Two long days later there was finally some good news from Carl Lewis. Danny had spent every waking moment in McGarrett's room, sleeping only an hour or two at a time as he waited for some news. He rubbed at his eyes and stood up when he heard something form the man on the bed. A smile formed when he realized Steve was awake, but it left when he realized McGarrett was fighting the tube down his throat.
"Do something!" Williams told the nurse.
"Commander, McGarrett, you're in the hospital and on a ventilator. Dr. Lewis will be here in a couple of minutes and we may take out the tube then, for now, let it do what it's supposed to do," Janet Sullivan said, her voice calm as she spoke to the struggling man. "Talk to him, Detective, let him know you're here!"
"Steve, look at me! Come on…that's it…look at me. You're going to be okay. Dr. Lewis is on his way…"
"I'm right here, Detective," Lewis said as he entered the room with Maynard and Caldwell following in his footsteps. He saw the panic on McGarrett's face and wanted to take the tube out, but with five people in the room someone had to leave. "We need you to leave for a couple of minutes, Detective…"
"I'm not going anywhere…"
"Look, Detective…"
"Carl, we don't all need to be here. Let Detective Williams stay…we'll be at the desk when you're through here," Caldwell said and left the room with Maynard.
"All right, Commander, would you like to get rid of that tube now?" Lewis asked and smiled at the vigorous nod of the man's head. "Okay, just give us a couple of seconds to remove the tape."
Williams watched as the doctor and nurse removed the tape holding the tube in place and swallowed reflexively as Lewis told McGarrett to breathe out. The result was instantaneous as Steve began to cough and the nurse disposed of the tubing while Lewis waited for the SEAL to relax.
"Wh…what hap…happened?" McGarrett croaked, his voice a raspy whisper as he tried to make sense of where he was.
"Let's just say using you as bait was the wrong plan. She got to you," Williams answered softly.
"Not…not your fault, Dan…no," the Seal said.
"Commander, you've been on a ventilator for three days and I expect your throat is sore, so keep talking to a minimum. There'll be time to answer your questions later," Lewis ordered.
"I need…"
"You need to rest and allow yourself time to heal. Detective Williams has been here every day since you were brought in and if I was a betting man I'd say he'll be here after you get some sleep."
"Dr. Lewis is right, Steve. Go to sleep," Williams said.
"Seems like that's all I do," McGarrett grumbled, but was asleep before Lewis finished checking the monitors.
"Janet, keep an eye on his oxygen level. If it drops any lower put him on a mask and call me," Lewis ordered.
"Yes, Dr. Lewis," the nurse assured him.
"Detective, now that we've taken him off the ventilator and the antidote seems to be working I want you and the others to go home and take advantage of your own beds."
"Doc…"
"No arguments…if you don't do as I say then I'll talk to the governor and have him make it an order. Now, say goodnight or good morning and go home. Go to bed…and sleep for a week if that's what it takes to get rid of the over-size bags under your eyes," Lewis ordered and wrote several notations on his patient's chart.
"Doc…"
"Detective, did you understand…"
"I understood, but I need to know what's happening with Paulina. You know he's going to want to know when he wakes up," Williams said.
"She's not responding as well as the commander is," Lewis answered before leaving the room.
Danny wasn't sure how he felt about the news, but he knew if she died life would be a whole lot simpler and less dangerous for Steve McGarrett. The woman's obsession went far beyond ordinary stalking and she'd proven that she would kill him if he chose not to be with her. If she died, he wouldn't have to worry about testifying against her, and the possibility that she would someday be released from prison. That didn't seem possible, not after they'd found the bodies on her property and Toshi Ito had already agreed to testify against her.
"I'll be back," Williams vowed and left the room, feeling better than he had in weeks. It was time to talk to Rachel and tell her it really was safe to come home, especially with Christmas just a few short weeks away.
5050505050
Snatches of conversation came to him, but he was unable to comprehend much of what was being said before falling asleep once more. It was beginning to drive him crazy, simply because he didn't feel in control of his own life. He needed to wake up and ask questions of the people in the room with him, but every time he thought he was winning, sleep dragged him back to the nightmares that plagued him.
"I think he's waking up….hey, Steve, come on…"
He knew that voice, it seemed to be the one constant that broke through the nightmares and he finally managed to open heavy eyelids. The smile formed and lingered as he recognized the three people stand beside the bed.
"It's about time you woke up," Williams said, relief evident in his voice.
"How long?"
"Well, you were in ICU for six days and you've been in this room for two," Kono answered.
"What happened?" McGarrett asked.
"Before or after you and Paulina drugged each other?" Williams asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"Is she dead?" the SEAL asked.
"No, but it seems there is such a thing as karma and she got it tenfold," Chin answered.
"What do you mean? Where is she?" McGarrett asked and pressed the button to raise his head.
"She's been transferred to the prison hospital and she'll spend the rest of her life there. She was right about giving you both different poisons and because she'd taken it before she went after you it did irreversible damage to her lungs, liver, kidneys and central nervous system. She needs constant care, but she'll never leave the bed without assistance."
"She's bedridden?" the injured man asked.
"Yes, she is, but she knows what's going on, Steve," Chin told him. "I accompanied her in the ambulance during the transfer and she was awake and aware. She can't talk and she's being fed through a tube. Dr. Lewis explained why, but I can't make heads or tails of it. He did say nothing short of a miracle would ever let her be a danger to anyone ever again."
"I want to see her," McGarrett told them.
"I knew you'd say that, but it will be at least a week before you get out of here, so don't ask," Williams said and moved to help his friend sit up a little more.
"Damn, I feel so damn weak," the SEAL observed once he was settled comfortably on the pillow.
"Yes, well, better weak than dead," the Jersey native told him and saw something he didn't like in the other man's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"There were others," McGarrett said.
"We knew that," Williams said and understood his partner was probably suffering from survivor's guilt. "Steve, don't be angry because you survived. You're strong and smart and you had…"
"I had you guys watching out for me," the SEAL observed.
"Yes, you did," Kono vowed and sat on the edge of the bed. "We've identified several of the victims and Governor Denning has notified the next of kin. I know what you're feeling, but at least they have closure now and they can be given proper burial."
"Thanks…for what all of you did. I may not have been awake, but I knew I wasn't alone," McGarrett observed.
"You weren't,' Williams told him as a nurse arrived with a tray of food. "Looks like you're actually awake enough to eat this morning."
"Commander, eat your breakfast and I'll be back with everything you need for a bath," the nurse said before hurrying from the room.
"Now that's about the only good thing about being in a hospital," Chin observed.
"What is?" McGarrett asked.
"Come on, Steve, don't tell me getting a sponge bath from a woman like that doesn't make you feel a little better?" Williams asked.
"Is that all guys think about?" Kono asked with a smile.
"Not all," Chin told her as she took the lids off the bowls.
"Steve, you need to eat," Kono observed.
"What is it?" McGarrett asked disinterestedly.
"Cereal, toast, and coffee," the woman answered.
"I'll eat later," the weary patient said and closed his eyes. He felt himself drifting toward sleep and barely found the energy to acknowledge them as they left with the promise they'd be back in the afternoon.
Steve had no idea whether he'd really slept, but he heard the door open, but remained still as footsteps neared the bed. He hoped whoever it was would simply think he was asleep and take the tray away. When he didn't hear the person leave he sighed and opened his eyes and a smile formed when he recognized his visitor.
"Good morning, Sailor."
"Cath, when did you get in?"
"About an hour ago…I wanted to be here sooner, but we were on radio silence until we finished our last tour. You look like hell," Catherin Rollins said and kissed him. His arm came up and wrapped around her as the kiss deepened and there was no denying the deep feelings they had for each other. "I was so worried about you."
"I know…and I'm sorry, Cath."
"It wasn't your fault, Steve. None of this was. She was crazy…is crazy and she made her own bed. I don't wish anything bad on her, but what she did to you and the others…it just means she is paying for it," Rollins said.
"Danny said she's bedridden," McGarrett said.
"I know. I spoke with him and Kono. It sounds like she'll never hurt anyone again and right now that's the best news I've heard," Rollins said.
"How much time do we have before you need to return to duty?"
"We have three weeks. I'll be here for Christmas and be able to help you ring in the New Year. I leave on the second," Catherine told him.
"Can you get Dr. Lewis for me?"
"Why?"
"I need him to sign my discharge papers or I'll go AWOL," McGarrett answered.
"You try it and I'll have you keelhauled, Sailor…"
"Come on, Catherine, you just got back and…"
"And you just got out of ICU. No way in hell are you getting out of here until Dr. Lewis says so! Don't make me pull rank on you!"
"I outrank you."
"Maybe you do, but I have contacts and believe me you don't want me to call any of them," Catherine said. "Let's not fight, Steve…now why don't I tell the nurse you're ready for your sponge bath."
"Only if you're the one to help me," McGarrett told her.
"Oh, I think that could be arranged. I'll ask her to see if we can get you a fresh breakfast tray as well," Catherine told him and walked to the door.
Steve smiled as he watched her and felt some of the tension leave his body at the thought of spending the next three weeks under her tender loving care. She was everything he'd ever dreamed of in a woman and more, yet neither one of them was ready to take it that extra step just yet. She had a career that kept her onboard a navy vessel for months at a time. He had Five-O and needed to remain in Hawaii. Their relationship was a long distance one, but it seemed to work for them and for that he was grateful.
"The nurse is going to bring in the items we need. How would you feel about sitting in a chair? That way we can change the bed linens as well."
"Sounds good," McGarrett told her and sat up. He slid his legs over the edge and sat for a minute while waiting for the dizziness to pass. He smiled when she moved to help support him and was shocked by just how weak he actually felt. He knew it probably had to do with whatever poison Paulina had given him, but he knew he would regain his strength with time.
"All right, Sailor, think you can make it to that chair?"
"Think so…feel so damn weak."
"Considering what you've been through I'm not surprised," Catherine said and eased him onto the chair. She looked into his eyes and wasn't surprised to see how bloodshot they were. She knew what Paulina or Marcia, whatever her real name was, had given him and vowed to help him get his strength back. She shook her head and smiled as she tried to lighten the mood. "You really do need a nurse."
"Only if you're applying for the job," the SEAL told her.
"Depends on the hours and the salary?"
"Well, I can't guarantee the hours, but you name your salary…hopefully it includes some downtime…and by that I mean time in the bed."
"My own bed?"
"Not if I can convince you otherwise," McGarrett said.
"Hmm, so if I accept the position I get to take care of an injured SEAL 24/7?"
"Are you up for it?"
"Shouldn't that be my question?" Catherine asked with a grin and leaned down to kiss him.
"I'm up for it…"
"Oh, excuse me," the nurse said and smiled as she looked at the couple. "I guess I should have knocked."
"No, that's okay. We were just talking," McGarrett told her.
"Is that what young people are calling it these days?" the grey haired woman asked as she placed several towels, a basin, and shampoo on the bedside table. "If there's anything else you need just let me know, and Lieutenant Rollins."
"Yes?"
"If you place a chair against the door I'll make sure no one disturbs you."
"Thank you, Serena," Catherine said.
"You're welcome. I'm going to grab some clean sheets and change the bed before I leave you in Lieutenant Rollins' tender care, Commander," Serena Carlson told them. "Oh, I've also ordered a new breakfast tray and will let you know when it gets here or there are some muffins and coffee in the nurse's lounge. Perhaps it would save time if you ate while I made up your bed."
"Steve, would you like a muffin and coffee?" Catherine asked.
"Sounds good," McGarrett told her.
"I'll be right back," Catherine said and listened as the nurse told her where the lounge was.
Steve looked out the window and smiled inwardly as he thought about his feelings for Catherine Rollins. He heard the nurse remove the sheets and watched as she replaced them with clean ones and tucked them in around the corners.
"I know it's probably not up to military regulations, but you could probably bounce a coin off it," the nurse told him.
"It looks good," McGarrett said as Catherine returned.
"Is there anything else I can get you?" Carlson asked and watched McGarrett rubbing the heavy stubble on his chin.
"Is there any way I can get a razor?" McGarrett asked.
"I think we can manage that," the woman said and left the room, returning a few minutes later with the razor, shaving cream, and after shave lotion. "If you need anything else just let me know."
"We will, thank you, Serena," McGarrett said, and watched as Catherine put a chair against the door before rejoining him at the window.
"Banana or carrot?" Catherine asked.
"Banana," McGarrett answered and took the muffin, surprised that it was warm and there was melted butter in the middle. He took a bite and was surprised when his stomach rumbled appreciatively. He finished the whole thing and drank most of the coffee while Catherine filled the basin with warm water.
"Okay, Sailor, it may not be a three minute shower, but I think we'll be able to get you cleaned up," the woman said and eased the hospital gown off his shoulders. The nurse had brought in pajama bottoms and it was warm enough that he wouldn't need the gown. She discarded the gown near the foot of the bed and reached for the washcloth and soap.
Steve smiled and closed his eyes as she gently washed his upper body, opening them when her hand stopped near the healing knife wound. He saw the anger in her eyes and reached out to touch her. "It's okay, Cath, it's healed."
"It never should have happened. She really is crazy!"
"I know, but she won't hurt anyone ever again," McGarrett told her and smiled wolfishly. "Right now I think we need to finish this before Danny and the others get here."
"Serena said she'd keep everyone out," Catherine told him and continued to wash his upper body. She reached around him and laughed when he took advantage and drew her into an embrace that left her shirt full of soapy water. "Steve, I didn't bring a change of clothes."
"Good, I don't mind if you get naked," McGarrett vowed.
"Maybe not, but imagine the nursing staff walking in and finding us both bare-chested…"
"I don't mind looking at your bare chest," the SEAL teased.
"Yes, well, that goes both ways, but I'd rather wait until we're at home."
"Then get Dr. Lewis."
"No, now stop badgering me or I'll see if Nurse Hardesty is available."
"Hell, no, don't do that," McGarrett grumbled and relaxed as she finished the sponge bath and shaved the stubble from his face.
"I'm going to get some clean water and wash your hair," Catherine told him and frowned when she looked into his eyes. There was no mistaking the pain and weariness she saw there and she knew it was time to get him back to bed and call the nurse. "Your hair can wait…"
"No, Cath, let's finish this. I'm good," McGarrett assured her.
"Steve, you've been in that chair for an hour and I can tell you're tired and in pain. I'm going to get rid of this and get Serena to bring you something…"
"I'll call her myself once we're through. It won't take long, and I'll sleep better. God, it's been so long since I've felt this clean," the SEAL told her, relieved when she agreed to finish his hair. Once she was done she helped him back into bed and folded her arms until he made good on his part of the bargain. The nurse came into the room with his medication and a bag of IV solution and quickly administered to her patient before leaving them alone again.
"All right, Sailor, time for you to get some sleep," Catherine said and tucked the blankets around him.
"There's only one thing missing."
"What would that be?"
"I'd sleep a lot better if you joined me," McGarrett said and shifted to the right side of the bed.
"What if someone comes in?"
"Come on, Catherine, we're both consenting adults and we're fully dressed…well you are, but I wouldn't argue if you got more comfortable," the SEAL told her.
"Sorry, Sailor, but right now you need to rest and I don't think you'll do that if I got naked too."
"Come on, Cath, I'm cold," McGarrett tried and succeeding in making her laugh.
"I'll get you an extra blanket," the woman told him and laughed at the look of disappointment she saw. "Okay, how about a compromise?"
"What kind of compromise?"
"I'll lie down with you, but I keep my clothes on, and you sleep!"
"I can live with that," McGarrett said and frowned when she walked to the opposite side of the bed. "Where are you going?"
"I figure if we're going to share the bed I'd better put up the side. I wouldn't want to have to explain how you fell on that delicate derrière."
"Delicate derrière?"
"Why yes, after all you're just a SEAL."
"Just a SEAL?"
"Not just a SEAL…my SEAL," Catherine said and lifted the side rail before putting the chair in front of the door once more. She returned to the bed and sat on the edge. "Are you sure, Steve?"
"Hell yes," he answered and scooted closer to the railing as he took her hand and pulled her down beside him.
Catherine smiled as she stretched here body out beside his and he rested his head on her arm. She could spend the rest of her life in this bed as long as he was the man beside her. She wasn't ready to take it that extra step yet, but someday…someday she hoped they would take that extra step in front of friends, God, and country.
Steve relaxed and closed his eyes as the medication he'd been given eased the discomfort enough for him to sleep. He knew having this woman beside him would go a long way toward helping him heal. He sighed and snuggled closer; basking in the light floral scent he associated with her, and allowed himself to relax even further as sleep reached out for him.
Catherine knew the instant he fell asleep and toyed with the idea of getting out of bed and letting him stretch out even more. The instant she moved, his arm came up and wrapped around her and she smiled at how, even in sleep, he wanted her close. She'd stay where she was, and let him know he wasn't alone.
TBC