Anger was something she was used to feeling, but right now there was a rage building inside hr that would not be calmed. She'd seen the woman so blatantly kissing Steve McGarrett. The bitch had practically thrown herself at him while he was a patient. Some women had no self control and fell all over themselves when they were in the presence of a male who oozed testosterone.
Pauline moved to the window of her high rise apartment and looked out over the city of Honolulu. The sun was going down as she opened the door and stepped out onto her balcony. She sighed as she glanced toward the hospital and silently cursed the woman who was at Steve McGarrett's side. She knew Catherine Rollins wasn't a pushover, but the woman was in the navy and eventually she would return to her ship. If not, she would die, it was as simple as that.
Money and power were things she was used to, although most people didn't know that about her. Most men just gave her a fleeting glance, mostly because while she wasn't beautiful, she was pretty. She'd had her share of dates, even been engaged to an Italian chef, but the man was as boring as watching the grass grow in the park across the street. She'd broken it off and given him back the cheap engagement ring he'd said belonged to his mother.
Pauline went back inside and poured herself a glass of an expensive Chablis that had cost more than most nurses earned in a week. For her, the finer things were possible because her parents had made some wonderful investments on her trust fund and she could live quite well without working. They never understood why she became a nurse, and she rarely saw them anymore unless they wanted her to attend some family function.
She enjoyed her job, not because she liked helping people, but because she enjoyed watching patients suffer. People often said and did things while sick or injured that they would never admit to, and that was what made her keep going back to the hospital.
Steve McGarrett had been a pleasant surprise, one she planned to enjoy when everything was set up a she wanted. It would take time, good things always did, but when it happened, he would be hers whether he came willingly or not.
Most people who knew her had no idea what she was really like. They saw her as a nurse who cared for those she was assigned to, and would never understand why she bothered to work. There were times when she wanted to travel the world, and she'd even bought open ended tickets to do just that, but they were still in the top drawer of her desk.
Pauline knew what she was doing was dangerous and that Steve McGarrett was a cop, not just any cop, he was the head of Five-O. It had been Governor Pat Jameson's pet project, but when she was murdered, Governor Dennison had re-instated the team after Steve was found innocent in her death.
Wo Fat was someone else she could call on to help her, but she didn't want to speak with him yet. He seemed intent on killing McGarrett, and that was something she didn't want. She wanted him alive and in her arms, or bed, or just about anywhere except in the other bitch's arms. She would not allow that to happen much longer.
Pauline drank the last of the Chablis and walked back inside her home. She too her cell phone and hit speed dial for a number she hadn't used until recently. It was answered on the first ring, the voice sounding sleepy yet enthused.
"Well, Darling, it's nice to hear from you again...but I'm afraid things are not ready for you yet."
"I understand it takes time, Emmet, but I was hoping you could at least give me an update on your progress," Pauline told him.
"Hmm, an update...let's see. I am headed home later this week and will oversee the work needed to ensure Commander McGarrett is sequestered away for as long as your little ol' heart desires. You do realize he is quite the catch. I would not mind sampling his treasures myself."
"You will not touch him, Emmet. Steve McGarrett is off limits to you and your staff. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, Love, and for the money you're giving for my services I will see that he is untouched by anyone. Did you want him sedated?"
"Just until I get there. It will take time to tame him, so please make sure he is unable to escape."
"I will use whatever means necessary to keep him here."
"I know I can trust you, Emmet."
"With the money you send me you can be sure that trust will remain intact. I will call once everything is in place."
"Very well, and Emmet, please don't speak to anyone about this...especially not my parents. They would not understand and would call it another of my obsessions."
"I would never betray you, Love...after all I know where the bodies are buried."
"I trust you will keep my secret."
"Only because you will keep mine. Take care, Love, I'll start the McGarrett Project as soon as I return to the island."
"I'll make sure I bring my nurse's uniform," Pauline said and smiled when the other man chuckled softly before hanging up. She poured another glass of the Chablis and returned to the balcony, her body tingling with excitement at the thought of having the virile SEAL under her care. It would take a lot of time and energy, but sooner or later he would understand she knew what was best for him. It certainly wasn't the dark haired bitch fawning all over him at the hospital. Some people should understand they needed to keep away from other people's property.
5050505050
"Easy, Sailor, you're all right," Catherine told the injured man. She'd stayed with him throughout the day and at one point had even laid down beside him and gently ran her fingers through his disheveled hair. He'd been sleeping on and off throughout the afternoon, waking just long enough to pick at the food they brought for lunch and dinner.
"Cath, you okay?"
"Of course, I'm okay. I'm not the one who was in the cage with Wo Fat. How do you feel?"
"Feel like hell," McGarrett said and pressed the button to raise the head of his bed. He noticed the curtain was closed and could hear whispered voices that told him Danny wasn't alone.
"Gabby's here," Catherine told him.
"She's good for him," McGarrett whispered and heard the couple leave the room.
"Yes, she is...he needs that."
"I know. He's been through a lot with Rachel and the baby."
"At least Rachel agreed to have the DNA test done."
"I can't begin to imagine how hard this is for him. For Rachel too, but after everything she's done to him in the last few months I'm amazed he can still be civil to her."
"They have a child together and Danny loves his daughter. He'll do anything to keep his visits with her in place."
"Has she ever tried to stop him from seeing her?"
"A couple of times, but Danny proved how he feels by uprooting himself and following her to Hawaii."
"Was that such a hardship considering he's with his daughter and in one of the most beautiful places in the world?"
"It is if you're Danny Williams and think heaven is the state of New Jersey," McGarrett said and sighed tiredly.
"You should be resting," Catherine said and gently massaged the tension from his upper body.
"Will you stay?"
"I'll stay until they kick me out," Catherine vowed and watched as he pressed the button beneath his fingers. She understood how hard it was for him to admit, even to himself, the need for pain management and was glad he'd finally given in to his body's need for relief. She leaned down and gently brushed her lips against his, relieved that he would make a full recovery as long as he did as the doctor's ordered.
5050505050
Danny smiled as Gabby reached for his hand while they walked toward the elevators. He'd called her to tell her everything that had happened and explained that Rachel was no longer an influence in his life. He'd made a point of telling her that Charles could very well be his, and he would embrace him if it turned out to be true. She'd quickly told him she understood and asked if she could come see him.
"Danny, you're a good father and I want you to know I understand what happened between you and Rachel. I won't stand in the way of you being there for Grace and Charles, but I would like to see you more often," Gabby told him.
"I'd like that too," Williams said. "It's over between Rachel and I, but I won't lie and tell you I don't feel anything for her."
"You wouldn't be human if you could say that after everything you've been through together."
"Thanks, Gabby," Williams said and hugged her.
"There's nothing to thank me for."
"Do you know when they're releasing you?"
"Hopefully tomorrow as long as the blood work is good," the detective told her.
"How would you feel about staying with me for few days..."
"Gabby, you don't have to..."
"I know I don't, but I have a spare room and a couple of days off. It would make sense for you to stay with me and I could make sure you don't overdo things," the woman said.
"That sounds like an offer that's too good to refuse," Williams said.
"Then we're set. I'll pick you up around 10," Gabby said as the elevator doors opened and she stepped inside.
"Thanks, Gabby," Williams said, smiling as he thought of spending some time getting to know her. Things were different between him and Rachel now, and he knew he no longer loved her the way he used to. She had her own life now, but they would always share the joy of a child, or children if Charles turned out to be his.
5050505050
Wo Fat knew he had to act soon and leave the country before the noose tightened further and he had no chance to use the resources at his beck and call. The Yakuza was denying him his rightful place, but they had no idea who they were dealing with. He had ties to The Russian and Italian Mafia that would make the Yakuza look like a child's version of the mob.
Since being released from the prison infirmary and placed in a regular cell, he'd spoken to no one, but he'd passed along a message through one of the other prisoners. If all went well it would take maybe two or three days for his release. Once that happened, he planned to leave the US and bide his time until he had the means to go after his 'brother' again. This time he would not play games with him, he would kill him on the spot and celebrate in the same breath.
Wo Fat could hear the other prisoners returning from their time in the yard and sat up as they passed his cell. A piece of paper was slipped through the bars and he quickly retrieved it before returning to his bed. He placed it under his pillow and waited until the cell doors were locked and he was alone before taking it out and opening it.
The message was in a simple code devised solely for the purpose of passing through the prisoners without the guards becoming suspicious. Although simple was not the correct word because the hidden meanings were right before your eyes, although you needed the code to understand what the words meant.
According to thee message hidden between the line, his untimely release from the prison was scheduled for two days from now. He would be sent to the infirmary at that time to check his injuries. While there an alarm would sound, thus sending most of the guards to the cell blocks and leaving him with minimal supervision with the doctor. The guard that was left had already been well paid to make sure he escaped before the alarm stopped. The doctor was also in on it and would say he had been sent back to his cell. The guard would be found with a shiv in his heart near the access used for deliveries, the man had no idea he was collateral damage.
Wo Fat closed his eyes and thought about Mary McGarrett and wondered if she would ever act on her threats. It would be interesting to find out, but, that too, would have to wait until the 'heat' was off. He knew where he would go once he left the country, but he would leave a message for his brother, one that would leave him wondering.
5050505050
Steve watched as Danny finished packing his overnight bag. Dr. Adamson had signed his discharge papers and left instructions for his after-care. He'd overheard Danny calling Gabby and knew the woman would be there in an hour to take him to her place. He was glad Danny had someone to lean on. Now that things were really over between him and Rachel, they could enjoy spending time with each other.
"You sure you don't want me to stick around...you know...keep you company or something?"
"Are you kidding, Danny? You got your walking papers...start walking...no running to the nearest exit before someone decides to go proctological on you," McGarrett said with a grin.
"You can be a real ass sometimes," Williams said and they both started laughing at the unintended pun. They were still laughing when Dr. Lewis and a nurse came into the room.
Steve was holding his arms tight against his sides and couldn't speak, laughing even more at the look of surprise on the usually unflappable doctor's face. His expression changed when pain shot through his chest and abdomen and he fought to breathe. He felt hands on his body and tried to ride the nauseating waves, but the agony would not be so easily calmed. He could hear Danny asking questions, but could not find the strength to acknowledge him as Lewis and the nurse tried to make him comfortable.
"Commander, press the button beneath your fingers," Lewis ordered and noted the man's oxygen levels were low. He hoped they were not dealing with a punctured lung this late in the game, and heard the sound of the PCA pump delivering the pain medication.
Danny watched helplessly as Lewis and the nurse worked together to help his partner. Guilt gnawed at his gut as he thought about being the cause of McGarrett's distress. He knew it wasn't intentional, but that didn't make it any easier to deal with as Lewis pressed the button to raise the head of the bed and the nurse placed an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. It wasn't long before the injured man was breathing deeply and nodded at Lewis that he was okay.
"Well, I guess laughter was not the best medicine in this case." Lewis said.
"Fe...felt good," McGarrett told him and looked pointedly at Williams. "Thanks, Danno."
Williams swallowed convulsively and watched as Steve's eyes closed and he seemed to be sleeping. He looked at the doctor who was listening to McGarrett's chest and waited for the man to finish.
"He's okay, Detective, and it sounds like whatever you said made him feel good. Don't be angry at making him laugh, because sometimes, no matter how much it hurts at the time, it can do a world of good. I take it Dr. Adamson released you?"
"Yes, but I could..."
"Go home and rest...we'll take good care of Commander McGarrett," Lewis said as a woman entered the room.
"Danny, is everything all right?"
"Steve...he..."
"Is just fine. He's sleeping and I'm guessing you're here to take Detective Williams home," Lewis said.
"I am," Gabby answered.
"Good, see that he doesn't make a return trip through the ER," Lewis said before leaving the room with the nurse.
"Danny, are you all right?"
"I'm good...I just..."
"You feel guilt about leaving him?"
"Am I that easy to read?"
"When it comes to the people you care about...yes," Gabby answered. "Let me take you home and if you feel up to it we can come back later today."
"Thanks, Gabby," Williams said and slowly walked out of the room with just a slight backward glance at the sleeping SEAL.
5050505050
Pauline watched the doctor and nurse leave and smiled when Williams and his female friend left moments later. She saw the look the detective cast over his shoulder and waited until they were in the elevator before making her way to the room. She closed the door behind her and made her way to the bed, smiling as she reached out to run her fingers through the dark hair.
A soft moan reached her ears and she leaned closer, lifting the oxygen mask so she could press her lips against his. The danger of possibly being caught gave her a heady sense of excitement and she continued to kiss the sleeping man. This was just the beginning, a prelude to what she wanted, what she would do to possess this man.
"Cath..."
Anger flared and she continued to put pressure on his mouth in an effort to silence him. She heard him moan softly and knew it was time to leave, but she wanted more, craved more and allowed her fingers to explore his body before standing and looking at him as his eyes moved behind closed lids.
"I swear I will make you forget all other women, Steve...you and I are destined to spend the rest of our lives together," Pauline swore before kissing him and biting his lip, drawing blood before leaving the room.
TBC!