AN: Many thanks to my readers for reading this and to those who left reviews. Mahalo to my beta for editing this. I have also updated my profile should anyone be interested to read it. Due to PMs and reviews requesting updates, I have added my responses below my biography on that page.

Chapter 12

Residence of Officer Ramon Cardenas, Folsom Street, San Francisco, 1972

Stone took a deep breath as he walked up the inclining drive and prepared himself to face the SFPD officer at his home. Having known Cardenas on a professional standard since the level headed cop's graduation from the Academy, Stone decided to tread carefully. Despite the suspicious connections between Cardenas, Johnny Barker and Sean Tate, there was still little evidence to warrant an arrest. Upon reaching the welcome mat on the door step, the Lieutenant knocked lightly on the door and waited for sounds of movement indicating life inside the house. Just as he was about to rap his knuckles on the wood again, footsteps, followed by the dragging of a lock being pulled back, sounded.

"Hey Mike! What brings you by?" Cardenas's face broke into a sly grin when he opened the door, trying to mask his surprise at seeing the Lieutenant standing there.

"Ramon, you mind if I come in for a minute?" Stone cut straight to the chase.

"Ah, actually the place is a bit of a mess right now. Is something wrong? Do you need me to cover for someone?" Cardenas responded.

Stone detected an edginess in Cardenas's voice. "No, I just need to talk to you. It'll only be a minute." Stone gave a smile and spoke in tones of indifference.

"Alright. Sure. Come on in." Cardenas sighed heavily and stepped aside, allowing the Lieutenant inside his home. Stone had decided it was best to go see Cardenas alone so it wouldn't raise suspicion. After the visit to Barker's home, Keller reluctantly headed back to the station. He felt uneasy that Stone went ahead on his own but his cop mind told him that Cardenas would not expect to be questioned and there was still a chance he would be able to provide an explanation for his phone number ending up in Barker's apartment. Holding on to these thoughts eased the Inspector's mind from the worry that plagued it. A radio dispatch, answered by Keller, was passed on to McGarrett just before they pulled away from Barker's apartment building, letting the detective know that Dan Williams was awake. Both Stone and Keller acknowledged the detective's decision to head back to General Hospital.

...

"Take a seat." Cardenas welcomed Stone flatly. "Can I pour you a drink? I've got some coffee, orange juice? I'd offer you a beer but you're on duty." Giving a forced laugh, Cardenas followed Stone to the living room, a frown forming on his face which he tried to push aside. What the hell does he want?

"No thanks, Ramon. This won't take long." Stone maintained his cool, non-plussed composure as he took a seat on the recliner. He continued to eye Cardenas until he too sat down on the sofa opposite him. The tension broke as a large German Sheppard bounded into the living room and made a bee-line for the Lieutenant, his tongue lolling out of his mouth and his tail swishing from side to side.

"Well, well, well, what have we here huh? C'mere you!" Stone's face broke into a grin as he leaned forward, cupping the dog's head in his hands and affectionately ruffling its fur. The animal let out whimpered noises of excitement and reached up to lick the Lieutenant's aged face. "Whoa, whoa boy!" Stone inched his head away from the dog's and turned to face Cardenas. "He sure misses me." Stone chuckled.

"Down, boy! Rasputin! Hey! Come on now." Cardenas whistled at the overly enthusiastic animal. Rasputin turned his head and heeded his master's instructions. He bounded away toward the back sliding door and jumped out. "Sorry about that!" Cardenas apologized.

"No need. He's just happy to see me!" Stone replied as he settled back in his seat.

"So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about, Mike?" Cardenas questioned, searching the older man's features for tell-tale signs that he knew something.

…..

General Hospital, Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, 1972

Pacing Dr Moore's office, the tall, dark haired detective finally sat back down in his seat facing the physician. "Let me get this straight, Doctor, you're telling me that you don't know when or if Danny will regain his memory? What kind of a prognosis is that?" McGarrett demanded sharply

"Look, detective, if I could tell you more, don't you think I would?" Dr Moore's patience had also reached its limits as far as dealing with the detective was concerned. He wondered how the doctors in Hawaii persevered.

"What about this neurologist, Dr Fleming? Can't he do something?" McGarrett pressed.

"Mr McGarrett, you don't seem to understand. There is no cure for amnesia. Dr Fleming is still with Danny, running some tests. So far, he is concerned about the possibility that your detective sustained brain damage. Until we can determine the seriousness of his condition, there's nothing more we can do but pray and provide Danny with the support he needs. Your impatience and disregard in following hospital guidelines is not helping the young man!" Taking a deep breath, Dr Moore looked McGarrett in the eye and waited for the explosion to hit

McGarrett had received his share of reprimands from Doc Bergman back in Honolulu but for some reason, this felt different. Maybe it was the fact that Dr Moore had shown him more patience than he knew, deep down inside, he deserved. Whatever the reason, the detective lowered his gaze and cleared his throat before meeting the doctor's eyes again.

When the silence threatened to stretch uncomfortably, Dr Moore sighed and gave the man before him a weak smile. "Can I get you a cup of coffee?"

McGarrett nodded and answered weakly, "Thanks, I could use one."

"I won't be long." Dr Moore stood up and as he passed McGarrett's chair, he placed a hand on his shoulder and added, "I'll check with Dr Fleming on the way and see if it's okay for you to see Danny."

"Thank you." McGarrett replied, ignoring the man's comforting hand giving him a quick pat on the shoulder before he heard the door shut behind him.