McGarrett heard the urgency in Williams' voice and reacted instinctively, calling on everything he'd been trained to do. Wo Fat was less than three feet from his position and drove the knife toward him. Steve jumped back, but he felt the blade dig into his abdomen as his opponent's forward momentum made escape impossible. He struck out with his fist, just as a gunshot sounded and Wo Fat's eyes grew wide in surprise. McGarrett managed to move to his right as Wo Fat fell to the floor of the cage.
"Get the damn key!" White shouted.
Danny had no idea where he'd gotten the gun now clutched in his right hand, but he'd used it on Wo Fat, and silently prayed he'd been on time. He looked at the lock and hoped the gun wasn't empty as he pulled back on the trigger. The bullet connected solidly with the lock and it shattered under the force of the impact.
Steve had no idea how he stayed on his feet and stared at his partner as Williams entered the cage and hurried toward him. He knew he was on his feet, but how long the adrenalin would keep him upright was another matter altogether.
"You're out of uniform," Williams said, groaning as he eased them both to the ground.
"Huh?"
"Where are your cargo pants?" Danny asked, relieved to hear the snort of laughter from the other man. He saw Chin check Wo Fat and didn't know how he felt when he told White the bastard was alive.
"We need the paramedics in here!" White called.
"They'll be here as soon as we have control," Lukela told him.
"Steve needs help now!" Williams snapped.
"Reg...regulations, Danny," McGarrett managed as Kono ripped her shirt and wrapped it around the knife protruding from the left side of his abdomen.
"Fuck the regulations..."
"That's m...my line," the SEAL said with a grin, fighting to keep the edge of pain from creeping into his voice.
"Send in the paramedics," Lukela ordered once he was sure there would be no surprises.
Steve had no idea how much time had passed since he'd first seen Williams. He reached out to touch his arm in an effort to reassure his mind that the man really was alive, afraid what he was seeing was a figment of his imagination. "Th...thought you were dead."
"It would take more than a bullet and a couple of sharks to kill me," Williams said.
"God, you really are starting to talk like him," Kono said.
"Might as well emulate the best, right, Babe?" the Jersey native said tiredly.
"Right," McGarrett said and fought to stay conscious as people raced into the cage. He closed his eyes and listened as Chin and Kono took control of the situation and began clearing the cage of anyone who wasn't needed.
"What's his name?"
"Commander Bad-Ass Steve McGarrett," Williams answered and slid out from behind the injured man so the paramedics could take care of him. He glanced toward Wo Fat where another team of paramedics worked to save his life. He was torn between wanting them to succeed or letting the sonofabitch die.
"Danny, you need to sit down until the paramedics can take a look at you," Kono said.
"I'm good, Kono," Williams lied.
"I might believe you if you didn't look as bad s Steve," the woman told him, relieved when Williams nodded and eased himself down so he was leaning against the side of the cage.
Steve could feel them working on him, but didn't have the strength to answer any of their questions. He heard Chin, Kono, and sometimes Danny answering for him and soon felt an oxygen mask placed over his mouth and nose. The prick he'd felt on his right arm told him they'd started at least one IV, while several clicks and beeps told him they were setting up the mobile equipment. He thought of Wo Fat and turned his head slightly to see two medics working on him. He wasn't sure how he felt about his 'half brother' being alive and knew he would have to deal with those thoughts at a later date.
"Commander, we're going to get you ready for transport," the paramedic on his left told him.
"...k..." McGarrett managed. God, he hurt all over, but the worst seemed to be around the knife that still protruded from his side.
"Medivac chopper just landed," a cop told Lukela. By ambulance it would have taken over an hour to reach Queens, the chopper meant a lot less time and a better chance of McGarrett's survival.
"This one's ready to go," the paramedic on the second team said.
"McGarrett's nearly ready," the other man answered as Wo Fat was lifted and carried out of the cage.
"I'll stay with him," Chin said and followed the stretcher as it was taken away.
"They should take him by ambulance," Williams snarled.
"He's critical, Danny," Kono said.
"He deserves to be dead," the Jersey native spat.
"I think we all agree, but while he's alive these men have to do everything they can to save his life," White offered as the paramedics moved McGarrett to a stretcher. He was worried, far more than he let on because he'd seen men in rough shape before, but Steve went beyond rough and he wasn't sure he had enough to survive. He glanced toward Williams and saw the same worry on the man's face as McGarrett was carried out of the cage.
"Danny, you should go in the chopper," Kono said and helped Williams to his feet. She'd meant to have one of the paramedics take a look at him, but was too focused on McGarrett.
Williams nodded and was slightly surprised when White moved in to lend him a shoulder to lean on. "I'm okay."
"Sure you are," White said and moved past the cops who were trying to make sense of the crimes that had taken place here.
Danny's step were unsteady as they made their way out of the cage and along the corridor to the main cavern. Once there they headed straight for the exit and he blinked several times as bright light stabbed at his eyes. There were several police cruisers there, and at least one other chopper besides the Medivac circling the crime scene.
Chin saw them coming and ducked beneath the chopper's blades before taking over from Joe White. He helped get Williams into the chopper and told him they'd see him at Queens as soon as they were finished here.
Danny was showed to a seat and gingerly strapped in as the chopper lifted off the ground and flew toward Honolulu. He shifted, grimacing as the seatbelt rubbed up against the healing wound in his side. The paramedic wanted to take a look at him, but he waved the man off. "It'll keep until we get to the hospital. Take care of Steve and that other sonofabitch."
Williams knew Wo Fat presented no threat as the man had been strapped to the gurney and cuffed to the wall. He knew he had Chin to thank for the last part and turned his gaze on the injured SEAL. Steve's eyes were closed, but Danny knew he was awake and aware of what was happening. The lines of pain were easy to read and he wondered if the paramedics had given him anything to help him through it. Something told him they hadn't, not because they were being cruel, but because there were head injuries to go along with numerous injuries to his upper body, including a knife sticking out of his abdomen.
Danny, closed his eyes and listened as the two teams worked to keep McGarrett and Wo Fat alive. God, he felt like hell, and yet it was nothing compare to what his partner was going through.
5050505050
Jake Morgan and Carl Lewis were ready when the chopper touched down on the helipad. They had been updated about the two men being brought in and had everything ready to treat them. There were several officers present because one of the injured men was a prisoner. Right now that fact didn't matter, because their job was to save lives, no matter who the patients were.
Carl Lewis had treated Steve McGarrett before and once the chopper touched down he hurried toward it, ducking beneath the still turning blades as he stepped into the chopper. One look at the injured Seal was enough to tell him they needed to act fast. He grabbed one end of the stretcher while the paramedic took the other and hurried outside where they put him on a gurney and rushed toward the hospital.
The paramedic rattled off the injuries, and subsequent treatment McGarrett received and knew once inside the medical staff would quickly take over. He helped removed the mobile equipment while the nurses quickly removed what little clothing the man wore. The staff made sure it was placed in an evidence bag and handed over to an officer waiting outside.
Sandy started another IV while the second nurse took the vials of blood and left the room. She had already put in a call to the blood bank and moved to help Lewis with the patient. She checked the cuts on his arms and knew they'd have to do tests for aids and other diseases. It was SOP when penetrating and blunt force trauma was concerned.
Lewis quickly examined the knife protruding from McGarrett's abdomen and looked up to find the man looking at him. "Commander McGarrett, you're in Queens and we're going to take care of you. I know you're in a lot of pain and I'm going to have Sandy give you a shot of morphine."
"T...thanks," McGarrett managed and watched as a nurse injected the ordered medication into his IV. He felt like hell, every part of his body hurt and each breath he took felt like he was breathing through crushed glass.
"That should work pretty fast," Lewis said and eased the bandaging away from the knife. The paramedic had been thorough and the blade was stable, but they would need to get him to surgery to remove it. "I need portable x-ray here stat and call upstairs to have an OR prepped ASAP."
"Yes, Dr. Lewis," Sandy said and picked up the phone on the wall. She quickly told the desk what Lewis wanted before returning to the bed to find the patient still conscious ad fighting for every breath.
"Commander, we'll be taking you to the OR shortly, and I want to get you ready. I'm going to give you something to help sleep so we can intubate you ahead of time," Lewis explained and told the nurse what medications he wanted.
5050505050
Danny had exited the helicopter as soon as the medical staff had taken Steve and Wo Fat into the hospital. McGarrett was whisked into trauma one and no matter how hard he tried, he knew he would not be allowed inside until the doctor was through. Wo Fat had been taken into trauma two and a police officer had gone inside quoting about line of sight, or some such, where the evidence was concerned.
"Detective Williams, why don't you go to the waiting room and I'll have the doctor come see you there," a nurse, who looked somewhat familiar told him.
"I need to stay here," Williams said.
"You look flushed," the woman said and touched her fingers to his cheek. "You're running a fever. Come this way and I'll have a doctor take a look at you."
"I need to stay," the Jersey native said.
"You won't be far and I'll have Dr. Lewis come see you. While you wait I'll have the ER resident come see you," the nurse explained.
"I..." Williams tried, and reached for the wall as nauseating pain stabbed through his side.
"I need a gurney over here!" the woman ordered, relieved when the nurse behind the desk hurried over to help her. "Have Dr. Adamson paged."
"He's just come back from break and is with a patient," a third nurse answered as Williams was pushed into an empty cubicle.
"Hell," Williams thought and knew he'd be read the riot act once Adamson saw him. He knew there was no point in protesting, especially when the man exited a room and spotted him.
"Detective Williams, I heard Commander McGarrett was brought in, but I'm sure I told you to go home and rest," Adamson said.
"I was, Doc, but..."
"But you're the only cop on the island and just had to be in the thick of things. Well, what's going on with you?" Adamson asked.
"Nothing a few days sleep won't cure," Williams lied and felt the nurse press something against his ear.
"His temperature is 102, Dr. Adamson," Myra Atkins said.
"Sleep won't cure that," Adamson said. All right, detective, let the nurse get you a gown and do some blood work and we'll see if we can figure out what's happening," Adamson said as a second nurse came in carrying a chart. He took it and wrote up several orders as the nurse retrieved a gown from the cabinet.
"Okay, Detective Williams, do you need help getting into this or can you do it on your own?" Myra asked as the doctor left the room.
"Would you check on Steve McGarrett for me?" Williams asked.
"I'll see if the doctor is available and have him come see you if he can," the woman answered.
"Thanks," the Jersey native said and reluctantly changed into the gown once he was alone. He held his arm tight against his side and cursed the pain that emanated from the wound. He finally managed to get into the gown and lay back on the bed with his eyes closed until the nurse returned.
"Detective, I need to draw some blood," Myra told him.
"Okay...what about Steve?"
"Dr. Lewis is at the desk, but he'll come see you in a couple of minutes," the nurse said and finished taking the blood as a second nurse came in with an IV setup.
"I don't need that," Williams said tiredly.
"Dr. Adamson's orders, Detective, and believe me you don't want to go against hi orders right now," Myra told him and smiled when he looked away sheepishly, but tried to sit up when the curtain was opened and McGarrett's doctor came inside.
"Detective Williams, I'm Dr. Lewis and I'm taking care of Commander McGarrett. There's not much I can tell you right now except we're getting him ready for surgery. He's been intubated and portable x-ray is with him right now."
"Will he be all right?"
"I'm going to do my damndest to pull him through and I figure with his stubbornness we should make a great team. Let the staff take care of you and I'll come see you as soon as surgery is over," Lewis vowed.
"Thanks, Doc," Williams said and sighed as the IV fluids began running into his arm. Adamson returned and made him lay back so he could examine him. Danny held his breath when the ER resident pressed against the wound in his side and had him turn slightly so he could check the exit would.
"Detective, why didn't you come see me before this?" Adamson asked.
"I thought it was just sore," Williams answered.
"The reason it's sore is because there seems to be a pocket of infection in here. I'm going to need to clean it out and get you started on antibiotics. Myra will give you something for pain and I'll come back once I have all the test results," Adamson said. "I've also signed admission papers..."
"For how long?"
"As long as it takes. This is a serious problem, Detective and you're damn lucky you came in when you did," Adamson said and again left the room after writing up the new orders.
Williams closed his eyes as the nurse checked the IV and injected the prescribed medication before leaving him alone. He wanted to find out about Wo Fat, but didn't have the energy to get out of bed. He'd seen the cops outside the trauma room and knew the man wasn't going anywhere, unless it was straight to hell. Right now, Danny would be only too glad to send him there.
5050505050
Chin, Kono, and Joe hurried into the ER and moved straight to the main desk. They waited until the harried nurse finished with the people in front of them and asked about Steve McGarrett and Wo Fat. Both men were in surgery and they were directed to the surgical floor.
"I guess that's where we'll find Danny," Kono said.
"Detective Williams," the nurse said.
"Yes, is he upstairs?" Chin asked.
"No, he's in treatment room four," the woman answered.
"What happened?" Kono asked worriedly.
"Dr. Adamson admitted him because of an infection. We're just waiting for a room before we move him upstairs."
"Can we see him?" Chin asked and moved toward the treatment room she pointed out. He pulled back the curtain to see a nurse adjust the flow of the IV attached to Williams' left hand.
"Can I help you?" Myra asked.
"We're friends...how is he?" Chin answered, not surprised when Danny opened his eyes and looked at them.
"I'm good, Chin, has there been any word about Steve?" Williams asked.
"He's in surgery," White answered.
"We were headed there until we heard you'd been admitted," Kono said. "Why didn't you say something?"
"Thought I was just tired," Williams answered truthfully.
"Detective, they have a room for you," Myra said as she came back into the cubicle. "If you'll excuse us we need to gt Detective Williams ready for his move upstairs."
"Why don't you two go on up to the surgical floor. I'll stay with Danny," Chin said.
"All right, we'll come update you as soon as we hear anything," Kono assured the two men. They exited the cubicle and headed for the elevators, worry evidenced by the lines in their faces.
5050505050
Jake Morgan prided himself on his ability to treat people for their wounds, and not for who they were. He knew the man he'd just operated on was none other than Wo Fat, one of the most feared members of The Yakuza. He also understood that the man was under arrest for kidnapping and attempted murder, yet, he did not allow that to effect how he acted. His job was to keep him alive no matter what it took. His Hippocratic Oath made it impossible to do anything else.
Jake scrubbed his hands of the man's blood and stepped into the waiting room to find several cops there. "Family for Wo Fat."
"He doesn't have any family," White spat.
"I'm Officer Kalakaua. Wo Fat is under arrest," Kono told him. "What's his condition?"
"Can I see some identification?" Morgan asked and wasn't surprised when those present showed their badges. "He's stable and in recovery. The bullet didn't hit any major organs, but he's got several broken ribs and contusions on most of his upper body. He'll be here for..."
"Doc, when can he be moved to the prison infirmary?" White asked.
"I'd rather he stayed here," Morgan said.
"I doubt your other patients would feel safe if they knew you had a dangerous prisoner here. Police presence always makes people nervous," White observed.
"I can have the Governor make it an order or you can simply give us a time and we'll see to the transfer," Kono said.
"He's stable, but it'll be at least 24 hours before you can move him," the surgeon told them.
"We'll need to have a police guard on him," Kono said.
"I understand, but I can pretty well guarantee he's not going anywhere," Morgan told them.
"Wo Fat is far more dangerous than you know, Doc, so just be careful," White told him.
"But he's also hooked up to hospital equipment and cuffed to his bed," Morgan said.
"And he'll stay that way," Kono vowed, relieved that Wo Fat was in custody and silently vowed to make sure he stayed that way. She heard White talking to the doctor, but walked to the window with a weary sigh as she waited for word on Steve McGarrett.
"Kono, are you all right?"
"No, Joe, I'm not...I'm angry...angry that Wo Fat will probably get a nice comfy cell with three meals a day and the taxpayers get to pay for it!" Kono spat.
"I know, but there's nothing much we can do to change that because of those bleeding hearts who think every criminal can be changed," White told her as another man came into the room.
"Dr. Lewis, how's Steve?" Kono asked. She recognized him and knew he was the man taking care of McGarrett.
"Officer Kalakaua, have a seat," Lewis ordered and sat opposite her. "We lost Commander McGarrett on the table..."
"Oh, God," Kono cried, her heart beating too fast as she heard the damning words.
TBC!