Steve hated feeling helpless, but right now that's exactly how he felt. The tube down his throat effectively stopped him from speaking, while the pain raging in his body kept him from being able to signal what he needed from someone. The tests were done and they'd settled him in ICU and all he wanted to do was sleep, but he couldn't do that with David O'Brien working with Five-O. The man was dirty, of that he was sure, but how was he going to prove that to Danny without it looking like he was jealous as Williams probably already believed.
"Steve, I'm going to give you something to make you comfortable," the ICU nurse told him and injected the prescribed medication into his IV before moving away so Danny could take her place.
"Listen, Steve, the doctors are working on finding out what's causing this. I had David put out an APB on Jacobs in case this is because of the fight you two had at the gym. I know it was mutual combat, but that sonofabitch used brass knuckles and that means it was so mutual," Williams said.
Steve wished he could communicate with the other man, but whatever he'd been given had not only eased the pain, but it made him sleepy and his eyes closed before he could ask for a pen and paper.
"I'm going to go check on Grace, Steve, but Chin and Kono will be here," Williams said, but didn't think McGarrett heard him. He looked at the monitors, but had no idea whether what he was seeing was good or bad. It must have been okay because the nurse didn't seem to be panicked.
5050505050
David O'Brien drove away from the hospital, angry that things seemed to be falling apart on him in spite of the plans he'd made. Jacobs would need to be taken out before a cop spotted him, and that was where he was headed. It would take approximately an hour for him to reach the rest stop, but first he needed to speak with his client about taking possession of the women a couple of days early.
Williams had him worried, because if the man made the correlation between the two cases it could put a damper on his plans. He knew Williams was preoccupied with what was happening to McGarrett, but he was still a cop, one who would not be distracted for long when people's lives depended on his being able to do his job.
O'Brien wasn't a fool, not by a long shot and there was no way he could discount Chin Ho Kelly or Kono Kalakaua either. In the short time the four people had worked together they'd formed a cohesive team. It was going to be hard to take McGarrett's place, but he needed the position to keep his clients happy and out of the path of the police.
He thought back to the day he'd first gotten involved in human trafficking and wondered why he hadn't turned away from it. He needed money, a substantial sum, but the banks wouldn't even look at his paperwork because he was already so far in debt and had little or no collateral. He'd been drinking in a dirty little bar on the south side when a woman approached him. She'd smiled at him and asked if he'd buy her a drink and they'd moved to a table at the back, away from prying eyes.
She'd told him her name was Selena and that she worked for a small group of people with unique tastes. These men and women had both the money and power to take what they wanted, and they were more than generous with anyone who was willing to help them. She'd taken out a large wad of hundred dollar bills and fanned them in front of his face. She'd then proceeded to tell him everything about himself, right down to how many times a week his wife visited the spa and why he was so far in debt.
From the minute she produced the money he'd fallen under the spell of easy money. Within a year his debts were paid and he'd managed to explain it by saying he'd made some fantastic investments that not only doubled, but sometimes tripled in value. His new 'partners' had manipulated a few things to make it look as if everything was legit. He now had a nice nest egg put away and would soon be a single man again. Johanna wouldn't be a concern much longer, Selena and company were already seeing to that.
O'Brien left the city behind him and headed north, his fingers tapping on the steering wheel at the thought of making such a stupid mistake. If Selena ever found out she'd cut off his kahunas and stuff them down his throat. He couldn't let that happen, not when life was finally good in every respect. He pressed the buttons on his blue tooth and made several phone calls to find out if Selena had managed to cover his tracks where McGarrett was concerned.
"It's set."
Those were the only words she said before the line went dead and a smile formed on his face. Now all he had to do was get rid of Jacobs and that wouldn't take much as long as the bastard was where he was supposed to be.
5050505050
Williams pulled his car to a stop in front of the apartment building where his ex-wife lived. It was a nice place with a fenced in playground and beachfront property. There were several kids playing on the equipment, but Grace wasn't amongst them. He'd called to update Rachel on Steve and was glad she understood why he was late.
Danny exited the car and reached for the fluffy pink teddy bear he'd bought for Grace and the flowers he'd bought for Rachel before moving to the main door. He keyed in the number for Rachel's apartment and heard the click that announced the door was unlocked. He hurried up the first level of stairs, moved along the hallway and smiled when his daughter stepped into the hallway.
"Daddy," Grace called and raced to him, smiling when he plucked her from the floor and hugged her.
"Hey, Grace, did you miss me?"
"I always miss you," Williams said and carried her toward the open door where Rachel leaned against the wall and smiled at him. He placed Grace on the floor and kissed Rachel before handing her the flowers and giving his daughter the plush teddy bear.
"Mommy, can I go show Tina and Leah my new bear?"
"Sure, but don't stay too long. Dinner's almost ready," Rachel said and watched her daughter skip down the hallway toward the Gardner home. She waited until Grace was safely inside before following her ex-inside. "How is Steve?"
"I don't know, Rachel," Williams said and sat down heavily on the sofa.
"Is it that bad?"
"Yes, they put him on a ventilator because he's having trouble breathing. Chin and Kono are with him and they'll call me as soon as there's any news."
"Do they have any idea what's causing it?" Rachel asked and sat next to him, pulling him down so his head was in her lap. She brushed back his hair and gently massaged his temples as she waited for him to answer her question.
"No, that's why they're doing so many tests," Williams said.
"But you have an idea don't you?"
"You always could read me, Rachel, but the problem is I can't do much about it. I had David..."
"I thought he was coming with you?"
"He was, but I asked him to make sure there was an APB put out on Chris Jacobs."
"Who is he?"
"A cop...not a good one, but he still carries a badge. Long story short he and Steve went a couple of rounds at Doc's gym and he used what most of us would call deadly fore. He hid a set of brass knuckles under his taped hands and sucker punched Steve. That's why he ended up in the hospital the other night."
"Why would Steve agree to go a few rounds with him?"
"That's another story altogether," Williams said and explained how David O'Brien was suddenly a part of Five-O.
"And you don't understand why Steve was angry about David being given a position on the task force."
"Exactly. David's a damn good cop and just because he's not from Hawaii doesn't mean he's not a good fit," Williams told her.
"Maybe not, but tell me something, Danny."
"What?"
"Let's say the roles were reversed and the new man or woman was someone from Hawaii and Steve, Chin, and Kono were all backing him up without listening to your opinion. Do you think you'd be happy with being kept out of the loop?"
"No, but that's not the point..."
"Isn't it?"
"No...maybe, but, God, Rachel, I hate it when you're right."
"I know," she said and smiled before kissing her finger and placing it against his lips. "Talk to Steve...listen to what he has to say about David and keep an open mind."
"I will," Williams said and sat up when his phone began to rig. He pulled it from his pocket and recognized the number immediately.
"I'll go check dinner," Rachel told him.
"Go ahead, Chin," Williams said.
*"Danny, they got the results of the blood work back..."*
"And?"
*"It looks bad. There were traces of several different drugs in his system. Most of it street level cut and IA will be crawling all over this."*
"Why would Internal Affairs be involved? Don't tell me they believe Steve took them on his own?"
*"Someone called in an anonymous tip that they'd seen several known drug dealers at Steve's place."*
"That's pretty fucking convenient, Chin."
*"No kidding, but you know IA...they've already got a warrant to search Steve's place."*
"They're moving fast."
*"You know Steve, Danny, he has a lot of enemies...not everyone was happy when the governor made him head of Five-O."*
"He's proven she made the right choice."
*"You and I know that, but there are still people who want to see him taken down."*
"Damn it," Williams cursed. "Look, Chin, tell me Dr. Hong knows how to treat Steve."
*"He does. They've started him on several medications to counteract the drugs in his system."*
"Good, I'll be back..."
*"No, Danny, stay there and spend some time with Rachel and Grace. Kono will stay with Steve while I head over to his place and make sure IA doesn't try to railroad him."*
"All right,: Williams said and ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm going to call David and update him..."
*"Danny, can I ask you a question without you taking it the wrong way?"*
"I don't know until you ask it," the Jersey native answered.
*"Fair enough...how well do you know David?"*
"Well enough to know that he'd lay down his life for me."
*"Do you trust him?"*
"I think my last answer also works. I trust him with my life, Chin.
*"What about Steve's life? Do you trust him with that?"*
"Yes."
*"What if I told you he had a chance to switch Steve's medication?"*
"No way...he wouldn't do that, Chin, besides there's nothing that says his meds were switched."
*"They're checking the pills and the residue inside the bottle. If something turns up..."*
"There's got to be another explanation if that happens. Look, Chin, I know none of you trust David, but I do so please give him the benefit of the doubt."
*"I will, Danny, but..."*
"But nothing. Look, I'll be there in a couple of hours, but until then keep IA off Steve's case. He doesn't need that kind of crap right now," Williams said.
*"I'll do what I can, Danny."*
The line went dead and Williams silently cursed as he hit the button for O'Brien's cell.
5050505050
O'Brien looked at his phone and quickly flipped it open before hitting the hands free button. "Hey, Partner, how are Rachel and Grace?"
*"They're good, David, where are you?"*
"I'm on my way home...unless you need me to do something for you."
*"No, it's just..."*
"What, Danny?"
*"Did you get that APB put out on Jacobs?"*
"I did that while we were at the hospital. Did they catch him yet?" O'Brien asked.
*"No, but I'm not so sure he's the problem."*
"Why? What changed your mind?"
*"I can't really get into it right now, but IA is involved..."*
"IA?" O'Brien said, fighting to keep the excitement from his voice at the news. "Why are they involved? Do they suspect Steve of doing something wrong?"
*"I don't know, David, and I'm not about to speculate until I know what's going on. I'm heading back to the hospital in a couple of hours and I need to see the governor..."*
"Do you think she can help?"
*"I don't know, but if anyone can it's her. I'll call you later."*
"All right, Danny, try not to worry too much. McGarrett doesn't seem like the type to do anything..."
*"He isn't. Like I said I'll call you later."*
O'Brien heard the line go dead and put his cell phone away. He knew Selena had kept her word and done something to cast suspicion on McGarrett. He didn't know exactly what it was, but he was pretty sure it would be foolproof. He began to whistle as he neared the rest area, relieved to see only one car parked near the single picnic table. He parked the car, reached under the passenger seat and pulled out the box he found there. He opened it and looked at the untraceable weapon and checked to make sure it was loaded and the safety was off and put it in his pocket before exiting the car.
O'Brien kept the weapon concealed, searching the area for any sign that there was anyone else there besides himself and Jacobs. The other man was nowhere in sight, but David was confidant the man's greed would make him show up. He moved to the picnic table and sat down, smiling inwardly when the other man stepped away from an area of thick brush.
"You're early. What the hell is going on?"
"I told you what's going on. The police are looking for you now and you need to keep out of sight until I figure out a way to get them off your case."
"Why should I? What happened between me and McGarrett was mutual combat and he's just a sore loser," Jacobs said and limped toward his car. "I'm going to go tell that bastard Williams exactly that!"
"I can't let you do that," O'Brien said coldly and drew the gun.
"There's not a fucking thing you..." The words died in his throat as the blood spread across his white shirt. His mind could not grasp what was happening even as the pain intensified and he dropped to his knees, clutching at his chest in an effort to stem the flow of blood.
O'Brien move closer and shoved the dying man onto his back before reaching for his gun. "Well, I can't say I'm sorry about any of this, but since you'll be dead in a few seconds I'll say a quick prayer for you."
"Fu...fuck you..."
"Then again why waste my breath?" O'Brien said with a grin as he toed the man's leg and watched the life draining from his body. He checked the man's pulse and knew when he died and stood up. He quickly looked around and decided to leave the body where it was, but he'd dispose of the weapon in his hand when he got closer to the cliffs. He hurried to his car, looked around and wondered how many guns had been disposed of in the area surrounding those particular cliffs.
5050505050
Chin Ho Kelly was not a happy man as he looked at the men going through McGarrett's home. They would not allow him access until they completed the search they'd started. Chin stood outside the patio doors while uniformed cops went through Steve's belongings. They weren't neat about it either, they never were and there would be no apology once they were finished. Chin knew Danny and Kono would help him clean everything up before Steve was released from the hospital.
"I've got something."
Those words sent a chill through his body as two IA personnel hurried into the kitchen. Chin moved inside and spotted a young cop holding a bag with what looked like pills.
"Tag them," Paul Sheffield told the younger man. "Document everything including where you found them and the time. I don't want McGarrett slipping out of this on some technicality."
"Come on, Sheffield, You can't seriously think Steve was dealing drugs," Chin snapped.
"Tell me who I should believe, Kelly...you or my lying eyes," Sheffield spat. "I bet the stupid sonofabitch took too many of his own stash and that's why he's in ICU. Isn't that right, Charlie?"
"Probably," Charlie Higgins readily agreed. He'd never liked McGarrett or the sweet deal he had with the governor, now maybe they could do something about a real task force.
"You need to step aside, Kelly, and let us do our job," Sheffield warned when chin's anger made him step closer to the two men.
"Your job does not include railroading a good cop!"
"McGarrett is not a cop! He got the job because of the governor!"
"He got the job because he's damn good at it."
"Get out of my face, Kelly or I'll make your life a living hell!"
"Is that a threat, Sheffield?"
"No, it's a promise. Now go home before I have you arrested for interfering with our case," the man said and ordered two officers to escort Kelly outside.
Chin knew there was nothing he could do, but there was no way in hell he'd leave and give Sheffield the satisfaction of being in charge. There was bad blood between him and McGarrett, but Chin had no idea about the back story. He stood in the doorway, well after Sheffield ordered the doors closed and felt the anger seething inside him. Someone was setting Steve up for a fall, but whoever it was would find himself at the bottom of a long drop because McGarrett was not just his boss, but a friend. One who needed his help.
Author's Note -thanks again for the wonderful reviews and comments on this one. Sorry for the delay...been one of those weeks...Winnie