"Hawaii Five-0 Romance"
Part Two
Author's Notes: See Part One. Also, forgive the curse words and racist remarks, only here for the story, not a reflection of my personal views. I live in the deep South, and unfortunately this used to be common back the 1940's through the 70's. Some research revealed that the attacks mentioned would've been against anyone not white, and I don't know the derogatory words used at the time, so I'm using an asterisk "*" in place of those words and curse words, so as not to offend anyone. I know, from the book "Booking Hawaii Five-O", that Duke Lukela didn't appear until fifth season, being portrayed so wonderfully by Herman Wedemeyer, but for my purpose—he was there when this story took place. Quick note: a story I read on Solosojourn mentioned Steve having been a POW in Korea, with Oscar Goldman "Six Million Dollar Man"/"Bionic Woman"), portrayed by Richard Anderson, and Jonathan Hart ("Hart to Hart"), portrayed by Robert Wagner, so I briefly borrowed the idea, sorry that I can't remember the author or name of the story.
Disclaimer: See Part One
Chapter Twenty:
After a relatively peaceful night, Danny gets up about his regular time and grabs a quick shave and shower while Kris fixes breakfast. "I'll be in court most of today," he explains as he drinks his coffee.
"After I see if I can talk to Linda, I'm going out to the Ranch around lunch time. Got a lesson to give, and I want to work with Storm and Duchess a bit in preparation for the State Show." Kris sets glasses of milk and orange juice in front of him before returning with a scrambled egg, toast, and bacon. Then she sets her own plate down.
"Trying to get me to eat healthy," Danny grins as he drinks the milk.
"Can't hurt. The eggs come from Ranch chickens, so they're healthier and taste better."
"Steve's always after me to eat better. Even convinced me to stop smoking shortly after we started working together. Sometimes though, I could really use one."
"Glad you don't. It would kill my asthma," she smiles warmly.
After breakfast, Danny quickly dresses in a gray suit, with white cotton shirt, and gray silk tie. He gives her a quick kiss, "Be careful. And let me know what you learn."
"I will. Have a good day. And be careful," returning the kiss affectionately.
After Danny leaves, Kris straightens up the kitchen, makes up the bed, and changes into white shorts, a pale blue t-shirt, loafers, and her hair up in a ponytail. She's debating about whether to simply walk next door when there's a soft tap on the door. Caution making her stick her thirty-two into the waist-band of her shorts, she answers to find Linda standing there, hesitantly, "Hi—uh-"
Kris hugs her old acquaintance, "Linda—what a surprise! Come on in!"
Linda can't help but be surprised by the warm welcome. She's dressed in a loose-fitting navy blue and white Hawaiian-print dress that reaches her ankles. Her dishwater blond hair has been pulled back into a severe bun, while her green eyes are tired, with dark circles under them. "You recognize me?"
"Of course. It may have been a while, but I remember you quite well. Can I get you some coffee? Milk? Juice? Tab?"
"Juice, please."
"Have a seat on the couch. Be right back."
Linda looks around the little house as she perches on the edge of the comfortable couch. She's risking Alex's wrath, by coming here, but if her old school-mate can help her escape, it's worth it. She was always nice, though they moved in different circles of friends.
Kris returns with two glasses of orange juice over ice. She sits down next to her and hands her a glass. "How are you," she asks, not mentioning the bruises she sees on her slender arms.
"You were always nice to me," Linda whispers.
Kris patiently waits for her to talk at her own pace. She learned the art of it a long time ago, and honed it while working for the DA's office.
"I'm surprised to see you. Why are you here," the stutter and disjointed speech is a sign of nerves.
Kris keeps her manner warm, hoping to put her at ease, "I'm newly married. My husband's uncle works in the Governor's Office as a Press Liaison. He offered Danny a job as his assistant. We got married a couple of weeks ago, back in Georgia. Then arrived here a few days ago. He started his job yesterday."
"What about you?"
"I'm the new trainer at Ko'Olau Ranch, on the other side of the Island."
"You always did love horses," Linda manages to smile a little.
"Still do, love showing and trail riding."
Linda looks down at the glass at her hands, "Can I trust you?"
"Of course. What's wrong," Kris sets her glass down and puts a gentle hand on Linda's shoulder, comforting as best she can.
"My father made me marry Alex Hill—remember him?"
"Vaguely. Why?"
"I—I'm not sure. He came to me one night and told me I was going to marry him the next. When I refused, he beat me. I tried to run away, but they found me," Linda looks up into a pair of compassionate blue eyes, "It was horrible! They almost killed me! I wish they had! My father watched while Alex—forced himself on me, playing with himself while he raped me! They—came-at the same time even."
"And the pastor went along with this?"
"No pastor. The judge was paid off. He went along with it, despite seeing the bruises."
"What was the judge's name," Kris asks, figuring Steve could check into the man (she's already learned that he has little use for those who take advantage of others).
"Guy named Jefferson Clinton."
Kris moves to kneel in front of Linda, "Linda—I need to know—and I want you to be sure when you answer—do you want out? Mrs. Wyndham told me you wouldn't press charges when she called the police. But I can see the bruises on your arms, and there's probably more I can't see."
Linda takes a deep breath, "There's no one else I can turn to. I'm sorry to involve you, but—I'm scared—one day, he's going to kill me—and I can't stop him—I'm not strong enough-"
"It's okay, I understand. But I have to be sure that this is what you want before I go any further."
"It is, more than anything else."
"If you leave, do you have any family you can go to?"
"None that will help. My father beats my mother too. She's to scared to help me. He told me if I tried to leave, he'd kill me."
Kris sits back on her heels, this is bigger than she thought. She looks at Linda as she thinks, I've got to talk to Danny and Steve. "It's going to take me a day or two. I need to talk to Danny, and his uncle—since he has more connections here than I do."
"Can I—trust them?"
If only she knew who I'm talking about, Kris almost smiles, then sobers, "Yes, believe me. If there's anyone on Oahu you can trust, it's Danny and Uncle Steve. Uncle Steve has lived here since fifty-nine, so he has connections. Question, does Alex know who I am?"
"He recognized you the day you moved in. He ranted about you for an hour. He wants you, badly, because you didn't pay him any attention in high school. He'll hurt you if he gets you alone."
"That won't happen. But don't say anything about talking to me. That would only put you in more danger."
"What about you?"
"Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself."
Chapter Twenty-One:
With that, Linda leaves. Kris glances at her watch, finding it's almost ten. She quickly changes into a navy blue mock-turtleneck summer sweater and white linen slacks, with ballet flats, then grabs her tote bag (putting her pistol in it) and Jeep keys, heading out the door. Twenty minutes later, she pulls into the Guest Parking area at the Palace. The police officer at the door looks at her ID as she signs her name on the clipboard on his desk.
Jenny looks up when Kris pushes the door open to the main office, smiling warmly at the young woman, "Hi Kris."
"Hi Jenny. Is Steve where I can talk to him a few minutes? I know Danny's in court this morning."
"Of course. Let me tell him you're here." Jenny buzzes Steve, who tells her to allow Kris to enter.
Kris enters the office to find Steve behind his massive polished koa wood desk, wearing a crisp black suit (jacket hung on a coat rack with his shoulder holster), white long-sleeve shirt, and black tie. He looks up when she walks in and sets her white tote
bag (with royal blue trim) on the floor next to one of the chairs. "I thought you were going out to the Ranch today," he comments as he stands to come around the corner of the desk, motioning for her to have a seat.
"I am, but I had a visitor shortly after Danny left—Linda Hill."
Steve leans against the corner of his desk, his brilliant blue eyes alert, "And?"
"It's worse than we thought. She was forced to marry him—Judge Clinton took a bribe to perform the marriage. Despite what I'm sure were obvious bruises at the time."
Steve nods, "Keep going."
"She was beaten, severely, and raped as well. Her father even watched while Alex raped her. Steve, it's bad. She's got some bad bruises on her arms, probably more I couldn't see. She's hoping I can help."
"What did you tell her?"
"That I would have to talk to Danny and 'Uncle Steve'. She's got no family that will help, since her mother is abused as well. Her father said he'd kill her if she left Alex. She asked if you could be trusted," Kris can't help but smile, "I told her if there was anyone on the island she could trust, it was Danny and 'Uncle Steve'."
"Did she buy your cover?"
"No problem. She also told me Alex recognized me. And that he wants me, in his bed apparently. Like that's going to happen in this, or any other, lifetime," Kris shudders in revulsion.
"That surprises you," Steve remarks, reading her expression easily.
"Sort of," Kris admits with a shrug, "Like I said—he never paid me any attention in school. I told her to give me a day or two. Also told her not to say anything to Alex. I don't want her in any additional danger. Getting her out is going to be risky enough, along with nailing Alex for the hate crimes."
Steve nods, pleased with how she handled the situation, "Gut feeling?"
"He's as mean as a rattlesnake and doubly dangerous."
"We're going to make a detective out you yet," he smiles.
Chapter Twenty-Two:
"Yeah, right," Kris snorts, then sobers, "There's something I want to talk to you about—not about the case—this is personal."
"Of course. Go ahead."
"Night before last, Danny had a nightmare, about his parents' death. Does he have them often?"
Steve rubs a hand across his face, cluing her in as to his concern for his friend, "Usually when he's stressed out, or recovering from an injury. I've suggested counseling, but—I can always tell when he's had a bad night. But I didn't yesterday," he lets his thoughts trail off.
"Because I woke him up about two, and stayed with him until morning," Kris shakes her head with a soft smile, "Not that I mind in the least. I've had a few, and it helps when someone else is there." She looks up into a pair of stunning blue eyes, "I'm telling you the same thing I told him—I won't interfere in your relationship. I can tell how important it is, to both of you. But I will tell you, I'm falling in love with Danny. Even though I've only known him a short time."
"I can tell he likes you, already. Just give him time. Two years ago, he lost the girl he was very serious about, to a serial killer," Steve warns.
"I will. We talked some last night. We're going to take it a day at the time. You won't tell him we talked about this, will you?"
"Of course not. You came in as a worried friend, which is what he needs. By the way, how would you feel about coming to work for me?"
"You're kidding?"
"No. I need someone who can act as a press liaison, taking some of the pressure off of us, and work with the victims—helping to get statements and supporting. It's going to be sort of on an as needed basis. I've talked to Richard, he said you were a natural at dealing with the press. You're poised, self-confident, and know how to dress appropriately. Have you had any training in public speaking?"
"In high school and college, my parents insisted. Why me?"
"The Governor's been after me a while to have a press liaison, to lessen some of my own load. But I don't want just anyone. I need someone that isn't in it for the money or prestige. I also need to be able to get along with the person, on a personal level. And that person needs to be able to get along with the others as well. You already fit right in—Jenny thinks you're great. You haven't met Chin and Kono yet, but I don't see a problem there. I think you'll do just fine with both positions. What do you say?"
Kris can't believe she's just been offered the job of a life-time, working with Five-O. She takes a deep breath to steady her nerves, "Surely you want someone with more experience, who's more used to dealing with the press."
"You've been in Hawaii long enough to know that this is considered to be a very desirable place to work. But you've also heard, I'm sure, that I'm difficult to work with. And it's true, for most people. But I also believe you're probably one of few exceptions to that rule, like Danno." Steve leans back in his chair to study the young girl in front of
him. While it's true she's young in years, he sees a wisdom beyond her youthful appearance. He also feels drawn to her, much like he was Danny all those years ago.
"What would the job involve," Kris asks, not believing she's seriously considering the offer.
"We often have to deal with the victims of violent crime, or their relatives. You have a gentle manner that will put people at ease almost instantly. I can be somewhat intimidating, as you know. Danno much less, he's so outgoing. When dealing with people who have already been traumatized, you'll be able to calm them down and get them to talk about what they've been through. It's pretty much what you've been doing at the District Attorney's office. Richard spoke very highly of your abilities to get along with almost anyone."
"And the Press Liaison?"
"You'll be giving Press Conferences on our behalf, answering questions from reporters, and fielding calls from other nosy individuals. In other words, you'll be freeing us to concentrate on the investigations. I'll make sure you are familiar with the cases we've got going on, as well as any new ones. And have a desk brought in for you. Your hours will pretty much be your own. You'll be on call, but not to the extent we are. You'll need to be at some crime scenes though, speaking with reporters. Matter of fact, you might want to keep a change of clothes in the ladies' room. Jenny'll be glad to help you with that, I'm sure."
Kris is unsure of how to respond to the offer. The conditions won't bother her, but she can't help but feel a bit unsure about things. Biting her lip, she looks out the glass doors onto the lanai for a moment, then turns to look back at Steve, "I've got the State Spring Horse Show coming up the last weekend of April, which is the last three days of the State Spring Fair. I'm going to be tied up Thursday, which is the day I'll get to the State Ag Center, until Monday, the day I'll get back to the Ranch. I'll be doing two breed exhibitions a day for three days, as well as showing a couple of horses—one of
my Morgan mares in Western Pleasure and Trail, and an Arabian mare in Country Pleasure and Side Saddle. Friday will be devoted to Speed and Cattle classes, Western will be on Saturday, then Sunday is for English classes. I don't plan on riding in Speed, Cattle, or Hunter/Jumper classes, but that's subject to change if I'm asked to catch ride a horse. I'll take suitable clothes just in case."
"You could come in before then, become familiar with our cases, then start officially the next week. What do you say? I'd like to inform the Governor today if possible."
"I'll take it on one condition."
"What's that?"
"Take whatever you'd pay me and give the guys a raise. I don't need the money, as I have the income from the trust fund my grandparents set up, plus from the Ranch."
"I'll do that," Steve nods, impressed by her generosity.
"Great. That makes me feel better. Besides, doesn't Chin have several kids? I'm sure he could use the extra money. Kono too, I'm sure."
"You're right, they could. I'll call the Governor this afternoon. He'll want to meet you at some point."
"Just let me know when." Kris stands and extends her hand, "Since Danny's in court, I'm headed out to the Ranch for a while. If you need anything, you can reach me out there."
"I'll tell him what you learned. Good work."
"Thanks."
Chapter Twenty-Three:
Leaving Five-O, Kris heads out of Honolulu back towards the Ranch, located about thirty miles north-east of downtown (half-way between Byodo-In Temple and Sacred Falls State Park) and off the main road. While she loves living in Hawaii, she doesn't particularly care for the bustle of town (fine for shopping and going out to eat though). The Ko'Olau (that it takes its name from) Mountain Range and tropical rain forest that takes up most of the island's interior abuts the pastures, with trails meandering through to ancient ruins and hidden waterfalls deep in the forest. Wild hog and deer still roam freely. She even has beach access, just across Scenic Route 83, often going for long rides on the hard-packed sand.
Parking in front of the house, she's greeted warmly by Margo with the message that Mrs. Bouquet is on her way. She rushes upstairs and changes into khaki riding pants, navy blue and white short-sleeve Hawaiian shirt, and ankle-high black paddock boots. She pulls her hair up into a ponytail and sets a straw Stetson hat on her head (to protect herself from the intense Hawaiian sunshine). SPF fifty is reapplied to her face, neck, and arms.
Promptly at five minutes until one, Mrs. Hyacinth Bouquet arrives for her riding lesson on a pretty little blood bay Arabian mare (owned by her close friend) named Lady Diana. As usual, the woman (in her sixties with dark brown hair going gray around the edges and cool green eyes) is impeccably dressed in white breeches, a red polo shirt, and brilliantly polished black boots. She carries a crop in one hand and a riding helmet in the other. Her voice is distinctly upper-class British (she married a high up in the British diplomatic corp) as she gets out of her sedate black Mercury and takes in the young girl's casual attire with a disapproving frown, "Kristi—how are you, Dear?"
"Very well," Kris forces herself to smile, "And you?"
"We have company coming from London, for a few days. Would it be all right if I brought my dear friend, Elizabeth? Perhaps you could take us for a light hack, to show her the rain forest and mountains? They are so different than what we have back in England that she will enjoy seeing them."
"Of course. Just let me know ahead of time." Kris decides to wait until after the lesson to tell Mrs. Bouquet about the new job, giving her the opportunity to decide whether to continue her lessons or go to another farm (there's about half-a-dozen around Oahu).
Mik leads Diana up and assists the older woman in mounting. Kris then walks with them to the riding arena. Standing in the center, she focuses her attention on the horse and rider in front of her. This is only the other woman's second sidesaddle lesson, so they concentrate on getting her comfortable at a walk, trot, and canter. They also work on circles and figure-eights at all three gaits.
"If you decide to show, I suggest you get a habit made locally, out of a tropical weight material such as linen or cotton," Kris suggests as they end the lesson, "The ones you buy from the catalogs or find through vintage clothing shops back on the Mainland are made out of heavier materials, suitable for cooler weather. You'll roast in Hawaii's mild weather if you wear the material used in riding clothes made for regular riding."
"Is that what you did," Mrs. Bouquet asks as they exit the arena.
"It is. There's a family in Honolulu, at Ala Moana, that makes women's clothing, so I selected the fabrics and had them make two: out of linen with cotton lining, one black, the other navy blue—I'll be wearing the navy blue one when I show Diana for Margaret, with a navy blue linen coat for the Country Pleasure. I'll be wearing a Wedgwood blue linen coat when I exhibit Duchess Saddleseat, with navy blue cotton jodhpurs and navy blue leather boots, since she's a palomino. I've also got a royal blue linen Western style habit with sterling silver trim work to matching my Western show sidesaddle and blanket, bridle, and breastplate for Storm. I'll be taking breeches, hunt coat, and field boots in case I'm asked to catch ride in Hunters or Jumpers."
Mik appears to take Lady as Kris turns back to the older woman, "I'm informing all of my boarders and students, so you're the first to know. I've accepted another job."
"Doing what, Dear?"
"I'll be working as a victim and press liaison with Five-0. My hours will pretty much be my own, except I may have to go in at short notice sometimes, if a case is breaking and they need me. I'm giving my students and boarders the option of going to another farm. I'll be starting the week after the State Horse Show."
"Oh dear. I'm not sure I like that. As a well-bred young lady, you should be doing something—like teaching, nursing, or being a secretary. And finding a wealthy husband—perhaps a doctor or lawyer. Or even an executive in a bank."
"You sound just like my mother. And I'll tell you what I've told her, repeatedly: I have no interest in finding a wealthy husband. I'd be bored out of my mind in short order with someone who's only interests are his golf game, his friends, and his clients. Working with Five-O promises to be challenging. I'll still be working with the victims of violent crime and domestic violence, but will also working with the press—doing releases and conferences, which will take a bit of a load off of Mr. McGarrett. He offered me the job this morning, and I accepted."
"Surely a young lady such as yourself could find something better to do than working with the Police," Mrs. Bouquet comments, revealing her snobbery.
"It's something I'll enjoy, and can make a difference in the lives of others. The choice of whether to remain or leave is yours. By the way, I'm also dating Danny Williams, Five-O's Second-in-Command." Turning on her heel, Kris heads to the barn, leaving the older woman stunned by the news.
Before leaving for the day, Kris informs Mik and Margo of the news of her new job. Both are happy for her, especially since the hours will be pretty much her own. Plus, they know Danny and like him. They're familiar with McGarrett's reputation, but believe that she can get along with him.
Chapter Twenty-Four:
After working Storm (Western sidesaddle) and Duchess (her palomino Morgan mare, Saddleseat) in preparation for doing Breed Demonstrations at the State Horse show, Kris changes back into casual clothing and heads for her temporary home. She makes a quick stop at a nearby Chinese restaurant to pick up dinner (during their
conversations, she learned what Danny does and doesn't like), getting extra just in case. Pulling up at the house, she notices Alex is once again on the porch—nursing a beer and glaring at her. Ignoring him, she carries her bags inside and sets them in the kitchen.
She's about to sit down on the couch when there's a knock on the door. Going to answer, she picks up her pistol from her tote bag. Looking out the door, she finds Alex standing there—beer in hand. She opens the door, but leaves the screen latched, making sure the gun is visible in her hand, "What do you want?"
"You," Alex sneer/leers through the screen, "You were always such a hot little number—I want you, now."
"In your dreams," Kris snaps, "Get lost!"
"Oh come on. We'll have time for you to give me a blow job and me to **** you up the *** before your husband gets home."
"And what about your wife," Kris asks.
"I do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Right now, I want you. Come on, let me in," Alex snarls, jerking on the screen door until it rattles.
"In your dreams. You were a jerk in school and apparently still are. Get out of here before I decide to turn you from a rooster to a hen, doing your wife a big favor." Kris raises the pistol and takes square aim at his groin.
The bloodshot eyes widen in horror, "You wouldn't dare!"
"Wanna bet," Kris smirks, having gained the upper-hand, "I learned to shoot when I was very young. Plus my husband's been giving me additional lessons."
"What's he got I don't?"
Kris looks him up and down, smirking, "You mean besides the obvious?" She then slams the door in his face, securely latching it. For a few minutes, Alex continues to yell obscenities until he storms off in a huff. Once he's gone, she lets out the breath she's been holding since he first pounded on the door. With a sigh, she admits that the encounter has left her more than a little unnerved. She takes a few deep breaths to calm
herself as she tries to decide what to do. First things first, she decides, call and let Danny know what just happened. Chances are he's still at the office after his court date. And he and Steve would kill me if I didn't.
The slamming of a car door interrupts her train of thought as she glances at her watch, finding it almost six. She moves to the window to find both Danny and Steve getting out of Steve's Mercury. Good thing I bought extra Chinese, she smiles to herself as she moves to open the door and unlatch the screen for the two men, putting her pistol back in her tote bag.
Though he greets her with an affectionate kiss on the cheek, Danny immediately senses something is very wrong with the woman he's starting to fall in love with. "What's wrong," he asks softly.
Steve looks at her curiously as he removes his suit jacket, "What happened?"
"I just a rather unpleasant visitor: Alex."
Danny immediately finds himself becoming protective of the girl he's falling in love with, "What did he want?"
"Me. And wasn't very happy when I refused to have sex with him. I kept the screen door latched and had my pistol in my hand. I threatened to turn him from a rooster to a hen," she manages to joke.
"You okay," Steve asks gently, taking the words right out of Danny's mouth.
Kris nods, "A little shaken, but fine. Make yourselves at home while I get dinner on the table."
A few minutes later, the three are seated at the kitchen table, with glasses of freshly brewed iced tea. Kris repeats her story about Linda's morning visit, then Alex's more unexpected visit. "You think he's dangerous," Steve asks, wanting her gut reaction.
"As a rattlesnake, and about as unpredictable," she comments as she starts clearing the table.
"I think I need to rattle his cage a bit," Danny suggests, "Let me pay a little visit to him before you leave, tell him to leave my wife alone, see what comes out when I confront him."
"Might work," Steve agrees, "But only if I go with you."
"I think I'll watch the fireworks from the porch," Kris grins, "So play nice fellas."
Chapter Twenty-Five:
Going into the bedroom, Danny quickly changes into jeans and a white t-shirt, with loafers. Steve raises a curious eyebrow at the change, causing the younger man to smile as he runs a hand through his hair, mussing it slightly, "I don't want to look like a PR guy right now."
"Good thinking."
Kris follows the two men outside and waits on the front porch as they cross the tiny yard, then walk up the steps and knock on the door. She sits on the steps to watch what happens.
Danny knocks twice on the door, then it is opened by Linda, "Can I help you?"
"I need to speak to your husband. About a personal matter."
Alex comes to the screen door, "Yeah—what the hell do you want?"
"You might want to step outside, so your wife won't hear this."
Intimidated by the two men, Alex reluctantly steps outside on the porch and shuts the door. "What's this about," he growls, taking a swig of his beer.
Danny bites back his temper, instead taking a deep breath, "I'm only going to say this one time—leave my wife alone! You come near her again, you'll regret it!"
"She wanted me to **** her," Alex sneers, "We were lovers back in high school, and let me tell you—she was hot then and she's hot now! She's pretty damn good at giving blow jobs too! Then I took her up the ***!"
Danny immediately realizes what Alex is doing: playing a mind game with him. He reacts by getting right in his face, instead of shooting him in the ***** like he'd like too, "Yeah right! In your dreams! Consider yourself warned—make one move towards my wife and I'll see that you regret it!"
Alex flinches, unused to anyone fighting back, then blusters again, "She said you couldn't even satisfy her! She likes it rough, said you were to soft!"
"Keep it up! Give me an excuse," Danny gets right into his face, his fists balled up, just itching to take a swing at him. Steve simply hangs back, letting him handle things.
Alex takes yet another swig of his ever present beer, his mind working, trying to figure out how to salvage something—to turn things back to his advantage, "Some buddies and I are going out tomorrow afternoon for some fun."
Danny backs up a couple of steps and exchanges a quick glance with Steve, then looks back at Alex, "What do you have in mind?"
"You know the garage a couple of blocks from here?"
"Yeah."
"We're meeting up there about six tomorrow night. There's an uppity ****** that needs to be taught a lesson. He told a woman the other day he wanted to **** her, then slapped her on the ass, after he showed her his **** and told her to suck it! She's a buddy's girlfriend and was right upset," Alex smirks, sensing Danny's interest.
"I'm sure she was. If some *** **** ****** done that my wife, I'd be pissed off too," Danny forces himself to grin, though he's sickened at the thought of someone being beaten, then has to ask, "Aren't you worried about the cops?"
"Hell no! We've gotten away with it before! Damn ******* need to be taught their place and leave us whites alone. My grandfather was in the KKK back in Alabama and he used to tell me stories about what they used to do to ******* who tried to **** white women: tar and feathers, or throwing them off a bridge with their hands and feet tied, and a chain around their necks. Sometimes, they'd cut off their ***** and shove them down their throats before dumping them in the woods to die, or setting them on fire. Even let the men of the women they insulted have a little fun."
"What about Five-O," Steve asks, keeping his temper in check, with difficulty.
"Bunch of damned idiots! They got more important things to worry about than a few dead *******! Besides, who gives a rat's *** about couple of roughed up or missing *******?"
"True," Danny admits.
"Come with me then. And don't wear anything you care about staying clean," Alex sneers, draining his bottle, "We know where the ****** works and one of the guys is going to call him to his house for a job. We get a little carried away, no big deal- we'll dump him in the ocean for shark bait. What's one less ****** on the Island?"
"Sounds like fun," Danny forces himself to smile.
"It will be. Get a few beers in us, teach him a lesson—maybe even cut off his **** and shove it down his throat. He'll never touch another white woman again. You're welcome to come along," Alex tells Steve as he spits off the porch.
"Sorry, but I've got plans for the evening."
Danny then glares at the man one last time, "Just remember, keep away from my wife."
Chapter Twenty-Six:
"Well, what's the verdict," Kris asks as they return to the porch, then go back inside.
"He tried to tell me that you two had slept together in high school, and that you two just did it again, along with some other crude comments," Danny tells her, watching her eyes darken in anger.
"That ***!"
"Don't worry about it," Steve reminds her, having hung back and let Danny take the lead, "Trust me—we didn't believe a word of it."
"Thanks guys," Kris sighs, then changes the subject, "Did y'all learn anything of interest?"
Danny tops off both glasses of iced tea, then hands Steve his, "He and his buddies are planning an attack tomorrow night. He invited us to come along. I think he was trying to get my attention away from what he wanted to do to you, maybe even use this as a reason to get close to you again."
"You think he's serious?"
"Very," Steve tells them, "This is the first attack we've known about ahead of time. Unfortunately, we don't know who the target is, or where he is."
"So what's the plan," Danny looks at his boss/best friend.
"I think you need to go ahead and meet up with them, then let us put a series of tails on you. We'll move in when we see it about to go down."
"What about a wire," Kris asks, wanting to reduce the risk to Danny.
"To risky, since he might be searched. Though I do want you to wear your spare gun. You can always excuse it by saying you like to be prepared."
"So what's the plan for tomorrow, then," Danny asks.
Steve sits down at the kitchen table, "I think we need to proceed with caution. Kris, I don't want you here when it goes down—you need to be at the Ranch, in case something happens. Danno, I want you to leave in the morning, like you usually do. We'll firm up our plans then."
"Steve," Kris volunteers, "I'm a trained Emergency Medical Technician. If you'd like, I'm willing to ride along in one of the tail cars, just in case all hell breaks loose and someone gets hurt."
Steve raises a curious eyebrow, impressed with her willingness to help out, "I didn't realize you were an EMT."
"Dad insisted that I take it, the summer between my Junior and Senior years of college. Since I traveled so much, to horse shows and on hiking trips, he thought it would be useful. Plus I got extra credit for college. I passed the written and skills with scores in the ninety percent range. It comes in handy sometimes, even now."
"Are you certified here?"
"I got my certification when I moved back. I keep extensive kits in the barn, Jeep, house, and truck."
"Might come in handy sometimes, with our job," Danny can't help but grin.
"I still think I'd rather you be out of harm's way. In case something goes wrong and he comes back here," Steve decides, his tone brooking no argument from the young woman.
Kris gives in reluctantly, not happy—but accepting the order, "Just promise that you'll let me know what happens."
"We will," Steve promises, realizing that she really does care about Danny.
She shakes her head, "I've just got a bad feeling about this situation."
Danny hastens to reassure her, "We'll be careful."
"I know," she sighs.
Later that night, Kris is resting with her head on Danny's shoulder, her mind wandering to tomorrow. She's worried about him and can't shake the feeling that something's going to happen.
Danny kisses the top of her head, sensing her mood, "You're worried—aren't you?"
"Sorry, don't mean to be a worry wart," Kris smiles up, "I know you know what you're doing, and that Steve will make sure that y'all take precautions to come out of anything safely. But I can't help it."
"It's nice to know you're worried about me," Danny kisses her forehead again, "I'll be careful."
"I know you will."
But she lies awake the rest of the night, worrying about the man she's falling in love with.
Chapter Twenty-Seven:
The next morning, Friday, March fourteenth, Danny leaves about his regular time—wearing a navy blue suit with a white shirt and blue tie, but carrying a change of clothes in an overnight bag. After straightening up the house, Kris changes into crisp khaki slacks, a navy blue and white Hawaiian print shirt, and white sandals. Her golden brown hair has been pulled back into a long ponytail and tied with a ribbon to match her shirt.
Leaving the house, she's met by Linda at her Jeep. "Alex just left for work," she tells her, "After your husband and uncle came over last night, he ranted and raved for hour. About you, mainly. He's obsessed with you. He wants you. He was telling my father what he wants to do to you. He's going to rape you when he gets a chance."
"Like that's going to happen," Kris snorts as she reaches for the door. She desperately wants to tell the woman that things may be coming to an end tonight, but is afraid of what could happen if she does. Instead, she makes a snap decision, "Go back in and grab enough clothes for a few days. And anything you don't want him to destroy. Because when he finds out you're gone, he's going to go berserk. I'm taking you to the Ranch, where you'll be safe."
Linda looks at her old classmate, "Are you sure? Won't the owner mind?"
"Positive. And she'd be the first to offer to help you."
"Wait—there's something else. You know he invited your husband along tonight?
You need to warn him—it's a set up. When Alex came back in, before he—anyway, he called my father, who owns the Garage where he works. I heard them making plans. They're going to kill him, then he's coming after you," Linda's words are rushed as she tries to warn the only person who cares enough to try and help her.
"Damn," Kris mutters under her breath. This is something that not even Steve could've foreseen. She makes up her mind, "Go pack. I'm taking you to the Ranch, then going to find Danny."
By ten, Linda's been safely installed in one of the two guest rooms in the house, with Margo promising to keep an eye on her. Kris takes a minute to change into a navy blue polo shirt, white running shoes, and stick her pistol in her purse before heading back to Honolulu. The other woman's warnings have increased her feeling of unease.
At ten-thirty, Jenny looks up to find Kris walking into Five-0's office. "I thought you were at the Ranch today?"
"Something came up. Are the guys here?"
Danny, hearing Kris' voice, steps out of Steve's office—where they're discussing the upcoming operation. "What's wrong," he asks, showing her into the office that she's becoming very familiar with.
Kris perches in the same chair she's used before, "Linda's at the Ranch. She came out as I was getting ready to leave, warning me about tonight."
Steve looks up from the file, "What happened?"
"It's a set up," Kris takes a deep breath, "Alex is going to kill you, then come after me. According to Linda, he's going to rape me."
"She's sure?"
"She listened as he called her father and planned it. Linda's scared to death. So I helped her pack a few things and got her to the Ranch, where she'll be safe."
"Is she willing to testify?"
"I think so. As long as she's safe, from both him and her father. Perhaps we can help her mother as well. Apparently her father's part of the gang, though Alex is the ringleader. He also owns the Garage where Alex works."
"Does he know who Danno is?"
Kris shakes her head, "I asked, and don't think so. Alex isn't the brightest bulb in the chandelier, and right now, he sees Danny as being the one thing between him and me. He doesn't read the papers, and they don't have a TV. Linda doesn't have a clue who y'all are." She takes a deep breath, "Guys—I don't get spooked easily, but I'm terrified. I'm not worried about myself, Dad taught me to fight and fight dirty. But Alex is a lot more dangerous than you guys thought."
Steve thoughtfully looks out the lanai window, then turns back to Danny and Kris, "You're right. Let me call Stuart and see if he'll let us make the arrest, now that we've got someone willing to talk. Danno, why don't you introduce Kris to Chin and Kono, then show her her office?"
"You bet."
Escorting Kris out of the office, Danny introduces her to Chin Ho Kelly (a short, stocky Chinese/Irish man) and Kono Kalakaua (a large native Hawaiian). To his relief, she's warm and friendly with them, quickly putting them at ease. While waiting on Steve, she asks about their families, getting acquainted with them. It turns out that not only is Chin's cousin her foreman, one of Kono's did a lot of the remodeling work on the house when she bought it.
Her office, next to Danny's (next to Steve's), already has a small wooden desk and chair in it. She jots a few notes down on her ever present notepad that she keeps in her tote bag: replace the old chair with one that will be better for her back, get a blotter with calendar, a small typewriter to set on the little rolling table, and a Rolodex (for contact numbers). She'll also need to get some stationary (business cards, notepads, and typing paper—including Five-O letter head). She can run by the office supply store at Ala Moana to get all that. She also wants to bring in some pictures and a calendar for the blank walls. Plus a first aid kit to stick in the bottom desk drawer.
"You like it," Danny asks, hoping she does.
"It's perfect! I want to bring in a few pictures though. And a new chair."
"Five-O will reimburse you for anything you need to buy."
Chapter Twenty-Eight:
Steve steps out of his office, "Stuart's given us the go-ahead to bust Hill, on suspicion of murder and kidnapping." He looks at Kris, "Is he at home or the garage?"
"Garage. Until lunch, then he gets off. I wanted Linda gone before he got home. I'm afraid he'll kill her if he manages to get away from y'all Also told her to take with her anything she didn't want destroyed. He'll go crazy when he learns she's gone."
"Good thinking," Danny nods.
"Danno—get the bullet proof vests, and call HPD for some back-up, get Duke if you can. We want to be prepared for a possible fight. From what we've learned, he won't go down without one. And take your rifle, in case we need your skills as a sharp-shooter."
"Right Steve."
As Danny moves back to his office, Chin and Kono head for the store room to get the bullet-proof vests. Steve looks thoughtfully at Kris, debating about what she should do. He decides to give her a choice, "You can either stay here or go back to the Ranch and wait."
Kris doesn't hesitate, "I'm staying. If I go back to the Ranch, I'll go crazy waiting for news. Here, I'll be closer if something happens. Is there a radio that I can listen to?"
"In my office," Steve nods, impressed by her own determination. He wonders in passing if she's got some Irish blood in her background.
Danny returns with four bullet-proof vests, "HPD will meet us at the garage. Duke's going to back us up."
"Great," Steve nods, "He's a good cop that we can trust."
The four men leave, leaving Kris with Jenny. "Don't worry," the older woman tells her, "The guys are always careful."
Kris manages a wry smile, "I know, but I've just got a bad feeling about this. I just can't relax until I know they have Alex in custody and that Danny's safe."
The drive to Tony's Garage is tense and silent for the four detectives, though in separate cars. Danny, riding with Steve, tries to focus on the job at hand, but a part of his mind is back on the girl waiting at the office. He admits to himself, he's fallen—and fallen hard—for the attractive young woman. What's not to fall for: she's beautiful, intelligent, knows what his job involves, accepts that his relationship with Steve is very important, and has a terrific personality.
Steve looks over at Danny, noticing that his gaze is somewhat distant. He realizes that his mind isn't entirely on the upcoming bust. "Want to talk about it," he asks quietly.
"I'm going to ask Kris to marry me," he answers softly, waiting for his boss/best friend's reaction. To tell him that it's to soon, to wait a while.
The announcement doesn't come as a surprise, causing Steve to chuckle, "I wondered when you were going to realize you were in love with the girl."
Danny glares at Steve, a bit surprised at his acceptance of the decision, "I thought you'd be the one telling me it was to soon or that she's to young for me. Being a voice of reason, like you always have been."
Steve sobers, "Not at all. I saw the sparks between you two when you first met. And I think she's perfect for you."
"You do?"
"She's a cute girl, but with a core of steel inside. She also knows and understands your job. How'd she do with Chin and Kono?"
"She was great, which didn't surprise me at all," Danny grins, "And they seem to accept her pretty readily. Lot of haoles look down on them."
HPD Detective Duke Lukela (a tall Samoan) meets them a block from the Garage, "I've confirmed he's there—working on a car up on the lift. If we swarm in, we can take him by surprise. Do we want anyone else?"
"Let's get the owner, if at all possible," Steve tells them, "According to Hill's wife, he's involved in the attacks. Hill's the ringleader though. Swarm in and take them by surprise. But be careful, they're both dangerous. And they may very well be armed."
The officers nod in understanding, having seen the bloody results of the gang's attacks. They don bullet-proof vests, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best.
Chapter Twenty-Nine:
Alex, dressed in faded green cover-alls, looks up as two black LTD's and two Honolulu Police cars pull in and swarm the place, parking where no one can move their cars. His blood-shot eyes narrow as his next-door neighbor gets out of one of the LTD's, carrying a gun in his hand, and wearing a bullet-proof vest.
A tall, dark-haired man, steps forward, "Alex Hill—you're under arrest on suspicion of Murder One and Kidnapping with Intent to Murder."
Reacting without thinking, Alex reacts by reaching into his cover-alls and jerking out a small pistol, aiming for the dark-haired man!
Danny reacts instinctively by throwing himself at Steve, knocking him to the ground. He feels a sharp burning pain in his leg, then the world goes black!
Steve, though the weight pins him down, yells out for everyone to take cover! He manages to get his gun hand free and fires, hitting Alex squarely in the chest—causing him to fall to the ground.
Chin and Duke immediately rush over to Steve and help move Danny off of him. Getting to his knees, Steve checks on his friend and kneels at his side, cradling his blond head in his lap. Blood is oozing from a scrape in his forehead, and gushing from a wound in his upper right thigh. His breathing is shallow and labored.
As Chin gets on the radio, calling for an ambulance, Duke kneels to apply pressure to the wound in Danny's thigh. Kono, having taken Alex's father-in-law into custody, runs over, "How's the bruddah doin?"
"Not good," Steve comments, applying a clean handkerchief to the small scrape above Danny's right eye, "Looks like he hit his head, plus the wound in his leg." He looks down at the curly head, "You did it again, didn't you-kaikaina?"
Danny forces his eyes open, looking up into Steve's own blue ones. His voice is already weak, both from blood loss and the head injury, "S—Steve-"
"I'm here kaikaina-rest easy—you're going to be okay, I promise. Don't talk-"
"Kris—tell her—love-her-want to marry-"
"I will, I promise," Steve assures him as Danny's eyes roll back into his head and he goes limp. Duke looks up from where he's keeping pressure on the wound in his thigh, then checks his pulse.
"Passed out," he assures his sometimes boss, "Pulse is weak though."
"How bad's the wound," Steve asks, trying to get his mind around what just happened.
"Pretty bad. Loosing blood like crazy."
Chin returns to check on his boss and close friend, "Ambulance is on the way. How's he doing?"
"Not good. Is Hill in custody?"
Kono returns, "He's dead. You got him with your first shot."
The wailing of the ambulance causes Steve to look up, followed closely by Honolulu Fire Department Paramedics. Duke keeps the pressure on the wound while vital signs are taken and an IV established. Then one of the paramedics takes over, keeping hard pressure on the leg.
Steve doesn't hesitate to jump into the ambulance with Danny, keeping a hand on his shoulder as a calming presence. The paramedics simply shake their heads in amusement, having heard stories about the Head of Five-O and his Second-in-Command, almost becoming a local legends.
The rocking motion of the ambulance causes Danny's eyes to open, immediately coming to light on Steve, "S-"
"Ssh—ssh-I'm here, Danno," Steve soothes, stroking his shoulder with a calming hand. Danny's eyes once again roll back into his head, and he goes limp.
A few minutes later, the ambulance pulls into the ER. Several people meet it, including Doctor Bergman. The gurney is carefully removed as the paramedic gives an update on Danny's vital signs. He's wheeled into a treatment room and Steve shut out.
Doctor Bergman immediately orders X-Rays and begins his examination.
Chapter Thirty:
Kris, listening to the police radio in Steve's office, instinctively realizes that Danny's the one injured, that her feeling was right. She walks out of the office and looks at Jenny, "Danny's been shot!"
"Oh no," Jenny exclaims, "Steve's going to go ballistic!"
"Which hospital will they be taking him to?"
"Queens, that's where Doctor Bergman is."
Grabbing her totebag, Kris heads out the door and to her Jeep. She arrives within ten minutes and parks in the ER parking lot. Walking into the lobby, it takes her only a few seconds to locate Steve—helped by a friendly nurse—in the doctors' lounge—away from other patients and their families. Noticing how shell-shocked he looks, and the blood spattering his pants (which are torn at the knee) and suit jacket, she walks up and immediately pulls the tall, older, man into a warm hug, putting a halt to his restless pacing. Taking charge, she quietly urges him into a chair, then hands him a cup of water from a nearby fountain. She kneels in front of him, a comforting hand on his knee, as he sips the water, some of the color returning to his face.
Steve looks at the young woman in front of him as he forces himself to relax, allowing her to look after him for a moment First time in years that someone other than Danno's looked after me, he muses silently, sipping the water. Her dark blue eyes are gentle, concerned.
"Better," she asks quietly.
"Yeah, thanks. How about you," Steve wonders, knowing Danny would want him looking after her, rather than the other way around.
"I'll be better, once I know how Danny is," she admits with a small smile, "How was he?"
"Bleeding from a wound in his upper right thigh, plus where he hit his head to knock me out of the way," he's worried about her reaction to the news that Danny pushed him out of the way.
Kris simply shakes her head, unsurprised, "I'd be surprised if it happened any other way." She urges him to drink some more, watching as more color returns to his face. She's impatient to know about Danny, but she knows that he'd want her to remain with Steve—keeping him on an even keel.
A nurse sticks her head in, "Mr. McGarrett, Doctor Bergman is looking for you."
Steve stands, ready to hear the news—praying for the best, but expecting the worst. Kris also stands, moving to his side with a hand on his arm, as a tall, gray-haired, man in green scrubs, spattered with blood, walks into the lounge. He looks at her curiously, realizing that if she's there, it's alright. He takes a deep breath, "Good news/bad news. Good news, Danny's only got a slight concussion, probably from where he hit the pavement."
"And the bad," Steve asks, beating Kris to the punch.
"He's in surgery to remove a bullet from his thigh," Niles points to a spot on his own thigh, "The bullet nicked the femoral artery, which is why he almost bled out. If pressure hadn't been put on it immediately, he would've died of blood loss before the ambulance got there. Doctor Hope, vascular surgeon, is working on him as we speak. If all goes well, he'll be in the hospital about a week. But he can't go home to his apartment—no steps and he'll be on crutches for a week or so."
"He'll make a full recovery," Kris can't conceal her own anxiety.
"One thing you'll learn about these two—they can bounce back from almost anything, given enough time," Niles smiles warmly at her.
Steve realizes that the coroner doesn't know who she is, and makes the introductions, "Doc—this is Danno's fiance', Kris Morrow. Kris, Doc Bergman is not only the coroner, but our personal physician."
Kris raises a curious eyebrow at Steve, somewhat concerned at the introduction, but lets it slide, for now.
Niles extends his hand, smiling at the attractive young woman, warmly welcoming her into the Five-O Ohana, "Nice that Danny's finally found someone as special as he is. Doris will be overjoyed, and anxious to meet you. She thinks a lot of Danny, as do I."
"Thanks. It's nice to meet you as well," she smiles in return, already liking the doctor.
Niles looks back at Steve, "Danny's going to be in surgery for a while yet. I'll come get you two when he's in a room."
"Thanks, Doc," Steve manages to smile.
"You bet. Relax a bit." The doctor turns on his heel and vanishes back back out the door.
Chapter Thirty-One:
Kris gets a glass of water before she and Steve sit down at the little table. She looks over at the older man, concerned—not only as her soon-to-be boss, but as Danny's best friend and older brother, "You okay?"
"I will be, once I see Danno for myself," Steve admits, looking at his glass.
She reaches across the table to cover his hand with hers, having already decided to sort of take charge (she's got a feeling he may balk a bit, though), "He's going to be okay. I've a good feeling about things, now that the shooting's over with."
"I know, it's just that I feel so helpless in times like this, like I should've done more."
Kris is careful to keep her voice low and gentle, much like she does when dealing with the victims of violent crime, "Steve-you're a brilliant investigator, but you had no way of knowing Alex was going to have a gun on him and shoot back. Besides, knowing Danny—he didn't think before knocking you out of the way."
Steve can't help but smile ruefully at her understanding, "You're right."
"Look—I'm going to make a suggestion, so don't take this the wrong way. Let Danny come home with me when he's discharged. I've got an extra bedroom with bath, off the living room—no stairs to climb. I'm home all day, as is Margo, since I won't start working for you for a while yet. We'll keep an eye on him. Make sure he rests, takes his meds, and eats well. I can also do his bandage changes."
Steve nods, "Actually—I'm having some work done on my house next week, some remodeling to the kitchen and bathroom. I was planning on staying in Danno's second bedroom."
"Come with him then, it's not that far from here—about thirty minutes. I've got another bedroom upstairs, with its own private bath. It's just me in that big old house, so I've got plenty of room. As long as you don't mind two Goldens being inside." Kris takes a deep breath, "You introduced me as Danny's fiance'-"
Steve looks down at their intertwined hands, noticing the rings on her left ring finger: a simple white gold band and an oval-cut blue topaz, surrounded by diamonds. He takes a deep breath, "At the scene, he asked me to tell you that he loves you, and wants to marry you."
Kris is shocked. Sure, she's falling in love with the guy, but wasn't sure about his feelings for her, so she hadn't said anything. Her voice is hesitant, uncertain, "Was he serious? Or was it shock?"
Steve can't help but smile. She's obviously surprised. "He's serious. We've been doing some talking over the last few days. This is the first time since I've known him that I've seen him so serious about a girl." He grimaces at the memory, "Jane—was pretty and he was serious about her. But it wouldn't have worked out in the long run, because she had no idea about the life of a cop. And resented the time he spent with me."
Kris nods, "But I do know what that's like. And I understand y'all's relationship."
"If you can't handle things, there's the door. Leave now, before he gets hurt any more," Steve hates to be harsh, but he has to do this—to know that she's going to stick by Danny in the bad times, as well as the good. If not, he'll handle it—somehow.
Kris shakes her head, "I'm not going any where. I'm here for the long-haul. I know the risks, and accept them, because I've fallen in love with him."
"Good. He's going to be thrilled to hear that."
Chin and Kono come into the lounge to find the two sitting at the table, quietly talking. They pull out chairs and sit down as well, ready to find out about their friend, then brief their boss. "How's Danny," the large Hawaiian asks.
"In surgery. The bullet hit the artery. He's going to be here for about a week. Then out for a while."
"Damn," Kono mutters, echoing all their feelings.
"I've offered to let Danny come home with me, since Steve's house is being remodeled," Kris explains.
Chin nods, knowing his cousin and his wife will help look after the youngest member of Five-O. The two detectives then tell Steve about the aftermath of the raid, including that the older man made a full confession to the various crimes.
"Someone needs to go tell Linda about her husband's death, and father's arrest," Kris comments thoughtfully, after listening intently to the discussion between the three men.
Steve looks at her curiously, "Want to handle your first official assignment?"
"I will, as soon as I see Danny," she decides.
The three men smile at the offer.
A few minutes before one, Doctor Bergman returns to the lounge to fetch Steve and Kris. "He's not on a vent," he explains as he escorts them up to a room on the third floor, "This is the post-surgical ward, where nurses are in and out constantly, checking on the patients. Danny'll be here at least twenty-four hours." He warns the two, "He's going to look pretty pale, the surgery took a lot out of him. But he's on pain meds to keep him comfortable. It'll be a while before he gets his strength back as well."
Going into the small room, they find Danny propped at an angle, making it easier for him to breathe. A mask provides continuous oxygen, while IVs are running into both arms. To their eyes, he appears deathly pale.
Steve moves to the side of the bed next to the door, while Kris moves quietly to the other. Without realizing it, they both rest a hand on his shoulder. Looking up, they catch each other's eye, then smile at one another. He gently brushes a stray wisp of hair from Danny's forehead, finding it cool to the touch.
"All things considered, he's doing extremely well," Niles comments from the doorway, "We've got him on antibiotics, as a precaution. And he had to have four units of blood, the loss was so severe. So he's on extra fluids to help replace them."
"But he's going to be okay," Kris asks, anxious to be sure.
"Of course. Danny's pretty tough. It's gong to be a while before he wakes up though."
Once the three are alone, the visitors move slightly to pull up chairs close to the bed. Kris takes a deep breath, "I'm going to run back out to the Ranch to let Linda know that Alex is dead. I shouldn't be gone more than a couple of hours."
Steve nods, "That's fine. I'm certainly not going any where."
Kris smiles as she stands and bends to kiss Danny's cheek, "Be back in a bit, Honey. But Steve's staying with you." She comes around to give the older man a hug, "I won't be long. Meanwhile, I want you to rest a bit yourself."
Chapter Thirty-Two:
Once alone with his best friend, Steve places a comforting hand over Danny's, his voice low, "You've got yourself quite a young lady. She hasn't hesitated a second.."
Driving back to the Ranch, Kris tries to make plans for the next few days. She's got to get Linda situated, perhaps in one of the little cottages, or even take her back home, to her mother (since her father's in custody). Margo will need to get the two guest-rooms ready, and get everything stocked up. She drives almost on auto-pilot.
Thirty minutes later, she parks in front of the house and gets out, stretching her back. Linda comes out onto the porch, anxious to know what happened. "I'm sorry to have been so long," Kris tells her as she climbs the wide stone steps, then urges her friend into one of the chairs. Margo appears with glasses of iced tea, laced with mint.
"It's okay," Linda watches as she takes a sip of tea, then relaxes.
"No, it's not." Kris takes a deep breath, "Linda—I lied to you. Alex is the main suspect in a series of racially motivated attacks, murders, and disappearances. I was approached by Five-O, the Governor's task force, to go undercover—to get information on him. That's why Danny and I moved in next to you two."
Linda can't conceal her shock, "Then you being nice to me—was an act?"
Kris shakes her head, "Not at all, because I was worried about you—knowing what kind of man Alex was. When Steve handed me the file, I recognized both of you from school—which gave me some special insight into his character, or lack of it. When you came to see me, asking for help, I realized I had to somehow get you out of the situation you were in. But I had to talk to Steve."
"What are you talking about?"
"Steve is Steve McGarrett, the head of Five-O, the Governor's Special Task Force. Danny is his second-in-command."
Linda can't conceal her shock, "And you?"
"I'm taking a job working as both a press and victim liaison." Kris takes a deep breath, "A few hours ago, there was a shootout when Five-O went to take Alex into custody. He was shot, and killed, when he opened fire on the guys."
Linda's hand flies to her mouth in horror, "Are you sure?"
"Positive. According to Steve, Chin, and Kono—he pulled a gun from his overalls and opened fire on them. He would've hit Steve if Danny hadn't knocked him out of the way. Steve returned fire, hitting him square in the chest. He was dead at the scene."
"And my father?"
"He's been taken into custody, and made a full confession to everything. You and your mother are safe now."
Linda sags in her chair, in a mixture of shock and relief, "I—I can't believe it. He's—they're-gone-"
"Linda, I am so sorry-"
"I—it's okay. Can you take me to my mom?"
"Of course. She probably needs you right now, and I'll talk to her as well, she's going to have lots of questions. Grab your things."
A sudden thought strikes Linda, "That guy you were with-"
"Danny Williams-what about him?"
"Is he okay?"
Kris takes a deep breath and sighs, "No, but he will be. When Alex pulled his gun and tried to aim at Steve, Danny knocked him out of the way. He took a bullet to the thigh and had to have surgery to repair a torn artery."
Linda, somewhat surprisingly, gives Kris' hand a quick squeeze, "I'm so sorry for what happened. Are you okay?"
Kris smiles at her friend's concern, "I will be. Let's get your mother so I can get back to the hospital."
After speaking to Margo and telling her what happened and the plans for when Danny's discharged, Kris takes Linda to her mother's home (in a small rundown neighborhood on the outskirts of Honolulu). The older woman isn't to shocked to learn of her husband's activities, and her son-in-law's as well, but relieved when she realizes that she's now safe from the abuse she's suffered in silence for so many years.
Both women hug Kris warmly before she leaves them.
Glancing at her watch and finding it's almost four, Kris runs by Five-O's offices to pick up a change of clothes for Steve (Danny'd told her they both keep spare clothes there, just in case of emergency). Jenny is relieved to learn that Danny's going to be okay, and loves the plan of taking him to the Ranch to recover. She promises to get in touch with Chin's wife to help out as well.
Chapter Thirty-Three:
A faint sound alerts Steve (who's sitting in a chair at Danny's bedside) that his little brother is awakening. He places a gentle hand on his forehead, a steady, reassuring touch. The blue eyes slowly open, hazy and unfocused, then his head turns towards his best friend. The voice is weak, hoarse, "S—Steve-"
"It's okay, kaikaina," Steve soothes, "I'm here."
Danny swallows a couple of times, trying to get his throat working. Immediately, a straw appears so that he can take a couple of sips of cool water. "Better," Steve asks, removing the cup.
"Y—yeah-you okay-"
"I am, thanks to you," Steve reassures him.
Danny's eyes wander around the room, as if searching for someone. When he doesn't find her, pain fills those brilliant blue eyes before they close. Damn, he thinks through the pain, She couldn't handle it-thought she'd stick by me-she promised-
Steve realizes what's going through his friend's mind and hastens to reassure him, stroking his forehead in a soothing motion, "Danno-"
Danny's voice is hoarse, from both the surgery and the pain, "J—Just-leave me—alone-" He turns his head in the other direction, closing his eyes, effectively shutting down, not responding to his best friend.
"I'm not going anywhere, kaikaina. I'll be here when you need me," Steve assures him softly. Once Danny's drifted off, Steve moves to the window and stares out at the parking lot, Please hurry. He needs to know you're still here for him.
Kris glances at her watch, finding it's a little after four, as she walks up to the third floor (she prefers the exercise), carrying a change of clothes for Steve. She checks in at the nurses' desk, finding that Danny's been conscious only briefly. Tapping lightly on the partially open door, she finds Steve still at Danny's side. She sets the clothes down in the spare chair and moves to the other side of the bed. Her voice is soft, "How's he doing?"
"He thinks you've abandoned him," Steve warns her softly.
Kris' hand flies to her mouth in horror, "Oh no! Didn't you tell him-"
"I tried, but he didn't listen. He hasn't spoken since. He's shut down, literally." Steve picks up the spare clothes and vanishes out the door, heading for the men's room down the hall.
Chapter Thirty-Four:
Kris bends kiss Danny's cheek, then brushes a gentle hand across his forehead, "Danny—honey—I'm here-"
Those brilliant blue eyes open, hazy and unfocused. He opens his mouth to speak, but a straw appears instantly, allowing him to take a couple of sips to soothe his sore throat. "Better," she asks softly, removing it and setting it aside, then resting her hand on his forehead, her touch gentle and reassuring.
Danny's eyes are filled with pain, both physical and emotional, "Y—You left me—you wouldn't-promised-"
Kris uses the same soft voice she often uses on horses and dogs, "Ssh—ssh-I left long enough to tell Linda that Alex is dead, and her father in jail—I was only gone a little while-"
"Woke up-y—you weren't here—need-you-"
"I'm here now-I'm not leaving again, I promise-I'm not going anywhere—trust me—please," she finds herself pleading, knowing it'll break her heart if he rejects her.
Through the haze of drugs and pain, Danny makes his decision and lifts his hand. She catches it, holding it in both hands as she bends to brush another gentle kiss across his cheek, "I'm here, Honey-I'm here."
Despite the intense pain in his leg, Danny focuses on the tiny rings on Kris' finger, remembering what he and Steve talked about (what seems like days ago). He curls his fingers around her hand, pulling it down to his lips and kissing it. His voice is hoarse, "Marry—me?"
Though Steve had told her what they'd discussed, hearing Danny say the words still comes as a surprise, bringing tears to her eyes, "Are—are you sure?"
"Want—to spend—rest of my—life with you—love you-," he struggles to keep his eyes open, wanting—needing to hear her answer.
"I love you too," she admits softly, lifting their joined hands to her own lips and kissing his gently, "Yes-"
Danny relaxes at the single word, "Don't—leave-me-"
"Never," Kris murmurs through her tears as he drifts off, "I'll be right here when you wake up. Get some rest."
Chapter Thirty-Five:
Giving the pair time alone (though he's impatient to find out what happened), Steve wanders down to the little lounge, gets himself a cup of coffee and Kris a soda.
He genuinely hopes they can work it out. She'll be good for him: accepting of his life as a detective, looking after and loving him, and caring about the others as well. Going back into the little room, he finds Kris in the chair next to the window, her hand over Danny's. She looks up and gratefully accepts the soda, "Thanks."
Noticing her tear-streaked face, he kneels down beside her, "Everything okay?"
Kris takes a sip of the soda to steady her nerves, then looks over at the man who reminds her so much of her own father, whom she deeply misses. Her voice is quiet, "It is now. Danny just asked me to marry him."
"And you said yes, I hope," Steve smiles warmly at her.
Kris looks up, startled at the older man's acceptance, "You're okay with it?"
"Of course. I think you're a great girl, whom I think loves my best friend. And whom he loves in return." Steve nods at the intertwined hands, "He's crazy about you."
"I do love him. And said yes."
"That's great," Steve relaxes enough to give her a quick hug.
Kris allows the hug, needing the reassurance that she's making the right decision. She takes a deep breath, "I said it before, but I'll say it again: I won't come between you two. I know how close y'all are, how much y'all depend on one another."
"I'm glad to hear that. We do have a rather unique relationship," he admits.
"And if you want to take back your job offer—I'll understand completely."
"I don't think so. I think you're going to be a great fit. And you're being married to Danno is just going to be an added bonus." Steve moves back to the other side of the bed and covers Danny's hand with his own, being another source of comfort and contact for his injured friend. He looks back at the girl on the other side of the bed. It's obvious that she's still a little teary-eyed, but that's okay—she's entitled to be.
Kris tries to calm herself, but is surprised by Steve's ready acceptance of her new relationship with Danny. She takes a deep breath, "Danny's proposal took me by surprise."
"I'm sure," Steve chuckles warmly.
"I think I fell in love with him when you first introduced us. Love at first sight, I guess," she admits with a smile, "But I didn't want him to think I was trying to trap him into marrying me."
Steve can't help but chuckle again, "As if anyone could convince Danno to do anything he doesn't want to do. Somehow, I knew there'd be sparks between you two."
"Playing matchmaker," Kris teases, now relaxed.
"Maybe a bit," he admits with a grin of his own, "I want him to be happy, and not sacrifice his life for Five-O, like I have. It's going to take a special lady to be married to him, and I think you're the lady."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," she smirks in return.
Steve's tone becomes dark, warning her that the conversation is about to become
serious, "Being a cop's wife isn't easy, ask Mai—Chin's wife. The long hours, little time off, being on call, limited family time, the injuries-"
"Like now?"
"Exactly. But I honestly think you're one of the few women I know who can handle the stress."
"What makes you think so," Kris is genuinely interested in his opinions of her, why he thinks she's such a good match for his best friend/little brother/second-in-command.
"Before I approached you, I did some checking—to make sure you'd be suitable for the assignment. Being a Navy brat, growing up here, you're familiar with the Island life-style and love it like he does. With your degree and work for the DA, you know how law-enforcement works—from the inside. But there's also something less tangible, more of a gut feeling, I had about you, especially once I got to know you a bit. I'll be the first to admit, you are a very pretty lady."
Kris blushes at the compliment, "Thank you."
"But you are also very intelligent, and have a core of strength—which you'll need as a detective's wife. You also genuinely care about people, especially Danno, and will look after him, giving him the love and support he needs. Yet, you have your own interests: the Ranch, the horses, other things. However, you two have some things in common: a love of the Island and its lifestyle, nature, good books, . . . all of those things make you two a great pair."
Kris appreciates the comments, "Thank you. I don't surf though."
"Can I ask why not?"
"Inner ear problems, which affects my sense of balance. It's one thing to be on the back of a horse, just a few feet off the ground, where I can grab the mane if something happens, another entirely to be on a surfboard in crashing waves in deep water. I enjoy swimming, skin diving, going to the beach, and searching for shells," Kris explains.
"I've never understood his love of it myself, but he enjoys it. And he's pretty good," Steve takes a sip of his coffee.
"My parents never understood my love of horses," Kris admits with a smile, "But they indulged me. My mother doesn't understand why I always spent so much time at the barn, even when I wasn't actually riding or showing. I got my first horse, a black Quarter Horse mare, that I boarded not far from here. Took lessons and showed some,
but preferred trail riding and just spending time with her and the other horses at the ranch. I tried to find her when I came back, ended up buying two of her foals—the black and gray Quarter Horse geldings. Then in college, I got into showing as part of their Equestrian Team—mainly Western, but as alternate in Hunters." She looks at Danny, at her hand on his, "My mom doesn't understand why I needed to return, since she—hated it is the wrong word—maybe disliked is better. She never tried to fit into the Island life-style and hardly ever left the base, or associated with non-Navy families. Me, I love it and hated it when we left. Maybe it was fate that I return here, and meet y'all."
"Fate does have a strange way of working out," Steve settles in for a long chat, completely at ease with Kris, much like he is Danny, "When I first came here, in 1959, after recovering from my time spent as a 'guest' of North Korea-"
"You were a POW," Kris asks, curious as she interrupts briefly.
"For three months," Steve admits, "Hell has nothing on a POW camp."
"I wonder—Dad was a medic who helped three men who'd escaped from the North Koreans—wonder if you were one of the three-"
"It's possible. Myself, Oscar Goldman, and Jonathan Hart were the three. We were captured at different times. But ended up in the same camp."
"When I call Dad to tell him about everything, I'll ask him."
"We were the only ones who survived, out of six who escaped. We gave military intelligence a list of the known POWs, and their fates—including a couple who we knew were taken to Russia. Anyway, while I recovered at the military base in Japan, I accepted a transfer to Pearl Harbor. And one of the first things I did, after settling in, was tour the Palace. Never expected to be working there a few years later. Then to meet the man who would become my dearest friend."
"What happened to your friends? Has fate been kind to them as well?"
Steve can't help but chuckle at the thought of his two friends, though he's much closer to Danny now, "Oscar works in Intelligence in Washington. Jonathan is now a self-made millionaire, living in Los Angeles. So yes, fate has been kind to both of them. I talk to them frequently. Now, tell me about Linda."
Kris gives him a detailed run-down of telling Linda about Alex's death, then taking her to her mother and informing the older woman of her husband's arrest. Finishing, she drains the last of the her soda and waits for the older man to ask more questions. "You think they'll both testify against him," he asks.
"Now that they're both out of danger, I think so. Both were scared to death, but with Linda's father in jail, and the rest of the gang being rounded up, they'll be okay. If they want to leave the Island later, I'll make the arrangements. I can't see why they would want to stay now, with so many bad memories here. Let them make a fresh start somewhere on the Mainland."
"You've got a point."
Chapter Thirty-Six:
Awareness returns in the form of a sharp pain in his right leg, causing him to gasp, then groan. Opening his eyes, Danny turns his head to the left—finding Steve at his side. Turning to the right, he finds Kris standing there as well. Both have their hands on his, comforting and being a point of contact when the pain is so bad.
Steve and Kris are discussing possible charges against Linda's father when a gasp of what sounds like sheer agony interrupts. They're both instantly on their feet and at Danny's side, finding him gasping for breath. He grips their hands tightly, trying to ride out the pain. She's careful to keep her voice low, "Honey—what's wrong?"
"Pain—hurts-please-help-"
Steve looks at Kris, "It must be bad if he's complaining." He vanishes out the door to fetch a nurse and have Bergman paged.
Kris places her other hand on Danny's chin, turning his head so that he can focus on her. "Look at me," she tells him, allowing him to look at her. She quietly coaxes him through some deep breathing, working through the pain, until it's a bit more bearable.
Steve returns in just a moment, moving back to Danny's side and holding his hand, with a nurse, who checks Danny's vital signs, finding them elevated. "How is the pain," the woman asks, measuring morphine into a syringe to inject into the IV port.
"Bad," Danny gasps, keeping an iron grip on the two hands he holds.
"He's not one to complain, so it has to be bad," Steve explains to the nurse.
Kris again sort of takes charge, "Steve—switch sides with me." They do, then she vanishes into the little bathroom, emerging with a basin of cool water and washrags. She wets the rag, squeezes out the excess, then applies it to Danny's forehead as he relaxes, allowing the morphine to take effect. Another is applied to his neck.
Doctor Bergman returns, taking in the scene, then checking his vitals. To his amazement, his patient is now calm and relaxed, even dozing a bit. He looks at Steve for an answer, "What happened?"
"All the sudden, he woke up almost screaming from pain."
"Let me take a look." Niles lifts up the edge of the blanket and sheet, then peels back part of the bandage. Kris, while reapplying the cool compress, peers over his shoulder—finding the wound nice and pink. The doctor looks over the edge of his wire rimmed glasses, "The cool compresses are a good idea. Are you a nurse?"
"EMT. Once Danny's released, he's coming home with me for a while, until you say he can be on his own again," Kris tells him, "I've got a Ranch on the other side of the Island, half-way between the Temple and Sacred Falls. I'll make sure he gets plenty of rest and eats well. I can also do bandage changes."
Niles looks at Steve curiously, "And you're okay with this?"
"Why not? She's his fiance'," Steve smiles, watching as she soothingly strokes Danny's hand.
"While Steve got the nurse, I got him to calm his breathing a bit, getting the pain to a more bearable level, until she got here with the morphine. It's a technique I learned from one of my psychology professors, that I've used a time or two. I figured what works with traumatized victims would work with a sick cop," she smiles down.
Niles replaces the bandages, then covers over his patient. He smiles at the three, "Between the two of you, I think Danny's in great hands." He politely excuses himself and leaves the room.
"I'll second that," Steve smirks.
Once assured that Danny's drifted back off, Kris relaxes into the chair that Steve vacated. She looks across at Steve, "You agree for him to come home with me then?"
"I don't see why not. Give you two some time alone, to get to know one another."
"Thanks. Why don't you run down to the cafeteria and get a bite to eat? I'll stay with Danny, then I'll go."
Giving Kris' shoulder a quick squeeze, Steve vanishes out the door. She calls Jenny at home, updating her on Danny's condition, then calls Margo to inform her of the plans for his recuperation. The housekeeper then tells her that her father called, and will probably be calling the hospital to talk to her. Once done with the calls, she pulls a book out of her tote bag (on Thoroughbred racing—a special interest of hers) and settles down to read.
Steve returns less than half-an-hour later, finding Kris contentedly reading. He moves to the other side of the bed, checking on Danny. He looks at her curiously, "How's he doing?"
"Pretty good. Blood pressure has come down, breathing is easier." She shuts her book and stands, stretching her back, then sets her book down, "I'm keeping the cool compresses on his forehead and neck for the time being. The lab tech came into draw some blood, making sure he doesn't develop an infection, which can come on quickly in our warm weather."
Steve nods, "Sounds great."
"I called Jenny and updated her, then Margo. She's on board with having you and Danny as guests for a few days. Also told me my father called, so she gave him the number here. So he may be calling." Kris grabs her billfold from her tote bag after bending to give Danny a quick kiss on the cheek, "Be back shortly, Honey."
Going down to the cafeteria (located in the basement), Kris selects salad from the bar, along with fresh fruit, and iced tea. She eats quickly, not wanting Danny to wake up and find her gone again. But she makes a quick stop by the hospital chapel, praying quietly for strength to see her through the next few days, along with praying for both Danny and Steve. She also uses a pay phone to place a quick call to her pastor (finding him gone to the Big Island), asking his wife that Danny be put on the church's prayer list.
Chapter Thirty-Seven:
Steve is about to settle back into a chair when the phone on the nightstand rings. He catches it on the second ring, not wanting it to disturb Danny, "McGarrett."
"This is Lieutenant Commander Morrow, Kristi's father, I was told she was there visiting a sick friend."
"She's stepped out to get a bite to eat and should be back any moment."
There's no mistaking the tone of command in the other man's voice, "And you are?"
"Steve McGarrett, head of Five-O. Your daughter's keeping me company while I keep vigil on my injured second-in-command."
There's a brief silence, "I was a medic in Korea when my patrol and I came across three POW's who'd escaped. One of them was named McGarrett, that wouldn't happen to be you—is it?"
"It is."
Gervis chuckles warmly, "I'll be damned! I was wondering what happened to you guys. How in the world do you happen to know my daughter?"
"Long story. Suffice it to say, you've got a great girl."
"I think so."
Kris opens the door to find Steve on the phone. He stands and hands her the receiver, "Your Dad."
"Thanks." She takes the receiver, "Hang on for just a second Dad, while I check on Danny."
"You bet, Honey."
Kris moves back to the edge of the bed and bends to kiss Danny's cheek, finding it cool to the touch, "I'm back, Sweetheart." She looks at Steve, then hands him the cup of coffee she fetched from the cafeteria, "I can't guarantee how fresh this is, but it's hot and it's caffeine."
"Thanks," Steve accepts the cup gratefully.
"The nurses just put on a fresh pot at the Station, in case you need it. How's he doing?"
"Been quiet. No fever."
"Great. Sorry I was gone so long, but I stopped by the Chapel to say a few prayers, for not only myself, but you two as well. I also used the pay phone to call my pastor and get Danny on the prayer list at Church," Kris explains as she sits down, a hand on Danny's.
"That's fine."
Kris picks up the phone again, "Sorry about the delay, Dad."
"Quite all right, Honey. Now, you want to tell me what you're doing with the Head of the State Police?"
"I was going to call you in a day or two. I'm now the Press and Victim Liaison for Five-O."
She can picture her father in the chair at his desk at home, leaning back and nodding his head, "You'll do great. You've got a gift for dealing with people, even difficult ones. And you thrive under difficult situations."
"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Kris smiles, "How's Mom?"
"She's been better," Gervis admits, "And you realize that she's not going to be happy when I tell her about this new job of yours?"
"So what else is new," Kris sighs, "She's really going to pitch a fit when you tell her this next bit of news."
"What's that?"
"That I'm engaged, to Danny Williams, Five-O's second-in-command," she holds her breath, waiting for her father's reaction.
"Is he a good man," Gervis asks.
"The best. He was injured in a shoot-out this morning, so I'm sitting with him, here in ICU, for a while. And he's going out to the Ranch to recover."
"When's the wedding?"
"Give me a break," Kris laughs, relaxing a bit, "We just got engaged."
"Your mother is not going to be happy," Gervis warns.
"When is she ever," Kris shoots back, "But it's my life. She may not like my choices, but they're mine to make."
"True. Then again, you've got a good head on your shoulders. I can't wait to meet the man who's captured my little girl's heart."
"Thanks. You'll like him, he's great."
"The other thing I was calling to tell you is that Robert has been released from Reidsville, as of last week. He's already been down here, snooping around and asking questions. He turned up at the old family homestead two days ago, not knowing Mother was dead. He didn't like it when Dave told him to get lost."
"What are the odds that he could make his way here?"
"Pretty slim. But he's been asking questions about you as well. He knows you've moved back to Hawaii."
Kris shakes her head, "See if you can get the Warden to send me his file and most recent pictures."
"Good idea. You're starting to think like a detective now."
Kris smiles over at Steve, "Comes from hanging around a couple of super cops. I'll be prepared if and when he shows up."
"What was that about," Steve asks when Kris hangs up, after talking a few more minutes.
"Dad's mother's second husband, the one who tried to rape me when I was fourteen. He's been released from prison, and has been nosing around the old homeplace, and asking questions about me."
Steve nods in understanding, "You okay?"
"Been almost ten years, so I'm as okay as can be expected. I mean, what are the odds that he could turn up here—in Hawaii?"
"Depends on how obsessed he is with you."
Kris nods her head as she stands to reapply the cool compresses to Danny's forehead and neck, "True. I did send him to prison." She brushes a gentle hand across his cheek, checking for a fever and finding him cool to the touch. She smiles at Steve, "No sign of a fever, so that's good."
Steve sighs in relief. He hates it when Danny's injured, especially in a case like this. "I feel better, knowing that you're here. And I know he does as well."
Chapter Thirty-Eight:
A gentle tap on the door causes the two to look up. It opens to admit a tall (at least as tall as Steve) slender, gray haired man in his sixties, wearing white linen slacks and a navy blue short-sleeve button down shirt. His voice has a faint Western accent, "Steve?"
"Governor," Steve stands and comes around the edge of the bed to greet the only person that he directly answers to. They shake hands warmly (though Kris senses that they aren't exactly close friends). She hangs back, allowing the men to talk.
Governor Jameson (Paul) steps over to the bed to look down at the injured detective, then looks back at Steve, "Sorry I haven't gotten here sooner, but I was tied up with a meeting at the State Ag department and just found out when I called to check my messages. How bad is he?"
"He saw Hill taking aim at me and knocked me out of the way. He struck his head," Steve points at a small laceration above Danny's right eye, "And was hit in the upper right thigh—which tore the femoral artery."
"Ouch," the Governor winces in sympathy, "But he's going to be okay, right?"
"Doc's got him on antibiotics to keep him from developing an infection. He'll be released in a few days."
"Great news." The Governor then turns to Kris, smiling warmly at her, causing her to blush prettily, "And who is this pretty young lady?"
"Governor, this is Five-O's new Press and Victim Liaison, Kristi Morrow. She's also Danno's fiance."
Kris extends her hand, smiling warmly at the older man, immediately winning him over, "It's nice to finally meet you, Sir. I voted for you in my first ever election."
"Nice to meet you as well," the Governor smiles in return, "And it's nice to see that Steve has found someone to take some of the load off of him. Are you from here?"
"Navy brat, born at the Naval Hospital at Pearl. I own the Ko'Olau Ranch, half-way between Sacred Falls and Byodo Temple. Raise a few cattle and hogs, plus have the State's only herd of Missouri Fox Trotters."
Governor Jameson nods, "Of course. Your name came up at the meeting I was at today. Dean Fowler was telling me about your work to import some Heritage breed turkeys and Morgan horses." He then realizes what else Steve had said, "You and Danny are engaged?"
"Yes, Sir. He asked me a few hours ago. And I accepted," Kris watches the man closely for his reaction to the news.
To both hers and Steve's surprise, the man grins, obviously pleased, "That's wonderful! My wife, Mary, will be pleased as well. She's very fond of Danny." He gives the young woman a quick hug, then pushes her back to arm's length, "Mind if I ask you a few questions?"
"Of course."
Steve fetches another chair, allowing the Governor to sit down. Kris reapplies the cool compresses to Danny's forehead and neck before sitting back down, keeping a gentle hand on his, once again a source of contact and comfort for her injured fiance'.
Governor Jameson then looks at Kris, "I know that Steve has already given you the job, but I'd still like to know a few things."
"Ask away."
"For starters, you grew up here."
"Until I was sixteen, when my mother was severely injured in a car accident. We moved back to Georgia, where my father is a physician at King's Bay Submarine Base, in Kingsland, on the Coast. He's from Brunswick, my mother's from Savannah. I completed high school at Glynn County, then went to Wesleyan, in Macon. I was one of the first five to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology. Returned home two years ago and bought the MacKenzie Place, restored the house and pastures. The DA and my father are old friends, so he asked me to work for him—as a Victim Advocate, but also helping with the Press."
"Richard gave her a terrific recommendation," Steve adds, "She's great at dealing with everyone from victims to cops to families."
Governor Jameson nods, "Sounds like you'll be a great fit then. Can you get along with Steve?"
"I have so far," Kris smiles at Steve, who has resumed his chair on the other side of the bed, "I don't anticipate a problem."
Governor Jameson relaxes. Steve's a hard man for most people to get along with (tough, driven, doesn't suffer fools lightly). Danny's the exception to that rule. But he senses that Kris is very different from most women in that she'll be able to get along
with the often intimidating lead detective. He changes the subject, "Allow me to be the first to congratulate you two on your engagement. Mary will be thrilled to learn about it, and anxious to meet you."
"Thank you, Sir."
The Governor then looks at Steve, "And you're okay with this development?"
"Of course. Kris is a great girl. And she and Danno make a terrific pair. Want to hear something strange? Her father was a medic with the Recon Unit that found Jonathan, Oscar, and myself when we escaped from the North Koreans. We just discovered the connection a few minutes ago."
"How ironic. A chance encounter all those years ago, now you end up hiring that man's daughter," Governor Jameson chuckles, "Has he given you an engagement ring yet?"
"Not yet. He just asked a few hours ago, when he woke up, and I accepted."
"Call Mary and let her know when you two decide on details. I'm sure she'll be glad to help out as well," he hands Kris a business card, "She's very fond of Danny."
"I will, thank you."
After a few more minutes of idle talking, Governor Jameson leaves. Kris gets up to check on Danny, stretching her back as she does. To her alarm, he's now running a low-grade fever and his breathing has become slightly labored. She buzzes the nurse, alerting her. The older Samoan woman comes in, checks her patient's vital signs, then vanishes. She returns in a moment with something that will hopefully relieve the fever.
Kris fetches two more washrags and wets them, handing one to Steve to place on Danny's wrists. She reapplies the cool cloths to his neck and forehead. Doctor Bergman returns with his wife, Doris (a petite gray-haired woman), in tow. He quickly makes the introductions, then moves to his patient's side. He listens to his heart and lungs, then looks at the two who are waiting impatiently, "I don't like the way his lungs sound. There's some congestion there."
"Pneumonia," Kris guesses.
"I hope not, that's all he needs. But I'm going to have a portable X-Ray brought in, since I don't want him moved because of that leg. Has he been sick lately," Niles asks, looking at both of them.
"You know Danny, he's extremely healthy," Steve answers.
Kris nods, "He's been fine."
The four step out as the portable X-Ray machine is brought in. Niles warns the two technicians to be extremely careful of Danny's injured leg. Doris looks curiously at Kris, "How are you coping, Dear? I know this is difficult for you."
Kris shakes her blond head, her ponytail bouncing, "I'm fine, or I will be as soon as we know what's wrong with Danny. It's just hard to watch as someone I love hurt."
Doris gives her a warm hug, "He's going to be okay. He's pretty tough."
The technician sticks his head out, "Doctor Bergman, your patient is getting upset. You'd better get in here."
Kris and Steve take their places at Danny's side, gentle hands on his. The older man's voice is gentle, but has an unmistakable tone of command, "Danno-"
Danny relaxes at the familiar voice, sinking back into the pillow, "S—Steve-"
"I'm here, kaikaina."
At a gentle touch on his other hand, Danny turns to look at Kris, "S—still here-"
"Of course I'm here, Honey," she soothes, "Just relax and let the X-Ray tech do his job, okay?"
Danny nods as he drifts back off. Kris and Steve step out and let the X-Ray tech take the pictures that Doctor Bergman want. Once he's done, they go back in, resuming their watch over him.
Doctor Bergman returns in an hour with the X-Rays and puts them up on the viewer to show Steve and Kris what they reveal, "Looks like he's got the start of pneumonia in both lungs. So I'm going to add more antibiotics and put him on oxygen therapy, with inhaled medication to keep it from getting worse."
A few minutes later, they are back at Danny's side. Another IV has been established, and an oxygen mask placed over his face, feeding him medicated oxygen. Beneath his usual tan, he looks deathly pale, now even gaunt. A gentle hand on his forehead reveals he's still running a bit of a fever. Kris reapplies the cool cloths to his forehead, neck, and wrists. To their surprise, his eyes open at her touch. But Steve hastens to calm him, "Ssh—ssh-don't try to talk—just rest-"
Kris' heart breaks at the pain and fear in those brilliant blue eyes. She strokes his hair in a soothing motion, "It's okay, Honey. We're here, and not going to let anything happen to you. Just relax and let us take care of you."
Reassured by the presence of the two people he loves and trusts most in the world, knowing that they'll fight the war for him for a while, Danny sighs and drifts back off. Kris and Steve resume their seats at his side.
Chapter Thirty-Nine:
On Saturday, March fifteenth, Steve reluctantly leaves about seven the next morning, to run home and get dressed for at least a half day at work. But Kris promises to call him if anything happens. A little after eight, Margo arrives with a change of clothes. She remains with Danny while she vanishes into the bathroom down the hall to wash off and change. She returns in a few moments in crisp khaki slacks and a navy blue polo shirt. Her hair has been brushed into satiny smoothness before being pulled back into a loose bun with a handful of bobby pins. She looks tired, but at least feels a bit better.
Margo looks up from her book, "Feeling better?"
"Yups, mahalo." Kris bends to brush a lingering kiss across Danny's forehead, finding it still a bit warm, "Be back in a bit. I'm going to grab a bite to eat."
Breakfast is a quick bite in the hospital cafeteria, then an extra cup of ice to put soda over. She returns to find Margo reading the Star Tribune morning edition, with the headlines being Alex's death and Danny's shooting. The older woman looks up, "Is the plan still for Danny to come to the Ranch to recover?"
"Unless something happens to delay things. Steve's coming as well, as his house is being worked on."
"I'll get both guest rooms prepared, and put in fresh linens. What about meals?"
"I know that Steve eats pretty light, while Danny eats almost anything you put in front of him."
Margo nods, "Danny downstairs, with Mr. McGarrett upstairs?"
"Exactly."
"Makes sense for him to come home with you, since you're engaged to him. And we can make sure he rests and eats well."
"My thoughts exactly."
Kris has settled down with a magazine from the hospital's little gift shop when the phone rings. She catches it on the second ring, not wanting it to disturb Danny, "Hello?"
"Kristi—this is your mother. Gervis told me where you are and what you've done. Is it true?"
Kris sighs, she'd been hoping to postpone this conversation, "Is what true?"
"Don't get smart with me young lady," Carolynn yells into the receiver, "You know exactly what I'm talking about, and I won't stand for it!"
"Mother, will you please lower your voice," Kris pleads, not wanting her voice to disturb Danny.
"Don't you tell me what to do! Gervis told me this morning that you're engaged! And I won't stand for it!"
"There's an old saying: 'I'm free, white, and well over twenty-one'. You can't tell me who I can and can't marry."
"I'm your mother and you're to do what I say!"
"Sorry, it's my life. And I'll marry the man I'm in love with."
"I won't stand for it!"
"Not your choice, it's mine. Just like it was mine to return to Oahu and start the Ranch."
"Phillip-"
"Was a grade 'A', number one, jackass!"
"Watch your language!"
"You started it," Kris snaps, "I know you liked Phillip, but he was only going to marry me for my money. Danny could care less about that. He loves me for myself."
"At least tell me he comes from a nice family," Carolynn demands.
"His parents were killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor, when he was only three. He stayed with a Hawaiian foster family until after the War, when his Aunt Clara came and got him."
Carolynn sighs melodramatically, "That's great! My well-bred daughter is marrying a cop! What will my friends think?"
"That I'm in love, and happy," Kris can't resist the smart remark.
"If you go through with this marriage," Carolynn takes a deep breath, sure her threat will work, "I won't be any part of it!"
Kris shrugs, not giving into the blackmail, "That's your choice."
Carolynn can't believe that she's not backing down, "If you do, you're no longer my daughter! I'll disown you! I will not be there to see you throw your life away! For a cop, of all people!"
"That's your choice. But for what it's worth, I'm happy."
Angry, Carolynn hangs up. Kris replaces the receiver with a sigh. Conversations with her mother always leave her drained, from a mental standpoint. Standing, she checks on Danny—worried that her mother's raised voice woke him up. To her relief, he's still dozing—though his breathing is still labored, more than she'd like. She strokes his hair in a soothing motion, hoping he didn't hear the yelling. To her amusement, he opens his eyes and looks at her, confusion visible in his blue eyes. She keeps her voice low and soothing, "It's okay, Honey, I'm here. Steve had to go back to the office for a bit."
Danny motions for her to lift the mask from his face, which she does briefly. He catches her hand with his, though his voice is hoarse, "Th—the ring-"
"What about it?"
"Keep it—engagement-already paid-"
Tears spring to her own blue eyes as she bends to kiss his cheek, "Are you sure?"
"Don't—have my—mother's—love you—"
"Of course I'll wear it," Kris whispers softly, "And I love you too."
At her calming words, Danny relaxes and drifts back off. Kris carefully replaces the mask before checking for fever again. She reapplies the cool compresses to his forehead, neck, and both wrists.
Chapter Forty:
About ten, there's a tentative knock on the door. At Kris' soft greeting, a short, heavy-set man in his sixties sticks his head inside. He has a much more pronounced Southern accent than her own softer one, "Kristi-"
Kris stands to hug the older man warmly, "Brother Dwight—I wasn't expecting to see you."
Dwight Smith, pastor of Honolulu First Baptist Church, greets her affectionately. He's casually dressed in white linen slacks and a sky blue short-sleeve cotton shirt. His almost snow-white hair has been parted just above his left ear. He became pastor of the church almost two years ago, shortly before Kris returned home. A former Navy Chaplain, he and his wife chose to return to Honolulu when he took an early retirement, taking over the reins of the century old church. And being born and raised in the Southern Baptist faith, she moved her membership after meeting him—becoming an active member of the small church, even hosting events out at the Ranch.
"I apologize for not coming sooner," Brother Dwight returns the hug, "But I was at a funeral on the Big Island. Anne gave me your message when I returned this morning."
"That's fine. I appreciate your coming."
Brother Dwight pulls up the third chair, studying one of the newest members of his church. From the very first, he liked and admired her intelligence, spirit, and willingness to help out in any way she can. "How are you holding up," he asks softly.
"I've been better," Kris admits with a wry smile.
"I'm sure."
Kris once again checks that Danny's resting comfortably before returning to her chair, a gentle hand on his. She looks at her pastor, "You might as well hear it now, Danny and I are engaged. He asked me yesterday, when he came to, and I accepted."
"That's wonderful! I'm happy for you! You deserve the happiness," Brother Dwight smiles.
"Thank you. You should also know, I've accepted a job with Five-O, as a victim and press liaison. It may cut down on the time I can spend at church."
"You'll do great," Brother Dwight tells her in all honesty.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence," Kris smiles, grateful for his acceptance.
"When's the wedding?"
"Give me a break," she laughs, "I just got engaged a few hours ago. I should tell you though, my mother is not at all happy about this. She's threatened to disown me, not even come for the wedding."
"And that surprises you how?"
"It doesn't." Kris looks at Danny, her expression tender. To Brother Dwight, it's obvious that she's very much in love with the injured detective. Her voice is gentle, "I wish she could see what I do. Danny's not only a great detective and good-looking, but has a heart of pure gold. He's got a great sense of humor, and we share a lot of the same interests."
"And if she doesn't come around and accept your choice?"
Kris turns to look at her pastor, her eyes and voice now cold, "It's her choice. But I'm not going to let her ruin my chance at happiness. She tried her best to convince me to marry Phillip and not return here, even though she knew what he was planning. She and Phillip's mother are good friends. She didn't care about what he was going to do once we were married—just that he comes from a wealthy Southern family with 'good bloodines'-like he was a bloody stud horse and I was a broodmare she was considering breeding. But Hawaii's my home. And my life is now with Danny, and Five-O."
Brother Dwight nods in understanding, "We'll pray about it before I leave." He changes the subject, "Can you tell me what happened?"
Kris explains about the undercover operation and the arrest attempt, which resulted in Danny's injuries. "When they left to make the arrest, I found myself praying that nothing would happen. And when I heard that an officer was down, and realized it was Danny—I prayed all the way over here. I can't remember the last time I prayed so hard. Then when he asked me to marry him-"
"From every thing I've heard, he's a fine young man."
"The best," Kris smiles, caressing Danny's hand with her own, stroking it lightly.
"And Mr. McGarrett—how do you get along with him? I understand that the two of them are extremely close friends, not just co-workers. And that he's very tough."
"We get along great," she grins, "He's a sweetheart, underneath that tough shell. He and Danny are devoted to one another. I understand and accept that. I convinced him to go to work for a while, so I'm sure he'll be back later today. And he knows that Danny proposed, so he's tickled with that development."
Brother Dwight nods with a smile, "I'm glad that you two will have that support. What about your father?"
"Dad didn't say anything much. I wish he'd held off on telling Mom though."
"Why is that?"
"When she called and started yelling, I was afraid she was going to wake up Danny. She was furious, to put it mildly."
"What are you going to do?"
Kris shrugs, "What I've always done: follow my heart. She's never been happy with my choices: getting involved with horses as a child, majoring in Criminal Justice, returning here when I graduated, starting the Ranch, working for the District Attorney's office, now working for Steve. Why should my getting married be any different?"
"Maybe she'll change her mind when she meets Danny."
"Don't get your hopes up."
"Or when you become pregnant. Grandchildren can make a difference."
"Yeah, right," Kris snorts, then changes the subject, "Danny and I haven't had a chance to make plans, but would you consider performing the ceremony?"
"Of course, I'm honored that you asked. Just let me know when and where."
"Mahalo nui loa."
"And back to you. I look forward to getting to know your young man."
"You'll like him," Kris promises.
After a few more minutes of speaking, Brother Dwight says a prayer for the couple, asking God to watch over and guide them.
Chapter Forty-One:
Chin and Kono stop by during the day, giving Kris a chance to take a bit of a break. Mai, Chin's wife, also drops by to see her husband's co-worker and meet the newest member of the Five-O ohana.
Steve returns about six, after catching up on the paperwork generated by the shooting and bust, urging her to run down to the cafeteria for a bite to eat before it closes. When she returns, she tells him about her mother's phone call and reaction to the news of the engagement.
"What are you going to do about her?"
Kris shakes her head, "It's my life, my future, and my happiness."
Steve shakes his head in amazement, "Hard to believe she's your mother."
"Tell me about it. I've often wondered if she doesn't have mental problems. She's the one who introduced me to my former fiance' and really pitched a fit when I broke it off. She expected me to remain with him, despite what I found out. She seems to be obsessed with telling me what to do."
"Sounds like she has some problems," Steve comments, taking a sip of the coffee she brought him.
A sound from Danny causes both to stand. A quick check reveals that his fever has risen again, to one hundred three. Steve buzzes the nurse, who in turn calls Doctor Bergman. Kris fetches a fresh pan of cool water, and the cool compresses are reapplied.
The next few hours are spent in trying to bring Danny's fever down, not only with medication and a box fan, but with cooling sheets and compresses (even to his groin—which Steve applies, saving them the embarrassment). Doctor Bergman, along with Doris, is constantly in and out. Both the doctor and Steve are impressed with Kris' determination, despite her own exhaustion.
Finally, about eight in the morning on Sunday, March sixteenth, the fever finally breaks—dropping down to a hundred degrees. Doctor Bergman listens to Danny's chest, determining that the pneumonia is better. He looks up at the two visitors, "I think we'll move him to the step down floor here shortly. I want you two to go get some rest as soon as we get him moved."
Danny opens his eyes to find himself still in the hospital, but propped at an angle so he can breathe better. He feels extremely weak, exhausted, and can feel dried sweat on his body. He forces himself to turn his head, finding Kris at his side—dozing in a
chair, her hand still on his. The sudden movement startles her awake. She stretches her aching back before standing and bending to kiss his forehead, "How do you feel, Honey?"
"Weak—what—happened," his breathing is still a bit labored, "S-Steve-"
Kris holds a straw to his lips and coaxes him into sipping some cool water, then checks his fever, finding it still there, but low. "You developed pneumonia on us," she explains, "Steve's gone to get a bite to eat He'll be back shortly."
"What time—is it-"
Kris glances at her watch (a black divers' that she bought right after moving to Hawaii—much more practical for being around horses and outdoors), "A little after nine. How are you feeling?"
"Tired—you-okay-"
"I am now," Kris smiles, kissing his forehead again, her lips lingering.
"You—been here—the whole—time," it's not so much a question as a statement.
"Of course. Where else would I be when the man I love is sick," she strokes his cheek with a gentle finger.
"Love—you-too-okay-"
"I'm fine, now."
"Was—it-a dream—marry me-"
Kris' heart leaps to her throat, He doesn't remember. She's careful to keep her voice low and gentle, "What do you remember?"
"You—said-yes-I hope," there's a hopeful look in those brilliant blue eyes as he looks up at her.
Relief fills her as she kisses him gently, "Yes, I did."
"Love—you-"
"Love you too, Honey. Now, get some rest. Doc's going to move you here in a little while."
"You—go-home-rest-"
"I will, once you get situated."
Steve returns as Danny drifts back off. He hands her a Tab, "How's he doing?"
"Better. He was awake for a few seconds. His mind was pretty clear. He wanted to know where you were. Told him you'd gone to get a bite of breakfast."
"Did he remember everything?"
"Yups, including asking me to marry him, and my acceptance."
"That's great." Steve unbends enough to hug the young girl warmly, "You'll be good for him."
"That works both ways," Kris smiles up at the tall, older, dark-haired man.
By noon, Danny's been installed in a comfortable room on the fourth floor of the hospital. He's still hooked to the two IV's, and on oxygen, but is looking a bit better. Kris assisted with bathing some of the sweat off his body and putting on a clean dry gown. Then she and Steve coax him into eating and drinking something before leaving for a while.
Chapter Forty-Two:
Kris arrives back at the Ranch about one, to find Margo busy preparing the rooms for the visitors next week. She looks up from where she's making out the weekly grocery list, "Mrs. Bouquet called yesterday evening and was rather upset that you weren't here for a lesson. I explained that your fiance' had been injured and that you were at the hospital with him. She was also perturbed to learn that you were engaged."
"She'll get over it, or not," Kris smirks as she vanishes upstairs to change clothes.
Kris spends the afternoon catching up on things, checking on the two new foals (Dixie has had a pretty little gray filly, while the black mare has a black colt). She's already decided to give the first Missouri Fox Trotter foals born here Hawaiian names, or names related to the Islands.
Checking the time difference, Kris makes a phone call to Georgia, calling Gail Wyndom (the librarian at Glynn County Highschool) and Cindy Law (a history teacher at the same school). They met at Wesleyan. Neither one rides, but they supported her in her riding—often attending shows with her. A tall, willowy blond with green eyes, Gail (from Glynn County) married a friend of her father's, actually the Sheriff. Cindy, a pear-shaped brunette with brown eyes (from Elberton), ended up marrying a Deputy Sheriff. She puts them on conference call so that she won't have to call them separately to tell her news.
"Hope you two are sitting down. I've got some great and unexpected news. . .I'm engaged! And I want you two to fly out for the wedding!"
Cindy can't conceal her shock, "You're kidding! Who is he? How'd you meet?"
"Details—details," Gail teases.
"His name is Danny Williams. He's Second-in-Command of Five-O, the Governor's Special Task Force, that works on high profile crimes. We met when his boss asked me to assist with an undercover assignment."
"What does he look like," Gail demands.
"He's my height, with a slender build, curly blond hair, and pale blue eyes. He's really nice, and cute. You two will absolutely love him."
"I hope he's nicer than Phillip was," Cindy shudders, remembering how torn up Kris was about the betrayal.
"Trust me, way nicer. He's great! He's also one hell of a cop!"
"How'd your mother take it," Gail asks.
"Not well. You know how she is," Kris admits, "But Danny's a sweetheart."
"When did he propose?"
"Day before yesterday, as he woke up from anethesia."
"What," both women exclaim.
"He was injured while making an arrest—took a bullet to the upper thigh. I spent that night, yesterday, and last night at the hospital with him. He developed pneumonia, so I didn't want to leave him. He gave me a blue topaz and diamond ring. His boss,
Steve McGarrett, also spent the first night, and last night. He left during the day, though he called frequently. And he's coming here to recuperate once he's released."
"Can't wait to meet him," Cindy can't help but be happy for her friend. She certainly deserves it, she thinks with a smile.
"I thought we'd hold the wedding while you two are on summer vacation. You two can fly out a week or so before. Because of his friends and adoptive family, I want to get married here on Oahu. You two can pick out dresses in any color and style you want. Just make sure they're of a material suitable for summer, as Hawaii can get rather warm."
"We'll get with the guys to determine when a good time will be," Gail decides. This couldn't happen to a sweeter girl, she thinks with a smile of her own.
"I've still got to call Mom's sisters and sister-in-laws, but I wanted you two to be the first. By the way, just so you'll know—I've accepted a job with Five-O as a Victim and Press Liaison I'll start the week after the State Spring Horse Show, the end of April."
"That's great," Cindy tells her, "I know you'll do great!"
"Thanks. I've already met the Governor, when he came by to see Danny."
"How does your new boss feel about you marrying his detective," Gail asks, curious.
"Are you kidding," Kris laughs, "Steve's the one who introduced us! He and Danny are best friends, so it's like I'll be gaining an older brother. He'll probably be Danny's best man at the wedding. Plus I really like him. My next step is going to be to contact the Governor's wife and see if she'd like to go shopping so I can find some clothes suitable for my new job. And perhaps do some early shopping for a wedding dress, since my mother probably won't participate."
"And you're okay with that," Cindy wants to know.
"Her choice. She's never forgiven me for not marrying Phillip, despite knowing what he was doing, or going to do."
After a few more minutes of talking, the three women hang up. Kris then calls the number on the card the Governor gave her. Mary Jameson, since she knows all the good places to shop, is delighted when she calls and readily agrees to accompany her on the shopping trip. She's also tickled when she asks about bridal shops, being genuinely fond of Danny and graciously offers to help plan the wedding.
