At long last, the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it. :)

Chapter 28

"Who Killed Annie?"

Steve jerked as water sprayed in his face. He gasped for air, but his lungs filled with cigarette smoke and a putrid stench that made him gag. His eyes darted around assessing his surroundings. Two men yelled, and Steve noticed, too late, as a long wooden staff swung toward his stomach. The impact knocked what little air his lungs held, and before he could recover, a surge of water hammered his face.

The two men, satisfied with their handiwork, grunted then disappeared through a door, slamming it behind them. Steve grew conscious of a burning sensation in his arms. He glanced upward and saw his bloodied wrists strapped together and attached to a longer chain hanging from the ceiling, his whole body suspended at least three or four inches off the ground. Looking to his left, he noticed Danny, then Nate, hanging in the same way.

Danny coughed into his dirty, wet sleeve. Nate's head slumped forward and an alarming amount of blood dripped down the side of his face.

"Nate?" Steve called. "Nate, answer me." Nothing. "Danny."

"Don't talk so loud," Danny answered. "I feel like my head is ready to crack open."

"Is Nate okay?"

Danny craned his neck, trying to get a better look at Nate. "I don't know, I can't tell…."

"Nate!" Steve yelled. Desperate to get to his brother, Steve grasped the chain above his head, and yanked it, groaning as the links twisted around his fingers. The chain didn't budge. Metal scraping across the concrete floor diverted Steve's attention; he clenched his jaw as a figure emerged from the shadows.

"Glad to see you're awake," Wo Fat said, a faint smile pressed on his lips. He walked passed Steve and Danny, then stopped in front of Nate, studying him for a few moments. "Why are you here?"

"You know why," Steve answered.

Wo Fat glanced at Steve then back at Nate before picking up a bucket of water and throwing the contents in the younger Mcgarrett's face.

Nate groaned.

"Leave him alone," Steve warned.

"He's alive," Wo Fat said. "That's what you wanted to know." He studied Nate. "Why are you here?"

"He doesn't know anything," Steve snapped.

Wo Fat ignored the comment.

Nate lifted his head and stared at Wo Fat. "You're the one who brought me here. You tell me."

Wo Fat turned to his left, took two steps, then drove his fist into Danny's stomach. The blond detective hung his head, groaning.

"Hey, I'm the one you have a problem with," Steve yelled. "Leave them out of this."

"Oh right, everything is about you." A sneering voice called from the doorway.

"Keller," Steve said.

"I'm afraid you're utterly misinformed about this little gathering." Keller walked into the dank room inspecting the line of hanging prisoners. "As much as I would love to, McGarrett, I don't think your brother would be very chatty if I used you for target practice."

"What are you talking about?" Steve demanded.

Keller crossed his arms as he watched Nate. "McGarrett, you don't realize the wealth of secrets locked away in little Nate's head, but I'm only after one of them...for now."

"What makes you think he has what you want?"

"Hamilton isn't nice to anyone, but he's clearly made an exception when it comes to your brother." Keller looked at Steve. "You must have noticed. And I'm betting that even if Hamilton didn't tell your brother this particular secret, he would certainly be in a position to figure it out for himself." Keller turned to Nate. "So tell me, Nathan...who killed Annie."

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Mary wasn't sure what to make of the little girl on the couch next to her. Since she had arrived yesterday, Natalie hadn't said a word, and that didn't appear to be changing anytime soon. The only thing Natalie wanted to do was watch home movies of her and Steve.

"What's bothering you, kiddo?" Mary asked. "I know we just met, but I feel like we have this connection."

Natalie's eyes slid toward Mary briefly.

At least she had finally acknowledge her, Mary thought as she settled onto the couch, hugging a pillow. She didn't think it was fair that the laughing child on the screen was so unhappy now. And for what? Some crazy, unrealistic charge that Steve had murdered the governor. It wasn't right. And she needed to do something about it.

Alex had explained Natalie's history and the reason Steve had become "daddy". Natalie wasn't his responsibility, but he had accepted it, and from what Mary had seen, he liked it. Mary wasn't sure why she felt responsible for someone she had just met. Maybe she owed it to Steve for all the times she had screwed up, and he was there to fix it. Perhaps now, in some small way, she could return the favor.

"Hey," Mary exclaimed, pulling out her phone. "Why don't we make our own movie! Then when Steve comes back he can see what we've been up to." She started to record herself. "Hey, Steve, we're here sitting on the couch, having some girl time. Say hi, Natty."

She turned the phone. Natalie gave her the death look.

Mary raised an eyebrow. "Whoa, Steve she's got your face down, look at it."

"What's going on?" Alex asked, coming into the room.

"Oh good, Alex, we're making home movies so Steve can see what we've been up to while he's gone."

"Nice."

"Alex, tell Steve what you've been doing. But you better leave out that party last night, it got a little wild." Mary turned the phone to her face. "That was a joke, Steve, in case you thought I was serious." She paused momentarily. "You know what? We should go outside and do something fun, like build a sand castle or something."

"That sounds like a great idea," Alex said. "Natty, go get your suit on."

Natalie sat on the edge of the couch, her toes plucking at the straps of her flip flops.

Mary stood up and headed for the stairs. "Nate probably still has some toys around here somewhere. I don't suppose you know where those are?" She didn't wait for an answer.

Several minutes later, Mary returned with the sand toys in hand. "Well, I finally found them. Are ya ready to hit the sand?"

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

"Who killed Annie," Keller repeated. "Who murdered my wife!"

Steve watched the situation intensify. Annie's killer was the only person Keller wanted dead more than him. "Why don't you ask Hamilton."

Keller laughed. "Hamilton promised me Annie's killer, but I knew he would never give me the name because Hamilton wants to see his daughter's murderer die by his own hands."

"Wait, what?" Steve gasped. "Annie was Hamilton's daughter?"

"I believe I just said that. Now that you're up to speed, McGarrett, I would like my question answered." Keller turned back to Nate. "I think you've had enough time to make a withdrawal from your memory bank."

"I don't know," Nate answered.

Keller smiled. "I didn't expect you'd be very forthcoming...at first." He drove his fist into Nate's stomach.

Nate gasped, wishing he could disappear.

"Hey, Keller," Steve yelled, "You don't need to do this. We can help you."

"I don't need your help. Your little brother will be happy to accommodate me, isn't that right Nate?" Keller landed another blow to Nate's stomach.

Nate groaned and hung his head. "He never talks about her," he choked out. "I can't help you."

"Well, that's unfortunate for you." Keller kicked the young man in his side.

Nate screamed in pain as something snapped. He closed his eyes, trying to calm his churning stomach. Steve yelled, but he couldn't make it out. He was in too much pain to comprehend what was happening. His eyes burned, hot tears pricked at his eyelids, but he managed to spit out, "I can't... tell you something... I don't know."

Keller whipped out a gun and pointed it at Danny. "Maybe you just need a little more encouragement."

"Hey, hey," Danny protested. "I'm pretty sure shooting me won't make him any more talkative."

Keller fired. Danny screamed as a bullet lodged into his leg. Then Keller pointed the gun at the detective's head. "Change your mind?"

"Keller, listen to me," Steve pleaded. "Danny's got nothin' to do with this."

Keller ignored him. "Nate was trained by a killer, don't be surprised when he lets you die to protect his mentor's secret. Five seconds, Nate. One, two..."

Steve didn't know what to do. He couldn't let his friend die, but he didn't hold the power to stop it from happening. He had no way of knowing whether Nate knew anything, and if he did how long he would hold out. He'd like to think Nate wouldn't let Danny die, but with everything that had happened Steve had no idea what kind of man his brother truly was.

"Three...four," Keller continued.

Nate closed his eyes.

"Nate you've gotta give him something!" Steve yelled.

"If Hamilton did his job right, Nate won't even flinch when this bullet goes through your skull," Keller said, taking a step closer to Danny, his gun within inches of the blond head.

Nate's eyes flew open. "Wait!"

"You've changed your mind?"

"There was a man who came to see Hamilton about six months ago. For a few days after that, he wasn't his usual self, and he mentioned Annie would be angry with him if she knew what he was doing. When I asked what he meant, he said it was better I didn't know."

"Who came to see Hamilton?"

"I don't know."

Keller's hand and voice shook as he raised the gun to Nate's head. "You've gotta do better than that! Give me a name now or I'll blow your head off!"

"How do I know you're not going to shoot me anyway?"

"You don't, but I sure as hell will if you don't tell me now!"

Wo Fat stepped beside Keller and spoke in a low voice. "If you shoot him you lose all hope of your question being answered. Go collect yourself. You're showing them weakness. They will not give the information you seek in this state."

Keller scowled at Wo Fat, but as much as he hated it he knew he was right. He was losing control and was liable to do something he'd regret. He had to get his focus back. For Annie's sake.

Keller left the room, but Wo Fat lingered, his attention on Nate. "I am going to need that name, Nathan."

"What do you care?" Steve retorted. "This is Keller's vendetta."

"True. Very True. But I am in a better position to help you with your murder charge. So if your brother would care to exchange information..."

"That's only helpful if I get out of here alive."

"Honor in death is better than dishonor in life. As soon as Keller returns this offer will be void."

"Danny's leg needs medical attention," Nate said. "Add that to the deal and I'll tell you the name."

Wo Fat's mouth curved slightly upward. "I knew we could reach an agreement." He shouted something to the guards who proceeded to lower Danny to the ground and tend to his wound. "The name?"

"Drago"

"First name, last name, code name?"

"I don't know."

Wo Fat nodded, gave another order to the guards, and left the room.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Jason Lynch sat in his black Charger, engrossed in thought while he sipped on a cafe au lait. Hamilton hadn't met his last check-in, and the next was 15 minutes away. He wasn't authorized to share this information with Alex, but somehow he found himself parked across the street from the McGarrett house arguing with himself as to whether or not he should knock on the door. He could update her on the situation if he wanted, since when did he wait for authorization? Why was it so difficult to talk to Alex Reilly? They had worked together for years, and known each other since childhood, so why the struggle? He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Idiot, all the women in the world and you had to fall for her."

He mulled over the fact that Alex was permanently out of his reach since she had taken up with that troublesome Navy SEAL. It was true she never had seen him as a potential love interest, but he had always held out hope.

"She came to Hawaii and lost her mind. What agent does that?" He snorted as he tilted the rear view mirror to the left, appraising his reflection. Satisfied, he added, "What could she possibly see in McGarrett?" He winked at himself then pushed the mirror back to its proper position.

"Wait. What if he doesn't come home?" Lynch's face brightened at the thought. He calculated that probability by adding in the difficulty Keller and Quinn's presence made, subtracting TJ and Five-0's abilities, dividing by Hamilton's secret weapons, and then multiplying by Wo Fat's nefariousness. The equation equaled McGarrett's demise.

Lynch settled back in his seat as he envisioned telling Alex of the failed mission, and McGarrett's death. He'd watch her composure slip until it melted like snow on a warm late winter's day. He'd cradle her in his arms as she wept, and as she whispered words of gratitude that caressed his self-centered needs, he'd revel in his victory. Then as she'd lift her head, gazing up at him, her blue eyes would reveal the repressed desire she had fought to contain for years, and now she would allow her lips to express it.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

Lynch jumped, his puckered lips spit out an expletive as he unfolded his arms. He surveyed the area around the vehicle with the hope no one had seen him hugging the steering wheel. His phone blared again. He stared at the screen where one word flashed.

Drago.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Steve hit the ground, landing between Danny and Nate who were chained by their ankles to a metal loop in the floor. The guards clamped the chain around his ankles and then left the room. He rubbed his bloody wrists as he glanced at his partner. "How you doing, Danny?"

Danny opened his eyes and lifted his head from the wall. "I'd like to say I've been worse, but I can't remember being worse than this."

"Hang in there."

"Thanks, but I'd rather sit now. My arms are killing me."

Steve smiled. He knew if Danny was joking he'd be okay.

Danny looked at Nate. "He doesn't look so good."

Nate rested against the wall, his eyes closed, sweat and blood mixed together and slipped down his pale cheek. Steve put a hand on Nate's shoulder and realized he was shivering. He felt his brother's forehead. It was cold and clammy.

"Nate," Steve said.

Nate tilted his head toward Steve, his partially raised eyelids revealed a pained look in the dark blue eyes. He cradled his right side with his left arm. "I think I'm broken."

"I'll get you outta here soon," Steve replied.

"And cold."

Steve put his arm around his brother. There wasn't much else he could do.

"I'm sorry." Nate let his head drop against Steve's shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't waste your energy on that. Just rest for a while."

Danny shifted, trying to make his leg more comfortable. "I was afraid to say anything before, but do you think the others are still alive?"

Steve ran his tongue over his bottom lip. "I don't know, Danny. But we can't wait around to be rescued. We gotta focus on getting outta here."

Steve surveyed the room. There didn't appear to be anything useful for picking locks or smashing the chains that held them. But he needed to find a way to escape, then he could take out the opposition and get Danny and Nate to safety.

"This doesn't make sense," Danny said.

Steve glanced to his right. "What? You don't even know my plan yet."

"Your plan to take everyone on by yourself and save the day is stupid, but that's not what I'm talking about."

Steve's brow furrowed. "Then what?"

"Wo Fat framed you for the Governor's murder, right? And now he's so willing to set things straight just for information on who killed Keller's wife?" Danny pointed at Steve. "Do you think he cares that much about Keller to help him? I don't think so. What's in it for him? Unless..."

"Unless what?" Steve responded.

"Unless, he's trying to cover his tracks."

"What do you mean?"

"Did you notice Wo Fat's face when Keller asked about Annie. He flinched. He doesn't look like the kind of guy who flinches. It was very discreet, but he flinched."

"You're basing all this on a flinch?"

Danny threw up his hands. "Have you not been listening? Wo Fat knows something."

"Or doesn't want us to know something," Nate murmured.

"Exactly," Danny exclaimed. "And the only thing that could be is, who killed Annie."

"You're not saying..." Steve said.

Danny nodded. "I think Wo Fat murdered Annie."