All characters belong to CBS…I enjoy writing about them.
This story takes place in Season 1 after the Tsunami episode and will (hopefully) carry through the next three seasons. I took a few liberties (as we all tend to do) and eliminated a couple of characters or placed them in the background (i.e. Catherine, Lori) as I wanted this to be a non-traditional character for this story.
You think that working in paradise would have its perks but not for the Five-O Task Force. They had put in a long week and were bordering on exhaustion. To top it off the Governor had requested Steve's presence after his shift; and she wasn't taking no for an answer.
It had been a long, grueling day for Commander Steve McGarrett and his team so his looking forward to meeting with the Governor was the least of his concerns. He knew he had to go but after the week they had he wasn't really ready. Despite his unwillingness Steve took a seat in the lobby waiting to be summoned into Jameson's office.
"The Governor will see you now Commander," the secretary stated.
Steve donning his cargo pants, blue shirt and matching t-shirt stood up and headed for the office. He wasn't sure what the Governor could possibly want other than to congratulate them. He walked towards the desk where an empty chair waited for him. "Governor," Steve nodded as he sat down.
"Good to see you Steve," Jameson smiled. She always had an agenda and seeing her smile the way she did Steve knew he was in trouble. "I need a favor."
"What kind of favor," He questioned trying to brace himself for the worst.
"Well," Jameson, turned to her bookshelf, grabbed a book then leaned back in her chair facing Steve. She seemed to switch topics in mid-sentence. "Do you read Commander?"
"Depends," Steve wondered what she was up to; "Did you write a book and need me to analyze it?"
"Goodness no," Jameson sat up, "I received a call from a publisher friend of mine and well he asked," she hesitated. The Governor had set up the task force to catch the really bad guys not to do what she was about to ask; "If we could place one of his authors in protective custody."
"Why would an author need to be placed in protective custody," Steve asked as he studied her body language.
"Apparently she has been receiving death threats and has a stalker," Jameson looked at Steve and could tell he wasn't happy. "She's one of their best authors and they want to keep her safe."
"You mean they want to protect their cash flow," Steve replied bitterly. The Governor nodded; "Why us and not HPD?"
"You," She smiled, "Are a SEAL and are used to protecting people." Jameson was trying to butter him up, "You have the skills to protect her while eliminating the problem."
"Are you asking me to kill this nut job," Steve wasn't thrilled with what the Governor was asking him to do. The Governor laughed while shaking her head. "Why doesn't this author hire a body guard?"
"According to my friend," Jameson swallowed hard, "This particular author doesn't know about the death threats or that she has a stalker."
"How can this woman not know," Steve was finding it hard to believe.
"They have kept it from her to protect her," Jameson noted softly.
"I think they kept it from her hoping she would continue to write without freaking out," Steve leaned forward, "I don't think it is right Governor. How can you expect me and my team to protect someone who has no idea she needs protecting?"
"Well," Jameson smiled brightly, "We can have you meet her and offer to show her around Oahu." She had planned this all out, "You can bring her to the Ball next Friday night all on the pretext of showing her a good time. You can even show her around Five-O and help her research her next book." Jameson handed Steve a book, "She writes Crime Fiction, murder mysteries, romance and inspirational novels."
"She's seems very versatile," Steve examined the book and the jacket showing him exactly whom he, and his team, would protect. He thought she was quite attractive but probably a real pain in the ass. "I don't like this Governor."
"I know," Jameson stood up, "But Steve with the skills that you and your team possess will make this an easy assignment. I will make sure you and your team will be well compensated for this."
"When are we supposed to start this protection detail," Steve asked standing hating the whole idea.
"She arrives tomorrow morning," Jameson smiled. "We have arranged for a car to pick her up."
"You mean a member of my team," Steve remarked.
"Yes," Jameson nodded, "You can send anyone you would like."
"Where is she staying," Steve asked not liking it the more he was learning about it.
"At the Hawaiian Hilton," Jameson noted, "Her publisher has made sure she has someone staying with her, discreetly of course."
"I will need to know who that is Governor," Steve grumbled. He received a packet of information that he took with him to HQ. He sat at his desk reading the information unsure of what he was going to tell his team, especially Danny. He leaned back in his chair for a brief moment when he heard Danny enter his office. Steve explained what their next assignment was and to his surprise Danny was okay with their role.
"It beats chasing the bad guy," Danny picked up the book, "She's actually a pretty good writer. I like her mysteries."
"You know who she is, "Steve was surprised.
"Most people know who she is," Danny noted sarcastically, "Oh that's right you are a cave dwelling Neanderthal who only reads 'Guns and Ammo' magazine." Danny smiled wryly. "I also know she writes a great set of kids' books."
"I'm not a Neanderthal," Steve barked, "I just never liked books telling about things I have seen or see every day of my life."
"Admit it," Danny chortled, "You don't like to read."
"Do you want to be the one to escort her from the airport tomorrow," Steve asked as he gathered his things including the book from Danny.
"No," Danny noted, "I will leave that up to you." He watched Steve clutch the book tightly against his body, "If you need help with the big words give me a call." Danny laughed as he exited Steve's office.
Later that evening after eating Steve sat on his couch and began reading her book. It wasn't at all what he expected. He was impressed.
Emma Maguire departed the plane exhausted from such a long flight. She was unable to sleep due to kids kicking her seat and the woman talking incessantly next to her. She was also starving and when she didn't eat she became cranky, to put it mildly. Emma stood off to the side allowing the crowd to dissipate, while watching for her bag. She hated crowds and didn't like being in large public places without knowing where the exit was. She watched her bags drop onto the turnstile. Emma started to move in closer when she spotted the tall, well built, dark haired man approach.
"Miss Maguire," His deep voice seemed to resonate throughout her body.
"Yes," she hesitated.
"I am Commander Steve McGarrett," He extended his hand; "I am here to escort you to your hotel."
"Commander," She seemed to be soaking it all in, "Why would you be escorting me?" Her southern accent very prominent.
"I am the head of the Governor's Task Force and she asked that I show you around," Steve wasn't lying but he also wasn't telling her everything.
"The Governor of Hawaii," Emma leaned against the wall looking Steve over, "Is having the head of her task force show me around." She narrowed her gaze, "Does this have to do with the death threats and my stalker perhaps?"
Steve swallowed hard, "I can neither confirm nor deny."
"Military," Emma grinned, "Hence the Commander." She seemed to see right through him, "SEAL should've known."
He was amazed as to how she could tell, "I guess I should be impressed that you knew that."
Emma laughed, "Don't be." She reached for her bags when Steve took them from her. "I am perfectly capable of carrying my own bags."
"I'm sure you are," Steve noted as he walked towards the exit.
"Well," Emma let out a small laugh, "Since you have become my bag man and chauffer the least I can do is buy you," She looked at her watch, "Breakfast?"
Steve laughed, "Thanks but I already ate."
"Oh," Emma sighed as she followed Steve to his truck, "I haven't. Would we be able to stop somewhere?"
Steve didn't expect to run her all over Oahu but it was a break from the cases he worked. "Sure," he threw her suitcases in the backseat then opened the passenger door for her; "Anyplace in particular?"
"You live here," She noted, "You tell me."
Steve pulled into a parking lot where a small diner was located. He looked at his watch then at Emma, "I won't eat but I will do a cup of coffee."
They entered the diner taking a seat in the corner. Steve didn't look at the menu but could see Emma struggling. He watched her bite her lip as she perused the menu. It was close to dinner time where she came from but she was now on Hawaii Time. Emma order something simple to tide her over figuring she would eat at the hotel. They sat not speaking much except for the general topics, like the weather.
Emma had a very tough life and she basically closed herself off to others. Part of her liked the solitude but the other part of her wanted to make lasting connections. However; making those connections meant opening up, her fear and (past) pain wouldn't allow her to do so; at least until now or so she hoped. Emma was also fiercely independent; she had been alone most of her life so she only had herself to depend on. Like solitude, she was okay with being alone but there were times when she craved friendships. Emma finished her meal, paid the check and walked towards Steve's truck not giving him an opportunity to protect her.
"You know you don't have to protect me," Emma noted facing him. "I can take care of myself."
"I'm sure you can," Steve could see she was capable, "But I have my orders."
"We'll see about that," Emma replied firmly, "I am sure you have better things to do then babysit someone like me." She remained quiet on the ride to the hotel. Steve parked the truck and was about to exit the cab when he felt a gentle hand on his arm; "Is someone from your team going to be posted outside?"
"No," Steve looked at her, "According to your publisher he was going to have private security around."
"I see," Emma hopped out of the truck then opened the back passenger door. She grabbed her luggage before Steve could assist her, "Well thank you for the ride and I appreciate your gallant effort to protect me but I will be okay."
"I will make sure you're safely inside," Steve started to reach for her bags but Emma pulled them away.
"I said I am okay," She had a bit of anger in her eyes, "I will be fine Commander. I will be even better knowing you are keeping us safe from the really bad people rather than babysitting me."
"I have my orders," Steve noted firmly.
"Please," Emma slumped over slightly, "I will be fine it's nothing I can't handle. Believe me I have been through worse."
Steve could see the weight of her past in her body language. He could also tell she was scared but putting on a brave front. He needed to tread lightly. "I will make you a deal, if you let me escort you inside and make sure you are safe," he looked at her, "I will not push you the rest of the way."
She patted his chest, "You won't have to worry about me after I speak to my publisher." Emma stood in front of him, "Thanks for everything. You stay safe Commander." She started to walk away but knew Steve was going to follow her, "Are all you SEAL's this loyal?"
"It's in our DNA," Steve joked.
"Well it skipped someone," Emma replied sarcastically.
Steve escorted her to her room and was about to open the door when a woman approached, "You must be Commander McGarrett."
"You are," he raised an eyebrow.
"Megan Jackson," Emma sighed, "My agent." There was something in Emma's voice. "Thank you again Commander," She extended her hand.
"It's Steve," He replied; as their hands touched both felt something inside them jump.
"Steve," Emma continued. "It was very nice of you. Now if y'all will excuse me," she looked at Megan, "I am tired."
"I will call you later," Steve noted. He didn't like the way Emma looked at Megan and something in his gut was telling him Megan was involved in this situation. Emma nodded knowing Steve wasn't going to give up very easily. Besides she did feel safe around him but letting go would be difficult. Emma quickly shut her door locking it behind her; leaving Steve alone with Megan. Steve needed to get back to HQ so he could run a check on Megan and make sure that Emma remained safe.