AN: This chapter has been beta read. Thank you to all my readers and my reviewers :) I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or in Hawaiian "Mele Kalikimaka and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!"

This is my last update for this story until after Christmas...I hope y'all enjoy it!

Chapter 18

General Hospital, Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, 1972

The meeting with Dr Fleming had taken a little over an hour out of McGarrett's morning at the hospital. The detective listened intently as the neurologist outlined Dan's present condition in more detail using medical terms for which McGarrett had no patience. According to Dr Fleming, Dan was likely to recover from his physical injuries sooner than when he was initially diagnosed. His main concern was the damage inflicted psychologically. Dan was going to be under close observation with a schedule of counselling sessions to follow his recovery.

"Alright Doc." McGarrett sighed despondently at the prognosis. There was little else he could say without the risk of seeming to be rude to the man who he knew was doing everything he could to help his best friend. There was one question he did long to ask. "When can Danny go back home, to Hawaii?"

"It all depends on his progress. As soon as he is fit to be discharged, you can speak to his counsellor." Dr Fleming replied.

"Thanks Doc." McGarrett clenched his fists as he stood up and excused himself to make a phone call. He couldn't bear another minute to be in the same room as Dr Fleming. Counsellor? You mean a shrink! McGarrett thought harshly. The very suggestion that Danny see a psychiatrist twisted his insides. Danny is not a crazy individual. He is a lost and confused young man who just needs time and people who care about him to be there for him, not some shrink! Lost in his solemn musings, the detective slammed the door behind him without really meaning to. Wincing, he brushed his guilt aside and pressed on down the corridor towards the reception desk.

…..

SFPD, Bureau of Inspectors, 850 Bryant Street, San Francisco, 1972

Lieutenant Mike Stone reigned in his temper upon hearing his suspect had succeeded in his request for bail. There were further talks on plea bargains with the DA, none of which Cardenas was interested in, and neither was Stone. The seasoned cop knew they had a case, if only he could obtain enough solid evidence to put not just Cardenas behind bars but everyone involved in the murders and gun running operation. Cardenas, in the meantime maintained his innocence, even going as far as threatening to file a lawsuit against SFPD. The phone rang and Stone picked up the receiver after the second ring.

"Stone, it's McGarrett. Is Cardenas talking?"

"No. He's out on bail."

"What?" There was no doubt McGarrett was no longer holding his feelings on the matter in check. He was furious.

"Look, I know. I just heard myself. I'm waiting on approval for a warrant to search Sean Tate's home and work premises." Stone responded unenthusiastically.

"You don't think we'll get it." McGarrett commented flatly.

"I don't know. I'll call you as soon as I get an answer. How's Williams?"

"Asleep. Doc says he should pull through but he still doesn't know if this amnesia will cause any permanent damage." McGarrett answered in a voice full of despair. He didn't want to tell Stone the truth or even admit it to himself but a nagging sensation had settled itself in his gut that Dan was beginning to fake being asleep to avoid visitors. He hoped that it wasn't true but he couldn't shake off the feeling.

"McGarrett, why don't you go back to your room and get some rest. I'll send my partner over to take watch. As soon as I get my hands on this warrant, I'll pick you up and we'll head over to that dojo on Pine Street." Stone suggested, in a tone that spoke of friendship and good sense. He waited for the detective to adamantly voice his refusal to leave the hospital and was surprised to hear the contrary.

"Yeah, I might just do that. Thanks. I'll wait until Keller gets here then I'll go." McGarrett accepted Stone's offer with a heavy heart. It was a small consolation to him that his decision was based on the hopes that Danny would feel less pressured by allowing him some space to deal with his condition.

…..

General Hospital, Potrero Avenue, San Francisco, 1972

Dan Williams was less than keen at the prospect of acquiring another baby sitter to watching over him and looking at him like there was a chance he would keel over at any given moment. He had noted McGarrett's deep concern for him but it only made him feel worse. Each time he visited, Dan could see the detective expected some form of improvement. It pained him to find the hope written all over the older man's face diminishing during his stay by his bedside. Even the doctors were scrutinizing him like he was some kind of lab rat. It made him feel uncomfortable and miserable. He wanted nothing more than to leave the hospital and try to piece together the missing pieces of his mind, alone.

I've got to get out of here! I can't stay here another day.