Pressure Makes Diamonds
Chapter 14
Sorry this chapter took so long. I was distracted and seized by other plot bunnies that had to be written. Thanks for your patience. I hope you'll enjoy it.
Jenna had arrived at the hospital to visit Danny. When she had heard that he had gotten hit, she needed to know that he was okay. Danny had trusted her to help him clear Steve and more importantly had given her support as well as an out if she had wanted. It made her understand how important he was to the Five-0 team. Danny had principles, dedication and loyalty to spare. It made what she had caused all the more unacceptable.
Danny was receiving visitors so she went to him in the hopes that she could redeem herself. She walked into his room. He looked asleep, but stirred when she entered.
"Hey," Danny said, tiredly. "Are you okay?"
Jenna, at first, looked puzzled.
"Sure, why? I'm not the one who got shot. You have to be more careful, first sarin -" she teased.
"Yeh, well, what can I say? Since becoming Steve's partner, danger seems to follow me wherever I go. I should get James Bond's paycheck," Danny joked back.
Jenna giggled. Danny possessed a rough-hewn charm and humble sense of humor that she liked.
"I just wanted to make sure that Wo Fat hadn't targeted you in the process of us meeting him."
She smiled sweetly at his protective nature.
"No, no, I'm okay. Thanks."
Danny detected something in her voice and manner that made him wonder if there was something more there.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Danny asked again.
"Yeh, it's just that hearing that Wo Fat is dead…" Jenna trailed off. "After pursuing him for so long, I'm just having a hard time processing that it's all over, that's all."
"I get that. I'm sure Steve's going to have some adjusting to do too. He's been on this vendetta for awhile himself."
"We both have you to thank for finally ending it."
"Whoa, no, all I did was go after him and his business. Besides, it was a team effort," Danny said, pointedly including Jenna. She didn't miss it and smiled. "Someone else deserves the thanks for killing him."
Jenna nodded and yet, Danny noticed again that there was something more there.
"Maybe, but I'm still grateful."
Danny nodded back.
"Listen, I gotta go, but it's good to see that you're okay," Jenna said as she fiddled with something in her hand. She then put it into his hand.
"What's this?"
"It's all the intel I have on Wo Fat. You probably got most of his operations here in the States, but he has a lot of international business that should be locked down as well."
Danny was the one now confused.
"Why are you giving this to me? Like it or not, you're one of us now," Danny teased.
Jenna gave him a small smile.
"As much as I've appreciated being a part of Five-0. With Wo Fat gone, I need some time to find out where I want belong from here. The CIA, the death of my fiancé, pursuing Wo Fat, it's taken up so much of my life. I really don't know who I am anymore. I need to find out."
Danny understood. After his divorce from Rachel, he had gone through the same self-analysis, a soul search that had led him to follow his ex-wife and daughter to a pineapple-infested island that he was just as surprised anyone to call home. He had found his "calling" in Five-0 and didn't regret the choice.
"I understand. I hope you find what you're looking for," Danny said. "And thanks for saving my life. By the way, just a hug won't cut it in my book. If you ever need anything…"
Jenna found her chest tightening at Danny's offer. His actions never ceased to amaze her and to affirm to her that if she ever did need anything, he would be there for her. She had seen that loyalty in action.
"Thanks, Danny."
She then took his hand and shook it.
"Take care of yourself."
"You too."
Danny watched her leave and the vibe he was receiving was getting louder. He looked at the USB drive. Something was wrong. He just didn't know what yet.
TBC