*******WARNING********

This chapter contains the death of a child

Steve spoke with an ICU nurse who told him that Kono had regained consciousness a couple of hours ago and was now resting comfortably and that he could see her for a few minutes. He stood at the bedside holding her hand and stroking her hair. He recalled his conversation with Danno earlier today, Wo-Fat wanted him and he was going to hurt those he loved to get to him. Steve silently vowed that no one else he loved would be harmed by that animal. As soon as John's health improved, he would hunt down Wo-Fat and kill him and he would do it alone. His thoughts were interrupted by a weak voice, "Hey boss"
"Hey yourself...how are you feeling sweetheart?"
"I'll be just fine...just a bit of a headache...I didn't even hear them coming"

"Kono...I'm so very sorry this happened to you. I love you and I promise Wo-Fat will pay for this. I promise. I need you to rest now and I'll be back soon. Danny and Chin send their love. Close your eyes and sleep now"
"No worries...boss...I'm fine..." her voice trailed off as she fell back to sleep.

Steve stayed at her side for a few minutes before leaning over and kissing her forehead and whispering, "He'll pay Kono...I promise" He then turned and left the ICU.
As Steve entered the elevator the frustrations of the day overwhelmed him and he slammed his fist against the elevator wall, recoiling in pain, "DAMN IT!"

Back in the NICU baby John McGarrett was holding tightly to Danny's finger, "John, this is your Uncle Danno. Your daddy really needs you little man, so you keep fighting" Danny began singing a lullaby softly to the tiny infant as he watched him intently.

Steve was still shaking his hand in pain as he re-entered the NICU room.
Danny looked up, "What happened to you?"
"Nothing...ran into a wall. How is he?"
"He's amazing. You're right, Superboy…..aka Son of Superman, here has quite a grip"
Steve smiled as he looked at his son grasping Danny's finger.
"Did they let you see her?"
"Yeah. She woke for a few minutes. She got a bad headache but it looks like she'll be fine. We're lucky Danny...I'm going to kill him brother"
"Hey, I feel the same way you do man. We'll find him Steve, together...we'll find him"

The nurse then helped Steve as he was able to hold John for the first time. He was so small that he fit into the palm of his father's hand. Steve had never felt such emotion as he held this gift from God…..this final gift from Catherine. No words were spoken as he stood looking down at this little life that in less than 24 hours had become the most important person in the world to him. Danny watched the sight and smiled softly, he remembered the first time he held Gracie and he hoped for his friend that this would only be the first of thousands of times that we would hold his precious son.

Chin arrived a little after seven o'clock and Danny left the room so he could come in and see the baby.

"He's beautiful Steve"
"Thanks Chin. He's a tough little guy. Have you seen Kono yet this morning?"

"Yes they've got her in her own room now. She said you saw her last night"

"Yeah they let me see her for a few minutes, about four hours ago. We're so lucky she's alive. I'm so sorry Chin"
"What are you sorry about? You didn't do this?"
"Chin, I brought this danger to all of us….."

"No way brother. We all know how dangerous Wo-Fat is and we accept that risk. We'll get this guy Steve, you know we will. I'm going to spend a little more time with her and then I'll stop by your house to look for that postcard before I go interrogate Nori"

"Be tough on him Chin, we need answers"
"I will be boss. Take care of your guy here. We've got things covered"
"Thank you. Tell Danny to go see Kono with you and give her a kiss for me. Tell her I'll see her a little later. And Chin, be careful man" The men embraced as Chin left the room.

MaryAnn sent a text to Steve that her flight would arrive at around nine that night. The morning went quietly but around noon John began struggling. His little chest pumped furiously as he fought. Steve was terrified to see a tiny tear fall from his child's eye. He gently wiped it away as he talked to John. "Daddy's here John. I love you baby" The Doctor came into the room to examine him and he turned to Steve and Danny.

"Mr. McGarrett, I'm sorry but his heart is failing"
"Is there anything you can do for him?" Steve's voice was so soft, he sounded defeated.

"He's just not strong enough, I'm so sorry but no. He cannot survive"
The words were crushing. Although Steve had known the odds of survival were low he hadn't let his mind go there….he just couldn't. And now he was being told that his son was dying.

He couldn't take his eyes off the tiny baby, "Is he in pain Doctor?"

"I won't lie to you, it is a struggle. I would suggest removing the respirator. At that point it should only take moments for him to pass"
"Can I hold him?"

"Of course. If you want to take a seat, I'll wrap him up"

Steve sat in the chair next to the incubator and Danny stood behind him holding his shoulder firmly. As the Doctor placed the tiny bundle in his hands, Steve was shaking. The Doctor then removed the tube from John's throat.

Steve held his son close to his face, kissing him, "I love you John….it's okay….go be with Mommy…..it's okay baby" It took less than a minute for John to pass in his father's arms. The medical staff left the room and Danny stayed, standing next to him, rubbing his shoulders.

Steve's cradled him as he sobbed. He cried for John and he cried for Catherine. He cried for the loss of the two people he loved more than life itself.