It had been close to a week since Steve was last seen or heard from. Mike was getting more worried, as was Jeannie. Unbeknownst to anyone Steve had slipped back into town to try to at least see Mike. He hatched a plan in his mind and started taking steps to put it in action. Firstly, he acquired a surgeon scrub suit from a costume shop. Dressed like a hospital staff member he would be less likely to be stopped by anyone.
Secondly, he called ahead to find out Mike's room number and the end of visiting hours, as he wanted to do his best to not meet up with Jeannie or anyone else, if he could help it. One night he positioned himself in the shadows, watching visitors leave the hospital, when visiting hours were over.
When Jeannie Stone exited she was watched very closely. As her car left the lot he still observed her and waited a few extra minutes before making his move.
Finally, with a glance at his watch, he marched toward the hospital doors. He walked with a purpose, like a man who knew where he was going and what he was doing; trying to show an air of confidence, although in reality he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders.
His mission was to visit a man who he felt a lot of regret over. Steve hoped that tonight he could at least find a way to apologize for the danger he had put his friend in. Even though it had been caused by unintentional thoughtlessness, in his mind Steve felt guilty and he assumed that other people blamed him for the accident too.
He headed straight for Mike's room with his head down, hoping that others that might have been visiting Mike besides Jeannie Stone had left the hospital as he couldn't face to meet anyone at all.
When he got to the room he has been looking for, he took a deep breath before entering. As the door opened the occupant's eyes turned toward the door and the look of worry that had been on Mike's face dissolved into a smile as he saw who had come to visit him.
"Steve!" Mike exclaimed happily.
Steve slowly approached his best friend and father figure lying in the hospital bed. "Hi, Mike. Thought I would come to see how things are going", Steve said guiltily.
"Things are much better now, seeing you here. We've been so worried, where have you been?" Mike asked with concern.
"Went toward Tahoe first day I left here. After that, just around here and there. No place in particular." Steve replied, trying to appear nonchalant but his demeanour changed as guilt overwhelmed him." "Mike, I am so sorry for causing you to get hurt. I should have stayed right with you instead of going to the other slope. I had to come back and apologize to you at least," Steve said shamefacedly.
"Steve, you have nothing to apologize for, it wasn't your fault! It was acting stupidly and not listening that got me hurt. You told me not to take any risks and just do what we had practiced so far. But I had been doing good so thought would try to go a bit faster... It was my fault and I told Rudy and Jeannie that too!" Mike said gruffly.
"Still, being a beginner you should not have been left alone. I was wrong to even push you to try skiing. Jeannie had every right to be angry with me." Steve stated emphatically.
"It was a good idea, nothing wrong about suggesting it. As for Jeannie she owes you a huge apology as does Rudy. Both are prepared to do it, the treatment you received was uncalled for." Mike replied almost angrily.
"It's okay, it doesn't matter, I did what I came back for. I just need to get some things from my apartment and then I will head back to Tahoe most likely." Steve said melancholically.
Steve, you're not serious! What about SFPD? You have a job there, remember?! Take a bit of time off if needed, but don't leave entirely!" Mike pleaded.
"I resigned Mike. I placed the letter on Captain Olsen's desk before leaving town. Felt it was the best thing to do in light of the situation as it was." Steve tried to sound confident about his decision.
"It's not being accepted, buddy boy. Not by Rudy or a certain homicide Lieutenant. Time off has been approved but not a resignation." Mike stated determinedly.
It dawned on Steve rapidly that Mike was the reason time off was arranged and his resignation had not been accepted. Feeling at a loss for words and with a huge lump in his throat he dropped into the chair by Mike's bed and removed the surgical cap shoving it into pants pocket.
"You've always looked out for me, Mike, no matter what. A better friend could not be found if I searched for a million years. What did you threaten Captain Olsen with, though? Come on, I know Captain Olsen would have accepted, unless he was told he better not. So what was the threat?" Steve is almost light hearted when he thought about it.
"Nothing really honest, just promised there would be hell to pay when I got out of here if he did accept your resignation, .Again it needs to be stated Steve, you did nothing wrong and I am very sorry you were treated that way, especially by my daughter." Mike replied paternally.
Steve shrugged trying to speak as casually as possible, although his feelings had been hurt by Jeannie's treatment.
"As I said it doesn't matter, she was worried about you. I'm okay, honest. How much time off do I have? I mean in case I decided to return" Steve still tried to appear indifferent.
"A couple weeks to start with, if you had not returned by then, well...let's just say I was hoping you would return before that. So Tahoe- or sticking around?" Mike asked hopefully.
"Honestly not sure, Mike. Guess better do some thinking. I resigned never thinking it wouldn't be accepted. You better try to get some sleep; I'll take off so you can rest." Steve rose and turned towards the door, ready to leave.
"Steve!" Mike's soft command halted Keller's move towards the door and the younger detective turned slowly back towards his partner as Mike struggled to sit up a little higher in the bed. Mike continued in a gentler tone." Please don't go. Let's talk."
Steve and Mike talked into the night of many things including regrets and dreams; both enjoyed each other's company as always. Mike was talking to Steve about his and Helen's trip to Vermont when he ended up falling asleep mid-sentence, but Steve didn't notice, as he was half asleep in the chair, too...