I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or any characters. No copyright infringement intended.
Note: Wow everyone – thank you for such AWESOME reviews, comments and praise. I'm truly overwhelmed. ! And Thank You again CinderH!
I think this is the last chapter – though I haven't marked the story as COMPLETE yet. I think the bunnies are dried up and put away in their respective hutches. I would GREATLY appreciate any advice or comments about this being a successful final chapter.
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Chapter Seventeen – The Deep End
It took an actual hour for Steve to physically gather the energy needed to stand up and walk out of the bedroom. Truth be told, he was mentally exhausted by the ever-changing playing field and didn't feel like moving a muscle in the pleasantly quiet and darkened room. And he was physically exhausted from rolling from hospital to raid and then back to hospital once again. The last few days had begun to blend together into a series of desperate emergencies which he'd accepted and dealt with as each were lobbed his way. Blow after blow; shock after paralyzing shock. So he was home now and reveling in it. Plus Danny was sleeping soundly right under his very nose and would be for many hours.
The house was peaceful and shadows of sunlight peeked through the drawn blinds. Once again, Steve felt himself being to doze and shook himself awake. He needed to contact the Governor and was anxious to hear what Girardi and the DEA had uncovered from Cano's records. Kono and Chin would have more information. So with a resigned sigh, he forced himself to silently leave the bedroom with plans to make his series of calls and inquiries from the lanai.
But by the end of the day, Steve was even more exhausted if that was possible. The Governor had been pleased by the raid's success and then absolutely infuriated by the news regarding former agent Cano and Danny's injuries. There had been a stunned silence on the phone after Steve recounted the deliveries of the funeral displays.
"Be assured that this office will be conducting its own inquiry into the DEA and on our combined behalf. Both its dealings, as well as its employees. I expect you to let me know if Williams needs anything …resources are at your disposal."
Steve's final calls were then to both Chin and Kono at the office. He was happy to hear that Agent Russell had contacted them separately and had provided the same information as Steve himself had received directly from Bobby Girardi.
Chin couldn't help being sarcastic and Steve found himself chuckling at the truth of it. "A little late for consistency though .. don't you think?"
It was now widely believed that the floral displays were Cano's last action against Danny. His own cell phone call records and credit card activity validated that he'd made the FTD order while at the raid. Exactly during the time period when he'd been asked to check a faulty communications device for one of his people. His work space and private home had also been virtually dismantled.
A small tear in a bag of LSD within the DEA's own lockers had been discovered. Prints lifted from the bag matched those of Agent Joe Cano. Yellow rose petals had been found in his jacket pocket and the HPD mechanic confirmed that the switchblade could easily have been the weapon used to destroy the tires on the Camaro. It all added up and it was thorough. Nothing else had been found - nothing new seemed to be on the horizon.
Girardi was positive that Cano meant to kill Danny himself, face to face for the satisfaction, and during the originally planned raid when the teams would be jointly working together.
On the phone with Steve, he'd try to offer an explanation. "Moving the raid up, and my having Joe come in at the last minute as support to the Command Center .. may have saved Danny's life. "
And then Girardi hastily amended his words. "In a way .. an odd way. Joe didn't seem to know where Danny was at the time. He saw your own injury and knew something had happened. He knew that Danny never attended the second meeting. He could ascertain that his plans with dusting the milk had worked in some horrible way. Joe was assuming Danny was hospitalized or back at his own apartment. The decision to call Joe in to work at the last minute at least delayed his plans. He wasn't entirely ready, and for that we should be glad. However the intent was still there. The call to the FTD florist with this sick plan was made."
There was another hesitation as Girardi struggled with a sad realization. "But then Danny practically handed himself over on a silver platter when he showed up unannounced at the raid. Joe tried to adapt his plan to use the raid as a cover."
Steve could tell that the man was personally overwhelmed by his employee's complete mental collapse; he could hear the genuine remorse in his voice. And even though Steve liked Girardi, he remained coldly non-committal as he listened politely to the man's words of apology. "I'm sorry .. there's no easy way to understand any of this. But I can say that there's no evidence that anything else has been put into motion."
So now speaking to Chin and Kono, they were able to confirm nearly the same conversation with Agent Russell. Chin then said that he, Kono and HPD had additionally gone over Danny's apartment a second time with a fine-toothed comb. They then extended their search to the Edward's residence. Nothing had been found and there was no sign of further tampering of any kind thus far.
"It seems like it's really over. Cano's done. How's Danny doing?" Kono asked before the call ended. "And Rachel?"
Because he wanted to believe, Steve didn't say anything about it truly being over with Cano. He personally wanted more and didn't yet know what that meant. Only that he wanted more to be satisfied and to know for certain. To be one hundred and ten percent, without a doubt, wholly positive. And he had to push down another surge of very real anger as he thought about Danny, Rachel and Grace's very innocent involvement.
Stifling a frustrated groan, Steve settled for merely checking his watch and then answered her final questions about Danny and Rachel. In the back of his mind, he was once again surprised to see how many hours had passed almost in the blink of an eye. The afternoon was clearly over and it was nearing six o'clock. And though he had virtually force-fed soup down Danny, Steve couldn't remember having eaten lunch for himself.
"Good. They're both good. And Danny's still sleeping."
"You sound tired too." The blunt statement made him snort softly and he heard Chin chuckle ruefully in the background. They were all tired. But Steve hadn't realized how rough his voice had become from the constant phone calls, talking and discussions he'd had over the course of the day. And he truthfully was totally worn out at the never-ending amount of stressful worry.
"Yeah, well. We'll catch up later. Both of you should go home." Ending the call, Steve rubbed his eyes and then tiredly looked up from where he was sitting. He half expected to see Danny carefully hobbling towards him. After all, he'd now been sleeping nearly five full hours. But the house was completely still. Quietly puttering in the kitchen and before going to check on his patient, Steve put more soup on the stove and fixed a pot of coffee for himself.
But Steve was surprised to see that Danny was already awake and trying to reposition his casted arm on a pillow. And though he looked uncomfortable and would soon be due for his pain medication, his color was back - more normal. Danny was acting more like himself.
"How long have you been up? Dinner's on if you want a change of scenery. Or here's fine. Whatever you want."
Danny's unexpected reply made him smile for it was half truth and half deflection. It was also chock full of questions, demands and almost bordered on being a mini rant of sorts. It was definitely more normal as it came out in a mixed tone that somehow managed to combine annoyance, relief and serious concern.
His face was disapproving as he studied Steve's rumpled appearance and now almost bloodshot eyes. "You look as tired as I feel. Did you get any rest or have you been working all day? And if you've been working .. which of course, I know you have been .. because I know you're like a dog with a bone .. tell me, what have you found out about Cano. What have I missed?"
With a tolerant grin, Steve made room to sit on the bed and helped fix the pillow more comfortably under the cast. "So, from what you're saying I assume that one, you're still exhausted. And two, you'd rather stay in bed and eat here. Since our good doctors want you off your feet and getting as much rest as possible, all of these things can easily be accommodated."
"And?" Danny's persistent query was accompanied by a pointed stare that included a dramatic raise of his eyebrows. "Yes .. and .. so?"
Steve's smile grew as he shared the recent news. And as he spoke, Steve did allow himself to believe more of what both the DEA and his own team had just confirmed. But he refused to say the hated man's name as he filled Danny in.
"Everything. And I mean everything has been checked from top to bottom and then back again. The Governor is launching an additional independent investigation into the DEA offices. Nothing's left. It's done. He's done. Like Chin said before, we all can't say the words 'psychiatric hospital' fast enough. Once he's released for travel, Girardi's sending him far away."
The additional change in Danny was immediate and the deep worry lines that creased his face simply eased and then entirely disappeared. With an exaggerated puff of air, he fell more deeply back into the pillows and whispered.
"Good. That's good. Thank you."
After a few minutes, Danny sighed and used his left hand to pick at Steve's sleeve in order to get his attention. Even though the evidence and news was good, Steve's eyes had remained hooded and dark. He was distracted and still very much wracked with worry. There was an uncomfortable silence as Steve avoided meeting Danny's eyes; he knew that Danny was studying the bruises on his cheekbone. And he regretfully rubbed a hand over his face since he knew what was coming next.
"Danny .. I .." But his struggle to speak was interrupted.
"Ramirez told me what happened. His version at least. His version of what must have happened added to what you told him." Danny was determined to get to the bottom of Steve's guilt.
"You don't know my version though." The words were said in a hushed whisper and Steve finally looked up in surprise at Danny's face.
"What do you mean your version?" But with a sinking heart, Steve knew the answer before he'd asked the question. Danny had been wholly unaware of the violent act against him and then he'd been unable to stop the drug's eventual terrifying control.
"Oh man." Steve whispered to himself as he recognized the glimmer of fear in Danny's eyes. "Danny.."
"Steve. I saw the blood. The apartment." Danny started and then stopped nervously. The memories were vague, fuzzy but the feelings of confusion and panic were still there. It was all very close to the surface and Danny needed to talk it out as much as he knew that Steve did.
"I need you to know this." He clenched his left hand in the blankets as he continued. "Steve, I'm glad it was you. I'm relieved it was you and that you showed up when you did. All I wanted to do that night was have a quiet dinner. But then it happened."
With a shuddering breath, Danny began to tremble but persisted. He waved off Steve's worried face but allowed his hand to be snagged in mid air. He clutched at it like a lifeline as what he could remember came out in a frightening rush.
"It was like the flesh was melting off my bones. First my skin moved .. it moved and then I could see through it .. I knew it wasn't real. But it was real at the same time. And I just wanted it gone. I needed it to go away. I wanted to kill whatever it was and get away." The terror resurfaced and Danny's voice became barely audible. His face was nearly ashen and he began to sweat from the memory.
Steve was afraid that he'd begun to have the stirrings of a panic attack as he tried to place another calming hand on Danny's good shoulder. "Easy, Danny. Maybe we shouldn't talk about this yet. You're not up to it. It's too much for one day."
Steve's eyes glazed over and he looked down to stare blindly at the blanket. "Maybe I'm not up to it."
But Danny shook his head and refused to change the subject. He finally whispered angrily. "No. Steve, I don't remember even pulling out my gun. But I think I would have shot myself. I think I almost shot you."
And then Steve didn't know what to say. He hadn't even remotely considered Danny's perspective - the horrifying reality of the actual experience and how it affected the victim. The fight had been terrible. Danny had been out of his mind and Steve personally resented the extent to which he'd been forced to go in order to protect him; to get the situation under control. He hated what had been done to Danny and wanted in his heart to kill Joe Cano now more than ever before.
"I'm sorry. For the cuffs .. for the whole thing. " He breathed out sadly and he really meant it about everything. From the very existence of a maniac named Joe Cano, to having used handcuffs on his best friend, and now to Danny's current bedridden state. "Danno, I'm sorry."
But Danny only began to smile and slapped Steve's hand before poking him hard in the chest. "I don't want you to be sorry, you goof. I need you to understand that if this had to happen .. that I'm glad you were there. No more, no less."
Steve blinked a few times to clear the vision he hadn't realized was beginning to fog. And then absolutely couldn't find any other words to say. All his planned apologies, voiced regrets, and feelings of guilt dried up and seemed wholly inadequate.
With a more relieved and genuine smile, Steve realized it was true. He managed to agree quietly and with total sincerity; and it fully eased his mind and allowed him to absolve himself from any guilt.
"Yeah Danno." Steve nodded as the words finally comforted him. "Yeah. I'm glad I was there too."
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After his team ran a full investigation against Joe Cano from top to bottom, Bobby Girardi went back to Tripler to confront his ex-agent. Cano would remain hospitalized until cleared by his doctors for a pulmonary contusion or bruised lung. He was still at risk of hypoxia or even pneumonia and his oxygen levels were being closely monitored. Once he was cleared for travel, Cano would be flown back to the mainland and either incarcerated or hospitalized under professional, long-term care. In either scenario, he would not be released back into society.
It was raining again and Bobby ran into the hospital as thunder sounded overhead. Cano was under guard and would remain under guard through his stay at Tripler. He was also handcuffed to his bed and coughing miserably from the uncomfortable pains in his chest. When he saw Girardi though, his eyes flashed angrily but with a hint of smug satisfaction. And one of the HPD SWAT officers stepped closer to monitor the exchange as the very air in the room changed to one of blatant hostility.
"I assume the lovely flowers were delivered. Did his family enjoy them?" Cano nastily remarked as he studied his ex-boss for a reaction.
But Girardi merely shrugged and managed to look noncommittal as he shook rainwater off his jacket. "I have no idea. But I do want to know why you did any of this at all."
For a brief moment, Bobby was sadly subdued as he ran his hand through his hair and then folded his arms to watch Cano. "Joe, when did you change and how did I miss it?"
It was difficult for the supervisor to cross-examine a man he'd known and worked with for so many years. However, Girardi's own fury had grown and his voice now began to rise as he demanded answers. And as it did, Cano's face changed to take on a lethal and dangerous expression. With a final pang of sadness at the loss, Girardi accepted that the person in front of him wasn't someone he knew.
So now with an undisguised anger, Girardi leaned forward ominously. "Of course we've already dismantled your computer, files, records, bank accounts. Including your personal assets. We've found everything and it's all been submitted as evidence. You'll get help – maybe – but rest assured, you will then go away for a very long time."
When there was still no reaction but for the permanent sneer stretched across the man's face, Girardi continued. "I would suggest – strongly – that if there's something else we need to know .. that you tell me now. That is, if you still hold a spark of humanity?"
Continuing to leer, Joe Cano said the only words he would ever say to anyone before being transferred back to the mainland. "Wouldn't you all like to know. Let him wonder. Let him always look over his shoulder."
At that, he pointedly relaxed into the pillows as another coughing fit seized him. Closing his eyes, Cano began to laugh happily through the sporadic hacking. In seconds he was wiping hysterical tears away from his face with a white tissue.
Startled once more by the sudden transformation, Bobby Girardi exchanged a distressed look with the equally shocked HPD SWAT officer. Cano only re-opened his eyes when he sensed Girardi had gone. With disdain for everything and everyone around him, he simply used the remote to turn on the television and began to laugh again as the sounds of the storm increased outside his hospital window.
~ maybe the end? ~