Same Old Auld Lang Syne

By AS

Thanks going to Trish

Gowned and masked with his large, clear plastic shield covering most of his face, Doctor Bergman picked up his scalpel to make the first cut and start the autopsy that would reveal the exact cause of the young man’s death. His preliminary findings already noted in the report, the coroner was certain that the formal procedure would confirm his original hypothesis of death caused by extreme respiratory trauma and a collapsed lung due to a horrendous stab wound in the chest. Studying the damaged chest, Bergman’s hand froze just above the cool skin and his mind traveled back to events that were barely three days old.

“Everything looks normal, Steve. Danny will be just fine.”

“You’re sure?”

Uncharacteristically, Bergman gave the Irish cop a thumbs-up sign. “A-ok, Steve. See you there.”

“A-ok, Steve,” Doc softly whispered before rousing himself from the memory. He glanced down at his customer. “You know, young man, you gave me quite a scare when you first arrived. Luckily for the both of us, I had just come from the hospital so I knew what I saw really wasn’t what was. Thankful that Steve wasn’t here though. Not sure he could have separated his realities of late. Hopefully the New Year will be better. 1973 already! Who would have thought time would fly so fast!”

Sighing deeply, the medical examiner mentally shook himself and, returning to professional mode, made the first incision of the autopsy.

*****

Sitting at his desk as he scribbled his notes onto a pad of paper, Doctor Bergman was alone in his lab. Most likely he was, in fact, one of the last in the building except for the security guards. Putting his pen down and removing glasses that he found himself needing increasingly more often, he tiredly rubbed his eyes, knowing that the stresses of the week as well as the ever-frenetic holidays were finally catching up with him. Maybe he could sneak away tonight and not return to the office until the New Year. Go hide at his beach house. No, that really wasn’t an option. He had too many duties at the moment. And then there was McGarrett’s birthday in four days. If he didn’t make an appearance for that…

But then again with the heartbreak that had taken place, Bergman wondered if there was even anything planned for the Irish cop’s birthday. Williams had been the chief instigator and event coordinator for the annual event since shortly after he had joined the unit. Steve grumbled about it – louder and louder each year. But Doc thought that the man actually looked forward to the day and stumbling into the latest outlandish plot. While he’d never seen McGarrett publicly acknowledge the plotting and planning, Bergman felt that there had to be a private expression of gratitude somewhere along the way. Otherwise the plots wouldn’t have continued and grown to nearly take on a life of their own the way they had.

A small smile flickered on his lips as he wrapped his hands around the mug of coffee in front of him and took a small sip. Memories of the last birthday surprise party flickered across his mind as he remembered the large grin McGarrett had tried to hide behind a scowl as Danny insisted the ‘birthday boy’ give a speech. The memory faded and was replaced by another only a few days old. Doc shivered unconsciously as he found himself watching McGarrett face as he broke the devastating news of Williams’ condition. He had just exited the elevator, still clothed in his surgical garb when McGarrett had accosted him for an update.

“Steve, I think we should go somewhere a little more private than this and talk!”

McGarrett nodded, shaken by Doc’s reluctance from giving him an immediate update on Danno’s condition, allowing himself to be silently led to the small doctor’s office near the surgical waiting room. He silently sat into the chair that Bergman had indicated and felt a cold chill as the crusty coroner pulled a chair close and sat down only feet in front of him. The expression on the physician’s face warned McGarrett that the news he was about to be told was not going to be encouraging.

Doc cleared his throat and leaned forward as he decided the best way to break the news. He drew in a deep breath and looked into the eyes of the unusually reticent Five-O leader. “Danny is in recovery, Steve, I have listed his condition as extremely serious.” At Steve’s mute nod, Bergman continued cautiously, not liking the detective’s silence or lack of emotion. “The ice tore a hole in his lung causing severe hemorrhaging and the lung to it to collapse. We were able to repair the hole, and have placed a chest tube into his chest to drain the blood and allow the lung to reinflate.

In a lot of ways Steve, the piece of ice actually saved Danny’s life. It slowed the hemorrhaging down enough to have prevented him from bleeding out and it lowered his body temperature enough to prevent his brain and internal organs from needing more oxygen.”

Letting out an audible sigh of relief, Steve smiled, leaning back, “So Danno, is really going to be okay, Doc?” He laughed, shaking his head, “When can I…”

Doc grabbed Steve’s arm preventing him from rising eagerly from his chair, knowing that his next words would be devastating to the man in front of him. Damn, he knew he should have started with the worse news than built up to the best, but the look of guilt on McGarrett’s face as he had seen as he stepped from the elevator had made this seem the best way to break the news.

“Steve, before you see Danny, There is more I need to tell you.” he said quietly and inwardly grimaced at the fearful expression that flickered across Steve’s face before it was hidden behind the emotionless mask Steve presented to the world.

Steve sat back down, his heart beating painfully in his chest as he struggled to remain in control. He swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and forced himself to ask. “Okay Doc, what haven’t you told me yet?”

Taking his own deep breath, Bergman closed his eyes for a brief moment as he prepared to tell the rest the update on Williams’ condition. “The ice saved Danny’s life when he was in the room but unfortunately not without a cost. While lowering Danny’s temperature enough to prevent him from bleeding out in the room, The lowering of his temperature has caused some medical complications. Danny is suffering from hypothermia and we need to gradually bring his body temperature up to normal very slowly.

Hypothermia if treated incorrectly can cause heart the heart to beat incorrectly, so we are monitoring Danny extremely closely. We can treat any symptoms quickly as they arise.” Steve nodded silently, horrified at the possible complication as Bergman rushed on. “ The ice has also caused another potential problem that I believe we have under control.”

Swallowing hard, McGarrett forced himself to speak through his tightening throat. “What?” He heard himself croak.

“The water from the melting ice slowly filled Danny’s chest cavity as his lung deflated, mixing with the blood already pooling there.” At Steve’s shocked expression, Doc waved his hand dismissively, “The water collected is draining extremely well with the chest tube Steve, that is not my main concern at the moment. What is of concern is that the ice into Danny’s system introduced bacteria. Even though the ice appeared pristine, it was covered in bacteria and when it melted those bacteria moved into Danny’s body. We are treating him with antibiotics, which should prevent any infection from the bacteria even getting a foothold.”

“And if the antibiotics don’t work?” Steve asked his voice rising with the level of fear he was feeling.

Doc forced himself to give a small reassuring smile, “Steve, Danny is young and strong. I believe that the preventative antibiotics should do the job. I just thought I should warn you of possible complications.”

“Is there anything else?” Steve asked and at Doc’s small but silent shake of the head, stood as he continued. “I’d like to see him, please!”

Doc glanced down at his watch. “He should be settled in his room by now. Don’t expect him to be awake anytime today, we have him heavily sedated with pain medication, Steve. His body needs to rest to recover.”

Bergman jumped as the door to the office opened and the cleaner stepped into the room. The man hesitated at the sight of the coroner still at his desk and, red-faced at interrupting the busy doctor, stammered. “Oh, I’m so sorry Doc! I thought the place was empty. I can come back…”

“No! No it’s okay, Russell. I’m just finishing up. Please don’t let me stop you from doing your job.”

The older man smiled as he shuffled into the room, pushing his broom in front of him. “Hope you had a Merry Christmas, Doc. Heard you were kept pretty busy with that shooting a few days before at the Governor’s party. Mighty nasty thing that, seems like everyone has guns…”

Bergman nodded as he watched the old man move away still mumbling to himself as he worked. He sighed tiredly and stood, closing the file closed as he glanced down at his watch. ‘The beach house is definitely an appealing idea.’ He thought as he quietly left the office.

*****

The bedcovers twisted as the sleeping figure restlessly moved, his head rolling back and forth as the images flashed brightly and continuously in his mind. Flashes of bright white interspersing red – blood red. Danno’s blood. It seeped out of his body continuously and McGarrett stood by watching it flow, doing nothing to stop it.

“ARGH!” In one fluid motion, McGarrett jerked awake, moving from lying down to sitting on the side of the bed. He shook his head as if to clear his mind of the horrid images along with the thoughts and emotions, consciously knowing that he should have known better than to think that he could sleep. Especially tonight of all nights. He stared down at his hands, noting their slight trembling. Resting his elbows on his knees, he covered his face, hoping that the stark darkness would offer him an escape but it didn’t. Sighing, he stood and stepped into his slippers before snatching up the robe he kept at the foot of the bed. Walking from his bedroom through his still dark apartment, McGarrett pondered his next act. Instinctively he moved to his lanai, settling into a chair and staring at the night sky.

He hadn’t wanted to leave; had wanted to stay in the hospital room and keep watch much like a guard. But Bergman had forced him to leave. Said he was only doing irreparable damage to himself by trying to go so long without sleep. McGarrett had argued, insisting that he did sleep but was still denied.

‘Catnaps in an uncomfortable hospital chair or on the couch in your office do not qualify as rest for the human body, Steve. There’s a note in the chart to notify you should anything change. Go home.’

So McGarrett had acquiesced albeit grudgingly. And ultimately what good had it done. None, he groused to himself because now, instead of being asleep in the aforementioned chair he was awake with little prospects of returning to his bed anytime soon. He rose and went back inside, moving to the kitchen. It was still too early to jog although if he searched within he’d know that it was the last thing he wanted to be doing at the moment. Juice – a glass of juice would help clear his muddled brain and then he could think clearly.

Reaching into the refrigerator, he removed the pitcher and placed it on the counter before opening a cabinet to grab a juice glass. Reaching over he towards the freezer, he dropped several ice cubes into it before turning back. He heard a noise then, a distraction that seized his attention for just a moment and the glass slipped from his grasp, shattering on the counter. He grumbled under his breath, irritated with himself, as he cleaned up. Picking up the bigger pieces carefully in the palm of his hand, the sudden coolness of the ice startled him and he found himself mesmerized by the sight of the glass and ice together. Unbidden, his mind replayed a conversation from early the previous morning.

‘Not going to lie to you, Steve. When the ice melted, the fluid went straight to his lung and chest cavity. The fluid build up around the heart needs to dissipate for him to be out of danger.’

‘What could we have done? What did we miss?’

‘What?’

‘Something got missed, Doc. There should have been something we should have been able to do in there before they got us out that would have minimized this. What didn’t I think of?’

McGarrett’s arm trembled briefly and his hand continued to shake as the ice melted in his palm. Affected by the coldness, he hurried dropped both ice and glass into the nearby garbage bag, not bothering to wipe the wetness from his hand. Leaning his arms on the counter, juice forgotten, he thought about the coldness of his hand.

Leaning against the bed rail, he stared at the sleeping figure. His mind again inventoried the oxygen tubing that came from the head of the bed to a nasal canula in Dan’s nose, the IV tubing from the piggyback as well as a regular IV bag that ended in a single needle taped to the back of his hand as well as the various tubes that snaked up from bags hanging on the side of the bed up under the sheet and into various points in his officer’s body. Uncomfortable within himself, McGarrett didn’t trust himself to do anything but stand there with his arms drawn tightly in and crossed over themselves. He’d already done nearly everything else possible in the room. He’d left the Palace early in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, intending on going home to paint. At least that’s what he tried to convince himself of. In reality, he’d known all along that he had only one destination in mind, one place that he intended on spending the holiday. In the hospital with Danno.

Now having been in the room – except for brief breaks – for over twenty-four hours, he had already paced, leaned against the wall and sat next to his friend’s bed. He knew that the New York Catholic school boy in him had been hoping for a modern day Christmas miracle at the same time that his rational side understood that such a thing was not possible. Williams was sedated – had been for most of the time since he’d been brought in. Bergman had insisted that it wasn’t only the drugs keeping him unconscious. That Dan’s body needed the time to fight off the fluid and infection, time to heal. McGarrett understood the medicinal necessity and logic but knew that he wouldn’t feel calm about the whole situation until Williams opened his eyes and was able to coherently talk to him.

He hung his head even lower, not looking at his friend. “I’m sorry, Danno. I should have thought of it myself. Never even considered what keeping you covered would have meant for the…for that…that thing in your chest.”

Hazarding a glance, he noted the still too pale skin color but could look no further so he allowed his eyes to slowly close. His own body shivered at the thought of what he had failed to do.

Shivering again, McGarrett’s mind came back to itself and he slowly refocused on the counter in front of him. He didn’t understand what was happening. Couldn’t grasp why this was haunting him, tearing him apart emotionally. Why he was so wrapped up in an emotional reaction to this when he needed to be at the Palace hunting down the as yet unidentified person or persons who had instigated the attack on the governor and had struck at his very heart. If this failure to anticipate what he should have done cost him a price too high…

His sight narrowed and changed, returning to the Governor’s Residence. He was again in the dining room, holding Danno and staring down at the bloodied shirt with the ice from the sculpture sticking out of it. The blood slowly bubbled up the sides as the ice dissolved into cold water, soaking the shirt and skin, filling the cavity under the skin. Williams moaned, shuddered.

He couldn’t move, could only stare at Dan’s face – watching and waiting to see if his eyes opened.

‘Steve, the cover is slipping off of him.’

Barely he noticed the tablecloth that covered Williams being raised.

‘See if any of that ice has melted.’

‘What?’

‘Governor, Sir…see if that ice sculpture has any loose pieces. We need to stop this – this from melting.’

Jameson moved away but returned quickly with a small, solid piece of ice. Before he could speak, McGarrett grabbed at the frozen form. Realizing what the intention was, Jameson made a grab for the arm but it was yanked from his grasp.

“Danno, I wish you could hear me so I could warn you. This is the only way I can think of to help you, aikane. Got to stop this ice from melting and until Doc gets in here with a better idea…”

As his voice trailed off, he lowered his hand, covering the wounded part of Dan’s chest with the ice. He felt the body arch away from his hold and then shrink back into it. Saw his friend’s eyes open. Watched as they slowly locked on his face. The pain in those eyes was overwhelming and it tore through McGarrett’s own chest.

“Gotta keep that ice from melting in you, Danno.” He whispered.

“Trust me, aikane.”

The sound of his own voice in the silence startled him and Steve’s eyes opened. Looking around at his own kitchen in his own apartment, he tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. He hadn’t been back in that room. Had not had another chance to think things through and take a course of action that might have ultimately saved his second-in-command from what he was going through now. In his mind, he heard the echo of Bergman’s prognosis – the infection that was in Williams’ lung and chest cavity, threatening the cardiac cavity.

‘We should have tried to control the ice melting while you guys were still stuck in the dining room, Steve. Should have put ice on the ice to keep it cool – not warm so that it melted.’

McGarrett forced himself away from the counter and walked out of the kitchen. The sun was starting to rise. He glanced at the mantel clock – not too early anymore. He moved off to the bathroom to shower and dress. If he hurried, he’d have time to stop at the hospital and be able to linger before he went to the Palace.

*****

Stepping out of the elevator, the first sight McGarrett noticed was the rumpled appearance of Doctor Bergman at the nurses’ station. He hurried over next to him.

“Doc, why are you here so early? What’s wrong?”

“Just checking…” Bergman continued to make notes on a paper, his voice trailing off. It seemed to take a moment for him to realize the identity of the speaker. “Steve! What time…It’s too early…” He handed the paper he’d scribbled on to a nearby nurse.

“Same instructions, Nurse.”

“Very good, Doctor.”

Bergman started off down the hall, knowing McGarrett would follow. “Steve, I think it’s a little early even for you.”

“You didn’t answer my questions, Doc.”

Bergman sighed, knowing the Irish cop would not be deterred. He’d hoped to not have this conversation with McGarrett when the hospital had called him several hours ago. It wasn’t like the development hadn’t been expected. He stopped midway towards Williams’ room and faced the cop.

“Danny developed a slight fever last night, Steve. I was called simply because I’m his attending physician. Nothing out of the ordinary and completely expected given the trauma and resultant infection.”

‘Well, Steve, looks like we don’t need to worry about hypothermia any more.’

‘Danno’s temperature is normal.’

‘Nearly back to normal, yes. Now it’s time for you to go.’

‘I’ll stay a little longer.’

‘No, Steve. Danny will sleep through the night. There’s no reason for you to stay. Plus you need to get some sleep as well before you drop. Don’t make me order you out of here, Steve.’

“I should have stayed last night” McGarrett whispered mostly to himself.

“Not even you could have prevented a fever from developing, Steve.”

“But maybe…”

Bergman cut him off, refusing to let the cop lay any blame on himself for the development since he knew McGarrett still blamed himself for the overall incident. “No buts about it, Steve. There was nothing that could have been done any differently whether or not you were here. Danny’s fever is fairly low-grade and perfectly normal given the infection. In fact, it’s almost a welcome development because it tells us that his body is trying to fight off the infection. I’d probably be more worried if he didn’t have one.”

Bergman and McGarrett had begun moving down the hall again.

“Now, my question. What are you doing here so early, Steve?”

“Just thought I’d drop in before I went to the Palace.” McGarrett’s unspoken thought was that with the news of the fever that he might not even go to the office but would now decide to spend the day in Dan’s room.

“Fine – just don’t plan on staying too long.”

The doctor caught the sideways glance McGarrett threw at him and knew that he’d hit the proverbial nail on the head.

“Look, Steve, you hadn’t planned on it before we talked and there’s really no need for you to be camped out here all day. I haven’t lowered the dosage of Danny’s pain medicine yet so he’ll still be out. Even if I had, I’d prefer him to be sleeping then awake and worrying about what you’re up to – or not up to. Besides last I heard you still had a perpetrator to track down.”

McGarrett grumbled to himself but Bergman knew that the cop would eventually head to the Palace. After, of course, he had assured himself that Williams was reasonably all right.

“Ok, Steve, I need to get to my office. Got a lot waiting for me there. I meant it – don’t stay too long.” Bergman had turned to walk away, but at the last moment glanced back over his shoulder.

“They will call me you know – the nurses, that is. Should anything change with his condition.”

“And if you happen to get any such call, you will then call me as soon as you hang up. Right, Doc?”

“Right, Steve.”

As Bergman walked away, he fought the urge to bite his tongue in response to the maddening frustration that McGarrett usually unleashed in him. McGarrett didn’t bother to watch the man reverse his path down the hall but continued his own journey towards the closed door of his friend’s hospital room.

*****

He quietly let the door close behind him before focusing his attention on the still figure in the bed. Logically he understood what Bergman had said – that Dan would not awake because of the still high dosage of pain medicine he was on. But on the slight chance that Williams was aware of what went on around him, McGarrett did not want to startle his friend. Just as quietly he moved to the side of the bed, wrapping the palms of his hands around the raised rail as he studied the patient for any noticeable change. While Dan’s cheeks appeared a bit more flushed than he remembered them being the previous evening, McGarrett didn’t notice anything amiss at first. Then he glanced up at the IV bags that hung by the bed and noticed the extra small bag that was piggybacked into the line that ran into the patient’s hand. Reflexively his fingers tightened around the rail, the tension building inside.

‘He’s going to be fine. He’s going to be fine. Doc said this was minor.’ McGarrett whispered in near litany to himself.

Relaxing a little, McGarrett leaned over, letting go of the railing but allowing his arms to rest on it as he clasped his hands together in front of him. He allowed his eyes to rest fondly on his second-in-command’s sleeping face.

“I’m sorry, aikane. I should have been able to do more for you at the residence but I wasn’t thinking clearly. I let you down.” Steve paused to bite his lip, his throat closing over a lump of emotion. “Why is it that lessons I need to learn about myself can only happen by spilling your blood?” His voice was thick with emotion he could no longer deny as he spoke.

He clenched his clasped hands together even tighter to help get himself back under control. “Never again, Danno! Your life is too important to me to take a risk with it. I’m not willing to take chances with you. You’re going to be fine. You take all the time you need in here and at home. I don’t want you rushing back thinking you need to keep me happy. But not at this risk. You’re too important…”

McGarrett’s voice faded away as his resolve solidified. He would do whatever he needed to make sure that Dan recovered fully from this and somehow, he would find a way to protect his friend.

*****

McGarrett let the outer door bang closed behind him, striding through the office with his normal breakneck pace. At her desk close to his office, Jenny jumped at the noise, startled for a moment. She’d seen a lot in her career – especially in her roles as the governor’s assistant and now working for the tough Irish cop. Honestly she didn’t know how anything as simple as a door closing to scare her but then she hadn’t quite gained back her equilibrium yet after the incident at Jameson’s Christmas reception four days ago. Her eyes automatically glanced over to the cubicle closest to her. No, she highly doubted that she’d feel settled again until the second-in-command was well enough to return to the office. Having one of her boys out either sick or injured skewered the balance in her world. Having Danny being the one out upset the balance of their entire unit-family. Case in point, she thought to herself wryly, was none other than the attitude and reactions of the boss himself. Not that he’d ever admit to any of it. She watched as he minutely paused by each detective’s door.

“Ben…Chin! Want an update in my office now. Jenny. Anything going on I need to know about.”

“Quiet as a mouse, boss.” She paused for a moment. “How’s Danny?”

McGarrett reached over and grabbed some messages off the secretary’s desk, answering in an almost offhand fashion. “Still unconscious, running a slight fever which Bergman assures is normal with the infection in his chest still draining.”

He glanced behind him and noticed his two detectives patiently waiting to update him on the search for the mystery man who masterminded the fiasco at the residence. Without a word, he tilted his head toward his office and both men hurried in ahead of him. Turning to follow, McGarrett caught sight of the one thing he had not wanted to see – Dan’s empty office. He froze momentarily as his eyes took in the quiet and stark emptiness. A chill coursed through him as he thought about how unlike his friend the stillness was. Setting his face in its normal professional scowl, he hurried into his office, shutting the door behind him.

Back at her desk, Jenny was about to return her attention to the work she’d been doing when she noticed the boss pause. Jenny knew what he was looking at without even following his line of sight. She watched quietly as McGarrett’s left hand closed into a clenched fist and trembled momentarily before the boss whirled, nearly slamming his door shut. No, it would definitely be a while before the office returned to normal.

*****

McGarrett stalked over to his desk, his vision was singularly focused on the object. Staring at Williams’ empty office had unnerved him. Now his only goal was to get to what he considered to be his seat of stability and power. Once behind the Koa wood desk, he could return to the calm, measured and centered Irish cop he normally was. No one needed to know what a farce of a projection it would be at the moment.

“What have you got for me, Gentlemen?”

“Ahhh – a Sal Cartoni gave us a list of the people who were on the wait staff at the residence, Steve. I’m tracking down information on them now.” Ben began.

“Any common denominators?” Steve asked as he absently flipped through his messages. He really wasn’t that concerned about Sal’s wait staff but knew that every conceivable angle had to be checked out.

“Just the obvious. Most are students at UH. Seems waiting tables is a pretty common occupation for college students. I’ve contacted Pearl City for background, academic records and whether or not any of them are trouble on campus but most of the advisors appear to be out for the break.”

“Ok, keep checking, Ben. Just to play it safe. But the staff should check out. I know Sal and he wouldn’t hire anyone who was considered trouble to work at his restaurant.”

“Sure, Steve.”

“Che’s still working with the wiring from the explosives, Boss. So far nothing out of the ordinary. In fact it looks like most of the components were dime-store materials. Little chance of a clean set of prints. Too many people in that dining room that night and the kitchen as well. We’ve got a lot of smudges but no clear prints. Nothing to match them to either at this point.”

The phone on McGarrett’s desk buzzed before he could answer the Oriental detective.

“Yes, Jenny.”

“Governor’s office called, Steve. He wants an update…in person.”

McGarrett’s groan was heard throughout the outer offices without the need for a speaker to amplify it. “Fine. I’ll go there shortly. Oh and, Jenny, call the hospital and check on Danno for me.”

“Right away, Boss.”

McGarrett rose and was nearly at the door to his office when Chin stopped him.

“One more thing, Steve. Doc finished the autopsy on the Governor’s aide. It seems Saluccie died from a single bullet to the back of the head.”

“A single bullet?” McGarrett froze and turned around with his hand on the doorknob. “Does he mean it was deliberate?”

Kelly didn’t answer but the small shrug of his shoulders indicated that he felt it was a possibility.

“Ok, Chin, focus on that angle. Let’s dig up everything we can on Saluccie – before and during his time with Jameson. I’ll be back shortly.”

As he passed through the office, Ben and Chin could hear Jenny calling after him.

“Steve, the hospital said that Danny was holding his own.”

She got no reply but the slam of the outer office door.

*****

Bergman pushed the door open swiftly and nearly jogged through the hospital lobby. Thankful that he hadn’t been involved in anything that couldn’t be put aside when the phone rang, he pressed the elevator button more than once as it seemed to be taking too long for the impatient man. It had been the afternoon shift nurse who had called after making her initial rounds. Danny’s temperature was spiking – not an unexpected event but definitely unwelcome. He’d hoped that the antibiotics would have had an effect by now. Especially since he had been pumping a milder version of them into his patient since admittance.

Finally reaching the nurses’ station, Bergman was amused to find the unit secretary had Dan’s chart in hand waiting for him. He flipped to the staff notes section and read the updates the morning shift had made. There was nothing entered yet for the afternoon but, as he looked up, the secretary handed him a small paper with vital signs scribbled on them.

“Elizabeth took these when she first came on duty. She’s in with Mr. Williams now, Doctor.”

Bergman nodded and headed down the hall.

“Ok, Elizabeth, let’s try sponging him down every hour and check his vitals every half hour.” Doc peered over the top of his glasses at both nurse and patient. Danny’s temperature was now approaching 103. “I wanted your body temp up, young man, but this is not what I had in mind.” He muttered to himself. Out loud, he asked. “Is the chest tube still draining?”

“Yes, Doctor, mostly clear.” The red-haired nurse paused and checked something else hanging near the bed. “And he’s still discharging well through the foley.”

Bergman nodded, thinking about how much Williams hated catheters and how embarrassed he’d be if he overheard the conversation. “Good. I’ll be at the desk for a few minutes.”

“Then are you going back to the morgue, Doctor?”

“No, I think I’ll hang around here for a while.”

*****

Doc walked out of the doctor’s lounge, a styrofoam cup of coffee in hand. He’d hoped to head home tonight at a reasonable hour but now wondered if he’d get there at all. Walking back to the nurses’ station, he heard a voice from the intercom system that connected the unit with the patient rooms.

“Find Doctor Bergman. Williams is starting to convulse and the fever is approaching 104.”

Ditching his coffee cup in a nearby trash can, Bergman hurried down the hall and into the room. When he got in the room, Bergman instantly noticed the patient shaking and twitching.

“How long?”

“Just started a minute or so ago.”

“Valium…” he began to order and was pleased to see that the nurse had the syringe ready and waiting. She handed it over already primed and Doc pushed it into the canula that was open at the end of the IV in Dan’s hand. Sighing, he stepped back and watched, waiting for the drug to take effect.

Gradually Dan’s body stilled for the most part. But he still appeared to be mumbling and far to agitated to keep Bergman happy. Elizabeth watched silently, trying to guess what would be ordered next and was a bit surprised to see the doctor head to the room’s phone, pick it up and dial what was obviously an outside number.

*****

The office staff hadn’t left long ago and the detectives were just leaving. McGarrett knew he needed to go home. The days were starting to run together and he couldn’t remember the last solid, dreamless night of sleep he’d had. He rubbed a hand over his eyes as he flipped the file folder closed. He’d get in earlier in the morning and go over the details the university had provided to Ben. His phone rang as he got up to close the lanai doors. Glancing at it, McGarrett noticed it was his private line.

“McGarrett.”

“Steve, its Doc.”

Steve’s body froze at the sound of the voice. “What happened?”

“Danny’s fever has risen – higher than I’d hoped. He’s extremely restless and I thought you might be able to settle him down.”

Steve’s mouth went dry at the news. “On my way.” Dropping the phone back on its base, he hurried from the office.

*****

Arriving at the hospital, McGarrett was met as he got on the elevator by Bergman.

“Danny’s fever has been climbing throughout the day. It rose not to long ago to just over 103 and he began to convulse. He’s fighting the sedation, Steve – not awake but not asleep either. I was hoping you could settle him down.”

The two men moved from the elevator down the hall to the closed room. Entering the room, McGarrett’s attention was immediately focused on the patient. He crossed to the bed, standing close to the railing.

“Danno…Danno, settle down, aikane. This isn’t good for you.”

Williams’ lips moved but Steve couldn’t hear a sound coming from them. Reaching out, he let his fingers brush his friend’s shoulder and upper arm.

“Come on, Danno. Don’t fight the drug. You need to rest, my friend.”

The lips moved again and this time Steve heard a mumble.

“Burns…God, it hurts…”

The patient twisted convulsively and both doctor and nurse started forward before McGarrett waved them both off. He gritted his teeth before speaking.

“I know, Danno. I wish I could take this from you, my friend, but I can’t.” He paused, needing to compose himself so that the thickness in his voice wasn’t as prevalent. “Just rest, Danno. Don’t fight the drug, aikane.”

Reaching behind him, McGarrett snagged a chair and pulled it closer. Sinking into it, he continued to softly rub the patient’s arm as he whispered to him. Neither the Elizabeth or Bergman would able to hear what was said but both watched as Williams began to settle down, allowing the valium to take him into the healing sleep that his body desperately needed.

*****

Steve stood out on his office lanai. Sergeant Duke Lukela was due to call back soon with an update. Duke had taken on the thankless task of talking to the security staff and HPD officers that were present at the residence as well as trying to question as many of the guests as possible. The even-tempered Hawaiian officer was the best person for the delicate task of dealing with Hawaii’s elite and politically connected. He heard his office door open.

“Steve!”

“What, Jenny?” He moved to stand at the doorway.

“Doc just called. He said Danny is starting to come around.”

McGarrett couldn’t stop the grin from forming on his face as he hurried past the secretary and out of the office. “I’ll be at the hospital, Jenny!” The door closing muffling his words and he left.

Taking the time shut the lanai doors as well as tidy up the boss’ desk, Jenny was almost back to her own work station when she mumbled. “Like I ever thought you’d be anywhere else, Boss.”

McGarrett stood leaning against the window, staring unseeingly at the city lights below. The soft hiss of the oxygen and the soft murmur of voices from the corridor combined with the soft muted light within the small room to intensify the exhaustion that plagued him and he rubbed at his eyes tiredly. He sighed and glanced at the still figure in the bed. Doc believed Danno would regain consciousness soon and he was determined that his aikane would not be alone when he did. Seeing no indication that Danno was awakening, he turned his attention back to the city below.

A small moan from the bed caught McGarrett’s attention and he moved swiftly back to the bedside. He reached for Danny’s arm and rubbed it soothingly as he quietly encouraged Dan to open his eyes. Leaning across in front of the patient, he smiled as Danny’s eyelids fluttered and slowly opened. “Welcome back, my friend!” He whispered, delighted to see Danny awake.

Danny blinked as he tried to focus on the face above him. The face wavered for a few seconds before the image sharpened and he found himself staring into the worried eyes of his closest friend and boss. “S..Ste..ve.”

McGarrett grinned and squeezed the arm under his hand lightly. “You’re going to be fine Aikane, Doc has got you all patched up. All you need is a bit of rest and you’ll be fine!”

Danny blinked and nodded slowly, licking his lips in an attempt to moisten them before he attempted to speak again. “Y…you…al…right?” he whispered breathlessly as he tried to lift his head in an attempt to look at McGarrett more closely. The small movement exhausted him and he dropped his head back against the pillow, his eyes closing on their own accord.

McGarrett smiled warmly at the younger man as unshed tears began to burn the back of his eyes. He drew in a deep breath to steady his own voice before he whispered. “I’m fine Danno, not even a scratch. You’re the one lying in the hospital bed.”

“Mmmm.” Danny breathed softly as his head gently lolled to the side and his breathing slowed to the soft even rhythm of healing sleep.

McGarrett remained motionless, the tears that had burned his eyes now trickled unnoticed down the side of his face as he watched Danny sleep. Danny’s imaged blurred and was replaced by a more haunting figure.

McGarrett gasped aloud as he found himself staring at the extremely pale figure on the bed. The heart monitor seemed to echo through the room and the large assortment of tubes that were connected to his friend was frightening. “I’m here Danno. “ He whispered as he placed his hand lightly on the bare shoulder and was shocked at the icy coldness of the skin beneath. Doc had warned him it would take some time to bring Danny’s temperature back to normal, that rushing it could cause a heart attack but the coldness of his friend’s skin was still extremely unnerving. “You’re going to be fine Aikane!”

The image wavered and the sensation of warm skin replaced the cold. McGarrett shook his head free of the memory. “You’re going to be fine!” He whispered again as he pulled the chair close to the bed and settled into it, not wanting to lose the contact of his healing friend.

*****

McGarrett was at his desk enjoying a pastry that Chin’s wife had baked for the detectives along with what had to be his third cup of coffee. He was tired but considered it to be an almost ‘good’ kind of tired. Willingly admitting to himself that he had stayed too long at the hospital the previous evening, he also knew how good it had felt to talk to Dan and actually see his eyes open albeit briefly. The insistent buzz of his phone interrupted his reverie.

“Steve, there’s a Sal Cartoni on line one for you.”

McGarrett picked up the phone and listened briefly.

“Are you sure, Sal?” He listened to the brief response.

“We’ll be right there. Mahalo.”

He strode out of the office. “Ben, let’s go. We might have just got a break on this.”

Arriving at the restaurant, both detectives were escorted by a hostess into the owner’s private office space. Sal was seated behind his desk but rose to greet them as did a younger, blond man who had been in one of the chairs in front of the owner.

“Aloha, Steve.”

“Sal. You’ve met Ben Kokua.”

Cartoni nodded and proceeded to introduce the younger man as Matt Groves. “He’s one of my waiters, Steve, but he was on the mainland during Christmas and not one of the people I brought to the residence. I think you need to hear what he told me before I called you.”

All three men focused their attention on the younger man. The story he told seemed unbelievable at first to the Irish cop.

“Guy came up to me one night as I was leaving here. Was about a week or so before the party and I was getting ready to go home. Had already told both Sal and Kana that I wasn’t going to be available for the party. Haven’t seen my family in a while. Colorado is kind of far away from here. Anyway, this guy comes up and says he needs a job. Told him I wasn’t in charge of anything. He acted desperate and since we had been told that we weren’t doing the bar, just waiting, I told him he needed to talk to the governor’s staff cuz I knew that Sal wouldn’t have hired him just for that night. There wasn’t enough time to train him.”

“Who did you tell him to talk to?”

“I didn’t. Just told him to call and see if there was anyone there who could help him.”

“How do you know he did?”

“Because when I got back, Sunny – she’s my girlfriend – was telling me about what happened. When she described the guy a little I knew it was the same person. Tried to find him on campus or around here but when I couldn’t I told Sal today.”

“And I called you, Steve.”

“Got a name. Description. Anything that we can use to track this guy down.”

“Sorry, Sir, I never bothered to ask. Sunny might know though.”

“Is she at home, Matt?”

Getting an affirmative nod, Sal reached for his phone, dialing a number from memory. While the man spoke to someone who was obviously Sunny, McGarrett fidgeted and paced, wishing the restaurant owner had a speakerphone so that he could have personally spoken to the young woman.

“Will Andrews, Steve.” Cartoni announced as he hung up the phone. “Should have known Sunny would make it a point to meet anyone there that she didn’t already know.”

“Can I use your phone, Sal?”

Making a quick call to Lukela at HPD, McGarrett had him issue an APB for the man both waiters had implicated. Then both Ben and Steve left the restaurant.

“Want me to track him down on the street, Steve?”

“No, Ben, double check this Matt Groves. Make sure he’s legit and not involved somehow.”

*****

The next day Duke arrested Will Andrews, notifying McGarrett that he was taking him to HPD for questioning. McGarrett let Duke question their suspect, preferring instead to carefully observe the man’s body language through a one way mirror.

“So you’re the mastermind of the fiasco on the twenty-second at the Governor’s dinner.”

Andrews shrugged his shoulders, not bothering to reply.

“You’ve already been fingered by two witnesses, Will. Why make it worse?”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“What doesn’t matter?”

“What happens now. I’ve made my point. Like I wanted.”

“What point was that?”

Andrews sat, almost sullenly silent.

“Ok, suppose you tell us how you managed to get in there in the first place. You don’t exactly seem the type to work a political function.”

The suspect snorted. “THAT was a piece of cake. Stupid main landers. Never learn.”

“So that waiter helped you out.”

“No. He’s probably naïve too. Unless he’s just stupid. Called the Governor’s office direct. Talked to a guy named Saluccie. Easy to convince him that I knew what I was doing with alcohol and was an Island guy who needed the extra money for my family. He just sucked that story up. Went on and on about how I was one of the ones who really mattered to the Governor and all. Got on the staff real easy and then took care of business. You cops kept trying to mess with my plans but Saluccie helped me out when he changed everything that day. Really ticked off this one dude though.”

Now that Andrews was talking it was as if he wouldn’t shut up – needing to gloat about what he had done. “Even managed to get rid of that adviser too.”

“Guess you weren’t too grateful for his help after all.”

“Help? From his kind? You a local! Why you saying stuff like that? It’s the transplants that are ruining the Islands. Grateful, ha! Gave him my gratitude when I shot him. Last thing we need is more of his kind. Always wanting to hand you something. Forgetting that we all have our places in life.”

“Places?”

“Yeah, you know. Like the old saying – Men work and women take care of the home.”

“So you’re a real traditionalist, I guess.”

“Barefoot and pregnant, that’s what I say!”

“Yeah, I figured as much. Let’s go, Mister.”

As he led the man out of the interrogation room, Lukela met up with McGarrett who was leaving the observation area. Both paused. “Book ‘em, Duke. Attempted murder and murder one for starters. I’m sure we’ll have more.”

*****

Stepping out of the elevator, McGarrett quickly hurried along the deserted corridor to the closed door of Dan’s hospital room. The phone call from nurse had been brief, requesting that Steve come immediately. Dan was awake and had been asking repeatedly for McGarrett and refused to rest until he had spoken to him.

Guilt lanced through the Five0 cop. The break and subsequent arrest in the case the previous day had left him so busy that it had been abnormally late by the time he’d left the Palace. He’d chosen not to stop by the hospital and risk disturbing Williams. His second-in-command needed his rest if he was going to get well. Obviously he’s made the wrong decision.

Reaching the door, McGarrett pushed it open and stepped into the darkened room. He hesitated a moment, confused and worried, as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. “Danno?”

“Surprise!” He jumped as the lights flickered on and the room suddenly filled with well-wishers and friends, all patting him on the back and wishing him the best.

“What? How?” The questions tumbled out as he stared at the brightly decorated room a large Happy Birthday banner hung on the wall behind the patient’s bed.

“Happy Birthday, Steve.” Danny grinned in delight at the shocked surprise that still adorned his friend’s face. “Didn’t think that we would let you escape your own birthday party so easily, did you?”

Shaking his head in disbelief McGarrett quickly crossed the room to stand next to the hospital bed. He looked down fondly at the young man propped up with pillows and asked. “How? When?”

Danny smiled, shaking his head. “I wish I could take credit for it but Jenny, Chin and Ben decided that we should still go ahead. Why let a little thing like me being stuck in the hospital ruin our plans!”

“Thank you, Aikane!” McGarrett said softly, “This is one party I’ll never…” The words trailed off as McGarrett studied his friend. Something was different from the last time he had seen…. The nasal canula was missing, a quick glance also confirmed that the chest tube that been draining the fluid from Danny’s chest had also been removed.

“Couldn’t enjoy your party if I was connected to tubes.” Danny grinned as he watched McGarrett’s face light up. “Doc removed them earlier and asked me to wish you a Happy Birthday. He’ll be along as soon as he has finished an autopsy.”

Before McGarrett could answer, Jenny sidled up to the side of the bed, and lightly kissed her boss on the cheek. “Happy Birthday, Boss.” She couldn’t resist tattletaling on the unit’s second-in-command, especially when it came to something like this. “Danny knew you would never expect him to get you here!” She whispered in his ear, confirming his suspicions on who really had organized the impromptu hospital room party.

Enjoying the surprise more than he normally did, McGarrett still managed to keep a careful eye on the patient. As soon as he noticed Williams was starting to tire, he began to usher everyone out of the room. Soon it was just the team left. McGarrett glanced down at his best friend in the bed. This birthday was made extra special for more than just the party; the party was just the icing to the cake. Dan’s recovery was the real gift.

“Mahalo, Aikane!” He mouthed to Danny as Dan’s eyes began to close.

A small smile lingered on Dan’s lips. “Hauoli la hanau, Steve!” He breathed before sleep finally overtook him.

*****

Unreasonably chipper as he headed down the hall, McGarrett nearly scared a couple of the nurses who knew him well. Ignoring them as he usually did, he went over the things that had gone right over the last couple of days. Dan’s return to consciousness. The break in the case and subsequent arrest of Will Andrews. His birthday and unexpected surprise party. The obvious signs of his second-in-command’s recovery. All things to put the Five0 boss in an atypically good mood. Reaching the door to his friend’s room, he pushed it open, surprised and pleased when he noticed that Williams was already awake.

Walking up to the bed, he immediately sensed a complete turn around in his friend’s mood. Although sore and tired from the busy day, Dan had been in relatively good spirits through the small get-together for McGarrett’s birthday. The boss had expected the mood to carryover and was puzzled when he realized that Dan’s mood was decidedly foul.

“Morning, Danno.”

There was no immediate reply.

“Ok, not up for talking this morning. Are you feeling all right?”

Dan made a dismissive hand motion. “I’m fine.”

“Uh-huh, sure. Want to tell me what’s really wrong?” McGarrett moved closer, sitting down on the side of the bed next to Dan’s leg. He’d missed their talks – not that he’d ever admit that to anyone.

“So, it’s New Year’s Eve.”

“Yeah, it is.”

“You, uh, going to talk to Doc maybe?”

“About what, Danno?” Steve knew he sounded clueless but he honestly didn’t know where his friend was going with the conversation. Obviously he wanted something but did not seem to want to spell it out or ask directly. The evasiveness was not a normal trait for Williams.

“Thought you could convince him to spring me today.”

At first McGarrett was silent, unable to respond. Incredulous he stared at his friend. “You’re kidding, right?”

One look at Dan’s face and Steve knew that he hadn’t been joking. Predictably, his Irish temper exploded to the forefront like an unleashed wind. Thoughts crowded his mind; emotions clogged his chest. He spoke without thinking about the effect of his words.

“Danno, the chest tube and oxygen were just removed yesterday morning and the IV last night right before dinner! You even still have the needle in your hand so they can inject the medicine more easily. Don’t you think you might be rushing it just a bit??”

“Me rushing to leave the hospital – coming from you, Steve, that’s funny.”

Danny rolled his eyes theatrically, a move that wasn’t lost on the boss. It solidified McGarrett’s resolve that he was not going to help his second-in-command escape so soon from the confines of the hospital. No matter what tactic his friend tried to use on him.

“Steve, I need to get out of here. It’s New Year’s Eve!”

“Worried about the parties you might miss, Danno?”

“Well, now that you mention it –“

Williams attempted to tease but his tone, due to his mood, fell decidedly flat of joking. McGarrett shot him a thunderous look.

“Steve, come on, be serious!” Williams took a minute to shift himself to a better position in the bed, ignoring the tight discomfort in his chest. “I just want to go home.”

Noticing the stiff way Williams was suddenly moving, McGarrett reached over and hit the button to call the nurse. A few minutes later, a disembodied voice came over the nearby television speaker, asking what was needed.

“Mr. Williams needs some more pain medicine.”

Steve ignored the glare he got from Dan. It was for his own good! The man was in obvious discomfort and that was why Bergman had ordered the medicine. It was stupid to not take advantage of it. And never mind the thought that if it had been him in the bed he would never think of utilizing it. Before either man could say anything else the nurse came in with a small syringe. McGarrett rose quickly and went to stand at the foot of the bed, watching as she shot the drug into the tube in Dan’s hand. To him, the fact the IV line had not been completely removed was more proof of how delicate Dan’s health still was. The nurse left the room, after assuring that her patient wasn’t in serious discomfort and shooting his visitor a very pointed, unhappy look.

“Steve…”

“No, Danno. You leave when Doc says you can and not before. There will be no more chances taken with your life!”

Without giving Dan time to reply, Steve walked over and yanked the door open. He was out of the door before it had thudded against the wall and begun to swing closed. Stalking down the hallway towards the elevator, he never noticed the nurses that ducked back into their units or inside rooms as they noticed the expression on his face. He stabbed at the button for the elevator and got on as soon as the door opened, never realizing it was going up instead of down like he wanted. Growling his frustration to himself, he glared at the white-coated group of young men who were waiting when the doors opened and then stabbed a button for the floor he wanted so that they closed again. His shoes clicked in almost march tempo and he made his way out of the hospital and to his car. Once safely inside the vehicle, he pounded the steering wheel in frustration.

“How dare he?” He muttered to himself. “He almost died and he wants to leave already! Well, someone’s got to save him from himself – that’s for sure.”

*****

Picking up the mug of coffee, Steve moved restlessly out onto the lanai, leaning against the railings, he closed his eyes as the words that he had spoken in temper rushed in to haunt him.

“Danno, the chest tube and oxygen were just removed yesterday morning and the IV last night right before dinner! You even still have the needle in your hand so they can inject the medicine more easily. Don’t you think you might be rushing it just a bit??”

“Worried about the parties you might miss, Danno?”

He winced at the memory of the look on Dan’s face. Danny was depressed and just wanted to go home, a desire that he could relate to well so why did he react so aggressively? Why did he snap at his closest ally and friend when all Danno was asking for was his support? He opened his eyes and sighed. It was too close this time and the fault fell squarely on his shoulders. He had failed Danno in innumerable ways. His failures had almost cost Danno his life!

He moved back into the office and sat back down on his chair before pulling over and opening the Andrews’ file, intent on reading it again to satisfy himself that the man responsible for Dan’s injuries would not walk on a technicality. The words blurred on the page as the terrifying evening replayed in his head. He had ignored so many things that could have changed the outcome of that night. Details that would have saved Dan from all the pain and suffering he was going through now.

Dan had complained several times during the security set up that he was having trouble with Saluccie refusing to go along with the plans. A valid complaint that he had waved off, insisting that Dan could handle such a man. If only he had taken the time to listen, really listen to what Danno was trying to warn him. He had dismissed Danno’s concerns with a wave of his hand, concerns that later proved to be tragically valid!

Than when Danno needed him most, he had really dropped the ball. Why didn’t he think about the consequences of letting the ice melt? My God, by not thinking of such a simple thing of packing ice around the shard almost cost Danny his life.

Slamming the file shut, he stood again and walked to the lanai door. This was not the first time he had let Dan down. Only a few months ago, he had found himself feeling this guilty after questioning publicly Danny’s own sanity when he had saved the Korean Trade Minister’s life. (Ep. Journey Into Limbo)

He had a lot to apologize for and a lot to make up for! Closing the lanai door, he decided that he had better start making his amends tonight. Maybe some Chinese take-out instead of hospital food would be a small token of his sincerity to break the ice and allow him to apologize. Grabbing his coat he strode towards his office door.

*****

As was customary for him, McGarrett lurched the Mercury to a stop against the curb in front of the hospital. He reached over and grabbed the paper bags off the seat next to him, slamming the door with a loud thud as he got out of the vehicle. He ignored most of the people around – the need to get to his destination a focal point in his mind. Plus he did not want to lose the mindset he’d had when he originally made his decision and left the Palace. He needed to explain, to make things right and this time he needed to do what he was normally uncomfortable doing – stepping out of his emotional safe house.

He paced in the elevator and nearly leaped from it when the doors finally opened. He paused at the closed door and swallowed, taking a minute to double check his resolve. Was this something he could really do? Expose himself even to someone as close as Danno? Admit to emotions that he customarily kept deeply hidden? The aroma from the paper bags in his arms drifted upwards, filling his senses. Well, he could try and reveal things. But if all else failed he had his usual apology with him to fall back on. Williams always seemed to know what the boss was trying to say whenever McGarrett knocked on his door bearing Chinese take-out.

Exhaling slowly, he pushed the door open and entered the patient’s room. He moved as silently as possible once he noticed that the patient’s eyes were closed as he went about setting the bags on the nearby tray table. Turning around, he studied his friend. Williams looked better than he did just a few days ago but McGarrett still didn’t like the dark shadows under his eyes or the lack of color in his face. Steve sighed silently and his anxiety built. And Danno thought he was well enough to go home already…

Eyelids blinked slowly and McGarrett straightened to his normal stiff posture. He waited quietly for the bleary expression to clear.

“Hello, Danno.”

“Steve –“

“Didn’t mean to wake you.”

Williams exhaled as deeply as he could. “You didn’t.”

The patient moved as if trying to find a more comfortable position and abruptly winced sharply, hissing under his breath. McGarrett automatically moved forward but he wasn’t sure if he would offer assistance or call a nurse. Williams raised his hand a little to stop him.

“Just…I’m fine…Steve.”

“Yeah. Yeah, ok, you’re fine.” Steve looked away to get control of himself. This wasn’t what he had planned originally and if things continued to go the way they appeared to be headed – Well, he just wasn’t going to think about that because there was no way that he was willing to allow anything other than what he had planned to happen.

“You hungry, Danno?”

Williams made a face. “For this food? No. And please, Steve, don’t lecture me about how I need to eat to get better.”

“Me? Lecture you?” McGarrett paused significantly as if that was his only comment, knowing that Dan would take the bait.

Williams stared at him, incredulous for a moment until he saw a crinkle by his boss’ eyes and the nearly invisible upturn of one side of his mouth. Before he could say anything, McGarrett stepped to the side of the table and Williams realized what it was he had thought he smelled. Chinese take-out. He breathed in the scent, acknowledging silently that maybe he was a little hungry after all.

“Chinese take-out. How in the world did you manage to get that in here? Or don’t I want to know, Steve?”

“Get it in here? I just walked in carrying it, Danno.”

The perplexity in the tone told Williams that McGarrett hadn’t even considered not being allowed to bring the food into the building much less into his room. Typical Steve. He watched as McGarrett unpacked the containers, dumping out a bag to reveal chopsticks, packets of sauce and fortune cookies. Sniffing the air, Williams quickly realized that the boss had ordered all of his favorite foods. He stared at McGarrett for a few seconds.

‘Ok, Steve, what are you trying to apologize for now? In your own round about way, of course.’

Before either man could speak, Williams’ stomach grumbled – loudly. Lowering his head, Steve tried to hide the smirk that popped unbidden onto his face and bit his tongue against making a comment once he noted the rising color on Dan’s face. Partially turning, he quickly unwrapped a pair of chopsticks and handed Williams both the wooden utensils and a container.

“Can you manage that, Danno?”

“Yeah, I’ve been feeding myself for a while now, Steve.”

McGarrett didn’t reply but instead shot him a look of mock aggravation. He then grabbed chopsticks and a container for himself and used his foot to pull a chair closer to his friend’s side. Silence descended as the two ate the food both were so accustomed to. Then Steve reached over, grabbed a couple of egg rolls and handed one over to the patient. But Williams shook his head – an action which prompted the older man to raise an eyebrow at him in question.

“Thanks, Steve, but I don’t think I could eat another bite.”

McGarrett balanced his own container with the egg rolls and reached over to take Dan’s container from him, silently frowning as he realized that his second-in-command had barely eaten a half of it. He glanced over at Williams.

“Don’t say it, Steve, please.”

McGarrett silently nodded his head and reached over to put both containers back on the table.

“You can eat more later, Danno.”

“Mmmmmm…”

The sound from the bed told McGarrett that Williams was already close to being asleep. He wondered what kind of pain medicine Doc was pumping into his patient. The last time they talked it had sounded to McGarrett as if Dan was truly on the mend – healing even a little faster anyone had expected. If so, why was he still getting pain meds that also served as a mild sedative.

*****

While Williams slept, McGarrett stayed in the room, cleaning up the remnants of the carry out meal and then staring out the hospital window, trying to gather his thoughts and rein in emotions. He was still staring when he heard a sleepy voice from the bed.

“Steve – what are you…still doing here?”

“Can’t I spend New Year’s Eve with my friend, Danno?” McGarrett turned around. The teasing grin that flittered across his face told Williams that he was kidding. Quietly he walked over to the side of the bed. Standing by it with a slightly uncomfortable expression, McGarrett clenched and unclenched his jaw, hoping that Williams wouldn’t be able to read his current emotional state. He should have known better.

“Steve, what is it? What’s wrong?”

McGarrett sighed. Sometimes he really hated the fact that Williams could read him as well as he did. He shook his head, unable to think of a way out of simply spilling the truth.

“Danno…I…need to apologize for this morning.”

Williams stared at him but didn’t say a word. Reaching down, McGarrett lowered the side of the rail and sat on the edge of the bed. He needed to say it out loud and there was a part of him that was glad Danno didn’t make it easy on him by just waving off the attempt like he usually did. But then there was a small insecure voice that wished his friend had done just that. Words – emotions – were simply not something McGarrett considered his forte.

“I…uh…I shouldn’t have said what I said this morning.” McGarrett exhaled loudly. Somehow he had to get the words out. He wasn’t sure if Danno’s silence was a help or a deterrent. If he could just start, he knew it would get easier.

“Last week…when you were injured. I know…I know I let you down, Danno. I should have…I didn’t do everything…”

“Steve, you’re just not making any sense.”

Just then the door was pushed open and the floor nurse entered. She sniffed the air and eyed the brown bags but opted not to comment. Bergman had already warned the staff about what they might expect. Not that it was necessary, of course. McGarrett’s reputation at the medical institutions of Oahu was legendary.

Moving to the opposite side of the bed, she did a cursory check of Williams’ vital signs as well as lifting the tape so she could look at the wound. She then turned and left the room, walking straight back to the nurses’ desk to note in the chart the presence of the food bags along with an observation that it seemed the patient had actually eaten more that night than he had previously.

Once the nurse was gone, Williams focused his attention back on McGarrett, who, he noted, was looking everywhere but at him.

“Look, Steve, I know that usually at this point I’d be telling you to not worry about it. But this time…” He paused and adjusted his body a little so that he was a little higher in the bed. “I need to know what’s going on, Steve. Need to know if I did something or what happened this time.”

“No, Danno, no! You didn’t do anything, aikane!”

“Then…”

“It’s me, my friend.” McGarrett rushed through the statement and then continued on without pausing to even take a breath, anxious to get the confession over with. “When you were hurt and I saw all that blood, I couldn’t think, Danno. You were in so much pain when that ice started to melt and I didn’t do anything for you. Couldn’t even come up with a way to get you or any of us out of there. Then Doc told me about how we could have put more ice on you to stop it from melting. I should have thought of that and I didn’t. Might have saved you some days in the hospital now.”

“Steve, none of that was your fault.”

“There’s more. Just let me finish.” McGarrett finally looked up at Williams, who solemnly nodded his silence. “I knew as soon as I walked in here this morning that you were down. That you didn’t want to spend any more time in here and just wanted to go home. But Danno, there’s no way I can spring you early this time. I came…it was too close. You nearly died, my friend. And that’s something I’m not ready to deal with. So you’ve got to stay here until Doc says your ready this time. I’d never be able to…”

Knowing he was choking up with emotion, McGarrett looked down again. “My life without you around is not something I’m ready to consider, aikane.”

Williams was silent, his eyes lowered to the coverings on the bed. He didn’t know what to say. Steve was normally so reticent about emotions that he left most people wondering if he even had any. He blinked his eyes to ward off the tears that had filled them. Stupid medicine that Doc still had him on was inducing havoc with his emotions.

“It’s ok, Steve. You did the best you could. You always do.”

McGarrett didn’t speak but his hand moved to grip Dan’s arm in unspoken gratitude. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably only several minutes, he cleared his throat and slid off the bed, pulling the chair he had sat in earlier up close by its side.

“So, Danno, you can’t be at the parties tonight but maybe we can find one of those network special parties that they throw on the mainland coasts and ring in the New Year that way.”

Glad for the extra time to recompose himself, Williams was relieved that his voice sounded almost normal. “Sounds good, Steve.”

McGarrett settled back in the chair and watched as Williams flipped through the stations on the wall-mounted television via the control pad that was near his bed and settle on one of the mainland networks.

“What’s this?”

“ A new show. From New York. Saw the previews for it the other day. Something called ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

For several minutes, the two watched the show in a companionable silence. Midnight in California and a large part of the western United States was approaching. They still had hours to go on the Islands. Most of the parties were beginning but would heat up quickly. McGarrett knew that HPD had all of its officers out on the street and working. No one was allowed time off on New Year’s Eve unless it was for an unimpeachable, documented reason. It was something Williams had not been happy about when he had first met the officer. He knew the scheduling was a standard in police departments across the country. His own father had always worked the holiday and times then had been very different then now. He watched the screen as a recording of midnight approaching on the East Coast was replayed for the West Coast’s countdown, Steve found himself eyeing the crowds that had gathered in Times Square for the traditional dropping of the lighted ball and countdown. He smiled as he remembered the New Year’s Eves he had known throughout his life. Then the ball lit up, signifying midnight – a tape delayed honor that was being rebroadcast. The music in studio began for the traditional first dance at midnight. He watched couples as the moved – dancing, swaying, kissing, laughing.

“This is music, Danno? Where’s Guy Lombardo and his Orchestra?”

“This is what most dance to today, Steve.”

“Yeah, but it’s a tradition to have Lombardo and his orchestra play ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at midnight. They’ve done it for decades now.”

“Steve, maybe it’s time for new stuff. You know – like music you can actually dance to.”

The twinkle in the blue eyes couldn’t be missed. Williams was yet again pulling his leg. It was a never-ending topic with them. Dan slowly, carefully trying to bring the boss around to more modern conveniences and methods at the office and Steve steadfastly refusing to give up what worked for him. Like his chalkboard. McGarrett just shook his head, a smile at the corners of his mouth and gestured towards the program.

“So this is a new program, huh?”

“Yeah, think it’s the first year for it.”

“Guarantee you it won’t survive. Guy Lombardo – he’s a New Year’s tradition. This Rockin’ Eve with Dick Clark or whatever it’s called won’t even be around next New Year’s, Danno.”

“We’ll see, Steve. We’ll see.”

McGarrett grew quiet, paying little attention to the screen. After some time had passed, he kenw he was no longer sure what they were watching. His mind was busy replaying the events of the last week as always constantly double-checking and questioning his actions and reactions. It was something that happened automatically and he no longer attempted to put a stop to it.

“Stop, Steve.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t keep second-guessing yourself on this one.”

McGarrett let his head fall, a bit sheepish that he’d been read as easily as he had been. When would he ever learn? He could not hide – not with a friend as close as Danno was. And he certainly didn’t want to shut Williams out of his life. Consciously, he understood that Williams was right. He had to put this case to bed and consider it finished. Forget about the cost that would have been too high for him to pay.

“Hey, Steve –“

“Yeah, Danno?”

“It’s almost midnight. Hauoli Makahiki Hou, Steve.”

McGarrett glanced at his watch. Williams was right. It really was almost midnight – Hawaiian time. Vaguely thinking that he was surprised a nurse had not resurfaced to kick him out hours ago, he also thought about how enjoyable this evening had been in contrast to his normal, solitary New Year’s either at home or at the Palace. Maybe it was time to make a resolution to enjoy times like these with Williams even more.

“Mahalo, Steve.”

Dan’s voice was groggy with sleep and Steve knew his friend would not be awake too much longer. That was fine. He needed his rest so that he got well and got out of the hospital. McGarrett would much prefer spending time with Dan at the Palace or at his apartment – anywhere but in the hospital. Yet at times they seemed to log as many hours as admitted patients as they did police officers on duty. He’d have to make sure his friend was safer in the New Year.

“Anytime, Danno. Anytime.”

McGarrett understood why Williams had pushed for Steve to get him discharged earlier. Tomorrow – later today – he would talk to Bergman about springing his second-in-command. Would promise to watch over him and make sure he didn’t overdo it or try to come back to the Palace too soon. He turned to look at Williams and noted that Dan had fallen asleep. Quietly he rose and reached over, taking the controller in his hand, he first turned off the telelvision and lowered the bed to a flatter, more comfortable position. Fussing much like a mother hen – something he would never do when his friend was awake – McGarrett made sure the patient was covered before raising the side rail. Disposing of their take out meal, he then lowered the setting on the fluorescent light behind the bed before moving quietly to the door.

“Hauoli Makahiki Hou, Danno. Happy New Year.”