The Gift Of
Thanksgiving
By
Trish
November 13th
“Mmm bruddah, I can almost taste dat turkey, mashed
potato and stuffin’ now.” The large, Hawaiian detective rubbed his stomach
enthusiastically as he glanced towards his companion. “ Jenny
said she’d bring the relish tray and sweet potato casserole; she’s even gunna
add some extra marshmallows on the top. You still gunna pick up the beer and
chips for the game afterwards? I got da cans of corn and Chin said they’d bring
da baked bread and green bean casserole. Steve’s bringin’ the baked ham.”
Pausing for a quick breath, Kono suddenly frowned. “Do ya think that that will
be enough? Maybe I should ask Duke and Doc to bring some more food. Watcha
think?”
Glancing toward his colleague, Danny Williams stifled
a grin. Thanksgiving was over a week away and his Hawaiian friend was already
fretting over food. “That’ll feed you,
Bruddah. But what are the rest of us gunna eat?” He asked teasingly.
“Hey!” Kono began to protest but was quickly silenced as Danny suddenly sat up straighter in his seat and
stared intently at the shadows surrounding the darkened house.
“I think Steve might be right, Kono.” Danny murmured, his eyes still trained on the shadows. “It looks like Bryant has an unwelcome guest
and somethin’ tells me they’re not dropping in for just a nightcap.” Reaching
for the door handle, the young sandy-haired detective silently opened the door
as he softly ordered. “Contact Steve and give him an update. I’m going to try
and get a little closer.”
“I don’t think dat’s such a good idea, Danno.” Kono
whispered as Danny climbed from the car and, crouching low, raced across the
street seeking the protection of the dark shadows of the tree. “Awue!” Kono muttered as his colleague slipped away into the
darkness before reaching for the radio and requesting a patch to McGarrett as
he tried to keep his partner in sight.
“McGarrett.”
The Hawaiian jumped as his boss voice startled him and
pulled his attention back to the mic. “Boss, it looks like you were right. Bryant has an unexpected visitor sneakin’
around his house. Danny’s just gone to check it…”The echo of gunfire made the
detective jump and he snapped his head back towards the house. “Danno!” His chest tightened as the name slipped from his lips
as he pulled the mic back to his mouth. “Shots fired! I’m going in!” He shouted
into the mic before dropping it back unceremoniously onto the seat and pushing
open the door. Ignoring his Boss’ demands of “Kono?
What’s happening…Answer me! Kono?” he unholstered his
gun and ran towards where he last saw his colleague.
------
Stooped as low as he could, Danny drew his weapon as
he carefully edged his way around the corner of the house where he had seen the
figure disappear only moments before. Steve had predicted the possibility of an
attempt on Bryant’s life before the trial. The lead detective had even offered
the ex drug runner turned police informant protection, but Bryant had scoffed
at the offer insisting that he was in no danger, certain that no one in his
criminal world would ever suspect him of turning turncoat. Danny shook his head silently, still amazed
by the man’s arrogance and stupidity. The man was extremely fortunate that
McGarrett had decided to ignore his protests and had kept him under a covert
surveillance by the Five O detectives and HPD.
A sudden movement from the shadows just to his left
caught the young detective by surprise but before he was able to react, his
head exploded in a white – hot bolt of agony, driving him to his knees. He fumbled with his gun as he tried to turn
towards his assailant but a second blow to the back of his head sent him
crashing to the ground. He was dimly aware of someone reaching down and
removing his gun from his hand. A startled gasp echoed in his ears as he heard
his gun being cocked. He tensed as he struggled to
bring his surroundings back into focus. The deafening roar of gunfire rocked
his world before he was plunged into darkness and silence.
-----
”Shots fired! I’m going in!” Kono’s words chilled McGarrett’s blood,
driving the very air from his lungs as if he had been
splashed with icy water. Danno had
gone to investigate the intruder and shots had been fired!
Was his second-in-command safe?
Forcing himself to take a breath, his hand tightened around the phone, as he
demanded more information from his detective. “Kono What’s
happening…Answer me! Kono?”
Receiving only the silent crackle of the radio in
reply, McGarrett quickly disconnected the call before dialing HPD, hastily
snapping orders for immediate back up to the two detectives’ location before he
turned and grabbed his coat from and ran out of his office door, ordering Chin
to join him.
The Chinese detective did not hesitate, dropping the
file in his hand onto the closest desk as he turned and followed his boss out
of the door.
“Danno and Kono spotted someone sneaking around
Bryant’s house. Danno went to investigate. Kono reported that there were shots
fired. ” Steve quickly explained as they ran down the Palace stairs and across
the parking lot to McGarrett’s Mercury. “And that he
was going to investigate. There have been no reports from either of them since.
HPD is on their way.”
“You don’t think…” Chin began as they reached the car
but fell silent as he saw McGarrett’s shoulders tense at the half spoken
question. Silently the detective climbed into the car, barely having time to
close the door before the big car lurched forward and they sped towards the
scene.
------
“Oh man, I warned ya dat it was a bad idea, kaikaina.”
Kono grumbled softly to himself as he crept alongside the house, his gun drawn
against any potential trouble. “Steve ain’t gunna’ be happy if ya got yourself
hurt! ” He murmured again, pausing as he reached the
corner of the house. “Neither will I, Bruddah!” He
mumbled, ignoring the anxious beating of his heart as he peeked around the
corner. He felt his breath catch in his throat as he saw the figure of his
colleague lying motionless on the ground, even in the
dim moonlight he could see the dark stain that covered his friend’s head. In
the lit doorway of the house a second bloodied body was slumped. Even from his
position, Kono could see the open-eyed expression of fear and surprise frozen
on the dead face of Edward Bryant
Seeing no one lurking in the dark shadows, Kono
quickly stepped out, his gun held ready for any unseen threat. In the distance,
he could hear the approaching sirens. Slightly reassured that back up was on
its way, he warily approached his fallen partner. Quietly kneeling down beside
Dan and feeling for a pulse, he continued to scan for any potential threat. He
released a breath of relief as he felt the steady beat against his fingertips.
“Ya just scared ten years off me, Kaikaina.” He whispered distractedly as he
slowly looked around.
“Kono?” Duke called as he edged his way around the corner of the house and
carefully approached the spot where the Five O detective was crouched, feeling
nauseous as he noticed the body of the youngest member of the state police unit
lying motionless close by. “What’s happening?”
Startled by the soft voice close behind him, Kono
turned to face the HPD sergeant as Duke kneeled beside him. “Careful,
Bruddah.” Kono warned quietly as he pulled Duke into the shadows that
speckled the area surrounding them. “Not sure where da shooter is. Danny’s hurt
bad, haven’t checked Bryant but I think he is pau. Haven’t
checked da house yet.”
Glancing up as
two more HPD officers joined them, Kono continued. “I think we should spread
out. Duke, you and I will check da house. Charlie – check da
garden; Ben radio for an ambulance and then stay with Danny.” At the
officers’ nods, he admonished. “Be careful, bruddahs!”
As the two HPD officers moved away, Kono and Duke rose
and carefully approached the house, pausing only for a moment as Kono quickly
leaned down and checked Bryant’s pulse. Rising to his feet, he gave a quick
shake of his head at Duke before they cautiously entered the house and began to
search.
-------
Confused and sketchy, the radio reports gave few specifics
as to what was happening at the scene but the reports of a civilian and officer
down chilled both of the Five O detectives’ blood. Snatching up the radio,
McGarrett was unable to obtain any more information other than several HPD
units had arrived and were searching for a gunman. Tossing the mic back onto
the seat with a growl, McGarrett pressed his foot harder on the accelerator,
urging the heavy car to greater speeds as they raced towards their destination.
Bracing his
hand against the dash, Chin managed to prevent himself from being
thrown forward as Steve slammed on the brakes, rocking the large Mercury
to a tire squealing halt behind the HPD cars and ambulance already parked
haphazardly across the small tree lined street. Stepping from
the vehicle, he quickly followed his boss as they weaved their way through the
maze of police cars and headed towards the back of the small wooden house -
where all the police activity appeared to be concentrated.
Stepping around the edge of the house, McGarrett glanced
around, quickly taking in the crime scene. A covered body lay sprawled within
the back doorway. A few feet away, in the shadows, Kono, Duke and two medical
personnel surrounded a second body on the ground; several other officers were
searching the surrounding garden and house. Danno was nowhere to be seen and initial reports had mentioned an officer and a
civilian down. Drawing a deep breath to control his taut nerves, Steve stepped
towards the small group, his breath catching in his throat as he found himself
staring down at the bloodied, motionless figure of his youngest detective and
his closest friend. ”Danno?”
The sound of his boss’ voice caused Kono to jump and
he turned to face the anxious man standing directly behind him. Standing, he
quickly moved aside, allowing McGarrett to crouch down beside the wounded
detective as he hastily began to give a report. “He’s alive, Boss.” Kono began
nervously. “Looks like someone hit him over da head. Bryant is pau - gunshot to
da chest. Danny’s gun is missin’. I got da boys searching for it now. ”
“What about the shooter?”
“No sign of him, Steve. Che and da lab boys are
checking for fingerprints. I didn’t get a look at him,” Kono answered before he
hastily added. “But Danny might have.”
Nodding distractedly, McGarrett watched as Danny was gently lifted onto the stretcher. “Take over here. Go
over this place with a fine tooth comb. I want Danno’s gun found. Also I want anything
that is going to help us find our hit man. I want a full report as soon as you
both have things wrapped up here.” McGarrett ordered before he turned to follow
the gurney carrying his Second In Command out to the
ambulance.
--------
“Doc, I wasn’t out that long – a couple of minutes at
the most. I don’t wanna be admitted for observation!
Other than a bit of a headache, I’m fine!” Danny Williams protested, sitting up
as Bergman instructed the nurse to arrange a room.
“Danny, you have a concussion and ten stitches holding
that gash in your scalp together.” Bergman told him firmly, as he turned and
gently pushed the young detective back down onto the gurney. “As for not being
out that long, Detective, might I remind you that you were unconscious for over
an hour and when you did regain consciousness you were extremely confused. That,
young man, makes you a guest in this hospital for at least twenty-four hours -
longer if I feel it is warranted! Now, Detective Williams, I expect you to
remain lying on that gurney while I tell Steve that I AM admitting you!”
With an exasperated sigh, Danny settled back against
the pillows as Bergman turned and left the room, determined to convince his
boss that an extended overnight stay was unnecessary - that Doc was just being
overly cautious.
--------
He hated this part. Hated the waiting and not knowing! Hated
the uncertainty and the lack of control! The fact that it was his closest
friend only intensified his distress tenfold.
He struck the wall behind him lightly with a fist before pushing himself away
from its strong support and pacing the corridor, his fist clenching and
unclenching unconsciously with every step as his other hand nervously ran over
his face. He froze motionless as the agonizing memory of hearing the dreaded
words- “Shots fired!” combined with the uncertainty of what he would discover
when he reached the scene sent chills up his spine. He swallowed hard and
closed his eyes but the all too recent sight of his youngest detective lying
motionless on the ground slammed back into his mind. Unable to remain still, he
reopened his eyes and resumed to pace. He
turned at the sound of the door opening and within a few strides met the doctor
as he stepped into the corridor. His eyes examined the older man's face,
searching for the answer to the question he had yet to voice.
Bergman lightly placed his hand on the shoulder of the
agitated detective and smiled. “Awake and cantankerous,
Steve! He is angling to be free but with ten stitches and a concussion,
I am going to keep him here for a day or two for observation.”
McGarrett released
the breath he was unconsciously holding in relief and chuckled. “Think that you
can keep him here that long, Doc?”
“I will if the great Five O escape artist doesn’t aide
and abet him in an escape.” Doc answered casting the lead detective a mock accusatory
glare before he grew more serious. “Steve, Danny was unconscious for over an
hour and when he did finally regain consciousness, he was extremely confused
and disorientated, both extremely disturbing symptoms after a significant head
injury such as the one Danny suffered. The x-rays are clear of serious injuries
but I want to keep him here just to make certain that there is nothing else
going on in that hard head of his!”
“He’ll stay, Doc!” McGarrett agreed immediately. “Can
I see him?”
“Do I have a choice?” Doc grinned before he glanced
down at his watch. “He should be settled into his room by now; I’ll take you
up.”
“Mahalo, Doc.” Steve grinned as he followed the crusty
coroner/ Five O physician to the elevator.
--------
Pushing open the hospital room door, McGarrett entered
the room, smiling as the young man in the bed pushed himself higher into a
sitting position and greeted him eagerly.
”Hi Steve, are you here to spring me?”
“He is not, young man!” Bergman snapped as he followed
the lead detective into the room. “I have already informed him that you are our
guest until at least tomorrow afternoon!”
“He’s the boss this time, Danno.” Steve smiled
apologetically, a slight shrug of his shoulder barely noticeable. He stepped closer to the side of the bed,
making his own covert assessment of his detective’s injuries. A bandage covered
the left side of Dan‘s head and the side of his face was swollen and bruised,
his eye almost completely closed.
“But Steve, I’m fine.” Danny protested. “All I need is
a couple of aspirin, a hot shower and a night in my own bed.”
“Tomorrow, Aikane.” Steve promised as he reached across and gently squeezed the younger
man’s shoulder.
Aware that further arguing would not sway either man, Danny sighed and settled back against the pillows,
grimacing as even that small movement aggravated his headache.
“Are the lights still hurting your eyes, Danny?” Doc
asked as he stepped around McGarrett and began to carry out another round of
head injury observations.
Danny winced as the doctor quickly shone a light into
his eyes, checking the pupil reaction. “Yeah, a little.“
He admitted softly as he turned his attention back to his boss. “Is Bryant safe, Steve?”
McGarrett hesitated, glancing towards the doctor for
confirmation that Danny was well enough to discuss the case before he returned
his attention back to the detective. “Bryant was killed, Danno. We believe that
whoever you spotted in the shadows probably knocked you out before shooting
Bryant. Kono was on the radio with me when the shooting occurred but by the
time he reached you the hit man had already fled.”
Danny’s eyes opened wide in shock as he whispered.
“He’s dead? Oh God, I’m sorry, Steve, I blew it!”
“Danno, you did everything you could to protect Bryant.
What happened tonight was not your fault, Aikane! Bryant refused protection and
he took the risk. The fact is that risk not only got himself killed but you
injured as well.” Steve quickly corrected his friend, appalled that Danno would
blame himself for the informant’s death.
Unconvinced by his boss’ argument, Danny turned away
and stared out of the window into the darkness beyond. “I saw someone in the
shadows, Steve. I knew that there could be a hit but I was too slow. I should
have reacted quicker. If I had then, maybe Bryant would still be alive.”
“And maybe whoever shot Bryant might have killed you
as well to stop you from preventing him from doing the hit, Danno! We were
lucky this time that he settled for just knocking you out!” McGarrett growled in frustration at his
detective’s misplaced guilt.
“Steve!” Doc hissed warning that an angry outburst would not be tolerated.
“Sorry, Danno,” McGarrett whispered,
contrite at his loss of control before he drew a deeper breath to settle
himself before he asked. “Did you manage to get a good look at the
suspect?”
Returning his attention back to McGarrett, Danny
slowly shook his head, wincing at the movement. “I’m sorry Steve. All I can
remember is seeing the shadow of a man moving next to the house.” Danny closed
his eyes as he tried to concentrate. “The shadow was tall and thin. I remember
getting out of the car…and… following whoever it was around the side of the
house…”
“Go on, Danno, what else?” McGarrett encouraged his
friend as Danny fell silent.
Danny frowned in frustration before he opened his eyes
and sighed. “Sorry, Steve, after that it’s blank.” He whispered tiredly as he
leaned back into the pillows.
“That’s enough Steve,” Doc advised the dark haired
detective. “Danny needs to rest. Any more questions will have to wait.”
McGarrett looked up at the physician and nodded before
he returned his attention back to the sandy-haired man in the bed. “Get some
rest, Aikane. I’ll be back in the morning.” He promised.
“To spring me?” Danny asked as his eyes slid shut.
“IF Doc agrees.” Steve smiled as he watched Danny’s head gently roll to the side, the
younger man’s breathing easing into the gentle rhythm of sleep.
“Tomorrow afternoon at the earliest, Steve,” Bergman
reiterated firmly. “And only if I think
he is well enough. But, if I do release him, I do not want to see him back at
work for at least a week, no matter how much he badgers you!”
“Deal, Doc.” Steve agreed before he leaned over the
sleeping man and gently patted his arm, “I’ll be back in the morning, Danno.
Sleep well,” he whispered before he turned and left the room.
-------
“Steve.” Chin called as he stepped out of the elevator
just in time to see his boss emerge from the hospital room, pausing to speak
for a moment with the coroner before the physician walked away towards the
nurses’ desk. Turning towards the detective, McGarrett waited as Chin hurried
towards him.
“How’s Danny?”
“Ten stitches and a moderate concussion but Doc says
he is going to be fine.” McGarrett answered. “What’ve we got?” he asked as they
began to walk briskly to the elevator.
“Kono’s back at the Palace writing up his report of
what happened tonight. He’s really shaken up, Boss.” Chin answered as they
stopped in front of the closed elevator doors and waited. “Was Danny able to
provide an ID?”
“His memory of the whole incident is still fairly
sketchy. He only remembers seeing a shadow of a tall thin man and following
him. Everything else is a blank at the moment. What about Danno’s gun?”
“No sign of it at the scene, Steve. We are assuming
that who ever made the hit on Bryant has taken the gun. “
Chin informed his boss as the elevator doors opened and both men stepped
inside. “Che found several shoe prints near where Danny was
found and also a good set of fingerprints on the doorway above Bryant’s
body. We are running the prints now.”
“Any idea of the caliber of the gun
used?” McGarrett questioned as he stabbed the elevator
button with his finger and started their descent.
“By the size of
the entry wound, I would guess a .38 but until Doc does the autopsy…” Chin
shrugged.
“There’s not much more we can do tonight.” McGarrett
sighed as they stepped out into the lobby of the hospital. “Go home, Chin, and
get some sleep. We’ll start fresh again in the morning.”
With a tired nod, Chin agreed, biding his boss
goodnight as he turned and left the lobby.
McGarrett watched Chin leave before he turned and walked back to the
elevator headed back to his friend’s room.
--------
Opening the lanai doors to let in the fresh morning
breeze, McGarrett turned towards the two detectives sitting in the high backed
white chairs in front of his desk. ”Okay, Gentlemen, what have we got?” He
began the meeting without preamble, intent on finding whoever was responsible
for murdering their witness and seriously injuring his Second-In-Command and
closest friend. This case, he silently decided, would be the top priority until
the perpetrator was caught.
“Danny’s gun is still missing, Steve. We believe it
was probably taken by the hit man.” Chin began.
“How did you go with your description, Kono?”
McGarrett asked, pinning the Hawaiian with a heated stare.
Kono swallowed nervously. “All I saw was the figure in
the shadows, Steve, Male, tall - maybe 5’10 and slim build.”
“Danny couldn’t give me a clearer description then
that either. “Steve sighed. “I want you to keep working on what you can
remember. Have we got the autopsy results yet?”
“The initial autopsy reports indicate that Bryant was
killed by a .38 bullet to the heart; death was instantaneous.” Chin read from
his notes.
“Was the bullet fired from Danno’s gun?”
“Che’s running
the ballistic tests on the bullet now but at a guess the answer would be yes.”
McGarrett frowned as he stood and began to pace. “What
else have we got?”
“Maybe a suspect, Steve.” Chin announced eagerly. “We hit it lucky with the fingerprints Che
found on the door above Bryant’s body. They belong to Kenny Manning.”
“Kenny Manning?” Steve repeated the name without
recognition.
“He’s a small time con, Steve, mostly petty crimes –
burglary, pick pocketing, breaking and entering. But
he does fit the partial descriptions of the suspect. “
“Ain’t Manning’s style, Chin. He ain’t ever been
violent.” Kono interrupted. “This is more a hit, bruddah. Probably
someone who knew that Bryant was goin’ ta talk.”
McGarrett paused his pacing and turned towards the two
men, “This doesn’t have the feel of a professional hit, but it could be a
burglary gone sour! I want you to get out on the street and see what your
snitches are saying. Also check the alibis of everyone that Bryant was willing
to testify against. We can’t rule out a hit just yet!”
The two detectives nodded as McGarrett turned to
leave. “I have an appointment with Stuart to update him on the case. If you
need me, you can reach me at his office or the hospital. I am going to see if
Danno can remember anything else about last night.”
“How is the kaikaina?” Kono asked as he rose to his
feet and followed his boss out of the door.
“He’s hoping that Doc releases him today.” Steve
grinned, “And if this morning was any indication, I have the feeling Doc’s
going to have an argument on his hands if he doesn’t.”
--------
Smiling as Danny opened his apartment door Steve held
up the two bags of Chinese food he was carrying as he brushed past the younger
man and entered. “I thought we could have Chinese takeout tonight since I’m so
late.” He announced as he moved into the small kitchenette and placed the bags
onto the counter.
“Steve, I’m fine.” Danny protested as he watched
McGarrett open the cabinet and take out two plates and two mugs before settling
them on the counter. “You really don’t need to check up on me every night. It
was only a small bump on the head. I’ve had far worse with wipeouts while
surfing.”
“Danno, that small
bump on the head gave you a concussion, ten stitches and a twenty-four hour
stay in the hospital. Even then, Doc was reluctant to release you. It was only
on my solemn promise that I would keep a close eye on you that he allowed you
to be discharged.” Steve quietly reiterated the same explanation that he had
given the night before when Danny had balked at his checking on him both during
the day by phone and in the evening with dinner.
“But Steve, I’m fine.” Danny continued to
protest as he watched McGarrett serve the food before carrying the plates to
the table, nodding at him to sit as the meal was laid out.
“Danno, I know that you are perfectly capable of
taking care of yourself. But lets just humor Doc and
let him think that for once he is getting his own way with his orders.” Steve
grinned as he began to eat.
Danny sighed as he picked up his fork, pushing the
food around on his plate before he looked back up at his boss. “Anything new
with the investigation?” he asked quietly.
“Not much, we’re at a virtual standstill at the
moment.” McGarrett answered, silently relieved that Danno had changed the
subject. “We identified the fingerprints at the scene as Kenny Manning’s.”
Frowning at the information, Danny looked up from
toying with his food on the plate. “Manning?” He asked in disbelief before
adding. “Yeah, he fits the shadow I saw. But I’m kinda
surprised that he would be involved in something like this, Steve. He’s
strictly more petty crime-more likely to be involved with lifting a tourist’s
wallet than being involved in a murder.”
Nodding his agreement of Danny’s assessment of the
petty criminal, Steve continued.”I know that this type of crime doesn’t fit
into his normal activities, Danno, but so far all the circumstantial evidence
points to him. We are working on the theory that this might not have been a hit
as first thought but more an interrupted burglary. He didn’t realize that we
were watching the house. He must have realized that someone had spotted him as
he approached the house…”
“Then he hid in the shadows and waited until I walked
around the corner…” Danny continued the hypothesis.
“And took the opportunity to knock
you out so he wouldn’t be identified or caught.” Steve concluded.
“Yeah, yeah that would fit more in with Manning’s
style, Steve.” Danny agreed. “What about
the weapon used? Was it my gun?” Danny asked, aware that the missing weapon had not yet been recovered.
“I’m afraid so, Danno,” McGarrett answered. “The ballistics
check Che carried out today on the bullet Doc recovered from Bryant’s body
confirmed it was fired from your gun. We think that Manning may have grabbed
the gun after he knocked you out, intending to keep it but was surprised when
Bryant opened the back door to find out what the commotion was.”
“So Manning panics and uses the gun. “ Danny finished.
“Manning’s slippery, Steve. You will need everyone out to find him. If I came
back on duty, even desk duty…”
“Danno, it has only been two days since you were
released from the hospital.” Steve interrupted, aware of where his young friend
was attempting to lead the conversation. “You suffered a concussion, Aikane.
I’m not sure if you are well enough to return to duty - even desk duty.”
Normally Steve was his closest ally when it came to
breaking Doc’s orders of a lengthy and unnecessary extended sick leave but this
time Steve seemed uncharacteristically reluctant to allow his early return to
duties. Danny silently studied his friend, now uncertain if he could sway the
man but determined to try as he began to plead. “Steve, I’m going crazy here.
Please, I promise I’ll behave. I’ll do whatever paperwork needs to be done with no complaints. I’ll even work on this month’s
budget!”
“You’re willing to do the monthly budget?” McGarrett
asked in disbelief. “What about the rosters?”
“The rosters?” Danny frowned as he considered the dreaded job before he nodded in
agreement. “Does that mean I’m back on the team?” He asked hopefully.
Trying to maintain a stern expression, McGarrett
nodded slowly. “Deskwork only, Danno, you are not on full duties until you are
cleared by Doc!”
“Mahalo, Steve, I promise deskwork only!” Danny
grinned.
Shaking his head in amusement, Steve picked up his mug
of coffee taking a sip as he watched Danny begin to eat.
--------
Danny sighed in frustration, even almost a week after
suffering the concussion, the slight headache and accompanying dizziness still
continued to plague him. Signing the budget that he had just finished working
on, Danny slowly sat upright and gently rubbed his eyes. Two days of being tied
to his desk and working on nothing but paperwork had not helped ease the pain.
Glancing out of the glass partition that separated his
cubicle from the rest of the office, Danny quickly ensured that nobody was
watching as he opened the drawer and retrieved the small bottle of aspirins
that he had placed there earlier. Opening the bottle, he dropped two of the
tablets into his hand before he hastily popped the tablets into his mouth,
grimacing at the taste as he swallowed them dry. Dropping the bottle back into
the drawer, Danny quickly pushed it close as he grabbed the form he had been
working on. Standing up, he grabbed the edge of the desk as a wave of vertigo washed
over him, threatening to topple him. Closing his eyes tightly he waited for the
sickening sensation to pass before he turned and headed to Steve’s office.
Looking up from the file he was perusing, McGarrett
smiled as he heard the tap on the door that preceded the entrance of his
Second-In-Command. “Get the budget finished for the month, Danno?” he asked,
aware of how much the younger man ‘enjoyed’ doing the administrative chore.
Danny grimaced as he walked to the desk and handed his
boss the dreaded assignment. “All finished, Steve, just need you to sign it and
I can give it to Jenny to file.”
Glancing down at the figures, McGarrett resisted the
urge to grin as he returned his attention to the detective that had settled
himself on the corner of his desk. “I’m afraid that I can’t sign this Danno.”
He announced softly
“Why not?’ Danny asked confused, as a small ripple of irritation rippled through
his soul at the amount of time he had labored over the figures to get them
correct.
Unable to stop the small chuckle that erupted from his
mouth, Steve handed back the sheet of paper. “Because Aikane, you have dated
this 1980 and we need the money this month.”
Blinking in surprise, Danny glanced down at the date
and blushed. “I’m sorry Steve, I’ll fix it straight
up.” He murmured as he jumped from the desk and hurried out of the room.
McGarrett laughed at the young man’s embarrassment
over such a trivial mistake before he returned his attention to the file that
lay opened on his desk.
-------
“Hey Bruddah,” Kono’s excited voice caught startled
Danny as the young detective frowned as he studied the roster in front of him.
Glancing up, he was surprised to find Chin, Kono and Jenny standing in the
doorway of his cubicle. “You still bringing the beer and chips to da
Thanksgiving dinner ain’t ya?” Kono asked.
“Yeah, I thought I might pick up a couple of bags of
nuts as well.” Danny added as he confirmed the items he was bringing.
“How about bringing a pumpkin pie, Danny? Kono forgot
to assign it to someone.” Jenny suggested, casting a disappointed glare towards
the large Hawaiian detective standing beside her.
“Yeah, fine.” Danny swallowed, suddenly feeling queasy
at the thought of food as the other three continued to discuss the Thanksgiving
plans excitedly.
“Don’t forget the whipped cream with it.” Chin
admonished with a grin.
“Remember you promised extra marshmallows on the sweet
potatoes.“ Kono reminded the pert secretary.
“Steve mentioned that he is going to try a new honey
glaze recipe on the ham.” Chin added in excitedly.
“Mmm, dat’s making my mouth water already bruddah.”
Kono grinned, rubbing his stomach. “Da last ham Steve baked just melted in da
mouth.”
Danny swallowed hard as the ongoing discussion of food
began to morph the slight queasiness he had felt into a disturbing sense of
nausea. Pushing himself up out of his seat, he attempted to make his way
casually to the door, excusing himself with the explanation that he needed to
check something with Che in the lab. Brushing past his three friends, he
quickly rushed out of the office and into the men’s room managing to stumble
into a stall before his stomach rebelled.
-----
Washing his face and rinsing out his mouth, Danny
determinedly ignored the pale reflection in the mirror. He was not certain just
what was wrong with him but whatever it was he was determined not to let it
show. The dull yet persistent headache that had continued to plague him had now
increased to a throbbing pain, making him feel sick to the stomach. Even the
mention of food now made him ill. He sighed,
desperately wishing what ever he was coming down with would quickly pass. He
had had enough days off with the concussion without needing to use anymore
because he was suffering from some type of stomach flu.
Satisfied that the cold water had returned some of the
color back to his face, Danny turned off the faucet and left the men’s room,
turning in the direction of the stairs as he decided he would check on some
evidence that Che was working with for his arson case.
“Danno!”
His boss’ shout startled him
and he turned quickly as McGarrett, Chin and Kono hurried towards him. Chin
handed him his Browning sniper rifle as they reached him.
“What’s up?” he asked, accepting the gun as McGarrett
grabbed his arm leading him in the direction of their egress from the building.
“Hostage situation at the bank. HPD reports that they have Matthew Clarke held up inside with several
hostages after a robbery soured.”
“Clarke!” Danny breathed quietly. His heart beat faster
as he remembered the vicious, armed robber who had shot two hostages during a
bank hold up because they had not moved as quickly as he had wanted. “I thought he was still in jail after his
last hold up.”
“Escaped yesterday.” McGarrett informed him as they reached the Mercury. “It looks like he
was attempting to get a little cash to fund his escape off this rock. I know
that you are still supposed to be on desk duty, Danno, but I need the best
sharpshooter we have at the scene. Think you are up to it?” He asked the young
detective over the roof of the car.
“I’m fine, Steve.” Danny quickly reassured the older
man as he opened the door of the large car and slid into the passenger seat,
carefully settling his gun beside him as the car lurched forward.
-----
Taking cover behind the HPD car closest to the bank,
McGarrett assessed the situation. From inside the building, they could hear
Clarke’s agitated shouts at the hostages trapped with him, combined with the
threats and taunts that he shouted through the shattered windows to the police
out in the street. Mindful of the gunman’s desperation and hair-trigger temper,
McGarrett was acutely aware that the chances of ending this siege peacefully
were slim. Facing life in prison for his escape and now this aborted bank
robbery/ hostage drama, Clarke had little to lose if he decided to end this in
a bloodbath rather then be captured. All attempts
McGarrett had made so far to encourage the desperate gunman to surrender had
ended with a volley of bullets from the bank that had forced everyone in the
street to stay well behind the cover and safety of the cars and buildings
creating a stand-off that showed no signs of ending.
Glancing up towards the roof of the building opposite
the bank, McGarrett could just make out the shape of his Second-In-Command as
the young sharpshooter edged his way on his stomach to suitable position where
he could sight his target.
“Careful, Danno, careful!” McGarrett murmured as he
heard Clarke yell more demands for a car before firing several more shots above
their heads causing him to duck.
The radio on the ground beside him crackled as he
heard Danny report. ”I’m in position, Steve. I can see into the bank.”
“Can you see Clarke, Danno?” McGarrett snapped
anxiously into the radio, unable to get a view of the gunman from his own
position as he heard the gunman call out his name.
There was a moment of silence as Danny peered through
the scope of his gun, looking for his target. His heart froze as the image of
Clarke appeared in front of him and he snatched up his radio. “Steve, Steve,
he’s holding a hostage in front of him, almost like a human shield. He’s headed
towards the window.” Danny warned as he kept the two figures firmly in his
sights.
“If you get the opportunity, Danno, take him out!”
McGarrett responded as a shout from the bank caught his attention.
“McGarrett!“
The dark-haired detective carefully peered over the
hood of the car towards the bank. Clarke stood in front of the window, a young
girl aged about sixteen was held tightly in front of
him as he held a gun close to her head as he yelled. “McGarrett, if you don’t
want me to start shooting these people in here then you had better get me a car
and let me walk away from here!”
“You know that I can’t do that, Clarke. So just drop
your weapon and let the girl go. Let’s end this peacefully.” McGarrett called
through the bullhorn, glancing up at his detective on the rooftop in an attempt
to see if Danny was following the gunman’s movements in his gun.
Sighting through the scope, Danny slowly tracked the
gunman and his hostage, waiting for the opportunity to end the siege. He
watched intently, his finger resting lightly on the trigger as Clarke moved in
front of the window, the teenager held as a shield firmly in front of him as he
argued with McGarrett.
“I mean it, McGarrett. Either get
me a car or she dies!” Clarke yelled as he pulled the young girl closer to his
chest, keeping his gun pressed firmly against her head, ignoring her whimpers
of pain as the gun dug into her skin.
“There’s no where for you to run, Clarke. Don’t make
this any worse than it already is.” McGarrett called back. “You haven’t hurt
anyone. So why not let the girl go.”
Danny’s finger tightened marginally on the trigger as
he watched the two figures in his sights. Clarke’s head continued to move in
and out of target, not quite giving the sharpshooter the opportunity to take
him out.
“I’m not surrendering, McGarrett! I will kill the kid
if you don’t get me a car in the next two minutes and then I will start killing
the rest! Their blood will be on your hands, Cop!” Clarke screamed as he swung
the girl towards McGarrett, determined that the lead detective would fully
witness the girl’s death.
Danny tensed as he watched Clarke turn and he began to
line up the shot. He frowned in concentration, focusing through the sight. His
finger began to squeeze the trigger as Clarke moved into the perfect position
but the figure suddenly blurred before the shape sharpened back into focus.
Danny hesitated, releasing the trigger as he wiped his eyes with his arm before
he refocused on his target, releasing a sigh of relief that he still had the
shot. He lined Clarke up again but the figure in his sights again wavered out
of focus, leaving him with only a blurry shape that seemed to divide and
merge. He jumped as he heard a sudden
deafening eruption of gunfire from the street below. Desperately he swiped at his eyes, trying to
focus as his heart beat painfully in his chest over the possibility that he had
just cost the young hostage her life.
“I got him!” Tomi Katachi’s excited voice echoed through the radio before
McGarrett’s voice broke through the transmission praising the young SWAT member
for taking the gunman out.
Allowing his head to sink onto his arm in relief, Williams
closed his eyes, swallowing down the hot bile that suddenly rose in his throat
at the near tragedy that he would have been responsible for. He heard the radio
crackle again but it took him several moments to realize it was McGarrett
calling to him, demanding he answer the call. Reluctantly he reached for the
radio, fumbling with it several times before he managed to pick it up in his
shaking hand and depress the button, answering. “Williams.”
“Danno, are you okay?” The anxiety in McGarrett’s
voice filtered though. “Danno?”
“I’m fine, Steve.” Dan answered guiltily as the
realization that his boss and closest friend had feared he had not taken the
shot because he might have been wounded in the barrage
of gunfire that had erupted. Taking a deep breath, he pushed himself up onto
his feet, ignoring the dizziness that washed over him as he pulled the radio
back to his lips. “On my way down now.”
Releasing his own nervous breath of relief, Steve
walked across to the bottom of the fire escape and waited until his friend
climbed down as he pondered the many reasons why Danno had not been able to
take the shot. He knew Danno would explain his reasons why. Stepping down from the ladder, Danny sighed
audibly as McGarrett stepped forward and gently clasped his shoulder.
“Danno? What happened? Are you okay?” McGarrett asked softly, shocked at the
unexpected paleness of his young detective.
“I know that I
didn’t take him out when I had the chance, okay!” Danny snapped as his own
irritation at himself suddenly morphed into white-hot anger at his boss and
closest friend. “I know that I messed up but I’m only human!” Shrugging out of his stunned boss’ light
hold, Danny turned and stalked away.
-------
Jenny looked up as the office door opened and watched
as Danny entered the office, slamming the door closed behind him. The normally
happy-go-lucky detective seemed upset and sullen, totally ignoring her as he
stalked into his cubicle. Yanking the chair away from his desk, he slumped
wearily into it, dropping his head onto his arms on the desk.
Uncertain what had so deeply upset the young man, she rose, moved over to the coffeepot and poured a mug
of steaming hot coffee. Turning, she quietly walked into Danny’s cubicle and
placed the mug onto the desk as she gently touched his arm. “Want to talk about
it?”
Raising his head from his arms, Danny murmured. “Not
really.”
With a motherly smile, Jenny squeezed his arm. “What
ever it is, you know it’s safe with me, Danny. Something has obviously upset
you. Was it Steve?”
“No, it’s just
me. I’m just tired.” He admitted softly,
squinting as he looked up at the small woman. “And today it interfered with a
case. I know I let Steve down at the scene. If anyone has a right to be upset,
it’s him.”
“Maybe you need to go home and get some sleep. I’m
sure Steve would understand. “ Jenny advised as she
studied the dark circles under his eyes and the paleness of his face. Gently
grabbing him by the arm, she pulled him to his feet before pushing his coat and
car keys into his hands. Then she
steered him towards the cubicle door.
“You’re exhausted, Honey. Go on. Go home and I’ll explain why to
Steve. And
don’t you bother about trying to cook dinner; I’ll drop in later with something
for you to eat. All you have to do for the rest of the day is sleep.”
“Jenny, I can’t. I have too much paperwork…” Danny
started to protest.
“Paperwork that I’m sure can wait until you feel up to
doing it in the morning. Anything that can’t wait, I’m positive Kono or Chin
won’t mind doing.” Jenny insisted as she
guided him to the office door. “Now go! And don’t
worry about the Boss. I’ll explain why you went home to him.”
Too exhausted to argue with Jenny any longer about
staying, Danny raised his hands in a mock surrender and offered a small smile.
“Okay, you win. I’m going!”
“Get some sleep!” Jenny admonished, smiling as she
watched the sandy-haired detective turn and head tiredly down the stairs,
waving an acknowledgement of her command as he went.
--------
The wrap up at the bank hostage scene had taken far
longer than McGarrett had anticipated. Normally he would allow his detectives
and HPD to deal with the aftermath and clean up at the scene but the manager of
the bank had been insistent that he remain, so insistent that the man had actually
contacted the governor to ensure that his hysterical request was
granted.
McGarrett muttered his irritation and disgust at the
enforced handholding of the nervous bank manager as he jogged up the internal
Koa stairs in the Palace. He was anxious to check in his second-in-command.
Danno’s perplexing behavior at the scene was disturbing; his unexplained and
unwarranted anger directed towards the lead detective in such a public place needed to be addressed.
Steve sighed as he reached the top of the stairs and walked towards the
Five O office door. Danno’s behavior had been…been…a
little…‘off’ since he had returned from sick leave. Something was
obviously troubling his young friend and now was the time to find out precisely
what the problem was. No more public displays of temper as the one displayed
today could or would be tolerated.
Pushing open the office door, McGarrett moved briskly
through the anteroom, commanding. “Danno, my office.
NOW!” as he passed the last cubicle, resisting the urge to turn and see
Williams’ reaction.
“Steve, Danny’s not here.” Jenny’s soft voice caught
him by surprise and he spun back towards his secretary.
“Not here? Where is he?” McGarrett demanded as he instinctively
glanced into the cubicle, confirming that it was empty before he returned his
attention to the woman sitting at the desk.
“He’s gone home, Boss.” Jenny answered quietly.
“Gone home?” McGarrett growled in growing disbelief
and frustration.
“Boss, he wasn’t feeling well.” Jenny interrupted,
hoping to cool McGarrett’s volcanic eruption of temper that was very close to
exploding. “He was going to try and continue working but I suggested that he
was better off going home and sleeping. I told him that you would understand.”
She added quickly as she watched as McGarrett’s angry visage change to concern
over the health of his youngest detective.
“I think I might stop at his apartment and check on
him on my way home tonight.” McGarrett murmured, irritated at himself that he
had forced an unwell Danno into such a tense
situation. No wonder why Danny had been so upset when he had been unable to
take a shot. The young detective had felt the pressure to perform to his peek
when he was not completely recovered from a head
injury.
“I promised him that I would take him some dinner,
Boss.” Jenny interrupted his thoughts. “Besides by the time you stumble out of
here I’m sure Danny is going to be sound asleep. “ She smiled.
-------
Stepping out of his office to refill his coffee cup,
McGarrett was surprised to find that the clerical staff and two of his
detectives had arrived and were engrossed in their morning activities. Glancing
down at his watch, he realized that it was much later than he had thought and
the morning 9 am staff meeting was scheduled to begin
in five minutes.
A second look around revealed that Danny’s cubicle was
still unoccupied and a small stab of guilt over the young man’s illness of the
previous day caused the normally aloof detective to cringe. “Jenny, how was
Danno feeling last night?” he asked guiltily.
Jenny smiled as she stopped her typing and looked up
at the worried detective. “He had some company when I arrived,” she laughed,
“Seems that one of his girlfriends-Tina, I think her name was, had decided to
nurse him back to health.”
“Tina?” Kono grinned as he overheard the conversation,
“She’s one hot wahine. Wouldn’t
mind having her as my nurse!” He announced as Chin chuckled from
somewhere behind him.
A flicker of anger passed momentarily across
McGarrett’s features before he managed to mask the emotion behind a stern
façade as he turned to his two grinning detectives. “What are you two waiting
for? We have a staff meeting in my
office, NOW!”
“Yes, Boss.” Kono muttered as he dove into his cubicle
to grab his notebook.
“Just headed into your office now.” Chin informed his boss as he turned and entered McGarrett’s office.
-----
With an agitated sigh, Steve glimpsed down at his
watch, the staff meeting was scheduled to have started
ten minutes ago. Looking back up at the two detectives who shifted uneasily in
their chairs he growled. “Anyone heard from Danno this morning?”
“No, Boss.”
“Maybe he’s still sick, Steve.” Chin suggested, aware
of his boss’ increasing annoyance with Williams since the younger detective had
returned from sick leave. “Jenny said he didn’t look well when he went home
yesterday.”
“I’m sure he recovered with his own private nurse
taking care of him!” McGarrett growled angrily as his office door suddenly
swung open and Danny rushed into the room.
“Sorry I’m late, Steve.” He apologized breathlessly as
he settled onto the sofa and opened his notebook. “But I slept through the
alarm.”
“We’ll discuss your tardiness after the meeting,”
Steve answered harshly, “Now if we can get on with this! What have we got on
the Bryant hit? It has been just over a week, gentlemen!”
.
“So far all the evidence points to Manning being at
the scene - the fingerprints on the door, Danny’s description of the figure he
saw lurking near the house and the bragging that Manning has been doing on the
street.” Chin began. “So far everything is fairly circumstantial. Not enough of
it to hold up in court.”
Turning towards his errant detective, McGarrett asked.
“Have you remembered anything else about the figure you saw in the shadows that
night, Danno?”
The young detective blushed with embarrassment. “Sorry, Steve. I’ve tried but the whole incident is still
real blurry. I just remember seeing a figure after that everything is blank.”
McGarrett nodded.
“It’s okay, Danno. It will come back to you,
just give it a little time. “ He admonished gently
before he turned back to the two detectives sitting in the white chairs in
front of his desk. “Any word from your snitches?”
“Word on da street, Boss, is that Manning has a gun
for sale. A .38 caliber police special.” Kono told the
dark-haired detective.
“A police special - Danno’s gun?” Steve asked.
Kono nodded his agreement. “And he’s real anxious to
get rid of it. Trying to sell it cheap, real cheap.
But nobody’s buyin’.”
“Anyone even thinkin’ of buyin’ it would be need to be lolo, Bruddah.” Chin added.
“I suppose the coconut wirlesse
is quiet about where Manning might be?” Steve asked.
“Word is he hangs out on Waikiki Beach, watching the
tourists splashing in the waves.” Kono informed his boss.
“More like relieving them of their money when they are
in the water!” Steve corrected as he picked up a pencil and began to tap it
lightly on the desk,
thinking . Suddenly he placed the pencil down. “Chin, I want you
and Kono to keep an eye on Waikiki Beach and anywhere around Waikiki where
Manning is likely to hang out. When you find him, pick him up. I have a couple
of questions to ask Manning about how he came to have possession of the gun.”
“Danno…” McGarrett turned towards his Second-In-Command
and sighed in exasperation. Danny’s head was tilted
back on the sofa and the young detective snored softly. “Danno!”
Kono and Chin glanced uncomfortably at each other as
Danny jumped, startled awake by Steve’s angry call of his name.
Realizing that
he had dozed off sometime during the staff meeting, Dan quickly straightened up
and rubbed his face, “Sorry Steve.“ he murmured
sheepishly.