Here's another installment …please note RL is chewing up my free time so might be back to irregular updates…

Frank will return if not in the next chapter then the one after, "Nadja".

Thanks to all again for your time in reading and reviewing

Chapter 25

Steve did not even notice the nurse had left the room. All that occupied his attention was Doc and the medical file in his hands.

"You can relax now Steve. Danny's blood tests and x-rays confirm bruising to his spleen. With plenty of bed rest and anti inflammatory medication, he's going to be fine," Doc said reassuringly as he continued to examine the x-ray, holding the film up to his eyes.

"Thank God," Steve exhaled the stale air in his lungs. His heart beat gradually returned to its normal rhythm.

"I'll be keeping him over night for observation, of course, just in case. Steve you're not going to like this and neither will he. Danny won't be fit for duty until the swelling goes down which could take at least a week, maybe two. If he receives a blow to the abdomen, takes a fall, or is involved in another accident, he is at a very high risk of rupturing his spleen. I understand that Five'O has been dealt with a few undue blows recently and I care for Danny very much, Steve. Which is why I have decided to allow you to return to work as of tomorrow, provided you still make time to attend your physiotherapy sessions," Doc laid down the file and looked Steve in the eye.

"Thanks Doc. I appreciate it! Can I see Danno?" the relief on Steve's face was insurmountable.

"I'll be giving him a mild sedative and some pain killers but you can see him for a few minutes. Speaking of visitors I'll have to unfortunately kick Kono out pretty soon. It's almost midnight!" Doc replied, a small smile spread on his face.

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"Howzit Danno?" Steve called out softly as he entered Dan's room.

"Alright Steve. I'm sorry about tonight. Guess I screwed up big time. What's new these days huh? I seem to be making a mess of things everywhere I turn," Dan sighed, his eyes not meeting Steve's.

Kaikaina, how can I make you see just how much good you've done? Steve thought to himself as he pulled up a chair next to Dan's bed.

"I want you to listen to me, Danno. We all make mistakes. I've done my fair share and probably more to come. I can't tell you I'm not disappointed at what you did but that doesn't mean I think you're a screw up. You're far from it. I was angry with you and I still am. And you know why Danno? I was scared! Just thinking about how close I was to losing you scares me more than anything. I made my decision three years ago to have you by my side at Five'O and I stand by that decision. You've never given me any reason to regret it! I know things are tough right now. They don't always get any easier. I believe in you but you need to start believing in yourself. Otherwise people like Dawson will have a ball game with messing up your head. Yes, I know about what's been going between you and Dawson. I realize you've been put in a tight corner and I'm going to do everything I can to get you out," Steve decided not to get into all the details of his confrontation with Dawson.

"Steve, I don't know what to say. I - I -" Dan's voice caught in his throat as a wave of emotions cascaded over him.

"You don't have to say anything, kaikaina. Just hang in there. Doc's keeping you overnight. He said I can go back to work tomorrow which means I've got you covered. I know you're really not going to like this but as of now, I'm taking you off the kidnapping case. I'm also taking you off duty until Doc gives you the green light. It could be a week or more," Steve hoped Dan would understand and accept his decision.

"Steve, I have a witness to interview in the Carlson case. She won't speak to anyone but me!" Dan shifted uncomfortably onto his side. He drew his knees up slightly and gritted his teeth against the pain in his chest and stomach. The dizziness and nausea made it hard to absorb Steve's words.

"Until John says we can go ahead with bringing Carlson back into the courtroom, there is no witness to interview. If he gives the go ahead, then we'll talk about that. I'll make some concessions but until then, I want you to rest and concentrate on getting healed up," Steve replied, as he scrutinized his hurt second in command who had gone rather quiet, "You ok, Danno?"

"Yeah. A little queasy that's all," Dan squeezed his eyes shut, clamped his jaw and swallowed down the bile. There were some things he wanted to say to Steve but he knew if he tried saying them now, he would be sick all over his boss.

"Steve," A voice interrupted the stillness as Doc Bergman called out to Steve indicating that visitation time was over. A glass of water and a cup of meds in his hands, Doc entered the room and walked towards the bed.

"Ok Doc, he's all yours. Take it easy Danno," Steve rose from the chair and lightly squeezed Dan's shoulder before making his way to the door. As he passed Bergman he whispered, "Doc, I don't think he's feeling too well,"

"That's to be expected. He should be alright after a good night's sleep," Doc replied.

There was nothing left in his stomach to bring forth, but the nausea had Dan shaking and breaking out in a cold sweat. After taking a few agonizing deep breaths, he managed to get his stomach under control and the nausea subsided. Both Doc and Steve looked on with sympathy etched on each of their faces.

"Danny, these should ease the pain and help you sleep," Doc placed the glass of water and the meds down on the bed side table and gently helped the young detective to sit up.

Steve took one last look at Dan, then left the patient in the care of his doctor.