Chapter 30

The next morning, they had breakfast around 8 am. After that a little PT session followed by the one-on-one with Danny. Most of the time they talked about the questions Dr. Jensen had asked Steve two days ago and what he had answered. Danny asked for a few more details from time to time, but he knew when it was too much for Steve or going into the "classified direction". All in all, it was a calm conversation with no risen voices or any kind of agitation.

"You are going to take your nap now?"

"I think I'll do Jacobsen before that. We missed that yesterday and there is no rule that I can't do it whenever I want anyway. I hope it will help me to sleep a little easier during my nap. I want to be on my game when Charlie arrives."

"That is a good idea. He called me before breakfast and told me he is really excited to come here and is dying to see you again. Like I already assumed yesterday, he wants to play and swim with you in the ocean. He is a really good swimmer," Danny started to smile "so prepare yourself for the worst."

When Danny and Charlie arrived, Steve was already awake again, standing in the kitchen drinking a bottle of water and talking to Catherine. Charlie came running into the room "Uncle Steve!" he yelled and threw himself into his "uncles" arms. "I've missed you. Can we go swimming? Where is Eddie? Can he come with us?"

"Hey, hey, slow down buddy. I've missed you too. And yes, we can do all that. Eddie is outside. Last time I checked he was lying under some of the bushes where it is a little cooler. I am sure he will be excited to see you. Just have a look."

"I will. Hi, aunt Catherine." He gave her a quick hug and ran outside.

"He is a little bundle of energy," Catherine said. "I think it will take a while to tire him out."

"I don't think you will be able to do that today," Danny answered. "He can swim, run and play ball forever. If you don't stop him, he will do that all night – doesn't matter to him if it is dark or not."

"We'll see about that," she smiled. "Maybe Steve and Eddie start with a few hours of swimming and playing fetch then I have a walk-over."

"That's what you think. I would bet my money on my son. I am sorry, but this is a game you won't win."

Charlie came back in. "Can I go swimming with uncle Steve and Eddie? Please!"

"Of course, you can. If they want that is."

"Uncle Steve?"

"Yes. If you change into your swimming trunks we can start."

He ran into Danny's room and came back not even a minute later. "I am ready. How about you?"

"Just go. And take Eddie with you. I will be with you in two minutes."
When Steve arrived at the beach Charlie and Eddie were already running in and out of the ocean, splashing around, laughing and barking like there was no tomorrow.

"Can we swim for a mile…or more, uncle Steve? Danno doesn't want me to swim that far, but he said it is okay if you are with me."

"Can you swim that far? You have to consider that you have to swim back as well."

"I can do half a mile, but I want to try more."

"Let's start with half a mile then. We can try more on another day. And we have to wait till Catherine or Danno are here, because we can't take Eddie with us for that kind of a distance."

When they came back, Charlie said "I can still swim, can we do it again?"

"No, not today. We can do it again tomorrow and then we will see. It's enough for today. You can play fetch with Eddie for another hour. He will love that."

"Okay. I like that too. Thank you for swimming that far with me."

"You are very welcome. You are really a great swimmer."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. If you train some more you can join the SEALS."

"No! No! He won't ever do that! You hear me?! I already have a crazy ninja partner I don't need a crazy ninja son. As long as I live, he will never ever come near an army or navy base or any other of the armed forces."

"Relax. I didn't want him to enlist tomorrow. I just wanted him to know how good he is."

"I am just saying."

Before Steve could reply to that and another argument would start, Catherine said "Guys, I need some help with the dinner preparation. Any volunteers?" They both said yes, but in the end, Steve went with her so that Danny could spend some time with his son. They both played with Eddie until dinner was ready.

It was nice to have Charlie around. He told some funny stories about things that had happened at school and they all laughed a lot. He even helped Steve with the dishes which surprised Danny, because usually he has to force him into doing that.

"Can we play soccer now?" he asked after they were done with the washing up.

"Asked aunt Catherine. She might be able to show you some tricks." Steve answered.

"Really? She played in school too – like Grace?"

"I don't think so. But she claimed to be very good."

Like she had promised the day before she agreed playing with Charlie. She was good and was indeed able to show him some tricks. But – considering his age – Charlie was a good player too.

"Looks like you got a real sports guy over there," Steve said to Danny while they were watching the two play.

"Yes, he loves to do that. Any kind of sports. At the moment soccer is his favorite though. As I said he wants to join a club. He has to learn some discipline if he is in a team. Hope he will like it nonetheless. I think he has some talent for it."

"Yes, he definitely has."

"Okay. Charlie. Enough for today. I want you to take a shower and calm down. Then it is time for bed."

"Please Danno. Just a bit more."

"No. You can play again tomorrow. Maybe aunt Catherine is willing to play with you again. But you had more than enough for today."

"Aunt Catherine?"

"Yes, for tomorrow. Now do as your father has told you."

"Will do. Do you promise to play again?"

"Scout's honor."

They all sat together for another hour, then Danny sent Charlie to bed, but they were all tired and followed soon after. Steve took his medication and gave Catherine a goodnight kiss. He fell asleep soon after and had a deep and dreamless sleep for about four hours. Then he started to get restless again. Catherine woke up when he started tossing and turning and mumbling. Like so often in these past weeks she started to talk to him again and touched his arms. After about two minutes he woke up and looked at her "Catherine?" he asked confused. "What are you doing here? It's too dangerous. They will be here any minute."

"You are at home Steve. Nobody is coming. You are safe. It was a dream." She kissed his forehead and snuggled up to him. "Go back to sleep. I am here. Danny is here. You are safe." He welcomed the warmth and closeness she provided, moaning softly when she tenderly stroked his neck and back and fell asleep again after just a few minutes.