Chapter 9
"Steve," Jenny opened the office door, "The boys' parents are here."
"Come in, please. Steve McGarrett, Hawaii Five O. District Attorney John Manicote, Mr. Rich Taylor, Mr. Joseph Li, your sons' lawyer." He waved the visitors to a seat. "Miss Sherman will take notes during our meeting. The interview will also be taped."
"Robert Morgan, my wife, Alicia," the taller of the two men said. "My business partner and friend, Hans Kruger and his wife Marta. Where are our sons? What are they charged with this time? Just tell us what the fine is and we'll pay it."
"They're good boys," Mrs. Morgan added. "They can be a bit mischievous. But you know, boys will be boys. They've never been in any real trouble before, just minor things like speeding, having a few too many drinks, you know."
"I'm afraid it's more serious than that," Manicote said. "They're believed to be involved in a hunting accident. Bow hunting."
"Hunting accident?" Kruger growled. "Were they hurt?"
"No, Mr. Kruger," McGarrett replied. "Someone else was seriously injured. A police officer, Detective Dan Williams. The hunters left the scene and failed to report the accident. Had Mr. Taylor and I not been there, he might have died. As it is, he's still hospitalized."
"Impossible!" Morgan roared. "Our sons are experienced hunters. They've been with us on our annual deer hunt for the last five years. Jared's a good shot with a rifle. Why, he even bagged his own buck last fall."
"I know," Steve said quietly. "They gave me this." He handed Morgan the expired deer license.
"Mr. McGarrett," Mrs. Kruger spoke up. "Our sons would never do anything like that. They're responsible young men, good students, respected athletes, real team players . . ."
Her words were interrupted as Kono and Duke escorted the two boys into the office.
The elder Morgan jumped to his feet, waving a fist in McGarrett's face. "Handcuffs! As if our sons were dangerous criminals. I'll have your badge for this."
"Calm down, Mr. Morgan, and take your seat. Handcuffs are required when transporting anyone in custody." Morgan heard the steel in the big cop's voice. He sat.
Duke, Kono, release them," Steve ordered. "I doubt they'll try anything. Now, boys, do you have anything to say to your parents?"
"Just get us out of here," Jared whined. "We didn't do anything. We were just hiking. You gotta believe us! We didn't put an arrow into anyone."
"Is this true, Karl?" his father asked, looking for confirmation. The young man nodded.
"You heard our sons. They've never used bows and arrows. They would never hurt anyone!" Mrs. Morgan joined the conversation. "What evidence do you have?"
"Quite a bit," Manicote responded, "Footprints, bows and arrows, a police report . . ."
"All of it circumstantial," Joe Li broke in.
"You're our sons' attorney? What does a public defender know about Juvenile Law?" the older Morgan sneered.
"Mr. Li is a graduate of Stanford Law," the DA noted. "He routinely deals with cases involving juveniles. It's his area of specialization. Of course, you could always hire another attorney if you so choose."
The parents considered the options. "No, no. Mr. Li will be fine." And at least this was one attorney they wouldn't have to pay for.
"Mr. Manicote," Jared's mother spoke in a strained voice. "What are our options? Will there be a trial?"
"Because Jared and Karl are still juveniles," Manicote said, "There is the option of a hearing before a judge. If you choose that option, we could schedule it for next Monday, if that suits Mr. McGarrett and Mr. Li." Steve and Joe nodded.
The parents and their sons conferred for a moment, then, speaking for all of them, Mr. Morgan said, "We'll take the hearing. Now, will you release our sons until then?"
"I'm sorry," Steve said, "That's not possible."
"The charges are quite serious, especially given Detective William's condition. They will remain in custody until the hearing. However, you will be permitted to visit them twice a day, an hour each time. Attorney Li and a police officer will also be present." Manicote hoped to impress upon the two families the serious nature of the boys' behavior.
"Could we at least see that injured officer? We'd like to see for ourselves just how badly he was hurt."
"No." The answer was decisive.
"Cuff 'em, Kono, Duke." Steve ordered, "And take them back."
o-o-o-o-o
"You shoulda been dere, Danny!" Kono's laugh filled the small solarium. "Don't know who was worse, da parents or da kids! I thought da Boss was gonna blow like Kilauea. Don't know how he kept his temper! Gonna be a hearing next Monday. Dose folks don't know what dere up against."
"That bad huh?" Dan chuckled between bites of a Hawaiian barbeque sandwich. Kono was obviously taking Rich on a tour of the restaurants in Waikiki.
"More than that, Billy!" the third member of the group chimed in. "When old man Morgan shook his fist in Steve's face, McGarrett gave him a look – you know the kind – that would have frozen a volcano!"
Danny knew the kind of look Rich meant. "Wish I could have seen that! The hearing is going to be interesting."
"Well, as the old cliché says, I guess laughter is the best medicine," Doc Bergman commented as he ambled over to the trio. He reached for an extra sandwich. "Haven't had lunch yet. How are you doing, Danny?"
"Better! Can I go home now?"
"Somehow I knew you'd ask that," Doc smiled. "Not today. When I say so. You need to be in shape to testify."
"Don't take it so hard, Billy." Rich tried to sound sympathetic. "Think of all the attention you're getting from the nurses."
"Yeah, Bruddah!" Kono added. "Dey sure wrote enough phone numbers on dat cast!" Danny blushed.
Doc intervened to rescue the slightly embarrassed cop. "I think it's time to get my patient back to his room. He needs his rest if he wants to go home anytime soon." Dan agreed. He really did want to go home.
As the group moved down the long corridor, they were startled by the sounds of a loud discussion – argument was more like it - as strident voices demanded admittance to Williams' room. Dan motioned for a stop.
"Sounds like da parents," Kono whispered. "Dey wanted to see you, but Steve and Manicote told 'em 'No.'"
"I'll handle this," Bergman growled. "You three stay out of sight." He moved around the corner to the nurses' station and confronted the foursome. "You may not see my patient! He is recovering from serious injuries. You are not on the visitors list."
"You can at least give us an update on his condition," barked one of the parents – Morgan, Kono thought, from the sound of the voice – "Will he be able to testify at our sons' hearing?"
Doc instructed the nurse to call Security. "That information is privileged. You will leave now. I will not have you disturbing anyone in this hospital, staff, or patients!" He watched as the two couples were escorted out. Then he called McGarrett.
"They tried to do what?!" Steve's anger sizzled through the phone lines. "Don't they realize that could seriously compromise the case? They didn't get to Danno, did they?"
"No, Steve. The guys were coming back from the solarium. However, they heard everything."
"Thanks, Doc. I'll let Manicote and Li know. They can issue the proper warnings. I'm heading for Queen's. Those parents could cause more trouble. We need to talk about security."
"I'll leave orders keeping them out. But I agree. We do need to make some plans." Bergman motioned for Kono and Rich to return Dan to his room. "Steve's on his way. Stay with Danny, you two, just in case they try again."
o-o-o-o-o
