Author's Notes: When I heard the news that the show was ending, it didn't make me happy, but I understand the reasoning. I heard that they considered (very briefly, I'm sure) continuing with Danny getting a new partner, I knew that wouldn't have worked - at least not for long and definitely not well! So this story sprang out of that idea and I no nothing about how the series will end so I'm putting this out there now knowing it's probably nothing like the ending we'll get which is fine with me.
Danny was devastated. It wasn't the note this time. Mostly. It was what the note meant. He opened his eyes and read it again. He really only saw three words.
A New Partner
He couldn't comprehend. He stared at the note, in Steve's hurried scrawl, and the words blurred. Then those three little words stood out in stark contrast again.
A New Partner
They'd been partners for ten years now. Could he have any other partner? He didn't want a new partner, that's for sure. He wanted the same reckless Neanderthal he'd been stuck with for ten years. He'd moaned, complained, and insulted the man, but that's just how he was. Steve knew he wasn't serious. Most of the time.
A New Partner
Danny wasn't sure he could do a new partner. He and Steve had become so much more. They were partners. Brothers. Confidantes. They had even been roomies from time to time. They could work in sync with barely a word spoken. He didn't think he could do that with a new partner. No one would understand him the way Steve did.
A New Partner
Danny read the note over again, blinking rapidly.
...Governor's going to assign you a new partner while I'm away... take care of the house. It's yours 'til I get back...Don't worry... check on Mary and Joanie for me... tell Grace and Charlie Uncle Steve loves them... Watch your six... love you, buddy... I'm sorry...
He couldn't do a new partner, could he? He and Steve had been through so much over the years. They'd lost family and friends. They'd gained new family and friends. They'd been shot, blown up, poisoned, stabbed, stuck in a fire, stranded at sea... all that and more.
A New Partner
He glanced at Steve's office. He wouldn't change it. It would be there when Steve returned. Stupid top secret mission. He glanced at the paper again.
...don't know how long it will take... could be years. I mean it, Danno. And I'm so sorry. I have no choice.
That meant Danny didn't have a choice. He had to take on a new partner and keep the islands safe. Steve's islands. His islands.
He carefully tucked the note back into the envelope and slid it into a desk drawer. HIs phone rang. He sighed as the governor's name came up. It was time. A new partner.