Danny woke as streaks of sunlight peeked through the curtains in Rachel's bedroom. He hadn't gotten much sleep. He looked down at Rachel as she slept on his chest, her arm draped across his midsection. Rachel had once again been there for him, with exactly what he needed. Danny had needed to be held, to be comforted and she had given him that throughout the night. She had listened to him as he talked about and mourned for the man who was a brother to him. He had told her things about Steve that the man had confided in him, things that twenty four hours ago he would never have shared with another living soul, but none of that mattered anymore because he was gone…..he was gone.

Never again would he hear the SEAL rant. Never again would they squabble incessantly over petty things. Never again would he wonder why Steve had to always drive his car. Never again would he change weekend plans with Gracie because she wanted to see her beloved Uncle Steve. Never again would he see that broad, beautiful smile. Life would never be the same…never again.

Her eyes opened and she spoke lovingly, "Are you alright Danny?"
"I don't think I'm going to be alright for a long time sweetheart. God I loved him…Rachel…."
"I know"
"Rachel, thank you"
She placed a finger onto his lips, "You're welcome"
They talked for a short time before Rachel excused herself to go put on a pot of coffee. Danny laid on the bed and pulling a pillow over his face the tough, Jersey detective again sobbed for his fallen friend.

A short time later he threw on his pants and t-shirt and after a stop in the bathroom he made his way down to the kitchen. He stood staring aimlessly out the small kitchen window as Rachel handed him a cup of coffee.
"Here you go, just how you like it"
"Thank You. You still remember how I like it?"
"We were married for twelve years Daniel, one doesn't forget these things"
He smiled and took the cup from her, returning his gaze to the outside.

She asked, "What are you looking at?"
"Oh nothing"
"That SUV is still there"
"What do you mean? How long has it been out there?"
"I noticed it when you first got here last night"
"Was it parked out there before I got here Rachel?"
"I'm not sure Danny, but yes…..I think so"
"Stay here honey" He set his coffee on the table and moved quickly out the front door. Rachel watched as he picked up his pace as he moved across the front yard. As he neared the gate the SUV took off.

Rachel met him at the front door, "Danny, who was that?"
"I don't know…..but I'm going to find out"
Pulling out his cell phone he dialed Governor Denning.

"This is Governor Denning"
"Good Morning Sir, this is Danny Williams. Do you have any news on the search?"
"No Danny. I spoke with them about an hour ago. They haven't found anything at the site yet"
"Sir when are we going to send in the military?"
"We're looking into that Williams. I told you we would bring Commander McGarrett home, and we will"
"Sir…..I need to know everything"
"Danny, I've told you everything I know"
"Governor, there was a vehicle parked outside Rachel's house. When I just approached it, it sped away. It was a black SUV, looked like a Government vehicle"

There was a pause, a very slight pause but a pause none-the-less and Danny picked up on that. The Governor responded, "Danny, I know nothing about that. It makes no sense. Are you sure?"
"No….no I'm not sure of anything. Thank you Governor, I'll call you later"

As he hung up the phone Rachel touched his arm, "Danny, What is it?"
"I don't know…it's probably nothing"
His response was stopped as little Gracie came racing through the front door calling out "DANNO!"

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The little girl bounded into the room and straight into her Daddy's arms. Danny held her tightly to his chest. Her head was buried into his shoulder as he caressed her hair. He never wanted to let her go…..

"Danno…Danno you're squeezing me too tight!"
"I'm sorry Monkey, that's because I love you so so much!"
She pulled back and kissed her Daddy adding, "I love you more!"
She saw the pain in his eyes. The beautiful, bright nine-year old little girl saw the pain instantly. "Danno, what's wrong? You look sad"
His voice choked as he responded, "Monkey…."

Rachel entered the room cradling Charles in her arms as she said, "Danny, let's come into the living room"
Carrying Gracie he followed Rachel into the adjoining room and after placing the babbling infant into his swing she joined the others on the couch.
Danny's throat was horribly dry and he battled to keep his composure. Gracie sat at his side, her Daddy's arm draped protectively across her shoulders. She raised her hand up and grabbed hold of his fingers, squeezing them tightly.

"Gracie…I don't know how to tell you this. Monkey, there's been an accident…a very bad accident" Tears slid down his cheek as he looked into her big brown eyes, "Monkey…...it's your Uncle Steve"

"Uncle Steve got hurt Danno?"
"Yeah…..he got hurt….really really bad. Gracie….your Uncle Steve, he…he died Monkey"
Gracie didn't say anything. She glanced at her Mother and then turned back to her Danno. As their eye's met tears welled in her eyes and she mouthed the words 'no…..no, no' but no sound came from her. As her tears fell Danny lifted her onto his lap. He held her and kissed her as he gently rocked back and forth.

Several minutes passed before her voice returned and he heard her softly whimper "No Danno….not Uncle Steve…..please, please Danno not Uncle Steve"
He held her tighter as they both cried, "I'm sorry Monkey, I'm so sorry"
Rachel moved close and laying her head on Danny's shoulder she placed a loving arm around her daughter and the three Williams' mourned their loss together.

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It was a horribly long day for Danny. Gracie spoke very little. Danny had never seen her like this and he had no clue what to do for her. She insisted on being held every moment of the day. If he or Rachel tried to set her down for even a moment she would sob uncontrollably and cling to them.

Mid morning Rachel laid down with both children and Danny moved to the outside patio to make a few calls.

As Kono's cell rang she moved from the bedside to the nearby window to take the call.
"Danny, Hi….how's Gracie?"
"You know Kono, I didn't even think it was possible for me to have a worse day than yesterday. She's….she's devastated, she's in shock…..God Kono she loved him so much. She's never lost someone close to her Kono, this is going to take time" He sighed deeply before continuing, "How's Chin doing?"

"As good as can be expected. He's very upset about Steve. They've had to medicate him a couple of times so he could sleep"
"What are they saying about his wounds?"
"Physically, things are good. They're still giving him transfusions so he's weak. He lost a lot of blood. They figure he'll be in here at least another two to three days"

"How are you doing Kono?"
"I don't know Danny…I ….I feel numb…and sad…..so unbelievably sad"
"I know"
"Have you been able to reach Joe yet?"
"No, not yet….he's my next call. I needed to hear your voice first"
"Do you want me to call him?"
"No, I need to do this. I need to do this for Steve"
"Danny, Chin and I are here for you. And for Gracie…we're family"
"I know. I love you"
"I love you too"
"Take care of our boy there and I'll stop up later. Send him my love"
"Will do….bye"

He hung up the phone and sat quietly for a few minutes looking out over the beautiful Pacific. 'Paradise' that's what his partner called it. Steve loved this place so much and no matter how much he tried to fight it, Danny had to admit that Oahu had grown on him, just like that stubborn ass Navy SEAL had grown on him. He had partners before and he would have given his life for any of them but with McGarrett the brotherly bond and friendship they shared was truly special. Danny knew his life would never be the same.

Sighing deeply he picked up his cell phone and dialed Joe White …

*********** Much more to follow - Ready for some SEAL action ? *************