AN: This is based on the Streets episode "Commitment". Thanks for reading! This has been beta read for grammar.

Letting you all know that there is a "Streets of San Francisco" category now (at last!) on this site - thanks to "meixel" for informing me know in a review. I have decided, due to how far I have already gone with this story, I will keep this tale posted in this fandom. I will begin posting "Streets of San Francisco" fan fiction in the new year which will be posted in its appropriate category, including more cross-overs. I hope you will continue to follow my stories in that fandom if you have enjoyed this one.

Chapter 16

General Hospital, Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, 1972

Pushing open the door wider, Cardenas swiftly and carefully scanned the room before entering slowly. He peered behind the door and saw no one. The corridors were lit dimly and filtered very little light into the room but it was enough to see the figure laying on the bed with the sheets pulled up to his neck. Walking into the room, Cardenas shut the door quietly after him and crept to the built in closet behind it. He opened it and pulled out the object he had expected to find. Clutching the pillow in one hand, he closed the closet door with the other then approached the bedside. He sat down in the chair by the bed and checked his watch. Sitting back in a relaxed position he waited for what he thought was the appropriate length of time, all the while listening carefully for any sound of movement from outside the room. Finally, after consulting his watch again, he decided it was safe to do what he came to accomplish. Gripping the pillow tightly with both hands, Cardenas could feel his heart hammering in his chest and hoped it wouldn't wake the detective. He stood up, went close to the bed and made his move in one quick flash. He pushed the pillow down hard over the face of the prone form who came alive at once and began to struggle harder than Cardenas anticipated.

…..

Keller had pulled in one lungful of air when he felt a presence looming over him. He had peered beneath semi-closed eyelids and watched his would-be attacker's every move shortly after his entry to the room. He knew what the man was going to do. As soon as the offending object was shoved into his face obstructing his breathing and vision, the Inspector used both his instincts and his training to extricate himself from his predicament. Bringing up his knees, he kicked out and felt his legs connect with the man who was pinning him down on to the bed. Caught off guard by Steve's strength and sudden movements, the man lost his balance and fell back to the floor, knocking down the glass of water on the bedside table with his elbow. Keller launched himself off the bed and pounced on his attacker who struggled to get to his feet. The Inspector took hold of the man's right arm and twisted it behind his back as he pinned him down against the slippery, wet, tiled floor. Lights illuminated the room as two men burst through the door, pistols drawn.

"I got him!" Keller called out breathlessly as he quickly frisked the suspect for weapons. He could clearly see the identity of the man was none other than Officer Ramon Cardenas. "You're under arrest Cardenas, for the attempted murder of a police officer. You have the right to remain silent –"

"I know my rights rookie!" Cardenas cut across Keller with anger marring his every word.

"Okay. On your feet!" Keller ordered once he had removed Cardenas's gun from its shoulder holster and passed it to his senior partner who stowed it in his pocket. Hauling the arrested man to his feet, Keller felt his foot slide out from under him as the sole of his shoe failed to grip the wet floor. An enraged Cardenas mustered all his strength to pull himself out of Keller's grip then wheeled around and drove his fist hard into the young Inspector's stomach before launching himself straight into Stone's arms. The seasoned cop swung Cardenas against the wall and cuffed him. "Don't even try it!" Stone growled into his ear.

Seeing the Lieutenant had a firm hold on Cardenas, McGarrett stepped toward the downed Inspector and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Keller gasped as he slowly climbed to his feet, still hunched over and winded.

"Here, sit down. Easy, Inspector." McGarrett took hold of Keller's upper arm and guided him to the bed. Keller sat on the edge with his arms wrapped around himself.

Hurried footsteps raced towards them from the hall and voices could be heard getting louder. Three SFPD officers were followed by two orderlies and a flustered Dr Moore as they paused outside the room.

"Cardenas, you're a disgrace to SFPD!" Stone snapped then passed Cardenas over to the officers by the door. "Get him out of my sight!"

"I'll go with them. I'd like to ask Cardenas some questions." McGarrett announced as he headed for the door, passing Stone on the way. "Thanks." He added as an after-thought.

"We'll be right behind you. And Detective, don't thank me, thank my partner." Stone replied then glanced over worriedly at Keller who sat, doubled over.

"Yeah. He did just fine, Lieutenant." McGarrett nodded with approval in his voice as Stone made his way over to his ill-looking partner.

"Are you alright, buddy boy?" Stone asked quietly as he sat down next to Keller and gave the younger man a gentle pat on the back.

"Once I can breathe properly again, yeah I'll be ok." Keller croaked weakly.

"You did great, you know that! The plan worked better than I thought. I'm proud of you!" Stone smiled at his partner who gave a weak grin in return. "You sure, you're okay?"

"Mike, if you ask me that one more one, I'm going to hurl!" Keller joked as he slowly straightened and found his breathing returning to normal.

Chuckling, Stone gave Keller's shoulder an affectionate squeeze then the two climbed to their feet and headed out of the ward. They thanked Dr Moore for his part and departed the building. Arresting Cardenas was a big step in their favor, but they knew they had a lot of work ahead of them and very little time to find and convict Tate and end his operation.