And here is the 4th and final chapter. I had a lot of fun writing this story, and I'm so glad people have enjoyed reading it!

Shawn blinked slowly, gazing around the hospital room at the stark white walls. He took inventory of himself first - IV, check, leg wrapped in bandages and propped on a pillow, check, and pain meds, a definite check. Next he glanced at the two chairs by the bed, one of which was currently occupied by his father.

"Well, sleeping beauty, I see you've joined the land of the living again," Henry poked, smiling.

"Yeah, seemed like you guys must be missing me by now," Shawn replied with a slight smile of his own. He vaguely remembered the ride to the lodge, the subsequent ride in the ambulance, and waking up a few times in the hospital only to be driven under again by some wonderful medication. 'Thank God for modern technology.'

"Gus was here for a few hours, said he'll return after work. Lassiter's partner was here also - I'm not sure what she sees in you, though."

"Dad! I happen to be charming and devilishly handsome, traits that definitely skipped a generation since I'm nothing like you."

"Ha!," Henry said sourly, "Just keep telling yourself that, kid." Then he turned serious, something which always made Shawn uncomfortable. "I'm glad you're OK. . . finding you in the woods like that. . . " Henry stammered to a stop.

"I know, Dad," Shawn said softly, letting his father off the hook.

Just then, the door opened and Lassiter entered, looking self-conscious. He was carrying a large pineapple wrapped in a bow under one arm, which nearly caused Shawn's jaw to hit the floor.

"I'm going to duck out and grab some coffee," Henry said, rising and heading out of the room, "I'll be back shortly."

"Um, here," Lassiter said, dropping the pineapple next to Shawn on the table and glancing furtively around the room, as if he expected someone to jump out from behind the curtains and catch him being nice.

"Why Lassie, I'm touched," Shawn replied, injecting humor into his voice although he was genuinely touched. 'Who knew Lassie had it in him,' he thought.

"Yeah, well. . . anyway, I just came by to let you know that we caught the poachers who tried to fillet you. They won't be hurting anyone or anything for a long time."

Shawn shifted slightly, wincing at the dull ache in his thigh. Lassiter moved as though to try and help, but then dropped his hands to his sides and quickly averted his gaze. "Well, thanks for letting me know," Shawn said, groping for something else to say. He wasn't used to being at a loss for words, but somehow joking didn't seem appropriate at that moment.

"OK then, I'll see you around, Spencer," Lassiter said gruffly, nodding quickly and heading out the door.

Impulse dictated Shawn's response. "Hey Lassie, I mean it - thanks."

Lassiter turned his head, looking at Shawn for a long moment. "Your welcome," he finally replied, then disappeared into the corridor.

"Well that was painful," Shawn said aloud, "I think I'd rather be stabbed again."

Sighing softly, he settled back to rest until his father returned. Closing his eyes, he couldn't help but smile - he had family and friends who cared about him, for which he was grateful. And, he now had a shiny new pineapple courtesy of one grouchy Head Detective. What more could a man ask for?