Mari & Ilna: "Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family."- Don Corleone The Godfather
Sandy: "A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults"- Don Corleone The Godfather
REAL Worlders: "Yet, he thought, if I can die saying, "Life is so beautiful," then nothing else is important. If I can believe in myself that much, nothing else matters." -Don Corleone The Godfather
Today's ANs brought to you by one of the greatest films of all time. The Godfather.
A Slight Glitch (1/1)
"Thanks for doing this, Danny," Gabby said happily as they stood on the loading dock of the Museo de las Californias in Tijuana, Mexico. I really appreciate it. I know you hadn't planned on doing something like this this weekend."
"Not a problem," he grumbled good-naturedly. "I'm nothing if not flexible when it comes to unexpected excursions. A teenage daughter and partner like Steve pretty much demand it," he smirked. "It's just a good thing I always travel with my passport."
"Same here," Gabby grinned.
The two of them had planned a spur of the moment weekend getaway to San Diego intending to do little more than relax and enjoy some quiet time together. Grace was spending the weekend with Rachel, and Steve had assured Danny he and the rest of the team could handle any emergency that might arise.
When one of Gabby's colleagues from Denver, who was now working in Mexico, heard that she was in California he called with a proposal Gabby couldn't turn down. In an effort to raise some money to fund an ambitious expansion project the museum was selling off some of their excess inventory. There were three pieces in particular the colleague thought Gabby might be interested in acquiring for the Clifford Trust and he was right.
After confirming that all the necessary paperwork was in order and making arrangements to transfer the funds Danny and Gabby rented a car and headed south for the half hour trip to Tijuana. Traffic was light and they breezed through the border checkpoint with no problems and headed for the museum.
They had five hours to acquire the artifacts and make it back to the airport in San Diego for the red-eye flight home.
Plenty of time.
"Wow," Danny said as the loading dock door rolled up and a uniformed guard appeared with three large boxes on a handcart.
"What?" Gabby asked.
"I don't know," Danny shrugged. "When you said artifacts I assumed you meant … " he held up his hands about a foot apart indicating he expected smaller boxes.
Gabby smiled. "Don't worry. When we get back to San Diego I'll arrange to have these shipped to Oahu. It's not like we have to carry them on the plane."
"Thank goodness for that. I think they'd each need their own seat."
A well-dressed man exited the building and made his way across the loading dock carrying a handful of papers. "Gabby, it's so good to see you again," he smiled.
"Ivan," Gabby said as she extended his hand. "Thanks for calling and giving me a chance to acquire these pieces for the Clifford Trust. This is my boyfriend, Danny Williams."
"Pleasure," Ivan said as he extended his hand. "I know it seems unnecessarily formal but we have very strict rules about artifacts that are leaving the country. I'll need to see IDs from both of you."
"Me too?" Danny asked.
"I'm afraid so," Ivan replied. "We've had issues in the past with proxy buyers attempting to purchase artifacts for disreputable dealers. Even though I know that's not the case here we must still observe the protocol and see identification for everyone present when picking up an artifact."
Danny shrugged and pulled his driver's license and passport from his pocket. He handed them to Ivan who wrote the numbers down on his paperwork and handed them back as the guard began to load the boxes into the rental car.
As he lifted the first box into the trunk he nearly lost his balance and for a minute it looked as though the box would crash to the ground. Gabby and Ivan gasped as Danny jumped off the loading dock and helped steady the box.
"I'm sorry," the guard apologized.
"Everything's fine," Danny assured them. "Let's just try to get these into the car in one piece."
Fifteen minutes later the car was loaded and they said their goodbyes and headed back towards the border. Halfway there they came upon a colorful local bazaar and Gabby, after checking her watch, begged Danny to stop for just a few minutes. He agreed with a sigh and found a parking space.
True to her word Gabby shopped quickly, picking up a few gifts for people back home, and in no time they were on their way again. As they approached the border crossing Danny reached into his pocket for his wallet and passport and froze.
He shifted in his seat and felt again.
Nothing.
He patted the other back pocket frantically.
"What's wrong?" Gabby asked as she removed her own documents from her purse.
"My wallet. It's gone! So is my passport!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." Danny's voice began to get louder. "Someone must have picked my pocket at the bazaar."
Before either of them could say another word a stern looking border agent tapped on the window. When Danny lowered it he said, "ID and passports please."
Danny banged his hands on the steering wheel. "We stopped at a bazaar a little ways back and someone there must have stolen my wallet and passport."
"I'm sorry, sir," the guards face grew suspicious, "are you saying you have no identification and no passport?"
"Don't look at me like that," Danny growled. "I had them an hour ago when we crossed the border from the other direction."
"We went down to the Museo de las Californias to pick up some artifacts," Gabby offered by way of explanation.
"Artifacts?" The guard's hand made its way to his weapon.
"I have all the paperwork," Gabby said hurriedly as she saw Danny's eyes widen and knew he was about to lose his temper. "My name is Dr. Gabrielle Asano and I work for the Clifford Trust in Oahu, Hawaii. I assure you all the paperwork is in order. And I have my license and passport." She held them out for the man to examine.
"I'm gonna have to ask you to step out of the car, sir," the guard said calmly.
"You don't understand," Danny countered, making no move to get out of the car. "My name is Danny Williams. I'm a detective with the Five-0 task force in Hawaii. We have a flight back to Oahu in," he looked at his watch, "four hours."
"I'm not gonna ask you again, sir, please step out of the car," the guard said, this time more forcefully. "You're gonna need to come with us."
Steve and Catherine were just finishing up a leisurely Sunday dinner, relaxing on the deck, when Steve's phone rang.
His brow creased with concern when he saw the name on the caller ID. "Hey, Gabby," he said as he connected the call. "Is everything ok?"
"Not exactly."
Steve put the call on speakerphone. "What's wrong?"
"We're fine. It's nothing like … no one is hurt."
Catherine could hear the tears in her friend's voice. "Just take a deep breath and tell us what's happening."
"I got an unexpected chance to purchase some artifacts from a museum in Mexico for the Clifford Trust so Danny and I rented a car and drove down to pick them up. On the way back we stopped at a market so I could pick up a few gifts and … well all we can figure is Danny must have got pick-pocketed because when we got back to the border he didn't have his wallet or his passport."
Catherine looked at Steve, eyes wide. "So they won't let him back across the border."
"They're detaining him overnight until they can make some calls and check out the information he provided first thing in the morning. They told me I could go because I have all my documents but I don't want to leave him here alone. And even if they release him they're not gonna let him back across the border until he gets a new passport."
"We're on our way, Gabby," Steve said. "Just sit tight. And tell Danny not to say or do anything stupid before we get there."
"I hate to make you guys fly all this way it's just … I have a feeling they're holding him because the whole artifacts thing … and the fact that we were only in the country for a little over an hour … I mean I can understand how it might look suspicious but ..."
"I'll make a few calls and see what I can find out on the way," Steve assured her. "I'll grab Danny's identification documents we have on file at Five-0 and bring those too. They should help confirm who he is for the border patrol and hopefully also help get a new passport as fast as possible."
"He's worried about all his missing ID and credit cards … "
"I'll put a law enforcement hold on everything for right now," Catherine offered. "Then once he gets home he can take care of cancelling whatever needs cancelled."
"Thanks, you guys! Seriously. I feel better just having talked to you. My phone battery is gonna die any second but I have Danny's phone in my purse so if you need anything call on that number, okay?"
"No problem," Steve said. "Just try and stay calm and keep your boyfriend from causing an international incident until we get there."
As Steve disconnected the call Catherine was busy looking up flights. "The earliest flight we can get is 10:30. P.M. It'll put us in San Diego at 7:00 A.M. local time. We can rent a car and be at the border within the hour."
"Sounds good," he said as they made their way into the house. "We have to swing by the office and pick up copies of Danny's ID anyway so that gives us a little breathing room. We can still make the flight comfortably. I'm gonna call the governor and see if there's anything he can do to grease the wheels at all."
"Good idea," Catherine nodded. "I'll call Esther and then throw a few things in a bag for us just in case."
"Thanks. Maybe call Chin and Kono too and give them a heads up that won't be in in the morning."
"I'm on it."
"You realize I'm never gonna let him live this down, right?" Steve grinned. "I mean … if you'd asked him a few days ago who was more likely to be detained in a foreign country he would have guaranteed it would be me."
"Probably," Catherine chuckled. "Let's go get him back as quickly as possible and once he's home you can tease him as much as you want."
"Did you cancel my credit cards?" Danny asked as one of the guards allowed Gabby back into the room where he sat at a small table. The two way mirror behind him allowed the guards to monitor what he was doing.
Gabby bit her lip. "In a manner of speaking."
"What do you mean in a manner of … " Danny's voice trailed off as he noticed Gabby was having trouble meeting his eyes. "No … no no NO!" He dropped his head to his hands. "Please tell me you didn't."
"It depends on what you're talking about," Gabby stalled, knowing full well he was referring to.
"Please tell me you didn't call Steve."
Gabby crossed her arms over her chest. "I can't tell you that."
"Why would you … how could … " Danny raked his hands through his hair. "You realize he's never gonna let me hear the end of this, right?"
Gabby took the seat across the table from him and tried to soften her tone. She knew getting defensive would only make things worse. "You don't think he would have noticed anyway when you don't show up for work tomorrow?"
"I could have called off and made up an excuse."
"Like it or not Steve may be the only one who can help speed this process up." She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Not only can he get ahold of everything you'll need to get your passport replaced he might also be able to call in a few favors and help resolve this more quickly."
"Or else he'll try some daring rescue maneuver and I'll wind up in a Mexican prison for the rest of my life."
Gabby grinned. "I think you're being a little dramatic."
"You don't know him like I do," Danny sighed. "Are you going back over the border tonight?"
"No. I'll stay here and wait with you. I already cleared it with the officers."
He smiled at her gratefully. "Thanks."
"Don't mention it."
Catherine scribbled a few final notes on a small, yellow legal pad then powered down her tablet and laid both on the tray in front of her.
"Luckily there's an American Consulate in Tijuana so Danny won't have to go far to apply for a new passport. It looks like he needs to have a photo taken before he arrives so I jotted down a few places where he can get that done. He needs copies of his identification and you got all that from the office, right?" she asked.
Steve smiled softly. "You're amazing."
"Steve … "
"No, I mean it," he said, refusing to allow her to deflect the praise this time. "Without even having talked to Danny I can just imagine what his state of mind is-aggravated, frustrated, angry. But you're gonna go in there with a detailed list of exactly what he needs to do and where he can go to do it and it's going to instantly bring everyone's anxiety level down."
"Figuring out an effective plan," Catherine shrugged, "It's just what I do."
"Which doesn't mean it isn't amazing." He kissed her temple.
"Thank you," she smiled as she laced their fingers together and squeezed his hand. "I just hope it helps. Gabby sounded like she was ready to cry and like you said I'm sure Danny is … well you know."
"Can't say I blame him."
"Me either. I put a 48 hour law enforcement hold on all his accounts and made a list of contact numbers for his bank and all his credit cards. I checked the health insurance companies website and he can apply for a replacement card online so he won't have to worry about that. His license and social security card on the other hand … " her voice trailed off as Steve's grin grew bigger. "I can't help it. It's what I do."
"I know it is." He dropped an arm across her shoulders and she snuggled immediately into his side. "And I stand by my statement that it's part of what makes you so amazing."
Catherine shivered slightly in the cooled air of the passenger cabin just as one of the flight attendants passed by.
"Excuse me," Steve said as quietly as possible so as not to wake any of the other passengers trying to get some rest on the overnight flight. "Can my wife have a blanket, please?"
"Of course," the attractive blonde smiled as she retrieved a blanket from the overhead bin and handed it to him. "Will there be anything else?"
"No, that's it. Thank you," Steve said as he draped the blanket across Catherine.
She settled back in then lifted her head and kissed him on the cheek. "I really, really like hearing you call me your wife."
"Good," he grinned. "Because I really, really like doing it."
"It's gonna take my back a week to get over sleeping in these uncomfortable wooden chairs," Danny groused.
"Catherine texted me while I was getting coffee from the vending machine. They've landed in San Diego and are on their way here."
"Oh goody," Danny snarked. "I can't wait to hear what Steve has to say about this."
"It wasn't your fault, Danny," she said sincerely. "Your wallet and passport got stolen. It could happen to anyone."
"I'm a cop. I'm supposed to be able to spot a pickpocket."
Gabby scoffed. "You're human."
"A fact I'm sure SuperSEAL will never let me forget."
"I think you're being a little hard on him," Gabby said. "He was genuinely concerned when I called and he offered to jump on the next plane without a minute's hesitation. He's a good friend."
"I know," Danny sighed. "I just … it's embarrassing."
"I'll tell you what, you can blame it on me. If I hadn't had to come down here after the artifacts we'd be back in Hawaii by now."
"I'm not gonna blame it on you," Danny smiled softly. "It wasn't your fault either. I'm just saying I think I'd rather do a stint in a Mexican prison than have to listen to Steve lecture me about keeping things safe in foreign countries."
"No jail time will be necessary," one of the border guards said as he came through the door with Steve and Catherine right behind him. "I just received news from the Museo de las Californias. They found your wallet and passport on their loading dock. They've been trying to call Dr. Asano's phone but they couldn't get through."
"My battery is dead," Gabby cringed.
"I must have dropped the stuff when I jumped down to help the guard load the artifacts into the car," Danny slapped his forehead with his palm.
"When I called this morning to verify the authenticity of the artifact sale documents a Dr. Ivan Petrov let me know he had your license and passport. He also confirmed the sale was 100% legitimate. He's bringing your documents over personally. They should be here within the half hour. As soon as they arrive, you're free to go."
With that the officer turned and left the room.
Danny looked his partner. "Don't. Say. A. Word."
Steve smirked. "Having your wallet and passport stolen would be one thing, Danny, that could happen to anyone," he teased. "But dropping them on a loading dock?"
Danny turned to Gabby. "I told you he was gonna do this."
"Do you need me to get you one of those things tourists wear around their waists so this doesn't happen in the future?"
Steve was clearly enjoying teasing his best friend.
Danny stood and stretched his legs and back. "I hate you. And I'm sitting next to Catherine on the flight home."
"You don't hate me," Steve smiled confidently.
"Fine. You're right. I don't," Danny acknowledged. "But I'm still sitting next to your wife on the way home."
"Actually," Gabby yawned. "It's been a long night and I think I'm gonna sit next to Catherine on the way home so I can get some rest."
"Excellent," Steve smiled brightly. "That'll give Danny and me plenty of time to talk."
"Oh goody." Danny rolled his eyes. "I can't wait."
THE END
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