CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Title: "Salvation: Forever and Always: Elusive Dreams – PART III"
Author: Michelle Heath
Rating: MA for adult situations and language
Summary: Story #9 in the Salvation series. The bonds of family bring the Five-0 ohana even closer.
Disclaimer: I so do not own Hawaii Five-0; unfortunately! All original characters are the property of the author!
Date Written: March 10, 2013
(Capt. Stewart goes back into his office to find Samantha and Steve McGarrett haven't moved an inch; they are still standing in the same spot they were when he and their family left the room, they still have their arms around one another, and the psychiatrist is positive that the only time they moved apart was the few minutes they both spent holding their daughter and talking to her before she went home with her aunt and uncle. The doctor is encouraged to see that Sam is not crying at the moment and both McGarretts have more color in their faces that they did earlier. Although the couple moves slightly apart and sits down on one of the sofas in the room, one of Steve's arms instantly goes around Sam's shoulders and he laces the fingers of his other hand with one of hers.)
"I'm glad to see that you both appear to be feeling better; especially you, Sam."
"I am feeling better, Capt. Stewart. For the first time in quite a while, I don't feel so . . alone."
"You were never alone, Sam; you never will be because I'm always going to be here with and for you. I'm so sorry that I didn't realize what was happening with you before now."
"The rest of your family will also continue to be here for you, Commander, as will I. Your recovery isn't going to happen overnight, and I will be meeting with you until I am satisfied that you no longer need my services."
"I appreciate that, Capt. Stewart, because, as much as I'd like to think I'm strong enough to get through this on my own, I know better. I came very close to completely destroying my marriage . . . My life this afternoon and I don't ever again want to do anything that would put me in danger of losing Steve."
"You have nothing to worry about, Beautiful. I won't let you push me away; ever. And we will get through this, Sam."
"Well, it's getting late, and I can see that the two of you don't need me to help you sort through your feelings for one another. I want to see you in my office tomorrow at . . . 0900 hours, Cmdr. McGarrett. Is that a good time for you?"
"It is. I'll be flying out to the Coral Seas at 1300 hours to observe some of my new pilots executing "touch and gos", but I'll clear anything I need to from my schedule so that I can be here at 0900. . . I'm going to have to talk with Adm. Henderson about this, so I'll do that first thing in the morning."
"Adm. Henderson is already aware of this situation, Commander. I spoke with him right after I called your family and asked them to come to the base tonight."
"Yeah, I should have realized that, Captain. So, maybe I need to call the Admiral tonight; he probably wants to put me on leave."
"On the contrary, Commander. Adm. Henderson was very understanding about everything and all he asked is that I keep him updated on your progress."
"He's . . He's not placing me on medical leave pending the outcome of the psych evals I'm sure are coming my way?"
"No, he isn't, and, the only psych evaluation that's coming your way is mine. If I believe you are incapable of carrying out your duties and responsibilities as CAG and 2IC of this base, I'll let the Admiral know immediately. You've been doing an admirable job thus far, however, and I see no need to relieve you of duty as this point. Now, I'll see you in the morning, Commander, but feel free to call me before then should you need me for anything."
"Capt. Stewart, I can't begin to tell you how very much I appreciate you agreeing to come back to your office tonight. Thank you, Sir."
"You're welcome, Cmdr. McGarrett. I'm just glad that you made the decision to share what was upsetting you with your family. You have a lot of people who care about you, Commander, don't be afraid to talk to them; about anything."
"I won't, Sir."
"I'd also like to thank you, Capt. Stewart, and I want to assure you that, now that we know why Sam's been acting so out of character lately, we'll definitely do whatever we can to help her work through this."
"I know you will, Commander. I also hope you know that my door is open anytime you want or need to talk. Situations like this take a lot out of people so don't hesitate to call me if you feel I can help."
"I won't, Capt. Stewart. Thank you."
"Good. Now, I'll make your excuses to Adm. and Mrs. Thrasher so you two just go right on home. I'm sure you probably have a great deal to discus and you both need some rest. I'll see you in the morning, Commander."
(Neither Sam nor Steve needs to be told twice and they are soon on their way home. . . Stepping back across the hall to the small conference room, Capt. Stewart finds Mike Thrasher squatting down beside a chair in which his wife is sitting with a somewhat troubled expression on his face. As for Libby, she looks a little "shell-shocked" and the psychiatrist has no trouble understanding why. Putting what he hopes is an encouraging expression on his face, Capt. Stewart invites Mike to take a seat next to his wife while he, himself, slides into a chair directly opposite Libby.)
"Well, Mrs. Thrasher, I'm certain you and the Admiral have some questions for me and, perhaps, a few things you'd like to discuss, as well. I know it's late, but I think you'll both sleep better if we get some of this out of the way now, so . . Fire away."