Chapter 9

Danny had wanted to give Chin and Kono an update when he was leaving the doctor, but he felt so churned up with all the news he had gotten that he didn't even know how to start and what to tell them.

He went back to Steve's room and got the next shock when he entered.

Steve was awake and agitated. Nurse Hannah was talking to him, trying to calm him, but it seemed like she didn't get through, like he didn't even hear her. His eyes were wide open and darting around the room. At first Danny thought that the SEAL was tripping until he noticed the restraints on his friend's wrists and ankles, which he obviously tried to escape from.

"What the hell have you done!?" Danny shouted. "Why is he restrained? Get them off! NOW!"

"I can't. He was very restless and tried to get up, I tried to calm him and he tried to hit me. I just needed to keep him from hurting himself – or anyone else."

"You take the restraints off!" Danny got louder. He approached the bed "Steve? Steve, please, calm down."

"What is wrong here?" Dr. Lexington came in.

"Nothing. I just followed protocol and restrained the patient to keep him from hurting anyone – especially himself."

"Why didn't you call me?"

"Because there was no medical emergency or a medical decision to make."

"But you knew his friend was here. Restraints are usually our last step."

"I tried everything."

"Stop arguing," Danny said. "Just take them off," he said annoyed then continued with a soft voice "I am still here Steve. Don't worry. You are free in a minute."

While the staff had argued, Danny had already said those sentences a few times, but hadn't gotten any sign of recognition from Steve – until now.

"D…Danny?"

"Yeah, it is me. I am here."

"'elp me out…'f 'ere." He was panting and started to pull on his restraints again.

"Steve, calm down. Please. You are in a hospital. Just look at me. Hey, look at me." Danny put a hand on Steve's arm. "They are taking them off now. Okay?"

"Just 'elp me please." He stopped pulling, but looked pleadingly at Danny.

"I will. Just look at me. I am here."

He stroked Steve's arm. Up and down – again and again.

"The doctor is going to touch you now. Don't worry. He is just taking the restraints of. Okay?"

Steve just looked at Danny then is eyes closed and he was out again.

While the doctor removed the restraints, he said "I am sorry, detective. This was a bad start. The nurse was right. We do restrain people to keep them from hurting themselves, but usually not without permission. And in commander McGarrett's case it was a really bad choice to do. We will exchange her tomorrow."

"You don't have to. I think she meant well. I am sorry I got that loud, but I was shocked to see him like that. She just didn't know what had happened to him."

"Yes, probably not. I don't want to risk any more incidents. Just in case the commander is going to recognize her next time."

The doctor checked Steve's vitals and elevated his broken wrist.

"He is doing as best as he can do so far. I assume you are not leaving any time soon?"

"That is correct. I want him to se me when is waking up next time."

"That is a good idea. The other bed is for you. I want you to use it."

When Danny was about to answer, Dr. Lexington said "Yes, I know. You don't want to sleep just yet. And I understand that. It was just a reminder. You need to pace yourself. And you might not see it that way, but I can imagine that you've been through a lot these last 25 days as well. It had cost you a lot of energy. I can see that. But that was just the beginning. You are in for a marathon not a sprint. And you definitely need to recharge your batteries – starting tonight. It would be best if you try to get some sleep when the commander does. A nurse will be in every 20 to 30 minutes to check his vitals and have a look at him. So, if there doesn't occur anything where your help is needed you can and should rest.