It wasn't a long walk, but with Kamea unable to put one foot to the ground, it was slow going. The torrential rain slowed them down even more as the trail become muddy and slippery. Kamea hopped gamely along, leaning heavily on Dan, but she needed to stop to rest frequently. It took them almost 2 hours to get down from the trail and the rain did not let up the whole time.

There was no small talk as they went along. Every now and then Dan would ask if she was all right and Kamea always replied "yes" even though she clearly was in a lot of pain. Danny's estimation of her climbed even higher. She asked to rest only when she had to, obviously aware of the dangers of flash floods, mud slips and simple exposure because of the rain.

"This is my street," Kamea panted at last. "I live at number 92." She pointed further along the road. "There. The house with the red car in the drive."

It was less than a quarter of a mile. Danny was tired, but he sensed that Kamea was exhausted. "Don't take this the wrong way," he gasped, "but it's quicker if I carry you now." Without waiting for a reply, he swept her up into his arms. With the paved sidewalk underfoot, he was no longer worried about tripping over a tree root he could not see whilst carrying her and he increased his speed. With a sigh of relief, Kamea leaned her head on his shoulder.

When they reached the house, Kamea slid gracefully from his arms to one foot and rang the doorbell. "I can't be bothered looking for my keys," she murmured. "I can't thank you enough, Danny."

"I would say it was a pleasure, but I'm sure it wasn't for you," he responded gallantly. He wondered if now would be a good time to ask if he could see her again, but before he had the chance, the door opened and an older Hawaiian man stood there, frowning to see Kamea so intimately standing in a stranger's arms.

"Dad, don't panic," Kamea said quickly. "I had a fall when I was out walking and Danny very kindly rescued me and helped me home."

"Come in," Kamea's father urged and took his daughter from Danny. "Come in, Danny. Let us get you a towel and something warm to drink."

That sounded good to Danny, who now realised that he was growing cold as he stopped moving. He stepped into the porch and toed his muddy hiking boots off. He was reluctant to go further into the house, because he was dripping dirty water everywhere, but Kamea's father kept urging him to come in, so he did so.

The house was spacious, airy and homely looking. The floors were mostly hardwood, which would suffer a lot less than a carpet. He was ushered into the kitchen where warm, savoury smells emanated from the stove. An older version of Kamea was stirring something. As Kamea limped in and sat down, she gave a startled cry and hurried over to her daughter. "What happened?" she asked, looking at the injured foot.

While Kamea told the story, her father gently pushed Danny onto a stool at the breakfast bar and handed him a bath towel. As Danny dried his hair as best he could, the older man made coffee for both of the young people while Kamea's mother went off to gather first aid supplies.

The coffee was more than welcome. Danny realised how tired and cold he had become. It was a daunting thought to remember he still had to walk back to his car. The rain had not eased and he wondered if the forecasters were blushing at getting it so wrong. He was going to be even wetter before he reached his car.

"I think this needs an x-ray," Kamea's mother declared.

"Mom…" Kamea protested, but her mother refused to be swayed. She helped Kamea to her feet and took her to get changed.

"I'll be heading off now," Danny announced, feeling awkward. He gulped the last of his coffee. "Thank you for the coffee and the towel."

"Where are you headed?" Kamea's father asked, frowning slightly at Danny.

"Just back to get my car at Wa'ahila State car park," he replied.

"We can drop you there on the way to the hospital," the older man insisted. "It's the least we can do after you helped Kamea."

"I'm glad I found her," Danny replied. "Thanks. I wasn't looking forward to walking much farther in this rain."

"I know your face from somewhere," the other mused. "I'm sorry; I didn't introduce myself. I'm Akamu Kekoa."

"I'm Danny Williams," Danny replied, shaking the outstretched hand.

"Williams … Williams… That rings a bell." Kekoa was clearly trying to place the name. Sighing, Danny told him what he wanted to know.

"I'm with Hawaii Five-O," he amplified.

At once, Kekoa's face cleared. "Of course! You're Steve McGarrett's right hand man, aren't you? Pleased to meet you."

"Likewise."

There was no time for any more chat. Mrs Kekoa came back with Kamea and they all trooped out to the car and got in. Danny felt this was not the time to ask Kamea out. She might be younger than she seemed, given that she lived at home, and he didn't want to risk offending her parents. He cursed his luck.

They pulled up beside his car and Danny offered his thanks for the ride. Kamea put her hand on his arm. "Danny thanks for the help. I really mean it. Can I call you sometime so we can talk?"

"I'd like that," Danny agreed, after casting a weather eye on both Kekoas. Neither of them seemed to object.

"I know his number," Mr Kekoa told her. "Thank you once again, Danny."

"It was my pleasure," he replied and smiled at them. Kamea leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"I'll call," she promised.

Standing in the pouring rain, Danny watched the car drive away before he got into his own vehicle. Starting the engine, he headed in the direction of home, a warm shower, something to eat and a long sleep in a comfortable bed. He realised that his back felt much better and although his thoughts turned to the possibilities of surfing the following day, he also kept thinking of Kamea's warm dark eyes and the feel of her lithe body in his arms.

He was looking forward to her call.