Disclaimer:I own nothing.
Elle slept a while, she got to bed approximately 6.30am it had been a long couple of days. If truth be told she could've turned over and gone straight back to sleep but she managed to get up shower and dress. Breakfast consisted of a cold croissant and a cup of coffee. Not ideal but it would have to do for the time being.
Elle wore a sundress, which she had taken on most of her tours. It was long and she didn't have to worry about wearing anything more than a bikini under it. She checked her emails and no news from Nate. Her cell had been switched off, and she checked her texts and emails on her phone. Charlie had texted her to say that Skyping would be a great idea; and gave her days off so that Elle could call on either.
Sir Charles and Lady Agatha were downstairs in the dining room having a leisurely breakfast together. They had decided that they would make their move north and go to their villa, which had its own beachfront. Not that they were sand lovers, but they loved the ocean; and would always walk together on the shoreline hand in hand.
Elle thought that's what she and Nate were missing in their relationship. It had been short but an intense one; Elle looked after his needs on the ward by providing the best nursing care. When Nate was discharged she continued providing for his needs, but they were behind closed doors, and not on prescription. Physically the relationship was on another level fantastic, but mentally it was torture not knowing where he was from one day to the next. Torment from the time she open her eyes until the time she closed them and sometimes she would dream of him.
Taking a large hotel towel and sun cream she thought she would go to the beach, and make the most of the day. She put her iPod ear buds in, and set off downstairs. She arrived at the dining room as her parents were leaving. She kissed them both, and told them that she would be down the beach for an hour or so just taking in the atmosphere and a few of the sun's rays while she was at it.
Charles and Agatha had decided to make their journey north after lunch, there was no hurry and Agatha was relaxing nicely so they were taking things slowly.
Elle would stay in the suite tonight and take a more modest room for the duration of her trip. She would also need t think about returning home at some point soon; she decided she would call the HR department of the hospital and ask them for some extended unpaid leave. As the journey home would be a long one she hadn't recovered from her arrival; the Governors dinner and staying up all night although most enjoyable had also added to her weariness.
Back at the hotel she left the lobby, and headed for the sandy beach ahead. She saw the sun rise and thought the day hadn't disappointed. A cloudless sky at the moment, with many tourists on the beach and walking the promenade she would need to walk a little further to maintain the personal space she was comfortable with. Taking her towel she laid it down as flat as she possibly could although the slight breeze made it a little difficult she managed to sit on the material and placed her bag and sandals on each of the corners to weigh it down. Her dress slipped off easily, and she lay back after creaming herself to take in some of the sun's warmth; being careful not to doze off too heavily in case she would burn. Her thoughts eventually took her back to the evening before. She was once again in the arms of Commander McGarrett twirling around the dance floor. He had held her closely and she remembered the feeling of his arms surrounding her body, once again it made her feel safe, and she liked that feeling.
Steve said that he was going to call her today; his tone insistent at the time. She had passed her cell number to him at the airport on arrival; she wondered what he was doing right at this moment. Maybe he was still in bed; she doubted it as most military trained personnel would wake early as reveille was instilled into them and a hard habit to break. Shift work at the hospital made the transition a little easier. Although going to bed when everyone else was waking was really odd to begin with; but night shift was part and parcel of the job and she was thrown in the deep end early.
Elle sat up on her towel; she placed her sunglasses over her eyes and watched as the surfers gathered over the breaks in the ocean. Everyone trying to catch that perfect wave and ride it back into shore. They must be fit she thought to battle against the waves; the effort it must take to resist nature's natural forces; paddling against the waves and the strong currents looked exhausting.
There were a few friends gathered below her toward the shore, a little girl among them she was a cutie in her pink bikini and her laugh could be heard from here Elle was sitting. She was among three or four adults, who were teasing each other; they had looked like a typical family although something told Elle they were just friends. To her right there were a couple who were canoodling openly on the beach oblivious to anything around them. Honeymooners thought Elle, near to them were an older couple who sat on chairs and watched the world go by both in large straw hats and sunglasses, the lady had oversized glasses and the gent had clip-on's , a cool box at their side. Further along Elle could see small children running back and forth to the water's edge, a parent supervising she hoped that the kids had been slathered in cream so that they wouldn't burn; they looked like sensible people.
Elle's phone rang, she looked at the ID it was the commander himself. "Good morning Commander McGarrett" she said,
"Elle is that you?" he asked
"It is indeed" she replied. "How are you this morning?" she asked
"Considering I normally function on more than three hours sleep" he said "I am very well thank you"
"What are you doing?" she asked
"At the moment I am walking towards the beach to meet some friends and wondered if you would like to join us?" he asked
"I'll have you know sir" she said "I am already at the beach, and have been for the last hour or so" she looked at her watch. "It's beautiful" she finished
"I am on my way then, where exactly you are on the beach?" he asked
"I'm near...uh no, almost opposite the Pacific Beach. I am languishing under a bright pink parasol" she said lifting her head to describe what surrounded her.
"Sounds nice and relaxing" he said" would you mind company?" he asked
"Depends on who" she said "if it's you, I can live with that. If it's the Unabomber I may have issues" she said. He laughed.
"No Ma-am your safe enough, just me; unless of course Ted has escaped a maximum security facility. But trust me; I would be aware of the breach. I will see you very soon" he said hanging up.
Less than ten minutes later there he was with the gang of friends just below where she sat. She wondered if she should go and greet him, or whether she should wait. She decided to wait.
She watched as the little girl in the pink bikini ran to him he held his arms out and she launched herself into them. He swung her around and placed her feet solidly her back on the sand. He took the arm of the guys who were there, and pulled them in for a bro hug, and the younger girl, he kissed on the cheek.
Standing upright, he took in his stance, and scoured the beach until their eyes met. He raised his hand to acknowledge her and she smiled lifting her head towards him. He began ascending the ridge in front of her. She watched his every move, as did most of the women on the beach and to be fair, some of the men also. He was unfazed and unaware of the attention he attracted, and ambled on up to her bending down to meet her eyes.
"Hello you" he said. "Why are you hiding under the parasol?" he asked
"I am protecting myself and my modesty" from the sun she said
"How about you come and meet some of my friends? Bring modesty if you like... its optional" he said with a cheeky grin.
He helped her gather her belongings and walked down to where the group were sitting. Steve introduced everyone and said to Elle that these were his very closest friends who just happen to be his co-workers also. Elle realised she didn't know where he worked. She knew he was in the Navy but other than that she didn't know anything.
"You dark horse" she said "you didn't mention anything about working" she looked at him through half closed eyes.
"Ha!" He said "I didn't want to spoil the night because if I had told you, I would have had to use my red flashy thingy I borrowed from the Men in Black" he said. "It would erase your memory?"
"Yeah" she said "I've seen the film. Come on she said what is it you do?"
"Take a stab" he said "guess."
Ok she said putting her index finger to her mouth and tapping her bottom lip "I think you're an accountant." Danny the man she was just introduced to; spat out the beer he had just taken into his mouth spraying anything in the immediate vicinity.
"Sorry" he laughed
"Guess again" said Steve pushing Danny in the back "shall I give you a clue?" he asked
"Um I don't know "she said, "let me have another guess, er you obviously fit, but you train with the Navy, and you're not into business, so what would keep you fit and strong?" she asked herself "my guess would be Farmer" she looked at Danny who had his mouth covered by a towel.
"Wrong?" She asked
"I'll give you a clue" he said I wear a badge and carry a gun.
She smiled and said "I have it! You're the town sheriff"
"Not a million miles out" he said smiling and told her about the Task Force he and Danny headed and what they did on the islands. Wow she said now that's impressive. So Chin and Kono are also a part of this team, absolutely he said an important part. They both have individual skill sets which are next to none. He said very proudly.
Danny looked up at her and asked what line of work she was in; Elle said I'm a nurse she said. I work at one of London's largest teaching hospitals.
That's not all she is said Steve, she nudged him with her elbow and shook her head not wanting to divulge her title and open questions which inevitably follow.
"What else is there?" asked Danny seeing the look she gave his partner he knew there was more,
Steve said "Elle is a reservist also" Danny watched as Elle looked relieved, there was more to this girl than what he'd been told. He just needed to dig a little deeper.
"How long have you two know each other?" asked Danny
"We met on the aeroplane coming over" she said "we got to chatting and unknown to us my Father and Joe white are mutual friends, which we found out last night"
"Ah the dinner" said Danny shaking his head. Elle shook her head affirmatively. "Steve told us he'd met this beautiful lady at the dinner who kept him up all night." she flushed
"Hey" said Steve "you want to go into the water?"
"No not really" she said "you go swim have fun, I'm good here" she said. He went towards the water reluctant to leave Elle with Danny. He could just tell there would be more investigating from the detective. "Go" she assured him, I'll be fine.
"I won't be long" he said
Elle sat on the beach, and asked Danny how long the team had been together, Danny told her nearly four years now, they were a close knit group and eyed strangers with some suspicion. He said
"Oh" she said "am I to assume that you are suspicious of me then?" she asked
"Absolutely" he said "until I know exactly what you are hiding" he said making her blush.
"Fair enough" she said
A little girl came running up the beach to meet Danny she threw her arms around him, and said that she had been caught up in a wave. She was smiling "did you hurt yourself? Asked Danny "no" she replied "adrenaline rush" she said, making Elle laugh.
Danny introduced Grace to Elle, "I'm very pleased to meet you" said Elle
"Wow" said Grace "where are you from?"
"I live in London" said Elle "We don't have an ocean like you, we are nowhere near the sea" she said.
Grace looked at her with eyes wide, "I don't think I could bear to leave the ocean" she said looking at Elle.
"I don't blame you said Elle it's a beautiful place to live; and you are very lucky to have this on your doorstep" she finished.
"Elle are you coming into the water?" asked the little girl.
"I will a little later sweetheart" replied Elle
Elle was happy sitting watching everyone else; she watched as Steve swam back and forth and eventually stopped catching his breath he called Elle beckoning with his arm. She stood up and pulled her bikini bottoms up and started her way to the shoreline. She walked so far into the water grateful the sea washed over her, he came towards her and placed his arm around her loosely. He feigned drowning which made her smile; she said that if he thought she was going to resuscitate him in the water he had another thing coming; she would let him to drown as she was off duty. He laughed and splashed her. She turned her back and he grabbed her pulling her closer, his hands were strong and she couldn't break free from his grip. She looked him in the eyes and put her hand to his face she told him that she felt safe in his arms, but he really should let her go.
He bent down and whispered in her ear "Elle, there's nothing I like more than to hold you" he said then he picked her up with a hand under her arm and one on her hip and launched her through the air; she landed not so gracefully on her behind making a splash. She came up spluttering but laughing.
Kono was way out on her surf board, and Chin was waist high looking out for Grace and picking her up only to throw her back into the water she travelled first through the air at speed before landing arms and feet facing upwards she screamed with delight.
They all came in to shore from the water, Grace sat at her Father's side while he reached and swathed her in a large towel, patting her down. Kono came in carrying her board, and planting its tail in the soft sand. Chin and Steve walked up together, smiling about something. Steve came and stood near Elle he asked her if she wanted a drink she said no she had just finished a bottle of water thanking him all the same.
Kono was pulling her shorts and top over her bikini and Chin was pulling a t-shirt over his head; it looked like everyone was getting set leave.
Elle looked at her watch; she had better make a move and see that her parents were set for their trip. She stood and brushed the sand from her legs and behind. Pulling her sundress over her head, she started to gather her stuff.
Steve asked her if she was available for dinner that evening, she said that she hadn't made any firm plans but the company would be welcomed; as she was sending her parents away to finish their vacation. Hopefully her Mum would make a full recovery, and then she would have to think about going home.
"We'll talk later" said Steve quietly into her ear. She gathered her belongings and said that she had enjoyed her afternoon, and loved meeting them. Elle made her way back to the hotel, she would send her Mum and Dad off to their luxury villa and change ready to meet Steve for some dinner.
Agatha and Charles were waiting for their cab to arrive which would take them north. Elle offered to drive but they wanted Elle to have some time to herself also. Elle hugged her mother, and kissed her telling her that if she felt at all unwell she was to ring her day or night. Elle kissed her father on the cheek and read the riot act to him also. "I know where you live she said don't think I won't come and seek you out" she said waving a finger.
Elle watched them leave, and went to their room. She was staying there tonight, and would change rooms the following day. She entered the room, it smelled of smoke not burning smoke but cigarette smoke. Elle thought it odd as no-one in the family smoked cigarettes, Charles would have the odd cigar but never cigarettes she thought. She checked her belongings and everything was where she had left them. She took a minute and opened her emails. He jaw dropped there was word from Nate.
Hi Elle
So good to hear from you, I am sorry I haven't written before, only now having the chance. We've been busy.
Elle we need to talk when we get the chance; there have been developments here. I am worried but will tell you more when we speak.
Nate
Oh what the hell has happened she wondered? That was such an open ended email she had no idea what he was talking about.
On the beach, Danny took Grace and put her dress over her head, "Danno I can manage" she told him. Danny looked at Steve and said "so what's the story with you and the English girl?"
"Like she said Danny; we met on the aeroplane she was at the dinner last night. We spent the evening together; nothing more" he finished looking at his friend.
"There is something you are not telling me I know there is" he said "I don't know what that is yet but I intend to find out."
"Ok leave it Danny, there is nothing more to say" said Steve pulling on his t-shirt.
Back at the hotel, Elle decided to grab a light snack, she left her room, and sprinkled some talc on the floor by the bathroom door; she left a note strategically placed by the bureau inside the room and left to pick up a salad downstairs.
Having that email from Nate had heightened her senses she was in soldier mode. Although her training consisted mainly of suturing methods and how to manage pain relief she did know her way around a gun. Elle was trained in using one; although she didn't possess one. She was medically trained to deal with the devastation and aftermath that a missile attack could bestow on a body. Because the body was not a purpose built vessel to respond to that sort of trauma being primarily soft tissue and fluid; she had made a conscious decision not to carry a firearm.
Downstairs in the lobby she gathered some information leaflets about what restaurants were near. She was scouring them when her cell rang. Slipping it out of her pocket, she looked at the caller ID it was her Father, "Hey Dad" she said, "everything ok?"
"Yes darling" he said "I'm just letting you know we arrived safely, your Mother is well and doing fine. Speak to her yourself" he finished.
"Elle darling" said her "Mother, we are here, the villa is beautiful try and come up" she said
"Mum" said Elle "you need to take it easy, no more than 20-30 minutes walking and keep your fluids up" she ordered.
"I will" said her Mother. They hung up the phone
Elle breathed a sigh of relief; they had arrived safely, and were taking things slowly. Now she thought something to eat and drink or she would need hospital treatment. She chose a light tuna salad and a long cool drink of juice she was unsure of what it was but liked the colour. It tasted sweet and she sipped it slowly to satisfy her thirst. She stocked up on bottled water while there as well, though there was ample in the room; she bought some more.
Sitting back on the terrace, people were beginning to make their way back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. She was unsure of what time Steve would pick her up, or whether he wanted her to meet him somewhere. Her cell rang.
"Hey" it was Steve "what time shall I pick you up?"
"Come whenever you want she said I'm here alone, my parents have gone north"
"How about I meet you at six and we go for a drink first" he said
"Sounds lovely, I'll see you at six" she said before hanging up.
She went back to her room, taking her time going in, no smell of smoke this time, she checked the talc, no disturbance, and the paper was untouched. "My imagination" she said out loud.
She bathed and put some lotion on her skin as she had caught the sun earlier. She had that coconut fragrance about her.
What would she wear, choosing a little halter sundress she packed for such an occasion; she could wear her flats and be comfortable yet very presentable.
A loud knock on the door startled her; she looked through the peep hole and saw Steve smiling back at her. She opened the door and let him in.
"You nearly ready?" he asked
"What's the rush?" she asked
"There isn't one" he said "I'm just starved" he smiled at her. "You look very nice" he said stroking her back very lightly with his fingertips.
"Thanks" she said, "where are we going?"
"Depends on what you want to eat", he said "the island caters for everyone; there are steaks, Chinese, Indian, Irish, American a melting pot of foods so to speak; anything and everything" he finished.
"OK" she said "I am in your hands"
"Not yet you're not, but I'm working on it" he said, and she flushed a little.
She grabbed her bag, and they left together. "I'll take you to my stomping ground" he said
They made their way to the stream of restaurants open near the city. "This one is one of my favourites" he said
"Then come on, lets go in" she said.
He put his arm around her shoulders to guide her across the road from where they parked and let her go, as they reached the door.
They both ordered steak she had a green salad and he had fries. She couldn't eat all of hers so Steve helped her out. They had a bottle of beer each and were talking ten to the dozen once more.
"So I had an Email from my fella" she said. "It didn't day much but it kind of scared me a little."
His ears pricked, "scared you, why?" he asked.
"He didn't give any specifics but said that developments over there. I don't know what that means?" She said "do you?"
"Let me see exactly what he said" she showed Steve the email
Steve put a finger to his lip and read it again. "See she said there is nothing obvious about it. I'm stumped" she said
"Do you mind if I make enquiries" he asked "I still have a contact in the Navy"
"Your lady friend" she said looking at her hands "yes" he said
He rang Catherine's cell number "Hey" he said it's me."
"Hey" she said "what's going on?"
"Can you run a check for me Cath?" he asked "I'll send you the details"
Steve sent the email through and waited for Cath to run her usual checks but he asked specifically for an IP address and location.
"We having dessert?" asked Steve
"I don't think I can stomach anything else, I'm up for another beer though "she said
"Coming up" he said "I just need to go to the little boys room." she guessed he was going to call Cath back to get the answers on the information he requested.
Literally two minutes later he returned with a bottle in each hand. "Ok" he said "it looks like your man is on covert ops. Due to a breach in security, you and your family may have been compromised, and are now considered at risk. Seems we may have a terrorist running around loose on the island"
She looked at him wide eyed. "Holy shit" she said
"Have you noticed anything strange going on?" he asked
"Something strange did occur, there was a stale smell of cigarettes in my room earlier which I thought was odd, but I thought it could it have blown in off the balconies right? "He shook his head
"I think that's unlikely. I don't want to scare you but whoever is in pursuit of you seems to have found their target; unless of course they are going after your parents?"
Elle's face blanched, "you ok?" he asked
"I don't know to be honest, she said, I feel quite odd" she said
"How odd?" he asked
"Can we go and get some air?" she asked
"Come on" he said and took her by the hand and out into the night air" you feeling any better? He asked he put his hands on her shoulders stroking her arm to comfort her.
"I think I'm in shock" she said "why us?" she asked
"Because of who you are; and what you stand for" he said "simple."
"I feel terrible by coming to the islands I have put friends family and the public in danger just because I came on a mercy mission." she turned away from him she didn't want him to see how upset she really was.
He put his arms around her she tried to brush him off; but he was stronger much stronger and it was futile. He drew her closer and put his chin on her head.
"Take it easy" he said. She said she felt so helpless. "We need to get you to a safe place to start with. I will come back to the hotel with you; and we'll check you out of the room. Then we'll need to get you safe." he said.
"What about my parents?" she asked.
"I'll speak to Joe and he can help with regards to your parents" said Steve "right now you're my priority. Would you consider staying at my house?" He asked
"I'd rather not" she said. "Is there a hotel that's close and safe? I don't want to be afraid of what's out there I'd rather be hidden in full view" she said
"Maybe" he said "but I'm staying with you. No arguments ok?" He said
"Ok, I have no problem with that" she said. She didn't want to be on her own anyway.
"Right let's go and get your stuff." He said
Arriving back at the Hotel, Steve and Elle went to her suite. Elle packed her small bag; she smiled as she took her time in folding her beautiful silk green dress into a case.
"You certainly did that dress justice" he said watching her pack.
She gathered her toiletries and packed everything away. It didn't take long as she hadn't brought much.
Elle where is your computer he asked, It's here she said and pointed to her laptop. I think you will need to be careful with this he said. Chin will take a look, see if it has been hacked along with your phone.
"Why is there talc on the floor?" he asked. She smiled at him bashfully and told him after the cigarette smoke; "it was my pathetic attempt at collecting evidence that someone had been into the room." He smiled at her.
"Gut feeling?" he asked she shook her head slowly but affirmatively.
"Come on" he said "I need to get you out of here, where you'll be safe for the time being." She took a deep breath and as he offered his hand she gave him her bag to carry while she fished for her wallet to pay for the room. Arriving at reception the manager told her that the room had been taken care of by Sir Charles, and there was no outstanding balance.
Elle thanked the manager and the staff for their kindness during the stay. "Have a safe trip" he said as she left through the revolving door.
Steve Helped Elle into his truck and they drove northwards. He thought that if the situation became unmanageable in the city he could take Elle up in to the mountains.
"Ok Elle we're going to have to have some ground rules." He said
"Ground rules?" she asked
"Yes" he said are not allowed to contact Nate, or Charlotte" he said, "by phone of email. You cannot speak to your parents. If you go out you will need to tell me where you are going. We are going to have to change your appearance somehow; and your name. I will speak to Joe, he will contact your parents and we will get them off the island quickly and safely. I will take you to the shooting range where we will practice; I assume you don't get to shoot that often? You will need to be on your guard 24/7 have your wits about you and be prepared to fight he said."
She looked at him wide eyed, and said that she would need to speak to Charlotte, somehow.
"No" he said "while you are here you will be incommunicado speak to no-one and have no contact with your former friends; until we find out who and where they are. OK?" He said in a stern serious voice.
She was shell shocked. She looked down at her feet and for the first time could feel the situation overwhelming her.
Steve noticed her shoulders dropping along with her head, and he placed a hand over hers. Tears began to roll down her cheeks as realisation crept in as to the consequences of someone else's actions.
"I'm a nurse in a busy London Hospital; I know nothing about espionage or how to combat it. I am out of my depth here" she said. "Army training is one thing but this is totally out of my league. Not only has there been a breach of security affecting the islands but it has directly affected my family and friends. I am stunned she said totally stunned."
"Easy now take a deep breath" he said "and we shall attempt to figure out why this is happening." He stopped the truck at a beach park stop. He came around to her side of the truck and turned her to face him by swinging her knees around. He took her by the waist and pulled her from the truck sliding her body down against him unintentionally.
She held him around his neck and her hands went to his shoulders as she slipped further down his body. Elle didn't move her hands from his shoulders, she placed her head on his chest and he held her closer. "Tell me it's going to be alright" she said"please."
"It will be" he said, "It will be baby, trust me." he placed his lips on her temple and left them there until she took a deep breath once more. "Ok?" he asked.
Elle looked around her, it was beautiful. She asked if they were safe out in the open. He said that they didn't seem to have been followed which made him think that any breach so far had been technical.
At least with her laptop and cell out of action it would restrict their location being revealed. "We'll get something to eat and drink here" he said "before we find a new location for you."
He released her from his arms and took a look around, the park was deserted. She managed half a sandwich and a soda. Her stomach couldn't digest anything further.
I'll make some calls using a secure line and we'll get you settled. I will need to meet with Joe and explain what he will need to do. I will get some clothes and make sure you don't stand out although it will be difficult we will do our best. A wig will help. How do you fancy being a blonde?
"I just can't get my head around it all "she said.
"Ok, listen what we'll do is get you settled; and take it from there." He said.
They arrived at the Palm Court Hotel. Unfortunately not a palm to be seen and it certainly didn't live up to its grand name. She appreciated they would have to "blend in" but this was her worst nightmare come true. Steve booked her in, under the name of Susan Smith. Her room wa in a bungalow type room ahe had a bed, and bathroom there was a small refrigerator and a kettle. Elle thought the room in general hadn't seen the wet end of a sponge in a very long time. She told him that she would need to get some cleaning stuff before she would put a foot into the bathroom, and checked the bed...that didn't seem too bad, the linen looked clean. He smiled and thought she would never cope in a covert military op roughing it.
"Come on" he said "let's get out and get some stuff." They went into a supermarket and bought supplies she made sure there were scourers and soap and they saw a wig in a shop window she would need to do a little styling but could make something of it. Large sunglasses she had in her case as well as a hat. They were nearly there.
Returning to the hotel; Steve insisted on going in first in case there were any surprises waiting. This time they were clear to enter. Elle soon got to work scrubbing the bathroom it would take her mind of what was going on around her.
While she busied herself, Steve took the opportunity to call Joe and arrange a meeting in fifteen minutes at the beach park along the Kamehameha Highway; Steve also called Danny and Chin and arranged to tell them everything when he saw them later.
"Elle?" said Steve "I'm going to meet with Joe and Danny and Chin, I'm sorry but your secret is going to have to come out."
She lifted her head in approval to his remark but couldn't say anything; she continued on with her quest, almost to the point of making her fingers bleed.
Steve left as arranged to meet the group of men he had contacted. He hated the fact that Elle had to divulge a secret that she wanted to keep to herself. Worse still was he was the one making her do it; along with the fact that she was in danger as were her parents. Joe would need to get to them evacuated out, and soon.
They gathered at the beach park car lot, where Steve gathered them around and explained the situation. Danny threw his hands up into the air exclaiming that he knew there was something else about this girl. "I have to say, I don't like it Steve" he said.
"Fair comment" said Steve "but the fact of the matter is we have a suspect unidentified running loose on this island wanting to harm visiting dignitaries that makes it our case. I have one request and that is that Elle stays with me. Joe if you can arrange with Naval Evac to get Sir Charles and Lady Agatha off the island and homeward bound that would be a huge weight of Elle's mind and she could concentrate on catching this guy along with us. Chin I need you and Kono to check the laptop and cell for anything that may have compromised their safety, and Danny to contact the NSA and Interpol. The team would need to scour airport security as well for anything suspicious or anyone flagged up on the database."
Leaving the beach park, Steve called to get some food to sustain them for the night. He bought coffee milk and juice which they could keep cool in the small refrigerator in the room. As he arrived back, he could hear voices coming from the room he drew his weapon and tried the door. It was locked. He knocked the door, to which Elle asked "who was there"
Steve said he was the maintenance man, and she opened the door. "Why did you open the door?" he asked,
"Because you maybe au fait with this all this undercover world stuff and its technique,s but all I did was look through the peep hole and I could see it was you" she said. He smiled
"Ok, Ok" he said "but rule number one; never, ever open the door to a stranger."
"Ok" she said "I won't." she looked down at her feet and sighed. She moved into the bathroom and took her scourers and soap and came back into the room to put them away until the morning when she would start in the bedroom.
He made a coffee for them which she drank grateful to have something warm inside her; she was still dazed he could see. Outside the night was drawing in, and she asked if it was safer to go out under the cover of darkness. Definitely he said if you know what you're doing and familiar with the geography.
Her mind went back to the Governors dinner and the quip about the Princes in the tower she thought of her parents and felt her heart constrict a little and she caught her breath. She was beat, her body ached and she longed for a bath a warm fluffy robe and a warm bed. One thing she will never take for granted again if she gets out of this alive she thought.
Steve's cell rang; he took the call and went outside. Elle went into the bathroom and ran herself a bath. She was undressing when he came back in and said that the guys had reported back, and that they so far had hit a brick wall. But Joe had explained everything to Sir Charles who said you were not to worry, that they would be safely home in no time.
That was the final straw she sank to the floor in the bathroom sobbing she had shut the door but not locked it. Her shoulders were hunched and she sat in a semi foetal position hugging her knees. Her sobs emanated outside the door and Steve heard the hitch in her throat as she caught her breath he almost broke down the door but left her a moment to her thoughts before knocking gently on the door.
"Elle" he said, "can I come in?" she was on the floor by the bath tub, he bent down and sat on the floor next to her, pulled her to a sitting position and hugged her close. "I didn't even get to say goodbye to them Steve" she said. She continued to sob and he let her. She came to sit up and took the toilet tissue, and blew her nose. He put his hand on her cheek and drew it under her chin, forcing her face up towards him.
"Your nose is all red and shiny" he said.
"Very unbecoming of a Lady" she said
"Elle" he smiled down at her "doesn't matter what you do or where you go, you will always be a lady" he said. He held her close and stroked her back as she laid her head against his chest.
"What about you having a bath" he said "then we can have a look at you and this wig of yours."
She looked at him and laughed "Commander" she said "you simply make me melt with your silver tongued eloquence" he laughed
He left her to bathe and when she returned to the bedroom dressed, she made them coffee, and took a look at the wig. She decided the wig needed a wash and washed it gently in shampoo and conditioned it. Hairdressing skills were not a strong point although she managed to dry the hairpiece with the hairdryer on the wall, it looked a hundred times better.
"I need to get some things from my house" he said. "Anything you need?"
"No thank you. I have everything a girl could possibly want right at my fingertips" she said sarcstically.
"Don't forget" he said "Rule number one?"
"I must not answer the door to a soul" she said. With that He left her to go into the night.
Elle changed into her nightwear of thin jog pants and a t-shirt. She didn't really want to sleep in this bed she thought, she wrapped the bedding around her, and tried to relax.
She heard the door handle turn and thought it was Steve, she had locked it; but she could hear a rattle of the handle, and what sounded like a pin in the lock she sat bolt upright in bed. Steve had a key. Who could possibly be at the door in the dead of night?
She got up from her bed, and stood by the door, she held the now empty kettle aloft ready to hit whoever came through the door over the head.
Slowly the door creaked open, she couldn't see who was there, a man stepped in he had a hood over his hair and whack! she brought the kettle down upon his head knocking him clean out. She turned him over, and fell back on her bottom and gasped in shock at the body now lying on the floor.
