AN: This chapter is a little shorter than chapters I've written lately. Thanks to all my wonderful readers for reading :-) Special thanks to my beta for her undying patience - You rock "Book 'em Again"!
Chapter 9
(Edited by "Book 'em Again")
The jet black LTDs came to a screeching halt in front of the grey building of the research facility off the Kalanianaole Highway. Dan Williams, Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua jumped out of their vehicles and hastily climbed the stairs, entering the foyer. The secretary looked up from her desk at the sight of three men dressed in varying shades of grey suits dashing in.
"May I help you?" The attractive, bespectacled secretary called out in confusion.
"Hawaii Five-O, Dan Williams. These are detectives Kelly and Kalakaua. We're here to see Dr. Victor Chang Lee. Can you tell us where we can find him?" Dan inquired when he approached the front desk and flashed the woman his badge.
"What's this all about?"
"An urgent police matter," Chin piped in.
"Alright. He might still be in his lab. I'll take you to him." The woman stood up from her seat and walked out from behind her desk.
The detectives followed the woman up the stairs and to the closed door that housed a laboratory behind it. Entering the combination into the keypad beside the door frame, the secretary waited for the red indicator light to turn green before opening the door. Stepping inside she held the door open to allow the detectives to enter after her.
"Dr. Lee, I'm sorry to bother you but these gentlemen from Hawaii-O Five-O are here to see you. They say it's urgent," the young woman announced.
A thin middle-aged Asian man with a receding hairline stood in the center of the room behind a work bench. He had just finished packing his brief case when the door opened and three men filed in with his secretary. He looked up nervously and thanked the young woman by the door, excusing her presence.
"Dr. Lee we're from Five-O and we have some important questions to ask you," Dan began as he approached the scientist who picked up his brief case from the counter.
"I'm sorry but I am running late for an appointment with my associate. Perhaps if I were to call you tomorrow?" Dr. Lee responded evasively.
"We're investigating a murder and the disappearance of Detective Steve McGarrett. We can conduct the interview here or you can come with us. It's your choice," Dan stated firmly.
"Alright. Let's go to my office, shall we, gentlemen?" Dr. Lee replied after contemplating the alternatives. He led the way back out of the lab and headed down the stairs with the detectives at his heels. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, the scientist tightened his grip on the handle of the briefcase and took off across the lobby toward the front door.
"Hold it!" Dan called out as he, Chin and Kono raced after the man.
"Easy, Bruddah! Don't make dis harder on yourself." Kono took a steady hold on the slight man's arms as he pinned them behind his back.
"Why are you trying to run? We just want to ask you a few questions," Chin said as he approached the edgy man who remained silent.
"Has a man by the name of Professor Erich Stoss made contact with you in the last twelve months?" Dan questioned.
"I don't know anybody by that name!" Dr Lee snapped defensively.
"Are you sure?" Chin chimed in.
"Of course I'm sure! Now unhand me this instant before I have you sued!" Dr. Lee shouted. Even through his outburst, he failed to hide the fear belying within him as the Five-O detectives held him under their scrutinizing gaze.
"Dr. Lee, you're under arrest for suspicion of murder. You have the right to remain silent…" As Dan read the man his Miranda rights, Dr. Lee glanced nervously at each of the detectives' faces.
"What's going on? Dr. Lee?" The secretary called out in perplexity as the lobby began to attract the attention of more personnel.
"Look, alright! I'll answer your questions. Just not here." Dr. Lee relented in embarrassment as many of his colleagues began to pour into the lobby curiously.
"I think you better come with us," Dan declared and the three detectives escorted the nervous scientist outside, ignoring the questioning looks and voices thrown at them from the staff.
* A L O H A ! *
As Dan sat behind his desk, he eyed the scientist before him who sat stiffly at the edge of his seat, still clutching the briefcase tightly against his chest. Kono stood at the doorway with his arms folded, also keeping a watchful eye on Lee.
"Mr. Williams, I have an urgent meeting to attend to…" Dr. Lee began.
"Dr. Lee, we have a witness who heard your name mentioned by men working for Professor Erich Stoss. These men are believed to be involved in a murder of one man and possible abduction of another. Professor Stoss is a dangerous terrorist. If he has threatened you to do something for him, we can offer you protection." Dan had a suspicion that the toxicologist may have been coerced to take part in a conspiracy plotted by Stoss.
"Please! I don't know who Eric Stoss is. I must go or he'll…"Dr. Lee pleaded in a strained voice. His voice trailed off as he realized his mistake by saying too much.
"Who? You said he. Who is he and what will he do?" Dan leaned forward and persisted with a hint of sympathy in his voice. The last time Five-O dealt with Stoss, the Professor had threatened the lives of a man and his family to do his bidding of sheer terror. There was every possibility history was sickeningly repeating itself.
Dr. Lee shook his head fervently, refusing to answer verbally.
"Alright." Dan sighed then his eyes fell on the brief case clutched in Dr. Lee's arms. "Show me your briefcase."
Dr. Lee's face blanched and he sat quietly turning his head to the side. Seeing the big Hawaiian standing at the entrance of the cubicle, the man swallowed hard.
"We can wait for my men to get a warrant or you can open that briefcase right now," Dan instructed in a low voice.
"You d-don't understand! He'll kill my sister and her daughter if I don't do as he says. I cannot help you!" Dr. Lee cried out in desperation and dismay.
Dan looked up and met Kono's gaze. They had found their key witness and someone who could help them end the terror that Stoss was undoubtedly planning to bestow upon them. Here was someone who could lead them to Lenny's murderers and the whereabouts of their boss and friend. All they needed to do was convince the man they would do everything in their power to keep him and his family safe. Time was ticking away and they solemnly prayed they weren't too late.
