Disclaimer: Hawaii 5-0 and characters belong to CBS, I just wish I owned them. And if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Thank you my beta Traw for helping me keep on track.

Thoughts: Italics

Chapter 10: And the Winner Is?

Steve and Danny walked into the front lobby of Nihipali and McNeil to find a bit of a commotion. The office manager Maylea Mahina was trying to keep HPD from taking any files or searching the offices. She was currently arguing with Chin.

"Is there a problem here Detective Kelly?" Steve inquired as the partners got close enough.

Ms. Mahina interupted. "Yes! I want to know why Mr. Nihipali was arrested and these officers are searching the offices."

Steve's eyebrow went up as he looked at Chin. "I have been trying to explain what is going on but Ms. Mahina refuses to listen to me." Chin replied exasperatedly.

"Alright Chin. Go ahead and work with the tech people to go through the computer files." Ms. Mahina moved to stop Chin, Steve stepped in front of her. Once Chin had moved to complete his work, Steve addressed Ms. Mahina. "We have found evidence at one of Nahini's warehouses linking him to smuggling fake Hawaiian antiquities with this company's regular shipments."

She straightened up indignant. "I keep telling Detective Kelly and I will tell you that your accusations are ridiculous. Mr. Nihipali would never be involved in something as sordid as smuggling."

Steve continued before she could say more. "Ms. Mahina, we have confiscated several crates already, as well as computer files detailing Nihipali's smuggling operation. Furthermore, we have testimony and computer evidence that he is responsible for having several young women's families threatened if they went to the police to complain about being harassed by McNeil."

Ms. Mahina's face turned mulish. "Ridiculous, Mr. Nihipali wouldn't need to have anyone threatened since Mr. McNeil would never use a woman like that."

Steve pinched the bridge of his nose. Some people could be so deliberately blind it was unbelievable but before he could say more Danny spoke. "Ms. Mahina, as the Cmdr. stated, we have the computer records of the smuggling operation, we have some of the fake antiquities." He held up his hand before she could interrupt. "The antiquities were found in a search of a warehouse owned by one holding company, owned by another holding company that was ultimately owned by Nihipali. We have in custody several of his associates as well as the men who were responsible for threatening the women in question. Detective Kelly has a search warrant for these offices. If you continue to interfere we will have no choice but to arrest you for obstruction of justice."

Ms. Mahina stared at Danny for a moment. "Very well detective. I see that I really have no choice in the matter."

"Not really, no. What I would really like to know is why you didn't know about the harassment going on in this building. Since there is no human resources department you would be responsible for those duties normally associated with HR. The women should have gone to you to report the harassment." Something flickered in her eyes.

Steve noticed. "They did come to you didn't they? You didn't take them seriously did you?" Another unidentified emotion crossed her face. Steve crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his eyes. "You went to Nihipali and told him about the reports; violating laws of confidentiality and the victims' rights."

Giving an aggravated sigh Ms. Mahina replied. "Yes I let Mr. Nihipali know what was going on. He said it was a misunderstanding and would take care of it. The women later came to me and said that they wished to withdraw their complaints. As I said there was no harassment; it was all a big misunderstanding."

Steve growled. "The women withdrew their complaints because Nihipali had the lives of their families threatened if they didn't." Steve glared at her when she tried to interrupt. "As we already told you; we have the men in custody who threatened the women. We also have the testimony of one of the victims detailing the harassment and the threats that were made. They threatened to kill her mother if she did not cooperate." He leaned deliberately into Ms. Mahini's personal space as he continued. "Your precious Nihipali was an idiot who kept records of each woman who had to be threatened. Your blind loyalty to Mr. Nihipali allowed several women to be abused by McNeil and further traumatized by Nihipali. You are under arrest for aiding and abetting the threatening of the women, breaking confidentiality laws and I'm sure we'll think of something else." He waved over an HPD officer, "Take this woman out of my sight, she is under arrest."

Steve and Danny watched the woman being led out the door protesting all the way. As they turned back to the front desk, Kalena Makaiau was making her way towards them. "I see that 5-0 really likes to stir things up."

Danny pointed at Steve. "He definitely likes to stir things up." Steve tried to look innocent. "Don't even try to act all innocent with me Super Seal, doesn't work." Danny snorted as he turned back to Ms. Makaiau and continued. "I'm glad that you found us. We have a couple of questions for you."

"Of course detective. What would you like to know?"

"Where were you before you went to your niece's recital?"

She hesitated. "I was at work. I went home to change and met my sister and brother-in-law."

Danny continued. "You didn't stop at McNeil's house before going home?"

Makaiau stuttered. "N-no. I went straight home to get ready."

Steve stepped forward. "That's interesting a call from your cell bounced off a tower close to McNeil's home at the time you claim you were at home. You don't live close enough to McNeil's home to use the same tower; so where were you?" Steve leaned closer to her intimidatingly when she remained silent. "You had been at McNeil's home. Did he try to force you to have sex? Is that why you stabbed him?" The woman remained silent as Mcgarrett continued to push. "When you realized what you had done you panicked calling your cousin Makani for help. Unfortunately for you he is almost as bad a liar as you are Ms. Makaiau. Now why don't you tell us the truth?"

She slumped before leaning against the receptionist's desk. "All right. I killed him. I had heard the rumors that other women had been scared into not reporting McNeil. So when he invited me to his house for a 'business' dinner, I suspected he was going to try something. So I brought my father's hunting knife with me and stabbed him after we entered the bedroom. It was easy." She sneered. "He was so confident that he was going to get what he wanted he never suspected that I would attack him. He was still alive when I left a message for him."

Steve and Danny avoided grimacing by sheer will. "Book her Danno." Steve paused. "Doesn't have the same ring does it?"

"No. Maybe you'll stop calling me that now?" Danny said as he flagged an officer to help him. Steve smirked. Danny sighed. "Didn't think so."

Any answer Steve may have had was forgotten as his phone rang. Quickly pressing it to his ear he answered. "McGarrett." He paused a moment as he listened to his caller before answering. "We're just arresting the killer governor." He listened more to his Boss before he nodded. "We can be there in an hour ma'am." He paused listening for another moment before he answered. "We'll see you then ma'am." Hanging up he looked across at his partner who had just ordered a HPD officer to take the prisoner back to HPD. "We have an appointment with the governor and her guest Governor Stevens in one hour."

Danny ran his hand over his face. "Why both of us?"

"She said that Stevens wants to hear what happened from me and one other member of the team. She asked for you."

Danny flung his hands heavenward. "Wonderful. We'll be doing paperwork until the wee hours of the morning. Well, let's get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get back to HQ."

Steve nodded as the two men headed for the door. "I'm not looking forward to meeting Stevens. After all, we sent his men away."

Danny smiled slightly. "And scared Jackson so much he fainted." Both men laughed at the memory as they exited the building.

*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*H50*

The partners had swung by HQ for a change of clothes. Although neither man had gotten any blood on their clothes, they were dirty and wanted to clean up a little before seeing the governor.

The two men entered the governor's outer office. Steve let her executive assistant know that they were there for an appointment with the governor. She returned in a moment informing them they could go in.

Steve and Danny looked at each other seeing the same conviction in the other's eyes. As one they walked into Jameson's office. Once inside Steve stood at attention and Danny stood tall, or as tall as he could next to him.

Jameson and guest stood up. "Good afternoon gentlemen. Let me introduce Governor Stevens from Maryland. This is Lt. Cmdr. McGarrett and his partner Detective Williams." Each man shook Steven's hand when introduced before they all sat down and the Governor began. "Governor Stevens would like to ask you some questions about what happened with his men."

Stevens cleared his throat. "Detectives Jackson had some interesting things to say about your team Cmdr McGarrett. I would like you to tell me why you picked each task force member."

Steve indicated Danny with his right hand. "I needed a partner. I picked Detective Williams because his record indicated that he was an outstanding detective who is dedicated to his work. Something I felt that was necessary to be my partner. I picked Chin Ho Kelly because he was also a good detective and a local man familiar with Honolulu. He is also a wiz when it comes to computers and other technical equipment. Officer Kalakaua is Detective Kelly's cousin and helped us with our first case. She proved to be sharp, capable and able to take care of herself. She also has great instincts, the kind of instincts which can take years to learn."

Stevens nodded thoughtfully. McGarrett's reasons were all very sound. He had been surprised to hear about Kelly and Kalakaua and had wanted to understand McGarrett's thinking process. He moved onto his next question. "Detective Jackson accused you of being reckless and ignoring a suspect's rights." He looked at Danny. "Perhaps you can tell me if Detective Jackson's account is accurate Detective Williams."

Danny sat up a little straighter as he replied. "Cmdr. McGarrett can be a bit reckless behind the wheel, but he has never lost control of any vehicle he has driven. When Cmdr. McGarrett is pursuing a suspect he is very focused and will go to just about any length to capture him. As for his interrogation techniques, they are unorthodox. They are usually very effective." Though touched, Steve hid his reaction to Danny's words. "Cmdr. McGarrett would never cause severe bodily harm in his goal to get information, just scare the suspect into giving information."

Stevens nodded thoughtfully. "So Cmdr. McGarrett has never dangled someone off of a roof or tossed them in a shark tank?"

Steve looked Stevens in the eye. "I did governor. Neither man was in real danger. I had a solid grip on the suspect who I dangled over the edge of the roof and the sharks were not man-eaters and absolutely harmless; just good for scaring someone who didn't know. In fact the cage I tossed the suspect in is used for tourists so that they can see real sharks."

"And why do you think that it is okay to bypass a suspect's rights just to get information?"

Steve replied, not about to apologize for his methods, they got the job done. "I was asked to do a job. Put criminals behind bars and that is what we do. I was given means and immunity to get my job done and I use it. Detective Williams keeps me from going too far, another reason I feel he is a great partner."

"Mark, I told you that I have full confidence in Cmdr. McGarrett and his team. I gave them immunity for a reason; I believed that he could handle the responsibly and get results."

Stevens looked at Jameson. "You did. Moving on. Can you explain why you have a detective who took drug money, and was let go, on your task force?"

Jameson frowned at Stevens. Steve bristled. "I'm going to tell you the same thing that I told Jackson. Chin Ho Kelly is not guilty of taking that money. IA was never able to prove he did it, instead of doing their job and find actual proof, they spread malicious rumors forcing him to leave the force." Steve nodded towards his partner as he continued,. "Detective William's former partner Meka was believed to be guilty of taking payola by the same IA officer who believes that Detective Kelly is guilty. We proved that Meka was not guilty and caught the dirty cop. So I choose not to believe anything IA has to say about Detective Kelly. Also, my late father was a very good judge of character and believed that Detective Kelly was innocent. He has proven to be a valuable part of my team as well as an honorable man."

"I'm with Steve. Chin Ho Kelly is one of the most honorable men that I have met. I am proud to serve with him."

"What is the meaning of this inquisition Mark? You wanted to know what made this task force so successful, but you are questioning everything about it." Jameson's demeanor showed that she was getting angry.

"Detective Jackson is a fine detective and brought these issues to my attention. I personally am surprised that this task force is so successful based on what I have heard from Detective Jackson."

Steve stood up, along with Danny, crossing his arms over his chest. Enough was enough. "If you'll pardon me for pointing this out, but if Detective Jackson was in the military he would get his men killed. He would be the officer who would get taken down by friendly fire." Steven's gaped. "He has no command experience of any kind, not even as a lead detective. Even though Jackson is your nephew," McGarrett did not miss the look of surprise that crossed Steven's face as he continued, "he lacks what it takes to lead a task force of any kind. He may be a good detective, however to lead a team like ours, the lead should have leadership skills and experience. He treats his second in command more like his man Friday than an experienced detective. He has not created a team; he has created a boost to his ego." Steve looked at Jameson. "Governor Jameson, we need to get back to headquarters. We caught McNeil's killer and need to get the paperwork processed."

Stevens spoke snidely. "Did you tie him to the hood of your car to get a confession?"

Steve's demeanor turned downright scary, Danny was scowling, as he responded. "No we did not tie her to the hood of the car. We destroyed her alibi and the false confession of her cousin. We were also able to show that she was not at home as she claimed. She confessed willingly after that."

Jameson looked at her old friend angrily as she interrupted Steve. "When you question the judgment of these two men, you question mine. Even though I gave Cmdr. McGarrett carte blanch, I approved his choices of task force members. I'm also aware of his unorthodox methods of getting information. It is the reason I gave him immunity. I wanted the task force to clean up my island." She stood up and pointed at her door. "Now get out of my office, and get off my island. Take your two detectives with you. I will be doing you no more favors Mark." Stevens stood up and left without another word. Jameson sat back down. "I apologize, Steve. I had no idea he was going to interrogate you like that. I believed that he really wanted help."

"Apology accepted ma'am." Danny nodded his agreement.

"Very well. You better head back and get that paperwork started gentlemen. We want to make sure this woman is convicted."

Steve and Danny nodded before turning and leaving her office.

Neither man spoke until they were ensconced in the car and on the way to HQ.

Danny's sharp hand movements showed his agitation as he spoke. "That guy was unbelievable! So Jackson was his nephew?"

"Yup. I forgot to tell you that Chin had found out that little tidbit. Now we know how Jackson got the job. It certainly wasn't based on his credentials."

Danny shook his head. "As the saying goes, it's not what you know but who you know. I think I would like to see both Jackson and Stevens go through some cold water training. Maybe they would learn something."

Steve caught Danny's eye and they said simultaneously. "Nah." Both men laughed.

"I think that the cold water would freeze the few brain cells that Jackson possesses." Danny snickered.

Steve continued. "Thanks for sticking up for me in there. I know you were defending Chin, but we both know that it was my decision to bring Chin onto the team."

Danny waved his hand dismissively. "You brought together a great team and I am honored to work with all of you. All of us help make Hawaii safe for Grace."

Steve smiled crookedly. "Thanks man. You have Grace this weekend right?" Danny nodded. "How about the two of you stay at my place for the weekend? Saturday we can have a barbeque with the team to celebrate the close of this case."

Danny smiled. "Are you sure that you want us for the weekend Steve? I wouldn't want Grace and me to put you out."

Steve huffed as he pulled the car into a space at HQ. "I invited you, didn't I? No you would not be putting me out. The house has plenty of room for both of you. Oh I forgot to give you this." He reached in his pocket and handed Danny a key. "That's the key to my front door and the code for the security system is 47223. You and Grace are welcome at my place anytime." Danny was staring at Steve in astonishment. "I know Grace loves the beach and to swim. This way you can bring her to a semi-private beach even if I'm not home."

"Thank you doesn't seem adequate."

Steve held up his hand to stop Danny. "No thanks are necessary Danny; you and Grace are ohana."

Danny realized that it was as simple as that for Steve. "Alright. Grace will be excited for this weekend."

The two men got out of the car. "You know I'm looking forward to this weekend too. You have an awesome daughter and I enjoy spending time with her." Steve smirked before he added. "You're okay too I suppose."

Danny threw his hands up. "I hate you." Danny men laughed as they entered HQ to complete the—oh-so exciting paperwork. "I really hate you; you know that, don't you?"