The detectives drove to the area that Chin recalled and after a short search they came across Steve's truck. He had pulled off the road and parked in the brush thus keeping it hidden from the choppers searching by air. As Chin called Duke to give him an update and Kono continued trying to trace Steve's phone, Danny walked to the truck to check it out.

He sat in the driver's seat and instantly noticed two disturbing things. Number one was the blood soaked bandages on the passenger seat as well as blood on the steering wheel, seats and dashboard. Number two was the letter, also soaked in blood and addressed to 'DANNO'

He picked up the letter and with shaking hands he unfolded it and began reading,
Dear Danno,
I need you to know how sorry I am for all the pain I've caused you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to keep Matt safe….I tried Danno, I promise you I tried. Please tell him I'm sorry. I have failed you, God I know that. Danno, I have to find Jack. I don't know where my team is. We've been separated but I know they're looking for Jack too. The kid is great at what he does, but it's his first mission. His first mission. I have to find him Danno and I can't come back until I do. I know you'll be hurt and angry that I have gone off alone again but I can't put you in this kind of danger. I'm tired Danny. I'm so damn tired ….please forgive me.
Steve

Tipping his head back and closing his eyes, Danny fought back tears. He had to keep it together and find Steve fast. Everything else could be discussed later. All that mattered at this point was finding him, getting him off the junk and saving him from the personal demons that threatened to destroy him.

He sat quietly for several minutes before exiting the truck. As he approached the others they instantly noted his pale color and Chin asked, "Danny? What is it?"
Saying nothing, he simply handed them the blood-stained note to read. Once done, Chin folded it and put it into his pocket. He then placed a hand on Danny's shoulder and stated simply, "Let's go find him brah"

Grabbing a pack he had brought filled with water, food, flashlights and medical supplies the three began their trek towards the shed.

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Steve lay on the ground for quite a while. Curled up on the dirt path he stared at the gun that had landed only feet away from him.

Danny's voice echoed in his head, "I want nothing to do with you Steve…I want nothing to do with you"
His Mother, lost to him at just sixteen, now back in his life but is she truly back? His Father, killed by Wo-Fat. Jenna Kaye and Laura Hills killed by Wo-Fat because of his own personal quest for vengeance. And then there were his brothers in arms. Twelve men….twelve brave and honorable men who had followed him into battle and followed his orders without hesitation. Twelve men who between them had left behind seven wives, two fiances' and fifteen children all under the age of ten when they lost their daddies. He had somehow found a way to live with this. How? How could he live with this? What was wrong with him? It wasn't a normal thing to be able to push such traumatic events out of your mind like this, was it? "I want nothing to do with you Steve…I want nothing to do with you" How could he blame Danny for feeling like this. He had to think about Gracie. He was her daddy and it was his job to keep her safe. It was now clear that Danny had decided he couldn't do that by being around him. He grinned as he thought, 'What took you so long to come to this conclusion Danno?'

With that final thought, Steve reached over and picked up the gun.

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As they drew near the shed they called out to Steve, not wanted to startle him. They approached with extreme caution not knowing what to expect from their tortured friend. Danny was the first through the door with the others directly behind him. The shed was stifling hot and the mustiness along with the vomit on the floor was overwhelming. Kono gagged and covering her nose and mouth she turned and walked back outside. Danny and Chin looked around the small, empty room noting the drugs and paraphernalia strewn across the floor, the bloody bandages on the table and on the floor by the window and the vomit on the bed, sleeping bag and floor. The sights confirmed their fears that Steve was suffering greatly.

As they left the shed, Danny took with him Steve's cellphone and the letter sitting next to it. Putting the phone into his pocket, Danny sat on a nearby fallen log flanked by his two dear friends. Unfolding the letter, they all three silently read it together.

Danno, Kono and Chin

This is the hardest letter I have ever written and I can only hope that someday you will all understand the decision I've made. I need to find Jack, I can't abandon him. I don't understand where the rest of my team is but I know he's here and I have to find him. The Drug Cartel that has him is ruthless and there's a very good chance that I won't make it back from this anyway…

Danno, I remember when you called me a 'danger magnet' and buddy you couldn't have been more right. I have been responsible for so many deaths. I have caused such great pain to so many good people, people I loved dearly. I can't do that anymore and I won't do that to you. You are my family and you have all given me reason to live, but I am so tired. I just can't do it anymore, I'm not strong enough. Dear God I hurt so bad…Danno, please tell Gracie how much I love her and please don't ever take for granted the blessing God gave you in that little angel. Please remember always how much I love each of you. I can't go on, I'm so sorry. Please forgive me…

Steve

Danny's hands were shaking as he handed the letter to Kono and he stood, walking away from the others. Moments later he turned back to his friends and with a look of steely determination he stated, "This IS NOT going to happen. Let's go"
Chin and Kono stood and Kono said softly, "He sounds so confused"
Chin put a loving arm around her as he responded, "He is Kono. It's the drugs sweetheart"
Danny then added, "Chin, any thoughts on where we should start looking?"
"No. There are several paths and waterfalls. It's really peaceful and solitary"
"Okay... Chin, would you mind staying here in case he comes back?"
"Danny, we've only got about four hours of daylight left. We're not going to have any cellphone coverage. I suggest we all head in different directions and meet back here about seven-thirty"

"Chin, I'm not coming back without him"
"Hey brah I understand, but we've got to be smart about this. I agree that we need to find him on our own but once its dark it's too dangerous to be out there. The paths are narrow and not cleared in many areas. There are exposed tree roots, rocks and pebbles and Danny listen, there are drop offs into some pretty deep ravines. You fall into one of those and we may never find you"

"Chin, you are a ray of sunshine my friend. Any other good news for us buddy?"
"We'll find him Danny, we will"
"I just hope we find him in time babe"

Danny went back into the shed and emptying out the two bags Steve had left behind he took them back outside. Once they all had bags with water a flashlight and small amounts of food and medical supplies they agreed to meet back at the shed between seven thirty and eight o'clock. They also agreed that if one of them found Steve or needed any help they would fire two shots into the air and the others would come to their aid. After embracing they all took off in different directions hoping and praying they would find their friend before nightfall.

******* Are you liking it ? Thanks for reading and I'll try to update again soon ********