Every Sin I Want

by jawnslulluby21

Summary:

This is a dark fic. The AU is totally mine. There are times when you are not going to like a couple of the main characters. Religion takes a hit. Danny’s family are horrible. Just know what you’re getting into.
***************

When uber rich Steve McGarrett is sent to dry out by his parents to Wolfeboro NH and their newly acquired mansion, the sins of his past catch up to him.

Chapter 1: Sent Away

….’When everything is done
The war is never won
He's standing all alone
The Russian winds blow cold
His story must be told
The great one-handed Brag
In colourful blue
Sur les grands océans
J'entends le vent souffler me dire
C'est la retraite…’
Brag/Cutting Crew

 

Wolfeboro New Hampshire.

Danny Williams swore that most of the 6,000 plus residents that made up the scenic town on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee had descended on the diner for the fish and fries special that Friday evening. By 4 pm, an hour before quitting time, they were out of fish, fries and slaw.

“Start making breakfast I guess,”Kamekona said as he brought in a tray of rolls. “We can offer them an egg sandwich with or without cheese along with breakfast potatoes.”

“Nice pivot,” Danny said as he began washing potatoes. “Daoe! Please go read your book and stay out of Uncle’s way!”

The soon to be four year old looked up from where he was trying to help Kamekona with the buns. Danny ignored the child’s big blue eyes and kept washing potatoes, planning to peel them next. “Yes Momma.” Daoe gathered his back pack and walked reluctantly down the small hall that connected the dining room to the kitchen. He looked back once and was met with Danny’s pointy finger showing the way to the dining room. With a sigh, the boy disappeared from sight, venturing into the outer room where people gathered and waited, eager to get a table and put in an order.

“Everyone looks to be extra hungry tonight. I’ll cook those potatoes if you work your magic on the eggs.” Kamekona emptied the diced potatoes into the skillet. “Don’t worry, Mouse, I’m gonna give you a bonus tonight.”

“Kame, I don’t expect that. Come on! We are all in this together! “ Danny grabbed the first carton of eggs and began to stir up a batch of scrambled eggs. They had 6 tickets to catch up plus more coming in. “I’m glad tomorrow is a day off!”

“What are you and the bean gonna do?” Kamekona asked. He was a large man but moved with grace and agility. He and his cousin had owned the restaurant for 3 years, purchased when the original owner had gone missing and the place was put on auction. Kamekona and Flippa, both transplants from Boston, had bought it, refurbished it and opened it as a diner. Danny had worked for them since Day One, mainly because they had hired him even though he was too young to get proper working papers and as a bonus, had given him an apartment above the restaurant where he and Daoe lived.

“Sleep. Then I have to go enroll Daoe in Vacation Bible School. Don’t look at me like that! I figure it’s socialization and he gets lunch there.”

“He will learn about Jesus too!” Flippa added. He mopped his brow with a towel. “Oh those plates look goooood!”

“Well, I mean I don’t care about Jesus but at least this church is very modern and does not push religion. Kono goes there, her, Fong and Chin..” Danny flipped the eggs into the buns on 6 plates and slapped a piece of cheddar cheese on the eggs before adding their secret sauce. “We’ve got 6 out of 8 as soon as the potatoes dress the plates.”

“Mouse,” Kamekona began, using his fond nickname for Danny, “those look like banging wiches. Here come the potatoes!”

In that fashion, they finished strong and as the clock ticked 8, they were done with cooking, service, and the deep clean. Daoe had fallen asleep curled up in a towel on one of the tables and Danny found him there, picked him up and started towards the stairs in the back.

“Night guys! See you day after tomorrow!”

“Good night, Mouse and Bean. Rest well tomorrow.” Kamekona turned off the lights and set the alarm for the main door.

 

Grateful that Daoe had actually been very quiet that morning, allowing Danny the luxury of extra sleep, Danny made them pancakes before walking to the church. The child was all smiles as he ate the syrup soaked cakes and thankfully managed to escape without any bits in his long dark hair.

“I don’t know if I wanna go to this school,” Daoe confessed as he and Danny walked down the sidewalk towards the contemporary wooden building.

“I thought you were excited. Trust me. They are not going to make you learn religion and if they do I’ll pull you out.” Danny praised and crouched in front of his son, who was wearing his new white framed sunglasses. “You look like a movie star.”

“Uncle gave me these!” Daoe said and wiggled with happiness. He adored Kame and Flipa and the feeling was mutual.

“I know! They look great. Seriously, if you don’t want to go we can turn around and not register.”

“Nooooo…. I’m ok. Let’s go. I wanna see it.”

“I bet they will have good snacks. Most places like this do,” Danny said, squashing the thought that there was one such church that did not. Daoe seemed to consider this and was quiet until they reached the door of the church. “Let me pick you up. If there are steps, it’s easier and safer for me to carry you.”

It seemed like the sound of the door echoed through the large main room. There was wood everywhere, from the beams on the cathedral ceiling to the well appointed Wainscoting that ran along the side walls. There was a low stage in the front and a simple lecturn. Chairs replaced pews. Danny paused and did a 360, just looking at the furnishings.

Unlike the church he had been forced to attend, this one felt light and airy. The windows were all elongated and let in the light so there weren’t any dark corners.

“May I help you?”

Danny jumped, feeling a bit embarrassed for rubbernecking. “Uh yes I’d like to sign my son up for Vacation Bible School, the four week course.”

“Are you Danny?” She asked with a genuine smile. “I’m Reba. I’m the activity coordinator here.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m in fact Danny and this is Daoe.” The little boy stuck his hand out and she gently shook it.

“He’s a doll. What an unusual name. May I ask what it means?”

“Uh it means celebration of life.”
Reba nodded and then started to walk towards the stage.

“Kono told us you would be coming. Kono is my niece’s bestie. She’s a lovely girl, with such a big heart. She will be helping us here too.” She paused and picked up a clipboard from a pile of clipboards on one side of the stage. “If you’d like to fill this out, we can get him registered. Then I’ll take you around to see the classroom and activities room.”

Danny let Daoe stand and started to fill out the form. It was standard, asking about insurance, phone number, address, what the child liked to do. Daoe stood by Danny and watched Reba who was simply sitting on the edge of the stage, swinging her legs.

“Uncle gave me these. I will bring them with me to school.” Daoe held out his prized sunglasses.

“Those are very nice! They help protect your eyes. Daoe, would you like to know some places we are going to visit?” When the boy nodded vigorously, she continued. “We are going to go to see a wildlife sanctuary, a fish hatchery, a place that makes potato chips and cheese snack crackers, and we are taking a train ride and a boat ride!”

Daoe’s eyes got big as he listened. “Oooo Mommy! A train ride!”

“I know. You don’t remember the train ride we took when you were only 3 months old.” Danny gave the form and clipboard back to Reba. “He has no allergies but he’s fairly picky about eating. I will send some lunches for him if he does not want what you’re serving. I’m sorry. That sounds really awful. I just don’t want you to waste your food if he won’t eat it.”

“That’s fine. Thank you for helping us like that. Well. Let’s go see some of the rooms.”

As they walked through the different areas, Danny was impressed. There was a subtle emphasis on religion but more so than that, there was just the vibe to be good to each other, to be kind, to love animals and the earth.

“To be honest,” Danny said as they walked out to the playground, “I grew up in a very strict structured religious house. My parents … were old school believers. I … it was .. I don’t have good memories.”

“We aren’t going to focus on a vengeful God with the Bible to back His word. This summer program will help parents like you who need a safe place for a child to go, where that child can learn and make friends. We are board certified and were named one of the finalists for the New Hampshire Educational Award of Excellence. Oh I think Daoe likes the swings!”

“Look Mommy! I can go high!”

“A little too high,kiddo.” Danny hurried over and held on to the side chains of the swing. “Easy does it. You’re gonna fly out of that.”

“Why don’t you play on the pirate ship?” Reba suggested and with that, Daoe was off and running for the big structure that featured numerous slides and child friendly obstacles. “I’m so sorry your upbringing was not pleasant. You’re so young and I know it’s none of my business but you must have been a child when you had your precious boy.”

Danny felt she was not prying. Sometimes, older people would ask him stuff, and he would shut off from them and the questions. Reba was kind. He felt her energy. “I was 14 still when I had him. I’ll be 18 right when he turns 4. Again no, don’t look sad. It’s ok. I’ve had some counseling and came to terms with it.”

“And the father? Surely he should be at least paying child support!”

“Reba, I should also explain that I was raped. Not in the conventional sense of someone abducting me and doing it but it was at a party I shouldn’t have been to except my older sister needed me to come with her because she was out of school and I was just in my first year. So she needed my ID for the entry and while I was there I met some older guys. Not high school age but… they were military. And I ended up talking to one of them who took my… I guess flirting… a little too literal. He just… he was drunk… and I was too small to fight him off… So. I was pregnant, and never even knew I was and am a Carrier. When my parents found out, and I did not realize it either because sex education was not ever taught to us, they threw me out of the house. I was the demon spawn, the sinner, the unclean. Thank goodness there was a facility for young people who needed a place to stay to have their babies and I ended up there.”

“Oh Danny. I’m so sorry. How cruel!” She squeezed his hand. Her poignant sentimental tone just had Danny wanting to go on, to tell his story.

“Of course, the place I had my baby also tried to coerce me into giving him up. Adoption was always shoved at us. I left in the middle of the night, with just what I had on my back and a bag of diapers and bottles for him.”

“How did you end up here?”

“I tried one more time to go home and…. When my brother and sisters saw me… they… they picked up the gravel from the driveway and stoned me, or tried to. They were convinced I was a sinner and they wanted to make my child and I hurt.”

“May I hug you?” She asked, brushing tears from her cheeks. “You poor soul. I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you. I accept hugs.”

They stayed embraced for a while, Danny appreciating the older woman’s matronly vibe. Finally he gently pulled away and used the tissue she gave him to wipe his own tears.

“I spent the last of my money in a bus ticket to Wolfeboro simply because I liked the name abd this is as far as my cash would buy. I met Kamekona and Flippa the guys who own the Strutting Peacock, and they took me in.”

“You’ll have to write a book someday.”

“I don’t know about that,” Dsnny laughed. “Anyways, thank you so much for listening. Daoe is my life. You’ll take good care of him, right?”

“Oh yes! Absolutely! I think he will make friends here and enjoy the crafts. Now if you’d have him ready to go by 8 am, we will send the bus to get him. He will be dropped off at 2.”

“Wow almost a school day!” Danny said.

“If the little ones are tired we make sure they have cots where they can rest.”

“Thank you. Really. I’m so grateful he will have a nice place to go and to do things.” Danny hugged her again. “Now, I have laundry and cleaning to do so I will collect my pirate and begone! I’ll have him ready to go on Monday by 8.”

“We will be looking forward to it!”
***************^

Steve McGarrett settled down on one of the big chairs in the gilded wall dining room of the family estate in Hudson New York. As the maid brought his breakfast to the table, he scrolled through his phone and decided to make plans that night to meet up with Catherine Rollins, an Only Fans sex sensation with the reputation of having a record number of men for intercourse. He was not into pleasing any of his three regular girlfriends; it all seemed so much effort for a quick bang at the end of the date.

“There you are. Good morning, Steven.”

Steve did not look up. It was his annoying mother who was going to remind him that he needed to get out and actually DO something with his degree or his military record. Blah blah blah. Steve did not care.

“You’re doing a good job of ignoring me but,” Doris McGarrett said loudly, “you’d better listen up. I have a job for you.”

“Oh yeah? What would that be?” Steve paused and looked up at her. He was surprised to see that she was standing beside him.

“Put that away while I talk to you,” she hissed and Steve sighed and put his phone in his jeans pocket. “Better. Now. You are going to go to a little town in New Hampshire and open up and live at our newly acquired estate, 68 Sewall Drive.”

“What? What are you talking about?” Steve asked. He frowned and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“Our company has bought an estate. It’s quite beautiful and grand and just the type of place that will solidify our traditional reputation in society. You are going to go and live there and establish good ties in the surrounding communities.”

“Where is this place?”

“New Hampshire. Oh the estate is beautiful! It sits right on a lakefront. And you won’t be alone. You’ll have some help. I understand that our solicitor has hired some local folks to help you maintain the house and grounds. And while you’re there, Steven, you’ll dry out and quit trying to blame yourself for your apparent failure at bringing your lover back home. Freddie is dead and no amount of alcohol will bring him back. Don’t test us. Your father and I are used to failure. Look at your drug addled sister. What a waste of air and space. But I digress. Do not act like this is something you can do half assed. This is your legacy. Fuck it up and you get nothing. Not one dime. Understand?”

Steve met her eyes and for a second he considered rebellion. But then he nodded. “Crystal clear.”

Doris and John had given Steve just a day to get ready to go to New Hampshire and the big estate on the water. He’d had no time to say goodbye to the three women he had strung along and absolutely no time to hook up with Catherine. He was strictly forbidden to bring any kinds of sex workers into this new house though Steve wondered sneakily how were they going to stop him?

He flew into Rochester New Hampshire on a private charter plane and when it landed, a man was waiting right there on the tarmac to pick him up. A beat up Range Rover sat nearby where the plane had touched down. The man came over as Steve was unloading his own luggage, and with a strong grip for an older man, he took the trunk from Steve and wheeled it towards the truck.

“I hope you know who I am and aren’t just picking some rube up out of the hills,” Steve said angrily.

“Oh we know who you are. Yes we sure do.” He started towards the vehicle. “Well come on Lieutenant Commander. Time is wasting.”

“You can call me Steve. “ Steve pulled himself up into the truck and slid into the passenger seat. “I’m not happy about being here in this po dunk town without anything to do.”

“I believe the prescription we received for you calls for sunshine, working out, getting sober and enjoying the waterfront. I have keys to a boat when you earn them. And a jet ski. Now, since you did not ask but I believe it’s rude not to exchange information, my name is Burke. My wife Milly and I and a small staff are here to help you get the estate up and running. “

“Burke. What’s your first name?”

“Oh it’s just Burke. All you need to know. How much did you drink last night? Did you tie one on? A real pity party number?”

“What the fuck! How dare you speak to me like that?” Steve said even more angry than he had been a few minutes ago. “You’re fired.”

Burke laughed. “You can’t fire me. Now look around so you can pick out the route to town. Eventually you’ll earn that privilege too.”

“Oh my God. Just shut up. Shut up.” Steve squeezed his eyes shut and leaned his head against the window. It was true what Burke had said about a real bender. Johnny Walker and Jim Beam had been his besties the night before and he had a rager of a headache.

“Steve. You’re 24 years old, a decorated veteran, and you hold a Master’s Degree in History. You are an heir to a fabulous fortune, are incredibly handsome and quite engaging when you are not drinking to forget. You have your whole life ahead of you. Now someday you’re going to thank me but right now, I know you hate me. I’ll take it. I got broad shoulders. We will get you turned around.”

“Ever the optimist are you?” Steve said.

“If I’m not then who?” Burke asked. The rest of the ride was, Steve thought, thankfully silent.

 

“Be good. Pay attention. Be polite.” Danny kissed Daoe’s cheek and stepped back from the bus. A pleasant looking woman, the bus monitor, helped Daoe onto his seat and waved to Danny as the bus door closed. Danny watched the bus until it turned the corner on Market Avenue.

Daoe had been so excited that morning and Danny was grateful that the boy wanted to go. Still it was the first time Danny had been apart from his boy and he was feeling that separation.

“Mouse! You gonna make the soup?”

Danny sighed and waved without turning around. Soup duties on this cool foggy morning in June would take his mind off things. Just the repetition of chopping and running the food processor would help. He shoved his hands in his jeans pockets and walked up the sidewalk to the restaurant.

Aside from Daoe’s first day at the Vacation Bible School, Danny felt the day held some kind of promise. He was not sure of what exactly but he felt the shift in the mundane state of the energy around him.

“Crab bisque?” Danny asked. When Kamekona nodded, Danny put on gloves. It would save the skin on his hands when he cracked the crabs open for the meat. “I thought since we have this beautiful kale I would also put that in there. Bump it up to healthy.”

“People gonna eat your soup no matter what you put in it. You just do what you do.”

“Hi guys! Brought you some cup cakes from the Yum Yum Shop. Figured you’d need some sugar to stop ruminating over a certain child!” Kono Kalakaua Fong announced as she set the box on the table. “What kind of oh crab bisque right?”

“Yep. Thank you for the sugary distraction. I’ll have you know I did not cry.”

“Reba admires you! She will make sure Daoe is safe and happy. Anyways, I’m off to open the clinic. Call me later!”

“Ok later.” Danny grinned as she mock hit him. “Thank you for the cupcakes. They smell amazing!”

With a toss of her dark shoulder length hair, Kono left but Danny was still smiling. Kono was one of his best friends and he absolutely adored her. She and her husband, Charlie Fong, ran the vet clinic in town. She had been instrumental in Danny adopting a Guinea pig from a cruelty case. The pig, which Daoe had named Rudy, was spoiled with many toys and a huge cage with tunnels and wheels.

Danny put his mind on idle as he made the soup and after all the ingredients were in it, and Flippa poured the broth into it, Danny set the huge kettle on the big burner of the stove and started to mix the thickening agent. Within 20 minutes, the soup was smelling very delightful. They’d be sold out by noon.

“I’m gonna prep the chicken salad and make sure all the fries are in cold water,” Kamekona said. “We got people coming up to the window already.”

“Who opened the doors?” Danny asked. “Good thing we don’t wait on the tables. Let me know what the first orders are!”

Danny was correct in that there was no table service. People came up to the window and chose what they wanted, took a plastic number and sat until they were called up to get it. This saved money because there were no wait staff and Jenna Kaye, their clean up person, attended to the trash cans, the tables and the bathrooms.

As predicted, the soup flew off the menu and by noon, it was sold out. The chicken salad and the bacon cheeseburgers were big hits and kept Danny busy at the grill and at the fryer with the homemade fries. Since they closed at 2 today, Danny did not make more soup but substituted hummus and veggies and people liked that too.

“Another day on the books!” Flippa said. He sat down and chose a cupcake to eat.

“I hope Daoe had a good day and we will see! I’ll be right back! Gonna wait for the bus!”

Any thoughts that Daoe would not like the summer program were dashed as the child popped out of the bus, waving a paper and babbling about the big bulldozer he got to sit in.

“What? Where did you guys go?” Danny asked.

“To a building site and I got to sit in the bulldozer and it was so much fun and Mommy I had pizza for lunch with milk and then we went outside and played and I made this can we take Rudy out in his ball and I was good you can ask them look I got a friendship bracelet from Larkin I like him cuz he’s twins but Larkin likes pirates and Skylar don’t.”

“Wow! Breathe!” Danny laughed and looked at the picture. It was actually a passable sketch of Rudy. “This is nice! Can I put it on the fridge?”

“Yes. Hello house did you miss me?” Daoe sat down on the floor and unpacked his backpack, giving Danny his empty treat container and his set of extra clothes.

“Let’s keep your clothes in there ok?” Danny picked up his son and carried him into the living room. “I missed you but I’m so happy you had fun.”

“They only talked about Jesus a little bit. It’s ok, Momma. I won’t talk about Him.”

“You can talk about Jesus, it’s ok. How about watching some tv while Rudy runs in his wheel?”

“Yes!” Daoe crawled up to sit by Danny and nestled against him. Danny found Sesame Street and they watched the Count until dinner time.

 

Steve prowled through the house. It was huge that was for sure, with 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and a huge primary suite upstairs. That was his. The dining room was large enough to accommodate dining for 20 plus people and offered unparalleled views of the lake and mountains. The Great Room Featured a wood fireplace, Mount Washington mural, projector, sound system, Meridian speakers, lake views & mountain views. There was a Four Seasons porch, a 3 car garage, a wrap around deck, patio and hot tub.

When he went into the kitchen to investigate that area, he met Milly.

“Hello Steve! Are you hungry? I was just putting together a nice lunch for everyone. I heard you like meatballs so I made some to put in a hoagie bun and we can have a lovely salad with it.”

Steve shrugged. “I don’t really care what’s for lunch or dinner. I’m not gonna be here that long so I’ll probably eat out or grab pizza.”

“You’ll eat what I fix. That’s the deal.”

Steve paused and actually looked at the diminutive woman. She did not appear to be anyone who could be intimidated. “That’s not fair. What if I don’t like what you’re making?”

“Then you politely ask me to make something else.”

Realizing he was not going to win this one, Steve backed down. “Fine. What you’re having sounds ok. Who else besides you and Burke, right, Burke? Who else besides us three?”

“Well there are Levi, Diego, and Kawika.”

“Huh. Whatever.” Steve continued on roaming about the house, and discovered some rooms had no furniture while others had furniture covered with sheets. Once again, he felt like just leaving and going back home but he remembered what Doris had threatened. “Fuck. I’m gonna die of boredom here.”

“Milly says come and eat lunch!”

Steve jumped, not expecting anyone to be around, and saw a very muscular tall msn with dark hair and a dark tan.

“Now? Yeah I guess I’ll be out in a sec.” Steve lingered, looking around the room.

“Now, please. Milly doesn’t like to wait.”

“ Oh for… “ Steve sighed and followed the man back to the kitchen. When he saw Burke, Steve put two and two together and rolled his eyes. “So you two are married or at the very least together.”

“We’ve been married for 28 years,” Burke said, kissing his wife’s hand tenderly. “I wish I would’ve met her sooner.”

“Romance. Meh.” Steve pulled out a chair from around the island and sat beside a stocky muscular Pacific Islander with dark curly hair, a neat mustache and goatee.

“These two are romance personified,” the man said. “Kawika. I know you’re Steve.” He extended his hand and Steve shook it. “You want to stay ripped, brah, we can work out together in the gym and run if that’s your thing. There’s trails here.”

“I do like that sort of stuff.” Steve muttered. He passed the plate Kawika handed him to the man he’d followed to the kitchen.

“That’s Levi. Over there is Diego. We work here on landscaping and keeping things up to code. It’s a big place.” Kawika gave Steve a plate. “That’s yours.”

The meatball sub was bursting the bread seams and smelled delicious. The salad was bright and loaded with cheese and vegetables. A small container of dressing sat beside it. Despite his earlier convictions, Steve was hungry and devoured his, his taste buds exploding from the treat.

“After we eat, the boys will show you around, Steve. Maybe you’d like to choose a project to work on?” Burke mentioned.

“ I’m good thanks. It’s just enough.. being here. Stuck.”

“You can leave any time,” Burke said. “But remember what Doris said. Besides why let them think they know you best? You need to surprise them. “

“Yeah. Right.” Steve finished his plate and went to get up.

“We wait for everyone to get done. That’s just how this family is,” Burke said.

“Family?” Steve snorted. “Right.” He shook his head. His headache was getting worse.

“Listen, we may not be your idea of a family,” Kawika growled, “but we care. We care about each other. And you’ll respect that.”

“By all means.” Steve raised his hands, palms out. “Family. Got it.”

So Steve sat and waited until everyone was done eating and then only did he get up and head to the porch. The view of the water was outstanding! He thought about the last time he and Freddie had been together, at the cheap hotel overlooking a book store and a noodle joint but the water was always in the background.

“Steve.” A hand on his shoulder. It was Burke. “I personally don’t think you are a full on alcoholic but if you kept drinking like you were, you’d be on the speedway towards it. So I believe you’ll have a couple days of headaches and thoughts of getting shit faced. But you’re a tough kid. You’ll rise above it. “

For the first time in Steve ‘s life, he heard sincerity in that voice and a promise of good things. Steve nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat, at once flustered and angry too. Was he that transparent?

“Thanks. I’m fine. Just fine.”

“Alright then. Come on. Let’s go for a walk.”

 

Kono and Fong stopped over that evening with pizza and gossip. Danny was surprised but pleased as he did not even have a plan as to what to have. They ate on the wooden table in the surprisingly big kitchen, and Daoe held court as he told them all about his first day at school, as he called it.

“This kid is gonna be one of those who are happy when school begins in the fall,” Kono said. “But that’s ok. My cousin Chin was one of those guys. Him and goofy Jerry.”

“Jerry liked school huh?” Danny snorted. “Imagine my surprise.” He looked at Daoe who had finished eating and was squirming around in his chair. “Please go wash your hands and then you can play. Choose wisely. You’ve fork 30 minutes.”

“Yes Momma.” The child slid out of his seat, carefully walked up the stairs to the sink, washed his hands and then hurried into the living room. Kono watched him with affection.

“He’s adorable. Honestly, does he ever back talk?” She asked.

“You know,” Danny frowned, “he never gives me pushback. That may change as he gets older.”

“You’re gonna be the cutest older parent ever,” Kono giggled. “Oh hey, Fong tell Danny about the Sewall Road house!”

“That pretentious mansion?” Danny asked with amusement. “Did someone buy it?”

“Not just someone. The McGarrett family! As in McGArrett Pharmaceuticals.” Fong sipped his Coke and continued. “They sent their son, the decorated Navy vet here supposedly to make community ties but I’ve heard he has a drinking problem. Geez, I feel really weird gossiping like this but if it was anyone but them… “

“That’s sad, you know, when veterans have PTSD and alcoholism. Gotta feel for them. “

“Sure, Danny, make me feel badly for spilling the tea!” Fong sighed. “Anyways, it will be interesting. Nobody stays at that place very long. Jerry says it’s haunted.”

“Jerry thinks the 7-11 is haunted when the smoothie machine breaks,” Danny added. “I did not mean to call you on that. If the guy finds peace here, bless him. If not, well, I guess it’s his choice.”

“Do you need anything at the store? I’m going tomorrow.” Kono started to pick up the plates.

“Yeah I’ll give you a list and the money. Hang on.” Danny took the plates and silver from her and gave her a garbage bag for the pizza box. When they were done cleaning up, Daoe wandered back in to the kitchen with his sticker book and showed Fong what he’d done.

“I want one of those eventually,” Kono said. “But we are waiting a bit.”

“Yeah wait til you’re ready.” Danny began to print what he needed and sensed Kono was looking at him. Sure enough she was. “What?”

“I did not mean to imply anything about waiting, uh, because I know you did not have a choice….”

“Kono, I’m not that sensitive. It’s all good. There has to be a reason for everything. Like, how I ended up here because this is as far as the bus went in what money I had for the ticket. And how I immediately met Kame and you. I’m pretty lucky.”

“You are adorable and I love you both.” She took the list from him and ignored his money. “Nope. Make me muffins. I’ll take that as payment.”

Danny and Daoe bid them a fond farewell and as they left, stood out on their upper porch and waved goodbye. Then it was bath time for the child and a shower for Dsnny and a bedtime story and finally bed. As Danny set his alarm, he thought about the big house and the Navy guy trying to get sober. He had known a Navy guy, though known was a joke of a word in this instance. Danny closed his eyes and was instantly asleep. It had been a busy day.

Up the road, in the big house, Steve lay in bed and ignored the tickle in the back of his throat. This was when he usually drank himself to sleep so trying to do that without depressants was an odd feeling. He was, however, determined to do just that. He’d show his parents he was salvageable unlike his sister. He’d show Burke and his merry band of boys that he could do this. All he had to do was toe the line and make them see he could actually accomplish this goal of giving up the booze, but his mental state of self blame and grief was going to take a lot longer to heal. That’s just the way it was and had been for a long time.

 

Daoe Hawthorne

Chapter 2: Raising The Ashes

Summary:

Dsnny gets mail. Steve gets counseled. Chin has a picnic.

….’Spend all your time waiting
for that second chance
for a break that would make it okay
there's always one reason
to feel not good enough
and it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
oh beautiful release
memory seeps from my veins
let me be empty
and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight’
Angel/Sarah McLachlan

 

“Have a good day! I love you!” Danny blew Daoe a kiss and watched as the bus shut its doors and rumbled on down the street. He was all set to start work in the Peacock when a power outage had hit so they were being cautious about the food. The cousins had a back up generator that kept the fridges and freezers cold but without power, they were not legally able to open their doors or prep food properly.

“Oh the tides of misfortune have washed over us!” Kamekona said dramatically. He had a deck of cards in one hand and pulled up a chair to a table. “Anyone wanna play Hearts? Or Gin?”

“I’ll go for Hearts,” Danny said. “I’m feeling lucky today.” He sat down opposite the cousins and waited for Kamekona to deal. “Does anyone know why the power is out?”

“I think someone said on the Neighbours APP that a transformer had blown over on East Avenue. That would directly affect us. Time is money though so they’d best get around it and get it fixed so we can open for business!” Kamekona shook his head. “We got a special to get out the door.”

Danny glanced out the window and saw the mail carrier approaching, and in her hand was a bunch of letters and fliers. “Be right back. Gonna get the mail.” He slipped out the side door and waved her down.

“Thank you! I’m not sure all of that would fit in the box. Have a great day!”

“You too!” Answered Danny. He paused to look at the letters, because typically neither he nor the cousins ever got this much mail. As he sorted them, he felt his stomach tighten and as if someone actually punched him, Danny sat on the ground. “No. It can’t be.” He opened the first of many letters, all addressed to him in what he knew was familiar handwriting. It read:
##################################
Danny,
We found out where you and that unholy spawn are living. We will write to you every day to remind you of how unclean you are and how you as a great sinner should repent and return to the Church. It is a vengeful God who hates freaks like you who open your legs and invite men between them. You are damned to Hell for all eternity and you will suffer the wrath of the Devil and his fallen angels. That spawn has no right to life. Return to us so we can pray the devil out of you and give your spawn up to a bigger power.
Your sister in name only
Stella
####################################

With a little sob, he opened the rest of the letters and the message was the same in all of them, the only difference being that other family members had signed.

“Mouse? Are you ok?” Kamekona hovered and looked over the opened letters that Danny had scattered on the ground. “No you aren’t. Come on. Come inside. Come on.” He stroked Danny’s head and when Danny went to pick up the letters, Kamekona’s hand on Danny’s shoulder made him pause. “Leave those. Come on. Let’s go.”

As soon as Kame and Danny went inside, Flippa picked up the letters and brought them inside but stayed in the main room instead of going back to the kitchen. After he read one of the letters, he called the Sheriff.

 

Steve stared at the plate that Milly had given him. It was full with scrambled eggs and cheese, some kind of steak, and whole wheat toast. He pushed the plate away and went to get up but the sound of Burke clearing his throat stopped him.

“What?” Steve said crossly. “I don’t eat all of that for my first meal of the day! I’m not as … “ he searched for the word, “as robust as these other guys.”

“Brah if Milly puts the plate down after toiling in the kitchen, you’ll eat it and thank her for it,” Kawika snarled..

“Oh I see. This is an autocratic society with the alphas being her and him!” Steve pointed to Burke. “Well guess what? This estate belongs to my family and you work for me and if I don’t want breakfast I’m not going to eat breakfast!” Steve stood and slammed his chair against the table and with that, he fairly stomped outside.

“Sit down, Levi. I know you want to pound him but he’s going through withdrawal right now and he’s feeling none too well. I took the pills he’d packed by the way. Seems our Steve had more than just alcohol issues. “ Burke dug into his breakfast.

“I just want one punch. Just one.” Levi muttered.

“He needs our patience and understanding right now. This is the hardest time for him and for us.”

“I don’t have to like it,” Levi said.

Steve sat on the edge of his bed and took a deep breath. He pulled his duffel out from under the bed where he’d stowed it with his pills and reached inside to get them. His hand encountered nothing but empty. Steve pulled the duffel up on his lap and spread the opening. No pills. No bottle. “Noooo!” Steve threw the duffel across the room and ran a hand through his hair. “Fucking busybody!” Steve stood and started to pace, needing something to take the edge off. He’d only started using the oxy when a friend had told him how numb it made him feel so of course Steve had to try that. It worked so well that he sometimes could not remember who Freddie was. “I should have stashed them the second I arrived,” Steve mumbled. He sat on the bed again and stared at the tv. Intending to turn it on; he reached for the remote but stopped when someone knocked on his bedroom door. “I’m not in the mood for company.”

“Come on. Put your trainers on and let’s go. Time to run the trails.” Kawika stood in the doorway, arms crossed in front of his chest. The determined look on his face told Steve he was not going to take no for an answer.

“Fucking fine. Was it you who went through all of my stuff?”

“I did not touch your stuff, brah.”

“It must have been one of the other goons.” Steve changed into his running shoes and followed Kawika to the door. As he passed by the kitchen, his stomach growled but he ignored it. No way was he going to show any weakness.

 

Ruslan Fedotenko listened as Flippa explained what he’d read in the letters. Danny and Kamekona were still inside; the power had come on and they were getting ready for the lunch rush.

“This sort of thing is harassment by wire and just plain cruel. Do you know if Danny has had contact with them? How did they find out he was here?”

“Ok, you know Google?”

Ruslan nodded. “Yes. And?”

“Remember that Danny and the Peacock won the statewide competition for the best Seafood Newburg? His photo was in the paper and everything. Well, I think his family Googled him and that popped up. See, the address is the restaurant itself, not his apartment number.”

“Flippa, that’s clever detective work.” Ruslan took the letters. “I’m keeping these and discussing it with Chin. Is Danny ok?”

“Comme ci. Comme ca. we will keep an eye on him.”

“Thanks. We will probably be back. See you later!” With that, Ruslan walked back to his official car and sat in the driver’s seat for a moment, considering the letters. Why in any amount of intelligence would it be ok to send something so vile and hateful? He just could not understand. Danny was a sweet kid, and Daoe was adorable and well taken care of. Ruslan’s 5 year old twins enjoyed Daoe’s company and they often had play dates. To call Daoe a ‘spawn’ was just too much. The tone of some kind of fanatical religion was also a threat. They needed to move on this.

Danny kept his mind focused on the orders that had started to come in. He was frying chunks of bologna in butter, getting them ready for sandwiches with mustard and onions; his minestrone soup was on and cooking; and the fries were sizzling in the fryer. He kept his mind deliberately blank, avoiding the content of the horrible letters and trying not to let them affect him.

“Mouse, if you need a break you can—-“

“No Kame. I’m good. It’s ok.” Then again, if Danny closed his eyes he could still remember every second of getting the gravel and stones thrown at him while his brother and sisters chanted that he should rot in hell. Danny had protected his son and got the hell out of there and thankfully they had not followed him. He still bore the small scar of where a stone had hit his face right under his eye and cut him.

“We got 5 orders all dressed!” Flippa said from the other side of the window. Danny laid out 5 plates, placed fries on each, added a lettuce leaf and half a tomato slice, and quickly opened the fresh buns. On each bun, he stuffed the bologna, now with melted cheese on it, and a good sprinkling of fried onions and let Kamekona take the plates to pass through to Flippa.

And so it continued. Sandwiches, fries, soup, salads, and sometimes one of each. Danny put his mind on idle, just like the song said, and by the time 2 PM rolled around, and he went outside to wait for the bus and Daoe, he was exhausted from putting it aside and happy for the break.

Daoe of course made Danny smile like he always did. He flew into Danny’s arms, talking about the picnic at the park and how he had seen a real Mantis, and they were very green and scary but they would not hurt people. He also had a flyer he’d completed with a fill in the word and his carefully printed answers were all done with his big slanted letters.

“Here comes Chin! Yay!”

Danny paused from carrying his son to the stairs leading up to their apartment and turned around to see that it was indeed Chin and Ruslan who were in the sheriff car. Daoe waved and tried to squirm free but Danny held him fast because he did not want to have to pick him up again to go up the steps.

“I’ll take him if you want to go ahead and unlock,” Chin said, as he let Daoe transfer over to him, leaving Danny free. “What do you have there?”

“My worksheet!”

“Did Larkin and Skylar get one of those too?” Ruslan asked.

“Yes! It’s all about love your friends and animals!” Daoe responded.

“Come on in guys, and excuse how I smell. Bologna and onions. The special. I never knew how many people in this town love that stuff. Let me get him settled and I’ll be back.”

“Take your time.” Chin and Ruslan sat down on the couch in the clean and tidy living room. Danny had saved for months to buy the dark blue sectional and matching chair and the light wood end table and coffee table went well with them. Daoe’s toys were all stacked ip in his toy box and on a shelf beside the bookshelf. It was extremely hard for either man to equate Danny as the monster in the letters from his family.

“That’s better.” Danny came out in shorts and a clean tee, with Daoe not far behind. Rudy chirped from his cage as Danny walked past so he poured some pellets into the pig’s food dish and sat down in the chair facing the couch. “So Flippa showed Ruslan the letters.”

“I have them all. I honestly can’t believe anyone let alone a family member would write something so vile.” Chin could tell Danny was putting on a brave face.

“They hated me I think from birth. I could never figure out why my mom and dad favored the other kids. I never got ice cream treats. Nor any perks. They left me at home when they went to the amusement park with the cupboards locked so I did not eat. There were only 3 not 4 of anything on every occasion. When we went to church, people treated me differently too. My mom would always make me cut my hair really short. My dad would always tell me to be a man and straighten up. They KNEW I was a Carrier but I had no idea. Until… well… you know.”

“If you know who … assaulted you we can go after him,” Ruslan offered.

“I…. Don’t think I’m ready to go down that road but thank you. I’ve considered it but I don’t want to go through it. Testifying. The whole bit. I’ve found lawyers and judges are not as kind as you guys.”

“Do you want us to pursue the charges for harassment?” Chin asked. “It’s a federal offense using the postal system.”

“Let me think about it? Please?” Danny swallowed doing his best to keep himself together. The last thing he wanted was to break down in front of Daoe.

“Of course.” Chin nodded to Ruslan and they got up. “You’ve got our numbers. And off topic, you’re invited to a barbecue at my house Saturday. Bring nothing but yourselves and come on by around 2.”

“That works out perfectly, since we are closing at noon Saturday. “ Danny walked them to the door. “Thank you. I appreciate you having my back.”

“Always, kiddo.” Chin hugged Danny and so did Ruslan. When they left, Danny locked the door and set the outside alarm, feeling a little less safe now.

The next day, the same letters arrived. Flippa intercepted the mail carrier and put the letters in a bag. He hoped Danny would take action and turn his family in but it was ultimately
Danny’s decision.

 

It had been a tough 2 days for Steve. He had poured his restlessness and general feeling of nausea and a painful head into running, weights and trying to eat. Nobody nagged him to eat but it was always offered, and when Steve didn’t show up at the table, Milly simply wrapped his plate to save it for later. Kawika was the best partner as he never talked; they just ran on the trails, taking the hills and the beach and the wooded paths at a speed that they both silently agreed on. Steve sweated and ached but he had begun to feel alive and not numb. It was a scary precipice for him.

“I heard you want to swim in the lake,” Burke said, finding Steve who was sitting on the porch stretching after a run. “Did you bring a suit?”

“Yeah I did. Kawika said it’s cold because it’s spring fed but actually, cold is kind of my jam. Once upon a time, I trained in cold water.”

“You are a fine officer, Steve.”

“WERE. I WAS. a fine officer. It all went to shit in Afghanistan.” Steve scrubbed his hands over his face. He suddenly felt very tired and leaned back against the column of which he was in front. “I left him.”

“How long are you going to keep punishing yourself? It’s been how long now? 7 months. 7 months of alcohol and more recently pain killers. Do you think Freddie would want you to destroy yourself?” Burke asked pointedly.

“It doesn’t matter. He’s not around to answer.”

“Were you good friends, you and Freddie?” Burke asked.

“Yes. And more. We were lovers. There!!!! I said it! It was totally against the rules and you know morally wrong I guess but we did it and did not care.”

“So why do you care now?” Burke sat beside Steve. “He’s dead and never can talk about it and you left the Navy—-“

“I was Honourably Discharged and earned three medals. A bit different than leaving wouldn’t you say?” Steve turned to face Burke. “Incidentally I know what you’re doing?”

“Really? What am I doing? Besides listening?”

“Trying to counsel me. Trying to get inside my head! It’s not gonna work!” Steve kicked at a stone and watched it roll away. “Nobody knows how I feel.”

“I agree. I DON’T know exactly how YOU feel! I can relate though because I was very close to someone in Iran, Desert Storm.” At that, Steve perked up.

“Which branch of the military were you?”

“Special Ops. I came up through the Marine Corps and was selected to train at Langley and Camp Peary.”

Steve was now fully engaged. “You trained at the Farm! Geezus! That must have been insane!”

“I saw a lot of things. You saw a lot of things. We both lost ones we loved. So how do you think we move on from that extraordinary loss?”

Silent for a long moment, Steve thought before responding. He was beginning to like being able to at least focus on the loss and acknowledge it instead of hiding behind self medication. “We trust in our own courage.”

“We do. Steve, you are one of the bravest young men I have ever seen and no don’t tell me I don’t know you because I do. I do know you. I understand, Steve, and you can talk to me. You wanna get mad and yell, go ahead! You wanna curl up and cry, go ahead! I’m with you. I get it. “

For the first time, Steve felt that this man, this relative stranger, understood him. They spoke the same language and had crawled through the trenches of murder and mayhem all in the name of war.

Burke was ready. He opened his arms and Steve fell into them, fell against him and clung to Burke like he was a drowning man and Burke was a buoy. The sobs sounded like they were ripped out of Steve, taken from the depths of his unforgiving soul, and perhaps after this, he could move forward and find peace.
***************

Chin and Malia’s house was set back from the lake about two blocks. They’d given up on trying to buy lakefront but they were close enough to walk to the beach if they wanted. What they DID have was a yard with a big patio, an outdoor kitchen, and an inground pool.

“I brought my peach cobbler,” Danny said, hefting a big container, “and lemon bars. I gotta go back to the van and get those.”

“I’ll get them! I’m doing nothing but watching my partner impress the little ones with his juggling skills!” Adam Noshimuri said. When Daoe saw him, he scooted behind Danny and peeked out from around his leg. “Well hello there, Daoe! I promise I did not bring my doctor kit! Today I’m just Adam!” Daoe smiled and nodded then ducked back out to run towards where Adam’s partner, Meka, was juggling some oranges. As the pediatrician in the town, little ones did not trust Adam even when they saw him outside the office.

“Thank you,” Danny said as he set the pan down. Kamekona and Flippa had brought shrimp and veggie skewers to be done on the grill, and Danny had helped them prepare a huge pan of seafood salad. “Wow, you chose a great day for this! It’s so nice today!”

“How are you?” Chin asked softly, going under pretense that things were just fine.

Danny considered a moment. He’d given them the green light to pursue charges against his family if they did not cease and desist their harassment through the mail or by any electronic or personal means. “Good. Really. I’m good.” He kept an eye on his son. “Anything I can do to help out?”

“Eat!” Chin replied. “Go grab a pop and relax. Out of deference and request of some guests, this is a dry event though I know you don’t drink anyways. We are stocked up with all the alternatives.”

The drinks were in an inflatable wading pool that had been filled with ice. Danny found a bottle of iced tea for himself and a small bottle of mixed berry juice for Daoe. As he walked over to his son, he was hugged from behind and looking down at the arms that held him, Danny saw the tat and knew just who it was.

“Hey Kristo! Wanna check out Meka’s attempt to keep the kids in one place?” Ruslan’s mate grinned and pushed back his hair with one hand.

“I forgot my headband,” he grumbled. “But yeah let’s go do that.” His strong French Canadian accent was prevalent.

“Here. Take mine. I’ll just pull my hair back in a pony. “ when Kris hesitated, Danny practically pushed it in his hand. “ it’s all good!”

“Thank you. Seriously.” Suddenly Kris pulled Danny close and dropped his voice to speak softly. “I hear the new people’s who bought that big haunted house are coming here. Chin knows the one caretaker and so he told him to stop by.”

“Yeah? Well, that’s good. Jerry is here so maybe he can corner them and ask them spooky questions.”

Kris and Danny sat on one of the small benches Chin had built in the back yard. Meka was still going strong, now in the middle of a story loosely cobbled from Rapunzel.

“He’s so good with the kids. He’s perfect for Dr. Adam.” Danny smiled and waved when Meka saw Danny and winked.

“They are going to adopt,” Kris told Danny. “Hey totally off topic but I saw that one movie that made people puke. Terrifier 3!”

“I would not brag about that if I were you,” Danny snorted. “Did you like it?”

“No.” At that admission, both Kris and Danny began to laugh because it was absurd but funny.

 

Steve sat on the edge of his bed and grabbed his flip flops. He was not sure he even wanted to go to this picnic that Burke and Milly seemed intent on dragging him to, and he sure did not know anyone but them. Oh Kawika and his wife Noelani were going along with their three kids. Levi and Diego were not. Something about the guy throwing the party being a sheriff.

“I guess I’m ready.” Steve strolled out of his bedroom in jeans that fit him a little bit better than when he’d first arrived and a dark green polo shirt that showed off his arm tats. “I do have the option of walking home right if I don’t like it.”

“What’s not to like?” Milly asked. “It’s a picnic with food. Oh and I heard something about s’mores.”

“I’ve never had one,” Steve said. “What is it?” He was grateful Burke had given Steve the keys to drive them so it would not look like Steve was their kid or something.

“You’ll just have to wait and see. I’m sure you’ll like it though I know now you are not so much of a sweets guy.” Milly and Burke sat in the back, and Steve could see in the rear view mirror that they held hands.

He had to admit they were affectionate with each other even though they’d been married forever. Steve had never once seen his parents be affectionate or laugh together. They were always separated, either by distance or attitudes. Maybe, Steve thought, their attitude had trickled down on to Steve.

“Turn here. It’s the nice salt box with the flowers in front.” Steve did as Burke requested and parked on the grass where most of the other vehicles were parked. He got out and waited to carry a big container of something Milly had made. It actually smelled pretty good and it hit Steve for the first time in a very long time that he was actually and truly hungry.

Chin looked up from his barbecue duties to see Burke who had actually traded his cowboy boots for trainers. He was holding hands with his wife, who was quite lovely for an older woman.

“Howzit guys! Nice to see you! And who is this?” Chin asked, his curiosity about the new owner’s son about to be satisfied. The young man set the pan with calico beans on the counter and extended his hand. Chin could tell, from his experience in law enforcement and the young man’s red rimmed eyes, that the young man was or had been fighting addiction and he put two and two together to realize that this was the reason why Burke had requested a dry beverage choice.

“Steve McGarrett,” Steve said as he shook hands with Chin.

“Chin Ho Kelly. Thank you for attending our little party. Drinks are in the pool and we definitely recycle so that blue bin is in use for empty bottles. We’re gonna start the buffet as soon as these dogs are done.”

“Smells good. It’s been a while since I’ve eaten a hot dog.” Steve looked around and decided to get a bottle of something. “Excuse me.”

As he walked towards the pool, he saw a lot of people talking in groups and acting as though they were old friends. He was conspicuous in his solitude and immediately regretted attending.

 

“Danny! Check it out!” Kris elbowed Danny so the blonde would turn around.

“What?” Dsnny asked, pretending annoyance but he did turn to see what Kris had discovered. He looked the stranger up and down but when the stranger faced them, and Danny got a good look at Steve, Danny felt his world collapse.

Notes:

The house
https://www.603luxury.com/sewall-main-house

Chapter 3: Who You?

Summary:

A picnic brings a meeting

….’come on it’s time to go upstairs,
But I don’t want to be leaving you here.
I can’t go be in that room alone
When I know that you’re down here in tears.
I am not asking forever from you
I’m just asking to be held for a while
In a timeless search for love that might work
We’re already playin’ the price…’
—Secret Love/Stevie Nicks

 

Kono held Daoe and tried to reassure the child that his mom was going to be just fine. “It’s hot and I bet he did not eat much. When you don’t eat what you should, you can faint. Do you know what that is?”

Daoe was having none of it. He kept crying and asking for Danny and Kono was quite flustered as to what to do.

“Let me take him,” Kris said. “He can be with his buddies over here and they can take his mind off it.” Daoe went to Kris easily enough and when Kris pretended to act outraged that Danny was taking a nap when he should be filling their plates with food, Daoe stopped crying.

“He’s taking a nap?” Daoe asked, the expression on his sweet face saying he was buying the explanation.

“Yeah! He must be so tired from the Uncles making him cook all that food!! Shame on them! Hey how about if we get some food with the terrible twins?”

“Larkin and Skylar,” Daoe said. He shook his head. “They can be bad.”

“Oh don’t I know it! Trust me! Ok, come on, boys. Let’s get some food!” Ruslan helped Kris corral the twins and they went up to the buffet line.

That left Kono free to go inside to see how Danny was. Adam was with him, and it was funny, she thought, that Adam was treating Danny since Danny was so young he fell into that category of patients.

 

Steve sat on the grass beside the car they’d taken to get to Chin’s. He felt like his whole world was spinning out of control and he did not know how to stop it. A hand on his shoulder made him jump and he instinctively knew it was Burke.

“What’s going on?”

Wow. Steve thought about how to confess to what had transpired several years ago when he and Wade and a couple of other officers participated in Navy Week, a yearly event when officers and enlisted men and women came swarming into the city to let loose for some R&R. He had just the barest of details of his night. They were all dulled and blurred by alcohol and, Steve had later found out, Molly that Nick Taylor had slipped into Steve’s beer.

“Let me just say that if this is my confession, you’d better get some handcuffs.”

“Steve, relax. Nothing is going to happen to you—-“ Burke began but a near hysterical Steve interrupted him.

“I deserve to go to jail! I can barely recall that night but I remember his face. Oh my God his face and the stark realization that he was a fucking child.” Steve paused, stood up suddenly and walked over to a bush where he bent over and puked. When he was done, he swallowed and wiped his mouth with his hand. “Well I’m glad that was just water. No chunks.” He returned to Burke and sat down on the grass again. “I was out of my mind. A buddy of mine and fellow officer slipped an E in my beer. I don’t even know where they picked the kid up but I never saw his face until I was… done… “ Steve covered his face with his hands. “I remember trying to help him but Nick pulled me away and when I would not come, he must have hit me because when I woke up next I was back in my berth on the ship.”

“It was that same young man who fainted just now? You’re sure?” Burke asked.

“The eyes. I’ll never forget the eye colour. You don’t see that on many people. When I saw him that night, he just looked at me, his face all tear stained and sad. Fuck. You know what? I gotta turn myself in. I gotta make this right.”

“We are going to talk about this, Steve. Just wait. Please.”

“Burke, it was wrong and now, well, God knows what a fucking sinner I am so He gives me this kid right here right now, this kid out of my past that I raped and hurt.”

“Would you have done it if you were not under the influence?” Burke asked.

“No! Fuck no! I would never!”

“Then you’re still human. We will talk with the sheriff who incidentally is Chin.”

“The guy who owns the bushes where I just puked? Oh good. He’s gonna love me.” Steve rubbed his hands over his face. “ Danny? That’s his name?”

“Yes. Danny Williams.”

“It’s funny too because another thing I remember there was a woman there… a woman… her name was… oh Geezus what was her name? An old fashioned name.. Clair? No wait.. CLARA! Her name was Clara! And she was like.. “ Steve frowned and looked at Burke suddenly like a lightbulb had gone off. “She said she brought her son… her son there!”

“Why would a mother bring her son to a party with older men?” Burke wondered aloud. “That’s just crazy.”

“But it’s true! I’d swear it under oath. Oh I had no idea he was so damn young. Oh man. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry!” Steve gripped his stomach and rocked back and forth.

“Wait here. I’m going to go see how Danny is doing. I mean it, by the way. Stay.” Burke patted Steve on the back and started to walk away. Steve huddled miserably by the car, wondering what was going to happen in the next few minutes.

 

Danny woke up to the sharp smell of ammonia. He sat up and coughed, then sneezed, then coughed again.

“Sorry about that,” Adam said. “Just sit still. I want to check you out. How are you feeling?”

“Uh…. I’m… ok. Where’s Daoe?” He said in a panic.

“Ruslan and Kris have him and he’s eating something. We told him after he eats he can see you. Are you up for it?”

“Give me a minute.” Danny took a deep breath and squared his shoulders then wiggled around. “I’m ok.” Then he remembered. “Adam! Is that guy here who came with that older couple?”

“Yeah I think so. I mean,” Adam walked out to look over the yard, then returned. “That lady is still here so I imagine the people who came with her are too. Is that why…. I mean… did he make you faint?”

“It’s a long story,” Danny said somewhat defensively.

“Ok. How about I get your little guy in here so he knows you aren’t hurt.”

“Thanks Adam. Also thank you for looking after me.” Danny squeezed Adam’s hand. Adam nodded and disappeared down the hall to go outside.

“Brah!! You did a perfect face plant! Are you ok? What’s going on?” Kono sat on the edge of the couch where Danny had been placed when they’d brought him inside. Danny did not answer right away but sat up and swung his feet down.

“I’m sure I gave my son a scare. Are you sure he’s ok?”

“Daoe is with the twins. You take a minute and get pulled together. Can I ask what happened? Is it because you have not eaten or did you see someone who—-“

“Kono you know I love you but I don’t want to talk about it. Let me just … give me a minute and I’ll be coming out.” Danny sighed and pulled his hair tighter in the ponytail as he adjusted the band. He was trying very hard to not think about the young man whose face he had not seen in nearly 5 years.

“Ok.” Kono kissed his cheek. “I’ll wait for you outside. Oh I see Adam is bringing Daoe.”

“You can stay… especially with him being here.” Danny opened his arms for his son who did not seem to be as bothered as he had been. “You smell like ketchup !”

“I had some on my hot dog!!” Daoe said brightly. “Can we go out and eat now? Larkin made me a bracelet!” He raised his arm so Danny could admire the knotted yarn bracelet.

“That’s a beauty!” Danny stood and waited for Daoe to take his hand.

“Are you ok, Momma?” Daoe asked, his eyes so big and blue.

“I’ll be just fine.” Danny started out towards the back yard. “So the hot dogs are good!?”

“Yes Momma and Chin says he got tofu dogs for you !” Daoe took off for the twins the second they were out of the house. Kris raised his hand to show Danny all was good.

“You ok?” Chin asked. “You dropped like a brick.”

“I’m ok. Wanna throw a tofu dog on the grill?” Danny looked around for the stranger but did not see him. What he did see is the older man who seemed to be with the stranger, and he was steaming Danny’s way. “Chin, do you know this guy?”

“Yeah that’s Burke. You never met him? I’ll introduce you.” Chin came out from around the grill and shook hands with Burke then introduced Danny.

“It’s very nice to meet you, Danny. Would you be adverse to taking a bit of a walk with me for just a little while?”

“Well,” Danny bit his lip and looked towards Daoe who was dancing around with the twins.

“I’ll make sure we keep an eye on Daoe,” Chin said. “Malia has an activity for the little ones. They are going to make a poodle from a pop bottle. Don’t ask I don’t know.”

“Are you sure? Honest I don’t want to be that guy who dumps his kid.”

“We won’t be long,” Burke said.

“Ok. Alright.” Danny walked beside Burke out to the front of the house. There, on the porch, was the stranger. Danny stopped, his heart beating fast, his mind telling him to run but he held his ground. “You know him?”

“I do. If you want to leave, I won’t hold you. I know this must be awfully hard for you.” Burke patted Danny’s back.

Steve stood up and walked down the steps to meet Danny and Burke. He nervously wrapped his arms around himself and waited for Burke to say something but it was Danny who spoke.

“What’s your name?”

“My name.. oh it’s Steve. Steve McGarrett. And you are Danny?” Danny nodded. “Hi. God this is awkward. Look, I know what I did to you. It was wrong on so many levels. I feel like a scum bag right now. I was not in my right mind… another guy with me put a tab of ecstasy in my beer and it was off to the races. If I had been sober I never would have touched you especially with your mother there.”

At that, Danny jerked like he had been shocked. “What? My mother was there?”

“She uh actually uh she told us we could.. she.. uh…” Steve cleared his throat.

“Did she tell you to fuck me? Did she??”

“I remember her saying she’d brought you there to party with us and then she and Nock got together and your mother, Clara, right? “ Danny nodded. “Your mother told us you were 18 and some other nonsense because that’s when the drugs hit.”

“I don’t know if I can forgive you,” Danny said quietly.

“That’s fair.”

“However. You need to know something. You have a son. He’s gonna be 4. And he’s the most amazing little human ever.” Danny shoved his hands into his pockets. “Your next question is gonna be how can I be sure he’s mine. If you want a DNA test then you pay for it and arrange it. But I’ll tell you now! I went through hell for him and he’s my child! Don’t even think for one second you’re gonna take him away!”

“Easy Danny. I have no intentions of that. I guess I would owe you some child support though.”

“Money can’t make everything perfect. I won’t say anything to anyone about you and me. I never wanted to go down that road. It was nice I guess to meet you.” With that, Danny turned around and walked back to the picnic.

Steve looked at Burke. “What am I gonna do now?”

“Now? Well you continue on your sobriety and try to be a good person. Go to therapy. Learn to deal with the pain through conventional means and that does not include drinking or taking pills.” Burke started to go down the sidewalk to out back. “You coming?”

“Really? That’s all you got? I just met the kid I think I raped so many years ago and you think I should just act like I’m ok with it?”

“Well what the hell else are you gonna do?” Steve sighed and caught up with him and they both returned to the picnic.

 

Danny was aware that Steve was watching him and Daoe. He ignored it though he could almost feel Steve’s intense gaze.

“You ok?” Ruslan asked. “You seem distracted?”

“I’m good, sorry Ruslan. Great day for a picnic and now we have a poodle pop bottle. It’s pretty cool though. I mean, look at the poms and head. Malia is amazing and I can’t wait until Daoe has her for his first grade teacher.”

“Excuse me? Danny? I was wondering if o could talk to you for a minute?”

“Yeah. Ruslan, can you…?”

“Yep. On it. They’re just having fun with the bouncy slide. I’ll watch him for you.”

Danny walked beside Steve until they were in a quiet corner of the yard. “What? What do you want?”

“Is he the dark haired little kid with the striped tee shirt on?”

“Yeah. That’s him.” Danny crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“And what’s his name? “

“Daoe Hawthorne Williams.”

“Someone likes literature.” Steve smiled. “He’s really cute. Looks like he plays well with the other kids.”

“You’re not breaking new ground in the attributes department. Do you want to meet him? But don’t you tell him you’re his father. If and that’s a big IF we decide to tell him it will be done in private.”

“I hear you. I really would like to meet him.”

“Fine. You’re an old friend from New Jersey. Got it?” When Steve nodded, Danny jerked his head towards where the kids were playing. “Come on.”

Danny was not sure what to expect when he introduced Steve to Daoe. The child looked Steve up and down then started to ask questions.

“Waz your favorite animal in the whole,” Daoe took a breath, “big huge world?”

“My favourite animal? Uh. A dog I guess.” Steve shrugged.

“Mine is a dog and cat and Rudy and I want to get a pony.” He glanced at Danny who shook his head no. “Ok and here’s one what is your fasaaavourute car? Mine is a Camaro car. And what’s yours?”

“Camaros are nice. I think though I like Porsche convertibles. You know what a convertible is?”

“Top down, baby!” Daoe looked over at Kris who nodded and gave the child a thumbs up. Steve chuckled and then turned the tables.

“My turn to ask you stuff. How old are you?”

“Four. On my birthday in July. Then I am gonna have Uncle Kame make a biiiiggggg cake for me and my friends.”

“Can I come to your party?” Steve asked.

“No cuz I don know you.”

“Ouch. That hurts. How about I get to know you and be your friend?” Steve glanced nervously at Danny who was not letting his emotions show on his face.

“Ok. Sure!!!” Daoe shrugged and tugged on Danny’s hand. “Gotta go pee!”

“Alright come on.” Danny held out his hand. “Say goodbye to Steve.”

“Bye Steve!” And just like that they walked away.

 

Steve met so many people at the picnic, so many that he kind of needed a break to sort out his head and the fact that he had come face to face with the boy he’d raped. The child he fathered was adorable at least he was today. Steve wondered if that was an act or if Daoe was that well behaved all the time.

“Taking a breather?” Burke asked as he found Steve sitting under a tree towards the rear of the yard. “Brought you a water.” He handed Steve a cold bottle.

“Thanks. He is not acting like I’m even here.”

“Would you want him to go crying in a hysterical fashion? People would definitely start asking questions.”

“No I definitely don’t want that.” Steve took a long pull on the water. “He’s cute. I mean, really cute. His hair is long.” Burke was quiet. “I shouldn’t think that should I?”

“It’s good you feel shame and regret. Whether or not he forgives you is up to him.”

“See, these things … they are just hard, man. They are hard to face. But before you say it, I know I have to. I have to just deal with what I’ve done. I never meant to hurt him. Ever. He must have been so scared. “. Steve sighed and stood up. “Are you ready to go?”

“I reckon we can go home. I’ll get Milly.”

Steve started to walk towards the cars but stopped when he heard someone call his name. He turned and to his surprise, he saw Danny hustling up the slope. Steve stopped and waited for Danny to catch up.

“You leaving? Did you get some leftovers?” Danny asked.

“No.. no I didn’t but that’s ok. It was good though,” Steve added hastily. “Danny, I know there’s not a lot I can say to make up what I did to you. I swear if I had been in my right mind I never would have done what I did. I’m so very sorry.”

Danny looked at Steve for a long moment to the point where it was getting uncomfortable before he said anything. “If it makes a difference, I was also given something. My mother, before I ended up at that hotel, she brought me some ice cream. I never got ice cream. Ever. I should have realized it was not right that something was wrong with her being generous. My recollection is hazy. I get glimpses, flashes, scary stuff that makes me scared and angry. We were both the victim of someone else’s manipulations.”

“I really do want to give you money for Daoe. He’s my responsibility, no before you argue,” Steve waved his hands in front of himself, “ I KNOW you’ve raised him. I KNOW I’m a shitty human being but I’d like to help you and him. . Is there anything you need or want? Do you have a car?”

“CAR? You’re offering to buy me a car?” Danny asked.

“Yes. I mean, do you need one?” Steve looked so sincere that Danny soddenly knew he was being genuine.

“I don’t have one. I always use the restaurant van but I suppose a nice solid used car would work well for us. I could take him on some local trips.” Danny frowned and met Steve’s eyes. “You don’t want a DNA test?”

“I think we should only as a definite outcome though I have no doubt if I do the math, that you’re his mom and I am the father. What did you do when you found out you were pregnant?”

“THAT is a topic for another time. Tell you what. I’ll give you my phone number and maybe we could meet up or you could come over. We need to talk.” Danny held his phone up.

For the first time since they had met, Steve felt a glimmer of hope that maybe they could somehow salvage something out of such a horrific beginning. He also knew that it would be a long time until he earned Danny’s trust and he wasn’t sure he wanted to put the work in. Right now, it was enough that Danny did not want to press charges.

“You’ll hear from me!” Steve mock saluted with his phone in his hand and walked rapidly to where Burke and Milly waited. He had never felt such relief as he did at that moment.
********************

Danny worked furiously in the kitchen, sweat gathering on his forehead. He had not felt well that morning but just chalked it up to the leeks he’d tried to eat in the vegan dish he’d had for dinner. Suddenly, he felt something icy cold at the back of his neck and he simultaneously jumped and turned around at the same time.

“What.. why did you do that?” He asked Kamekona who had a bag of frozen peas in his hand.

“Go upstairs and lie down. Before you go, I’ve made you a care package to take with you.”
So that’s what he’d been doing, Danny thought. “You’re sick. Can’t have you handling my food. Go. Now!” There was love in those eyes but Kame’s tone was firm.

“Fine. I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“Adam is coming over. No, don’t you protest! He’s a good doctor and knows all about you. Now go on! E hele!!”

Danny took the bag Kamekona handed him and went upstairs. His apartment was cool which felt good to him in his sweaty state. He took a fast cool shower and pulled on his loungers then peeked in the bag to see what was inside. He pulled out the big bottle of cold water with a nipple top, and the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He would save the other sandwich and banana for later. There was also a cold pack that you broke in half to activate. Danny curled up on the couch and half lay down so he could use the pack on the back of his neck. It felt so good!

It had been three days since the picnic and he had not heard from Steve. Danny sighed and looked at Steve’s number in his phone. Why was it up to Danny to contact Steve!? The man should be falling all over himself that Danny had not pressed charges.

Except, said his little voice, that you were both drugged. What had been his mother’s intent? Why had she served him up like a goose on a platter? Had she known he’d get pregnant? Did she think the soldiers were going to possibly kill him? Why did she hate him so badly?

The sharp pains started half hour later. The first took him off the couch it was so bad. He held his stomach and moaned, wondering if he should call Kamekona to call the ambulance. But then what about Daoe? Danny had talked himself out of it when another pain hit him, this one worse than the first. With shaking hands, Danny pressed Kamekona’s number and when Kamekona answered, Danny tried to speak but nothing came out except a long moan of pain.

 

Steve heard about Danny when Burke got a call from a friend of his who worked in Portsmouth Regional Hospital. The ambulance had arrived with the struggling young man earlier that morning and the prognosis was not good.

“Put your shoes on. We’re going to Portsmouth. Let’s go!” Burke ordered. He and Milly accompanied Steve to the truck and Steve jumped into the driver’s seat. The 50 miles to Portsmouth took less than 45 minutes thanks to some creative and heavy footed driving from Steve and as they pulled into the parking lot, they saw Kamekona and Flippa arrive with Daoe.

“Kamekona!” Burke caught up with the big man. “What have you heard?”

Kamekona was free to answer since Flippa and now Milly were fussing over Daoe while Steve brought up the rear. “Danny is not good. The doctor told us to get here as soon as we could. “

“Had he been sick before?” Burke asked.

“This morning I could see he had a fever and I sent him to his apartment. I had called Adam to come check him… this is my fault. I should have called the ambulance.”

“Kamekona, it’s nobody’s fault. He got sick. You did what you thought would help him and now he’s here to get the help he needs.” Burke followed the little band into the main area.

“I’m going to go ask. Me and Flippa are listed as his next of kin and his medical contacts. I’ll be right back.”

“I wanna see my mommy!” Daoe clung to Flippa, obviously figuring out that this was not a happy time.

“You will, Keiki, soon. Let’s just sit here and look at a book—“

“Don’t wanna! Wanna see my Mommy!!!” Daoe began to cry.

Steve wasn’t sure why he did it but he stepped up and crouched in front of Flippa who was seated with Daoe on his lap. “They have a fish tank over there. I bet I can tell you what the fish are. I’ve owned a few tanks in my time.”

“Over there?” Daoe pointed to the bubbling tank. When Steve nodded, Daoe held out his arms to Steve, who picked him up. “Do you like fishes?”

“I do! Especially with some good crab stuffing and a nice sauce.” Steve teased. That got a bit of a smile. “Ok. Let’s see. Oh, there’s a Tetra. Right there, see? Oh and it looks like a Zebra Darios over here. A couple of guppies, right there. A gouramis oh two of them…. A couple of platies… ohhh a white cloud minnow! “

“You know a LOT! How come?” Daoe patted Steve’s hand. The child smelled like bubble gum and coconut shampoo. He was also relaxed as he leaned against Steve.

“I was in the Navy and I like to snorkel to see the fish. We also had tanks when I grew up and I got to choose the fish. Would you like a goldfish?”

“Mommy says no other pets besides Rudy.” Daoe shook his head.

“Who is Rudy?” Steve asked.

“He’s a Guinea Pig! He’s real nice too. He’s got a ball and he rolls around in it!” Daoe was all smiles now and Steve wasn’t sure why but he was happy that he could at least distract him.

“Rudy sounds like he’s very nice. We can work on your mom about getting a goldfish.” Steve winked. Daoe nodded and looked up at Steve so trusting and it was all Steve could do to catch his breath. The boy was the cutest child Steve had ever seen and ok maybe he was biased. He spontaneously kissed Daoe on the forehead and held him close. “Your Mommy is going to be ok.”

They had to believe that. They just had to believe.

Notes:

Cliffie wonderful Cliffie!!

Chapter 4: Getting To Know You

Summary:

Daoe and Steve bond.

…’God I wish I was home
Laying 'round with my friends
The call of the wild
Caution thrown to the wind
The fall of the child
Where the longing begins
All good things got to come to an end….’
—All Good Things/Jackson Browne

 

Dr. Abby Dunn had seen some unforgettable cases in her years as first a practicing OB/GYN and now as an OB/GYN Plus Carrier Care, but this topped them all. She hit the swinging doors with the balls of her hands as hard as she could, satisfied in the noise the door made.
“Who admitted Williams? Who was the attending in the ER?”

A few people looked at each other and finally, a woman, Dr. Greenfield, spoke up. “Me. It’s acute appendicitis and I —-“

“It is NOT acute appendicitis! Why weren’t you alerted when you read his history? He’s a Carrier. High fever. Sharp abdominal pains. A rash on his abdomen and groin!! How clear do the symptoms have to be to know it’s NOT appendicitis!”

“Well to be honest, I don’t know about Carriers. He’s the first.” She looked rather smug.

“Then you should have sent for me! You KNOW I’m the physician who can treat Carriers. At the very Goddamn least you could have called me! But you didn’t and wasted valuable time! Dr. Greenfield! If that boy loses his life it’s on you!” Abby whirled around and left the same way she’d come in, fists opening the doors. Back up to ICU she went and into the area where Danny Williams lay, fully intubated and on a respirator to assist his breathing. His temperature had come down thank God but was still hovering in the danger zone.

He was so pretty in the unconventional way Carriers were. They lacked the sharpness of a male and certainly the body hair. Typically, they were shorter and while still wiry less muscular than most men. Even their skin was different in that it was soft and more prone to break outs.

Danny Williams had no such breakouts and the most striking part about him, besides his well toned lithe body was his eye colour. She would put it somewhere between aqua and light blue but it was different. It set him apart.

Still, whoever his parents were, and she was just waiting to meet them, they were going to get an earful on his general neglect and how he was missing a crucial supplement.

“Dr. Dunn? I’ve got Danny Williams family in a room. Would you have time to speak to them?”

“Of course, Lori. Thank you.”

Abby followed the charge nurse and knocked once on the door to the patient lounge. She entered the room expecting to see parents but what she saw threw her completely off. Looking from two large men to a very good looking young man holding a child to an older couple, she tried to make sense.

“I’m Kamekona and this is my cousin Flippa. Danny lives above our restaurant and we’ve always looked out for him. Is he gonna be ok?”

“I’m Burke, my wife Milly, our friend Steve and this little guy is Daoe, Danny’s son.” Burke waited for Abby to say something.

“How old is that child?” She asked.

“He’s 4. Gonna be 4.” Steve answered. Daoe regarded Abby for a moment then leaned back into Steve, pressing his face against Steve’s chest.

“So you’re Danny’s mate?”

Everyone was looking at Steve now and he felt his ears start to burn from blushing. “Not mates. Uh we just reconnected. I just found out about,” Steve jerked his head in Daoe’s direction.

“I see. Well I’m not sure I want to discuss in front of the child,” Abby said softly.

“I’ll take Daoe out. My cousin will explain stuff to me.” Flippa picked up Daoe and started for the door. “Let’s go look at those fish again, and discuss a goldfish. Do you think Rudy would like that?” The door closed behind them.

“Is it bad?” Steve heard himself ask. Fear gripped his heart. He’d just found Danny. What was going to happen to Daoe? How could anyone explain to him what happened to his mother?

“It’s not good. “ she let that sink in. “Who lives with Danny?”

“Danny lives with his son in an apartment above the restaurant. Did it make him sick? Something about the cooking smells? We have a big system to take that out of the building!” Kamekona looked close to tears.

“No no nothing like that. So he lives alone with his son. No parents?” She looked at their faces. “I’ll take that as a no. Ok,” she sighed, as it had been a long day already. “Danny has what is known as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. His whole reproductive tract is infected, probably because he has no trace of the proper maintenance hormones and amino acids he needs for health. This happens in Carriers, and since he’s already had a baby, this makes him more vulnerable. Nobody thought to take him to an OB/GYN? I take it that’s a no and certainly if he was a private person your request would not be met well.”

“I’m so sorry,” Kamekona said, breaking into tears. Steve felt bad too so he patted Kamekona on the back and gave him some tissues from the box at the table.

“I apologize for coming in heavy handed. I can see none of you are responsible for him as far as that is concerned. I’m shocked that the hospital where he gave birth did not follow up.”

“He had the baby in one of those places where they try to get you to give your baby up. His mother and father kicked him out of the house when they found out he was pregnant.” Kamekona dabbed at his eyes. “Please tell me he will be ok, Doctor.”

“We will certainly try very hard.” Abby managed a smile but it was more like a grimace. “Ok, we will keep you posted. He’s getting very good care.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Steve opened the door for her. “Thank you from all of us.”

Suddenly it was a big deal to care. A big deal and a right to hope and pray Danny beat this thing.

“I wonder when we can see him.” Steve said. “I’ll ask her.” Steve followed Abby and caught up with her before she returned to the ICU. “Hi. When can we see him?”

“One person at a time. 10 minutes max. Visiting hours are from now until 1. That gives you a half hour.”

“Thank you.”

Kamekona went first, then Flippa, and finally, they decided Steve could go. Danny had not reacted at all yet and Abby surmised he was just trying his best to fight the effects of the inflammation. Daoe was ruled out mainly because Danny had the tubes and the mouthpiece on his face and yet Steve knew the little boy wanted to see his mom.

“I’ll take a photo!” Steve said. “I’ll take a photo of him and you can keep that photo near to you.”

“He’s gonna see Danny—-“ Burke began.

“Filters.” Steve picked Daoe up and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be out really soon with that photo just for you from your mom.”

“Ok.” Daoe watched Steve leave and then got up on Kamekona’s lap to wait.

Steve sat beside Danny’s bed and tried to ignore the whoosh of the machine. It had been a long time since he’d been in a hospital either as a patient or seeing someone. Gently, he held Danny’s hand, feeling the callouses from holding and using a knife and spatula. Danny looked so small in the bed, with the machines around him.

“Daoe sends his love. He’s scared and worried. We all are.” Steve lightly stroked Danny’s hand. And stopped. Danny was returning the grip; although not strong, it was there!!! Steve said a little prayer of happiness and kept holding his hand. “I’ll make sure Rudy gets fed. And Daoe. You just get better ok?” Another squeeze. “Oh hey I’m gonna take your photo and somehow filter out the stuff on your face. I think I can do it. It’s for Daoe.” Steve snapped a couple of photos with his free hand.

“Sir? Visiting hour is over.”

“I gotta go. I’ll see you again later on. You do your best to get better ok?” Steve gave Danny’s hand one final squeeze and followed the nurse out. In the hall, he messed around with his phone until the filter had erased the mouthpiece. It was a bit wonky but he did not think Daoe could tell.
“Hey little guy! Here’s your mom!”

Daoe solemnly took Steve’s phone, holding it with both hands and looked at the photo. Then he kissed the screen and started to cry.
********************

“Is he asleep?” Kamekona asked.

“He is. I thought he was not going to shut his eyes but two stories did him in.” Steve sat down on the couch. “I have no experience raising a child. Or being with one. But he’s easy.”

“You say that now, brah.” Kamekona stood and winced. It had been a long day and the hospital chairs were unforgiving. Everyone had kind of limped out of the waiting room. “You have my number. Just… be yourself with him.”

“Yeah ok. I will.” Steve walked Kamekona to the door feeling the panic start. “What if I goof up?”

“He will let you know. Good night.”

Steve leaned against the door and looked at the duffel with his clothes and toiletries that Burke had dropped off earlier. They had all nominated him to look after Daoe even though Steve had tried to protest.

He heard a chitter chatter from Rudy so he placed the piggy back into his cage from the rolling ball. Rudy attacked the food Steve had left for him, a definite plus that he could placate an animal. Keeping the volume down low, Steve watched some tv but when the news came on, he was tired and fighting sleep. He changed into his lounge pants and tee and curled up under some blankets, on the sectional. Within a minute, he was asleep.

 

Danny was awake. He had a terrible feeling that he was being invaded, and his hands flew to the apparatus in his mouth. Someone pushed his hands away and held them down, which caused him to panic and thrash trying to get away!

“Shhhhh Danny look at me. Look at me I’m your doctor. My name is Abby and I’m going to take that out of you but you have to lie still. Don’t fight us. You’re ok. You’re ok.” She caressed his cheek and he nodded and relaxed. “First thing we have to do is position you. The nurse is going to help you sit upright against the head. Just let him lift you up. There. Good.” Danny opened his eyes and looked at her. Abby smiled. “There you are. Ok second step. We are going to remove the strap here like this and Will is going to use the suction to help get any fluid. There you go. Good job. I bet you’re excited seeing what comes next. I’m going to ask you to take a deep breath and as you exhale I’ll take out the tube. Are you ready?” Danny nodded. “Ok. Deep breath. Exhale.” Abby deflated the balloon cuff at the end of the tube. “ All done.”

Danny felt around his mouth and then he smiled just a little at the same time as he started to cry.

“I know. It’s awful but you are going to be just fine. your temperature is down and your vitals are steady and strong. How are you feeling?”

“ok,” Danny rasped. “Where’s … Daoe?”

“It’s late so I would imagine he is at home. Your boyfriend was going to stay with him, st least that’s what he said.”

“My boyfriend?” Dsnny wondered who they were talking about. “Steve? Steve was gonna stay with Daoe?” Danny felt the waves of panic hit.

“Danny? Please calm down. You need to rest and relax so you can feel better. I’d like Sunny here to evaluate your physical level to see if we can let you get up to use the bathroom. Can you work with her?”

“What’s wrong with me?” Danny asked, confused and feeling overwhelmed.

“you have,” Abby said indicated for the PT person to wait, “a thing called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. We are lucky I guess you’d say because we were able to help you. Had you gone on a few more days we might not be having a conversation.” Abby hastily continued because Danny had started to cry again, big tears rolling down his cheeks. “But here you are. We are keeping you until we are sure we have a good handle on getting rid of that infection but I’ll tell you now you’ll need a recuperation period. So. Sunny will let me know if we leave the catheter in or take it out. I’ll be back very soon.”

Danny watched his doctor leave then looked at the young lady standing beside his bed. He gave her a little wave and she smiled and began to ask him some questions. During their time together, he got out of bed and used a walker to steady himself. She walked beside him as they walked a bit down the hall.

“Good news!” Sunny said as Danny got back into bed. “I’ll tell her to remove that thing. Danny, I’ll be back in a few hours to work out with you a bit.”

“Ok. Thank you.” Danny leaned back and closed his eyes; he was exhausted and sweaty but felt fortunate he had even woke up. He looked for his phone but it wasn’t anywhere around. “Damn.” He was going to call the nurse to ask her if she had his phone but a wave of exhaustion engulfed him and he fell back asleep.

 

“Wake up!”

Steve jumped off the couch and felt his heart hammering in surprise and shock at being woke up so suddenly. “Daoe! What time…” Steve grabbed his watch from the end table but before he could look, Daoe answered his question.

“Eight. You sleep a long time. We gotta change Rudy and go see my mom.” Daoe pointed to the piggy who was curled up asleep.

“Change… you mean the cage? Change the cage? I don’t know how to do that!”

“I’ll show you. We gotta get up and take a shower. I don’t get a bath in the morning.” Daoe walked over to the bedroom and pointed in the direction of the bathroom. “Come on! I need help!”

“what did I sign up for?” Steve muttered as he folded the blankets and placed them aside. “Do you know what to wear?”

“I can’t reach. You gotta get my underwear out and my shirt. My pants are in the bottom drawer.” Daoe led Steve to the child’s bedroom and pointed to the dresser. “In there.”

“Alright. Let’s see what we can find.” Steve pulled out a pair of light blue underwear trimmed in white. “Do you wear diapers or anything? Huggies?”

Daoe looked horrified and Steve mentally kicked himself. Apparently the child did not wear diapers or pull ups. “No way! I am potty trained to go to the bathroom. Just underwear!”

“Sorry! I don’t know anything about kids. Uh these blue socks? How about this uh dog tee—“

“Paw Patrol. Yes! And my blue pants in the bottom.”

“Blue pants…” Steve pulled a pair of jeans out of the nicely folded pile. “These!?”

“Ok. Now a shower. Come on I already pooped.”

“Thank God for that,” Steve said, doing a mock sign of the cross. “Do I uh scrub you?”

“You wash my hair and help me.”

“Ok I got this. Let me uh just take my shirt off here so I don’t get it soaked.” The sound of Daoe squealing had Steve reaching for his shirt again.

“You got tats! Look! I wanna see!”

“Well ok.” Steve took off his shirt once more and the child looked in awe at Steve’s arms and shoulders where he had a big tat each, and his pecs where he had a gecko on one and a sunrise on the other. Daoe looked at them with a serious look on his face. “They all mean something to me.”

“Momma has them on his hands. Ok I’m ready.” Daoe stripped out of his pajamas and pointed to the faucet. “Gotta turn these on so it’s warm.”

Steve somehow got through the next 10 minutes with a passing grade. Daoe wasn’t too fussy except with his hair and after he got dressed, Steve was left with the task of combing the boy’s hair, as it was long and hung past his shoulders. The conditioner had left it tangle free so he could comb it without pulling, and afterwards, Daoe showed him where the bandies were. The ponytail was kind of off kilter but Daoe was ok with it.

“Ok, kiddo, I’m going to shower and shave and then I’ll be out. Can you just sit and play or whatever.”

“I can use the iPad during this time.”

“Ok sure uh do you know the code?” Steve gave Daoe the iPad and received a withering look in return. “I’ll take that as a yes. Ok I won’t be long.”

Steve showered and as he did a quick swipe of his whiskers, he thought about how hard Danny must have had it to raise a child on his own. Although Daoe was pretty independent, and it seemed like he had a set routine, he was still a child and needed assistance in everything. Steve hoped someone could take over the babysitting maybe this afternoon.

“Ok. Now what? Does your mom have a coffee pot?” Steve walked out to the kitchen.

“No.”

“Uh I see.. so what’s he uh drink?” Steve opened the cupboards and saw canisters of tea. “Oh.” He shut the cupboard door and opened the refrigerator. “Eggs. Lots of uh vegetables. Yogurt. Does your mom have any bacon?”

“Mom is a vegan.”

“Oh great. What do you eat?” Steve sighed and shut the fridge door.

“Pancakes. Eggs. Sometimes oatmeal.” Daoe climbed up on his chair.

“I uh don’t know how to make that stuff. Never uh never learned to cook. Tell you what,” Steve took out his phone. “I’ll order Door Dash!”

“What’s that?”

“Just tell me if the restaurant downstairs is gonna be open?” Steve asked hopefully. That would solve a lot of problems. When Daoe shook his head no, Steve groaned. “Door Dash it is.”

 

They took the catheter out and brought Danny breakfast. It was eggs, bacon, toast and jelly and coffee. He nibbled at the toast and sent the rest back. The nurse did bring him his phone but it needed charged so she found a charge cord and plugged it in. She also told him they were going to transfer him to a regular room.

Danny called Kamekona first thing. He gave him a list of items he wanted from home and asked Kamekona to bring Daoe in later. Kame agreed and said he was so relieved and happy that Danny was feeling much better.

It was time to call Steve now. Steve answered on the first ring but it sounded like he was chewing.

“Are you eating? What did you fix my son for breakfast?”

“Good morning. How are you? How are things? Yes I’m fine and so is Daoe. Yes the piggy’s cage got cleaned. We are eating crepes from the Yum Yum Bowl. Mine is crab with vegetables and Daoe has an egg and cheese. We are also dining on breakfast potatoes and for dessert, there’s a nice gooey pastry to share. So. How are you?”

Danny frowned and tried to figure out why Steve was so relaxed. It wasn’t like he knew Daoe well. “Is my son behaving?”

“Absolutely! He’s easy.”

“So says you. He’s rolled out the good kid persona.” Dsnny sighed. “I take that back. He’s such a good boy. Listen, I have lots of stuff for him and you to eat—“

“Dsnny, true confession? I can’t cook.”

“Oh Steve.” Danny chuckled.

“Was that a laugh? Did I get a laugh out of you? Do you want to talk to your son? Here he is!” Steve gave Daoe his phone but the child could not hold it so Steve asked Dsnny to go to face time and set the phone up so they could see each other. Daoe began to cry and Steve saw Danny was too so he started to talk about Rudy and how Rudy had pooped in Steve’s hands and that brought a little levity to where they could talk to each other.

“What are you eating?” Danny asked so Daoe showed him. “Wow! Looks good! I miss you so much but I’m getting better. I’ll be home soon.”

“Steve gonna watch me?”

“Oh I don’t know—-“ Danny said, eyes flickering to Steve.

“No worries. I can. I’m not working and I think we got things figured out.”

“Can you bring him in to see me?” Danny asked.

“Was planning on it. Burke called and said he’s gonna be by to pick us up and Kamekona said I can have Daoe’s booster seat. He has a booster seat?”

“Steve, he does not weigh enough not to have one. He’s only gonna be 4 so he’s technically a toddler.”

“I’m a big kid!” Daoe said taking offense to being called a toddler.

“Yes you are but you still gotta ride on your seat. Steve, I’d ask Kamekona to look after him but they have the restaurant and Daoe goes to Bible School every day so you’ll have to put him on the bus. “

“Wait what?” Steve asked but just then, the cousins arrived and Daoe was off to greet them.
“Dsnny? What bus?”

“Just bring him in to see me please. Thank you for doing this. I’ll be out soon. See you later.” Danny ended the conversation and Steve was left dumbly staring at the blank screen.

 

“It’s not like he’s hard to watch! He’s pretty easy because of the routine and all that but I can’t cook and he eats uh he eats stuff I don’t even know how to uh even make. How can I do this? A bus? Put him on the bus? I am in way over my head.” Steve ran a hand through his dark wavy hair and bit his lip. “The doctor says when Danny comes home he requires rest and no stairs. He’s got stairs leading to his apartment!”

Burke watched Steve pace back and forth in the waiting room. They’d be last in to see Danny who looked like a pale angel in Kamekona’s words.

“Well, Steve, you can bring Daoe and Rudy to your house. You’ve got an elevator. No stairs, and Milly could cook him his vegan food. We’d help you with Daoe.”

Steve stopped and looked at Burke, the light bulb going off. “Oh my God! That’s a wonderful idea! And there’s stuff for the little guy to do. I could take him down to the beach!”

“You could. We can set up that single bed in the one bedroom for him. There’s plenty for him to do.”

“I told Danny I’d be back to talk to him after everyone leaves. He’s a popular kid. Lots of people have come to see him.” Steve sat down and glanced at Burke. “Ok quit looking like I told you so. Or whatever that look is.”

“What?” Burke acted innocent. “You’re getting a crash course, Steve.”

“You know, I feel better than I have in ages. Clear headed and …. Aware. So thank you. I haven’t even thought about a drink.”

“I’m glad for that, Steve. I really am. You weren’t so far in the trenches you know but you were headed that way. I still want you to go to therapy, or counseling. You need to talk about what happened, with someone qualified to help you.”

“I will. I promise.” Steve crossed his heart. Funny but he actually DID feel pretty good. Taking Danny and Daoe to the estate would really help in so many ways. He’d have Burke and Milly to fall back on and the cooking problem would be solved. Maybe he could also get to know Danny a bit better.

“We are all leaving,” Kono said. “Danny wants to see you but he’s flagging down so make it quick.”

“Yep ok.” Steve hurried down the hall and into Danny’s regular room where Chin was just saying goodbye. Steve waited patiently then brought a chair back over and sat down. “You definitely overdid. You’re so pale.”

“It’s all good.” Danny waved a hand. “Daoe fell asleep.” Danny looked down at the boy who was sprawled beside Danny on the bed. “Please Steve. Take good care of him. I worry—/“

“Listen. I want to take him to my house. Him and Rudy. Milly, she’s an excellent cook. He’d have his own room and he can catch the bus or I can take him to wherever that place is. And when you’re released, you can come there too. Now don’t protest. You can’t be alone. You can’t do steps. You need rest. I have an elevator and you and Daoe can enjoy the beach even if it’s just to sit on the porch and look. I’m … I’m not doing this out of anything but care. Care and concern for you. “

Danny looked like he was going to protest but ultimately it was too much. He simply nodded. “You need to take his vitamins from the rounder on the table and Rudy’s stuff. Please take some toys and his favorite blanket and his sippie cup and divided plate. Do you want me to send a list to your phone?”

“I’m typing as you speak.” Danny continued and by the time he was done, Steve could tell Danny wanted to sleep. “Ok. I’m gonna go. We will face time you tonight.” Steve picked Daoe up and the child woke up. “Tell your Mom goodbye and you’ll see him after Bible School tomorrow.”

“I miss you!” Daoe clung to Dsnny who was also crying. Steve stroked Danny’s forehead.

“We can come back and soon your Mom is coming home. Danny, talk to you later.” Steve wrangled Daoe who blew kisses at Danny. “See you tomorrow!”

“Bye you two! Stay out of trouble!” Danny collapsed on the pillow. He was exhausted and achy. Today had taken the piss out of him and all he wanted to do was close his eyes and rest.

 

Once Steve returned to Danny’s he and Burke helped each other pack up what they thought they’d need, including the contents of the fridge and some of the tea. Rudy was happy to stay in his cage and look around in the car while Daoe was scared but excited. They had brought Danny’s clothes and his quilt and the stuffed rabbit off his bed.

“My house is right next to the lake,” Steve said. “I think you’ll like it. “

“Do you have a pony?”

“No we don’t have any pets.” Steve looked over at Burke. “Maybe we should get a puppy.”

“Maybe you could rescue a couple of dogs from the shelter.” Burke answered.

“Huh. Never thought of that,” Steve mused. “Ok here we go. What do you think?”

“Looks like a biiiiiig house!” Daoe said. “I’ll get lost!”

“I promise you won’t. Ok. Let’s get you into the house and the car unpacked.”

Since it was Sunday, the threesome were not there. Milly was though and she welcomed the boy with a big hug and the promise to make him spaghetti for dinner. When they showed him what was to be his bedroom he paused and looked over at Steve.

“What? You don’t like it!?”

“I’m scared.” Daoe ran over to Steve and hugged Steve’s legs.

“How about if you sleep in my room then. We can move your bed right into the room until your Mom comes here.”

“Yes ok!” Daoe let go and ran to put his toys out around the room. Suddenly he saw a few things Milly had ordered for him and Target had delivered. One was a big model pirate ship complete with plastic action figures of pirates. There were learning books with stickers and a couple of books for him to read. And there was a Hot Wheels garage with extra cars. “Look Steve!!!”

“Those are very cool!!! Wow! How about if we set your bed up and then we can take a walk? We can play with this stuff later.” Steve suggested and to his surprise Daoe did not quibble.

They put the twin bed into Steve’s spacious bedroom and stashed Danny’s stuff in the next room over. Steve dressed Daoe in his jacket and they went outside to walk along the beach where Steve held the boy’s hand.

“I’m not letting go. You can’t pick up all the stuff you see!” Steve laughed. “Come on. Let’s go back. It’s getting chilly and we are having spaghetti!!” Steve raised Daoe to sit on his shoulders and held his legs as they ambled back to the house. And as they walked, Steve wondered how he was so lucky to be in his son’s life. There was a reason he was here and if this was it, then it was enough.

Notes:

There are still some peaks and valleys to come.

Chapter 5: Secrets

Summary:

*WARNING if anyone is triggered by violence or violent events please skip this chapter

….’Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Drenched in my pain again
Becoming who we are
As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost….’
—Wake Me Up When Sept Ends/Green Day

 

Daoe got on the bus and turned once to wave to Steve. The little boy had been sad that morning, missing his Mom, and had had a very restless night. Steve also did not sleep much because he was so aware of Daoe. Steve had given him the option of not going to Bible School but Daoe wanted to be with his friends and knew the teachers were going to take them on a boat ride, so he opted to go. As Steve stepped back to watch the bus pull away, a child, who looked to be around 10 years old, stuck her tongue out at him and made the sign of a fist moving upwards.

“That’s hardly holy Bible School conduct,” Steve muttered, happy to not have any part in being around her. He went back to the house where Kawika was waiting and changed from flip flops to his trainers. They were going to run the trails and afterwards, Steve was going to go see Danny.

While Steve was running and Daoe was getting ready to go on a boat ride, Danny was getting PT. He’d taken a shower and that had wiped him out but he gave the therapy a hundred percent. As he sat in his bed again, he wondered if it was too early to check on Daoe. He hoped his boy had gone to the program but there had been so much upheaval lately, Danny would not blame him if he did not go.

Over his breakfast, which was eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit and juice, he contemplated calling Steve. Carefully he picked at the pancake, ate the fruit and drank the juice. He’d told them over and over that he was vegan but the doctor wanted him to eat more protein.

“Good morning, Danny.” Abby breezed into Danny’s room and lifted the cloche on the tray. “You hardly ate. You do realize that you’ll remain weak if you don’t eat. I can’t let you go home if you’re weak.”

“Doc, I just can’t eat that stuff. I have not eaten eggs or bacon in years and I’m not going to now. I’ll ask my friend to bring me some food and I’ll eat that. Please. I want to go home.” Danny swallowed the tears and the lump in his throat so he would not look so emotional. “Am I almost done getting IVs?”

“I’ll talk to the kitchen. We can see what we can do for you. And no you have a full course of IVs today. Were you feeling sick in any way before you collapsed?”

“Uh just felt really tired. I guess I had a fever. I dunno. I’m not good at gauging how I should feel.”

“You honestly could have died. I want you to know that you came very very close. When you’re released, you’ll start on a regime of hormones and amino acids in the shape of protein powders as the vessel and you’ll get pills on a wheel. Also, are you aware you have intensive internal scarring from your pregnancy and birth? It’s a good bet you won’t be able to have children in the future. I’m so sorry.” She squeezed his hand and he shrugged.

“One time is enough for me. I never received any kind of post birth care.”

“Well, nothing is set in stone. We are still running a few tests on you just so I can further evaluate the damage it took on your body. But Danny, I know you love your son and he’s the light of your life.” She paused. “You know, I was wondering if we could draw blood from him? There’s a nagging question in the back of my mind and I would like to find the answer.”

“I’m not sure how he will react,” Danny said. “He hates his vaccines. I suppose I could have Steve bring him here and you could draw the blood while he’s with me.”

“Perfect. Let me know when he’s coming.” She patted Danny’s hand. “You just rest. You did so well at PT. When you are released you’ll be strong enough to function well, but you gotta eat!”

When she was gone, Danny called Steve who filled him in on Daoe’s morning (Milly had made him waffles which he loved) and he’d worn his favorite Paw Patrol shirt. They had arranged for Steve to pick up Daoe at school and bring him in to see Danny around 2:30, so Danny passed that info on to the nurses.

 

“Look, Steve, I got a picture of me and my class on the boat! See?”

Steve crouched down as Daoe leaned against him and gave him the photo. The group photo was done by, Steve presumed, a professional photographer and it showed the entire lot on the tour boat. Everyone looked happy except the girl on the bus who had given Steve the obscene gesture.
“You look amazing! So happy! Did you have a good time?”

“Yes! We saw turtles! Can we get a turtle?” Daoe let Steve put him in his seat.

“No turtles. They are a lot of work plus they have a lot of germs. Better to just see them in ponds and stuff. Ok. Ready to see Mom? We are going to stop and get him some Vegan food to eat with him there.”

“Oh boy! That will be fun!” And Daoe was off to the races about everything and everyone. Steve listened and encouraged Daoe to talk. It was nice the boy felt so comfortable with Steve and Steve, in turn, felt comfortable with the child.

Nearly an hour later, armed with take away from the vegan restaurant Green Elephant, Steve and Daoe walked hand in hand down the hall towards Danny’s room. Steve liked it that the place was so clean. The patients seemed well cared for and there was just a low odor of bleach.

“Daoe! Oh come here!! I’ve missed you!” Danny held his arms open and Daoe, with some help from Steve was on the bed and in his mother’s arms. “What is that smell? Chinese?”

“There’s a vegan place here and I got us dinner. Or lunch. Or both kinda.” Steve set the bag down. “Also, your son was the subject of surveillance.” Steve handed a shocked Dsnny the photo.

“Oh funny. Ha ha. I thought you were serious. What’s this? The boat ride? There you are! How were the twins?”

“Good! We all got popsicles.” Daoe snuggled next to Danny.

“What’s the deal on the girl with the red hair? She uh kind of told me to uh shove it this morning when I put Daoe on the bus.”

“Her?” Daoe pointed to the scowling pre teen. When Steve nodded, Daoe sighed dramatically.

“Here we go,” Danny muttered.

“Well. She’s always in a bad mood and she swears and everything but I don’t think she has a lot of you know no money and she’s sad.” Daoe pointed to the food bag, but just then, a nurse came in, pushing her phlebotomy cart.

“Daoe. I know you don’t like needles but we really need you—“ Danny began.

“No no no no not that no please!!” Daoe began to cry.

“Daoe?” Steve said softly. “Listen. I’m scared of needles too. I’ll get my blood taken with you. We can be blood buddies.”

“What? You’re scared too?” Daoe asked.

“Yes! Terrified! So scared! So I’ll hold your hand if you hold mine!” Steve looked at the technician who was smiling. “Can you give me a dummy?”
She winked and nodded.

Sure enough, the ruse worked. Steve got his arm tied off just like Daoe, and when the woman inserted the needle into Daoe, she drew the blood and then turned to Steve who was acting ‘brave’ and used a syringe without a needle. She pulled a random bottle from her tray and announced to Steve that she was successful. He acted relieved and he and Daoe hugged, survivors of the blood draw.

Danny was amazed. Steve was really inventive and quick with his son. Who would have ever thought that?

“Ready to eat?” Steve asked setting the bag on the rolling tray.

They feasted on deep fried spring rolls, veggie dumplings, soy nuggets with chili sauce, brown rice with pineapple, Thai ginger noodles, veggie citrus spareribs, crispy flat bread with vegan cheese and seasoned mushrooms and greens, and green curry with vegetables. Danny ate very well; Daoe loved the spring rolls and dumplings.

While Steve cleaned up the food, Danny had more visitors. The cousins arrived then Kono and Fong and finally Kris. Steve found himself fitting in. It was easy to talk to them and they did not pry.

“Are we having a party?” Abby asked as she knocked and came into the room.

“The truth is, Doc, we were just leaving. Thank you for keeping our Danny on the fast track to wellness.” Kamekona bowed.

“It’s been my pleasure.” She waited while Danny said goodbye to everyone then pulled up a chair by the bed. Steve sat in a chair on the other side and held a sleepy Daoe on his lap. “Steve, thank you for helping our phlebotomist with the draw. Very clever.”

“I’m glad it all worked out,” Steve admitted.

“Ok but let me be upfront about why I wanted the blood. From Daoe. This is going to be hard to hear, Danny, so if you want, we have counselors at the ready.”

“Just tell me!” Danny said. His eyes were wide and he felt his heart beating faster.

“Your screens tested positive for mercury poisoning. Just you, not Daoe. So it happened before you had the baby but there are residual indicators that we can remedy by giving you something called chelators, medicines that remove metal from your body.”

“What?!?!” Steve asked, barely able to keep the anger out of his tone. “How would he get that? Do you eat a lot of sushi?”

“No! No I never ate the fish kind! Only when I was a little kid. Sometimes my mother just gave me a can of tuna to eat. But I did not eat that much out of the can!” Danny searched Abby’s face. “Was I deliberately poisoned?”

“How could that be—-“ Steve asked but Abby pointed to Daoe and held her finger to her lips.

“Because there is just a trace of it left, and I wouldn’t have found it had we not run such a thorough blood screen, we can get rid of it. It’s been a while since you saw your … parents?” Abby asked.

“It has been. My mother came to see me right after I had him. I did not eat or accept anything from her to eat and she brought nothing but a Bible and some holy water that she dumped on me. Why did they hate me so much? Why?”

Steve had had enough. Clearly, Danny was feeling the weight of his past on his young shoulders and from a visit that had started out upbeat it was now disintegrating into madness and anger.

“Doc, I believe we are done talking about this right now. I’m not sure he can take much more and I’d like him to get the rest he needs as I’m sure you would.”

“I understand. I just wanted him to know. I’m going to talk to the police about this. The woman tried to kill her son. She deserves to go to jail!” Abby left them alone, but the atmosphere in the room was still heavy.

“Daoe, tell your Mom what you and I did last night.” The child perked up. He faced Danny who put on a game face to listen.

“We got a Hot Wheels garage and we fixed up all kinds of cars and the … “. He looked at Steve for the word and Steve told him. “LIFT goes up and down like a real car garage! And Rudy got to go out in his ball!”

“Steve, thank you. Daoe seems really happy.”

“He’s adorable and I really like being around him. But YOU,” Steve touched the tip of Danny’s nose which made Danny laugh, “need to get better. So we will say goodnight. I gave the nurse your dinner for later and some vegan cookies we bought for you. We will face time later.”

“Steve. Really. Thank you.”

“See you tomorrow.” Steve spontaneously kissed Danny on the cheek and lifted Daoe down so he could do the same.

 

“Steve? How come butterflies don’t live too long?” Daoe swayed back and forth as he waited for the bus. He’d eaten well because Milly had made egg muffins with cheese and he really liked those.

“I think,” Steve said, “butterflies are so beautiful that if they lived a really long time people would not notice them and nobody would see their colours. By living only a little while, it’s special to see them. They have a big purpose in making people happy.”

“Oh. Ok. Can we play garage again tonight? Or maybe pirate ship?” Daoe pointed to the bus. “Oh no here it is!” Then he started to giggle. Steve was pleased Daoe was in a good mood. He’d slept better and that had given Steve time to rest and sleep too.

Daoe waved to the bus driver and happily scampered back to sit with the twins and one of Kawika’s boys. The aide gave Steve an envelope, waved and as she shut the door, the girl in the front flipped Steve off. He watched as the bus rolled out of sight, shaking his head at the child’s vulgarity.

“So it’s an invitation to participate in the afternoon tea they are having at the school,” Steve told Danny by phone. “It’s Friday.”

“Abby says I’m coming home Thursday. We could go!”

“Wow I’m so happy you’re getting sprung!! I’ll come pick you up when you’re released but ok I’ll put down 2 will attend on Friday.” Steve marked the paper with a ‘2’ and put it back in the envelope. “Danny, that girl flipped me off this morning.”

“What? You sure?”

“Oh there was no doubt. She’s a real gem she is. Ok look I’ll bring Daoe in later and we will stop and get you something from that place with the smoothies.”

“Sounds good. Oh my PT person is here! Gotta go! See ya!”

“See ya.” Steve stood for a moment, phone in his hand and when it rang again it startled him. It was Doris checking on him. They chatted for a few minutes though it was mostly her telling him about all the events she was heading and chairing and how she hoped he was straightening out. Steve was vague and did not mention Danny or Daoe and by the time he was done with the conversation, it felt like a lot of empty words had passed between them.

 

Later that day, he carried Daoe down the hall, the boy a lightweight in his arms, and in the other hand he carried a bag with a PB&Joy smoothie made of Peanut butter, banana, ginger root, nutmeg, unsweetened almond milk and chocolate protein powder; a grain bowl of Thai chilled noodles which were Chilled gluten free soba noodles (or sub warm grains and mixed greens), beet pickled organic egg, carrot, beet, watermelon radish, purple cabbage, avocado, Thai cashews, fresh herbs, scallion, sesame seed, and peanut ginger sauce; and 2 berry banana smoothies, one for Daoe and the other for him, all from Laney & Lu.

“Mommy!” Daoe squirmed and Steve put him down so he could run over to Danny who was sitting in the chair, dressed.

“ Hi my boy! Are you behaving?”

“Yes! I was good during the firemen talk! They told us to stop! Drop! And Roll!”

“Very good. You learned a lot then?” Danny winced a bit as Daoe moved around on his lap.

“I have smoothies for us and dinner for you. It’s a grain bowl of cold Thai noodles. Why don’t I get him set up over here beside me so you can eat.”

“Thank you, Steve.” Danny got comfortable again and watched as Steve tucked a napkin in the neck front of Daoe’s tee and gave him his smoothie after pouring it in his sippie cup.

“Here’s yours.” Steve gave the smoothie to Danny who looked delighted.

“Guess what they gave me for breakfast? No you’ll never guess. I got green beans and corn. And some toast with fake peanut butter.” Danny laughed, his eyes crinkling delightfully at the corners.

“Gross. We had cheese and egg puffs and breakfast potatoes. I put some of Milly’s homemade chili sauce on my potatoes and I was transported to another planet so big was my delight!” Steve joined Dsnny in laughing. “How does that sound for pompous!?”

“Who cares how you said it! I want to taste it!”

They chatted and Danny told Steve that Kamekona and Flippa had officially put him on medical leave and hired a chef from Maine. Danny did not know his full name just that they called him Junior. He was a good cook though not as good as Danny apparently.

“The doctor thinks your recovery is going to take some time,” Steve said. “So you can just stay with me and soak up being spoiled for once.”
He quickly shifted subjects since Danny seemed about to protest. “I’d like to make a charitable contribution to the place that is doing Bible School. Daoe gets a nice lunch and they go places. It’s gotta cost them.”

“Oh Steve that would be great!” Danny said. “You could give it to them on Friday when we do the tea.”

“You are going to have to rest.” Steve stroked Danny’s cheek and Dsnny tilted his head to move into the gesture. “You’re so damn pale.”

“I’m going home tomorrow. Don’t forget.”

“What time?” Steve asked.

“Good question. I don’t know. I’ll have to call you.”

With that, they drank their smoothies, watched some tv and when four o’clock rolled around, Steve and Daoe said their reluctant goodbyes.
*************^*^^

The house was like something from a movie. Danny was stunned to silence as Steve showed him around and when Danny saw his bedroom, that was the breaking point.

“I don’t deserve to be here!” Danny said. “This is so.. like a house from a fairy tale or something!”

“Danny, you most certainly do belong here. Now let’s get your stuff unpacked because I admit, I just threw stuff in your duffel and suitcase. So this is a dresser and this is a closet and—-“
Danny laughed. “What?”

“You’re goofy. I can see it’s a dresser and closet. Ok, out! Let me put stuff where I want it.”

“Ok ok!” Steve backed out with his hands raised. “Holler if you need me! Oh and by the way, this morning, that girl on the bus? She pointed at me and laughed.”

“Steve, only you….”

“I never did anything to her oh hi Milly. He doesn’t want any help.”

Milly continued into Danny’s room and without a word, started hanging clothes up in the closet. Steve sensed that perhaps Milly wanted to talk to Danny so he found Burke who was building a bird house. Since Steve happened to show up, he asked Steve to slap a coat of green paint on the one house he’d finished.

“I feel this fierce need to protect Daoe and Danny. I have a lot of time to make up and I just want to help them. This paint covers well.”

“That way we will only have to paint it once, plus there’s an element shield in that paint. So guilt or do you like them?”

“No it’s not guilt!” Steve answered. “Not guilt at all! I care about them.”

“Well, I saw for myself that care. And today too. You just let yourself feel what you want to feel. Daoe is your child after all.”

“Yeah. That he is.”

Milly had a knack for watching a person without being caught. She was doing that just now with Danny and she noticed the slight tremors in his hands and how the colour had washed completely out of his face. It was time for more of his medicine so she thought she could coax him out to the kitchen and feed him a little.

“I think it’s time for one of your antibiotics. I made you a surprise if you want to come out with me and see what it is.”

“I don’t know if Steve told you but—-“

“I know, honey. You’re a vegan. Well, I think you’ll like this.” She held out her hand. “Come come.”

Danny did just that and when he sat on one of the chairs around the island, she got out a bowl of something from the fridge.

“Now this,” Milly began, “is totally vegan. It’s a caramel pudding with non dairy whip. There’s all kinds of good ingredients in it.”

“Looks great! Will you have some with me?”

“I’m going to have some tomato juice. This is yours, honey. And I admit it has some protein powder in it but I did taste it when I tested it so I hope you’ll like it too.”

Danny liked it. No, he loved it. When he was done, he rinsed his bowl and spoon and put them in the dishwasher. Then he sat down again to talk to her. “How long have you been here?”

“Oh just about 6 weeks or so. Steve’s family bought it for Steve so it’s his house and we just oh kind of manage it for him.” Milly patted Danny’s hand. “Daoe is lovely. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a child around…. “

“I’m sorry. You seem sad when you say that.”

“Oh I’m not sad. I don’t really get sad. Life is life. Can’t change the past you know. Anyways, what shall we have for dinner? I thought about veggie burgers and fries.”

“That sounds amazing! Can I help you?”

“Oh no, Darling. You go finish your room and maybe take a little nap.” Milly watched Danny go and felt such a rush of love for the boy. She went to find Burke who, with the help of Steve and Kawika, was mounting her birdhouses. As she watched Steve work with Burke she wondered if or when they should tell Steve their secret.

 

Daoe hit the ground running. He flew into the house, backpack in his hand, as he looked for his mom. Danny had fallen asleep on the couch and when Daoe saw him, he got quiet and walked over to Danny reverently. He sat on the floor in front of Danny and hugged his backpack.

“Hey little man,” Steve said. He was fresh from the shower after working outside all afternoon. “Time to wake up your Mom. Let’s do it nicely. Why don’t you pat his hand and call his name?”

Daoe frowned and straightened his shoulders and wiggled his butt to get into position. As he reached for Danny’s hand, Danny woke up and sleepily stared at his son with equally sleepy eyes. “Daoe?”

“Hi! We had a hot lunch today!” He stage whispered. Steve covered his mouth with his hand so Daoe would not hear him laugh. Lunch was serious business! “And Skylar and me gave our meatballs to Megan who had nothing for dinner.”

“The child has no food?” Steve asked. “Did she tell you that?”

“Yes and she don’t have no lunch box just a bag and she brought a potato and onion.” Daoe looked up at Steve. “I don’t know why. Nobody can eat THAT!”

“Is there someone to call?” Steve asked.

“I have Reba’s number. Or we can talk to them tomorrow.” Danny sat up and adjusted his ponytail. “It feels like I just slept the whole day away.”

“Do you feel up to walking to the beach before dinner?”

“I’d love that.”

The three of them went down to the beach and threw rocks to skip. Steve showed Danny how to do it but Daoe was too busy watching the waves and trying not to get wet as the waves splashed along the sand.

“It’s gonna rain,” Steve said. “Look at the clouds gathering over there and see how choppy the water is. We need some rain for the grass.”

“This is beautiful. Can we walk down the dock? But please carry Daoe. I don’t want him to fall off.”

“Tomorrow. We won’t make it before it lets loose. Come on. Back to the house.”

Steve was correct. The minute they were inside, the rain began, a hard rain that looked like sheets of grey water. It was a perfect night for burgers and fries.

They had moved Daoe’s bed in with Danny so the child was delighted to go to bed that night. He wanted Steve to read him a story though so Steve read about a turtle who found new friends even though they were all different than he was. When Steve was done, Danny mumbled a thank you from his bed and Steve turned the light out and left.

 

“Steve? Do you have a minute? I’d like to take a little walk and make sure the boathouse is in good shape.” Burke waited by the door.

“Yeah give me a sec.” Steve pulled on a hoodie and laced up his trainers. He’s already run with Kawika and worked out in the gym and after a shower, he ate breakfast with Danny and Daoe. Danny was now watching some tv with Milly and Daoe was at school.

“Are you excited about the tea?” Burke asked as they walked towards the boathouse.

“Sorta,” And Steve went on to explain about the mysterious Megan. Burke agreed that they should see if they could help her in some way.

“You know, maybe this is the wrong day to tell you this. I’ve held the secret long enough though. I’d like to tell you if … I hope you don’t hate me…. Or Milly.”

“Burke! I could never! Geezus. What’s wrong?” Steve stopped walking and faced the older man. Curious about what the big deal was, Steve waited.

“Steve.” Burke took a deep breath. “You are not John’s and Doris’ biological son ….you aren’t. Truth is, you are OUR son. MILLY’s and my son. She gave you up shortly after you were born, though she’s hated herself since that day.” Burke searched Steve’s face for his reaction but the young man just looked shocked.

“What!? I don’t understand!” Steve stared, trying to sort out what Burke had just told him.

“Before we knew she was pregnant, I got pulled and assigned overseas. I was gone for the longest time, without means to contact Milly to tell her I was alive. You of all people know those missions; we call them the ‘Destroyers’ because that’s what they do. They destroy families with the no communication rule and even worse, nowhere to get answers for the ones who stay behind. . They take everything from you. I can’t tell you how many men and women I worked with on that mission.. they … most of them had nothing when they came home. Their significant others had moved on.”

“You had a choice—-“ Steve asked.

“No, son, I had no choice. Our government, at least one side of it, had the need for my special skills. I was lucky in that I got to tell her goodbye but I could not tell her I was going to be gone for 2 years. I had no way of knowing. Until the op was done, I was stuck.”

“So Milly was pregnant with me when you left her to work for the Agency?” Steve asked. He was trying to wrap his head around it all. But he knew from the pain in Burke’s eyes that it was true, every word he was saying.

“ I could not say no. I was just getting used to married life when this hit me out of left field. Their motto was you ‘just go without a no.’ “. Steve said the motto with Burke then let him talk. “ As I said, Milly was pregnant though I had no idea, WE had no idea when I left. In fact it wasn’t until she was in her fifth month when she began to suspect it. You, Steve,” and Burke chuckled, “were not a steady grower but an out of control BUMP! She got bigger after that 5th month and that’s when the traditional morning sickness hit her.”

“Why did you give me up!” Steve asked. His pulse was pounding, he felt nauseous and he felt like Burke was speaking in a tunnel. Burke tugged on Steve’s sleeve to indicate they perch on a couple of chairs in the lower porch area.

“I’m getting to that. So Milly met up with Doris when Milly took a catering crew job. It was not hard physically. She could.sit and arrange the canapés and sweets on trays. One afternoon, she was assigned to a party Doris was holding, and Milly got sick with morning sickness. Doris found her in the bathroom and Milly thought she was gonna yell at her and make a huge scene but instead Milly found a very kind understanding Doris.”

“Oh God. My mother is dangerous when she is like that. She’s got another motive when she covers up with her do good act!”

“Doris befriended Milly. And Milly was grateful. She thought she had a friend and everything was good. Doris sat with her many nights while I was away. Doris bought groceries for Milly and made sure she had some nice furniture that met her needs. However, it all changed after Milly gave birth to you. For no reason given, Milly was abruptly fired from the catering crew and no shops or companies would hire her. She told me she went to career agencies but nobody would help her. It was almost like someone important had told the companies not to give Milly the time of day.”

Burke continued. “Money was running out, Doris had done a runner and Milly had nobody. Nobody would even give Milly a look or any help. She was too young for a pension, too healthy for disability, and she had no idea of any government services. She was not getting paid because the job I was doing was so covert there couldn’t be any ties to her at home. You, as a newborn, needed things. Babies do. The list is long. Diapers, formula, medicines. The government wasn’t paying her because they refused to acknowledge if I was dead or alive.” Burke rubbed his eyes. “So Doris comes round but instead of being her friend, she tells Milly that she will buy the baby and provide for him and send him to good schools if. …, IF Milly and I signed an NDA. We would never reveal we were your parents. She would compensate us when I returned and in the meantime, Milly could have her old job back. Was it the right decision? Probably not but when you’re young and desperate and have nobody to turn to, you do what you need to do.”

“Burke! Burke that’s just…. What about your parents?” Steve asked.

“Neither of us have folks. Milly was the only survivor of a one car accident that killed her parents and three of her siblings. She grew up with an uncle and aunt who were remote as the mountains over there. As soon as Milly turned 18, she was gone. And me? Well someday, Steve, I’ll tell THAT story. Right now let’s stick with this.” When Steve nodded, Burke went on.
“So somehow Milly made the decision because she wanted to see you thrive and live and have the means to go to school. Doris took you away. They actually don’t know it’s us who applied to open the house and be here with you. I applied using Kawika’s credentials. “

There was a bit of a smile under the tears. “Ha. That’s funny you got one over on Doris. My father just lets her do whatever. He’s never home.” Steve wiped his face and looked up at Burke again. “That means you aren’t getting paid—-“

“Oh don’t you worry, son. We have money. It’s all good. But about you… I’m so sorry, Steve. I’m so very sorry. Can I hug you?”

“Of course.” Steve and Burke stood at the same time and embraced, Burke trying to convey in the hug how sorry he was. “ I swear if I’d had you as parents while I was growing up I would not have done half the horrible things I’ve done. You’re my real father?”

“I am. I am your real father and Milly is your real mother and for the life of me I’m so very sorry. We fucked up. All we wanted was a good life for you.”

“Your sacrifice costs all of us so much,” Steve whispered. “I still don’t think I can call you Mom and Dad.”

“Burke and Milly will do just fine.”

Steve managed to pull himself together before they returned to the house. Steve was quiet, contemplating his origins. Actually he was pleased as he’d never felt really loving or connected with Doris and John. They had trotted him out as a sort of icon during parties and events. Knowing Burke and Milly had created him, well, it was a comfort.

Danny was respectful and did not ask Steve what had transpired outside. Something, though, had happened and Danny decided that Steve would share if Steve wanted to. Right now they had a tea to attend.

“So they have school here in this community building?” Steve asked as they pulled up to the modern brick and wood building.

“They do because they have a food license here since they serve that hot lunch!” Danny laughed. He was still pale and a bit weak but was excited to be out and about. Steve hovered as they walked up the steps and into the center where they were immediately directed left via a sign.

Steve opened the door to the big room, their destination, and the second Daoe saw Steve and Danny, he dropped the markers on the table and ran to greet them.

“Hi! You came to see me!” He said happily. “We made cookies!”

“Mmm I love cookies!” Danny said. Steve had picked up Daoe and Danny pretended to eat Daoe’s hand.

“I’m not a cookie!” Daoe giggled.

“Danny, welcome! And who is this? Is this Steve?” Reba asked.

“Yes. Steve, this is Reba. She’s the head of the Bible School.”

Steve shook hands with her and she took them on a tour around the area. There was a modern sparkling clean kitchen; an art area with real easels; a reading group area with a big screen on the wall; and of course the outside playground. As they walked through, they encountered other parents including Kris who was representing him and Ruslan as Ruslan was at work.

Danny looked around and spotted the girl sitting in the corner. She was not interacting but she had her arms folded across her chest and an angry look on her face. Danny decided to try and engage with her while Steve and Daoe were busy with the twins and Kris.

“Hi. Do you have someone coming today?” Danny asked softly. She shook her head no Abd did not look up. Danny could see her shoes were the cheap kind of sneakers from a value center and they looked painfully too small. Her toe poked out the top of one shoe. “I’m Danny. Daoe is my son.”

“He lives in the hoity toity house!” She glared at Danny now. “So what do you want from me!?”

“I don’t want anything from you. I just wondered if we could be friends.”

“Why? Cuz you feel sorry for me? Don’t. My old man will whoop my ass if he thinks I’m telling stories at this fucking place.”

“Your name is Megan, right? Well believe it or not, I was once like you. My parents were huge religious freaks and we belonged to a cult like religion. I got beat strapped every Sunday while none of my sisters or brother did. I never figured it out until I realized I was pregnant, that they hated me because I am a Carrier.”

“You’re a Carrier?” Megan asked, finally looking like a preteen instead of someone angry at the world.

“Yep. That’s me. I know that your … parents…”

“Just my dad.”

“I know your Dad won’t like it that you’re talking to me but is there anything I can do for you?”
Megan looked past Danny like she was watching someone and Danny jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“One of the twins got enthusiastic and decorated my shirt with punch so I’m gonna go to the lav and scrub the spot with this stuff Reba gave me. I’ll be back!” He impulsively kissed Danny on the cheek before he walked out of the room.

When Danny turned back around to speak to Megan, she was no longer sitting there.

 

He pulled the mask over his face and checked the assault weapon. It was not loaded but he had the ammo and if they pushed him he would load the rifle in front of them so they’d know what was coming.

Frank Hinckle. 47 years old. Unemployed. Part time Meth user when he had the money. Believed in the Right To Bear Arms without understanding it. Left to raise a 10 year old daughter who hated him.

It was time.

Frank got out of the truck that had seen better days and walked with purpose into the Community Building. The sign showed right where he should go, where his targets were, where he could kill and maim and destroy. He saw them then, all mingling in the big room, feasting on food he could never afford.

“Down on the floor” he screamed. At first, there was a ripple of disbelief and almost curiosity but as he loaded the gun, everyone got with the program and dropped on to the floor. All except the kids on the Goddamn high chairs. They would be first. He put the gun up to his shoulder and placed the first toddler into his sites.

Suddenly, Frank found himself in a choke hold, the unyielding pressure forcing him to try to gasp for air. A voice so close to his ear that it tickled told him to drop the fucking gun right fucking now. Frank tried to resist and the voice continued.

I will snap your fucking neck. Drop the gun.

Frank did as the voice told him.

“Kris! Get this gun and take it outside! Don’t mess with it! Reba, call 911! Everyone else go outside with Kris! Take the babies!”

“Steve, be careful!” Danny said as he hesitated.

“Go outside with Daoe. Go!!!”

Steve waited until everyone was out of the room and only then did he let Frank go. “Get down on the floor and—-“

Frank swung at Steve but Steve anticipated it. Every bit of training came flooding back crystal clear and second nature. He kicked Frank, his foot landing squarely in the man’s chest, and seconds after that, Steve easily snapped Frank’s arm, breaking bone between shoulder and elbow. The man howled in pain but hadn’t learned his lesson yet. When he flailed, attempting to grab Steve with his good arm, Steve danced around him and brought done both hands, locked into a sort of solid weapon, on Frank’s neck and knocked him out cold.

Steve grabbed a couple jump ropes and tied Frank up like a goose, arms secured in the air behind his back, legs bent and folded underneath his body.

“My God! Are you ok?” Chin rushed in only to see Steve sitting on the table, eating a cookie. “Uh I’d say you’re just fine. Him? Not so much.”

“This sorry excuse of a human needs to be locked up for life. He was going to kill these people. He’s lucky I didn’t finish him. For the record, Chin, he threw the first punch.”

“Well, you know the drill. I gotta have you come to the station and make a witness statement as well as allowing us to ask you questions. Come on.” Chin and Steve walked out into the hallway where some of the parents who had been called were comforting their children. “I’ll give you a minute to say goodbye to Danny and Daoe.”

“Thanks.” Steve loped over to where Danny and Daoe were sitting with Kris and the twins. Their faces told Steve everything he wanted to know. “Hey guys.” When Danny saw it was him, he immediately hugged Steve as did Daoe. “Don’t cry. It’s ok. I just have to go down to the office and tell them what happened.”

“Thank God you were here. Thank God.”Danny clung to him.

“Yes I’m so thankful I could help. Do you guys want to come? Danny, I’ll see if I can follow Chin.”

“That would help.”

“Ok. Come on. Let’s go ask. Come here, Daoe. You’re ok. Your … I’m here. I’m right here.”

Suddenly, Steve was surrounded by people thanking him and trying to hug him. He was positive and did well handling the attention but Chin broke it up and asked the parents to wait to talk to some additional police officers that had been sent from Portsmouth.

Before they left with Steve, Danny looked around for Megan and saw her with Reba. Since they were on the move, there wasn’t any time to do what he wanted but he made a promise to call Reba later.
******************
Danny got up and picked up Daoe who was crying. He walked over to Steve’s bedroom and tapped lightly on the door. Within a few seconds, Steve opened the door and stood back so they could come in. Danny headed to the bed and let Daoe scramble to the middle of the king sized bed. Then Danny got in and when Steve was settling, he and Daoe moved close to Steve who lifted his arm and tucked them in beside him. Things would look different in the light of day but for right now, there was comfort with each other.

Notes:

Steve’s military training came in very handy.

A lot happens in this chapter. I hope everyone could roll with it.

Notes:

Next time I’ll post the link to the house.