Thanks, as always, to everyone reading my silly little story. I hope it gives you some measure of enjoyment in this crazy world.

Lou sat in the dimly lit interrogation room, sipping a cup of coffee. He wasn't in a hurry. Hell, it was getting so late, he considered skipping bedtime altogether. He knew sleep would be elusive anyway until they collared Hazel Adams and locked her up for good. Nobody hurt his team and got away with it.

The young woman across the table from him was not impressed with her circumstances. He wasn't sure why she'd come into the station at all as impatient as she'd been with Duke at the front desk. She wanted to be cooperative because HPD had been so supportive of the events, and no doubt she wanted their participation to continue. As the one of the coordinators for the Hawaiian Mudders, it all came down to self preservation and saving face. Lou could live with that. He could also deal with her attitude if it meant helping Danny.

"First of all, I don't appreciate being dragged in here this late at night. I'm training for an ultra marathon, and a routine sleep schedule is essential for my energy level. And secondly, what you've told me goes against everything the Mudder represents. Our motto is no one left behind. Our website and other media clearly state..." She shook her head. "What a scandal this will cause."

"Apparently, not everyone read the pamphlet." Lou frowned. "And you weren't dragged in here. What about civic duty? Doesn't that translate to the real world, too?"

The girl made a sour face at him, but he continued.

"Well, what about my colleague? This girl pushed him out of her way and kept on going. She left his ass in the mud. Literally. And how many of your fellow Mudders left him there?"

"The whole incident happened so fast. I don't see how any of this is our fault. She came to the islands, joined a team. Made friends. She had stories to tell about past Mudders. She knew the lingo. We believed her. I mean, why wouldn't we?"

"I'm not saying any of this is your fault. The girl clearly has some issues. She was obsessed with the Mudder. There was no stopping her. She'd already been banned-"

She cut off the big guy. "Banned?"

"She assaulted someone during a race."

"It's not a race." She was adamant.

"I know. It's a team building experience. Believe me, that's how I sold it to my team. It's about camaraderie. Trust."

"You just don't get it. It's unfathomable that someone would do this."

"Well, she did, and my colleague paid the price."

"You can't possibly understand."

"Hey, I helped my guys train. I was there through it all. A medical condition prohibits me-"

"At least you admit it. Some attempt the Mudder and have to be carried off-" She stopped. "Sorry. But you get what I'm saying."

"I think we're on the same planet, but you have to step into reality. This broad is driven by a compulsion to win at all costs. She changed her name. Hell, she even faked cancer to join that team." He paused for a moment, allowing the girl a moment to digest her disgust. "All I'm sayin is, we need to get her off the streets before she hurts someone else."

"I wish I could help you. I really do." The girl paused. "You know she did mention something."

"Well, spit it out." Lou wanted to smack her.

"She was looking forward to getting a massage at some spa on Maui."

"Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?"

/././

A swim didn't help. A beer didn't cut it either.

Steve could not go to sleep. He lay there, staring at the ceiling and for the first time, understood what Danny meant about the sound of the ocean. It was all he could hear, waves pounding in his head.

He was anxious and unsettled. Something he normally wouldn't stand for.

There was one other thing he could try, but he just couldn't get worked up enough for the pay off. He was too tired and frustrated.

When his cell buzzed on the nightstand, he knew it was Danny.

They'd been escorted out of his room - no visitors for Detective Williams. He was not to be disturbed. He needed his rest - as did they. Go home. Governor's orders.

Governor? Steve was undeterred by such an order. It was ridiculous. At first he suspected Lou. There was no way the governor knew.

Then a phone call from the man himself made things more clear. He was sure he heard Kono cut off a snicker from the seat beside him.

You think I wouldn't hear about this? I watch the news. When someone from my task force is injured - I know about it. News or not.

Steve was beyond words.

Go home. Don't make a scene.

And they did. Tails between their legs. Kono secretly glad. Someone had finally gotten through. Steve sensed her relief and gave her a good natured shove.

"Don't laugh, Kono."

She couldn't help but smile as she gave him a wave. Chin had been waiting, stoic as ever.

So now Steve was happy to hear from his best friend.

"Heard someone told you off." Danny cut right to the chase.

"How'd you know?"

A gravelly laugh from Danny. Then a mischievous whisper. "I know everything."

An awkward silence followed. Danny tried to lighten the mood.

"Please, no jokes about being psychic. The governor called to check on me. Imagine that."

Steve heard his friend speak, but didn't really process the words. Lost again in his guilt. "Danny, look, earlier-"

"Hey, this wasn't your fault."

Danny cleared his throat. He knew he shouldn't talk. But he also knew what Steve needed to hear. What needed to be drilled into his head. "Hear me? Not your fault."

"I'm sorry for giving you a hard time. I'm notorious for not following doctor's orders, so I shouldn't get on your case."

"Seriously? Am I dying? You're apologi-" Danny had to stop to catch his breath.

"Enjoy it while you can. You're going home tomorrow, buddy. Things'll be back to normal." Steve couldn't resist a chuckle. "If you can just stop talking. And please..."

Danny let Steve have that jab. He figured he'd worried him enough to deserve it. But he cut his best friend off before he could add a scolding.

"Don't even mention the mask, you idiot. I'll use it when we're done here." He broke into a cough.

"Shut up for once, Danny. Please. I know it's asking a lot." They shared a laugh.

It didn't matter if Steve wasn't there, sitting in that damnable chair with Danny aiming the white board at him. He'd gotten through if only just a bit. This was a small victory.

Now they could both sleep.