CHAPTER FOUR

THE HANDSOME FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND

TREATMENT THREE - ER - KING'S MEDICAL CENTER - HONOLULU - O'AHU

Steve retraced his steps back to the ER and went up to the third treatment bay. The curtain was left open, so he spotted his partner from a small distance. Danny was on the gurney, lying there with his chest bare, his eyes closed, and with an oxygen mask strapped to his face. His left arm rested on the railing. The one that was clicked into place on the side left of him. Coming closer, Steve noticed a plastic valve about six inches long taped to his partner's chest. The valve was attached to a tube that led underneath a squared white bandage, sealing the surgical incision on Danny's torso. Danny seemed relaxed. His breathing was low and slow, and the heart monitor was beeping less than once a second.

Standing next to his friend Steve let his eyes down. He hated seeing Danny this vulnerable, but Steve hated it even more that his partner hadn't told him about the situation. Apparently, Danny had been in pain for the past months, and Steve didn't have a clue. Thinking back, he should've seen the signs. Danny had seemed exhausted about a month ago. Steve asked, but he'd been satisfied with the lame excuse, lack of sleep. He hadn't asked why Danny wasn't sleeping well or why he showed up late at work. Neither had they been spending time on renovating the restaurant. Back then, Steve didn't find it suspicious. After the shooting, there were a few weeks of recovery, then Danny wasn't feeling up to it because he wasn't sleeping great, and by now, they were behind on schedule. Steve now knew the real reason.

He pulled up a chair from against the wall. The dragging noise of the chair startled Danny wide awake. He jolted but immediately flinched with pain. Steve stopped dead in his tracks.

"Sorry, you good?"

Danny's grip tightened around the railing up to the point where his knuckles turned white. "Yeah, m' okay." He mumbled.

"Really?" Steve was no idiot. His partner was visibly racked with pain. "That probably doesn't feel too good right now, does it?" He pointed at the severely dark discolored bruise on the right side of Danny's chest.

Even though his face was still rigid due to the pain, Danny pulled the oxygen mask off and dropped it on the gurney. "It's actually feelin' a lot better than half an hour ago."

"Yeah, I bet," Steve dragged the chair a bit further and took place. "The doctor said there was a bit of a problem getting that tube in."

"A problem?" Danny lifted his head off the pillow. "It felt like they were trying to punch a hole into a metal plate with a plastic straw."

"Ai," Steve scrunched up his face. "But that's because of the amount of scar tissue, right? The one that's been causing you so much pain that you've been back to see doctor K?"

In disbelieve, Danny raised his left hand and dropped it on the gurney. "Unbelievable,"

Steve leaned forward in his chair. He was not angry nor disappointed. He just wanted to know why his partner had been hiding the truth. "Why didn't you tell me, Danny?"

"I didn't tell you because," Danny started sounding pissed, but he rested his head back and paused for a minute. "I don't know. I guess— I didn't want you to worry."

"You didn't want me to worry, but you were fine with scaring the crap out of me back at the office?"

Danny rolled his head to the right. Locked eyes with Steve. "Obviously, I didn't know that was going to happen."

"Yeah, well, you should've said something." Steve leaned back, crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"I took care of it. I wasn't ignoring it. Like you would've."

Steve frowned, a little offended by those words. "What's that supposed to mean?"

By the annoyance in his eyes, Danny was about to give Steve a lecture. Then he suddenly squeezed his eyes shut, and all color vanished from his cheeks. "Nothing," He muttered.

Worried, Steve ditched the argument. Instead, he gave his friend a once-over. In his opinion, Danny wasn't near looking good enough to be leaving the hospital. "Hey, you sure you don't want to stay for a few days?"

Danny shook his head. "Nah, the little guy has been talking about his first game for weeks. I can't miss it."

Steve sighed. He should've known Danny was going to be stubborn about it. Maybe he could stall him by changing the subject. In fact, something had been bothering Steve for days, so out of curiosity, he leaned forward again. "Tell me something. Why'd you put him on soccer? What happened with baseball or something?"

"You think I had a say in it?" Danny arched his eyebrows. "It was either soccer or tennis."

Steve hung his head theatrically. "Rachel."

Danny pushed himself more upright. "Yeah, so I was thinking, maybe you could show up on Saturday. Get into a heated conversation with the coach, which then, without question, will turn into a catastrophic argument," Danny mimicked an explosion with his hands. "That way he'll kick Charlie off the team, and I can sign him up for baseball."

Steve cocked an eyebrow. "A catastrophic argument?"

"What's the problem? You do it all the time."

"I do it all the time, huh?" Steve's smile stretched from ear to ear. He was glad his partner was talking like his old self again. "All right, before we get into one of those arguments, I think it's time we get you home."

NEXT DAY - MCGARRETT'S HOUSE - 5329 KALANIANAOLE HWY – O'AHU

It was Friday, almost six o'clock in the evening. Steve was out in the back of his yard. Grilling some fine steaks he picked up earlier today. After all the crazy things that happened yesterday, Steve had called it a day way before he should've. With him being in charge, he could do whatever he wanted, and it was a slow day, anyway. No case had come in all day, and with Danny not being at the office, things were not the same. Therefore, Steve sent everyone home to enjoy the weekend a bit earlier than usual. They deserved a break from time to time. Besides, there was always the chance of getting a call during the weekend because crime never stopped. In fact, it mostly happened over the weekend.

With that in mind, Steve decided to enjoy his free time while he could. He had made a nutritious salad, wrapped four potatoes in foil, and put them on the grill together with the two steaks. Steve considered inviting Danny over for dinner, but Steve didn't want him overdoing things. He had called his partner a couple of times today to see how he was holding up. Danny sounded fine over the phone. He didn't appear to be out of breath, so the chest tube was working. Danny said he didn't have any discomfort, except Steve knew how to translate that. It meant his partner wasn't in too much pain, not zero pain. There was definitely some discomfort up to the amount where he could manage it with medication. Steve figured he would go by tomorrow, maybe join Danny at Charlie's first soccer game.

The steaks were about to be ready when Noelani dropped Eddie back home. She had borrowed the handsome four-legged friend to score a date with a guy she really seemed to like. Steve was happy to help her out, told her she could take Eddie for a walk any time she wanted. Noelani appreciated the offer but honestly confessed she wasn't that much into dogs. She just needed a way in with the guy. They had a good laugh about it. Then Noelani went home to get ready for the date later tonight. She probably hadn't even reached her car when Junior replaced her spot and walked into the backyard.

Junior had spent his free time well. He went apartment hunting. "Here you should check this place out, it's pretty awesome." Excited about the apartment, he showed Steve some pictures on his phone. The place indeed seemed nice. Not that big, but it had everything a guy needed: one bedroom, laundry, underground secured parking. The appliances were already there. It was located in a great neighborhood.

There wasn't anything to bitch about, so Steve reacted enthusiastically to his friend. "Very nice. Looks great, man," he didn't know his roommate was planning on leaving him. Still, Steve understood the situation, and it could've been foreseen. They weren't going to be living together forever. Steve knew that. He just didn't think Junior was going to leave this soon. "I-I didn't know you were moving out, though."

Steve didn't do a great job hiding his disappointment because Junior suddenly didn't seem too sure about the place. "Well, you know, not yet. I still have to apply, and I might not get it, so."

"You know you can stay here as long as you like, right?"

Junior was clearly thinking it over. "Hey, you know what, on second thought, they always say don't go with the first thing you see, right?"

Steve shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, there's plenty of stuff out there."

"You think I should keep looking?"

"Well, I would," Steve agreed. "There are a lot of places out there. Don't sell yourself short." He liked living with the boy, so why hurry to move out only to move back because the apartment sucked.

"Yeah, I think you're right," Junior decided to Steve's relief. "You want another beer?" He asked.

Steve checked the steaks on the grill once more. "Definitely."

With the decision made, Junior went back to the house to grab two beers. The steaks were done, so Steve took them off the grill. He shouted back to the house to let Junior know the meat was ready, and if he didn't hurry, he probably would lose his steak to Eddie. There was no response, no shout back, nothing. Steve put the steaks aside when Junior didn't come back. McGarrett called out a couple of times more as he walked back to the house. He went in through the dining room. Maybe they ran out of beer, but Steve was pretty sure there was a new six-pack of Longboards in the fridge. Steve checked the kitchen. There was no sign of Junior. The house was empty.

"Junior?" Steve shouted the boy's name as he looked up the stairs. No reply.

Clueless, Steve turned around. His eyes locked on two Longboards, standing on the side table near the front door. The beers were unopened. Droplets of water dripping down, meaning they came right out of the fridge. Steve opened the front door, looked around, and called once more. "Junior?" It stayed silent. Steve didn't see anyone, so he closed the door. He fished his cellphone out of his pocket and dialed Junior's number. It went over once before a ringing tune sounded in the silent house. Steve spotted the black cell phone on top of the coffee table. The screen lit up with an incoming call from McGarrett. Steve frowned and disconnected the call. Where on earth did Junior go?

TANI'S PLACE - HONOLULU - O'AHU

Swaying in her hammock Tani closed her eyes. The last rays of today's sunshine beamed on her face. This was the good life. Earlier this day, when Steve sent everybody home, Tani had eagerly gone to her own place. Just so she could do absolutely nothing for the entire weekend. Maybe she would read a book, but that was going to be the most strenuous thing she would do all weekend. This she could do twenty-four hours, seven days a week. With her eyes still closed and chilling in her hammock, Tani's cell phone started buzzing. Annoyed, her eyes flicked open, and she fished her phone from somewhere out of the hammock. She checked the caller ID. The boss was calling. Tani hesitated to answer for a minute, as she didn't want to work yet another weekend. She loved her job. She really did. Except, a weekend off sounded so much nicer at the moment. Then she sighed and picked up before she was too late.

Tani tumbled out of her hammock when Steve told her that Junior had disappeared. The sun suddenly didn't feel warm anymore. It actually felt as if someone poured an ice-cold bucket of water over her. How did Junior vanish like that? Where did he go? Her heart ached in a way she didn't fully understand. She clearly loved the guy, but only God knew that. She couldn't exactly go up to him and tell him that because they worked together. It wasn't ethical, but when was love ever ethical or convenient. Worried sick, Tani ended the call. She needed to do something. She had to go find Junior. Not wasting another second, Tani grabbed her purse from inside her home and ran to her car. She jumped in and drove as fast as she was allowed to Steve's place.

Rolling up at the Commander's house, Tani parked her car behind Junior's 85 El Camino. Seeing his car was another blow to her stomach. On the drive over, Tani had come up with a few scenarios on where Junior might have gone off to. Only his car was still on the driveway, and there was no scenario where Junior took off by foot. None of it was making any sense. Tani jogged up to the house and knocked on the door until Steve opened it. Usually, Tani didn't get panic-struck that easily, only by the distressed look on her boss's face; her heart leaped with fear.

Together they went over Junior's disappearing once more. Just when Tani was about to lose all hope, Noelani, along with her date, arrived on Steve's doorstep. Apparently, Steve had asked Noelani to come over too. Right after they introduced themselves to Noelani's date, Steve started questioning her. He wondered if Junior seemed off when they crossed paths a few hours ago. Noelani didn't think so. Junior was in a great mood, shared that he had found an apartment. Steve nodded, confirming. Tani guessed it was how it went down.

Steve's cellphone started ringing. He eagerly took his phone out of his back pocket and answered with, "McGarrett," it was quickly followed by. "Junior, hey, where are you?"

Relieved, Tani let out the scared breath that had been trapped inside. Junior was on the other side of the line.

Then Steve stayed silent for a moment, listening to what Junior had to say. "He's being deployed," Steve explained, and his face lightened a little. Then it fell again. "Okay, understood." He turned around and went to the dining room. Frankly, the commander needed some privacy, but Tani could hardly contain herself now that she was secluded from the call. Her friend was being deployed, and she wouldn't be at ease until she had a more extended explanation.

In the meantime, Tani sent Noelani and her date off to continue their evening. Junior was accounted for, so there was no need to keep the lovebirds away from their quality time. They hesitated but left eventually. All by herself, Tani waited eagerly for her boss to hang up the phone.

Merely five minutes later, he did. For Tani, it felt like hours had gone by. "Boss, what's going on?"

Steve propped his hands on both hips. "Junior's in Pearl City. A rep from his old SEAL team came to get him." He stated as he looked dazed around the house.

"So he's being deployed just like that?" Tani fished for more details as she wasn't getting any.

"Yeah, and I have to go too." Steve notified as he went over to the study. He pulled open some drawers and grabbed his gun and passport.

It caught Tani off guard but being an Army brat, Tani understood the rush. "Sure, okay, yeah," she also knew there wasn't anything to stop a soldier from going on a mission, so all she could do right now was be supportive. "Go pack your bag. I'll call the rest to let them know."

Steve nodded. "All right, I'll inform the governor," he came back to the living room. "And I should probably call Danny myself, or he'll never speak to me again."

"Do I even want to know what that's about?" Tani queried, adding, "Probably not," as she quickly realized she didn't want another famous argument explained. "If you want, I can take care of Eddie while you're away?" She offered as the Labrador retriever entered the room with his tail wagging.

"I would really appreciate that. Thank you, Tani," Steve shouted as he ran up the stairs.

Minutes later, Steve had changed his outfit, packed his things, and came downstairs again. Tani was seated on the couch, toying around with Eddie. She threw the ball, and Eddie spurted away to fetch the toy. Steve tossed the duffle bag over his shoulder and held on to the black backpack. He was ready to take off. Tani stood up and went over to the commander to give him a quick hug goodbye. "Be safe and give me a call when you guys get back, okay?"

"Copy that," Steve gave a firm nod and smiled. He headed for the front door when he turned back around, "Oh, and Tani. I don't know how long we'll be gone, but Danny's not allowed to set foot inside the office for another week. So Lou's in charge, all right?"

"Danny's not going to like that."

"I know. But it's for the best. Keep an eye on him. Call or text him every day. If he doesn't answer, go by his place and take him to see a doctor if necessary." Steve commanded as he opened the front door.

"You realize that you're giving me more notes on how to take care of Danny than on your boy Eddie over here, right?" Tani teased.

Steve pointed at the dog, who was patiently waiting for Tani to throw the ball again." Yeah, well, Eddie isn't the one with behavioral issues."

Tani narrowed her eyes. "I'm positive Danny once said the same thing about you."

"That wouldn't surprise me." Steve smiled and walked out the door.

WILLIAMS' RESIDENCE - KĀHALA - O'AHU

It was a little past nine in the evening. By that time, Danny was slouched on his couch. He flicked through several TV channels, but he had seen it all. After watching TV for most of the day, Danny was pretty sure he was nearly comatose with boredom. He let out a big sigh and turned off the television. This was just day one, and he was already done with doing nothing. It was definitely not his strong suit. Besides, there was nothing wrong with his mental health. Well, if he would be home for another few days, he might go nuts. However, Danny could forget about going back to work on Monday, though. Steve had made himself crystal clear about that. Maybe if luck would be on Danny's side and they took out the tube tomorrow, Danny might be able to talk some sense into his partner. Danny chuckled at that thought. When was luck ever on his side?

A muffled ringtone filled the room. Danny fumbled around and pulled his cell phone from underneath the couch pillow. He didn't have to look to know who was calling him. His partner had been stalking him every two hours or so. Annoyed, Danny hit the answer button and put his phone up against his ear. "What's this? The seventh time you called today? 'M fine! Besides, how can I be resting if you keep calling me?"

Like Danny predicted, his partner's voice popped up. "That's not why I'm calling. Junior's being recalled from the reserves. I'm going with him."

Confound, Danny leaned forward. "Say again?"

"Junior's being deployed, and I'm going with him," Steve repeated.

There was nothing wrong with Danny's ears. He just couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Yeah, I heard you the first time, but why are you going with him?"

"Sorry, Danny, I can't tell you."

"Can you at least tell me where you guys are going?"

"Can't tell you that either."

"You kidding me?" Danny lifted his hand and dropped it in defeat. "Why does everything have to be classified, huh? You know that I won't say a thing if you tell me."

"And you know we can't talk about that kind of information over an unsecured line, Danny."

"I know-I know. You can never tell me," Danny ran his hand over his face, already worried about his partner going off the grid. There was no point in being dramatic because Danny knew Steve would worry too if the rolls would've been reversed. Not that that ever happened. It was always Steve leaving Danny behind, not the other way around. Danny decided it was best to lighten the mood. "Well, at least you're calling me instead of leaving a dear Danny note, so that's a step in the right direction."

"Personal growth, no?"

Danny slouched back against the couch. "It's progress for sure, but you're still leaving the island."

"It'll just be for a couple of days." Steve tried to make peace.

"I don't care about that, as long as you come back in one piece."

"I will, Danny."

Danny wobbled his head doubtfully as his partner was known for making reckless decisions. "Oh, let me ask you one more thing before you just hang up on me."

"Yes, I'm wearing cargo pants."

"Excuse me?" It took a few seconds to remember the joke from years ago. "Oh, ha-ha, very funny. No, you putz. I was gonna ask if I should be worried?" There was a sigh on the other side of the line. Danny's eyebrows were forced together into a pronounced frown. "Steve?"

"No," Steve sounded resolute. "I'll check in with you on the way back."

It was not the kind of answer Danny wanted to hear, but it was all he was going to get. "All right. Just be safe and take care of the kid, okay?"

"Copy that."

"Don't make me—," the phone clicked off. "come looking for the two of you," Danny rolled his eyes and tossed his phone on the couch. "See, I knew you would just hang up on me."

MCGARRETT'S HOUSE - 5329 KALANIANAOLE HWY – O'AHU

With the dog bed underneath her arm, Tani shut the front door behind her. She fumbled the key in its lock and closed up Mcgarrett's house. Once more, Tani checked her mental list of all the things she had to do before leaving. Lights were out. Windows closed. Appliances turned off. Doors locked, and she had taken everything Eddie needed with her. Food, toys, the dog bed, and his leash. They were good to go.

"Come on, Eddie, let's go," she urged, and Eddie followed her to the car. When she stopped to open up her trunk, Eddie sat down next to her. "Oh, you're such a good boy." Tani rubbed the Labrador's head, dropped the dog bed in the trunk, and slammed it shut.

Before getting into the car, Tani took her cellphone out of her purse. She had called Lou and Jerry right after Steve took off. She hadn't spoken with Danny, though. Steve said he would call Danny himself, but what if he forgot to do so? He left in a rush, and it wouldn't surprise Tani if he didn't make that phone call. Besides, Steve explicitly asked Tani to keep an eye on Danny, so she dialed his number. She let it ring, once, twice. After a couple more, the call connected to his voicemail. "This is Detective Danny Williams. I'm not available, please leave a message." Tani disconnected and tried calling again. Danny didn't answer, and for a second time, Tani listened to the voicemail.

Eddie whined, and Tani looked down at the dog. "It's probably nothing, right?" Eddie kept staring with sad eyes at Tani. "Should we check on Danny?" She wondered out loud, and Eddie barked once. "I assume that's a yes?"

WILLIAMS' RESIDENCE - KĀHALA - O'AHU

After a short drive, Tani pulled up to Danny's house. She parked her car on the side of the street and glanced at the residence through the side window. Danny's place was entirely dark. No lights beaming from inside. Tani wasn't sure of the exact time, but it was dark enough outside to turn on a light. It made it seem like nobody was at home, except the Camaro was standing on the driveway. Meaning he technically should be at home, but then why didn't he turn on the lights yet.

Eddie was sitting on the passenger's seat. Tani turned to the dog. "You stay here, I'll be right back." With that said, she climbed out of her car and walked up to Danny's house. Coming up at the door, Tani knocked politely on the door. She waited. Peeked through the blinds of the living room, waiting for some movement. The house stayed dark. Tani knocked again. This time more pounding than actually knocking.

"Danny? It's Tani. You home?" She called out. It was all for nothing. There was no response, and the house stayed pitch dark. Tani grabbed her cell phone and dialed Danny's cell phone once more. Just as before, it rang. Tani let it rang while she checked the window. She put her hand above her eyes so she could stare into the darkness. Danny's cellphone was right there on the coffee table. Lighting up and buzzing.

Confused, Tani disconnected the call. This didn't make any sense. The only thing that crossed her mind was that Danny might be in trouble. Tani went back to the door, tried the doorknob. It was locked. In a desperate attempt, she pounded on the front door again.

"Danny!" It was useless. There was still no sign of Danny. She wondered if she should call it in. Or maybe she should go back to Steve's place. He must have a key lying around somewhere. It would take too much time if Danny really was in trouble. Then Tani's eyes landed on a couple of rocks lying around.

— TBC / HAWAIIFIVE0 —

A/N: Thanks to everyone who has faved, followed or left a review this far. Also the guests who are reviewing, thank you!

Next chapter will be up on Monday. With more to come!

Mahalo for your support, it's always lovely to hear what you think of it.