I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or any characters. No copyright infringement intended.
Summary: A "what if" alternate story line loosely related to Season 1 Episode 20 "Ma Ke Kahakai". "What if" Danny had to walk back down alone after the EVAC got Steve off the mountain? This includes an assumption that the victim's body was simultaneously removed when Steve was rescued.
MY CONTINUED THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR READING AND FOR ALL THE FANTASTICALLY POSTIVE COMMENTS.
NOTE: The Koolau Mountain Range is about 37 miles long and its highest peak rises to 3150 feet. This is where the guys did their hike.
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CHAPTER SEVEN - SOLO
Though it was difficult, Dr. Thompson schooled his features as he left Danny's room and took the elevator down to the main floor. Kono saw him first and a smile lit her features. Turning she called to Chin and Steve. "Hey. The doctor's back." And all three anxiously went over to greet him.
Immediately, Thompson saw that McGarrett was looking haggard and knew he'd need to be careful with the teasing. In fact, the doctor sobered quickly as he took in the countenance of his newest, pending patient. Steve had acquired dark circles under his eyes and his face was lined with both fatigue and pain. He was moving carefully and protecting the injured arm. But he was on his feet and the first one to get in the doctor's path.
"So. How is he?" Steve's voice was ragged. He was blunt and obviously drained.
Once again, Dr. Thompson indicated that they should all sit to review Danny's latest condition. Steve was annoyed with the momentary delay, but sat back down willingly enough. Smiling to genuinely ease their concern, the doctor reviewed his results. "He's actually quite good. The CT scan was negative." Steve closed his eyes and leaned back heavily in his chair "Thank god. So when can we see him?"
Kono added quickly, "And is he awake?" Her eyes were bright and she was barely able to contain herself. Both Chin and Steve leaned forward nervously to hear the doctor's reply. But sighs of relief and grins broke out all around with the doctor's next words and Kono leaned over to warmly hug Chin.
"Yes, yes he is most definitely awake." Thompson confirmed. As further explanation, he added, "He's been able to answer questions and is quite lucid. Understandably, he can't remember everything that's happened to him over the last day or so. However, we know that we're dealing now with a severe concussion and the effects of heat exhaustion. Though I'd like Detective Williams to remain here for the next two days, his prognosis is excellent."
Slapping his thigh with his right hand, Steve was almost jubilant. And then he was the first one back up and heading towards the elevators. "Great! What room is he in, doc?" Chin and Kono were hot on his heels; and they joined Steve just as he hit the elevator call button.
Rising from his chair in the waiting room, the doctor halted Steve's departure. "Well, actually Commander. I need to speak to you privately about that." Steve's eyes narrowed and he nearly froze in place. "Speak to me about what?"
"Well, about being able to see your partner. I think it best that we meet in my office for a moment." Thompson quietly indicated a door to the far left of the nurses' station.
Refusing, Steve reached his full height and demanded an answer. "This is my team and if what you have to say concerns Danny, then they have every right to hear it as well. What's wrong?" Steve was back on edge. His heart was hammering in his chest and he was almost vibrating in new found fear. "Something's not right after all."
Taking a deep breath, Thompson moved closer to the threesome. "Detective Williams will be able to see these two now." And he pointed to both Chin and Kono, who stood aghast. And Thompson exhaled loudly in order to continue, putting a strong hand on Steve's shoulder. "However, he's refusing to see you until you allow me to examine your arm."
Hesitating briefly and for effect, he continued. "He called you a 'stupid Neanderthal fool' if I've gotten those exact words down correctly in my notes."
Kono sputtered out an unintelligible, strangled sound and then covered her mouth with one hand. Eyes wide, she looked from Steve to Chin and then back again. She didn't know if she should run away, laugh or cry. Chin moved to intervene between doctor and Commander, and then thought better of it. Taking a full step backwards, he couldn't yet put his head around what Danny had done.
And then there was Steve. Well, Steve stood stock still and was rendered speechless. His face changed numerous times, eyebrows arched and pinched as if in excruciating pain. He lifted his hand, went to speak twice and then shook his head as if trying to start over again.
Finally, cocking his head to the side and in utter disbelief, he stuttered out a few words, "I'm sorry? Excuse me? What did he say .. exactly?"
Keeping his hand firmly planted on Steve's shoulder, Dr. Thompson forcibly guided him away from the elevator and towards one of the trauma rooms. Kono and Chin remained rooted to the spot as they watched the doctor propel Steve away.
Still covering her mouth with one hand, Kono finally choked out, "Oh my god!" And when the elevator arrived, she yanked an astonished Chin in with her. Over his shoulder, they heard Thompson clearly shout, "Room 310!" And then the elevator doors closed and Kono collapsed in hysterical laughter.
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Though he was still sputtering nonsense, Steve allowed himself to be guided into an exam room. "He said what?" Steve repeated again, as he was gently but firmly pushed onto a gurney.
With an amused smile, Thompson ignored the man and took advantage of the tired confusion to lift Steve's injured arm to examine his hand and swollen fingers.
"Exactly when and how did this happen, Commander?" Thompson asked quietly. "Without a doubt, I know that you've been using it." Steve's hand was hot to the touch and the swelling was severe. "Where were you treated? Though I'm going to insist on an x-ray here, I'd like to see that initial reports on your arm."
Still distracted at the turn of events, Steve was barely listening. He sounded like a petulant child. "But I'm not the one here to be treated." He said, still in disbelief as he watched Thompson poke, prod and examine his fingers, hand and wrist. But Steve hissed harshly when the doctor went to straighten his fingers.
"Yup, I bet that does hurt. Doesn't it, Commander?" Thompson stood up and straightened to look down at Steve. "Detective Williams was right to insist that we check out this arm of yours. Please wait here. I'll be back in a minute with a nurse and a wheel chair. You'll be going to x-ray now."
Turning on his heel, Thompson left no room for argument. Steve was left sitting sullenly on the gurney, completely stunned and defeated.
Finally finding his voice, Thompson heard Steve stammer, "But .. but, this is bribery!"
And for a second time, one of the Five-O team could hear the good doctor laughing as he walked away and down the hallway.
~ to be continued ~
NOTE: I had intended this to be the final chapter, but I'm having a good time with the boys. I hope you all like it too and find it fun!
