'Uhane
Chapter four
Disclaimer: see chapter one

Danny Williams was sitting on the back patio of Steve McGarrett's house; the sound of the crashing waves heralded the storm that was rolling in, the grey sky echoing ominous thunder and streaks of vibrant lighting. Williams had been living in a vacuum the last few days; his world had come to a crashing halt that he'd yet to find his way back from. Five days ago Danny had woken up in the ICU to the heartbreaking faces of two of his teammates. When his unanswered question of 'where's Steve?' remained verbally unanswered, the devastation he saw in the eyes of the cousins told him everything he needed to know, Steve was gone.

The doctor's had kept Danny in the ICU another twenty-four hours, worried that the shock of losing his partner would set back his own recovery. Williams had withdrawn, accepting the visiting cousins, but not talking with them, he sat staring out the window of his hospital room. The only person who could get any reaction from him was Grace. Chin, Kono and Rachel had left the room when Danny wanted to explain to his daughter that her 'Uncle Steve' was gone, now and forever with his parents. Danny had hoped his friend would be able to find the peace in death that he was unable to find in life.

The day Danny was released from the hospital Chin had informed him that Steve's funeral was the next day and that Mary was not returning for it. He explained in the conversation he'd had with the last McGarrett she informed him that she was never returning to the island that had taken the last of her family. Williams felt anger toward the young woman, he could remember the time when she'd been kidnapped and Steve literally almost went crazy when he couldn't find her, he'd nearly turned the island upside down until she was safe back in his arms. How could she now, turn her back on her brother?

As Danny was dressing, with Chin's help he found a set of keys in with his gun and badge. "Where'd these come from?" Williams held them up recognizing them instantly, they weren't his, they were Steve's.

"Aren't those to Steve's place?" Chin had learned over the last couple days that it angered Danny if Steve's name wasn't mentioned when they talked about their fallen friend.

Kelly moved forward as he watched Danny pale, "Danny? What's wrong, you okay?"

Looking at the key ring in his shaking hands a thought or memory flashed in his mind. "Steve tossed them to me and asked me to watch over the place until he came back." Danny whispered, shaking his head slightly.

"What?" Chin was really starting to worry, Danny's voice sounded distant.

"He was going for a swim…" The blonde's voice trailed off as he looked at Chin. A choked sob escaping as Danny continued, "When I asked how long he'd be gone, he said as long as it takes."

Chin had no idea what Danny was talking about but this was the first emotional reaction he'd seem from Danny aside from anger. Kono and he had been waiting for the inevitable emotional breakdown they knew would come eventually; it always did no matter how strong the person involved tried to be. But now that Chin could feel the tremors increasing through his friend's body, the tears he'd tried so hard to hold at bay finally escaping past the detached façade Danny had been attempting to keep up, Kelly was grateful that he was there for the younger man when it fell.

An hour later the doctor arrived with Kono right behind, she'd drove Chin's SUV so Danny'd have enough room on the drive home. Papers signed and the injured man finally loaded they pulled out onto the highway heading toward Danny's place. "I want to go to Steve's." The quiet voice stated from the back seat. Not really sure if it was a good idea Chin took the next turn that would put them on the road to McGarrett's place.

Once reaching the beach house Danny made his way on his crutches toward the front door, using the keys that had mysteriously ended up in his possession he unlocked the door and slowly made his way inside. The place was spotless as usual, Steve had possibly been the neatest bachelor that Williams had ever met, but he figured that came from Steve's military background. Making his way through to the back doors, he opened them up and stepped onto the back patio, the sound and smell of the surf nearly as overpowering as the image Steve swimming toward the horizon. Taking a few more steps he eased himself into the wicker chair that rested there and stared out at the ocean.

Chin and Kono watched from the doorway, unnerved by the quietness of their normally boisterous friend, but knowing, just like them; he needed to process what had happened and how to deal with what came next.

"I'm gonna go out and get some food, I have a feeling he's not gonna want to leave for a bit, but he needs to eat before he takes his next round of meds." Kono stated, fighting to keep the emotions in check that had filled her heart and soul upon pulling into Steve's driveway, his blue Silverado sitting there.

"Good idea, I'll stay close in case he needs me." Chin answered, a squeeze on his shoulder letting him know Kono knew they were in for a rough time.

The next morning Chin watched Danny through the glass doors, they had barely gotten him inside to sleep the night before, but the cousins knew if he was going to attend the funeral he needed to rest. Once Kono had gotten back, Chin had made a run to Danny's apartment, getting him some clothes and his dress uniform. The morning had found Williams stubbornly getting himself dressed then retreating to the patio. Kelly wondered if the rain would hold off until after the ceremony as he opened the doors. "Danny, it's time to go."

Reaching for his crutches, Danny pushed himself up, using the table for support, then quietly made his way past Chin, toward the front door. Kono, in her own uniform opened the door for him, shooting a worried glance at her cousin who only shrugged. The ride to the cemetery was quite, as was almost all the time spent with Danny now. When the Five-0 team arrived they were led to the row of chairs normally reserved for family, once Danny was seated Kono and Chin went to stand near the road, awaiting the hearse that would bring their friend to his final resting place, just yards from his parents.

Law enforcement for everywhere were in attendance, Naval officers as well, the Governor and her staff sat in the row just behind Danny, Grace making her way to her father's side when she arrived with her mother. Wordlessly Danny pulled his daughter into his lap as she snaked her arms around his neck. Rachel stood in the back with Stan, her heart breaking at the devastation on her ex-husband's face. She knew Danny and Steve were like brothers, especially once Matt had betrayed Danny's trust. Rachel came to see that Steve had become the only person he absolutely trusted and she knew this was killing him inside.

Danny stiffened as he turned, seeing Chin and Kono with four other officers and sailors carrying his best friend's casket. Grace felt the motion and tightened her hug on her father, she didn't fully understand everything that was happening, but as a ten-year old she knew her Uncle Steve was gone and not coming back and that made her sad, but she'd promised herself to be strong for her Danno. Chin's quiet voice giving the subtle commands as the pallbearers reached the grave, each person moving in choreographed perfection as the flag-draped coffin was lowered to the frame resting above the open grave.

Chin and Kono stepped back, saluting the casket then taking their seats on either side of Danny and Grace. They watched as two sailors stepped forward, raising the flag between them, starting the precise movements that would neatly fold it in the perfect triangle. Danny was a little stunned when the man stopped in front of him, offering the now hallowed relic. He would have thought arrangements would have been made for it to be sent to Mary. Accepting it with a nod, he allowed Grace to hold it, the young girl cradling it to her chest. Steve had explained to her once the importance of such a flag when she had asked what the two were inside the glass enclosed frames in his office.

Danny didn't hear much of the ceremony, his eye's focused on the shiny mahogany object just feet from him, still not fathoming that his partner, his best friend now resided in the sealed box. His body reacted at the sound of the guns echoing across the grounds. Then on autopilot he accepted condolences along with Chin and Kono. The gravesite emptied of people, Grace had kissed her father's cheek, placing the flag back on his lap as her mother came to collect her. Rachel had promised that Grace could stay with her father for a while once this day had passed, but now Grace had to leave so she could pack some cloths for an extended stay.

Chin and Kono had moved back, giving Danny a last few minutes with his best friend, his brother. Williams didn't move as he watched the casket lowered into the ground. Rising he limped to the side of the grave and looked down, moving the green tarp that covered the dirt that would soon cover the coffin, Danny took a handful and sprinkled it over the top. Wordlessly he moved back, saluting his friend, then turning he took the crutches Chin held out for him, giving the folded flag to Kono, Danny slowly made his way back to the truck.

After the service they made their way toward the Five-0 headquarters. Steve's attorney had called and requested the meeting, so it was arranged for shortly after the funeral, trying to take care of the most trying stuff all in one day. They had been invited to the Governor's mansion, she had arranged for food to be prepared for the visiting officers, both civilian and Navel, they had promised to stop by for a short time after this meeting.

Making their way through the corridors they hadn't entered since that day nearly a week ago that had lead to this terrible day, they noticed that those who worked in the building with them paused to let them pass. Coming to the doorway that led to their inter-sanctum a black ribbon adorned the handle, a small wreath stood next to the doorway along with a few smaller bundles of flowers. Upon inspection it was revealed the expressions of sympathy had come from some of the people Five-0 had helped, that Steve had helped.

Entering the main room, they each avoided glancing into McGarrett's office as they focused on the man in the dress coat standing near the main computer table. The older man stepped forward extending his hand toward Chin, who reached him first, "I'm Michael Winters, Lt. Commander Steve McGarrett's attorney."

"Chin Ho Kelly, this is my teammate and cousin Kono Kalahaua and Detective Danny Williams." Kelly finished introductions as he motioned the man to the chairs nearby.

Each person took a seat, watching the lawyer place his briefcase on the table, pulling out a few large envelopes and several files, before placing the object on the floor. "I know this has been a difficult day and promise this will not take very long. I have with me Commander McGarrett's last will and testament, as well as a few personal items he had me hold in trust. I've already been in contact with his sister Mary her part in his estate had been settled, which leaves the rest of his affairs to be handled here on the island."

Danny shifted uncomfortable, fumbling in his pocket for the pain medication he still needed for his leg. Kono realized what he was doing and excused herself to go and grab him a bottle of water. Nodding his thanks he took one of the pills, placing the bottle in front of him as he absently rubbed his leg. "The commander made these arrangements shortly after he returned to the island…" He set about handing out two letter size envelopes to both Kono and Chin. "There are instructions within each envelop that you are free to read over at your convenience, please feel free to call me if you have any questions." Both cousins exchanged looks, having no idea what was contained within the sealed documents, but deciding to wait until later to find out. They wanted this over with; they needed to get Danny away from all this, so he could rest.

"Mr. Williams, I have several documents that I will need you to sign." Mr. Winters started to organize the papers, pulling a pen from his jacket.

"What kind of papers?" Danny finally spoke, his voice rough from non use over the last few days, his face mirroring the physical and emotional exhaustion he was dealing with.

"Commander McGarrett left you his house along with some other assets that need to be transferred into your name." The attorney watched the confusion cross the other man's face.

"He left me what?" Danny wasn't sure he heard the man clearly.

"His house, as well as his truck. There is also the contents of his bank accounts and a trust that was set aside for a one…" the man paused and he read through the papers, "Grace Williams."

"His house? Accounts? He set up a trust for my daughter, what for?" Danny's mind wasn't processing this, his mind still coming to terms with the loss of his friend and now he was being given what consisted of his friend's estate. "Wait a minute, what about Mary? She's his sister; shouldn't she be getting this stuff?"

"Ms. McGarrett's portion of the estate has been settled, she has no conflict with what her brother has done and already signed the necessary papers for her acceptance of the arrangements." Mr. Winters continued as he slide papers across the table toward Danny. "If you would sign where I've indicated the conclusion of our business will be done, copies of everything you've signed are in these files. The new paperwork with your name on it will arrive within the next couple weeks and again I am very sorry for your loss."

Danny signed the papers, just needing to get the man out of their offices, he needed to think, to process what was happening and the only way that would start would be when this lawyer was gone. A quiet thank from said attorney followed his collecting of the now signed papers; the man quickly placed them in his briefcase and left the room.

Silence settled over the three people, each staring at the items left to them by their friend. Danny eyeing the stack of files that stood before him, it was his tired voice that finally broke the quiet, "I want to go home."