Chapter 24: Keep Calm and Carry On

Danny walked onto the ward where his children were still being kept in protective custody. Eliza saw him coming, walking slowly and stiffly, and followed by Steve and Peter. Eliza rushed out of her grandson's room and stopped before the three men.

"It's over," Danny said with a sigh.

Eliza also sighed, her eyes welled up with tears and for the first time ever, she reached out and hugged the man before her. Danny flinched at the embrace, but hugged her back and let out another long breath of air.

"I know we've not always been friendly, Daniel, but it was just a hug," Eliza said almost angrily as she reacted to his reaction.

Danny tried not to laugh but couldn't help it and then flinched in pain again.

"It wasn't the hug," Eliza gasped.

"No, I was shot," Danny said and raised the hem of the t-shirt he was wearing to show the massive spreading bruise that had formed over much of his torso. "Shot in the vest, to be clear. Still very painful but I'll live, thankfully."

Eliza's eyes grew wide at the sight and she made him cover up again

"And that man who killed Rachel and Stan?" She asked softly as she stood before him.

"He was shot too. He didn't make it. The others involved are in custody and we are convinced that this is over," Peter answered as he reached out to shake Eliza's hand. "Peter Verardo, I hope to help out as much as I can before I leave to go back to New Jersey. We weren't formally introduced before."

"I remember you," Eliza smiled slightly. "So good to know Daniel has the help of his friends when he needs them."

"And we'll have you back with Five-O anytime," Steve jumped in.

"So now what?" Eliza asked.

"Steve, Peter and the team are going to wrap things up. This hospital business needs to end and we're going to finally go home," Danny answered. "We have a lot to discuss and plan, now that we can turn our attention to other unfortunate affairs."

"What about Charlie?" Eliza asked.

"He's been here a long time and before this whole thing blew up, there was talk of taking him home. I was hoping the doctors will release him and we'll be able to work on this terrible business from home."

Eliza nodded her understanding. "You look so tried, Daniel."

Danny smiled weakly. "I am, and I could use a good cup of tea."

With tears in her eyes, Eliza stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Come along then, my son, we'll fix you right up," she whispered.

Danny nodded to his friends and entered into a new era with his ex-mother-in-law and the defaulted task of burying the woman he'd always loved.

Steve and the rest of Five-O wrapped the case up, and sent it to trial, all while showing Peter the best of the island and helping out with the funeral plans as good Ohana always do.

Rachel and Stan were laid to rest on a Monday afternoon and Danny, his children, and his friends were left to carry on in a manner that was brand new to them all, and yet in some ways very familiar.

The End.