This is the last chapter. I like to thank all of you for reading and keeping Steve company during his adventure. Also thank you for all your comments and alerts. I really greatly appreciate it.

I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Open Water – Chapter 15

"So, let me get this straight, Flipper came and saved you?" Danny asked, clearly not believing a word his friend had just told them.

"Yeah, one of them rammed into the tiger shark. I'm not really clear what happened then, I went under…" Steve paused remembering how one of the dolphins helped him back to the surface.

"Steve?" Cath softly called out.

"Sorry. I went under… and… eh… one of them nudged me back to the surface… the shark was gone by then," Steve explained what had happened. He could see that they all doubted his tale. Chin in the bed across from him just as much as Danny and Catherine. "It's true; I swear that's what happened. They circled me and kept me company for almost three hours."

"Well," Dr. Kulani interrupted as he entered the hospital room. "I can't say anything about the dolphins, but Commander McGarrett was clearly attacked by a shark."

"See?" Steve looked in satisfaction at his friends.

"You have the injuries to back up your story; I can testify to that," Kulani said grinning. It was seldom that he could joke with a patient who survived an attack by a tiger shark, one of the most dangerous sharks.

"Thank you, doctor. At least someone believes me," Steve said, but smiled at his friends.

"Would you all excuse us for a few minutes? I need to take a look at my patient and I'm sure he would like some privacy for what I'm about to do. Take Lt. Kelly with you and give him some air," Kulani told them and motioned to the wheelchair Chin had used a few times now.

It took a minute for Chin to be ready to leave and for Cath to say good bye to Steve, even if it was just for a short while. Steve watched them leave and wondered what his doctor couldn't discuss in front of them.

"Does them leaving mean you're taking the damn tube out?" Steve hopefully asked and referred to the Foley he was still stuck with.

"No, I'm afraid not. I'm sorry, but it's still very necessary. Your kidneys are not doing what they are supposed to do, and we need to keep a close eye on your output. So, the Foley has to stay for at least another 24 hours."

Steve grumbled something and was very unhappy about this development. He had been stuck in bed for three days now, and it was starting to get on his nerves. He knew he was getting grumpy, short tempered and restless, but he couldn't help it, he hated not being able to get around.

"Commander, your latest test results are not good. I'm worried that your kidneys are shutting down; so I want you to have a dialysis cycle to help your kidneys along. You had swallowed a lot of salt water and were severely dehydrated. A lot of damage was also done when the urine flowed back into the left kidney when the catheter was pulled out during your kidnapping."

"Well, there was really no time to use the bathroom," Steve bit out.

"I know. I'm not blaming you. It's not your fault. Even if you had wanted to you wouldn't have been able to pee anyway, there was a blockage from when they pulled the Foley out. You're very lucky you weren't injured more seriously," Dr. Kulani explained. "But the good news is that your other injuries are healing nicely. The abrasions are mostly looking good and the pinched nerve isn't causing any loss of mobility."

"No, but it still hurts to move the leg," Steve complained about the pain every little movement caused.

"I know, we hope that will lessen in the next few days," Kulani told him. "We will take you to the dialysis center in a few minutes. Treatment will take about six hours, so your friends should use that time for whatever they have to do. You will come back here after we're done."

"What if it doesn't help?" Steve knew if his kidneys gave up their work, he would not only be discharged from the Navy but would also lose his job with Five-0. No kidney function meant dialysis at least three times a week. It would pretty much take over his life, a prospect he was not looking forward to.

"We'll look into that if it comes to it. I believe this will help and get your kidneys back on track. It's not like they are not working, just not very satisfactory."

"And you couldn't say that with my friends here?" Steve wondered aloud.

"What? No, no, that's not it. Before you go downstairs I want to take a look at all your injuries again, and I don't think you need an audience for that. We need to redress some of the nastier deep abrasions, and I know that will hurt, so…"

"Oh, okay." Steve wasn't looking forward to the redressing of the deep wounds on his right lower leg and just above his hip, they still really hurt. And when they cleaned them it was pure agony. All the other abrasions were scabbed over but not those two deep injuries.

Ten minutes later they were finally done torturing him. A nurse had come in and brought supplies for the cleaning. And of course they again used the stuff that burned right through his flesh, at least it felt like it was burning a hole into him.

Steve lay on his bed, panting and with his eyes closed, and wondered why they hadn't doped him up before they had started.

"Commander, I'm giving you something for the pain," the nurse said.

Should have done that ten minutes ago, Steve thought and nodded his head at the nurse with the syringe in hand.

"I'll let your friends know where you are and when you'll be back."

"Thank you," Steve mumbled and was already half way to another drug induced nap.

H50 – H50 – H50

The dialysis had done the trick and the urologist had been very happy with the output Steve had then produced in the following 36 hours, but still refused to free him from the last tube he had attached. Slowly but surely Steve was getting pissed off. And let everyone know it in no uncertain terms.

"Steve! That is really no way to talk to your nurse. What's gotten into you? You are not like this!" Cath had been a bit shocked at his harsh words and general mean behavior in the last couple of hours.

Steve only threw his head back into his pillow in frustration. He knew he was irrational and unfair to the staff that was treating him. It was not their fault that he had been in pain for the last several hours. He had to apologize as soon as he saw any of them again.

"Steve?" Cath softly asked.

"I'm sorry," Steve begun, but hissed when another spasm hit him. His hand flew to his belly and he pulled his legs up.

"I'll go get the nurse and the doctor," Cath said and patted his arm before she left.

Steve could only nod; he had his eyes clenched tightly shut to ride out the very uncomfortable muscles spasms in his lower belly. They had given him something to relax his bladder an hour before, but it was obvious that his body also wanted to get rid of the tube that was irritating his insides so much.

It took a few minutes for the urologist and the nurse to enter his room, but one look at Steve showed that they needed to act fast. Two minutes later Steve felt the tube finally being removed and breathed a sigh of relief, even though the spasms didn't stop right away.

"Commander, I'm giving you another shot to relax you. That should help soon; just try to relax, okay?"

"Uh huh." Steve watched as the medication was inserted in the IV and hoped it would deliver on the doctor's promise. "Betty, I'm sorry for what I said before," Steve told his nurse who rearranged the pillow his injured leg rested on.

"That's okay, Commander. I know that was just the pain talking. Don't worry about it."

"Yeah, well, but I'm still sorry," he told her and slowly began to relax into the mattress as the medication started working.

"Apology accepted. Press the call button if you need anything or if the pain comes back."

"Thank you."

Steve watched his very taciturn doctor make notes in his chart. He had tried to get him to say more than two words every time since he had been introduced, but so far without much success.

"So, Doc, what's the verdict?"

"Huh?"

This man reminded Steve so much of Max of the early days. It was almost scary how much alike they were. Only difference was their appearance, and that this doctor worked with living patients. But their behavior… "Will this stop now that the tube is out?" Steve asked and motioned to his lower region in general.

"Oh. Yes. It should."

Four words; wow. Steve had to grin, despite the slight discomfort he was still in. "That's good. So, when can I leave?"

That question made the doc's head snap up in a really funny way. He looked totally flustered and looked wide eyed at Steve, who wondered how this man ever managed to survive his internship.

"That is Dr. Kulani's decision, Sir."

"Okay, I'll ask him then."

"Yes."

"Thank you. For getting it out, I mean… thank you."

"You're welcome. Don't get up and use the bathroom, we need to measure your output."

Steve had to laugh, first at the long sentence, but mostly about the notion of him getting up on his own. That would not happen with all the watch dogs keeping an eye on him. If Cath or one of his team wasn't there to keep him company, the nurses came in every few minutes. Steve had the suspicion they had been instructed by Captain Jordan to keep an eye on him.

But he had his escape planned for tonight. His plan was ready and he would hopefully leave this damn hospital in a few hours and sleep in his own bed. Where no one could stick him with big needles or wanted to measure his output, every output. Or sap him of every last drop of blood, and where, for sure, no one would try to burn holes into his body with their acid sponge baths. Nope, he would be sleeping in his soft bed. Unfortunately all alone. But that was the price he had to pay, and the only reason why his escape would even work. Cath had to be on base at 1600 hours, and then he would be scot-free.

H50 – H50 – H50

Steve had had his speech ready ever since Chin had been released yesterday morning. With him gone, being in the hospital had been even more boring. Dr. Kulani had told him they couldn't let him go because of the kidneys, but now that the urologist was happy there was no reason for him to stay even one night longer. At least Steve thought so.

His head didn't hurt much anymore, his leg… well, let's not go there, and the abrasions were healing. Okay, there was still the broken wrist and hand, and of course the broken collarbone, but those were only minor injuries in Steve's eyes. No reason to keep him in the hospital. He could very well wear the damn sling while sitting at home.

He couldn't sleep in the hospital and the nights lying awake were getting to him. He needed to go home if he ever wanted to heal and get back onto his feet. Of course, that was something he couldn't tell Danny, or Cath. They would completely ruin his plan, and Steve simply didn't want to fight about this with them; nor did he have the energy for it. So it was a good thing he was now alone and could talk to his doctor.

"Commander McGarrett, I was told you wanted to see me? Let me guess… you want to leave," Dr. Kulani said by way of a greeting.

"Uh, yeah, actually that is what I wanted to talk to you about." This was not how Steve pictured the beginning of the conversation.

"Yeah, your girlfriend told me you were getting restless, and we should keep an eye out for any escape plans," Kulani told him with what Steve considered an 'evil' grin.

Steve only gaped at Kulani and knew he had to have a word with the traitorous girlfriend. "No, it's just, I can't get any sleep here, and since you said I could go if the urologist gave his okay… and he just did that… and you would release me into the hands for Dr. Rollins… so, I thought…"

"Capt. Rollins would look after you?"

"She's staying at my house." Only half a lie, she stayed there, but left a few hours ago for two days on the Big Island. Their visit to the other island had been interrupted first by Steve's adventure at sea and then by her husband's sprained ankle.

"So, if I called her she would confirm this?"

"Absolutely." Don't break your poker face; you're almost out of here. Steve didn't break eye contact and dared his doctor to call the high ranking officer.

"I tell you what, Commander. You have only been out of bed a few times to get your circulation going but haven't even taken any steps. If you can walk the hallway a few times today, then I will sign your papers. How's that?"

"Deal." Steve had no doubt that he would be able to walk around. "When do I start?" Steve asked and prepared to get out of bed, but was halted by a fierce pain shooting into his injured groin area when he lifted his leg off the pillow.

"I'd say after you take your next dose of pain medication," Kulani said with mild amusement. He had to hand it to McGarrett; he was nothing but determined. "I'll tell the nurse to help you get dressed in something other than a gown and then you can try to get up and walk around a bit. But I'm warning you, don't overdo it or you will be back in that bed for a few more days. You still have a concussion and I bet your leg is about ready to kill you. So, take it slow."

"I will." Steve had no intention of staying another night in this hospital bed, and if that meant he had to take slow steps to reach his goal, well, then he would do that. He'd do anything to get out of here.

H50 – H50 – H50

"So, Commander, I take it you won't be alone at home tonight?" Dr. Kulani asked as he took a last look at Steve before signing his discharge papers.

"That would be pretty stupid, now wouldn't it?" Clever, don't give him an answer, Steve thought and kept his face straight.

"Yes, it would. Give the aftercare instructions to Captain Rollins and follow the advice on it. Do not, I repeat, do not go swimming until the wounds are completely closed. The last thing you need is an infection. Your kidneys could not handle that."

"Major, contrary to everyone's belief, I'm not an idiot. I won't go into the ocean, or walk around much. I will rest until I feel better. I will come see you next Monday for the follow-up," Steve told his doctor and had every intention of doing just that.

"Good. You're on sick leave until further notice. Any questions?"

"No. And thank you for releasing me."

"Well, there is really no reason for you to be in the hospital any longer. That doesn't mean however for you to do whatever you want," Dr. Kulani hurried to add. "NO strenuous activity whatsoever."

"I got that the first three times," Steve grumbled.

"Good, so will you be picked up by Lieutenant Rollins or Detective Williams?"

"Neither. They are busy," Steve told his doctor, seeing his alarmed face he continued. "Relax; Rollins is on the base and Danny at HQ. I will see them soon." Steve had no doubt they would come seek him out as soon as he told them he was out of the hospital, which he had no intention of doing before later this evening. He just needed a few hours to himself to set his plan in motion.

H50 – H50 – H50

Steve was exhausted. He had spent the last four hours getting his plan fulfilled; surprisingly the hardest part had been convincing Rachel to agree to let Grace go on a trip to the mainland with Danny. Yes, it was short notice, but it was a concert of her favorite boy group. Stan had been the voice of reason and convinced Rachel to say yes, so Grace wouldn't miss out on going backstage with her favorite music group.

He had secured two seats on a private jet his friend flew back to LA for his company and agreed to take Grace and Danny on board. For Sunday he had to buy two tickets for the flight back with Hawaiian Airlines, but got them for a reasonable price. So they were all set.

He had also booked them into a Hotel in LA with shuttle service, first to the hotel and later to the concert. Steve hoped nothing would disturb their trip. But now he was really spent and looked forward to taking his medication and vegging out on the lanai before calling Danny and ask him to come over.

His shoulder was bothering him and his leg hurt, but all in all he felt much better than he had expected, although he was really tired and ready to drop. He paid for the cab and slowly got out of the car, gauging how far he would have to walk to the front door. But he put one foot in front of the other and managed to walk in a semi-straight line.

Steve opened his front door and came face to face with a very angry Danny.

"What the hell were you thinking? Where the hell have you been?"

"What?" Steve almost stepped back by his friend's outburst as soon as he had stepped into the house.

"I came to the hospital where I was told you had left. Without telling anyone. Are you nuts? You have any idea where we have been looking for you in the last three hours? We thought you were kidnapped, or something," Danny yelled at his friend.

"What?"

"Is that all you can say? Why the hell is your phone turned off?"

"I was released… and my battery died… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to worry you," Steve slowly answered. "Listen, you said you wouldn't come to the hospital until later tonight, and then…"

"Oh, yeah, by then you had sneaked out—"

"I didn't sneak out, I was released," Steve interrupted.

"Oh, I know all about your fishy release. Captain Rollins is taking care of you, right?"

"Eh…"

"We were worried about you, you moron! Why the hell didn't you tell us?" Danny demanded to know.

"I had some errands to run, and I thought…"

"No, that is your mistake right there, you didn't think. You just wanted to get out of the hospital to do who knows what harebrained scheme, I don't even wanna know."

Steve knew that it was only the worry that had Danny yelling at him in such a way, even though it still stung a little that Danny thought he left without telling them because of selfish reasons.

He wordlessly held out his right hand that still clutched the big red envelope with all the tickets and information about the trip to LA in it.

"What's that?" Danny asked and eyed the envelope suspiciously.

"What I did and couldn't tell in case it didn't pan out. I'm sorry I worried you guys. That was not my intention," Steve explained and put the envelope on the table after it was clear Danny wouldn't take it. "I'm going to lie down. Let yourself out when you leave," Steve told his friend.

Without a glance back Steve made his way upstairs, looking forward to lying down and elevating his throbbing leg. It was also time for another dose of his pain pills, and after that hopefully a few hours of sleep.

H50 – H50 – H50

Danny couldn't believe his eyes when he finally opened the envelope after watching his friend make it upstairs in one piece. He was obviously in a good amount of pain, but he held himself up rather well. Shaking his head at his idiot moron of a friend, he again looked at the tickets in his hands.

Danny went upstairs and pushed open the bedroom door and looked at his partner, now sprawled on the bed with a pillow half-way under his right knee. Danny saw the lines of pain on his friend's face and knew that in addition to the leg, his friend's shoulder and arm were also hurting him. Dr. Kulani had explained that the pinched nerve would continue to be painful for quite some time, but they were all optimistic that Steve wouldn't be left with a permanent impairment.

Danny moved closer to the bed and quietly spoke. "Steve?"

"Hmm."

He reached down and lifted Steve's leg to carefully reposition the pillow. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"No, Danny, it's okay, I deserved it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I left the hospital. That was inconsiderate. And you're right, I wasn't thinking that you'd worry about me."

"Okay then, guess we're even," Danny said with a smile. "Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, just really tired. Pain meds are kicking in, not gonna be awake for much longer."

Danny looked at his sleepy partner and knew he had to hurry if he wanted Steve to hear what he had to say. "You did all this in the past few hours?" Danny asked and waved the envelope around.

"Uh huh."

"Why? Steve, why did you do all this? It must have cost a fortune."

"No, it didn't. Gracie missed out on the band because of me—"

"Steve, that was not your fault," Danny interrupted.

"Doesn't matter… just want her to have fun…"

It was pretty clear that Steve would be asleep in the next couple of minutes. Danny waited and watched his friend slip into sleep and knew what he had to do.

H50 – H50 – H50

Steve woke to laughter coming through the open window and just lay for a few more minutes listening to the chatter filtering in from the back of his house. He could hear Chin and Kono laughing about something Danny said. But there were also other voices drifting in, more murmured ones, and he wasn't sure who they belonged to. It seemed that they were getting dinner ready. He didn't remember hearing anything about any dinner plans, especially since 'they' should have believed he would still be in the hospital.

So much for his quiet relaxed time at home. Steve used his right arm to get into a sitting position, hissing at the pain shooting into his leg, but happy not to get dizzy. His shoulder still throbbed a little, but the sleep had obviously done him some good.

He hadn't taken off his sling when he lay down, so he was ready to go. For a moment he looked down at his sock glad feet and wondered when he had taken his boots off. Steve gingerly stood up from the edge of the bed, but found his balance right away and after taking care of business and freshening up in the bathroom, made his way downstairs. And pretty much got the shock of his life.

"Nancy?" Steve stuttered when he laid eyes on Catherine's mom.

"Steve! Good to see you on your feet; I was just on my way to check on you. How do you feel?" Nancy Rollins asked, stepped close and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Eh… good. I feel good. What are you doing here?"

"Well, since Dr. Kulani released you into my care," Nancy said and Steve couldn't help but blush about his little deception, "I thought the least I could do was make sure it wasn't a lie you told a fellow officer, Commander."

"But what about your plans to go to the resort?" Steve asked and winced when another pain shot down his leg.

Nancy winked at him, shook her head and told him with laughter in her voice, "That husband of mine might be a scary man to his recruits, but can whine with the best of them about his slightly sprained ankle. He declared he was under no circumstances able to go anywhere farther than sitting on your beach and watching the waves. I think your beach has spoiled him."

Steve had to grin and knew that had not been the reason they had stayed here. "Thank you, Nancy."

"You're welcome. Now let's be serious for a minute. How are you really? Any pain in your back or while relieving yourself?"

"No, it's all good. The urologist said it's back to normal. I should keep drinking lots of fluids, but he doesn't expect any problems in the future."

"That's good. But you have to tell me immediately if you get any pain in your back or get a fever," Nancy again reminded him of the importance of his kidney injury. "How is your head? Any lingering dizziness?"

"No, just a light headache." Before she could ask, Steve continued to get this over with. "My leg still hurts when I move it. And my shoulder also throbs a little, but my hand is okay."

"Okay, then let's not keep them waiting any longer."

"Them?" Steve asked and wondered who was out on the lanai waiting for him.

"We took the liberty of inviting a few of your friends. We were pretty sure that you would find your way out of Kulani's clutches today, tomorrow at the latest, so we have had this ready since yesterday," Nancy said with a huge grin on her face. "Come on."

Steve followed her a bit reluctantly; it seemed his friends knew him too well.

H50 – H50 – H50

"Steve, I must say you had us worried there for a few hours, when you suddenly disappeared," Danny said into the round an hour later.

Steve looked at him and then saw the worry on all his friends' faces. Maybe not so much on Levy's, but he was busy talking to Kono, discussing the finer points of big wave surfing. Very much to Adam's dismay, who looked like he wanted to shoot Levy on the spot. Steve had to grin, it would be interesting to see who would win in such a fight over Kono.

"Steve!"

"What?"

"What are you grinning at?" Danny asked and followed his gaze, a smile spreading out on his own face. "Ah."

"I'm sorry I had you worried."

"You're forgiven," Danny smiled at him. "Grace couldn't be here tonight, she's at a friend's birthday party. But I'm sure she will be so happy about your gift. Really, Steve, that is so…"

"Forget about it, Danny. I'm glad I could make it happen. It's good that she's not here tonight. I want to hear everything about what happened with Cannon. And she doesn't need to hear that."

They had told him how the investigation was going, but to be honest, the first few days in the hospital his focus hadn't been the best, and the pain medication had done the rest for him not being able to follow any kind of conversation very well. In the end he had given up and had only concentrated on getting better to get the hell out of the hospital. But now he was very well on the mend and ready to learn about the outcome of the case.

"First of all, the Governor is extremely pleased with how we handled the situation," Danny started.

"He is?" Steve asked a bit unbelieving.

"Yes, of course. We not only eliminated the threat of bombings in Hawaii, but we also brought down a big crime boss from New York. Something the FBI has been trying for years now."

"Yeah, but that was more a coincidence because he wanted his revenge in person," Steve countered. If Cannon hadn't come to Hawaii, he would again have gotten away with it.

"No, his hired guns talked and Cannon is going down. Kono was finally able to find the paper trail leading back to Cannon. So, no matter if he had come here or not, he would be behind bars by now."

"That's good to know. So, was Redding the one who shot Reggie?" That was something they hadn't been able to prove right after they had arrested him.

"Yes, Max, will you tell us about it?" Danny gave the word to their ME.

"Certainly. The blood on his boot could be put at the scene of the crime. His boot was definitely the one that stepped into the pool of blood. He could also be placed one block away from the crime scene, and on the video of the traffic cam he is wearing the same boots," Max told them about the information he received from his friend at the FBI crime lab.

"And they can prove that Cannon paid for the killing?" Steve wanted to know.

"Yes, he paid for Reggie's killing, and then he wired the money for yours and Danny's murder," Kono informed him of the money trail she had discovered.

"Only for the two of us? What about you two?"

"Steve, are you saying it's not fair we didn't get a hit on our head?" Chin asked in mock outrage.

"Well, you were also involved. Are you sure he didn't hire anyone else to do his dirty work? Can we be sure everyone involved is behind bars?" Steve just wanted to make sure none of his friends was still in danger.

"Yes, the investigation doesn't indicate anything or anyone else," Danny assured him.

"Good. That's good. What about the driver, the one that got away?" Steve suddenly remembered hearing about the 'car chase'.

"He's gone. We lost him. But he was not part of the hit. He's a driver, not a hit man. The FBI is looking for him, but it seems that he has good connections to South America. It's unlikely that we hear from him again," Danny further explained.

"So, this whole operation was just to kill Danny and me?" Steve asked. He looked at Catherine, making sure she was okay with talking about this in such an emotionless, clinical matter. "Why didn't they just kill me back in the hospital? It would have been easy, I had been unconscious."

"I'm glad they had such an elaborate plan for your death. It gave us time to find you," Catherine voiced her opinion. Her alleged duty on base had also just been a ruse for Steve.

"We found a list on the one you killed," Danny said and thought back to the 'shopping list' they had found on the dead man. "You got away easy, my friend. There was a lot more on it."

"Yes, Commander, it was the enactment of Cannon, Jr.'s death. In the end you would have been stabbed, and I assure you it would have been slow and painful," Max said, but stopped when he saw Captain Rollins' and Catherine's faces. "Eh, I mean…"

"It's okay, Max. We know what you mean," Steve told their ME. "So, it's over and done with?"

"Yes. And I tell you, Steve, that was a weekend I don't need a repeat performance of," Danny said to his friend.

Steve could only agree. The hours in the ocean had not been his idea of a nice hour of surfing. And the bombing and being subjected to the tear gas were also not too great. Not even to mention that people besides him had gotten hurt. And all that just because one man thought Steve and Danny had been responsible for the death of a felon behind bars.

Steve always wondered how people could blame other people for something that went wrong when it was clearly their own fault they were in such a predicament. Had Cannon, Jr. not followed in his father's footsteps, he would still be very much alive. And none of the other people would have gotten hurt.

Well, Steve would probably still have gone surfing and could possibly still have ended up on his way to Midway. But without the prior injuries and mild exhaustion he may have been able to swim out of the current and make it back to shore on his own. Or might not have been involved in the wipe out in the first place.

But those thoughts were water under the bridge, and now was not the time to ponder that. Now was the time to celebrate that the only death count was with the bad guys and all the good guys and the innocent people could go and claim back their normal, albeit exciting lives.

H50 – H50 – H50

And a very special warm thank you to Cokie, who really knows how to make this all so much better.

Look out for the next story that will come to you very soon.