Danny arrived shortly after ten in the morning with Julia. Steve's heart sank as she walked into the room. She looked horrible, pale and unkept.
Danny had her sit in a chair several feet from Steve and he handcuffed her to rail near the window.
Chin spoke quietly to Steve, "Are you sure you don't want us in the room?"
"No, I'm fine buddy"
Danny then came to Steve, "I'll be watching from the window. You motion to me if you need me" Steve nodded understanding and the men left the room.
Julia sat staring at the floor, as Steve turned towards her, "Look at me Julia….look at me!" his voice was firm and steady. She slowly raised her head to face Steve. Their eyes met and after several seconds he broke the silence, "Talk to me Julia…..this is your chance"
"When Jenna found out that Josh was still alive she was so happy. She was going to travel to North Korea alone and we were trying hard to convince her that it wasn't safe for her to do that. We thought we had her convinced that Johnny would go with her. Two days before they were going to leave Jenna disappeared. We didn't have any details about where in North Korea she would be going and we were terrified for her. She called me the night before she left with you. She told me about you and your training as a Seal. She told me about what a fine man you were. She told us you'd protect her and Johnny had no military training…she was protecting him. When she died, Johnny never even cried Steve, his mind snapped and he was never the same. All he could talk about avenging her death. There was no way for us to find out who actually killed her in North Korea, the CIA wouldn't give us any information. All Johnny could do was blame you, he had a name…..it didn't matter to Johnny that you didn't pull the trigger…..you were someone he could blame and someone he could get to. He told me of his plans, I tried to talk him out of it, I swear to you I did. Everytime I brought it up he would become violent with me. He had never hit anybody before Jenna died but after….I was truly afraid of him. He told me the only way he could go on would be if he could kill you, to get closure. Steve, as much as he scared me, I was even more afraid that he would kill himself. I love him and he's my only family. It's no excuse and I will take whatever punishment is coming my way but you need to know that my feelings for you were real. You are a kind and honorable man and I could not stand by and watch Johnny kill you. I'm very relieved to see you. I can never expect you to forgive me but I thank you for seeing me. Please believe me when I tell you I'm so happy you are recovering and I wish you nothing but happiness"
Steve watched her closely as the tears slipped down her cheeks as she spoke. He had a skill for reading people and he knew, he knew deep down that her words were genuine. They sat quietly for a couple of minutes and then he spoke, "I brought you here for a reason Julia. I wanted to hear everything from you directly. I believe you Julia. I've decided not to press any charges against you"
Julia looked up, "What? What are you saying Steve?"
"I'm not going to press any charges against you. I do understand, and I do forgive you Julia. I cannot do anything for Jonathan and he will face charges but you will be released in the next couple of days, you'll be free to go"
"I don't know what to say…thank you"
"I want you to live your life and be happy. Put this behind you and find happiness" Steve turned towards the window and motioned for Danny and Chin to re-enter.
"Danny will take you downtown and Chin will go meet with Governor Denning to process your release. Goodbye Julia"
As Chin led Julia from the room, Danny stopped briefly at Steve's side, "You okay?"
"Yes, I'm doing the right thing Danno, I know I am"
"Okay brother, Catherine and MaryAnn are outside, I'll send them in. I'll be back a little later with Grace. Get some rest bro"
"Thanks Danny"
The men nodded to each other and Danny made his way out of the hospital.
Danny drove in silence occasionally peering at Julia in the rear-view mirror. A couple of miles from the jail Danny pulled off into a parking lot. He shut the engine off and without turning to face Julia he spoke. "I want you to understand something Julia. I do not agree with Steve on this, I think you should spend years in jail for what you've done. He cares for you and he's a good and decent man. He's my partner and I love him. You hurt him deeply and he may forgive you but I don't. I expect you to be on a plane and back to the mainland by Monday. You will NEVER attempt to contact Steve again and if you do, you will have to answer to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes Danny I understand but I have no money for a plane ticket"
"I'll buy your ticket. I'll get you the flight information before you're released"
"Thank you Danny"
"Don't thank me, just disappear and never come back to Hawaii" She nodded in agreement and he pulled back into traffic.
A couple of hours later, Danny and Grace entered the hospital room to find everyone else there. "Gracie, Thank you for all the beautiful artwork it brightens up the room so much" The little girl smiled at her Uncle Steve and said hello to everyone else as Danny lifted her up onto the bed. Steve took her hands in his, "Gracie I have some really good news and a favor to ask you"
"What's the news?"
"Well my dear, Catherine and I are getting married" Catherine moved in close to show Gracie the ring.
"That's great news! That's a really pretty ring Catherine. When's the wedding?"
Steve again spoke, "We haven't picked a day yet but can I ask you my favor?" Gracie smiled and nodded her head giggling, "Sweetheart, Catherine and I would like you to be the flower girl in our wedding, would you do that for us?"
She was bouncing on the bed in glee, "OH YES!"
Danny reached out to grab her shoulders, "Keep still baby, Uncle Steve is still hurt"
Steve added, "I'm fine Danno, This is exciting isn't it Gracie!"
"Yes, I can't wait. I've never been in a wedding before. Do I get to wear a pretty dress?"
"You sure do sweetheart and Catherine and I have a present for you that you can wear at the wedding" Catherine moved closer and handed a small package to the beaming little girl who opened it quickly.
"Uncle Steve it's so beautiful! Danno look!" She showed her father the pretty silver necklace with a heart shaped diamond.
"Steve, Catherine…..this is gorgeous. That's an amazing gift"
Steve lifted his hand stopping Danny, "Our flower girl deserves the best. We love you Gracie" The little girl leaned towards Steve and he pulled her to his chest.
Steve's eyes scoured the room as he looked at all the dear friends who had been so dedicated to him through this ordeal and he sent out a silent prayer of thanks.
Steve McGarrett was a very blessed man.
THE END
************* Thank you to everyone for your kind reviews. This is my first fan fic attempt and your remarks are greatly appreciated **************