Disclaimer: I do not own Hawaii 5-0. Do you think they will notice that I am playing with it this summer?
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Chapter 12
Chin Ho Kelly walked up to the Waiola Shave Ice shop and waved to Kamekona. The big Hawaiian hustled out of the building and motioned with his head towards a secluded table. Chin followed him over and took a seat opposite the man. It did not take a detective to see how uncomfortable the man was; he looked ready to jump out of his skin.
"Tell me you have a lead my friend," Chin began. "I've been coming up empty and I need your help. What do you know about people trying to muscle in to Ochoa's territory?"
"Word is out there are a couple groups looking to fill his shoes," Kamekona said hesitantly.
"Come on big guy, you know more than that," Chin probed. "This is Steve's life we're talking about. Tell me what you know."
Kamekona shrugged as his eyes darted around to see if anyone was listening to their conversation. He looked back at Chin.
"Okay bruddah…..this is what the talk is," he said dropping his voice to just above a whisper. "There is one group that they say is the front runners for Ochoa's territory. Two brothers, Columbians, they got themselves a legit business here. The talk is that these bruddahs are lolo, bad news. They want 5-0 out of the way. They was the ones who brought a shooter in from the mainland."
"Who are they? Give me a name," Chin pressed on.
"Alverez, the Alverez brothers, they have some high tone shop downtown." The large man looked very uncomfortable. He fidgeted on the bench, his eyes constantly shifting, checking the people around them. "They are really bad news my hoaloha, dangerous."
"Thanks Kamekona, you've been a big help," Chin responded. "You didn't learn the name of the shooter did you?"
"No, no one said and I don't ask. I want to stay ola, you know what I mean?"
Chin nodded, being an informant could be dangerous for Kamekona and Chin wanted the big man to stay ola; healthy. Having the name Alverez was a good starting point, they could work with that. Once they had the Alverez brothers they would get the shooter's name.
"Thanks for the lead," Chin told him.
"I want to help. 5-0 are the good guys," Kamekona said quietly. Chin got to his feet.
"We appreciate the help brah, we'll try to keep you out of it," he promised.
Kamekona nodded and visibly relaxed. He did think of the 5-0 group as friends but he knew the risks of passing on information to the task force. At the very least his sources would stop talking to him and at the worst he could find that someone would want retribution for the information he supplied. He was glad to see that no one appeared interested in his talk with Chin Ho.
*H 5-0*
Arriving at Steve's hospital room, Chin entered the room, ignoring the stony stares of the two officers on duty. He was used to the negative reactions of the HPD and it was a relief to go inside the room and see Kono and Danny were still there.
"Did Kamekona have any news?" Danny asked quickly.
"He gave me a name, Alverez. It's seems two brothers from Columbia have set up shop on the island. They run a specialty coffee, tea and other items shop as their cover. Word is they brought a shooter in to take out 5-0. I guess you were first on their hit list Steve," Chin related what he had learned from Kamekona and the quick Bing search he had done on the drive over.
Steve nodded thoughtfully, considering the information.
"Looks like you have a starting place," he told the others. "Find out everything you can about them and make sure you can nail them cold before you go in for the arrest. We don't want them walking on a technicality."
"Now he's by the book," Danny groaned. "Don't worry Steven, we can handle it. And we'll get the shooter's name." There was a hard edge to his voice as he made that promise.
"Good," Steve agreed. "I just hate being stuck here, not able to help. Kamekona didn't know the gunman's name….no idea?"
"Kamekona didn't know it," Chin confirmed. "He's spooked by these guys, says they are lolo."
"He gave us enough," Steve answered. "We know how to smoke this guy out if we need to."
The other three exchanged looks, not happy with the idea of using Steve as bait.
"We'll get him before that is necessary," Kono said quickly.
"Got to love the rookie's optimism," Danny chuckled but he really hoped she was right.
"I'm sure you will do your best," Steve acknowledged. He trusted his team but hated being confined to the hospital. The ache in his shoulder and the heavy cast on his leg did drive home the realization that he would not be very effective in the field. A glance at the phone Kono had supplied him with reminded him of another matter that needed attention.
"Well we need to start digging," Danny announced, noticing where Steve's attention had centered. "You rest big guy and don't give that therapist any trouble." He headed to the door with Chin and Kono.
"See ya Steve."
"Bye Boss."
Danny paused as the other two left the room before him.
"Give Catherine my best," he grinned.
"Go do your job Danno," Steve snorted and motioned for Danny to leave with his good hand. Danny left laughing to himself.
Steve picked up the phone and found the number he wanted. Activating it, he waited not sure if it would go to voice mail or not.
"Well hello sailor," a rich, warm voce answered.
"Cath, I understand you've been keeping tabs on me," Steve teased, happy to hear her voice.
"You know me and my news addiction. I certainly didn't like finding your name on my news feed." There was a pause and then she continued. "How are you Steve?"
"I'm okay. The leg will take time to heal but everything else is minor," he said downplaying his injuries.
"And if it was serious you still wouldn't tell me," she scolded softly.
"Honest Cath…..I'm fine," Steve protested.
"You were shot Steve! Detective…uh Danny said you were shot."
"A minor wound. I've been hurt worse before."
"That does not make it any easier to hear," Catherine said firmly. "Tell me you are being careful, clearly someone is after you."
"I am in protective custody," Steve assured her. "I have a good team. He hesitated before asking his next question. "Catherine…did you suggest getting together with Danny?"
"Oh Commander, are you nervous with the thought of me meeting your partner?" she asked, her laughter rippling out of the phone.
"You have no idea just how much," Steve sighed, a smile on his lips.
End chapter.
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