Kono continued to tend to Steve and Chin moved to the side of the room towards Danny.
Danny sat upright listening to the Governor, finally responding, "Yes sir"
Chin watched his partner as his explained Steve's condition to Governor Denning and then he hung up and sat quietly, running his hands through his hair. After several seconds Chin spoke, "Danny? Talk to me brother"
"I have to meet with Fryer tomorrow. They're saying it was an unjustified shooting Chin" Danny sighed deeply.
Chin sat next to him and put a hand on this knee, "You heard the Danny, Steve would have died if you hadn't gotten him here when you did, you had no choice! Let the process play out, IA will agree"
"Chin I really don't give a damn if they agree or not. I did the right thing and I would do it the same way again. If I lose my job, so be it. As long as he lives….that's all that matters…..I'm just tired"
"I'm with you Danny….we'll all be with you every step of the way"
"I know that, thank you" Danny then stood and moved back over to the bedside.
At about four thirty they noticed Steve's legs move.
Danny grabbed hold of his hand and Kono continued wiping his face and head with the cool cloth.
Danny waited several seconds and then spoke softly, "Hey partner, can you open those eyes for us now?"
His eyes began to flutter and he looked at his 'family' with a confused expression.
"Thirsty..." His voice was horribly weak and as Chin left to get the nurse, Kono brought a glass of water to Steve's lips placing the straw in his mouth.
Danny spoke, "Just little sips Steve, go slow"
Steve closed his eyes and slowly sipped the water as Danny ran a hand through his matted hair.
"Ddanny...hhurts"
"I know babe, the nurse will be right in and she'll give you something. Squeeze my hand, I've got you partner"
Steve's hand tightened on Danny's but it was very obvious how weakened he was.
"Ohhhhhh God...Danno..."
Danny looked to Kono, "Go hurry them along if you can sweetheart, will you?"
She raced from the room and Danny leaned closer talking soothingly, "Relax Steven, breathe slow, nice deep breaths now. You're going to be fine"
"SSo ttired...Dannoo...sso ttt...tttired"
"Don't talk now, just breathe...nice and slow...in, out...in, out...that a boy"
The cousins returned with the nurse moments later, "Commander McGarrett, can you tell me how you feel?"
"Umm...fine"
"Obviously you're delirious partner! He's NOT fine Kate...he's in a lot of PAIN!"
The young nurse smiled down at Steve asking again, "Now can you tell me how you feel?"
"My belly...hhurts...tired, really...ttt..tired"
"Let me check your temperature and blood pressure and then I'll give you something to help you rest"
Once done, Kate opened the IV port and in seconds Steve felt the cool fluids entering his veins causing his body to shiver slightly. Danny held his hand tightly and Kono ran her hand up and down his other arm as she talked to him softly. "Relax boss, just sleep now"
In moments Steve was again under.
"Danny, why don't you go home and get a good night's sleep you have to be exhausted"
"I'm fine Chin, I can sleep here"
"Danny, brother you need a break and you need to be rested for tomorrow. What time is your meeting with Fryer?"
"He's meeting me here at nine o'clock"
"Okay, please...Kono and I will both stay with him. He's doing much better. He'll probably sleep through the night anyway. We'll call you if he needs you, I promise"
After one final squeeze of his partner's hand Danny finally agreed and left the hospital.
He had been pretty much running on adrenaline since this all went down and when he got into his car his emotions all crashed in on him and he sobbed. It was a cathartic cry and once he had let it all out he headed for home admitting to himself that he was looking forward to a nice hot shower and a soft, comfy bed.
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The night went quietly at the hospital and Danny arrived rested and refreshed at a little after seven o'clock.
He arrived with Malasadas, orange juice and coffee for all, "How is he?"
They all moved to the table next to the window a few feet from bedside as Chin spoke, "He had a pretty good night. He woke up about midnight and the again at about three thirty. He was pretty sore but coherent. They gave him meds and put him back under. Great news though, his fever is gone"
"That is great! Thank you both, I slept like a rock, I really needed it"
"You're welcome. Are you worried about Fryer?"
"No. Chin, it is what it is brother. I'll deal with whatever happens"
Kono looked up wiping crumbs from her lips, "Well its bullshit if you ask me"
"Danny looked at her and grinned, "I'll let Fryer know you think so sweetheart. Thank you both, I appreciate the support"
"You would do the same for us Danny, we're family"
They sat quietly sipping their coffee and chatting as Steve remained unconscious next to them. Danny then rose to head down for his meeting a few minutes before nine.
Before he left the room Kono hugged him and Chin walked him to the door placing a firm hand on his shoulder, "Danny...whatever you do, don't lose your temper and say something you're going to regret. It would be best if you said nothing and retain legal counsel if you need to"
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He sat at a table in the corner of the waiting room and was joined a few minutes later by Sergeant Fryer and Captain Mitchell O'Connor (who Danny despised)
After the formality of handshakes Fryer got right down to business taping the interview as well.
"Can you please state your full name for the record"
"Detective Daniel Scott Williams"
"Detective Williams you are being accused of inappropriate handling of a hostage situation which resulted in placing four civilians in unnecessary danger..."
"Sgt. Fryer, before you go on you might like to know that Commander McGarrett is doing much better today...thank you" Danny glared at Fryer showing his obvious disdain for the man.
Fryer glared back at the blonde detective, "Thank you for the update, now...as I was saying...You are being accused of careless disregard, placing the lives of civilians whom you have been sworn to protect in danger in order to save the life of your commanding officer"
"May I ask who is accusing me of this sir?"
"This is a standard inquiry into a shooting Detective Williams"
"I beg to differ with you sir but this is far from standard. No civilians were harmed in any way and I believe my actions are the reason for that outcome. I was dealing with two heavily armed and highly unstable punks and I believe I had no other choice but to take them out"
"But why did you not wait for HPD to move in? You were aware of their presence. These men may have been able to be talked into surrendering peacefully"
Danny grinned slyly, "Peacefully? Are you fucking kidding me Sergeant? They had already killed Officer Raimi, shot me and yes...seriously wounded my partner. Was I trying to save his life? YES! Damn right I was! If you think they would have surrendered peacefully then you've been behind a desk too damn long. This interview is over!"
With that Danny stood abruptly and stormed from the waiting room as Fryer hollered after him. Danny could still hear the Sergeant bellowing for him to return as the elevator doors closed on him.