Because you're all being so kind and patient here's another Chapter … (hope you like this "qdid")
Chapter 20
"Steve! Well come in. It's been a long time. I'll fix you a drink then you can tell me what's on your mind," Dawson's smile fell short of meeting the contemptuous glint that played in his steel blue eyes. He stepped aside and allowed Steve to enter the luxurious apartment. Steve could see the damage inflicted on Dawson's face by his second in command. It didn't take a great deal of math work for Steve to put two and two together. The detective's swollen and bruised lip confirmed Steve's speculations since leaving Dan at the office where he saw the purple and red tinge that marked his young second's knuckles. He walked past Dawson, taking in the exquisite surroundings. Just about the only thing that hasn't changed since I've known you. Always one for extravagance.
Dawson closed the door after Steve and ambled over to his mini bar. He began pouring and mixing his own cocktail, "Take a seat Steve. What will it be? Vodka on the rocks? How about a Martini, shaken not stirred?" Dawson laughed out loud at his own sarcasm.
"No thanks, Dawson. What I have to say won't take long," Steve remained standing as the smirk on Dawson's face slowly slid away.
"I came here to talk to you about Dan Williams," The seriousness in Steve's voice was also portrayed on his face.
"Ah Williams. What about 'im?" Dawson took a sip from his glass then walked out from behind the bar to stand directly in front of Steve.
"I know what you're trying to do Dawson and it won't work, my friend," Steve replied quietly.
"Look Steve I don't know what you're talking about," Dawson shrugged indifferently and downed his cocktail.
"You know damn well what I'm talking about! This is exactly the reason why I didn't want you on the team three years ago. You twist things to your liking. Manipulation Dawson. It doesn't agree with me. Never has and never will. And we certainly have no place for it here. Not here Dawson," Steve's voice rose a notch as he felt his anger rising within him.
"If there's one thing I don't appreciate, Steve, is someone coming here throwing accusations at me. How about hearing my side of the story for a change?" Dawson threw a pained look at Steve.
"Dawson. Dan Williams does not go around re-arranging his colleagues faces for no reason,"
"You think a lot of him, don't ya Steve,"
"Yeah Dawson. I do. I think a lot about all my men,"
"Steve, Steve. What the hell happened to you huh? You've grown soft. Back in the days, you wouldn't have thought twice about turning down a kid who looks like he's fresh out college! I don't get it, Steve. What's with this kid?" Dawson shook his head and rolled his eyes at Steve who stood glaring at the detective.
"He has a name, Dawson. Dan Williams. This kid is a better man than you or I could ever hope to be. You best well remember that! If you think you can push your way into the fold and drive Danno out then you better listen to me my friend. You better listen real good because I'm only going to say this once. If I find out that you're the one responsible for giving Danno a hard time and if this kidnapping business goes downhill because you were the idiot that killed the link we needed for the case, then I will personally throw you on the next plane out of Honolulu. And that's not all I'll do. Upon your return you'll find that your superiors have been notified and a vacancy will be open in your office!" Steve stabbed the air with his finger as he grilled Dawson who stood stock still, fury in his eyes.
"You seem to forget easily McGarrett! I saved your neck when I could've let you die out there! Danny boy is nothing more than a yellow rookie!" Dawson retorted, flaring up.
"You're still doing it aren't you Dawson? This guilt trip attempt. It didn't work three years ago, it won't work this time! So don't try it. You and I both know the only reason you saved my neck was because you were afraid if I died, you would be alone. You couldn't face the fight without me by your side. As I recall you almost left me and came back only when it was safe for you to do so. You were in tears Dawson almost every night, afraid you were not coming home. Don't you dare call Danno a coward! He's saved my life countless times and the lives of others he never even met! And he did it all in a heart beat. Never did he regret it. You tell me who's the coward?" Steve shot back at the red faced detective who had stepped up to Steve, ready to take a swing. Steve braced himself then saw Dawson hesitate, "Go ahead Dawson. Hit me. That's what you're good at these days. Shakin' up the witnesses, busting up snitches, falsifying evidence, need I go on with what you do to your suspects just to prove to everyone what a big man you are? I may be many things but I'm not deaf. How you solve your cases on the mainland is none of my business. Over here, it is!"
Dawson's teeth grated together as he threw his arm across attempting to hit Steve in the temple with the glass still in his hand. Steve was more than prepared and brought his left arm up to block the blow, ignoring the pain in his shoulder as both limbs connected fiercely. The glass fell from Dawson's fingers and landed harmlessly on the carpeted floor. Maddened even more, Dawson ploughed his fist hard into Steve's abdomen doubling the detective over. Although the blow winded him, Steve's adrenaline kicked into overdrive and he recovered quickly as he grabbed Dawson by the loose folds of his Aloha shirt and wheeled him around, throwing him up against the counter of the mini bar. Miniature bottles toppled from the impact and glasses of various designs clanged against each other in their wooden brackets. Pinning him to the edge of the counter, Steve twisted Dawson's arm painfully behind him holding him at bay until he cried out when the pain became unbearable.
"Dawson! This isn't the way it has to be. One last chance Dawson or you can pack your bags right now!" Steve growled at the struggling detective.
"Alright. Alright! I get the point, friend!You gonna let me go or you gonna break my arm?" Dawson took a deep breath and forced himself to relax. Steve slowly and cautiously relinquished his hold and took a step back, allowing Dawson enough space to straighten up and move away from the counter.
"Do we have an understanding?" Steve grated.
"For now, Steve. I'll leave Williams to sink his own ship. Then you can see how right I am about your boy," Dawson retorted, rubbing his arm and grimacing in pain.
Steve ignored the jibe remark and turned to leave the apartment. Before he closed the front door he paused in mid step but did not turn to face Dawson as he said, "I will be back first thing Monday morning, Dawson. Collect your pay check and then I don't want to see your face again. As of this moment I no longer consider you a friend," With his final words said and done, Steve McGarrett left Trevor Dawson to his livid thoughts.