Author's Notes: Again, thank you so much to everyone who's read and reviewed thus far. I read each of your comments and try and make note of what was enjoyed and what could be done better. Many people who commented here and at my journal said they wanted to see more involving the story presented in the last chapter. So here you go. "The Search" is a prequel to "Adrift". The sequel will most likely come next.
With intense focus, Steve McGarrett systematically searched the sea for his missing partner. The pilot broke in upon his lengthy concentration.
"Commander? Incoming call for you."
There was a brief pause over the headset before the voice of Chin Ho came through loud and clear. "Steve?"
His eyes never left the water. "Tell me you have good news."
"We made the deal. Henson just took off. Your friends over at Naval Intelligence are tracking him by satellite."
"What about Danny?" he asked urgently.
The deal had been safe passage in exchange for the whereabouts of Detective Danny Williams. Chin quickly conveyed a set of coordinates.
Steve's facial expression contorted. "Say again."
He started to read them back. His boss cut him off.
"That can't be right. That's the wrong side of the island. Why would he take his boat from Keehi and dump Danny to the east? That's extra time and distance."
"What if he took a different boat?"
He shook his head even though Chin wasn't there to see it. It suddenly made sense. He could have kicked himself for not recognizing it earlier. "He doesn't have any reason to tell us the truth. Danny's a witness for the prosecution. Henson wants him dead. It's a win-win scenario. He gets passage and Danny drowns in the open ocean."
A long pause followed. Chin's voice was tainted with doubt. "What if we're-"
"We're not," Steve countered adamantly. They weren't wrong. Danny was out there. All they had to do was keep searching.
The unequivocal show of confidence was the bolster Chin needed. He picked back up at his normal clip. "Kono's on the ground at Barbers Point. As soon as they have that second helicopter refueled, they'll be back in the air."
Steve nodded. "Understood. As soon as Catherine has a projected landing, contact the local PD and-"
It was then that something caught his eye. His breathing hitched. His hopes soared. He strained to get a better look, to either confirm or dismiss, not daring to contemplate which would be worse.
"Steve? You still there?"
The inquiry might as well have fallen on deaf ears.
"Man Overboard, Starboard Side! Ten thousand feet at two o'clock!"
The helicopter banked. He stripped off his headset, threw off his harness, and grabbed his goggles and fins. The thumbs up to dive came just three minutes later. To Steve, it was an eternity.