I can't believe it's the weekend again and Xmas is only around the corner. So, everybodies life is busy and therefore I really appreciate all the reviews you send my way. I finally found some time today to sit down and write this chapter-actually was supposed to be longer but if I don't post now it will be mid week before I have time again.
I admit to being somewhat distracted by all the cliffhangers of my Fav TV shows this week and can feel my Muse straining to soothe myself with a comforting fanfic ( until reality hits us next January when the shows start up again) I wonder what Hawaii five O has in store for us *sigh*
Thank you Amblue36 for your gentle prods over the last days and I hope I won't disappoint...
Please read and review...see you on the flip side!
Queen's Pawn
Danny wasn't sure what had woken him up. It took a few seconds for him to remember that he was lying on the couch in McGarrett's living room. Dazed he sat up and swung his legs down on to the floor as he peered into the twilight of the room. 5 am in the morning and the world was waking up to a new day with the first rays of sun light shining through the shutters.
He heard a muffled cry of pain coming from McGarrett's room and bolted down the hallway. The door to McGarrett's room was slightly ajar and he walked inside only to find Cath and Mary kneeling next to Steve who was curled up on the floor in agony.
'Oh, Danny…good, please help me get Steve back to bed' Cath had noticed Danny's arrival.
'I don't need any help!' hissed McGarrett through clenched teeth 'Can't a guy go to the bathroom in peace without having a cheer squad?'
'So, that's what you were trying to do? Didn't Cath tell you that someone has to help you get up? But no, tough Steve McGarrett doesn't need anybodies help. So, typical big brother' Mary was visibly upset with Steve's antics.
'I've been going to the bathroom on my own since I was four years old…' replied Steve tersely.
Ignoring the women, Danny dropped down next to McGarrett and slid his arm around him pulling Steve into an upright position.
'Come on, Super SEAL lets get you back to bed. Put your arm around me and on the count of three…'
Danny didn't get any further because Steve groaned out in pain, blanching and screwing his eyes shut. Steve's body started to shake and his head fell forward as he tried to hide his distress.
Danny froze, still holding McGarrett close to him. They sat together for a few seconds as Danny waited for the pain to subside and for McGarrett to open his eyes again.
'Okay, we can rest a moment…' he threw an apprehensive look to Cath who was already drawing up some morphine.
'I'm going to give you something for the pain, Steve and then Danny and I will get you back into bed. Please promise me though that you've learnt your lesson. No more solo trips!'
Steve nodded silently his lips pressed into a thin line as Cath ran her hand down his arm in a soothing fashion. She took hold of McGarrett's left wrist where she had sited a new iv and gave the morphine in a quick push. A little while later Danny could feel McGarrett relax against his chest as the medication took effect. He nodded to Cath who squatted down to slide her arm under McGarrett's shoulder and together they walked him the few steps to his bed.
Exhausted McGarrett lay back, closing his eyes, beads of perspiration on his forehead as Danny and the doctor looked down on him. After a few seconds his regular deep breaths indicated that he had fallen asleep.
Mary was pacing up and down throwing anxious glances at her brother.
'I think it was crazy to take him out of hospital. We can't look after him here…'
'I think he would have tried this stunt in hospital too, Mary' answered Cath dryly 'It's hard on a man of his caliber to be dependent on others…If you both give me a minute. I want to examine him and make sure he hasn't caused any damage from that fall'
Mary stormed out with a snort mumbling something under her breath. Danny shrugged at Cath's raised eyebrow.
'Mh, anyway would you like a cup of tea or coffee?' he asked politely trying not to let himself stare at the doctor. Cath was wearing a cute cotton PJ with white daisies which made her look good enough to eat.
Cath smiled knowingly at Danny as she let her gaze run up and down his body making him suddenly feel self conscious about standing in his boxer shorts in front of a woman he hardly knew. He should have kept his T shirt on but it had been a hot night. Too late for regrets now he thought.
'A cup of tea would be lovely, Danny… Milk, one sugar please. I'll meet you in the kitchen in five'
Danny watched as she started to examine McGarrett taking his blood pressure and pulse rate before drawing the door shut behind him.
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'Now be a good boy and listen to the doctor. If I hear of anything…I'll personally come and kick your ass, McGarrett!'
Danny stood at Steve's bed end wagging his right index finger at his partner. He was ready to leave for his appointment with the governor. A long shower had done little to relax him and he felt on edge. It hadn't helped that McGarrett had sulked since the episode earlier that morning and now avoided eye contact with his partner.
In the stillness of the room Danny wished Steve would look up, give him a witty retort or at least the steely McGarrett gaze indicating all was okay in the McGarrett-Williams world.
A loud honk outside announced Kono's arrival and Danny turned away with a sigh heading out into the hallway.
'Heh, Danny…'
Cath came out of the bathroom her skin all pink from the hot shower with a big fluffy white towel wrapped around her. This is not going to help me stay professional around her he thought as he felt his heart beat quicken. He stopped and waited for her to catch up to him.
'When will you be back?'
'Not sure Cath but I'll stay in touch. Let me know if he misbehaves…' his head indicating briefly towards McGarrett's bedroom.
'We'll be fine, Danny. Don't worry!' she chuckled 'I mean I've got drugs haven't I' and she winked at Danny before disappearing into the guest bedroom to get dressed.
He waved as he turned towards the door where Kono was already waiting.
'You look like shit, Danno! Rough night?'
'Flattery will get you no where and yes, Steve being Steve decided to go for a walk without help. It wasn't pretty!'
'Is he alright?' Kono asked worry in her face.
'Besides a dented ego when Danno had to scoop him off the ground…just dandy!' Danny ran his hand through his hair 'He is so pigheaded at times.'
It was evident to Kono that Danny was worried about his partner and she decided it was time to take matters in her hand. McGarrett needed a good talking to.
Kono walked pass Danny intent on going to see McGarrett herself when Danny grabbed her arm.
'Don't…he's not in a good place at the moment.' Danny shrugged trying to cover for McGarrett 'Maybe a bad reaction to the drugs who knows…We've got to get going anyway. I don't want to be late for the governor.'
His eyes pleaded silently with Kono not to push the issue and when she finally relented, Danny released her arm.
'Okay, but if he continues to be a hard ass…' Kono threw a glance in the direction of McGarrett's bedroom and sighed. 'Chin is meeting us there. My car is out front.'
Once outside, they both walked past Mary who was sitting on the lawn. She had just returned from her morning swim, water dripping down her face from her wet hair and a towel wrapped around her hips. She looked up at the two detectives shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand.
'Good luck with the Governor, Danny!'
'Thanks, Mary. And remember, if anybody come by the house you're the distraught grieving sister!'
He smiled wistfully before sliding onto the passenger seat of Kono's car staring straight ahead of him while Kono started up the car and reversed out of the drive way.
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They were ushered into the foyer of the governor's office and asked to take a seat while the assistant announced their arrival.
Danny stood in front of a large photo decorating the wall inspecting the smiling faces.
'Those are all the senators and representatives of Hawaii with the Governor and the Secretary of the State in the front' pointed out Chin 'this is the Speaker of the House and there is the Senate president'
'They all look far too happy for my comfort!' he shook his head and wandered around the room examining the knick knacks of the governor's official life on display.
It was the first time the team had been asked to the governor's office. Chin and Kono appeared suitably impressed but Danny's mood became darker with each passing minute.
After fifteen minutes the door opened suddenly and the assistant's sweeping arm movement invited them to walk through.
'The governor is ready to see you now'
The team entered the room where large windows provided a natural source of lighting. In comparison to the ante room the governor's office was void of the paraphernalia of her status, the sizeable antique mahogany desk located in the middle of the room the only indication of the importance of the person occupying it.
The governor was sitting behind her desk though her attention was directed to the man standing off her left side close to one of the windows.
'That is the end of it Robert. I will hear no more…' the governor was obviously displeased with the man she was addressing.
Danny cleared his voice.
'Detective Williams, thank you for coming by with your team'
She stood up and walked around her desk to stand in front of Danny. Chin and Kono remained a few steps behind Danny letting their 2IC take point. The governor graced them with a brief nod before indicating to the man on her left.
'This is Senator Robert Hajiro, Detective. He is the President of the Senate.'
'It is a great pleasure to finally meet the Five O task force even if the circumstances are unfortunate.' The middle aged politician of Japanese ancestry smiled at the small group, flashing his white teeth though his eyes remain cold.
Danny took an instant dislike to the man and it took all his will power not to snort out loud in disgust. To describe McGarrett's death as unfortunate while smiling made Danny's hair stand on edge.
The governor leaned back against her desk.
'I will come straight to the point why I have asked you here this morning. Five O has become a very effective tool and I, as others have been impressed with your arrest rate. The task force has suffered a serious blow with the death of the Commander. I will not delude myself to expect that anyone will be able to fill his shoes even though if there was such a man I consider you Detective Williams the closest contender. However, there have been numerous complaints made against Five O and it is time I review the operating procedures for the task force…'
Danny had listened calmly to every word but when the governor started to criticize the way Five O handled themselves he couldn't remain quiet.
'Governor, you told McGarrett whatever it takes and you would back him' He pushed his chin forward and his blue eyes glared at the governor.
'Detective Williams, you are absolutely correct. I gave you free rein but now the time has come to review the frame work in which Five O operates….' The governor's eyes narrowed, a warning clearly sent that she wouldn't back down.
Senator Hajiro stepped forward addressing Danny.
'Detective Williams, the senate and the representatives have repeatedly received complaints from their constituencies and we as their elected representative have to heed their requests. The powers of the governor are great but she does have to answer to the people'
The sickly sweet voice from the Senate President grated on Danny's nerves and the smug look Hajiro had thrown the governor made him suspicious that more was going on behind the scenes. The governor clasped her hands and nervously licked her lips.
'The senate has suggested that a new member for the team is selected from the Attorney general's office, someone with background in criminal justice and a firm grasp on the legal system that the task force must embrace from now on.'
Kono shifted her weight from one foot to the other glancing at her cousin next to her while Chin just closed his eyes in defeat. Danny though wasn't going to take it lying down.
'So you are clipping our wings…' he growled 'we'll be no better than regular HPD. Moving outside the rules and regulations made us effective as a task force. The perps knew that nothing could or would stop us apprehending them!'
'Well, you will adapt, Detective…' the coldness in her voice felt like a slap in the face. 'Tomorrow you will meet your new CO Kai Makuakane. He is a transfer from the Criminal Justice Division and I hope you will make him welcome at Five O HQ.'
The governor watched the facial play on Danny William's face and felt a smile tug at her lips. The amount of control he was displaying was admirable.
'Detective…' her voice had softened 'you will remain in charge of operations. Your field experience is invaluable. Makuakane's experience in the law and its interpretation will hopefully keep you out of hot water and make you a better task force overall.'
The governor glanced at her watch.
'I'm sorry but I have another appointment. Thank you for your time'
Kono and Chin turned on their heels heading towards the door, not waiting for Danny who stood rooted in the middle of the room. The governor sighed softly before she spoke again.
'Senator, could you leave us please. I would like a quick word with the Detective to talk about the Commander's memorial service.'
'Of course Governor' the senator inclined his head and briskly walked towards the door with a swagger in his step.
Chin who was still holding the door open for Danny moved into the Senator's path, pulling himself up to his full height as he stood face to face with the politician an unspoken challenge in his eyes.
'Get out of my way, Detective…' the Senator scowled at Chin who didn't blink at the threatening undertone in the Senator's voice before stepping aside after a few seconds. Kono who had held her breath let it out after the senator pushed past and disappeared down the corridor.
She grabbed her cousin's arm and dragged him outside letting the heavy door fall shut with a soft thud.
Danny stared blindly ahead, blood rushing through his ears as he fought for control and lost.
'You got to be friggin' kidding me…!' he hissed at the governor.
'You forget yourself, Detective!' The governor shot back as she walked behind her desk, pulling her chair out and reclining into the soft leather.
'It was all I could do to keep Five O alive. I had to make concessions…and don't even think on resigning Williams as it took all my influence to keep you in Five O!'
There was a wobble in the governor voice and Danny noticed fatigue in her face that hadn't been there before.
He closed the distance to her desk.
'Please tell me what's going on Governor!' his low voice pleading with her to trust him.
She looked up, her eyes wide and pupils dilated before she shook her head with regret.
'Politics, Detective. An election around the corner and the vultures circle…no more, no less.'
He knew a brush off when he got it.
'My office will be in contact about the memorial service. I assume the Navy may want some input, too. Do you know what McGarrett's sisters feelings are on the subject, Detective?'
The change in topic nearly gave Danny whiplash.
'No, I haven't broached the funeral yet. She's shattered…this happening so soon after her father's death and all….'
'I heard you moved temporarily into McGarrett's house'
'Yes, I didn't think she should be alone, Ma'am!'
'Yes, very thoughtful of you Detective. You are a good friend to the Commander. He thought highly of you as his quarterly staff evaluations reveal. If it had been up to me alone, you would be now in command of Five O. I hope you believe me'
The phone rang and the governor picked it up.
'Yes, I'll be right out, Suzanne. Tell the driver to wait.'
She hung up the phone.
'We'll talk soon, Detective'
Dismissed Danny swung around and just as he reached the door it swung open and the Governor's personal secretary bustled in laden down with files and documents.
Chin and Kono jumped up from their chairs when Danny sailed through the door and without breaking his stride continued down the corridor to the exit with both of them hurrying after him. Tension was rolling off Danny in waves and his hands were curled into fists at his side. They walked in silence, Kono and Chin exchanging anxious glances as they patiently waited for Danny to talk to them.
When they reached the car park Danny stopped in front of Kono's car.
'Chin, go to HQ arrange for a secure wireless link up and get several laptops ready for remote use. Kono will swing by to pick you up after dropping me back at McGarrett's. We have a lot of work to do before tomorrow.
Got to love & leave you now. Let me please know if you approve of what I'm doing (speak: reviews please!) More soon I hope, cheers from DownUnder!