HEIRS TO EVERYTHING
Set after season 12 As Steve McGarrett faces mounting pressure to retire as head of 5-0 a murdered man on the docks brings a high profile case that may make or break his future.
PROLOGUE
Steve Mc Garrett twisted in the uncomfortable airplane seat, "Paper sir?" asked the stewardess. "Yes please", Steve responded. He'd been away from Hawaii for 2 weeks on a holiday on the mainland. He had spent the entire time purposefully away from all media and papers not really wanting to think about crime or 5-0.Steve felt his age beginning to catch up with him. He took longer to recover after each case. One day he'd have to think about retiring.
He opened the paper and felt his anger rise as he stared at the headlines on the front page… Move over Mc Garrett, Carews on the case…
The article went on to detail the arrest of major Crime boss Fredrick Linton by Kimo Carew of 5-0, what it failed to detail was the months of work put in by ALL of 5-0 and HPD staff that led up to this moment. Steve was conscious of the subtle hints that he should retire as head of 5-0. Many felt he'd has his time as the head of the 5-0 team and now it was time for new younger blood.
Articles like this one just added fuel to those hints, Carew should know better than to allow himself to be front page news. Steve was going to have words with him when he arrived back at 5-0 HQ.
Kimo Carew settled himself back into Steve's chair. He'd had a great time over the last two weeks as acting head of 5-0. He touched Steve's polished desk ,looking forward to the day when it would be his desk .
Then he might also be privileged to the contents of that little draw at the bottom of the desk, the one that was permanently locked. He'd never seen Steve open the drawer and had always wondered what it contained.
Duke knocked and entered the office. He looked at the papers strewn over the desk."Steve is expected back today Kimo, so you had better get that mess cleaned up.
"Yeah I've got time, Kimo told him. "He's not going to be happy about that", Duke stated warningly as he nodded toward the article.
"Well it's not my fault Duke, that reporter took what I said completely out of context."
That won't matter to Steve Kimo, he'll think you shouldn't talk to the press at all.
"Come on Duke, its good publicity for 5-0", Carew stated bluntly.
"It doesn't say much about 5-0 Kimo, mostly about you and that's what Steve won't like",Duke told him.
"Duke I don't want to have to be dead to be acknowledged as doing a good job", Carew stated.
"Do yourself a favour Carew don't say that to Steve."
"Well do you know what it's like Duke, living in the shadow of a dead man, in", he looked around nervously, "Danny Williams shadow."
Duke looked stern "Don't say that to Steve either Kimo."
"It's been over a year Duke, everyone has moved on. I don't deny having career aspirations, I want to be head of 5-0 and the only one stopping me is a dead guy."
Duke sighed. He supposed that most people had held the belief that fast on the heels of the defeat of Wo Fat would come the announcement of the retirement of Steve Mc Garrett. Duke knew Steve had sometimes talked about retiring and giving 5-0 to his second in command, but that second in command hadn't been Carew.
"Well Kimo you haven't won yourself any points with Steve with that", he pointed at the article. Ah but the public are beginning to forget that fallen hero"
Carew began to get the desk in order.
Duke sighed yes the public's memory was fickle but Steves' wasn't, everyone from Kimo down to the junior patrolmen knew never to mention Danny's name in front of Mc Garrett. Steve sometimes kept his emotions to himself but 13 months after Williams death he was still grieving. That was why he was holding on to 5-0, holding on to a dream that was no longer possible.
Duke knew 5-0 was not the same without Danny, the spark was gone but it could be rekindled, but not by Steve Mc Garrett.
Sooner or later it would happen either voluntarily by Steve or through pressure from the Governors office, the legend of Steve Mc Garrett as head of 5-0 would end.
CHAPTER 1
Death at the docks
The hands worked tirelessly in the darkened room preparing the cargo, "So which port are we heading for this time", a big guy known only as John Smith asked
"I haven't heard, another moaned, they only tell us if its time to disembark".
"Huh I thought this was better than jail but it's just the same", protested Smith.
"Well you won't be disembarking any time soon, you're hotter than the desert ,"another laughed.
"What about you Will", they turned toward one of their other crew mates," you've been here as long as I can remember, you must be hotter than him"
"Yeah," was the guys only answer.
"Hey guys listen up", the one called David Brown raced into the room," I heard some gossip about where we make port next", the huddle moved closer all anxious to hear.
"Hawaii", Brown told them. "Wow island girls, booze, I cant wait to get off this piece of junk", Jim White stated.
Smith sighed it was a place he'd always dreamt of, palm trees, white sand, waves, he knew it wasn't his time to leave the ship, he had to wait for a port not controlled by the US but he'd been on this ship long enough, he began to make plans in his head.
Steve sat back in his chair and listened to Lori, Truck, Duke and Kimo give him reports on the various things that had happened over the last two weeks.
"Thank you", he acknowledged after they'd finished, "you can continue with your set assignments". They all turned to leave, "Kimo, Steve interrupted his seconds departure'I want to talk to you."
Kimo stood in front of his boss's desk waiting for the explosion that was going to occur.
"Kimo I must say that I'm disappointed you talked to the press", Steve told his ic2.
"Steve', Kimo said in a calm voice," I didn't intend to give an interview, some reporter just got in my face and totally changed what I was going to say."
"It's preferable to say nothing at all", Steve stated bluntly. "This article make you look like.". Steve wound down realizing Kimo was frowning at him. "Like what", Kimo was beginning to loose his temper.
"Well like you were grandstanding making yourself out to be the only one responsible for apprehending Linton. HPD will feel annoyed you didn't mention their involvement in the case."
"Look just say the reporter was out of line, it's easy enough and should satisfy HPD." Kimo really didn't get what the big deal was.
"You can sort any ruffled feathers out at HPD", Steve told Kimo firmly.
"I don't think they should have a problem Steve, they are meant to do what we tell them." Kimo stated
"
The functioning of 5-0 does depend on help from all other services", Steve reminded him.
"Fine, I'll sort it out Steve" Kimo told him with an inward sigh. "Right and I don't want you doing any more interviews without my approval", Steve stated sternly.
Kimo breathed in. "Steve", he stated, "I do not feel I have to run to you every time I need to do something".
Steve was rapidly changing colour. "May I remind you who is in charge of 5-0" Steve growled.
"So it's fine for you to talk to the press, but not me", Kimo had finally lost his tact. "I don't want to be some tame puppy that follows around at your heels, that's not why I took the job." I'm sorry if that's what you are used to happening."
"What", demanded Steve not believing what he was hearing. "Well that's what he did, if what I hear was true."
Steve had turned rather purple. "I suggest Mr. Carew that you get out of my office now, before you say anything else you may regret", he stormed his whole body tense
Kimo swallowed realizing he'd almost gone too far. "Sorry", he mumbled as he made his way out of the door.
Steve sat back and stared at the closed door, that was not the first disagreement he'd had with Carew and it wouldn't be the last, the man was just such a…. pain.
Steve slipped his hand beneath his shirt and took out the key that hung from a chain.
Unclipping the chain he slid the key off and used it to open the little drawer at the bottom of his desk.
This was his personal time capsule memories of 5-0. He rattled around amongst them before fishing out a small framed photo. Steve smiled in fond memory as he looked at the photo. There he was in the days before he started using hair dye, Kono was on his left hand side, smiling happily.
He was married now and the proud father of a couple of kids. Steve avoided looking at the other two people in the photo awhile before being drawn to their smiling faces,
Dependable Chin who had worked tirelessly with him for 10 years before being killed. That still hurt Steve like some wound that would never heal.
Finally Steve's eyes were drawn to the stunning blue eyes belonging to his former second Danny Williams. Steve swallowed and reached into the drawer again.
He came out with a newspaper article…… 5-0 detective dies a hero…
What's the point of being a hero if you were dead, Steve thought.
He looked at the date on the article and realized the first anniversary of Danny's death had passed. Some boss he'd been forgetting the day, some friend. Or was it just that he didn't want to think of that day, it had all been so normal so calm until that phone call that had changed his world forever.
"Morning Steve", Danny greeted smiling at his boss as he entered the 5-0 offices. "Danno", Steve returned the smile.
"I'll be heading out soon to interview Mr Rogers" ,Danny stated," don't expect me back until about 1pm. "Fine Danno", Steve had replied. "Danno I was thinking that we haven't had a chance to get together socially lately. So if you're not doing anything tonight how about we grab some beers "
Danny's smile brightened up the dark morning. "I'd enjoy that Steve". A few moments later he waved a cheery good bye as he left the offices to go to his car.
Steve had sat in his offices finishing up on some of the mountain of paperwork that had accumulated. He'd go out to lunch today, it would make a welcome change from sitting at his desk. Signing his signature on another form he glanced out the window at the sound of sirens in the distance. He could just make out a fire engine barreling towards some distant smoke.
Finishing the last form he rose out of his chair and strolled toward the door off for his promised lunch just as his hand reached the door the phone rang. With a deep frustrated sigh Steve turned back toward his desk and grabbed the phone roughly from its cradle. "Yes", he almost growled. "Steve it's Duke", the older 5-0 officers voice sounded strange like he was holding back on some emotion.
"What's happening Duke", queried Steve. "Steve umm there was a fire", Duke paused."I heard the sirens Duke, was it arson", Steve figured that must be why Duke was calling. "Well no, seems like cigarettes were the cause", Duke reported.
"Then what has this fire got to do with 5-0", Steve grumped. "There was a child trapped in the building, Duke reported," a passerby ran in to rescue him and managed to throw him out a window to the firemen who'd only just arrived. Unfortunately though the guy himself didn't get out of the building", Duke choked and sounded upset. Steve didn't understand. "That's unfortunate Duke but I still don't see..
"Steve it was Danny", Duke blurted it out, his voice finally breaking. "What," Steve hadn't just heard Duke tell him that Danny was…"Sorry Steve Danny's dead"
Steve had just placed the receiver down saying nothing. Surely it was wrong and soon his long time 5-0 colleague would bounce through the door. But it didn't happen, all he had received were reports from the firemen that stated the fire was so intense that there was not much left of his friend. Without seeing Danny's body lying there dead Steve had lived in hope that somehow he was out there. But his bank account remained untouched, his apartment empty and his car undriven, Danny Williams was declared legally dead.
It was barely weeks later the Governor had demanded a private audience.
"I know you're still in mourning Steve, he stated respectfully," but crime isn't stopping and HPD needs 5-0s help. The Governor paused." It's time to start thinking about recruiting a new second in command, now I know you were close to Danny…"
"Close, Steve stormed, he's been there beside me for 11 years and it's only now all his hard work gets recognized", he slammed the newspaper article down on the Governors desk. "Steve", the Governor said firmly, "things are moving on, now nobody is asking you to forget Danny, just to make sure 5-0 is still doing its job."
Steve's eyes flashed. "I'm not ready to recruit a new second yet Sir, he'd told the Governor sure the man would understand. "Steve I doubt you'll ever be ready so I've taken it upon myself to recruit your new second, he'll report to you on Monday."
"What, Steve stormed, I'm 5-0 head and it should be my choice". The Governor took a deep breath, "The security of this island is your responsibility Steve and lately you've been slipping, now I understand it hurts that Danny's dead. But we still have to look at the bigger picture. With Danny gone there is no one to take over if something happens to you, we need that security blanket Steve. So yes I did take things into my own hands, and I'm sorry it was necessary."
That had been the end of the conversation and Steve had to accept his new second.
He gave Kimo along with everyone strict instructions, nobody would ever mention his seconds name again. It was the only way Steve would be able to keep going.
Steve slumped across his desk. He'd never cried one tear, not at his friends funeral, not when he'd packed up Danny's apartment, not even when he'd held a sobbing Clara in his arms. Steve looked down at the paperwork on his desk, the scene eerily like the one years ago, only this time the paperwork began to get wet as Steve Mc Garrett put his head in his hands and sobbed.
The shotgun pointed firmly at the men, "move in there", ordered the crewman.
Will and John Smith moved into one of the barred cages and the door was slammed and locked behind them. The crewman grinned then backed away locking the door with a firm clang.
Will sighed. "Don't worry, I've got it all worked out", John Smith smiled in the dim light. The huge man then produced a long piece of steel and went to work on the lock.
"Even if we get out, they'll shoot us if we try to leave the ship,"Will cautioned.
"This journey seemed like a good idea at the time, John stated, but I can't bear months or even years more of this, I'd rather take my chances."
Will nodded. For a long time he'd been like John Smith eager to escape, he'd been beaten, starved and locked up as the crew tried to break his spirit. Finally they'd threatened to dump him overboard. So Will had submitted, following the commands of the crew, knowing that unlike the others he'd never leave here.
They'd been many other ports and Will had sat in the cage passively until the ship had set sail again. But Hawaii was different, already he could hear it calling to him.
He knew in his heart that if he didn't try to escape this one last time that he'd die on this ship.
John was swearing as he tried to get the lock to open. "Here let me try", he said to the taller man. John stared at him but then moved aside, "What do you know about locks", he asked. "Oh I've opened a few doors", replied Will. "Ah burglar were you", John stated as he watched Will work .
Minutes later Will felt the lock click and the door swung open. "How about the other door", Will stated as he walked out of the cage and up the two small steps. "I can do this one", John told him as he produced a key from under his shirt. "Lifted it from that idiot who put us in here". he growled. "The one with the shotgun", Will reminded him.
"Ah well I hope you can run fast", John Smith told him without fear.
John open the door cautiously, nobody was in immediate sight with the crew busy unloading cargo. Will lagged behind still feeling uncertain. "If you want to stay it's up to you, I'm getting out of here", John stepped out of the door and onto the deck. Will took a deep breath and followed him.
The twosome picked up speed running across the ships deck and toward the railing.
The land was so close, the warehouses almost at touching distance.
"STOP", it was the same crewman who'd locked them in their cage. He'd turned his head and spied them barreling down toward the gangplank. Neither Will or John stopped, there was no sign of the shotgun. "STOP or I'll shoot", now the gun was visible as the crewman bought it to bear upon them.
Will slowed but John kept going, "it's a bluff, he told his fellow captive," if they shoot us this scheme is going to end." Will decided he was right and sped down the gang plank. BANG the shot kicked up the wood in front of them. "The next one won't miss", yelled the crewman. Undaunted John and Will kept going touching their feet upon the reassuring solidness of the port's ground.
BANG, the shot whizzed past Will and John grunted. Will watched as a red stain began to spread on the man, but strangely he didn't slow his face a mask of fierce determination. BANG John staggered and fell over on top of Will. He heard another bang and realized the crewman had shot intending to hit him but the bullet had been stopped by John's body. Will felt a strange burning sensation and realized the bullet must have past through John's body and into his own. He felt his head bang hard against the ground. As his vision faded away he gripped the solid ground thankful that at least he'd die here, at home.
The crewman looked down at his fallen targets. Luckily this wharf was reasonably deserted and hopefully he'd get time to clean up the mess before the port authorities came to check on the reason for the noise. He stepped down onto the ground shotgun still in hand.
"STOP", that command was familiar to his own of seconds before but the voice was unfamiliar. The crewman looked up, there were 4 men approaching. "Those men were stealing cargo", he stated to the new arrivals. "Pretty harsh punishment for theft", one man stated. The crewman drew up the gun, if he was quick he could get rid of these 4 then he'd recommend the ship left before trouble descended upon them.
One of the men saw the look on the gunman's face and sped off weaving and dodging towards the warehouse. Shots followed his passage but missed as he dodged.
By the time the crewman had finished trying to hit the first man the other 3 had fled as well . Now it was time to talk to the Captain ,to get this ship out of here, quickly.
Down below though the rest of the illegal passengers had heard the shots and understood there meaning, in all probably Will and John were dead. Yes they had all reasons for wanting to escape from their old lives, but this wasn't escape.
"Do you want to keep living like this, Smith yelled to his fellow unfortunates, he got no reply, the others were obviously thinking about the gun.
"Listen, Smith pleaded, "the engines are tooling back up the ships going to leave. You all know what will happen, they'll change its name and registry and keep on peddling this trade. We were promised comfort, luxury, freedom. What did we get, starvation and a cage. Yes eventually we might be free , if we live that long.
I want to stop them leaving get the crew to Face up to the murder they've committed.
Now I know most of you have records but is it honestly worth this!
There was silence again until one voice yelled NO, then that voice was joined by others as the captives began to make as much noise as possible.
Duke got the call on his radio about a man on the docks shooting 2 people and threatening others with a shotgun. Switching on his siren he radioed that he was responding to the call.
He arrived along with two HPD units. An out of breath man met them. "There is a body down on the docks",he gasped. "What about the gunman", Duke quickly asked
"He went about a ship", the guy pointed. "Andy take his statement, the rest of you let's go." Duke took the remaining three officers and ran towards the indicated direction.
There was a loud throbbing in the air , the sound of a ships engines. "They're going to leave", stated Andy unnecessarily. Duke spied the large figure lying on the ground. Andy you check him out I'm going to board the ship and get it to stop leaving".
Duke ran up the gangplank with the remaining HPD officer at his heels.
Andy bent over the man not needing to touch him to know he was dead.
He was about to get up and follow after Duke when he realized that the victims body was at rather an odd angle, quite high, like he'd fallen over something.
On closer inspection Andy saw a second body underneath. He moved around the first man until he could get uninterrupted access to the second. Then he reached forth, touching the body. Unlike the first guy this one wasn't stiff, in fact warmth could be felt in his arm. Andy shoved the big guy over a bit gaining access to the others head. He reached down for the pulse, it beat under his fingers. Whoever this guy was and whatever had happened, he was still alive and might hopefully be able to tell them more.
"Get off mister", growled one crewman trying to shove Duke and the HPD officer off the ship. "There's been a crime committed and we have a witness who states the gunman came from this ship", Duke told the guy levelly. "He's mistaken, it wasn't one of us. Now I suggest you get off this ship unless you fancy a long trip."
The HPD officer Phillip Paul strained his ears, there was some sound almost but not quiet drowned out by the engines. The crewman weren't watching him so he moved toward where he thought the sound was coming from.
"Let us out, let us out", he was sure that was what the voices were calling.
"DUKE", he yelled. Duke turned and went to the officer. After hearing his report, he yelled
"You," take me to your Captain NOW".
When Steve arrived at the scene there was a hive of activity on the docks.
The coroner was putting a body on a stretcher and the ambulance attendants were checking over the other guy.
Steve moved closer, until he reached the victims side. The man was short, thin with dark curly hair. "How seriously is he hurt", Steve asked the attendants .
"The bullet penetrated his shoulder", reported the attendant," plus he has a concussion, Not too serious, though the guys not in great physical shape."
"Will he live", Steve asked, "I think so", was the reply.
Steve nodded and moved toward the second victim, the body. The guy was a mess obviously hit by a shotgun blast. Mc Garrett was about to move away when he frowned and turned back. He bent down looking closer at the victims face.
"I want him fingerprinted immediately", Steve yelled at the coroner.
The coroner looked up startled by Steve's sudden intensity.
Steve looked at the puzzled gaze and decided he'd better elaborate. "If I'm right that's Edward Sommers" , he told the coroner. The coroner looked at his victim again and nodded , Edward Sommers had been in the news months ago committing a series of armed robberies before disappearing.
Leaving the possible dead criminal in the coroners hands Steve made his way up the gangplank . He approached the Captain, "Which of your men was responsible for shooting those men", he asked bluntly. "None of mine, Sir", the Captain swore.
Steve's eyes narrowed he could sense something wasn't quite right.
"Look we were cleared by customs", the man stated. Steve wondered why the man felt it necessary to tell them that.
Did those two men come from your ship", Steve asked. "They were just looters", The Captain replied his tone indicating he thought that was obvious. He didn't though Steve noted exactly answer his question..
"One of those men was a wanted criminal, he doesn't live in Hawaii, nor has anyone seen him locally," Steve mentioned watching the Captains face.The Captain shrugged.
"Could he have been a stowaway ", Duke asked. "Not likely we check everything thoroughly", was the Captains short clipped answer.
Phil came over and whispered in Dukes ear. "There seems to be some body calling let me out on part of your ship" Duke stated.
The Captain laughed. "Some of the crew wanted to stop for shore leave but our schedule is a little behind so we have to leave, can you blame them for wanting some Island time."
"Can we talk to these men", Steve demanded. The Captain looked worried, "As I said we're behind schedule and need to leave, now I've told you there is no gunman on this ship."
"Do you mind if we look around", Steve asked the question watching the Captains face carefully. "YES, we need to go now", the Captain pulled away.
The guy was a little to eager to leave in Steve's book. "Right I'm going to organize a search warrant", Steve stated. We are prepared to arrest everyone on suspicion of murder if you don't cooperate", growled Steve to the Captain.
The Captain thought about his options, at least he'd have time to get rid of certain evidence if this cop had to get a warrant. "Get your warrant, we have nothing to hide,"
he stated. He ordered the engines to power down, "we will delay our departure, but we will expect an apology from your government for this action".
Steve left Duke in charge of the scene while he sped off to organize the warrant.
"Look officers you are in the way of a working ship can you at least wait on the wharf while we deal with our cargo",The Captain pleaded. "Only onboard activities, Duke told the Captain," nothing is to leave this ship."
The Captain nodded and shouted instructions to his men, Duke took note of the fact the instruction were not in English.
"What will we do with our unwanted cargo", one crewman asked. "Route the gas from the kitchen down into that room," the Captain ordered." Then when they are dead we will put them through the mincer."
The crewman grimaced that was positively horrid. "Do you want to keep getting paid for this scheme", the Captain growled gripping the guys arm hard. "They find those men and we are finished. With the other two dead there is no one to uncover the truth." The crewman nodded and went off to begin his grisly task. The Captain went off to find the crewman who had shot the criminals. He was the last loose end, he might give them all up if he found himself facing a murder rap, therefore that crewman had to go. The Captain smiled, he'd heard this expression from one of his passengers once and it was very applicable to this current situation. He'd find the crewman and when did he'd make mincemeat out of him.
Steve managed to convince the powers that be to give him the search warrant but it was hours later when he along with the rest of his team arrived back at the ship.
"How's it been Duke?", Steve asked. "They've just been carrying on their normal duties", Duke replied nothing has left the ship". "Fine lets get the search underway, Duke you take the first deck, Kimo the hold, Laurie, Truck search the crew quarters".
"What are we looking for , Kimo asked. "A reason why this Captain was so nervous about our presence", Steve told him.
Kimo felt bored after searching a few rooms and finding nothing. If the guys that had been shot were mere looters then this ship had nothing to do with their presence in Hawaii. He opened another door and gagged, the smell of meat and blood was over powering.
"What is this place?, he choked to the crewman bent over a machine. "This is where we process the meat from cold storage", the crewman replied. Carew moved closer and looked down at the piles of mince on the table. "You must love mince", he remarked. "Oh yes", the crewman told him. "Can't you just get supplies in from the various ports", Carew asked. "Yes but ,some charge more than we can afford. We keep the meat in the freezer then mince it, that way it lasts a long time."
Carew nodded, he didn't see anything wrong in that. Thanking the man he went through to the next room unaware he'd just left a murder scene.
After hours of searching Steve returned to the Captain. "I told you, there was nothing to find", the Captain yelled to Mc Garrett.
Steve stared at the man, before he'd been nervous now he was cocky. "According to your ships manifest you are missing one crewman", Steve accused.
"No mystery in that, he jumped ship at the last port. We notified the authorities and they searched but…"the Captain shrugged.
Steve sighed, the 4 men who were shot at had come aboard but had not recognized the gunman from amongst the crew. The cargo had been checked by customs so there couldn't possibly be anything there that the Captain was hiding.
"Steve, Duke called to him motioning him forward.
Duke was indicating a room where a giant steel cage featured as a centerpiece.
"What on earth is that for", remarked the surprised Steve. "To prevent the crew getting greedy over our more valuable cargo", the Captain explained. Steve smiled at that causing the Captain to look slightly less cocky. "Yet it was claimed that those men were looting", he stated.
"Well they might have tried, "the Captain hedged. "Why get shot for stealing nothing", Steve gave the Captain his raised eyebrow puzzled look. "As I said sir the shooter did not come from this ship. With those looters dead , It'd be hard to know their motive."
Steve tried not to smile again. He held the ace, the surviving 'looter' who would hopefully recover and tell the story.
But the ship might have already sailed by then. 'Can I have your port schedule", Steve requested. He was going to keep a very close eye on this ship.
It was a wary Steve that finally returned to 5-0 HQ. They hadn't found enough evidence of anything onboard to stop the ship leaving Steve now relying on various reports for evidence. Seeing the note on his desk requesting he ring the Governor in the morning, Steve guessed he was going to have problems over his search of the ship.
Steve grabbed up the phone and dialed the coroner asking for a report on the dead man.
"Well you know what killed him Steve. But beside that the man is a very interesting study. His hands indicate heavy labour with rope burns prominent. There's also salt water on his skin and hair ,enough I'd say to indicate he's spent time on a ship.
Ah ha thought Steve, still that didn't prove he'd been on that particular ship.
We have some rope fibers that we could possibly match to a particular type if you can get samples", the coroner informed him.
That gave Steve enough to hold the ship for a while. He then requested a transfer to the medical wards.
"How's our John Doe? he asked the doctor. ""The others mans body slowed down the passage of the bullet , meaning it only caused minor damage to our mans shoulder.
He'd also hit his head, causing a minor concussion. " Steve nodded it didn't sound too serious. "There is evidence our mans been beaten several times and I would say starved as well." Steve gasped. "Is he conscious" he finally spluttered. "No, he's been out longer than is normal for his injury, we believe that this is caused by his generally run down state."
Getting the doctors assurance that the man would still recover Steve rung off.
Duke had fingerprinted their John Doe on the docks, so he might not necessarily have to regain consciousness before they knew his identity.
Deciding he could do nothing else tonight Steve left the offices to return home.
"Steve the ships Captain is screaming, accusing you of all sorts of things", The Governor told Steve seriously ."Sir, the man who was shot was this morning positively identified as Edward Sommers." He has, as you know been at large for over about 9 weeks now, wanted on several counts of armed robbery."
Now it would be extremely difficult for that man to hide here in Hawaii for any length of time without being seen. It is my belief that he was on board that ship and probably a least the Captain knew about his presence"
Forensic found evidence of salt spray on both men, enough to indicate long term exposure to salt water", Steve reported calmly
"Look Steve when Sommers disappeared that ship was already at sea," the Governor stated firmly.
Our witnesses definitely saw the gunman flee to the ship and even though he denies it I feel that Captain is responsible for something illegal." Steve kept his voice firm, he was the head of 5-0 and the Governor should trust his instinct.
"Captain Jaxmin knows some important people Steve, he's already pushing for a formal apology for delaying him."
"Look Governor, we have the other man, when he recovers he can tell us what, if anything happened on that ship."
"If he's in a talkative mood Steve, perhaps he's also wanted and has reason to keep quiet.," the Governor stated blandly.
" He's been fingerprinted and we 're awaiting the report. There was no evidence Sommers had an accomplice so it may be them being found together might just be a coincidence ", Steve informed his ultimate boss.
"But at the moment what strong evidence do you have that the ships Captain was responsible for anything", The Governor was pushing Steve.
"Look Sir I'd stake my reputation on the fact that ship is involved in something illegal.
We don't have firm evidence right now but we'll get some." Steve didn't know why the Governor was doubting him.
"To be blunt Steve, you might be staking a lot more than your reputation, if you pursue this and find nothing that ships Captain has enough influence to make sure your job at 5-0 is…".the Governor wound down receiving a glare from the 5-0 chief .
"My job is what sir", Steve felt anger rising and struggled to keep calm.
"Well to insist on your retirement Steve", The Governor informed him bluntly.
"I resent that, Steve stormed, I've served Hawaii faithfully for years and now you are saying you don't trust my judgment."
"Steve this has all the earmarks of a political nightmare, anyone accusing a foreign ship of anything even in US waters is treading on thin ice."
"So we forget about crime just because some other country is watching. I know the guy was a criminal but its still murder Governor. Plus the crewman could have easily shot those dock workers," Steve prowled the Governors office his movements agitated.
"You can't prove that gunman was from that ship Steve", the Governor reminded him. "No I can't sir. But if he was and if Sommers was hiding on that ship with the Captains full knowledge then we have uncovered something very serious", Steve voice was impassioned.
"Alright Steve, sighed the Governor, I'll agree to this ship being held awhile longer, but you had better come up with something."
Kimo Carew wass sitting in Steve's chair again, he was smiling to himself. This case held the possibility of either a major score for Steve McGarrett or major egg on the face. From the scuttlebutt he'd heard, egg on the face seemed more likely. The rumour also said that egg would mean the end of Mc Garrett as 5-0 boss. "Hello, Im the head of 5-0", Kimo said aloud to the empty room. He could feel it, his time was so close now.
Steve stormed back into 5-0 HQ , his body language clearly indicating anger.
The other detectives immediately put their eyes down toward the desk. They didn't want to receive the brunt of their bosses anger.
"Kimo, Steve banged the detectives office door, what did you find out about Sommers"
"Nothing new I'm afraid Steve, He accosted Robert Callan manager of chain a gas stations and held him at gun point. The man had just received his weekly wage payments for his chain of Stations. Sommer made off with thousands of dollars and was never seen again".
"The local police investigated all his usual hideouts and contacts and couldn't come up with a location. They expected though that he'd soon surface somewhere."
"He did", Steve stated ironically. "We now must eliminate all other illegal forms of entry from our enquiries. If he'd come through official channels he would have been picked up. So Kimo find out if anybody knows the name of someone who would arrange illegal passage into Hawaii by plane, ship or other method"
Kimo thought that would be a difficult thing to do but didn't protest, Steve was clutching at straws and Kimo was helping him clutch even though he wanted those straws all over the ground.
Steve began to go through the ships manifest, looking for dates of arrivals of cargo.
He was looking for something that coincided with the robbery committed by Sommers. Ah ha there it was a delivery of medicines by helicopter just two days after Sommers had committed his crime. But could he prove a connection , there didn't seem to be a name of the company who'd flown in the medicines. Maybe he would have to return to the ship to ask the Captain more questions.
"Steve", Truck put his head in the door," Port authorities from the ships last port of call were contacted regarding the AWOL crewman but they reckon the Captain phoned later to say they'd found the guy."
Hmm that wasn't too helpful, the Captain would probably just say he didn't want to delay the boat so had retracted his statement regarding the missing crewman.
RING, the phone interrupted Steve's ruminations.
"Mc Garrett, he responded. "Sir, its Queens here, just want to let you know your John Doe is awake".
Steve smiled maybe at last he could get some answers.
He looked up at the white ceiling, that looked kind of familiar, like a hospital. He sat gingerly up with a groan. "Ah welcome back", an attractive nurse was looking down at him. "Where am I", he asked. "In hospital sir, she smiled reassuringly. Well he'd known that, "I meant where as in location," Will wanted to make sure exactly where he was. "Oh Queens Hospital, that's in Hawaii, Sir", the nurse smiled again.
Will looked out of his open door, there were two uniformed officers standing there.
The nurse noted his glance. "A detective will be along shortly Sir to ask about how you received your injuries." Will just nodded not showing any sign of aggression or fear. "Do you know who will come", Will asked calmly. "Yes sir, I believe that head of our State police, 5-0 will come to question you", the nurse watched him warily aware of the fact he could be a criminal. "Who is the head of 5-0", Will asked looking seriously into the nurses eyes. "Steve Mc Garrett sir", responded the nurse noting that for the first time the patient seemed nervous and agitated.
All he said though was, "Can I have an electric razor, Will stroked his beard, and can I get cleaned up," "Of course", the nurse smiled. "What's your name Sir", she asked.
"They called me Will", Will responded smiling at the nurse. "Second name, she inquired calmly. "Ah I don't really have one of those" was the reply.
The nurse nodded the guy obviously didn't want to give away his identity. Still she couldn't quite believe this guy was a criminal, as there was something kind of NICE about him.
Steve Mc Garrett asked to talk to the nurse assigned to his John Does room before he went inside. "Has he given you any trouble?", he asked. "None Sir, though he did look a little anxious when I mentioned your name", Steve nodded , his name was well enough known in criminal circles. "Did he mentioned a name" , Steve asked.
"Just said they called him Will, no last name." the nurse replied.
That told Steve this guy was definitely wanted by someone, why would he be worried about giving out his name otherwise.
Readying himself for a possibly difficult interview Steve marched into the room.
The bed was empty but he could hear the shower going.
Steve knew the guy had no clues to his identity on him, no id papers or anything else had been found with him. Steve boldly opened the guys hospital cabinet doors, typically they were empty.
Steve was still facing away when he heard the bathroom door slide open. "Will" , he stated as he turned," I'm, Steve"…. He stopped feeling his heart rate speed up alarmingly. Steve walked backward until he felt the bed behind him and flopped down feeling dizzy, no, that wasn't right, it couldn't be…..
"Are you alright?" Will asked moving forward and kneeling down looking worriedly at Steve. 'No", Steve repeated unwilling to believe his eyes.
"STEVE", the figure in front of him stated, "it is me".
"Its impossible, Steve gasped breathlessly still feeling the shock of the moment , "DANNO."