"Commander," Bergman didn't know where to start. "We lost him once on the table, but he came back stronger than ever. You're friend is a fighter."
"He has a lot to come back to," Steve glanced at Rachel. He knew that she and Danny were hiding something, but not quite sure what. "How is he now?"
"We have him hooked up to a lot of machine's," Bergman frowned at the funny looks given to him. "I was told to dumb it down by Detective Williams. Too watered down?"
"Yeah, "Steve chuckled. "Just a little."
"Sorry. Anyway, all the bullets were through and through, which possible save the Dectective's life. The one to abdomen did the most damage. We patched up the hole in his stomach and we're watching his spine for anymore damage. Nothing so far, but the bullet was just too close too brush the possiblity aside. The bullets to his shoulders tore through muscle, but were no where near anything vital. He should make a full recovery with minimal complications. You're friend was lucky, Commander. Very lucky, "Bergman watched the reaction of the people around him. "I've already talked to the hospital security and we have the Detective's wing on lock down and empty. If a few of would like to stay in any of the rooms, you are welcome to it."
"Why?" Chin frowned. "Did something happen?"
"I recieved a call from HPD just before I came out here. From the info they gave me and what I saw on the table, someone is trying very hard to hurt your friend, "Bergman handed Steve a letter. "A nurse found it in the lobby. It's been cleared, so you can open it. Just don't be surprised by what you see."
Steve frowned, slowly opening the envelope. Inside was a single picture and he quickly slipped it back inside before anyone else could see it. He passed it to Chin,"Go back to the Palace and run it for prints."
"What is it, Steven?" Rachel watched Chin leave.
"Matt," Steve sighed, his body indictating that it was not something any of them needed to see at the moment. How was he going to tell Danny that his brother was currently being held by some madman and being tortured? He didn't know, but Danny was never going to be allowed to see the picture of Matt tied to a chain, gaged by a dirty rag, beaten black and blue. No, that picture was going to accidently be destroyed as soon as the case was finished.
"Are any of you staying? "Bergman stood, understanding that the picture in the envelope was important.
"All of us are. Danny needs to be protected at all times, "Steve stood. "Kono, set up a room for us to work in. I'll get Rachel and Grace settled in Dannys' room."
"This way, "Bergman nodded as he headed back through the doors. Steve had Rachel and Grace go in front, making sure Kono had Kamekona before following. The doctor led them to a room with no windows. It was dark inside except for the light cast by the screens circled around the lone figure in the bed. Steve knew he could never get used to a silent and still Danny. It just wasn't possible. With out his trap flying or his hands flailing, Danny wasn't Danny.
"Mommy, is Danno going to wake soon?" Grace's small voice broke the silence.
"Yes, dear. He just needs to sleep to get better," Rachel moved herself and Grace to the nearby couch.
"Like when I'm sick?"Grace frowned.
"Yes, dear. Just like when you're sick, "Rachel was struggling to hold back tears. Steve moved to her side.
"Rach, he's going to be fine, "Steve rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I know, it's just...we were going to move in to our new house this weekend and he was going to paint the bady's room. He was looking forward to it. Now..." Rachel looked away as Grace moved away from them, sitting in a chair next to her father.
"Baby?" Steve frowned, his eyes dropping to Rachel's slightly plump midsection. "Oh..."
"Yeah, "Rachel quickly wiped her eyes. "I know he hasn't told any of you, but it's getting harder to hid."
"How far along are you?" Steve was starting to feel very awkward.
"Six months or so. Danny was going to tell all of you tonight at the cook out, but it might be a while before he's saying anything, "Rachel's eyes fell on her broken husband. "I'm not leaving him this time. We both made promises and I'm keeping my end up. It's his turn now."
"He'll wake up, Rach, "Steve wrapped an arm around her as he took in his partner. He could see the bandages sticking out from under the white blanket. Danny actually had a tan now, but it was pale now compared to it's usual orange brown color. Yes, his partner was a fighter. He fought to keep Grace, he fought with Steve all the time, he fought to get Rachel back. Now, he would fight to get back to them. "He won't leave any of us behind."
"I won't do it!" Matt cried out as the whip cracked one more time. The figure holding it smirked. He was close to breaking the younger man, he could taste it. Soon, oh so soon, Daniel Williams would be paying for putting him in jail. Oh so soon, Daniel Williams would be dead and the last thing he would see would be the bodies of his wife, daughter, and brother being mutialated by his men.
"You will, Matthew, you most certianly will, "Ben Connors stepped out of the shadows. "And then you'll watch your brother scream for mercy as you, his wife and his daughter suffer. It's just one little phone call. Not that hard."
"NO! "Matt screamed again as the whip cracked once again.