CHAPTER 42

"I told him."

Danny's eyes popped open at the sound of Steve's voice. They had spent another hour talking about nonsense before Steve had fallen asleep. Danny had just closed his eyes to do the same when Steve spoke.

"What?" Danny asked sleepily.

"I told him," Steve repeated.

"Told who what?"

"Nazeef. I told him it was his son that sold him out."

Danny mulled that over for a moment. Steve would never give away important information like that. No matter what. So why did he do it?

"Why?" Danny had to know.

"I had finally gotten myself free when Walker came into the room. I was dizzy, my whole body was shaking and I felt like I was going to pass out at any second. The next thing I knew, Walker had a gun on me and Nazeef had entered the room. He said…he said he was impressed. He asked me why I continued to fight when everyone I cared about was dead. I remember thinking about Ari. About how courageous he was, how scared he was. I knew Nazeef was going to kill me anyway, but I vowed to take him with me. So, I told him that Ari was still alive. It worked exactly the way I wanted it to. He was surprised and I used that moment to get the drop on Walker. Then I shot Nazeef. He seemed to be almost thankful to die."

Danny remained quiet as Steve recalled everything he had gone through.

"Walker…he told me everything. He was the leak. He gave our intel to Nazeef and got all those men killed. I asked him why he did it, why he sold us out. He told me how Nazeef paid him for the information about our raids. He told me he knew I had a source, but he never knew who it was. He laughed when he realised that it was Ari all along. He actually laughed." Steve paused for a moment. "It was his team that was sent in to record the scene and gather the evidence. That's how Nazeef's 'death' was reported. Walker falsified reports and let a terrorist get away."

Steve clenched his jaw angrily before continuing. "I thought Nazeef was dead and that it was all over with. Then Fuentes came and brought everything back. It turns out that Nazeef and Fuentes were acquaintances. Can you believe that?"

Truthfully, Danny found he could. Evil attracts evil. It was inevitable. It was one of the few pieces of truthful information that Walker had fed them.

"Nazeef tried to win the auction, but you guys stopped it before that could happen. When Fuentes tried to kill me for killing his brother, Nazeef tried to stop him. The bomb from the construction site? That was intended to kill Fuentes."

Danny's eyes nearly popped out of his head. Nazeef had been planning this for almost nine months. That was a long time to scheme revenge.

"Owen Perry caught on to Walker," Steve continued. "According to Walker, Perry had a lot of information on Nazeef and Walker's acts of treason. Walker had him killed because he got too close. Walker wanted it to look like Perry was killed as part of a serial killer's fantasy and not as a result of torture. So, he had Kapule set up to take the fall. Not that Kapule was innocent in all of this. He killed Monroe."

"When we started deviating from the serial killer idea, Walker became nervous. He got rid of anyone involved so we could never get the truth. He sent us after Trevor and Marcus on a wild goose chase. Walker told us that they killed Perry because he was investigating them. Instead, they were Nazeef's puppets. The bomb at the house was supposed to take out our team, but that didn't go according to plan."

"How so?" Danny asked.

"Carl Rogerson…he couldn't do it. Nazeef had leverage on him…he threatened his fiancé Jennifer. He waited until everyone was out of the house before detonating the bomb. He was supposed to keep an eye on our investigation. He was responsible for setting up Kapule and also killing him. Walker killed him anyway."

"We know," Danny said.

"That's not even the most messed up part," Steve whispered.

"What could possibly be worse than that?" Danny asked.

"Walker wasn't just paid off to do Nazeef's dirty work. He wanted to be Nazeef, to take over the Noorzai organisation."

"Wow," Danny said. "That's…that's just…"

"Yeah," Steve agreed quietly.

"I'm glad he's dead," Danny said viciously. "He was a nutcase. He thought we wouldn't kill him because he was the only one that could give you answers. Well…he was wrong."

"I think I got all the answers I need, thanks," Steve said tiredly.

Danny frowned at Steve's comment. "I meant he wasn't the only one with all the information."

Steve turned his head to face Danny, a look of intrigue etched on his face.

Danny grinned at Steve. "What Walker didn't know was that we had the drive Perry had compiled all the evidence on. Tillman was able to protect Kupahu while he decrypted the drive."

"Who's Kupahu?" Steve asked. He had heard Danny mention the name before, but hadn't thought much of it at the time.

"Jordan Kupahu," Danny answered. "Part-time model, part-time hacker. He was the one that hacked into the NCIS database and deleted everything about Perry. You would probably recognise him as the nurse that killed Malory Winters."

"Huh," Steve muttered.

"He was also how we found where you were. He was supposed to drop the drive to Nazeef…I tell you, Perry really did a good job. He had everyone involved with Nazeef going back over ten years."

"He came to Hawaii to warn me."

"Perry?" Danny asked

"Yeah…I think he brought the drive to give to me. Walker found him and tortured him for it…It's my fault he's dead."

"Stop that right now, Steve!" Danny exclaimed. "Perry was doing his job. Just like you were. He knew the risks. You are not to blame for this."

"I know," Steve said quietly.

"Do you?" Danny asked.

"Deep down, I do. I just feel…"

"Guilty?"

"Yeah."

Danny sighed. He knew Steve had nothing to feel guilty about, but trying to convince Steve of that was going to take time. So, he decided to change the topic.

"So…will there be another inquiry?" Danny asked.

Steve sighed. "Probably. With the international fallout, it won't just get swept under the rug. There is a lot to answer for."

"Will you have to testify again?"

"Most definitely. Tillman too. Maybe the team as well. It depends," Steve replied with another sigh. "I'm sorry."

"What for this time?" Danny asked.

"For all of this. None of this should ever have happened. You guys got caught up in something really dangerous and now we have to clean it up."

"We will do it together. We are a team, after all," Danny replied, realising how corny that sounded.

Steve chuckled and turned on the TV to see if there was a game on. He knew Danny wouldn't be leaving his side for a while. He was fine with that. In fact, he was extremely grateful for the company.

About halfway through the basketball game (it was the only game on), a thought occurred to Danny.

"I have a question," Danny announced.

Steve rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Another one?"

"Yes. Another one…Do you have a secret storage locker?" Danny asked.

Steve cocked an eyebrow at Danny. "What?"

"You know, a place to store your secret stash of weapons and ammunition," Danny reiterated.

"I have no idea what you are talking about," Steve said, his face impassive.

"So, Tillman, a guy who doesn't even live on the island, had this storage unit with enough weapons in it to take on a small army. When we asked him about it, his response was, 'you never know when you might need something'. I mean, he was right, but that was overkill. I just want to know if you have something like that…for emergencies, of course."

Steve thought for a moment before smiling deviously at Danny. "I can neither confirm nor deny."

Steve thought he would melt from the intensity of Danny's heated glare. Steve couldn't help but get his partner riled up. There had been a moment when he had thought he would never get to hear his partner rant again. In fact, he had thought he would never see the sun again or feel the wind on his face.

He was glad he was still alive to hear the voluble Jersey detective's rants. Though Steve would never admit it out loud, he would purposefully do something to irritate the man, just to see his reaction. It often brought a smile to his face.

"Just tell me one thing…how does a guy like Rodger Tillman owe you so many favours?" Danny asked.

"That," Steve yawned, "is a story for another day."

"Come on. Give me something to work with here," Danny said.

"So," Steve said, changing the subject. "When can I get out of here?"

Danny rolled his eyes at the question. He had known it was coming, but he had been hoping it wouldn't be for a few more days, weeks even.

"When the doctor says it's okay for you to leave," he replied.

"But I can rest just as well at home," Steve argued.

"I'm sure you think that, but how about we let the medical professionals decide that, huh?"

There was a short knock at the door. The door opened and Doctor Eric Palamo entered the room.

"Speak of the devil," Danny muttered under his breath. "Hi doc!"

"Hello Danny, Commander," the doctor replied with a smile.

"Hi doc," Steve said. "When can I go home?"

The doctor shared a knowing look with Danny before turning his attention back to Steve. "We've reached that point, have we?"

Danny nodded vigorously, answering for Steve. Steve glared at Danny.

"Let me check you over and I can give you an idea of when you can leave," the doctor said.

Danny waited patiently as Doctor Palamo diligently checked Steve over. He checked his breathing, the bruising still prominent on his jaw, his ribs, his wrist and shoulder. He also checked and re-dressed the lacerations on his wrists and ankles. He then grabbed his penlight and checked Steve's pupillary response. Apparently satisfied, he sat down in front of Steve.

"Okay Commander. I'm going to ask you a few questions and I want you to answer honestly," the doctor said.

Steve nodded.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine," was Steve's response.

"I need more details than that, Commander."

"It's just Steve…and I feel mostly fine. The bruising on my jaw is manageable, not too painful. My wrist and shoulder feel fine. If I read or watch too much TV, I get a slight headache. I get tired after standing or walking for too long," Steve answered honestly.

"Okay. And your breathing? Do you get out of breath if you talk too much?"

Steve shook his head. "Not anymore."

"Is there anything else that you haven't told me?" the doctor asked.

Steve scrunched his face up in thought. "No, I don't think so."

"Okay. Today is Monday. If you can do an entire lap of this floor without getting winded, I will consider releasing you on Wednesday. And no, you can not go back to work straight away. You will be resting at home for at least another three weeks before I will even consider desk duty."

Steve groaned. "Really doc?"

"Yes. I'm very serious. You must understand that you were in a coma for nineteen days because of a heroin overdose. Those first couple of days were touch and go because you weren't breathing on your own and we couldn't get your heart to beat regularly due to the electric shocks you received. Even after you woke up, it took a few more days for your body to start coming back to itself. Right now, your body is still recovering. It will take a couple of months before you are back to normal."

"Months?" Steve said, sounding uncertain.

"You still have to build up the muscle mass you lost when you were in the coma. That takes time and physiotherapy helps with that. But you can't push it. If you over-exhaust yourself, you will find yourself back here in no time. You need to give your body time to recalibrate itself."

"Okay. Fine. Wednesday," Steve relented.

The doctor smiled at his stubborn patient. He was pleased to see the return of the Commander's personality. He had been quite worried about the man. To see him arguing about when he could go home was a good sign that things were returning to normal.

Steve was frustrated.

It was Tuesday evening and he still couldn't make it around the hospital floor without having to stop for a breather. He felt like he had after being worked over by Fuentes all those months ago. He flopped down into a nearby chair and stared out the window that overlooked the carpark.

The moon was shining brightly, illuminating the cars still in the lot. Staff, he assumed. Visiting hours were long over. In fact, he wasn't really supposed to be out of bed at this hour but it was quiet, almost peaceful out here.

"Hey."

Steve jumped in his seat at the sudden sound. He turned and relaxed when he saw Chin Ho Kelly walking up to him. Chin sat down next to Steve without another word.

"What are you doing here Chin?" Steve asked.

"I just thought you might like some company," Chin said, his tone even and calm.

Steve nodded. He wasn't sure if he believed Chin's excuse, but he would let it go for now.

"So, getting discharged tomorrow?" Chin asked.

"Not at this rate," Steve grumbled as he picked at the cast on his wrist.

"You can't push yourself like this, Steve," Chin said. "It won't get you out of here any faster."

"I know that, Chin!" Steve said loudly. He paused and took a deep, calming breath. "I just…I need to get out," he pleaded. "I can't stay here any longer."

Chin surveyed Steve with his zen-like stare. The bruising around his jaw was finally starting to heal, as were his other injuries. It wasn't the physical injuries that concerned Chin; it was the psychological damage that had been inflicted on his friend during his ordeal.

After being restrained and confined in a small room, Chin understood Steve's desire to bolt from the hospital. Chin had known it was coming the stronger Steve got. It was inevitable given Steve's stubborn nature.

"Okay. Let's get back to your room and when you wake up in the morning, we can do some walking," Chin proposed.

Steve thought about that before nodding in agreement.

The two men walked back to Steve's room in companionable silence. The nurse at the main desk smiled at the pair as they passed. Chin waved back while Steve just hung his head. Chin got Steve situated back into his bed. Steve closed his eyes and listened as Chin got himself comfortable in a chair.

"You don't have to stay," Steve muttered.

"I know, but I want to," Chin answered.

There was a period of silence. Just when Chin thought Steve had fallen asleep, he spoke.

"There was this old lady," Steve said without opening his eyes.

"Old lady?" Chin checked.

"Yeah. Last time I was here. When I escaped from the hospital, I snuck into her room to avoid being spotted by my nurse. I wasn't exactly looking my best and I think I scared her. She felt the same way as me about hospitals. She was very…enlightening. Anyway, I saw her a second time, the day before I was discharged. I don't know what it was about her, but something drew me to her. She could read me like an open book. She told me that she heard Danny ranting the day I escaped the hospital."

"Well, Danny worries loudly," Chin said with a smile. "You know that."

"That he does," Steve said as he opened his eyes and pinned Chin with a knowing glare. "You, on the other hand, worry quietly."

Chin frowned.

"It's okay, Chin. I know why you are here. I appreciate it…Do you know what else the old lady told me?"

Chin shook his head as he sat forward, listening attentively.

"That you need to help yourself before you can look after your Ohana. I'm now starting to realise how good that advice is," Steve said, closing his eyes again.

Chin sighed wearily as he settled back into the chair. Steve McGarrett was an enigma. A man of few words, but the words he spoke were often worth listening to. Chin hoped Steve would take that old lady's advice.

Wednesday morning, Chin woke up bright and early. He looked at his watch and saw it was just after six o'clock. Chin looked over to the bed and saw Steve was still resting peacefully. All the walking last night must have exhausted the man if he was still asleep.

Chin stretched, grimacing when his back popped. It had been a long and stressful two months. Longer than that, if he was being honest. With Kono's case with IA, then catching the Monroe murder and the case with the Senator. Now this. They all needed a break desperately.

The door opened quietly and Chin turned to see Danny walking inside, a paper cup of coffee in each hand. Chin accepted the offered beverage gratefully. He took a sip. It was bitter, but not the worst hospital coffee he'd ever had.

"How is he?" Danny asked.

Chin sighed. "He's okay. He wants to get out of here but he's frustrated because he can't walk the entire floor without getting out of breath."

"How long has he been out?" Danny asked.

"We finished walking about half past eleven last night. He probably fell asleep close to midnight. He hasn't moved since," Chin answered.

"Were you here all night?" Danny asked.

Chin nodded. "Yeah. I just wanted to make sure he was okay." He looked around and noticed there was someone missing. "Where's Kono?"

Danny flicked his eyes over to Steve before answering. "She's at Steve's house, helping Grace decorate for the welcome home party."

"Pink?" Chin asked.

"Of course," Danny said with a proud smile.

"You promised no pink, Danno," Steve's sleepy voice came from the bed as he stirred.

"You will have to take that up with Grace, Steve," Danny said, fighting to keep the laughter from his voice.

Steve grumbled as he sat up and stretched.

"So, today is the day," Danny announced happily.

"I'm not so sure about that," Steve admitted.

Danny glanced at Chin, who shrugged. Normally, Steve would be chomping at the bit to get out of the hospital. Obviously, having not yet met the doctor's criteria, Steve was feeling dejected.

"How about we wait until Doctor Palamo gets here?" Chin suggested.

Steve shrugged. The three men waited in silence as they anxiously awaited the doctor's arrival.

"Good morning, Steve," Doctor Palamo said as he entered the room ten minutes later.

"Morning, doc," Steve replied.

"Let's see about that discharge, shall we?" the doctor said enthusiastically.

Doctor Palamo went about checking Steve out thoroughly. He was obviously pleased with everything, because then it was time for the ultimate test. Chin stood to Steve's right, Danny to Steve's left as they began the lap around the hospital floor. The longer Steve walked, the more confident he became, drawing on the strength of his teammates. By the time he reached the starting point again, he was drenched with sweat and his legs were shaking, but he was happy.

"Okay Steve. It looks like you get to go home today," Doctor Palamo announced. "I will fill out your discharge papers now."

"Thanks, doc," Steve said with a wide smile.

"Look at that, SuperSEAL. You did it without face planting in front of the nurse's station. Good job," Danny jested.

Steve just flicked Danny a finger in response. He was too focused on trying to catch his breath again. The walk had been difficult, but overall not too bad.

The doctor returned with Steve's discharge papers and a wheelchair. "Here you go, Steve. Make sure you follow all the instructions. I have already made appointments with the physiotherapist for you. I will see you in one week for a check up. Please take it easy, Steve and remember what I said."

"I will, doc." Steve extended his hand to the doctor. "Thanks for patching me up again."

"Of course," Doctor Palamo said, shaking Steve's hand. "Just don't come back here any time soon, okay? At least, not as a patient."

Steve grinned. "I can't promise anything."

Chin took control of the wheelchair and wheeled Steve outside while Danny went to get the car. Steve was surprised when the silver Camaro pulled up in front of them.

"Where's my truck?" Steve asked.

"What?" Chin said.

"Last time Danny picked me up in my truck. So, where's my truck?"

"No one told you?" Chin said.

"Told me what?" Steve asked.

"Well, let's just say that you might need to go car hunting soon," Chin supplied.

"What the hell happened to my truck?" Steve said angrily.

"Well, after you crashed it, they torched it…It's gone, Steve."

"WHAT?"