AN: This is based on the Streets Of San Francisco episode "Commitment". Thank you for reading! (This has been beta read for grammar)
Chapter 15
General Hospital, Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, 1972
The Lieutenant waited for McGarrett to digest the idea of catching Cardenas in the act of committing a felony. The detective stopped his incessant pacing of the waiting room floor and turned to face Stone who stood expectantly.
"You're saying we're going to use Danny as bait?" McGarrett clarified in a disagreeable tone.
"It's worth a shot. Besides, he'll be safe. Steve will be in his room, ready and so will we in the adjoining rooms." Stone reasoned.
"I still don't like it, Lieutenant. There has to be another way!" McGarrett shook his head.
Before Stone could respond, a knock on the door signalled the arrival of Keller and Dr Moore. "Gentlemen, I've just spoken to Dr Fleming and we both agreed that Danny Williams is in no condition to be subjected to undergo any more traumatic experiences." The doctor declared.
After a brief moment of silence, Stone nodded and sighed in resignation. "You're right. I'm sorry. Looks like we'll have to think of another way." He directed a glance at McGarrett.
"I can think of one." Keller piped up and all eyes turned to him like magnets. "Dr Moore, is Danny strong enough to be relocated to another room?"
"If need be to protect him, yes, we can move him to another ward." Dr Moore eyed the Inspector curiously.
"Okay, here's what I propose. I take Danny's place in his room. It's dark and chances are Cardenas or anyone of Tate's men aren't going to want to draw attention to themselves by switching on the lights. They'll never know it's me in that bed until they make their move." Keller propositioned.
Although he believed his partner's idea had potential, Stone couldn't help but feel a certain degree of protectiveness towards him. Still, he tried not to let his personal feelings show. "That could work. You're both around the same age and physical type." Stone contemplated aloud.
"It could be dangerous. You'll be taking a big risk in there. Remember, we can't move in until the suspect is in position for the kill." McGarrett shifted his gaze from Stone to Keller.
"I understand that, detective and I appreciate the concern but they'll be expecting to attack someone in a weakened state, which will give me a great advantage." Keller stood his ground even though he was nervously thinking about his own safety. He pushed his apprehensive thoughts aside and stood calmly.
"Alright. If no one has any further objections, we have plenty of work to do before visiting hours are over." Stone replied as he checked the time on his watch.
"Let's get on with it." McGarrett stated.
"I'll organize for the patient's removal from his room." Dr Moore excused himself and left the three men to discuss their plans.
…..
Hawaii Five-O Head Quarters, Iolani Palace, Honolulu, 1972
The cool breeze blew through the French doors and disturbed the pile of paperwork sitting atop the desk of Steve McGarrett's office. The figure stood within the dim room as he looked out on to the Lanai where an older man of oriental descent stood, staring at the night sky. "Chin. Aren't you supposed to be goin' home now, Bruddah?" Kono Kalakaua called out to his colleague.
"Yeah, Kono. I just can't help but wonder about Danny. You should have heard Steve today. I could hear it in his voice. He's real worried about him." Chin turned around and walked back into the office.
"Me too. I've been thinking about him all day. I'm praying real hard too. Wish I could be dere for dem." The Hawaiian added.
"I know Kono. I'll call Steve again first thing in the morning. It's getting late. Let's go home." Chin laid a hand on Kono's shoulder and guided him to the door. Together they left the office, closing the door behind them.
…..
General Hospital, Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, 1972
The corridors of General Hospital became deserted as the night wore on. A slender figure passed the empty reception desk and walked silently towards the ICU ward down the hall. Preparing to produce his badge to the officers he expected to meet outside the room, he was surprised to see there was no one there. Strange. Something's not right! The SFPD officer was already feeling ill at ease by how seemingly simple it was to go on un-noticed lurking in the hospital corridors and stair wells, just before visiting hours were over.
Pausing in the middle of the hall, Cardenas, swallowed and reconsidered his next move. Alarm bells rang shrilly in his head but he knew if he backed out now, he would be a dead man and if he went through that door, there was a chance he would fall into a trap set up by Stone. He decided to take the latter option and hoped that luck was on his side. Worst case scenario, I could still out smart Stone. They have nothing on me! Cardenas kept telling himself as he proceeded to the door of Danny Williams' ward. Squinting his eyes as he looked through the small window, he could see the sleeping form of the detective he sought. He took a deep breath, gripped the handle of the door with a gloved hand and turned it.