A LITTLE BLAME GOES A LONG WAY

©2017 By Lori

Ben Kokua put his index finger between his neck and his stiff collar trying to create a gap for air where there was none. The lack of comfort from the cumber bund was just as bad. "Whose idea was this, anyway?"

Chin Ho Kelly huffed in agreement with Ben as he stood in his rented tuxedo looking all the world like a figure in a wax museum. "I feel like the main course in a luau. Trussed and tied, and over the fire!"

Dan Williams just laughed at his two companions. Even though he too was born and raised in casual Hawaii, he had had plenty of opportunities to climb into a tux during the times he spent with his worldly-wise Aunt Clara in New York and abroad. It wouldn't have been his first choice of apparel, but he knew from experience that complaining about the discomfort just made it worse.

But he too was curious about why they all were here for a command performance tonight. The event was a political fundraiser for Governor Paul Jameson, and an opportunity for him to showcase the success of his administration. As high-profile and high-ranking employees who answered directly to the Governor through their boss, Steve McGarrett, the men of Five-O were told that they would appear at this party tonight. Usually, they only had to come to these types of events when they were in charge of security, which was being handled by a private firm this time.

"At least no one's asked you to dance, yet, Ben. I doubt if fire-dancing would be acceptable in this setting," Danny chuckled as he kidded his friend.

"That wouldn't be a good thing in this crowd, bruddah. I haven't seen many wahines that I would want to dance with tonight." Ben surveyed the passersby. "Definitely an older crowd," he said gloomily.

"With old money, too! Maybe somebody will ask ME to dance!" Chin laughed.

"Good luck, guys! I'm headed for the food," Danny called back as he left his compatriots and waded into the throng of business heads and socialites.

Just then, he heard Governor Jameson speaking from the platform at the front of the room to get everyone's attention. The consummate politician, he called out the names of different supporters and recognized dignitaries he saw in the room, pausing as each one received applause. He thanked so many people for so many things that it all just ran together in Dan's mind, and he stopped listening as he checked out the elegant spread of appetizers, seafood, and native fruits at the back of the ballroom.

Nearby, he caught sight of Steve McGarrett, standing alone and hanging on every word the Governor spoke. I'll bet Steve was the teacher's pet in school, Danny thought as he grabbed a plate for his food. Always paying strict attention, never distracted by friends wanting to play. Danny chuckled inwardly, I would be the friend trying to get him in trouble-I always have time to play! Might as well make the most of it! Hey, they've got shrimp!

Steve's rapt attention to the governor's speech was interrupted by the activity at one of the food tables, where he glanced over to see his second-in-command making himself quite at home with a plateful of edible delicacies.He cracked a subtle smile. He appreciated seeing Danno off-duty and enjoying himself, which he obviously was; he deserved it. On duty, he was dedicated, loyal, trustworthy, bright, a right-hand man any boss would be lucky to have. Off duty- well, he was a lot of fun to have around.

Steve himself had not had anything to eat at the party. He preferred not to be distracted by food at such events so he could be prepared to speak intelligently to anyone who might want to discuss politics, work, or today's burning issues. He always ate later, usually alone, unless Danno could be persuaded to join him. Not tonight, I'd imagine. I don't think he'll be hungry later. He gently laughed at his friend as if he were an impish little brother.

Danny recognized that he was being watched by his boss. With his plate in one hand and a drink in the other, Danny wandered over to where Steve stood. "We're off duty, right?" he asked Steve in a whisper.

"Yeah, no duty tonight," Steve confirmed as he looked curiously at Danny's drink. "What is that? Champagne? It's bad for you, you know," Steve glowered, with his hands in his pockets.

Danny slyly replied, "Only if you don't drink enough of it!"

Steve tried to contain his amusement. Danny was pleased with himself for indeed successfully distracting the staid boss.

As the Governor continued to speak in vague and lofty tones, Danny spoke in a low voice, "Steve, seriously, do you really not know why the Governor wanted us here tonight, as guests, I mean."

Keeping his eyes on the Governor, he replied, "No one told me anything except to be here, and bring the whole team, no questions asked." Steve then looked at Danno meaningfully as if to say 'this wasn't my idea'. "At least you seem to be enjoying it…."

Before he could finish his thought, Steve and Danno were both quite taken aback when they heard the Governor mention their collective name, "Hawaii Five-O", but they missed the context in which it was spoken. Now, though, the Governor had their full attention.

"I am very proud of our state police officers, and the recognition they have garnered worldwide for effectiveness in law enforcement. Their record of arrests, convictions, and persistence in solving difficult crimes and confronting bad influences on our way of life has contributed substantially to our state's enjoyable standing as a safe tourist destination and a fine place to live, as well."

Right on time, Chin and Ben arrived at Steve and Danny's side, with curious looks on their faces. Steve just shrugged at them, as confused as everyone else.

"The formation of Hawaii Five-O, led by Steve McGarrett, has been the most successful endeavor I have undertaken since becoming your Governor. I have entrusted the safety of the people of these islands to Mr. McGarrett and his select team of Dan Williams, Chin Ho Kelly, and Ben Kokua and have not been disappointed in the care and dedication with which they dispense their duties. All four men are here tonight, and I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly thank them for what they do for us all every day. Gentlemen, please join me on stage."

As the applause grew and the Governor beckoned them to join him, all eyes traveled to the back of the ballroom where the four stood. Stunned but in control as usual, Steve motioned to his team to follow him to the stage. Danny gulped down a mouthful of banquet fare and found a place to quickly stash the rest of his food and drink, while Chin and Ben straightened their increasingly uncomfortable tuxedoes.

Arriving on stage, Steve spoke on behalf of his unit, expressing very brief appreciation for the accolades but taking the time to introduce his men individually and speaking just a little on each one's contribution as the Governor presented each man with a congratulatory plaque. Seldom did McGarrett heap such praise and even more rarely in public. While each man knew that Steve's words were somewhat demanded by the situation, they also knew they were heartfelt. However tough Steve was, publicly and privately, he was also their avid defender and most ardent advocate.

After the Governor recognized some other important contributors to his administration, the speeches ended, and the party-goers returned to the serious business of mixing and mingling. Many chose to make a point of speaking to the men of Five-O, congratulating each one—so many, in fact, they wound up forming an impromptu receiving line.

The Governor stood nearby, beaming mischievously at the detectives' discomfort at being the center of social attention. Being the head of state government and the party's host, he of course constantly had his own circle of social climbers surrounding him, so he was used to it. He knew the Five-O team was not. He leaned over and shook their hands again. "Congratulations! And welcome to my world!" as he laughed. He was in a jolly mood, having successfully gotten Steve and his detectives here tonight without them finding out about the honor in advance of the party.

Walking away from the densest part of the crowd, Governor Jameson mingled around the ballroom for quite some time before he ran across two middle-aged ladies engaged in conversation —one a long-time political supporter and resident of Honolulu, the other her well-heeled friend from the mainland whom he had only just met earlier that evening.

Addressing the visitor, he said, "Well, Mrs. Davaut, I hope you'll think about staying in our lovely state. You can see we're kept very safe here with Five-O on our side."

Governor Jameson's friend reinforced his comments. "Of course, Genevieve. That's what I've been trying to tell her, Governor. Five-O is legendary, and they certainly deserve the honor you bestowed on them tonight."

Mrs. Davaut tensed herself and bristled. "I'm sorry, Governor, Carmen, but I don't think I could bear to stay here permanently, or even for much longer at all, not considering what I've just seen." She cast her eyes upward as if repulsed and fanned herself. More firmly, she continued, "This is really too much. Carmen, may we return to your home now, please?"

"Genevieve, what has gotten into you, dear?" said Carmen, flabbergasted at her friend's sudden need to leave the party and embarrassed that she said it right there in front of the governor himself.

"Mrs. Davaut, what is it? Has something upset you?" Governor Jameson politely inquired.

"Governor, I just can't believe it. Why would you have such a man in a high position in Hawaii's law enforcement? And to honor him, no less…," Mrs. Davaut expressed, aghast.

Astonished at her questions and condemnation of someone evidently a part of Five-O, the Governor gasped, "I have no idea what you're talking about, madam. Of whom are you speaking?"

Mrs. Davaut remained quiet, apparently close to tears, so the Governor spoke again. "If you're talking about someone who is a part of Five-O, well, you must be mistaken. I know each of those gentlemen personally, and I'd stake my life on their reputations-without hesitation!"

The visitor to the Islands raised her head and made direct eye contact with Paul Jameson. "Then YOU would be the one who is sadly mistaken, Governor." The head of state was shocked, and both held a staring contest for several seconds before Genevieve turned to her friend and took her hand, "Please, let's go, Carmen. I really can't stand to be here."

Slightly offended but ever the consummate politician, Governor Jameson spoke up again. "Mrs. Davaut, please wait. Whatever problem there is, I'm sure it can be rectified. Why not come to my office tomorrow morning, and we'll talk about it. If there is indeed something I need to know about one of my staff, I'd really like to hear it, but I'm afraid this is not the time or place."

Genevieve Davaut insisted, "That would not be possible. In the morning, I plan to be on a plane on my way back home to California."

"But you just got here! And there's so much you haven't seen of Hawaii yet." Turning toward the Governor, Carmen said, "She only got here day before yesterday, and this is her first trip to Hawaii." Turning again toward her friend, "Genevieve, you shouldn't go home yet. You need to stay here and rest. You've had such a trying time…."

Deciding to let these two ladies debate the issue of leaving or not, and convinced that this was a case of mistaken identity, the Governor just listened. He did, however, glance around to see if the Five-O men were still entrapped by the congratulatory crowd he had previously left them with. They were, but it had dissipated so that he could easily see them and catch Steve's eye. He waved in their general direction to bid them to come over to him.

Ever alert, Steve McGarrett saw the wave of the hand and noticed that its broadness seemed to bid not just him but all of them to come over. So, he politely interrupted the several conversations that were going on and motioned Danny, Chin, and Ben to follow him over to where the Governor stood across the room with two ladies.

Genevieve implored, "No, I can't stay!" Just then, she saw the Five-O men approaching. "Carmen, I really must go," as she stared at the group of men. As much as she wanted to flee, it seemed her feet were made of concrete and would not budge. The longer she looked, the more the other people in the room faded out of view and all she could see was … Dan Williams.

At that very moment, he too saw her, recognized her, and stopped in his tracks. Danny stared at her in shock, unsure whether she was whom she appeared to be and hoping desperately he was mistaken. Older…, yes. Wearier…, yes. Just as angry…, yes. It's her.

Genevieve Davaut finally uprooted herself from her spot and fled from the room, with Carmen and the Governor in tow.

Seeing the trio suddenly departing the affair, the other three Five-O men stopped as well, uncertain about why they were bidden by the Governor and whether to follow them as they exited. Steve did follow, going in the general direction toward the Governor, but Chin and Ben hung back. They were excited with tonight's honor and assumed the Governor just wanted them to meet some political supporters to whom he could brag about his state police. Glad that they may have just managed to avert that opportunity, Chin and Ben turned around toward Danny with the idea of continued mutual celebration, but he was gone.