Sarah woke up to an empty bed. She glanced out into the hall seeing the flickering light coming from the TV downstairs. She followed it halfway down and saw him sitting on the couch staring at the coffee table, completely oblivious to the TV. She smiled as she came down seeing Jacob's rock that had found a permanent home on the shelf by the couch with some family photos.

"Was I snoring?" she asked jokingly, taking the seat next to him as he held his arm out, welcoming her in.

"I didn't wake you up did I?"

"No. Is everything ok?"

"I couldn't sleep. Tomorrow is Akoni Leases' funeral," he announced sadly.

She thought that he had put that to rest, but the sound of his voice told her otherwise. "It's been over a week. Why has it taken so long?"

"Autopsy. The investigation. They finally released the body to the family just yesterday. The father is livid. He's threatening to sue the State and he also wants me fired."

"You let him skate on the charges of evading the police. He could be in jail and he's still angry?" she huffed. "IAD cleared you anyway. You're back to work on Monday. It's over. He has no grounds to sue and the State has no grounds to fire you. He's just angry and hurt."

"I shot and killed his fourteen year old son. I don't think this is going to go away anytime soon."

"If he pursues it, then we'll deal with it when it comes, until then you can't keep harboring this guilt. You need to let it go."

"I can't just forget about it Sarah. I know you think just because it wasn't my fault that somehow it should make it justifiable, but it doesn't work that way. The fact still remains that I shot and killed a fourteen-year-old kid."

He was right, she needed to stop giving him the righteous lecture that what he did was justified and really listen to what he was saying, because it was finally sinking in that he would probably never get over this, but she had to help him learn to live with it. Just like on the beach when he saved that boy and gave the father the credit, he couldn't see it as saving Danny's life and reflect off that outcome, he saw it as a dead kid whose blood was on his hands. "I'm sorry. I understand now."

He looked over at her. "I want to go to the funeral tomorrow. I just have this feeling it will help. I want to pay my respects to him, but I can't show up there."

"No you can't," she replied adamantly. "That would be bad Steve. But what if you went afterward? When the family's gone? I'll go with you."

"You would?"

She took his hand. "Of course I will. I think you're right too. I think it will help with the closure. I'm so sorry Steve for trying to sway you into not feeling for that boy. I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault Sarah. You were just trying to protect me. I would have done the same for you." He pulled her head over and kissed her on the temple, telling her it was okay. "I think it'll help going tomorrow."

She nodded, laying her head on his shoulder. "You just tell me what you need from me."

"This," he said, pulling her closer. "This is what I need from you."

She smiled over that. She knew him well enough to know that for him to say that was like opening up a door and inviting her in. It might have been a small gesture on his part, but to her it meant the world.

The past week could have been a walking nightmare if wasn't for her, he knew that without a doubt. Even now after waking up from the dream of being in the alley, the moment she walked down those stairs, her presence alone was calming.

The funeral had been in the late morning and Steve and Sarah stood before the gravesite in the late afternoon. It was a different place from where Jacob had been buried, reserved only for native Hawaiians and their families.

She looked up at him as he stared at the mound that was covered with flowers. The dirt was still fresh below the bouquets that had been used to cover the casket. His face showed the remorse that he felt. She thought maybe she should give him a minute by himself incase he wanted to say something.

"I'll wait over by the truck."

"No," he reached out, taking her arm. "Don't go. Stay here with me."

She was surprised over his tone; it was as if he were afraid to be left alone. She put her hand over top of his, gently reassuring him of her presence. "Okay."

The past couple of weeks had been wonderful in the fact that they had come into their own with this relationship. They both found that common ground they were searching for to make it work, yet on the other hand it had been tragedies that had helped them find that place, first with Jacob and now this. She was thankful that the boy in the water had survived. She felt Steve might have drowned with him, rather face another tragic situation.

He didn't speak but just stood there for the longest time staring at the mound of dirt. The only sound was the breeze that blew through the trees that were around them, rustling the leaves and disrupting the placement of the flowers on the grave. She gripped on to his arm, laying her head on his shoulder but didn't try to console him with words. He needed to get it out and if this helped then she would stand there until morning if she had too.

"I'm sorry," he finally spoke. "I'm so sorry." He wiped his hand over his mouth and then his face, turning his head in the opposite direction of her, wiping his eyes and letting out a deep breath. He saw someone approaching between the trees and his heart sank. "Oh God," he moaned, putting an arm over Sarah's chest, pushing her behind him as the Father of the dead boy approached the grave. The look on his face held so much hatred that Steve surveyed his hands, convinced he would pull a weapon on him.

"How dare you come here!" his tone expressed every bit of emotion that showed in his expression. "You murder my son and then you come here and disrespect me by spoiling his burial!"

"No sir," Steve said, "I meant no disrespect. I came here…"

"I don't give a damn why you came here!" he shouted, only steps away from them. "Get out!" he waved his arm frantically. "You murdering piece of trash!"

"Steve didn't murder your son," Sarah defended.

"Sarah!" Steve quickly shut her down. "Let's go." He moved her in front of him, so he was between she and the man.

The father glared at Sarah as if she had loaded the gun for Steve. She wished she wouldn't have said what she did. "I'm sorry," she said over her shoulder.

"I hope you both rot in hell!" he shouted as they walked toward the truck.

Steve opened her door but kept an eye on Akoni's Father as he stood over his son's grave, staring at them, even from a distance he could see anger brewing from him. He got in the other side and took off immediately.

Sarah turned in her seat and looked out the back window at him. She looked over at Steve next as they turned the corner. He was shaking his head over his mistake of showing up there.

"That was stupid! Damn it!" he cursed, "I should have known better."

She reached over rubbing his arm. "I'm sorry I said that. I shouldn't have said anything. I just made it worse."

He glanced over at her, "It wouldn't have mattered what you said. I could have begged for forgiveness, it still would have been the same outcome. That was a mistake going there." He drove toward Sarah's house since it was the closest, not able to get the venomous way in which Malakina Leese had spoken to him. The man was beyond angry and the bitterness he felt over the loss of his son was undeniable. Steve couldn't help but feel that going there today had only added fuel to a fire that might have been smoldering. It was clear to him now that there was a burning hatred for him that he'd never experienced before, not even from captured enemies during battle. It left a bad feeling in his stomach that this wasn't going to go away anytime soon.

The TV showed images of Steve and then of Akoni Leese. Malakina Leese stood on the steps of the courthouse with his lawyer. The microphone in his face was from a news reporter who had been contacted by an anonymous source, but it was clear who the culprit was.

Steve watched the previous recorded interview from the TV in Five O headquarters with Danny, Chin and Kono standing next to him.

"This man shot and killed my son," Malakina Leese blasted out, "and then he hides behind the law for protection. He even had the nerve to show up at his funeral and try to defend his actions, because he knows he's guilty."

"You didn't show up at the funeral," Kono said angrily. "Six hours after. This guy is full of it."

"Shhh," Danny said, motioning with his hand to her to be quiet as the lawyer spoke up now. "We've just filed a wrongful death suit against Commander Steve McGarrett with the courts of Hawaii. If the criminal justice system will do nothing then it is up to us to get justice for this matter on our own."

"What are you hoping to gain from this lawsuit?" the reporter asked.

"Two million in punitive damages," the Lawyer responded.

Malakina Leese leaned over to the microphone, looking in the camera. "Or for him to come forward and confess what he did was wrong and resign from the position he holds of presumably protecting the people of Hawaii. It's a disgrace that the Governor is still standing behind this man." He started to go on another rant when Danny reached up and turned the TV off. He looked over at Steve who just stared at the blank screen.

"This isn't going to go anywhere," Chin said trying to relieve the tension that was all around them.

Steve looked over at him with a 'yeah right' expression. "This is just the beginning. If anything it's going to cost me thousands in legal fees just to prevent him from taking everything I own."

"The State will get you a lawyer," Kono said, looking around at them as if that were common knowledge.

"Not in civil court," Danny corrected her. "This is a personal lawsuit against Steve. The State won't do anything."
Steve leaned back on the computer table, wiping his hands over his face. "I brought this on myself by going to the gravesite. That was stupid."

"You didn't bring this on," Danny quickly reminded him. "That father should know better, either his son was killed or he'd be spending the rest of his life in prison for murder." He put a hand on his chest. "My murder! I can't believe he's still blaming you. No wonder the kid did what he did," he spoke sarcastically. "He probably couldn't see past the barrel of the gun because he was never taught too. I blame the father as much as the kid."

Chin and Kono agreed with him but Steve quickly spoke up.

"All right, that's enough," he scolded them. "He paid the ultimate price for his actions and there's no reason for us to stand here and try to assume we know what was going through his mind at the time of the shooting. As far as the father goes…" he shook his head, not sure how to finish that sentence and decided not too. He pointed toward his office. "I've got work to do. I'm pretty sure we all do. So let's just get back to it."

They broke up and went to each of their offices.

Steve looked up from his computer seeing Danny at his door.

"Hey, there's someone here to see you."

Steve looked beyond him to the man standing in the middle of the commons area of the office. He didn't recognize him at first and then rose up from behind his desk, "I wonder what he wants?"

"Who is it?"

"He's the Dad from at the beach a couple of weeks ago. The one whose kid fell in the water."

"Oh yeah," Danny replied looking back over at him and moving out of the way as Steve came out to greet him.

"Commander McGarrett," he said with his hand held out. "Do you remember me?"

"Of course," Steve said shaking his hand. "Please, call me Steve. I didn't catch your name though."

"Michael Thornburg."

"Good to see you again. How's Chris?"

He smiled over him remembering his son's name. "He's doing well thanks to you."

Steve shrugged that off with a smile, turning to Danny. "This is my partner, Danny Williams."

They shook hands.

"What can I do for you?" Steve asked.

"Actually, I think it's what I might be able to do for you."

Steve shook his head, confused. "I'm not sure what you mean."

"Let me explain. Last night the wife and I were packing, getting ready for our flight home today when we saw that report about you on the news."

Steve took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Yeah well, it's an unfortunate situation."

"I would like to render my services to you."

"I beg your pardon?'

"Let me just say Steve, I may not be the greatest swimmer, but," he smiled cunningly, "I'm like Michael Phelps in the courtroom. I've never lost a case. I'd like to represent you in this, 'unfortunate situation'. I have a very lucrative law firm in Los Angeles and I took the liberty of contacting a friend of mine here on the island. I can work out of his office. I've already looked into the background of the lawyer who filed the suit as well as the man accusing you. The lawyer is nothing more than a local looking to get some free publicity and the father is angry and wants someone to pay, but he has nothing to base his lawsuit on. This is an open shut case. It'll take a couple of days to get the forms granting me permission to practice in Hawaii, but once that's done I can guarantee you this will go away quickly and quietly. If you would like my help?"

"Well, I…," Steve stuttered still a little taken back. "Yes, that would be great. Thank you!"

Michael shook his hand once again that was extended out to him. "Excellent. I have some papers for you to sign then."

Steve motioned toward his office. "Let's go into my office. I can write you a check for the retainer."

Michael stopped, holding his hand up. "Oh no. This is Pro Bono."

"I can't let you do that," Steve argued, looking over at Danny who was staring at him like he was crazy for arguing.

"Well Steve, to be quite honest, you have no choice if you want my services. Besides," he grinned, "if my wife found out that I took money from you," he whistled, "my divorce fees would cost a lot more than this case."

Steve laughed. "Wow, I don't know what to say."

He motioned toward his office. "How about, 'where do I sign?'"

"Where do I sign?" he smiled.

Sarah lay on her couch and re-read the page out of her book for a second time. Her eyes fluttered and she yawned, laying it down on her stomach thinking she would just rest her eyes for a couple of minutes. She'd been waiting up for him, not sure what time he was going to make it but didn't want to go to bed just yet. The lawsuit had been dropped that day and just like his lawyer had told him, it was quick and quiet. She couldn't have been happier for him. He didn't deserve it. She was thrilled that it was over now for good and they could get on with their lives. It had been wearing on him for days since he'd received the first summons, but the tension in his voice was gone when he called her earlier that day at work and told her the good news. They were going to go to dinner to celebrate but as his job would have it, he and Danny got a case.

She started to think about making him something for when he got there, but before she could contemplate what that would be she was asleep.

Steve came around the corner of her building and practically ran up the stairs. He missed her, even though he'd just seen her that morning at work. The last few days had played havoc on his head and he couldn't concentrate on her or anything other than that lawsuit. He came close to losing his house, his savings, everything, but it was over and now he could get back to focusing on what was really important, and that was Sarah.

He knocked once, quietly, not wanting to disturb Mrs. Kettles next door and not to wake Sarah if she had gone to bed. He used his key she'd given him a week before and slipped inside, closing it just as carefully. He turned to make his way to her room when he saw her lying on the couch. The smile that erupted on his face mirrored what he felt all over. He went to touch her on the shoulder and then stopped, sitting down on the coffee table instead and just looked at her.

He leaned over getting a glimpse at the book she was reading. He recognized the author but not the name of the book. He knew the author was a best seller who wrote detective thrillers, which made him chuckle that she liked to read those. He didn't know.

Her face was turned toward him and her hair was draped over the arm of the couch. She very seldom wore it up anymore, and never in a bun, which delighted him. She had beautiful hair, even when she let it dry naturally. Her long eyelashes fluttered and for just a second he thought she was going to wake up, but she didn't. The freckles on her nose and cheeks were lighter than unusual, telling him she hadn't been out enjoying the sun enough. He needed to render that. He'd never had the privilege to be able to just sit and look at her like this, wondering why he'd never noticed all her beauty that he was experiencing at the moment. She really was pretty. Her lips were the perfect shape and he felt a slight flutter, knowing how well she used them on his. She was a master. Her hands were small and he grinned over her nails that were not the typical norm for a woman. They weren't manicured and mostly just un-kept. He didn't care, too him it was just another display of her easygoing nature, which is what he loved most about her. She could keep up with him in the water, on the trails and in a conversation. She was the combination of everything he'd been looking for and he felt foolish knowing she'd been right there the whole time.

He felt a peace overcome him like nothing he'd ever felt before and at the same time he couldn't get over how lucky he was. She would stand behind him through anything; he knew that without a doubt. She'd proved it over the years as his friend and more so over the last few weeks. She really was a gift and he loved her. It was time he shared some of those qualities with her. She deserved it and he didn't by any means want to do anything to jeopardize what they had going. It was the best thing he ever had.

He leaned over and carefully removed the book. He stood up and bent over slipping his arm under her neck and one under her knees, lifting her up easily.

She startled opening her eyes. "What?!" she mumbled, seeing him smiling down at her.

"Relax, I got you."

She smiled then too, realizing he was holding her. "Oh, hi."

"Sorry I'm so late."

"That's ok," she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "This was worth the wait."

He walked over to the front door and turned so she could lock it. He then went to the lamp by the couch and bent slightly so she could turn it off.

She giggled at his chivalry of carrying her. "You better hurry, you're going to break your back."

He stopped in the middle of the family room, looking at her. "I could stand here all night and hold you."

The words were more of a statement that she thought at first was his attempt to prove his strength to her, but it was the tone of his voice when he said it that told her his meaning was anything but arrogant. He proved it then when he kissed her.

Malakina Leese stood below Sarah's lanai looking up at them. He'd followed Steve from the station wanting to run him off the road but knowing any kind of altercation with him would only end up with him losing again and probably going to jail. That wouldn't be any kind of validation for his son's death, and he wanted justice. He wanted it like he never wanted anything before in his entire life. The lawsuit against him was like a joke. He hired that fancy LA lawyer who chewed his lawyer to pieces in just a matter of hours. McGarrett acted as though he was above the law, above everyone else.

He was surprised when he pulled into this parking lot, especially that time of night, knowing where he lived. But now as he stood below looking up at them he knew why he was there. He recognized Sarah as the same loud mouth broad that had insulted him at the grave of his son. 'They were a match made in heaven,' he thought bitterly. He watched him carry her around the apartment as if they didn't have a care in the world and the happiness on their faces only made him angrier knowing Steve had gotten away free and clear with murdering his son. And the woman, she wasn't any better. She must have been just as evil to allow a man like that into her bed and to defend him like she did. She had no morals. "She's no better than ha'ole trash," he whispered furiously.

Steve walked down the hall to Sarah's room and set her down on the bed. "Will you do me a favor?" he asked.

"Anything," she smiled, gliding her hand up and down the side of his body as he sat down on the edge of the mattress.

"Go put on that little black dress."

She tilted her head looking at him oddly, "What?"

"The little black dress in your closet."

"How do you know I have a little black dress in my closet?"

"Because I saw you wearing it the first night we were going to go out and then for some odd reason you changed into the white pants before I got to the door."

She chuckled remembering that quick exchange of clothes. "I didn't know you saw me."

"Oh I saw you all right, and I want to see it again up close this time."

She stared at him, not sure how she felt about it. He basically wanted her to model for him. That thought alone was scary, being in that black dress was only making it worse.

He stood up and took her hand, pulling her up. "Go on," he encouraged her. "Go put it on." He took her spot and laid down placing his hand behind his head and kicking his shoes off the end.

Sarah slowly made her way to the walk-in closet, glancing over her shoulder at him as he watched her. She went in and closed the door just slightly and took off the shorts and T-shirt she had on, slipping the dress over her head and trying to maneuver the tight form to the angles of her body, wondering why she hadn't argued this with him more. It was too late now. She fluffed up her hair but still felt uncomfortable.

"Are you coming out, or do I have to come in there?" he shouted.

She came out of the closet, avoiding her reflection in the mirror that was adjacent. She walked toward him as he sat up on the edge of the bed and smiled.

"Stop," he commanded with her only a couple of steps away. He twirled his finger, "Turn."

She rolled her eyes and turned around, not too slow but not too quick either. "Happy now?"

He reached out for her hand, pulling her between his legs. He looked up at her as his hands caressed up and down her body, "You're beautiful Sarah."

She bit her bottom lip and turned her face shyly to the side, blushing. "Steve…" she went to argue.

"Beautiful," he assured her.

The way he looked at her told her more so than his words. "You're the only man that's ever said that too me before."

"Believe me they've said it, just maybe not to your face, but they've said it."

Just putting the idea into her head that people would see her that way was incredibly uplifting. She suddenly felt like Queen of the Prom. She'd never seen this romantic side of him before, not even aware that it existed, wondering if maybe he was saving it for her. She liked that thought, putting a hand on his face. "I love you."

He put his arms around her, resting his chin against her stomach, looking up at her. "I love you too." He let his hands slide down her body and then make their way back up under the dress. "Now take it off and get in bed with me."

Sarah leaned her head back under the water of the shower, rinsing her hair off. She opened her eyes and was startled for just a second as Steve stood on the opposite end with the curtain pulled back watching her.

"You scared me," she laughed.

"Sorry, just enjoying the view."

She blushed as his eyes roamed down her body and then back up again as the smile on his face turned painful. "Don't we have time for one more?"

She couldn't control the grin on her face over his attraction toward her. She wasn't sure she would ever get used to it. "No. I wish, but I can't be late again."

He sighed heavily, scanning her once more. "Can I have a kiss before I go?"

She agreed to that wholeheartedly, moving to his end of the shower, leaning in so he wouldn't get wet.

He tasted like orange juice and maple syrup, an odd but delightful combination, reminding her that she was hungry. She went to break away and he pulled her wet body up against him, not caring that she was getting him soaked. She was about to give in to his request when he broke away, kissing her just once more quickly as a low, regretful groan came from him. "I got to get out of here now or I'll be responsible for you losing your job." He patted her wet behind. "I put your breakfast in the microwave to keep warm."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'll see you later." They kissed once more before he departed.

Sarah went back under the warm water, smiling brightly. It was the perfect morning. She had woken up in the arms of the perfect man, who had made love to her perfectly and then because he knew her so well, made her the perfect breakfast of pancakes and bacon. She couldn't possibly think of one thing that would make her happier at that moment. She felt perfect.

Steve stood staring at the four slashed tires on his truck. "Son of a bitch," he growled. He looked around the parking lot, but didn't really expect to the see the culprit standing anywhere near, just watching.

Sarah was standing in the kitchen, wearing her robe when she heard her front door being unlocked. She looked up with a mouthful of pancakes when Steve came back in and slammed the door. She smiled but it quickly disappeared seeing the annoyance on his face.

"Someone slashed all four of my tires!" he said angrily, sitting down on the couch with his cell phone in hand.

She swallowed the food as she came around the corner of the kitchen. "What?! Seriously?"

"Seriously," he repeated her words putting the phone up to his ear.
"Was anyone else's tires slashed?"

"Nope! Just mine," his tone was harsh but she knew it wasn't directed at her.

"Who would slash your tires?"

"I don't know." But he had an idea. He just hoped it wasn't that person.

She listened as he spoke with someone in the departments maintenance division, requesting a tow truck. Since his truck was used for work it would only cost him time and a huge annoyance.

"I have to get ready for work. Do you want a ride in?"

He cupped the phone, "No. Thanks though. I'll have Danny swing by and get me. I still need to go home and change."

"Ok," she shook her head just as annoyed, "Sorry about that."

He smiled at her, knowing that if the morning hadn't started out so great because of her then he'd be a lot more pissed off. He turned and watched her walk down the hall, staring at her legs in the short robe. His attention was diverted back to the call when the maintenance guy came back on.

Danny peeked his head inside Sarah's door cautiously. "I'm not interrupting anything am I," he teased, knowing she was already gone. He was still a little shell-shocked over this whole relationship they had going on.

Steve stood in the kitchen, passing the time waiting for him by cleaning up the breakfast mess. "You know she already left," he replied sarcastically, closing the dishwasher.

Danny laughed as he came toward him. "You're doing her dishes for her? Man, I have a whole new respect for Sarah. She knows how to whip a man into submission quick!"

Steve glared at him over that remark, but then smiled, knowing just how to shut him down and how to shut him up. "Believe me partner, if you could experience just half of what I have learned about Sarah's secret talents, you'd do her dishes, her laundry and follow her around like a puppy dog."

Danny groaned and turned away from him. "Stop!" he whined, "She's like my little sister!"

Steve came around toward him, picking up his phone and keys. "I swear sometimes I think I'm going to black out."

"Shut up!"

Danny stepped out the door first as Steve closed and locked it. "I didn't know she was so flexible either," he continued and then laughed as Danny covered his ears as he went down the steps, repeating the word 'no' over and over.

He followed behind him as they came upon his truck that was still there waiting to be towed back to headquarters.

Danny squatted down, examining the tires that were practically shredded. "Who do you think did it?" he asked, looking up at him over his shoulder, but he already knew they were thinking the same person.

Steve didn't have to answer him.

Danny stood back up as they both walked to his car. "He's going to try to make you pay one way or another isn't he?"
"I don't know that it was him."

They stood on opposite sides of the car, "We need to find out though because what worries me is that he did it here. So that means he must have followed you."

"I know, I already thought about that. I don't like that it happened so close to Sarah."

Danny wasn't surprised by that comment, but he was a little surprised over the way in which it was delivered. It wasn't just a statement or thought that he was throwing out there, he could tell that idea was weighing heavy on him. "You don't think he'd do anything to Sarah do you?" feeling that same concern.

"No…" he started and then changed his mind, "I don't know. He was really pissed that day we showed up at the gravesite." He closed his eyes, shaking his head. "I never should have brought her there."

"Stop kicking yourself for everything that's gone down over this. I'm sick of seeing it and I'm sick of hearing it!"

"Have you ever shot a kid before Danny?" he asked angrily, not able to understand why he couldn't see what he was going through.

"No!" he replied just as irritated. "And I've never been shot in the head by one either, thanks to you. Now knock it off! I can understand you feeling guilty over what happened. I can! I get it, but there is nothing left for you to do. Feel the grief for this kid but damn it, stop blaming yourself for the aftermath and giving this guy justification for what he's doing! I mean it, just quit!"

"All right!" Steve sighed, knowing he was right. "Settle down. I know I get a kick when that little vein in your neck starts pulsating but I think it's going to burst."

"I'm serious," Danny said, ignoring the sarcasm.

"I know," Steve said more passively. "I know." He looked back over at his truck, hoping that if it were Leese, that this would satisfy his anger.

Danny got in the car. "Well if you ask me, I think you should have Sarah stay at your place for a while just to be safe."

He got in the passenger seat. "I don't want to scare her."

He turned and looked at him suspiciously. "Or is it that you don't want her hanging out at your place all the time? Is that why you come here, so you can leave when you want?"

"What? Where the hell did that just come from?"

"Hey, I told you from the beginning that this whole thing worried me. She's a good friend of mine and you are my best friend and partner. If it doesn't work out I'm going to lose one of you and I don't want to have to break in a new partner and best friend all over again." He started the engine.

Steve laughed. "Relax Danny. Sarah and I are doing great. This isn't a fling for either of us. This is real man. I'm telling you, she's got me thinking about stuff I've never thought of before."

"Really? Like what?"

"I don't know just stuff."

"Like what?" he pushed.

"Stuff!"

"As in?"

"Kids! Marriage! Forever! Shit like that," he caved, knowing Danny would just nag until he gave him something.

"Geez," Danny chuckled, "I sure hope you don't propose to her someday using that setup."
Steve growled at him. "God you're annoying!"

Danny reached over and pointed at his neck. "You got one of those veins too. I can check that off my list for the day."

Steve slapped his hand away, trying not to laugh. "You prick."

He laughed, "I know you're not just messing around with her. To tell you the truth, she looks different now too."

"She does?"

"Yeah," he confirmed, "she does. She looks happy. You can see it all over her. I mean she's always been a generally happy person, but she's got this glow to her now."

Steve smiled proudly over that. It was nice to hear it from someone else. It assured him that he was doing right by her. "Sometimes when I look at her I can't believe it's the same Sarah. I was so stupid before for not seeing it. She's so beautiful."

Danny looked over at him a little surprised over his tone. He always thought Sarah was cute and pretty, but he wouldn't have ever thought her physically beautiful, but then again she was also the perfect stereotype of person that the more you got to know her the more beautiful she became. It was obvious to him that Steve fell right into that category, which only impressed Danny more because he was the type of guy who could have had someone who was physically beautiful at first sight, and usually did, but it was clear to him now that he wasn't superficial in that way, he just wanted someone who he could relate too on all levels, and Sarah was the perfect girl for him.

They passed a tow truck with the letters HPD on the side.

"Your ride is here."

"Good," Steve said looking over his shoulder.

"I'm serious though," Danny said. "I don't like the idea of Sarah staying alone at her apartment. At least not until we know if your tires were some random act or from Leese."

"I agree," Steve said.

Danny glanced over at him; "You need to tell her why too. She should be aware of this."

"I know, I know. I'll talk to her." He liked the idea of being with her every night but didn't like the reason behind it. He wasn't sure they would even be able to prove it was Leese unless someone saw it, which was doubtful, or if they had security cameras on the apartment grounds, which he also doubted. It wasn't the type of place that had the police out there enough to justify the expense of twenty-four hour surveillance.

If it was Akoni's father, again, his only hope was that he got it out of his system over the tires and was done with it.

He hoped.