.  My theory right now is you connected him with safety or peace.  Maybe it's because he is your only real link to your life.  Could be because he was with you while in the ICU.  No way of knowing.  But don't worry about it.  I know the two of you are best friends, so just go with it."  Benny had answered.

  He had briefed Danny on the situation with his amnesia.  He made no mention of the events surrounding the incident that brought him to the hospital or what exactly caused the amnesia.  Benny also made a mental note to himself that Danny didn't ask about it either.  Danny only knew that someone hit him in the head and that caused a head injury.  The fact that Danny accepted this so easily and without question helped Steve to understand the magnitude of Danny's problem.

Driving to his beach house with Danny, Steve thought how good it was to have him with him. 

"Well here we are!"  Steve drove into the driveway as he brought his thoughts back to the present.  "So what do you think?"

Danny smiled as he saw the ocean and small beach house.  "This is yours?  How in the world could you afford something on the beach?"

"Well your memory for the cost of things wasn't lost!"  Steve teased.

Danny laughed. "This is great!"  Feeling the most relaxed he had.... 'for as long as I can  remember'...that thought brought another laugh from Danny.

In a more serious note he looked at Steve, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because Benny was only partially right when he said we were friends.  We're more than that.  We work together also...but mostly you're my ohana...my best friend.  I hope you will remember that before too long."  Steve exposed more of himself than he planned, but it was spoken before he knew it.  He was amazed at how easy it was, but wasn't planning on continuing the trend.  Danny always brought out the best in him, he always found it easy to talk to him.  In the years they have known each other though...neither of them ever spoke to the other about their friendship.  At least not in depth. 

"Now for your first question!"  Steve wanted to change the subject.  "I originally rented the house from Doc...Dr. Bergman.  Then I decided I wanted to find a place closer to work.  Doc knew I enjoyed it here so much so he sold it to me for a price I couldn't refuse.  I rent it out part of the time and it pays for itself.  The rest of the time I have a refuge from the world...without really having to leave."

"I'm glad it's available now and not being rented."  Danny admitted selfishly.

"Yeah me too."  Steve agreed as he got out of the car.  "I went to your apartment and got some things that I thought you would need.  If you find I've missed something, just let me know, and we'll either buy it or I'll go to your place and get it for you."

"Thanks...I don't understand all the secrecy about my life.  Maybe if I saw where I live and was around people I know...my memory would come back." 

"I know Benny,"  Steve patted Danny's back in reassurance as they entered the house,  "let's give his way a chance.  What do you say?"

The two men entered the kitchen of the house from the carport.  Steve motioned for Danny to have a seat at the table while he fixed them both some coffee.  As Steve worked, Danny studied him and wondered how he knew Benny.  He wanted to ask, but had a gut feeling to hold off.  Since he couldn't remember anything...he decided that this was the time to listen to his feelings.

As Steve sat down at the table next to him, Danny voiced what he had been thinking since he woke up at the hospital with no memory.   "It's just hard.  It's just that...I don't know who to trust.  I'm afraid to trust people I don't know.  This is so crazy....I don't know anyone!"

"Give it time Danno.  Relax...you know what the doctor said.  Your memory will come back, just give it all some time."  Steve couldn't begin to understand how Danny must feel.  Being with your best friend and not being able to confide in him or just talk, was a concept he had no intention of getting used to.  Every time Steve wanted to say anything he found himself stopping in fear of saying the wrong thing or saying something that could hurt Danny in his recovery.  'Knowing how painful this is for me, how much more is it for Danno?'   Steve thought to himself.

The coffee finished brewing and Steve poured coffee for both of them.  Putting the black substance in front of Danny he smiled.  "You always drink it black.  If you want to change that...guess now would be a good time to do it!" 

That seemed to break the ice even more as a broad smile developed on Danny's face.  "So you must know just about all of my bad habits, huh?  So how many are there?"

"Loads!"  Steve exaggerated his voice.

The two men enjoyed a hearty laugh.  Then Steve continued to try and convince Danny to be straight with Benny.  He didn't notice that Danny didn't hear what he was saying or that he was staring intently at him.

Suddenly Danny blurted out, "You don't like psychiatrists do you?"  He knew it wasn't a guess, it was a fact he knew to be true.  Danny wasn't sure how he knew that, but he did.  Maybe he had more of a memory than he originally thought.

"No!  You know me and shrinks."  Steve replied as he went to get the coffee pot and put in on the table.  "They give me the..."  Steve stopped and looked at his friend with a surprised smile.  He put the pot on the table and sat down.  "No Danno, and you were the only one I have ever talked to about that."  Steve answered with a smile.  "Benny is the only psychiatrist I would ever really deal with when it came to me personally.  That's why I feel like he would be the only one I would trust with you.

Danny took a deep sigh and knew that was good enough for him.  He wasn't sure why, but he trusted him.

******

The next few days progressed quickly.  Steve noticed that Danny knew his way around whenever they ventured out, but would get confused and turned around easily.  By the end of his first week out of the hospital, Danny began to recall a few things involving Steve.  He was frustrated that he recalled facts about his life, but not specific details.  He knew he was a detective and worked under Steve, but he didn't know where or in what capacity.  It didn't take long for Danny to ask questions about their friendship.  This was uncomfortable for Steve, but he hid that from Danny and talked rather freely with him.  However, Steve noticed that Danny never asked questions about work. Which right now he was thankful for.

Steve had talked with HPD about the investigation into what happened to Danny...or more like the lack thereof.  He was livid when Chief Dann had informed him that HPD closed the case.  His plan now was take Danny for his appointment with Benny, then drop in on the unsuspecting Chief while Benny talked with Danny alone.

Benny's office was rather private.  Since he was not in with a group of people, Steve rarely saw anyone in the waiting room until after Danny's appointments were near an end.  Every appointment had the same routine.  Benny would send Danny into his office, then talk with Steve briefly to see how the two were doing.  This time Benny noticed that Steve was anxious to leave and was trying to hide his anger. 

"You're not doing a very good job of hiding whatever it is you're feeling Steve.  You didn't do much better around Danny either."  The doctor smiled as he escorted Steve to another office determined the man wouldn't leave until he knew what was behind the emotions.

"Danno knows me too well.  Even if he has amnesia, I'm afraid he may still sense that something's up."  Steve expressed with true concern.  "The investigation into the incident with Danno was dropped."  Steve admitted gritting his teeth.

Benny knew how hard that must be for Steve.  More importantly, he also knew it could add to the damage for Danny.  "That's unbelievable!  Steve, with us not knowing what happened...well it makes it impossible to ease Danny into recalling the events.  He will be forced to make the recollection without me having a chance to prepare him.  It's inconceivable to think we can protect him from what we don't know.  I have no doubt it would prolong his progress since I wouldn't know what direction to guide him in.  To force him to remember what happened without us knowing beforehand, could also cause irreparable harm to him emotionally."

"NO...doctor.  I will not allow this...I won't.  I assure you, we will know what happened to Danno!"  Steve turned to leave trying to control his anger.  He wanted to save all his anger for Chief Dann.  Standing at the unopened door, his hand on the knob, Steve looked back at Benny, "Five-0 will do the investigation and we will find out what happened that night.  Is he ready for others to be with him?"

"I believe it is time to push Danny outside of his comfort range.  But he should continue to stay with you right now.  I think he should have some place of refuge and staying with you seems to be comforting to him."

"I don't want him to leave my house.  If someone needs to stay with him at my place, then that's fine also.  I need...I want to head this investigation.  I owe it Danno, and to myself."

"Then make whatever arrangements are needed."  Benny replied thinking the timing was probably perfect.  "Physically he's getting stronger and should be able to get out more.  He will still need to have someone with him due to his emotional state of mind, but that's about it.  Knowing he will be returning to your house will give him something solid to hold on to...something familiar."

"I'll make the arrangements then."  Steve sighed deeply, "I'll be back in time to pick Danno up.  I don't want him to know what I'm doing.  I'll just tell him I need to get back to work."

******

Chief Dann's office was located at the HPD downtown headquarters building.  Steve didn't wait for the Chief's secretary to introduce him, instead she simply followed Steve into the Chief's office and closed the door behind him.  If anyone wanted to hear what was being said, there was no need to wait by the door.  Steve started the instant his eyes laid on the man.

"NEVER, IN MY LIFE...Never!  I can NOT believe you DROPPED an investigation that involved the injury of an officer WITHOUT it being completed!"  Steve was leaning over the Chief's desk.  His hands were on the middle of the desk top supporting him as he grew closer and closer to the Chief's face.  Steve glared at the man who was now in front of him.  Daring him to even so much as blink.

The Chief's entire face turned blood red as he attempted to stand but couldn't since Steve was not budging.  Finally having his fill he slowly rose and bumped Steve on his way up.  Both men stood leaning over the Chief's desk, their foreheads nearly touching with killer looks on their faces.  Steve's anger was to the point that he didn't even realize that the Chief was now standing or that he was even talking.  Finally the two men stopped long enough for breath.  The Chief sat back down, but Steve didn't move.

After regaining some composure, Steve backed off but remained standing. "What happened Dann?  Why did you drop it?"

"I didn't drop anything McGarrett!"  Dann replied trying his best not to be intimidated by the man standing directly across from him.  "We CLOSED the case...there IS a difference you know!"  No sooner were the words spoken than Dann regretted them.  He knew what would come next.

"So what happened?"  Was Steve's calmly asked question as he took a seat in front of the Chief's desk.

The heat had turned up significantly and the icy glare from Steve's eyes worked on the Chief to the point he almost couldn't answer.

"There was a party with bad dope.  The men in the bedroom assaulted the girl after handcuffing Williams to the iron wall ornament.  They had also taken some of the bad dope and gave it to the girl.  That's why she died and that's why they died."

"That's the best you can do?"  Steve could feel his blood begin to boil in his veins.  More than that, Chief Dann could feel it also.

Realizing his investigation was anything but that, he wasn't certain how to get out of this 'interrogation' with his pride intact.  Arrogantly he faked looking intently at the paperwork on his desk as if taking a renewed interest in his work.  "McGarrett, the neighbors called to complain about the party going on at the house.  When we arrived everyone, except for Williams, was dead.  We learned the bad dope was the cause of death for everyone there.  Including the girl.  It was evident that the girl had been sexually assaulted and that the men in the bed room were her assailants.  It was also evident that Williams was held against his will and was not party to the assault.  Case closed!"

Steve cringed every time Dann used Danny's last name for some reason.  Not to mention how insensitive the man sounded...the fact that everyone in the house died except Danny brought an unsettling chill to Steve.  "So how did Danno get there?  Was the girl part of the party or like Danno was she there against her will?  Did she take the drugs willingly or was it forced?  Why wasn't Danno given any of the 'bad dope' as you put it?  For a case closed, these are only questions that immediately pop into my head...I can't tell you how many more come to mind right now as I speak! "  Steve asked condescendingly, doing his best to control his anger.

"With everyone at the house dead and Williams with amnesia, no way of knowing.  The girl's parents said she went to the record store and was to come straight home for a party that night.  Guess she couldn't wait to go.  Maybe the guys and the dope were her present.  No witnesses McGarrett...your boy Williams is the only one!"

"Was the dope forced?  How did Danno get there and what record store?"  Steve asked not taking as much effort to hold his anger at bay.

"What does it matter what store?  The parents said she was going to a party and we found her at the party!  As for Williams - I can't answer!"  Dann knew better than to say anything negative about any of Steve's men, especially Danny.

"So that's your investigation?  That's it?"  Steve stood again fuming.

"Yeah, what more do you need?  I pulled my guys off the case, the only mystery was how Williams got there.  It's not a crime to go to a party.  So he goes to a party.  Maybe they didn't know he was a cop and found out.  We know the guys cuffed him with his own cuffs and then beat him up - you know society is so down on cops - they were high and couldn't resist their chance to beat one up!"

"Give me the file on this case!"  Steve demanded

Reaching for the intercom button to get his secretary the Chief looked at Steve and asked why.

"Because 5-0 will re-open this case and find out what happened.  Something that should have already been done!"

                                                                                                                     ******           

As Steve left the building with the file in hand Sgt Coi'kua called out to him.  "Mr. McGarrett, how is Mr. Williams doing?"

"He's doing better, thank you."  Steve replied as he noticed the veteran officer looked uncomfortable.  "Something on your mind?"

"I was the lead man answering the call that night he was hurt.  My men and I were the ones who found him."  Sgt Coi'kua advised.

"Yes, I heard.  Sgt Coi'kua, I have a question for you.  Why did a team of men go in and not just the officer called to the scene?"

"Officer Frank Kau answered the call that came in.  When he got there, a kid came up to him and told him he knew they were doing drugs at the house.  So Officer Kau called me.  We got a team together and met him.  That's when we went into the house.  I hate what happened, all the years on the force and I swear I froze when we went in that house.  I'm glad for Kau that it was determined they had already been dead for several hours.  Otherwise I think it would have messed his mind to think they might have lived if he hadn't waited for us to show."  Sgt Coi'kua shook his head thinking of what they saw that night.

"Where did the kid come from?  The one who told Officer Kau about the drugs and how did he know?"  Steve asked, curious with the new bit of information.

"Officer Kau said the kid told him he saw them out his bedroom window.  The parents confirmed that their son had been home all evening and that you could see in the kitchen of the house when the blinds are open."

"Thank you Sgt, I appreciate the information."

As soon as Steve got in his car he got on the radio to his office.  He wanted 5-0 on this while it was still fresh on everyone's mind.  After assigning his staff to various tasks, Steve headed back to get Danny.

******

Mei stepped quietly into the small bedroom where Danny was sleeping.  She gently began stroking his cheek and remembered the morning he was born.  How excited everyone was.  Joey and Mei fell in love with the young couple who moved in next to them the year before.  Other than an aunt, the young couple had no family so it seemed only natural that they became ohana immediately.  Tears began to roll down her cheeks as she recalled the day the couple was killed.  She and Joey were taking care of their only child Danny, while the parents went out.  Later that day, Danny was picked up by Family and Children Services.  It was nearly a year before she saw him again. Mei wiped her eyes as she wondered if Danny's memory would ever return.  Determined that if it didn't, new memories would be made.

Leaving the room, Mei thought back on the call from Steve.  She was excited that she could finally see Danny and even more than willing to take an active part in his recovery.  With Joey retired and at home, it was easy for the two to care for their small grandchildren and Danny at the same time.  They understood the importance not to overwhelm him at one time, so the morning was a bit awkward.  Finally Joey suggested he and Danny go to the hardware store for some items needed to complete a home project.  The two men weren't gone very long but it was enough to exhaust Danny.  Mei nearly cried as she watched how uncomfortable Danny was as he entered the bedroom so he could rest.  The fact that he didn't recognize the room made matters worse.  The room had belonged to Danny and Kenny (the youngest Punana son) for years.  The only consolation was he was sound asleep the minute his head hit the pillow.

******

Mei worked diligently in the kitchen completely engrossed in her thoughts.

"Hi,"  came the nervous voice from the doorway.

Startled, Mei looked up and couldn't resist rushing to Danny and hugging him.  Immediately she was conscious of her actions and backed away.  "I'm sorry.  I'm a hugger and...I've just missed you."

"No, I'm the one sorry.  I don't want you to be nervous around me."  Danny felt awkward and unsure.

"I'll tell you what," Mei began in her motherly tone.  "I'll agree not to be nervous if you agree also."

Danny offered her a quick smile and nodded in agreement. 

"Are you hungry?  How about you sit at the table and I'll fix us some lunch.  Joey took the babies to McDonalds for lunch and then off to the park.  I t should be a while before they get back."

Danny took a seat at the kitchen table and watched Mei prepare lunch.  He felt a familiarity to the routine and it warmed him.  "Benny told me who you were. I mean he told me your name of course, but he said that you and your husband raised me after my parents died."

"My 'husband' is Joey and yes he's right."  Mei wouldn't offer more than Danny asked, but she was determined Danny would use the names he was taught to use while growing up.

"Right, Joey."  Danny mostly whispered to himself.  Mei noticed it was as if he was trying to memorize names.  Feeling a bit selfish, Mei was thankful Danny would not have to see Benny today.  She wanted Danny with her today.  Instantly she felt a little guilty since she understood just how much seeing Benny was necessary in Danny's recovery.  Mei looked at Danny and smiled, she didn't care if she was being selfish or not.

Danny got up from the table and went to where Mei was and began to help in preparing the meal.  He looked over and noticed tears in her eyes.

"I know this hard for you, I'm sorry...I just don't remember."  Danny knew she was hurt because he couldn't remember her. 

Mei didn't stop what she was doing as she replied.  "It is hard, that's true.  But it's not your fault honey.  Do you know ever since you came to live with us you would always sit at the table and watch me cook.  Every time, like you did just now, you would get up and want to help."  Mei, wiped her eyes and regained her composure.  "Mostly I think you just wanted to get your hands dirty."  Mei smiled at the memory, "I had to threaten you in order for you to wash your hands after you put them in something.  Your favorite was biscuits...you loved getting your hands in the flour.  You would pat your face and beg me to look at your Santa Claus beard." 

They both began to laugh and the tension seemed to completely disappear.  Mei told him more of his childhood antics and before she could finish he was asking questions faster than she could answer. 

Over lunch Danny felt as if he really did know Mei...maybe he did.  "Mei, why didn't I call you 'mom' and Joey 'dad'?"

"You have an Aunt still living and she loves you dearly.  Also, we wanted you to always know you had parents who had loved you dearly.  We raised you to call us by our first names mostly out of respect for them...and also for Clara, your Aunt.  I don't believe Clara would have minded if you called us mom and dad...but Joey and I just wanted to be sure.  That and we wanted you to be proud of who you were and where you came from.  By calling us Mei and Joey, it just seemed to be the easiest way to do that."

"Steve told me about Aunt Clara.  He said she still doesn't know about what is going on and why.  Any luck finding her?"

"Yes, finally!  We talked, but I didn't tell her that you were injured.  She is planning to come here in a few weeks and I didn't want to worry her.  I feel so bad about not telling her though."

"Aunt Clara will be OK.  She will understand and besides..."  Danny stopped in amazement.  "Mei, I know who she is.  I know her!  I can't picture what she looks like though."

"Danny, what else can you tell me about Clara?!"  Mei asked unable to hide her eagerness. 

As Danny continued to talk of Clara, he could easily recall events in his life as a child.  Some were sketchy, but they were there.  He couldn't describe Clara, but he knew she lived in New York and traveled with an acting troop. 

The two stopped and took a few moments to revel in the accomplishment.  The remainder of their lunch was spent in endless chatter rather than eating.  With lunch over, Mei went to get a box of photos.  She showed Danny pictures of Clara and his parents.  There were countless pictures of Danny with Mei, Joey and their children...family photos...photos that were proof that Danny wasn't a foster child, he was a full loved member of the family.

While cleaning away the dishes, Danny asked Mei about his parents and Mei complied.  As she began the story of how brave he was when he got his first shot but his mother broke down and cried, Danny was able to finish the story. 

"I remember you and Joey telling me about my parents all the time.  Aunt Clara would talk of them as well.  I always felt as if I knew them."

"Your parents loved you so much.  You were always scaring the living daylights out of them though.  Every day your mother would have coffee with me and we would talk about what daring act you committed the night before.  Many of them I watched firsthand to my horror!  No wonder you're 5-0!"  Immediately she looked up to Danny in fear she may have said too much.

"Hawaii 5-0, I'm a cop with them?"  Danny asked.

"You're a detective.  Very high ranking.  And the best there is I might add."  Mei answered proudly but still slightly timid of the subject.

Danny looked away from Mei's stare and did his best to shake the uneasy feeling surrounding him.  In the end he decided to change the subject rather than pursue it.  "You have children.  I remember playing with them.  Tell me about them."

The two talked until Joey came home.  The grandchildren were laid down for a nap and the adults enjoyed each other and the stories of years gone by.