I must admit that I wasn't too sure about this chapter. Although I've seen all the episodes that feature her, I've never written Rachel before in my stories, so this is a first.

In keeping with the series, I've made her the slightly friendlier woman that we see by the end of the tenth episode, where it's made pretty clear that she still cares about Danny. I'm sure I'm not the only one who prefers that side to her, rather than the vindictive ex wife that we see at the start of the series.

So on we go with chapter four. Thanks to everyone who has taken time to review for me. I hope you enjoy this latest instalment!

Allies And Enemies – Chapter Four

Hell Hath No Fury

Steve McGarrett knew this breakneck drive through the island wasn't strictly necessary. After all, this wasn't an emergency, so they didn't really need to use their lights, or sirens. But this was not the time to point out that such speed made his driving look like a little old lady's. Danny was angry enough already, dangerously so, without him stupidly provoking him further. Contrary to Danny's constant claims, he was not insane, or suicidal.

The last time he'd seen this depth of fury in Danny's eyes, the ride had been uncannily like this one. If Stan tried to deceive Danny, in any way, over his association with Wo Fat and his cronies – well, a quick ride al fresco on the Camaro's hood would just be the start of his suffering punishment.

Now, as then, Steve knew how vital it was to channel that anger into something more constructive – in this case, the calm and coherent reasoning that Danny would need to convince Rachel to listen to him.

Not just listen, either. She had to understand that her current husband had ties to a ruthless criminal. More than anything, she had to believe that her ex husband was trying to act in her best interests. That already difficult task would be almost impossible if Danny stormed in on her, all guns blazing.

So yes, even if it turned his stomach inside out, he'd endure this white knuckle ride in silence – and subtly watch, in relieved satisfaction, as the tension gradually ebbed away from Danny's body.

A few minutes later, the lights and sirens went off, and they took the next corner on all four wheels. Another deep sigh, and Steve knew it was safe to ask a gentle, sympathetically casual question.

"You want me to call her? Let her know we're coming?"

That won him a trace of a smile as Danny glanced across at him, and shrugged.

"Yeah, that'd be good," he agreed, thinking for a moment, before deadpanning the inevitable insult. "God knows how, but she seems to have fallen for your psycho macho charms."

It might have worked, if Steve hadn't pulled PoutyFace on him, which made him grin like an idiot too. Steve's plan had worked perfectly, though. This familiar teasing was just what Danny had needed. By the time they arrived at the mansion, the Camaro slid through its gates at gently normal speed – Danny's furious tension gone too now as they drew up on its equally grand driveway.

Its only remnants came in a deep sigh and a shake of his head, reflecting the inadequacy he always felt when he came here. But then a squeeze on his shoulder reminded him of everything that Stan Edwards didn't have – the values of honour and integrity that brought a grateful smile of self respect back to his face.

And just as he'd known it would, that hand stayed on his shoulder right up to the front door, its grip tightening, in silent support, when Rachel opened it before they'd even rung the bell.

Yes, their relationship was much easier now, without the bitter sniping that had blighted it before. But this latest meeting, for what Danny had to tell her, wasn't going to be easy, for either of them.

Steve could see it now, so he knew Danny would too, as Rachel greeted them with still wary civility – any annoyance that she may have felt at this unscheduled visit vanishing when she saw Danny's face.

"Daniel? My God, what happened? Are you alright?"

Realizing, too late, that he should have told Steve to warn her about his appearance, Danny smiled. When that didn't take the shocked alarm from her face, he tried another tack – slipping an instinctive arm around her shoulders, reassuring his anxious ex wife, as only he could.

"I'm fine, Rachel. Hey, you should see the other guy."

Smiling back at him now – damn, she'd never be able to resist that grin – Rachel led them inside. Following tactfully behind them, Steve smiled too as they entered the palatial main living room. A tray of freshly made tea waited for them. So far so good. Steve just hoped that it lasted.

Clearly thinking the same thing, Danny took a deep breath and quietly explained why they were there.

"There's no easy way to say this, Rachel, but… well, Stan's involved in our latest case,"

He'd expected the usual accusations of jealously childish paranoia. Instead, to his amazement, she just nodded – the quietness of her next words merely hinting at the anger, and regrets, and bitterness beyond.

"Just tell me, Danny. Is he involved with the same people who did that to you?"

Still surprised by her reaction, Danny glanced at Steve, then sighed and quietly broke the rest.

"We don't know to what extent yet, but… yes. He's been dealing with some very dangerous people."

Taking this news a lot more calmly than either of them had expected, Rachel nodded once more.

"Well, he's in Thailand right now, and I don't need to pick up Grace until three," she said at last, meeting her ex husband's eyes again, with a steely resolve that made him smile in bittersweet memory. When he'd seen that face during their marriage, even he'd thought twice about arguing against it. And when she spoke again, as he noted with gleeful delight, even Steve sat nervously straighter.

"So until I need to leave to collect her, Daniel, I want to know exactly what's he's mixed up in."

Caught between his sense of caution, and his equally strong sense of duty, Danny frowned. This reaction wasn't at all what he'd expected, and he really wasn't sure how much to say. But Rachel's expression, and a glance at Steve's watch, didn't leave him with much choice. So instead he sighed and nodded, settling back into the couch as he dryly advised Steve to do the same.

"Get comfy, Steven, and start drinking that tea. We're going to be here a while."