II
What had once been the scene of merriment and zest was now a crime scene. Doc Bergman examined the body, while Che Fong from the forensics lab gathered up whatever physical evidence he could. The scene was making Danno wretch. No matter how many crime scenes he saw, he still could not fathom the brutality and senselessness of murder – especially now.
Senator Arthur Treadway, who was unable to attend that party because of a meeting with some civic groups. His alibi checked out, according to HPD. That was one suspect to scratch off, Danno thought but, knowing how Steve thinks, he decided not to make that scratch mark yet.
The mortuary attendants covered the body and carried it away, just as Sen. Arthur Treadway entered.
"What in blazes is going on here?" he roared. "Where's Claire!?" He stopped when he saw the stretcher with its white-sheet-covered contents.
Everyone stood where they were. They were afraid to make a move, lest Treadway come after one of them. Jayna Berringer was questioning of the guests, and Treadway saw her and pounced.
"You!" he yelled. "You hated her. You wanted her dead!" He lunged at Jayna, but the detective was quick on her feet and jumped out of the way. Treadway was not to be deterred, though. He was made a quick detour and swung his fist, pummeling it into Jayna's face, just in time for Steve and three HPD men to join the fray. They managed to pull Treadway off Jayna but she was already stunned by the blow, clutching the side of her head in pain. Steve rushed to her, trying to comfort her, taking off his jacket and placing it under her head.
"What's wrong with him!" she screamed.
"Jayna, calm down!" Steve cried just when a medic came over. Steve turned his fierce blue glare towards Treadway. "You're under arrest! Book him, Danno."
Danno wasted no time in getting his handcuffs on Treadway, but the Senator continued to hurl threats.
"You're going to pay for this, McGarrett!" he screeched as Danno and an HPD officer hauled him away. "You'll pay!"
