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Chapter 9 - Grace's Silence

Steve knelt as he fixed Grace's blouse and then moved lower to slip her feet into white sling-back sandals that Rachel handed him. He sighed sadly as he rocked back on his heels and studied her closed off, faraway face. Almost four long days had passed since the attack and she still hadn't spoken to a single person. She barely looked at anyone except for Steve which was a severe blow to Rachel's self-esteem and loving motherhood. Rachel had been unreachable that first night and so Steve had taken Grace to his house. They had stayed on the sofa together with Steve holding her tightly in a warm blanket as she tried to doze and then sleep; waking much too often to upsetting dreams that she either wouldn't or couldn't tell him about.

It was Chin who had finally gotten in touch with the Edwards. He had joined Kono at the hospital and during their own wait, had tracked down Rachel and Stan. The two were entertaining Stan's wealthy new clients for the entire weekend; new investors for a large property deal. A series of special events had been planned for the small group including an all day of sailing and snorkeling on a private catamaran. The day had ended with a sunset cocktail party followed by an expensive dinner. It was understandable that cell phone service had been spotty at best, and so Rachel had shown up at Steve's house early that next morning, rumpled, worn and very upset. Grace's much too reserved and nearly unresponsive welcome to her mother's return was the first inkling that something more was wrong.

Over these first few days, they had met with the psychologist, Doctor Lauren Gibran. She had taken on Grace's case to work with Rachel, Steve and the family. To his complete relief, she had insisted that Steve be included in the sessions which were quiet almost dull affairs. Rachel had acted almost dismayed by Steve's ongoing involvement but then had accepted it since Gibran explained that he could have helpful insights. However, he was confused by the meetings which seemed to be conducted more for the adults than the uncommunicative child who refused to talk or draw. Sitting or standing as a solitary shadow, Grace had practically curled up into herself.

"Ready Gracie?" Steve's voice was low and non-threatening as he held his hand out to her. Her eyes slowly found it and her fingers lifted to meet his own as if she weren't sure it was the right thing to do. Things had worsened just the prior day after an incident where Rachel had accidentally mentioned keeping Grace away from Danny until he healed more or had least had been removed from the ventilator. Her suggestion to wait one more day had been reasonable as Danny was slowly improving and doctors were discussing plans to halt the sedation in preparation to remove him from the machine.

"We can wait one more day. It won't be as scary."

Grace had begun to tremble as she absorbed Rachel's words that were only meant to be protective. Comments that the adults didn't think she was even aware of as she sat stubbornly silent on Rachel's lap in Doctor Gibran's office. Rachel was worried about the continued trauma of seeing Danny in the ICU and had weighed in on the question.

"No. It's too upsetting. I don't think Grace should see Danny .. not like this."

Grace had certainly spoken then and very loudly … ending in a screaming kicking tirade once again in Steve's arms. Unexpectedly, Grace had bolted off Rachel's lap while sitting so silently. Her faint mumble began to increase in volume to a repetitive litany that at first no one understood.

"She said that. She said that. She said that!" Over and over again in a voice that quickly rose in hysteria. Rachel had bent down to scoop her back up, but Grace evaded her mother's arms and had melted into the corner of the office.

They'd all been confused until Steve explained who 'she' was. "Karen." Steve breathed out in total understanding and a furious anger. It wasn't until then that anyone realized the nurse had actually threatened Grace and now some things were making more and more sense. He'd knelt down next to Rachel to hold his hands out to Grace who was petrified and beginning to sob.

"Your mother doesn't mean that Grace. You can see Danno. It's not the same as what she said. I know she scared you and hurt Danno. But she's gone and can't do that anymore. I promise Gracie. You can see him. Can you calm down for me?"

Steve had then boldly moved forward to physically take in Grace's fears once more. Holding her tightly while she kicked and screamed about not seeing her Danno as he chanted to her and Rachel cried. "It's okay baby, I promise."

And to Steve's complete stunned shock, Gibran had given her a mild sedative. He'd been furious as Grace limply relaxed in his arms and though Gibran was generally observant and kind, he'd not entirely trusted the psychologist since that day.

"She's over-wrought and can easily hurt herself. There's nothing beneficial or healing about this type of traumatic episode." The woman offered gently enough. "And Mrs. Edwards understood it could be necessary; she knew that this might happen and that we might have to help Grace calm down. AT least we've learned a bit more about this terrible scare."

Gibran was correct because though Steve had been horrified, Rachel herself hadn't objected and Grace had woken apparently more calmly. But Steve was sure that his partner would have hit the roof to know his daughter had been drugged. He had then gained the Governor's permission to temporarily put his job at Five-0 on hold to remain immersed as part of Grace's daily interactions. And he stayed torn by his innate dislike towards Gibran's ready use of sedation as an option. Because for all of that, the doctor had been a pivotal supporter of his ongoing participation; something he was desperate to not lose as he began to understand his friend's dedication to his daughter on a whole new level.

"Let's go see Danno." He rose to his feet and waited for her to make the first move towards the door. He was at the Edwards' house to take Grace to see Danny at the hospital. Gibran had suggested that one adult bring the child so she could focus and not feel overwhelmed by too much activity. Surprisingly, Rachel had suggested that Steve initiate the first visit and she would meet them there later in the morning.

"Rachel?" Steve quietly asked permission before leaving the house and to her credit, Rachel merely nodded before bending down to hug and kiss Grace's unresponsive small body.

"Be good for your Uncle Steve, Grace." Rachel whispered before walking away in tears.

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At the hospital, Steve once again bent down to explain things to Grace though it was likely she wouldn't respond. He'd learned his lesson about what she was really aware of and listening to when it came to her father. Danny had been intentionally sedated as his vitals were monitored and he remained on the ventilator. However, Steve was now pleased to learn that he was slowly being weaned off the sedation so that the doctor's could assess his ability to breathe on his own after suffering from smoke inhalation. If all continued to go well, the vent would be removed later that day. It was good news and he tried to explain it to Grace, but Steve wasn't entirely sure she understood though he was hopeful when she leaned into his chest and nodded briefly.

"Danno's on a machine to help him breathe. It might look and sound scary, but it's really not scary at all. In fact, he's getting better and the machine could go away after lunch today. But he will be sleeping right now, okay?"

Doctor Lauren Gibran was also in attendance as Steve carried Grace into the ICU. Steve had strict orders to react to Gibran's silent demands should her young patient begin to exhibit any worrying signs of stress. He acknowledged her as he slowly walked over to the bed with Grace in his arms. He gave her a long minute to absorb the machines and then find her father's face.

"Don't forget what I just said. He's getting better and just sleeping." He buried his own reactions to seeing Danny so still and quiet. Patiently, Steve watched as Grace's eyes settled on his injured arm which was neatly wrapped in a clean bandage and resting gently across his chest.

"Okay Grace?" Steve whispered into her hair. He smiled briefly when she nodded again and then reached her hand out towards Danny. Without needing to ask, Steve lowered the rail and sat down on the bed next to Danny's hip. Grace was nestled in his lap as he picked up Danny's lax hand and held it loosely in his own.

"He's warm and comfortable." Steve said as Grace wound her fingers into Danny's hand, the three of them connected gently. "I bet he wakes up after lunch today."

Gibran cleared her throat uncomfortably behind Steve but he completely ignored the disapproving doctor for some things they simply did not agree upon. Steve had been warned about promising too much to the child, but he knew that Danny would fight. He knew it as he studied the strong hands that Grace's fingers gently rubbed in her own.

"Still okay, Grace?" Steve asked again as he felt the small hitch in her breathing. He bent his head to peer into her face and frowned when he saw the tears building in her eyes.

"Do you still want to stay?" He murmured carefully as he sensed Gibran shifting her feet off to the side of where they sat.

The small nod made him smile and he kissed the top of her head. "Then we stay as long as you want sweetheart." He caught the doctor's eye as Grace settled into his chest firmly with Danny's fingers still wrapped tightly in her own and then their two hands in his.

The doctor smiled into his blatant challenge and left as quietly as she'd entered.

~ to be continued ~