This is a little continuation of episode 5X18.

Months after his near-death experience in a Bogota prison, Danny was back to his old self. He and Steve had just attended another 'marriage counseling' session earlier today where they made great strides. Steve was a changed man since the Columbia incident probably due to the realization that he came dangerously close to losing Danny.

In his house Danny was in the kitchen whipping up a meal for he and Grace while holding his iPhone to his ear.

"Okay so I'll see you tomorrow morning. Grace and me we'll go by your place to pick you up."

"Sounds fine. I'll be ready," Steve replied.

"While we're at the water park I want you to check out a boy who's been buzzing around my Monkey. She likes him but I don't. Something about him that doesn't sit well. Could be me."

"Judging from your last reaction on Valentine's Day I say it is. But don't fret about it; you're a father protecting his little girl. And who knows? You might be right this time. If he's no good I'll waste him, how's that?"

Danny chuckled. "Thanks. I feel better."

Steve's doorbell rang.

"That's the pizza."

"Let me guess; pepperoni and cheese?" Danny teased.

"That's poison."

"Depends on your definition of poison. Well, stay healthy till tomorrow. My Monkey's really looking forward to it."

"Don't worry. I'll be good. See you tomorrow, brah."

"Late babe."

Steve went to the door to answer to the delivery boy bringing a medium pizza. He handed over the cash and then went to the kitchen to set the large box on the table. After washing his hands he opened the lid and licked his lips at the intoxicating aroma of his favorite pineapple-ham pizza. He took a slice and slid it in his mouth. One more bite and he wiped his mouth clean before going to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of beer.

With the box and beer in hand he returned to the living room where he turned on the TV and settled in his chair. A few bites later his head started spinning. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, believing that he had drunken a bit too fast.

As he gradually became drowsier and sleepier, Steve stared at his pizza. Somehow it'd been laced with drugs. Before his whirling world threatened to engulf him whole, he got up and staggered to his desk in the study to reach his iPhone. Barely had he picked it up when he collapsed to the floor, unconscious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~H50~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later that night, Danny was tucking Grace in her bed and telling her about the fun-filled day that all three were going to have at the water park when his phone rang. He left the bedroom to go answer it. His teeth gnashed and he groaned at the name appearing on the caller ID.

"Steve, don't tell me we have a case? Today of all..."

"Look in your backyard, Detective. We left you a package," crowed the menacing voice at the other end.

"Who is this?" Danny asked dubiously.

"Why don't you go unwrap it and find out."

The line cut abruptly. Danny grabbed his gun and headed out back. It was dark save for the spotlight lighting his way. He could barely make out a furled rug on the lawn. On his guard still he inched toward it. With his foot he gave it a little kick to unfurl it. His heart caught in his throat at the horrific sight: a battered and bloodied Steve laid deathly still with a piece a blood-stained paper stuck to his shirt, saying: 'one down, one to go.'