The Doctor looked at them sternly, "His back looks good. I need to look at the shoulder"
The detectives watched nervously as the heavy bandaging was removed and it was obvious to them all that this was the problem. The largest of the stitched gashes was seeping a greenish-yellow pus and the entire shoulder was red and inflamed. The Doctor quickly covered the wound and asked Danny to join him in the hallway.
"Danny I'm going to need to take him back into surgery right away. I thought I had removed all the infected tissue but it's obvious I missed something. I'm sorry"
"You don't have to be sorry Doc. Is he strong enough for this?"
"Danny, we have no choice at this point. This fever is spiking fast and it will only continue to weaken him. He's stronger now than he was at the time of the initial surgery. His vitals are more stable. Danny..."
"What is it?"
"There is a slight chance that I may need to take the arm"
"What are you talking about...amputate?"
"Yes. If the infected tissue is confined to the shoulder and arm I can hopefully save it, but if it starts to spread across his back it could run rampant through his body and we may not be able to save him if that happens"
Danny closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair, "Doc, you do whatever you've got to do to save his life...whatever you've got to do" Danny's voice was choked with emotion.
"I'll have the orderlies in soon to bring him to the OR. I'll do everything I can Danny, I promise you"
"I know you will. Thank You" The men shook hands and running a hand across his face Danny returned to the room.
He motioned the others over to the large window overlooking the city and filled them in on everything.
"Oh God Danny, amputation?"
"Chin, he'll only amputate as a last resort...only if it's necessary to save his life"
"How will Steve live with that?"
"Chin what are you saying? You think he would rather die than live without an arm?"
"I don't know bro, but I can't make that call"
"And you don't have to Chin" Danny's voice was shaking as he tried to maintain his composure. "I'm his Medical POA and I made the call. I'm not willing to to let him die in order to save his arm!"
Kono began to sob, "STOP...stop both of you" She turned and moved back to Steve's side where she resumed wiping his sweat drenched brow. Chin sighed deeply and turned and left the room needing to cool down.
Danny placed his forearm on the window and leaned, resting his head against it. He was shaking. His mind was racing...he knew he didn't have a choice...'oh God please don't let him lose his arm' A few seconds passed and he made to the bed and took Steve's hand in his. He glanced up at Kono and as tears fell from both their eyes he leaned close to Steve's ear, "Hey partner. The Doc's gotta operate on you again so I need you to keep hanging on. You're doing great brother and we're all here for you. We love you Steve and you keep fighting. You're gonna beat this...we're right here"
Danny kissed his partners forehead just as Kono spoke, "They're here for him Danny" She kissed Steve's cheek and whispered softly, "I love you Steve"
Danny moved to her side and putting his arm around her waist they stepped back and watched as the orderlies transferred Steve and all the IV equipment to the stretcher and then they wheeled him from the room. Allie came in and let them know that they could wait here and the Doctor would send someone in to update them as soon as possible.
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Kono had moved to the window and stood, quietly staring at the people scurrying to lunch in the city below, their only concerns being whether to have soup or salad today. Danny moved to her side and they stood not talking for several minutes.
Kono finally broke the silence, "He didn't mean it Danny, he's just worried. You know he would do anything necessary to keep Steve alive"
"I know honey. I honestly don't even want to think about what Steve's reaction will be. All that matters now is that he lives, whatever happens we'll deal with it. We'll be there for him"
"Of course we will, we're family Danny. But you need to know that you made the right call. Chin knows that too, I promise you he does"
"Thank you. I'm so glad you're both here, he needs you"
"We wouldn't be anywhere else bro"
Danny turned away from her as he began to cry, his chin was quivering. She noticed and took his hands turning him back towards her.
"Danny, he's going to be okay"
"Kono...this is my fault. I should never have let this happen"
"What are you talking about? How could you have possibly stopped this?"
"Steve doesn't know these woods. He didn't know the dangers"
"Danny Williams would you listen to yourself? Steve McGarrett didn't know the dangers? I think you better not say those words to him brother or he might just deck you. Steve is ALWAYS aware of the dangers Danny and I promise you that he handled that bear attack as best he could"
"He saved Gracie's life..." Tears were flowing down his cheeks.
"Of course he did. You know that he would die...or lose his arm….. he would do anything to keep that little girl safe.
Danny looked at this beautiful friend, his sister and he pulled her into a tight embrace. They remained this way, comforting each other for several minutes and then they sat at the table and continued their wait.
Chin returned a short time later with his hands full of deli sandwiches and sodas.
He set them on the table as his eyes met Danny's, "A peace offering brother. I'm sorry Danny. I guess I'm a bit on edge"
Danny grinned and stood to embrace his friend. "No peace offering is needed. I don't know about your cousin here but lunch sounds really good to me. We're all on edge Chin. You're worried about him, so am I"
"You did the right thing Danny, you know that don't you?"
"Yeah buddy, I know that but it's nice hearing you confirm it for me. Thank you"
The three ate and chatted for a while and then Danny placed a call to Governor Denning to fill him in on the situation.
"How'd he take the news?"
"Good...pretty good...he told us all to take whatever time we need and he'll make due"
"Did you tell him the extent of the shoulder damage?"
"No...I figure I'll let Steve talk to him about that and truthfully we don't really know the extent of the damage yet. Thank God it's his left shoulder. He's recovered fully from a lot of horrible injuries in the past. I'll put my money on him that he'll recover fully"
Kono smiled at the two men, "Now THAT'S the kind of talk I like to hear my friends!"
Danny then called Rachel, "Hi Rachel"
"Hello Daniel, is everything okay?"
"Gracie's fine but we ran into a problem camping and Steve was attacked by a black bear"
"Oh Danny, is he alright?"
Danny then explained what had happened and that Gracie had been traumatized but she seemed to be doing okay.
"Danny, I can catch a flight out tonight"
"I don't think it's necessary but you're more than welcome to come. My parents would love to see you. Their door is always open to you, you know that"
"I would feel much better if I could talk to her, is she available"
"No, she's at the hotel with Mom and Dad. I'm fairly certain she's in the pool. I'm going to be staying here for a while. Let me give you Mom's cell number and you can call her"
"Thank you Danny, please give Steven my love. I'll call you after I talk to Gracie"
Danny gave her to number and as he was hanging up the Doctor was entering the room.
