Chapter Three
-"They got her to the nearest hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. The paramedic said even though the wound was through and through, it nicked an artery and needed to be operated on right away.
-"Steve was beside himself. She has sacrificed so much for their love, and all he did was blame her for not loving him. How could he have been so stupid?
-"The mission was a success, and the rest of the team gave their debrief and went to be with Steve at the hospital. Kono sat on one side and Chin on the other. Harry was nearby talking to Sam.
-"Konoe said she strong boss, and she pulled through. Uh, I was so mad at her when she left me again, I tried to forget her but I couldn't. I pretended I was happy, and she meant nothing to me. At night, all I did was think about her and how much I missed her, but I couldn't tell a soul, or everyone would think I was an idiot. I should have listened to my heart and knew she wouldn't have left me unless she didn't have a choice.
-"What do you mean boss?
-" All I can now is that Catherine was forced to lie to me and join the CIA. She did it to protect my sorry ass and our team.
-"Chin said are you serious?
-"She told me before we left for this mission. We had a plan to get her out of the CIA, but now I just want her to live.
-"Kono hugged him. I knew it had to be something boss. Catherine loves you; we used to talk about it and how she was so happy to be out of the Navy so you two wouldn't have to separate again. I didn't think it was my place to tell you, so I just kept quiet
-". It's okay, Kono; I was an idiot. I am going to get you some coffee. I'll go with you cuz.
-"Sam and Harry sat beside him. Sam said Steve, I've seen Catherine in action, and if anyone can get through it, she can. I'm sorry, but I have to head back to LA, but I am praying for her. Keep me updated, and I expect an invite to the wedding and get the steak dinner you owe me. He stood up, hugged Sam, and said thank you, man.
-"Harry said she was the one. Yeah, she is. I knew it from the moment I saw you two together. Man, whatever is wrong, fix it; I just wish I had that chance. I will, Harry, for sure. I got to go, but I will see you on the island soon. Take care of your girl McGarrett. Thanks, Harry, and we couldn't have completed the mission without you.
-"His phone rang, and it was Danny. Danno, I don't have time now.
-" What the hell is going on? The last thing we heard was you calling for a medivac.
-"Catherine was shot, and she is in surgery now. Chin & Kono are with me.
-"I am sorry, Steve.
-"I got to go, man. The Dr. coming.
-"Commander, since you are still listed as her next of kin. Officer Rollins's surgery was a success, she is in recovery now, and it will be a couple of hours before she awakens. She must use a swing to keep pressure off her arm for several weeks. Other than that, she should be fine.
-"Can I go see her doctor?
-"Yes, she will be in her room in about an hour, so wait until then.
-"Kono and Chin walked up. What the Dr. said, boss?
-"He said she was going to be okay. She will have to wear a swing for a while but should pull through.
-"Oh, boss, that's great news.
-"She is in her room in an hour, and I can go see her.
-"That's good, we stay with you. Our flight doesn't leave till tomorrow night. We want to see her also.
-"Thank you guys for being here and for coming on this mission.
-"We are a team and Ohana and will always have each other back.
-"Catherine was now in her room, and Steve was holding her hand.
-"She slowly begins to wake.
-" Hey, beautiful.
-"Steve, where am I?
-" She starts to try to sit up.
-"Take it easy, Cath. You have been shot, and your arm is in a swing. You had surgery, but you are going to be fine.
-"Okay, you are army hospital in Landstuhl.
-"My head hurts.
-"You do have a concussion, and they are giving you something for pain.
-"What about the mission?
-" It was a success thanks to you and our direction and intel.
-" Anyone else hurt?
-" No, just you. Hess is dead, and we got all the bombs and guns. Your boss is singing your praise.
-" She smiles, and he leans over and kisses her. I was so scared I was going to lose you and didn't get the chance to do this again. Do you remember anything else?
-"Yeah, Chin, Kono, and Sam were also here.
-"Chin & Kono are waiting to see you; Sam had to head back to LA but said he was pulling for you.
-"What happens now? Well, once you are released, we have a CIA officer to take down.
-"She smiles, I remember. Why don't you ask Kono and Chin to come in?
-"Okay, he went outside and told them Catherine was awake now.
-"They came in; hey, sista, we are so happy you are feeling better. We would hug you, but we don't want to hurt you.
-" It's okay. I miss both of you and am sorry I left without saying goodbye. It's okay, and Steve told us some of the reasons why, and for the record, I always knew you had to have a reason. I miss surfing with you and having our girl's night out.
Chin said I missed partying with you on the case. We work well together.
-"I miss it too. Thank you for coming and I love you guys.
-" Love you too. We hope to see you back in Oahu real soon. Kono winked, and they left.
-"They hugged Steve and said they were heading to the airport, they changed our flight but would keep in touch. Kono whispered in his ear don't let her get away this time, boss. I won't.
-"Steve didn't tell Danny he wasn't coming back with Kono and Chin. He called the governor, asked for a leave of absence, and explained what was happening. He said Danny could lead the team until he got back. The governor said no problem because he knew how hard Steve worked, and he was also disappointed when Lieutenant Rollins left. He saw the change in the team leader, but he still got the job done.
-"Governor Denny went to Five-O HQ the next day after Chin and Kono were back. They were surprised to see him. I want to tell you that Commander McGarrett has requested a leave of absence, and his return date is unknown at this time. In his absence, Detective Williams will be in charge, and I expect you to do your job the same as the commander was here and he left.
-"Danny said I don't believe he didn't even tell me he wasn't coming back. Did he mention this to you two? No, said Chin, but I am not surprised he is putting himself first for once.
-"For a woman who dumped him twice, he lost his mind.
-"Danny, Steve told us Catherine was forced to lie to him and join the CIA to protect him said, Kono. That is all he said, so I trust him and believe him, and I suggest you do the same thing, boss, with a little bit of anger in her voice.
-"Lou said that makes sense if you think about it.
-" Danny felt like crap and all the bad thing he said about Catherine. Yeah, it does.
-" Just then, Lynn was escorted to the office. She had never been there before because Steve knew she wouldn't be part of his life.
-" Danny asked Lynn, what are you doing here?
-"Melissa told me Chin and Kono were back, and I assume Steve would be also.
-"No, Steve is still doing debriefing on the mission, and he is not coming back anytime soon.
-"What, he didn't tell me.
-" They all had that look. I am sure he has been busy and will. Why don't you go home and wait for him to contact you?
-"Okay, and she left with the feeling they were keeping something from her.
-" After she left, Kono said this would not go over well with her. She hates Catherine with a passion, and once she finds out Steve is with her, it will not be good. We should stay out of it and let Steve handle it, said Chin.
-" Danny, please don't tell Melissa that he with Catherine because you know she tells Lynn.
-"He held up his hand; I promise I won't. Steve, my buddy, and I got his back. I just want him to be happy.
-" Steve stays by Catherine's bed day and night. Lynn was texting and calling him nonstop. He knew he needed to break up with whatever they had, but he thought it best to do it face to face. He wouldn't be a coward about it; he knew that would make it worse.
-" He and Catherin had done much catching up, and she was finally released to leave the hospital. The CIA said she could return to DC and recuperate before her next mission. She would be off work for at least three months.
-" Steve I know you need to go back to work. I will be fine. I have a cute house in the country and close to Langley for any medical needs.
-"Cath I am not leaving you just yet. We need to get this guy so you can leave the CIA. I fly back with you and stay with you if it is okay for a while.
-"Okay, sailor, that will be fine. They took the next flight to DC and then got an Uber to Catherine's home. It was a cute home with 3 bedrooms, a deck, and near the water. It wasn't like the one Steve beach, but it was nice.
-"I like it, Cath. Where do you want me to put my bag? You can put them in the guest room; I show you around. This is the guest room, and across the hall is my room. There is another bedroom down the hall, but I turned it into a game room.
-" I'll put my things away and fix you some lunch, Cath.
-"Take it easy now. He pecks her lips. Danny had been calling also, so he called him back. Hey Danny.
-" Well, it's about time you saw fit to call me. I have been busy, Danny.
-"Yeah, Chin and Kono told me. How Catherine? She is better, but it will take her a while to get back to the norm.
-"Thanks for telling me you took a leave of absence. I had to hear it from Denning.
-"I am sorry, man, I just didn't have time to call you.
-" I know Chin & Kono told me about Catherine. I am sorry, buddy, for all the bad things I said about her. I should have known the Ramboette had her reason.
-" Yeah, me too; now I am on a mission to get her out.
-"You need my help, not at this time. You know I got your back always. Oh yeah, you might want to tell Lynn something. She barges into the office looking for you.
-"You fucking kidding me. You know I never brought her to the office. I know, and Melissa said she is fuming because she knows we are keeping something from her. Look, Danny, I told you I would call it off with whatever we had going; I just don't want to do it over the phone because that will make her crazier.
-"Yeah, you are right about that. I guess I texted and said I would talk to her when I got back because I was sent on another mission and would be out of contact.
-"Yeah, that should work.
-"Okay, buddy, got go; thanks for holding down the fort. Steve took a shower and thought about how happy he was and couldn't wait to get Catherine out of the CIA so they could be together. He put on some cargo shorts and a Seal T-shirt. He went to Cath's kitchen, and she didn't have a hold lot, but he found something to whip them up for lunch.
-"Cath came out wearing a sundress; he remembered her wearing that time they were at Kamekona eating Danny's first tuna. Wow, I always love you in that dress.
-" Thank you and she blushed. I was able to fix us something for lunch, but you need more food, woman. I know I never know when I get a call for a mission, so I don't buy a lot. I will go out later and get some food for us.
-" We order take out for dinner and go shopping tomorrow. Okay. Do you have beer? Yes, and wine. I keep plenty of that. Look in the pantry. I get some and put it in the frig to chill for later. They sat beside each other, so what was our next step in getting this guy? I just need to wait for my contact to get me the meeting with the director. You know how busy she is. He is sure it be in a couple of weeks.
-"Steve, look, I can do it by myself. I know you need to go back to work, and the team needs you. How about this? I fly back for a couple of days to get some more clothes and check in on the team, and I come back to wait for the meeting. I already took a leave of absence. Okay but you sure. Yes, I am sure.
AN: There is one more chapter to go. This is just a hobby for me. I had some downtime, and I thought I would try to write about my favorite couple. I know they are not perfect. There aren't many new McRoll stories except the ones the beautiful ladies write on Mon. Wed. & Friday. This is the last one I post for a while; real life is calling. All of my stories are finished. Editing takes a long time. I have watched many movies and TV shows, and none has affected me like these two fictional characters. It is because the great Alex O'Loughlin and Michelle Borth were so phenomenal playing Steve & Cath. I streamed their episodes daily, and they still make me laugh and cry. I hope some of you have enjoyed them. Thank you for all the reviews and views.
