The Danger Within
Chapter 4
Steve was thankful that after their conversation Mike returned to his office to prepare for their meeting. Steve sat down at his typewriter safe in the knowledge that from that position he had his back to Mike and could let down his guard for a few minutes of respite. All the while he could almost feel Mike's eyes burning holes in his back. Knowing Mike as well as he did he was fairly certain that Mike hadn't bought his usual "I'm ok " routine. This was going to be tougher to pull off than he'd hoped. He was starting to feel bad again too which didn't help. He was feeling slightly lightheaded probably as he hadn't eaten anything for over twenty hours and the pains in his stomach were getting worse. He really hoped this meeting wouldn't take too long because he wasn't sure how long he could keep up his current charade. He was torn from his thoughts by the sound of Mike's approaching footsteps. " Time to go buddy boy. Let's not keep the Captain waiting." Steve rose from his seat as straight as he could, picked up his files and waited for Mike to lead the way. "Oh, after you buddy boy. I insist" Mike said as he followed Steve a few steps behind. He had been watching Steve from his office and again something wasn't right. He had sat with his back to Mike's office the whole time as if he were avoiding him. Mike felt he'd have a better vantage point to observe his partner by following him to the Captain's office. Halfway down the corridor,a severe spasm hit Steve and he involuntarily bent forward. Immediately and with great presence of mind Steve dropped his files hoping his sudden movement could be mistaken for clumsiness. Mike rushed forward to help Steve pick up the files however as Steve bent down to collect them a groan escaped his lips as the pain sharpened. Steve was sure that Mike heard it and cursed himself for his mistake. He quickly straightened up and walked more quickly toward the Captain's office only to feel a strong hand grab his arm and he was spun around to face his commanding officer. Mike was staring at him with those piercing blue eyes and the expression on his face was one of concern and steely determination to find the truth. It was a look he had seen on his mentor's face many times before and in that moment he realised his lies were futile in the face of Mike Stone's steely glare. " What's the matter with you buddy boy and I want the whole truth and nothing but the truth or so help me God I'll... " Before Mike could finish his sentence the Captain's office door opened and out walked Rudy Olsen "Ah gentlemen, right on time. Come on in and sit down." Steve had been spared the sudden inquisition and quickly moved into the office finding the nearest seat and using it. He watched Mike follow him all the while noting that Mike was still studying him intently. His expression made it clear to Steve that the conversation was by no means over merely postponed until the next available opportunity. For the moment Steve would settle for a postponement. The meeting went on for close to an hour as they filled Captain Olsen in on their latest case and the damaging evidence they had collected on the suspect they had in custody. Rudy Olsen seemed very pleased with the work they had done and praised the two detectives on a job well done. Then followed some small talk as Rudy asked Mike how Jeannie was getting on up in Arizona. It was at this stage that Steve zoned out of the conversation. He was starting to feel nauseous again and prayed that he would be able to leave the Captain's office soon. The walls of the office felt like they were closing in on him and he subconsciously started loosening his tie as he felt like it was choking him. This action was not lost on Mike who while conversing with Rudy had not taken his eyes off the young detective. Mike really felt that something was seriously wrong with Steve. " Well, we won't take up anymore of your precious time Captain" Mike said feeling Steve's obvious discomfort. This was all Steve needed to hear as he jumped up from his seat in order to make a quick escape however the sudden movement was ill advised and as Steve stood up a wave of dizziness swept over him and he almost fell forward only for the fact that Mike was expecting trouble and was beside him in an instant steadying him and lowering him back into his seat. Steve teetered on the brink of consciousness for a moment or two and when the room came back into focus he saw Mike and Rudy's concerned faces on either side of him. "Steve!... Talk to me buddy boy...Are you ok? " Before Steve could answer an excruciating pain in his abdomen made him double over and took his breath away..." Mike...pain...right side... really bad.." were the only words he could utter as it felt as if someone had driven a hot poker through his gut. "Rudy, call an ambulance! " Mike yelled as he watched the young man whom he cared for like a son's complexion turn almost ashen grey. Steve's breaths were almost coming in gasps and he suddenly felt very afraid, not fully knowing what was happening to him. " Hang in there Steve " Mike said as encouragingly as he could." The ambulance won't be long now. Just stay with me, buddy boy...just stay with me! "