Well here we are guys. The final chapter. Thanks to all of you who have been reading and who have sent such awesome reviews. They not only make my day but they make me want to keep working to make the story as good as it can possibly be. Thanks as always to all of you for coming along on this REAL World adventure and to Mar and ilna for making it more fun than should be allowed by law.
Obsession
Rodgers Cabin
Tuesday 5:00 A.M.
"How's she doing?" Danny asked with a gravelly voice as he emerged from the bedroom, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He'd finally succumbed to his exhaustion at around 2:00 A.M. and had enjoyed three uninterrupted hours of sleep before he was awoken by the sound of the rain beating harder on the roof.
Steve had insisted Danny take the bed reasoning that one of them should try to get a few hours of real sleep. Danny had agreed, knowing full well Steve had no intention of leaving Catherine's side. He had promised he'd try to sleep in the living room but one look told Danny his partner had slept very little, if at all.
He had pulled a small stool up beside the recliner and positioned it just about even with Catherine's head. He was leaning forward, holding her left hand between both of his and watching her intently. At Danny's question he brushed his lips over her forehead to check her fever. Even though he had used a thermometer at least half a dozen times through the night he still trusted his lips on her forehead more.
Opening up the wound on her leg and allowing it to drain had managed to slow down her fever, but it still hadn't broken. When Steve last checked at 4:30 AM it was holding steady at 103 degrees. The hand he was holding, along with her other extremities, had luckily regained their normal coloring. The warmth of the fire, the dry clothes and the removal of the restraints had all worked together to get her circulation going again. But her body just couldn't seem to get ahead of the infection in her leg.
The rain continued to beat down relentlessly. Through the night Steve listened carefully, hoping for any indication that it was letting up, that a break might be on the way, even for the hour or less they would need to get a helicopter in the air and get Catherine evacuated out to a hospital, but much to his dismay the only sounds he heard all night were the drumbeat of rain on the cabin's thankfully sound roof and Catherine's occasional whimper of fever-induced pain. The forecasters were predicting there would be no break for at least twenty-four hours.
By 2:00 A.M. Steve knew he had to do something.
"About the same," he said tiredly. "Her fever is holding steady but it hasn't gone down at all."
"So what's the plan?" Danny asked, even though he knew the answer already.
Chin had been relaying National Weather Service data and forecasts and nothing in those hourly reports looked good. While there were a few periods over the next twenty-four hours where it looked like the rain might let up a little, there didn't appear to be any window large enough to allow either a helicopter or any other kind of rescue vehicle to get to the cabin.
He had hoped that maybe the combination of the antibiotics and the procedure Steve had performed to allow the infected cut to drain would reduce Catherine's fever and stabilize her condition. As soon as he knew that hadn't happened, he knew they would have to try something to get off the mountain themselves.
"Call Chin," Steve said reluctantly. "I think we need to try to go down the mountain."
Danny nodded. "I'll let him know."
"Thanks, Danny."
"No problem. But listen …you better talk to Catherine …prepare her. This isn't gonna be an easy trip."
"Yeah." Steve scrubbed his hand over his face and tried to stretch the kinks out of his back. "I will. I just wanted to let her rest as long as possible. I kept hoping the fever would break."
"I know," Danny sighed. He knew this decision wasn't an easy one for Steve. The trip down the mountain was going to be tough enough for the two of them but it was going to be much worse for Catherine in her weakened condition. If there was any other option Danny knew Steve would jump at it. But there wasn't. So Danny was determined to make the trip as easy as possible on everyone involved.
"OK I'm gonna go grab those tarps out of the carport and make sure the ATV is gassed up. I'll let you know when it's ready, "Danny said as he headed out the front door.
Steve sat down on the arm of the recliner and took a minute to just look at Catherine. She was sleeping restlessly, as she had been all night. Her forehead was creased with tension. Despite the warmth of the fire burning just five feet away she continued to shiver. Steve re-tucked the tan fleece blanket tight around her then leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek as he gently stroked her hair.
She came awake slowly.
He saw a moment of fear cross her face as she struggled to remember where she was before her eyes finally focused on him. Realization dawned and she relaxed. She was still at the cabin, and she still felt terrible, but Steve and Danny were here now. She wasn't alone in the basement any longer.
"Hey." Her voice cracked slightly.
"Hey yourself," Steve smiled reassuringly at her. "How do you feel?"
Catherine made a quick assessment of her condition. Her whole body ached and she felt simultaneously extremely hot and chilled to the bone. Her head was pounding, as was her left leg. Her back was sore and no matter how she shifted she couldn't find a completely comfortable position.
"Pretty good," she said, wanting to ease the anxiety she saw on Steve's face.
"Liar," he smiled softly.
Catherine tried to smile in return but it came out as more of a grimace.
"Look Cath," Steve said somberly, "the rain isn't going to let up any time soon. Danny found a working ATV so we're going to try to go down the mountain. Chin is gonna get an ambulance as close as he can. We need to get you to a hospital."
"Are you sure we shouldn't wait just a little while longer and see what happens? Judging by the amount of water that was in the basement it must be bad out there."
Steve didn't want to tell Catherine that the eighteen inches of water that had been in the basement when they arrived and found her was nothing compared to the several feet that was there now. And that as bad as conditions had been on the way in, they were going to be considerably worse on the way out. This trip was going to be hard enough; there was no need to worry her unnecessarily.
"I wish there was another way but there just isn't, Cath. We can't afford to keep waiting out the weather. Your fever is stable now but I don't know how long it'll hold. We have to get you the hospital and let them check that leg."
"But how … "
"Don't you worry about that." He kissed her on the forehead. "Danny is all over it. He's gonna figure it out. All you have to do is hang on for the ride."
"Okay."
She trusted him completely. If he believed this was the best course of action then she would support him. Unconditionally. And do everything she could not to make things more difficult in any way.
"I'm not gonna lie to you, it's probably gonna be miserable, Cath," he said sympathetically "We'll do everything we can to make it quick and painless but … if there was any other option I'd take it … I would … but we just can't wait any longer."
"I trust you." She smiled and squeezed his hand. "If you say this is the only option then it is. I'll be fine."
Steve pulled her into a gentle hug and kissed her temple. This was his Catherine. She was the strongest person who knew. Once he realized they were going to have make a move and leave the cabin he knew Catherine would be a trooper.
"Okay then." He pulled back, re-tucked her blanket tightly and smiled. "Why don't you try to get a little more sleep till we're ready to go?"
"Okay," she said as he eyes began to drift closed. "Just let me know when you're ready to go."
"Roger that."
Rodgers Cabin
Tuesday 5:30 A.M.
Steve looked up from his seat next to Catherine as Danny reentered the cabin and shook off the rain. "I'm ready whenever you are."
"Good." Steve stood and smiled down at Catherine who had stirred when she heard the door open. "You ready to get outta here?"
"Absolutely."
"Ok," he stroked her cheek. "give us a minute to figure out the best way to do this and I'll be right back for you."
Steve followed Danny outside and saw the ATV parked right off the front porch.
"I attached the wood carrier," Danny said, indicating the sturdy metal shelf now protruding about 18 inches off the back of the machine. "I found a couple of tarps to keep Catherine dry. I'll drive; you and Catherine can sit on the back. Maybe if you brace your legs on the shelf … "
"Yeah," Steve said, studying the set up. "We'll make it work."
Danny couldn't help but notice the look of apprehension on his partner's face.
"Something wrong, Steve?"
"No … yes …I don't know."
"Well that clears it up nicely," Danny said. He could tell there was something Steve wanted to say but for some reason he was having trouble spitting it out. "Just say it, buddy."
Steve looked him in the eyes. "Are we doing the right thing?"
"What do you mean? Are you having second thoughts?"
"No, I mean, not really but …" he looked out at the rain and mud as far as his eyes could see, "…this could go wrong in so many ways. I just wish there was another option."
"I know, Steve," Danny said with absolute conviction, "but there isn't. We have to get Catherine out of here. This has to be done."
"I know. You're right. I just …"
"I get it," Danny said with a smile, trying to lighten the mood, "but listen … come on … you're finally giving me a chance to drive. I won't mess this up. If I do, you'll never let me drive again."
Steve smiled. "Thanks, Danny."
"Any time. Now let's do this. I'm ready to get home and take a hot shower."
After considering and discarding a number of possible scenarios Steve and Danny finally decided that the best option was for Steve to sit on the wood carrier, which they had ascertained would easily hold his weight, and for them to place Catherine on the back seat between them. They would fashion a makeshift tent with a tarp to keep her as warm and dry as possible.
"I have some stuff in the truck I can use to rig up a tent," Steve said as he looked out towards where his truck was still bogged down in the mud. "I'll go grab it."
"What can I do to help?" Danny asked.
"Nothing. Thanks. I got this. Can you go back in and check on Catherine? Keep her company till I'm done and we're ready to go?"
"My pleasure," Danny smiled.
Rodgers Cabin
Tuesday 5:45 A.M.
Catherine's head turned when she heard the door open. "Everything ok?" she asked anxiously.
"Everything's fine," Danny assured her. "MacGyver is rigging up a tent over the back of the ATV to keep you dry. It'll just take a few minutes."
Catherine smiled.
"Are you ok with trying this, Danny? It doesn't seem like the safest thing in the world."
Danny snorted. "The list of unsafe activities I've been involved in since I met Steve is … well … let's just say it's not a short list."
He crossed the small room and sat down beside Catherine on the stool Steve had spent the night on. She reached up and placed her hand softly on his forearm.
"I know that. I just …" She hesitated.
"What?"
"I don't want you to put yourself in danger for me. I agree with Steve that he and I have to go. But if you don't want to … Danny I would understand and so would Steve."
Danny laid his hand over hers.
"Hey, hey, hey. Where's this coming from?"
Catherine bit her lip nervously. "Steve tried to downplay it when I asked him, but I know the trip up here was dangerous."
"And?"
"And I appreciate that you came and I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you trying to go down the mountain," Catherine looked down and swiped at the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Hey … listen to me …Catherine … look at me." Danny spoke softly but forcefully.
She raised her eyes slowly to meet his.
"I didn't have a second thought about jumping in Steve's truck and heading up here. I knew the chance I was taking before we left the Palace .. but still … it never crossed my mind not to come. I wanted to come."
"You're a good friend to Steve, Danny."
Catherine smiled softly as she regained her composure.
"Thank you. But it wasn't just about him." Danny wiped away the dampness on her cheeks with his thumb.
"What do you mean?"
"It was about you too," he smiled.
"Danny … "
"You're my friend too, Catherine. You know that. There was no way I was gonna leave you up here on this mountain to fend for yourself just because there was a little water and mud in the way."
"A little?"
"Yeah. It was nothing an outdoorsman like me can't handle," he teased.
"You're very sweet." She patted his arm.
"No, I'm not. I'm grumpy and cynical."
"I know your secret Danny Williams," Catherine said in a sing-song voice.
"I have no secret," he insisted.
"Yes you do. And I know it."
"Ok, what is it?"
"You," Catherine smiled at him, "are a big hearted softie."
"I'm no such thing." Danny pretended to be aghast at the very thought, delighted when he heard Catherine actually chuckle. "That's a vicious lie."
"What if I promise to keep your secret?" she said conspiratorially. "Will you acknowledge it then?"
"Maybe," he acquiesced. "But only to you."
"Okay." She smiled softly and shifted in an attempt to relieve the pain in her leg.
"And if you mention this conversation to Steve … "
"I won't. Scouts honor."
"We're you ever a scout?"
"No, but I used to be a Naval Officer."
"That'll have to do I guess," he said agreeably.
"Seriously, Danny. Thanks." Catherine said sincerely.
"Anytime." He patted her arm. "Without you I'd have to take care of the animal myself. I like having you around to help."
"I like having you around too." Catherine smiled softly.
Suddenly the front door opened and a very wet Steve stepped inside.
"Ok. I think we're ready to go."
Rodgers Cabin
Tuesday 6:05 A.M.
Danny extinguished the fire in the fireplace while Steve hung a fresh antibiotic IV for Catherine. He grabbed all the extra blankets in the cabin and placed them by the front door.
"You ready?" he asked her.
"Ready," she assured him.
Danny grabbed the first aid kit and secured it to the handle bars of the ATV then climbed on. Steve carried Catherine out and placed her on the seat behind Danny. He secured her IV bag with a clamp to one of the makeshift tent poles above her head. He went back to the cabin and grabbed two pillows to put under her leg. Once she was situated and as comfortable as she could possibly be he went back and grabbed the extra blankets. He climbed on the ATV and situated himself on the wood carrier with his legs spread wide and braced against the seat. He pulled Catherine tight against his chest and covered her with the extra blankets. He adjusted the overhead tarps in an effort to keep her dry as the rain continued to pound down.
Danny started the ATV and gunned the engine.
"You ok?" Steve shouted to Catherine over the sound of the rain and the ATV's loud engine.
Catherine nodded.
"Let's go," he yelled to Danny.
As the ATV started to move Steve pulled Catherine tight against his body attempting to share every bit of body heat he could. He adjusted the tarp to keep the rain off her face and sent up a prayer that the trip was as quick and painless as possible.
He would not let his mind consider the possibility that they wouldn't make it down the mountain. Or worse yet that they would end up stuck somewhere, fully exposed to the elements, unable to either get down the mountain or back to the cabin.
In this case, failure was not an option.
Danny did his best to avoid any obstacles that would cause excessive vibration or motion. The going was slow but steady. Once he got the hang of the way the ATV handled it was just a matter of choosing the best path from the options in front of him.
There were times when the mud became too thick and they would have to retreat to higher ground and find a drier line down. There were other times when the water was too deep and he had to take a sharp turn to avoid being washed away. Sometimes it felt to Danny as though each turn was taking them farther away from their destination as opposed to closer. A trip that should have taken 30 minutes had already taken two hours and there was no end in sight.
"You ok?" Steve leaned over and asked Catherine.
"MmmHmm," she said without opening her eyes.
"You warm enough?" He tightened the blankets around her shivering body.
There was no response.
"Catherine," he shook her lightly, "you have to try to stay awake."
"Okay," she said groggily.
"Seriously, Catherine. Talk to me."
"About what?"
"Anything."
Catherine cracked her eyes open.
"Remember that day off you offered me a week or so back?"
"Yep."
"I think I might want it now."
Steve laughed. "You got it. I'll even get you that weekend spa package you like at that place on the big island."
"Thanks," she snuggled against his chest, "but I think I just wanna stay home."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. I just wanna sit on the beach behind the house, with you, and relax."
"You got it. What should we do while we're sitting there?" Steve tried to keep her talking.
Catherine kept up the conversation for as long as she could, imagining a lazy day spent lounging in the sun and a delicious fresh seafood dinner grilled on the beach, but eventually she slipped into semi-consciousness.
"How's she doing?" Danny yelled back over his shoulder.
"She's losing ground," Steve said anxiously. "How much longer?"
"I'm not sure. I'm doing my best."
"I know you are, Danny. You're doing great. The infection is just….strong."
Danny surveyed the hillsides in front of him and made a decision. They were taking the shortest way down even if it meant it was going to be a thrill ride. Catherine needed to get to a hospital and he was gonna make that happen.
Meeting Point
Below Waipula Pass
Tuesday 8:55 A.M.
When the red and blue lights of the waiting emergency vehicles finally came into view Steve sighed with relief. Catherine's breathing had become more shallow over the last thirty minutes of the trip and she had been fading in and out of consciousness. He knew the rain and chill weren't helping her condition in the least.
As Danny navigated the last quarter mile of the trip, his concentration fully focused on getting the ATV over the last few obstacles that stood between them and safety, Steve tried to rouse Catherine.
"Wake up," he said, his lips against her ear. "We made it."
"We're here?" Catherine asked unsteadily as her eyes fluttered open.
"We're here," Steve smiled.
As Danny pulled the ATV to a stop Chin and Kono approached carrying large golf style umbrellas. Danny noticed several ATVs sitting on the road in addition to the ambulance and several HPD squad cars.
"How is she?" Kono asked worriedly as they reached the ATV.
"Hanging in there," Steve said, "but we need to get to the hospital now."
"We're ready to go," Chin said as Steve climbed off the machine, ignoring the cramps in his legs from sitting in an awkward position for an extended period, peeled back the tarp and blankets and lifted Catherine out. Kono grabbed the IV bag and they headed toward the waiting ambulance.
Steve sidestepped the EMTs and climbed directly into the back of the ambulance, laying Catherine on the dry stretcher.
"Wait … Kono … " Catherine said weakly.
"Catherine we have to go," Steve said urgently.
"Please," she begged.
Steve looked helplessly at Kono who nodded and hopped into the back of the ambulance. She took Catherine's hand and leaned in close. "Hey, Sista. What do you need?"
"Kono," Catherine squeezed her hand. "when I was trying to get the chain off my neck I lost an earring."
"Catherine … " Steve admonished her. Kono looked at her boss.
"No, listen to me," Catherine said desperately, calling Kono's attention back to her. "It's like this one." She indicated the earring remaining in her left ear. "Can you look for it?"
"I will," Kono assured her. "I promise."
"Can you look hard? I know it's a mess there. And the water. But can you look hard, please?"
"Catherine, I'll buy you any pair of earrings you want."
Steve didn't understand why this one earring was so important to her. All he could think about was getting to the hospital.
Tears stung her eyes. "You bought me these our first Valentine's Day together. I want that earring."
Kono squeezed her hand and smiled. "I'll do my best. I promise."
"Thanks." Catherine's eyes drifted closed.
"Thanks," Steve nodded.
"No problem. We're gonna head back up to the cabin with Danny to deal with Fitzsimmons' body and any other evidence that might be there," Kono said. "Call us as soon as you know anything about Catherine's condition."
"Will do, Kono. Thanks. And you guys be careful."
"Always." She jumped out of the back of the ambulance as the EMT's jumped in. Steve started relaying information about Catherine's condition as Kono closed the back doors and the ambulance took off, light and sirens blaring.
Queens Hospital
Tuesday 2:00 P.M.
Steve sat beside Catherine's bed, stroking her hair, watching her closely for any signs of distress. His own eyelids were heavy with sleep but he wouldn't allow himself to give in until Catherine woke up and he was convinced she was ok.
The doctors had started her on a heavy duty course of antibiotics after they cleaned out the wound as well as possible. They were also treating her with an array of drugs to combat whatever bacteria may have been in the water she laid in on the basement floor.
When they'd finally come to find Steve in the waiting room after what seemed liked days but was actually only hours, they assured him she was going to be fine. The recovery was going to be lengthy but they were confident that it would be complete.
She was sleeping peacefully, a nice change from her restless slumber at the cabin; the only sound in the room was her even breathing and the soft beep of the machines monitoring her condition.
Slowly Catherine drifted back to consciousness.
She opened her eyes and saw Steve's hazel ones looking back at her.
"Hey there," she smiled softly.
"Hey," he smiled back as he gently stroked her cheek.
"We made it." She reached up and grabbed his hand.
"Yes we did. How are you feeling?"
"Better."
This time Steve knew she was telling the truth. She still had a fever but her eyes were much brighter, the color was back in her cheeks and her forehead was no longer creased with pain.
"Good," he smiled. "You look much better."
She studied his face carefully. "Well thank you, but quite honestly you look awful."
"Gee, thanks," Steve chuckled.
"Seriously, Steve. When was the last time you slept?"
He kissed her cheek. "I couldn't rest till I was sure you were feeling better."
Her eyes filled with tears and she opened her arms for a hug, a request he happily complied with.
"I'm feeling better," she assured him as she ran her hands softly up and down his spine. "I'm still tired though."
"Then sleep." He pulled back and kissed her softly on the lips.
Catherine scooted over and patted the space on the bed next to her.
"You too."
"You need to rest. I'm fine in the chair"
"No you're not. Your back has to be killing you. Besides, I'll rest better with you here."
Steve couldn't resist her pleading eyes and truth be told he was exhausted. He crawled into bed beside her, careful to avoid all the tubes, and she curled immediately into his side.
"Steve, about Abbey … "
"Sleep now. We'll talk later."
Within minutes they were both sound asleep.
Queens Hospital
Tuesday 8:00 P.M.
Danny, Kono, Chin & Grover entered Catherine's room with Adam and Samantha in tow. Steve had called them earlier to let them know the good news about Catherine's condition. When Chin, Kono and Danny returned from the cabin they found Grover waiting for them at the Five-O offices. They took care of a few details that needed immediate attention and then decided they couldn't wait any longer to see Catherine. They called Adam to meet them at the hospital then swung by to pick up Samantha Grover. As soon as the young girl heard that Catherine had been rescued and was in the hospital she insisted on visiting immediately, intent on offering Catherine the same comfort Catherine had given her during the hostage situation at the school.
As they entered Catherine's hospital room, Chin was carrying three large pizzas and Samantha carried a bag containing paper plates and napkins but other than that the group appeared empty handed.
They all pulled up short and smiled at the sight in front of them.
Steve and Catherine, arms wound tightly around each other, sound asleep side by side on the bed.
"Should we leave?" Grover asked quietly.
"No, you already woke us up," Steve said without opening his eyes. He felt Catherine shifting slightly and opened his eyes to see her beaming smile and her clear, bright eyes. Somewhere in the last 6 hours her fever had broken.
She turned to her friends and beamed.
"I'm so glad to see you guys."
"We're glad to see you too," Chin smiled.
"Samantha, honey," Catherine said as she saw the young girl hanging back, "you didn't have to come."
"I wanted to," she said stepping forward and giving Catherine a hug.
"We wanted to bring you something but flowers, balloons or a stuffed animal seemed inappropriate," Danny said as the group chuckled. "So we settled on pizza."
Catherine smiled. "That's a perfect choice. I'm starved."
"We even cleared the pizza with your doctor so we're good to go."
Danny moved to her bedside and leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "How are you feeling, Hon."
"Good, Danny. Thanks for your help."
"Anytime."
"Oh I almost forgot," Kono said as Samantha opened up the paper plates and napkins they had stopped and purchased on the way in and passed them around. "We did bring you one other thing."
She approached Catherine and reached into her pocket for a small treasure, holding it out with a flourish and a smile.
"You found my earring," Catherine couldn't help the tears that sprang to her eyes.
"I did. It had somehow lodged itself against the cement and was shining up at me just waiting to be found."
"Thanks, Kono."
"You're welcome, Sista."
"Ok let's eat," Chin said as he opened the boxes and began passing out pizza.
Steve kept a watchful eye on Catherine, worried that it all might be too much for her, but she seemed to be enjoying both the company and the pizza. They had remained on the bed, but were sitting now. Side by side. Subtly leaning on each other.
The other inhabitants of the room were sitting on any available chair, the extra bed, the air conditioning unit.
"Hey Adam," Chin said as they all sat eating their pizza, "have you ever heard the story about Danny and the Yoga Grandma?"
"Can't say that I have," Adam laughed.
"Me either," Samantha said curiously.
"Catherine doesn't want to hear that again," Danny tried.
"Oh yes I do," Catherine grinned. "Go ahead, Chin."
Danny beamed at her. He was so happy to see her feeling better he would gladly suffer through yet another embarrassing retelling of the Granny Yoga story.
As Chin began to talk Danny's phone buzzed and he glanced at the screen.
An hour later the pizza was gone and everyone had enjoyed a number of good laughs, mostly as Danny's expense. Danny's phone buzzed again.
"Excuse me," he said as he headed for the door. "I have to take this."
A few minutes later, as Kono was recounting with glee the story of how Chin ended up nearly falling into a large shark tank, Danny poked his head back in to the room.
"I hate to break up all your fun but, Steve, can I see you outside for a minute?"
"Everything ok," Catherine asked.
"Everything's fine. I just need to take care of few details with Steve."
Steve kissed Catherine on the temple. "I'll be right back," he said as he climbed off the bed and followed Danny into the hall.
Queens Hospital
Hallway
Tuesday 9:00 P.M.
"Everything ok?" Steve asked as he made his way out of the room and found Danny leaning against the wall to the right of Catherine's door.
"Yeah everything's fine. I just wanted to fill you in on a couple of things."
"Such as?"
"We managed to get Fitzsimmons' body down the mountain on our second trip out. Max sent me the preliminary report earlier. He's been dead at least a week. Apparent gunshot wound. They're going to run ballistics tomorrow but it's the same caliber as Abbey's gun so it looks like she was the shooter."
"Ok. Just have them send the report as soon as it's ready. Catherine told me Fitzsimmons didn't have anything to do with this. Apparently Abbey told her some things before she left the cabin for the last time."
"Eventually we're gonna need to get a statement from her so we can close the case but it can wait until she's had to some time to … process everything that's happened."
Steve nodded.
"She told me a few things this afternoon. I just don't want to push her you know."
"I know. I don't either. Whenever she's ready."
"Thanks, Danny. Hey I forgot to ask. Any word on Officer Jackson?"
"Duke hasn't had a chance to talk to him yet. He's still on the ventilator. But apparently his wife has been with him non-stop. He knows she's there and he can communicate by blinking his eyes. The doctors say that's a great sign. It'll be a long road but it looks like he's out of the woods."
"That's great news."
"And you're not gonna believe this."
"What?"
"Duke said they got a break in the warehouse murders case. Turns out the brother of the owner had a shady side business going after all. Smuggling drugs back and forth to Asia."
"Are you serious?"
"Yep. Apparently he had a deal set up with some out of town customers at the warehouse that Friday night. The buyers weren't happy with the quality and everything went sideways in a hurry. The brother's bodyguards ended up killing the two buyers. The third guy was one of his own muscle."
"But why did they butcher the bodies?"
"Apparently they panicked. Thought it would give them time to decide what to do if it took a while to identify the bodies. Two days ago he went to his brother and confessed because he was afraid the dead buyers' people were gonna come after him. The brother called Duke and turned him in."
Steve shook his head.
"On a happier note … any idea when Catherine is being released?"
"I'm not sure. A couple of days at least."
"I wanna get the crime scene clean up team over to your place … make sure all traces of … well of what Abbey did … are gone by the time Cath gets home."
"Thanks, Danny. She'll appreciate that."
"No problem."
Steve started to go back into the room then turned and faced his partner. "I wanted to say thanks, for everything I mean. For coming with me. For getting us down the mountain. I couldn't have done it without you."
"You'd do the same for me." Danny said, trying to deflect any credit.
"Any day of the week." Steve said sincerely.
"OK we better get back in there," Danny patted Steve on the back. "If we leave Chin alone much longer he's gonna start telling the Reynolds story. And neither of us wants that."
Steve laughed as they headed back in the room.
Queens Hospital
Tuesday 11:00 P.M.
"You ok in there?" Steve called from outside of the door of the room's small bathroom. Catherine had begged the doctors to allow her to take a hot shower and to celebrate the fact that her temperature had returned to normal and she had managed to keep two pieces of pizza down, they agreed.
Steve had offered to help but she assured him she'd be fine.
"I'll be out in a minute," Catherine replied over the sound of running water. "I just … it feels so good to take a hot shower."
"I'll bet. Are you sure you don't need any help?"
"No, I'm good," she chuckled.
"Are you sure?"
"I don't think the nurses would appreciate you coming in here to help me," she admonished him.
Steve heard the water turn off. "I can be stealthy."
The sound of her laughter made his heart skip a beat. "I'll be out in one minute. Just be patient."
Steve smiled, then crossed the room and took a seat on the bed. A minute later Catherine came out of the bathroom accompanied by a cloud of steam. She was using her crutches and had a towel thrown over her shoulder.
She crutched over to the bed with a look of pure joy on her face.
"Enjoy your shower?" Steve chuckled.
"It was divine."
Steve took her crutches, leaned them against the wall, then lifted Cath into bed. He removed the plastic covering she'd worn over her left calf and examined the bandage. When he saw it was still dry he said "Looks good."
"See I told you I'd be ok to take a shower."
"I still think you should have let me help you."
"First shower I take after we get home. I promise you can help."
"I'm gonna hold you to that." He waggled his eyebrows.
Catherine yawned. "You planning on staying here tonight?"
"Where else would I be?"
"Just checking. You need a good night's sleep, Steve. I thought you might want to go home and sleep in our nice comfy bed."
"It's not nearly as comfy when you're not there."
Cath scooted over and patted the bed on her right side.
"If the nurses wouldn't have wanted me to help you shower I don't think they'll approve of that."
"We're both dressed."
"For now," he leered playfully.
"Get in bed you silly man."
Steve crawled in and Cath immediately curled into his side. After a minute she started to speak softly.
"I know I need to make a statement about Abbey … "
"Shhhhhhh. Don't worry about any of that now. You concentrate on feeling better. The rest will take care of itself."
McGarrett/Rollins House
One week after Catherine's release from the hospital
Morning
Steve sat in a chaise lounge, facing the ocean, shirtless in board shorts, Catherine between his legs, wearing his favorite bikini, leaning back against his chest, soaking up the sun.
"This is so much better than a spa," she purred.
"It really is," Steve agreed lazily.
"No cases for three whole days."
"Danny promised. He isn't going to call unless the entire island is about to explode."
"This is heaven."
"I agree."
They sat in silence for a few more minutes.
"Steve?"
"Yeah?"
"That was a great thing you did. Paying to have Jack Fitzsimmons' body flown back to New Mexico so he could be buried next to his parents."
"It was the right thing to do."
"It was … but still … it was very nice of you."
Steve leaned down and kissed her on the top of the head.
"What do you suppose made Abbey go crazy like that?" she asked.
"I have no idea."
"For two years she was talking to me just like a friend every time I saw her. But at the same time she was following me all over the island taking my picture and she was going through our trash. How could she hide that?"
"I don't know, Cath. I wish I did so I could guarantee nothing like that ever happens again."
"It reminds me of something I read once. 'There is a pleasure sure in being mad that none but madmen know.' "
"I suppose that's true," Steve said.
Catherine closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of the ocean. She refused to let the sound of water take her back to the basement at the cabin. She wouldn't give Abbey that power. She sat up and turned to Steve.
"Let's go for a swim."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Aren't you supposed to be resting?"
"I'll take a nap after."
"Ok."
"You better take a nap too."
"Why's that?"
"Because I haven't forgotten that you called my eyebrow waggle un-sexy, Commander. I intend to keep you up all night proving just how sexy it can be until you admit you were wrong."
With that Catherine jumped up and headed towards the water.
"You're on Lieutenant," Steve called as he started after her.
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