DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Hawaii Five-0" or any of it's characters.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: As promised, here is Chapter 25 earlier than you guys have been waiting! I'll try to finish Ch. 26 tonight and post it by tomorrow night! I'd really like to know what you think of this chapter because you see Steve's rougher side. Or at least a peak at it. I hope you like it!
As always thoughts are in italics.
Can't wait to hear what you guys think!
Thanks so so so much for your wonderful reviews! Keep 'em coming!
Well, enjoy!
xoxo
Laura
CHAPTER 25
The car was completely silent for a few minutes, no one really knowing what to say. Tina had immediately placed her right hand on Maddie's left forearm, every once in a while rubbing it. It was her way of letting her know she was there for her. A way to try and give her friend comfort without being too obvious about it. Letting her know that everything would be okay. Tina knew her well enough to know that she didn't want to make a big deal out of it with everyone in the car, that subtle was the way to go. She met Pete's eyes above Maddie's head, sharing a knowing look as they shook their heads.
Pete was so mad at Steve as he watched Maddie trying to act as if nothing had happened, that he hadn't just hurt her. He reached his left arm behind her and gently rubbed her back for a second.
Maddie slipped her sunglasses on trying to hide the tears that were beginning to fall from her eyes. Are you really surprised that he just did something like this? she asked herself. She wanted to say no, but she was. She had really thought he meant what he had said last night. The aching in her chest increased as the realization of the situation hit her. Maybe he was so desperate for me to not be upset with him anymore that he faked all that? But what the hell? Who does that? I mean would he even do that? I don't even know. Maybe he just isn't the same guy I knew.
"So what was that all about? You and Steve seemed a little weird when we were leaving," Carl asked finally breaking the silence and pulling her from her thoughts.
Carl was a great guy. She loved him like a brother, but he also could piss her off. He tended to stick his nose where it didn't belong. He did it because he cared and she understood that, but it was the way he'd go about it. A perfect example would be what he'd just said to Steve. He'd put them both on the spot in front of a group of people and look how it had turned out. Part of her wanted to blame him for what had just happened, but at the same time he didn't force Steve to say what he did. Steve could have said anything, even just ignored the question, but he didn't. But, the more Maddie thought about it, the more she was happy she found out he'd been lying sooner rather than later. Sure, Steve said he didn't mean it, but then why'd he say it? He did the same thing last night. He told me I was like a sister to him and then once he realized that had hurt, he tried to take it back, she thought.
"Mads?" Carl asked, waiting for her to answer.
Maddie hadn't answered because she didn't want to talk about it. She didn't need the rest of her security team, most of which were his old Navy buddies, to know how he'd played her. That she'd been stupid enough to fall for her best friend. In fact she wanted to forget about everything that had happened with him over the last three days. However, she knew that if she didn't answer it would just make Carl more curious and he'd never let it go. "Who knows? It's Steve," she lied.
Carl had a feeling he knew what was going on. That the two were finally realizing that they weren't just friends and they were having trouble handling it. He hoped that maybe he could help them. Glancing back at Maddie he saw how upset she was even though she was trying to hide it. "Hmm…what was he saying to you? Couldn't hear him. He was speaking too quietly. But he seemed panicked about whatever it was." He hoped she'd be honest and they could talk about it. He had been close with Steve when they were on the same Seal team, so maybe he could provide some insight.
Maddie sighed, "He just didn't want me to do the show. But it's fine. Everything's just perfect!" It was obvious she was trying to convince herself of that and no one else. However if she didn't believe it, no one else was going to and from the sound of her voice and the look on her face, she definitely didn't.
Desperately needing to change the subject, she said, "Has everyone arrived? Crew? Dancers? Everyone?"
Tina nodded. "Yeah. Pretty much. Hair and makeup should be here around 1pm, which is fine because they aren't needed right away."
"Got it," Maddie mumbled. Silence fell over the car as they drove the remaining twenty minutes to the Blaisdell Arena. The entire time Steve's words replayed in her head as she thought back to his actions and behavior over the last few days. Every so often she'd casually wipe away tears under her sunglasses, trying to play it off as if her eyes were just watery. She knew she was just making it worse on herself by rehashing it all in her head, but she couldn't seem to stop. Maddie couldn't wait until they arrived at the venue. Work was just what she needed to distract herself from her broken heart, not to mention everything else. Good think I have a lot to do over the next 4 days, she thought.
Steve stood in her driveway frozen for at least five minutes as he replayed what had just happened over and over and over again. "Why the hell did I just say that? …I mean things were better! She's so hurt…I don't even know if I can fix this one." The mere thought caused his lungs to burn as he felt like his world was closing in on him. He found himself doing his best to take deep breaths, hoping to calm himself. "No…I HAVE to fix this. I WILL fix this! There's no other choice here! I cannot lose her. I refuse to!" He reached into his pocket for his phone and pulled it out. He quickly went to his favorites, his eyes immediately landing on Maddie's name at the top of the list. His right thumb hovered over it, trying to decide what he would say to her, that is if she actually picked up. But odds were, he'd be talking to her voicemail. Maybe she just needs a little time. Let her digest everything. Maybe she'll realize I was telling the truth when I said I didn't mean it. However he knew he was just being hopeful. She doesn't believe me and to be honest I don't blame her. Deciding that he'd let her be for now and wait to try calling her a little later, he put the phone back in his pocket.
Steve decided he'd just throw himself into trying to figure out who sent Maddie the photo. He knew if he didn't have something to work on, he'd drive himself crazy worrying and stressing over her.
Quickly he jumped into his blue Chevrolet truck and headed towards Five-0 headquarters, the devastated look in her eyes after his stupid comment all he could see. It was as if it was tattooed in his mind.
As the three black SUV's pulled up to the Blaisdell Arena they had a difficult time getting through the gate and into the closed off private area. Fans had camped out waiting to get a glimpse of the superstar and hopefully be lucky enough to meet her. It wasn't just fans; there was quite a bit of paparazzi there too. Some of which followed them from her house. The three vehicles were slowed down by the people swarming them as they tried to make their way into the gates.
"God they piss me off sometimes!" Maddie exclaimed referring to the paparazzi, her voice cutting in and out. "Look at them pushing the fans out of the way! That's terrible!"
Pete eyed Maddie. "I know it is Mads. I know how you are. You're gonna wanna go out there and meet those fans now, but besides the fact you don't have time, I don't think it's safe. You can barely stand on your right leg and you still have a serious concussion. I'm putting my foot down on this one."
"I know Pete. I understand," she agreed. The car came to a complete stop. Pete's arms immediately went around Maddie as the car shook a little bit. She looked at him and couldn't help but wish it wasn't Pete holding her, but Steve instead. Stupid Maddie! He played you. Let it go! she told herself. Pete used his right hand and called someone.
"You're gonna have to get out. Help us get through. They know she's in this car…. Great, thanks."
Before she knew it, her bodyguards that were in the car behind them got out of their vehicle and were able to get the crowd to back off so Frank could drive through the gates.
As they safely pulled into the arena's secure parking lot right near the private entrance they'd all be using, one the public wasn't allowed at, Maddie felt Tina exhale loudly. She turned to her assistant and long time friend. "I forgot…you have had a month of normalcy."
"Yeah." Tina's voice came out somewhat small, something very uncommon for her. "I hate it when that happens."
Pete eyed Tina trying to keep the concern from his face. "You okay T?"
She looked up at him and couldn't help the small smile that formed as she saw the soft look in his eyes."Yeah Pete. I'm okay. Just never been my favorite thing."
Carl and Frank exited the vehicle and each opened a back door. Frank helped Tina from the car, while Carl stood waiting for Pete to get out. "Mads, scoot towards me," Pete instructed.
She did what he asked and Pete was able to reach in and scoop her up into his arms. As they started walking from the car to the entrance she and her crew would be using (well one of them), Mo suddenly appeared next to her and Tina. "Hey Mo!" Maddie greeted.
"Hey sweetie! How you doing?" he asked smiling at her.
"Never better," she lied.
Mo grinned at her before turning his head to Pete. "The dogs sniffed the arena. It's clear. Safe for her."
"Great," Pete responded. "Thanks for taking care of that."
Maddie shook her head knowing what they were talking about. "I still think it's a little overboard to have bomb sniffing dogs check the venue's before I get here."
"I'll leave the music aspect to you, you leave the security aspect to me," Pete asserted. "All that matters is your safe."
Pete walked through the doors, Maddie safely in his arms. Tina stood to his left with Mo on her other side. Carl was on Pete's right, while Frank was directly in front of Pete. The other twelve members of her security team were spread out around them.
Pete began giving orders to each man as they walked down the hallway while various members of her crew yelled out greetings to Maddie. She waved back from her spot in Pete's arms.
As they made their way deeper into the Arena, Maddie took in her surroundings. It was complete chaos. Well, not chaos. It was incredibly organized. Everyone knew what their job was and was doing it, it's just that there was so much to do in such a short amount of time. What they were all trying to pull off together was normally done in three weeks, not 3 days. She felt her chest tighten as the reality of the situation began to set in. How the hell am I going to do this? she wondered.
As they neared the back entrance to her massive stage Maddie realized that she was now only with Pete, Tina, Mo, Carl, and Frank. Everyone else had been given specific tasks and posts by Pete.
Pete walked out on the stage, the band already behind their instruments. A padded stool sat near them and he gently lowered Maddie onto it. "This good?"
"Yeah, it's great. Thank you," Maddie answered.
"I should probably get something for you to rest your leg on. Elevate your knee."
"Pete, I'm okay." Maddie turned to look at Tina. "Doc's coming right?"
"Yes. He'll be here in an hour and a half." Before Maddie could ask the next question Tina answered it for her. "And yes, he'll be here until Friday morning."
"Great," Maddie squeaked. Unable to stop thinking about Steve, she knew she needed to distract herself with work. Well, that and she had A TON to do. She needed to get started. "Thanks so much guys! But…this is a closed set while we are working on new material."
"I don't like this Maddie," Pete conveyed. "I'm staying."
"No, Pete. I'll be fine. You'll be just outside. I mean I'm not going anywhere." She looked down at her leg, smirking.
Pete looked around nervously before taking a step closer to her. He leaned down to her, hesitating before speaking. "So, Steve and I spoke about this a number of times and every time he was very clear. Fine, you can have a closed set, but not without me," Pete told her.
Maddie was fuming. Who is Steve to tell me what to do? Especially after pulling what he did! she thought. "I don't care what Steve wants. He's not the boss of me," she whispered back, anger in her voice.
"Maddie…he's just worried," Pete told her. At the incredulous look she gave him he held his hands up in front of him emotionally defending himself. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not taking his side or saying that he's not being a complete ass because he is. It's just…I know you Maddie. Don't try and get back at him by being stupid. Don't risk your safety."
"Steve and I are fine. I have no idea what you're talking about," Maddie calmly told him as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Oh Mads…" Pete began.
She refused to talk about it or acknowledge it. She just wanted to forget about everything Steve, but she'd never be able to do that if everyone kept bringing him up. "This is a closed rehearsal. We have a lot to do. We need to get started," she interrupted Pete.
He sighed wishing he could get through to her. Damn it Steve, he thought as he took in the shut down, protective state Maddie had gone into. She stared at Pete, a defiant look in her eyes. Eventually he shook his head and conceded. "Alright, let's go."
Pete, Mo, Carl, Frank, and Tina headed towards the back of the stage, exiting. Before Pete stepped off the stage he turned around. "Just call me if you need me." Maddie nodded, flashing a small, sad smile at him. Reluctantly he turned and made his way backstage and down the hall, joining the others. Together they went through a few doors, completely out of earshot of Maddie and the band.
Once they were gone, Maddie turned to her band. "Alright, let's get started. We have A LOT to do in a short amount of time. I've added a couple songs besides the ones Tina gave you. So, let me hear what you guys have worked on so far this morning and then we'll get to the ones you haven't heard."
"Mads, your voice…how the hell are you supposed to sing?" Ben asked walking towards her with his guitar in his arms.
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Let's just worry about learning these songs." Although Maddie's heart was aching as it broke into a million pieces, she knew the best medicine for her right now was to just work. Just lose yourself in this. Push through it Maddie, she told herself, hoping the pep talk would help her. She sighed, rubbing her forehead, noticing the slight headache that she'd woken up with was slowly getting worse. Not only that, but her body was slowly starting to ache. Of course, I HAD to get sick…because I didn't have enough on my plate already. Deciding to keep it to herself and just ignore it she smiled as Ben counted them off, beginning their first song.
Steve quickly walked into headquarters, his mind moving a million miles an hour as he subconsciously bit at his bottom lip. As he walked further into HQ he noticed Chin, Kono, and Danny standing around the table in the middle of the room, staring up at the TV.
"What's on TV? Anything good?" Steve asked as he came up behind his team.
"Mads is on the news already," Chin told him, not taking his eyes off the screen.
Steve's chest tightened, worry filling him. "Is everything okay?"
Kono turned, flashing him a reassuring smile. "Boss, she's fine. It's just showing her arriving at the arena." She turned her attention back to the TV as Steve did the same. He watched the three vehicles pull up only to be stopped by fans and paparazzi. Because of the tinted windows you couldn't see what was going on inside, which made him more nervous. I wonder if she's scared or upset, he thought.
"Wow, I can't believe she has to deal with this," Danny mumbled, referring to the chaos.
"This is nothing. I was with her in the car the last time she played here and…let's just say it was scary as shit. People pounding on the windows, shaking the car from side to side. I was beginning to panic, but she just sat there completely calm. Pete of course, took care of it. But it's still really scary."
His eyes glued to the screen, Steve remained quiet. Suddenly her bodyguards from the car behind her exited and got people to step back, allowing the SUV carrying Maddie to make it through the gate. Steve exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The four coworkers and friends watched the car stop and park. Steve unnoticeably nibbled the inside of his cheek out of nervousness as he watched Pete pull her from the car, immediately carrying her towards the building. His heart fluttered as he saw her, but it was short lived as she was taken inside. Even then, the press filming this was so far away that you couldn't really see her face. God, I wish I could redo this morning, he thought his stomach churning.
The footage was over now that she was in the building and out of sight. A newswoman came on the screen talking about something else, so Danny picked up the remote and turned the TV off.
"How was Mads this morning?" Kono asked. "She seem better?"
Steve's stomach tightened. "She was fine," he replied matter-of-factly.
"Just fine?" Danny asked, noticing the closed off tone to his partner's voice.
Steve sighed, not wanting to talk about Maddie because it only reminded him that he'd just hurt her. "Yes, fine," he said shortly.
"She get any sleep?" Chin asked.
Steve inwardly smiled, remembering how it felt to kiss her and how amazing it was to wake up with her cuddled in his arms. Things he wasn't sure were going to happen again after his screw up this morning. "Yeah, she did."
"So then she's doing better today?" Danny asked knowing something was weird with Steve.
Their questions were only making him feel guiltier for hurting and upsetting Maddie, something he just couldn't handle anymore. His anger got the best of him. "Yes! She's fine! Just like I told you when this conversation first started…days ago! She's in pain with her knee and her voice is basically non-existent, but she's fine! Now, I'm pretty sure we have a job to do. Making sure she's safe! So, can we do that instead of..." Steve paused, moving his hands in circles in front of him as he finished his rant. "…this!"
The three co-workers eyes flitted between one another wondering what the hell had happened with Steve and Maddie for him to be so upset. There was no doubt in any of their minds that whatever had him in this state had to do with her.
When they said nothing Steve only became more irritated. "Does the complete silence mean we have nothing? Is this your way of telling me that? I mean how is that possible? We are…" He was freaking out. Now not only could he not stop screwing up with Maddie and hurting her, but he couldn't find whoever was bothering and upsetting her so much. This was too much for him.
"Steven! Stop! Take a breath!" Danny interrupted him.
Steve's lips pursed and his jaw clenched in anger.
"We do have something," Chin added. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes, it's fine! What do we have?" Steve snapped.
Danny quickly answered, knowing that even a second of silence would only prove to upset him further. "Charlie was able to get a name from the phone that sent the text to Maddie. Walter Seasius."
Steve felt both relief and fury course through his veins. Relief that they were going to catch the guy screwing with Maddie, but also anger at the person who'd upset and stressed her out so much that she'd stopped sleeping and fainted in front of his eyes. "Great! Let's go!" He was already walking away, heading towards the exit before anyone had taken one step.
"Wait…"Chin said.
"What? Why?" Steve asked impatiently, turning around to face him. However, he didn't come back, but stayed rooted in the middle of the hall.
"Well, you said that you were pretty sure this wasn't the first time she'd heard from him. Right?" Danny asked.
"Yes, although she said she'd never received anything like this before," Steve responded.
"Once Charlie got the name from the account, I had him pull the call history. There's no other calls or text messages to Maddie on there. McGarrett, I went through it myself," Chin explained.
"I don't care. Charlie says that message came from Seasius' phone. Then let's go!" Steve impatiently said, turning back once again and hurrying towards the elevators.
Chin and Kono looked at Danny, concern and apprehension on their faces. "Yeah, I know," he told them. "I think we all better go on this. He's too emotionally invested. I hope I'm wrong, but I think I'm gonna need some back up."
"Oh yeah, you definitely are!" Chin said remembering the stories Steve's dad used to tell him about how overprotective Steve became when someone screwed with Maddie.
Seeing that Steve was nowhere in sight, Kono said, "I think we better book it. Boss is already gone. Hopefully he didn't leave without us!"
"Yeah that would not be good," Danny said rushing down the hall with the others.
By the time they got outside Steve was already in the driver's seat of Danny's car, impatiently waiting for him. And impatiently was an understatement. Kono and Chin got in another car while Danny quickly hopped into the passenger seat of his own.
"Thank you so much for waiting for me Steven," Danny sarcastically said as he shut the door. However, before he could even get his seat belt on Steve pressed his foot down on the gas causing the car to lurch forward. "Geez!" Danny cried.
Steve said nothing, only squealed out of the Five-0 parking lot, not bothering to slow down even a little as he turned right onto the street causing the car to slide.
Danny's right hand immediately reached up, taking hold of the handle on the ceiling. "Great…so it's one of those days." He turned to his partner, taking in his body language as he raced along the street, swerving in between cars as he came across them.
Finally Steve got tired of Danny staring at him. "WHAT?" he questioned, his voice slightly raised, the irritation evident.
"Really?" Danny asked incredulously. Steve said nothing as he clenched his jaw even more. "You have aneurism face so bad…only the way Maddie gives it to you."
With pursed lips, Steve shook his head and rolled his eyes. The mention of Maddie's name caused the devastated and hurt look on her face that morning to pop into his head, the guilt and aching in his heart increased. Steve's automatic response was to apply more pressure to the pedal, the car's speed increasing dramatically.
"Oh my God!" Danny cried.
"What now Danno?" Steve roared.
"Slow down! I have a daughter for God's sake! A daughter I love VERY much! That I'd like to see grow up!" Danny exclaimed, his grip tightening on the ceiling handle.
Although he didn't want to, Steve slowed just the littlest bit, maybe 5 mph. "You're such a drama queen, you know that?"
Danny's eyes widened at his partner's statement. "I'm a drama queen?" His left hand came to touch his chest as he said this, before he brought it back out, his palm facing up.
"Yes, you are," Steve stated.
Danny nodded exaggeratingly as he licked his lips. "Wow. Okay. I'm sorry I don't enjoy risking my life for no reason! I'm sorry that I don't like to fly down the road with a revved up, fearless, Navy Seal behind the wheel, flying in and out of traffic! If anyone's the drama queen here, it's you! You're the one acting out because he had a fight with the love of his life!"
Steve's face twitched in anger, Danny's comments and lectures only proving to upset him worse. "I didn't say anything about Maddie! And I never said she was the love of my life! And I'm NOT upset!" he lied. Realizing he needed to turn right at the light in front of him, he raced across three lanes of cars and took the turn, never bothering to slow down even the littlest bit. They were going so fast that as they turned it felt like the car was going to flip. As Danny tightened the muscles in his body to keep it from leaning towards the middle of the car as they turned he yelled, "Seriously, Steven, SLOW DOWN!"
"How about this? I'll slow down if you promise not to say another word the rest of the drive?" Steve bitterly proposed.
"Ouch. Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!" Danny responded.
Steve sighed loudly, shaking his head. "Is it a deal or not?"
"Fine! If it'll insure that I live to see Grace at dinner tonight. Yes!" Danny irritatingly replied using his hands to speak.
"Great!" Steve bit back.
"Yes, great!" Danny muttered.
"Do you always have to have the last word?" Steve fumed.
"Do you always have to take your anger and frustrations out on the road?" Danny retorted.
Anger flashed across Steve's face as he slammed on the breaks.
"Son of a bitch McGarrett!" Danny hollered as he was forced to straighten his arms out, placing his palms against the glove compartment to keep from flying forward.
"What? You bitched the entire time about how fast I was going and now that we're stopped you're gonna bitch about that too?" Steve exclaimed. "No wonder Rachael left you!" The second it was out of his mouth, he wished he could somehow take it back. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option. Steve's eyes fluttered closed as an uncomfortable silence descended upon them.
Shock overtook him and Danny didn't say a word. He couldn't believe his partner and friend had gone there during their argument. Especially knowing what he was dealing with. How hurt he was after he and Rachael decided to get back together, so excited about the new baby, only to discover that it wasn't his. That it was Stan's. He couldn't blame Rachael for trying to work it out with Stan now that they were expecting, but it didn't mean it hurt any less. And here his partner and best friend went there knowing how upset he was about it? Danny silently unbuckled his seatbelt, reached over and opened his car door.
"Danny," Steve uttered as his partner stood up and exited the car. However, his only response was the closing of his door. He didn't slam it, which surprised Steve, but simply closed it. As if Steve had not just said one of the most hurtful things he could have.
Sitting in the car alone, he dropped his forehead to the steering wheel, his hands still holding onto the leather wheel tightly. "Wow Steve, you're on a roll today," he whispered.
Chin and Kono had pulled up and were standing outside of their car parked next to Steve's as Danny walked by them obviously upset. "Danny?" Chin asked, but he only continued to walk by him.
"Wonder what that's about?" Kono stated.
"Don't know cuz."
They stood watching Steve sitting in the car, his forehead against the steering wheel. They thought about tapping on the window letting him know they were there, but decided against it. Finally, he looked up and exited the vehicle.
"Everything okay McGarrett?" Chin asked.
"Couldn't be better," Steve responded coldly as he walked past them towards the entrance to Walter Seasius' apartment building where Danny was waiting. Chin and Kono shared a look before following.
"Ready?" Danny asked as his three coworkers joined him.
"Yeah," Steve answered. Kono and Chin could definitely feel some tension between the two partners. It wasn't terrible, but it definitely existed.
"Steven, don't do anything stupid," Danny instructed. Yes, he was upset and angry over what Steve had just said in the car, but right now wasn't the time to address it. They didn't know anything about this Walter character, whether he was dangerous or not, so they needed to focus on the job.
Steve's only response was rushing through the building's front door and towards the elevator pushing the "up" button. As they waited for it to arrive he impatiently shook his right leg, anxious to get to Walter Seasius for some answers. As soon as the elevator doors opened he ignored the people getting off and pushed through them. Danny shook his head, rolling his eyes at his partner's rude behavior. "I'm so sorry Ma'am," he apologized for Steve.
As the doors closed with the four safely inside Danny said, "Seriously Steven? Sometimes I swear you act as if you've never been out in public! That you've just been running around a jungle killing people your entire life."
Steve ignored Danny's comments while his mind ran a million miles a minute. He couldn't stop thinking about how furious he was at Seasius for upsetting Maddie prompting her into her current weakened state. He couldn't wait to get his hands on this poor excuse for a man. "What floor?" he grunted, his index finger hovering over the elevator buttons.
"He's apartment 407," Chin answered.
As Steve hit the respective button, Danny sighed loudly, shaking his head. "Yeah, just ignore me! Act like I'm not here! Wonderful!"
For an older building the elevator was surprisingly fast and before they knew it, it dinged, signaling they were on the fourth floor. The doors hadn't even completely opened before Steve was already out of the elevator and running down the hall towards apartment 407.
"Damn it Steve! Wait!" Danny whispered angrily as the others rushed to follow him. Hopefully getting to him before he went all Rambo on the guy.
"Walter Seasius?" Steve yelled, knocking on the door with his fist. No answer. Steve wiped his hand down his face and tried again, this time using his entire fist to knock. "Walter Seasius! Five-0! Open up!" Again there was no answer. He sighed, and paced in front of the door as he thought.
Chin, Kono, and Danny were just approaching when they saw Steve get "the look". "No Steven! Whatever you're thinking, DON'T!" Danny seethed. "I'm serious! We don't know anything about this guy. He could be armed for all we know. We aren't in vests or anything!"
"I couldn't find anything on him except one warning for speeding, and that was seven years ago," Chin informed them.
However, Steve wasn't listening. He took a step back and threw his foot against the door. The white door burst open, a few small fragments of wood flying through the air at the impact.
Before anyone could yell at Steve he was through the now open doorway and in the apartment, gun in hand as he walked forward taking in his surroundings. The others had no choice but to follow his lead, their guns now drawn as well. As they cleared the first room, the living room, Danny shook his head, mumbling under his breath.
"Clear!" Kono whispered. Steve pointed to a doorway to the right of the living room and then signaled for Chin and Danny to go check it out. He then turned to Kono and pointed to the door in front of them, off the left side of the living room. She nodded, understanding what he was telling her.
He took a step into the room, his gun out in front of him. He looked both ways and then motioned for Kono. She joined him, entering further into the room while Steve had her back. Once they were sure no one was in the room, she whispered, "Clear."
Extremely alert, Steve pointed to the door off this room. He assumed the room they were about to enter was the bedroom. Again, he entered through the door, gun drawn. Kono rushed to join him as he heard a man holler, followed by Steve shouting, "Five-0! Hands where I can see them!"
As Kono entered the room she saw a man in his thirties sitting on the bed, his leg elevated in a huge brace. He was good looking for his age, although he was not dressed to impress.
"What's going on?" the man questioned, his hands in the air. It was obvious to both Steve and Kono that he was scared, not to mention surprised.
Hearing the commotion, Danny and Chin had rushed to join them. They took their places next to Kono and Steve, their guns out.
Knowing his team had him covered, Steve re-holstered his weapon and dashed forward towards the man. "Are you Walter Seasius?" he demanded.
The man's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Yes. What are you doing here? How'd you get in? What is going on?" he nervously questioned.
Steve's anger got the better of him as the image of Maddie pale and fainting flashed in his mind. He grabbed Walter, pulling him up. Walter cried out in pain. "What are you doing? Ow! I just had surgery!"
"Steve!" Danny yelled re-holstering his weapon and hurrying forward to stop Steve.
Holding him up he pushed him into a sitting position on the edge of the bed in front of him. "How long have you been stalking her?" Steve yelled.
"What? Stalking who?" Walter asked, beyond confused.
"Don't play dumb with me! We have the phone records to prove it! Why'd you send her that picture? Do you know how much time you'll get for not only stalking her, but also an officer of the law?" Steve was in Walter's face now. It was taking every ounce of self-control he had to not beat the crap out of him.
"I have absolutely NO IDEA what you're talking about? How'd you get in here anyway? You need to get out of my house! I'll call the police!" Walter threatened.
Steve reached out to grab Walter, but Danny pushed his partner out of the way before he could. It was obvious to all of them except Steve that they had the wrong guy. This guy didn't fit, but Steve was so desperate to find the right guy to help Maddie that his judgment was clouded. "I'm sorry sir, we need to ask you a few questions. My name is Detective Danny Williams."
"What do you want from me?" Walter asked. "Why the hell are you in my apartment?"
"We are following up on a lead. We traced a call to your cell phone. A threatening message was sent…to a woman… late Friday night. Where were you?" Chin asked not wanting to divulge Maddie's identity unless they absolutely HAD to. They didn't need this getting into the press.
"I had just gotten back to my apartment. I had surgery on my knee earlier that day and was released. Message? What message?"
Steve paced anxiously next to them. Finally he stopped. "Don't play dumb! You know exactly what message!"
"Steve! Let me handle this!" Danny growled earning him a death glare from his partner.
"Did you bring yourself home that evening?" Kono asked.
"No. My girlfriend Raquel Linney did," Walter answered, still completely bewildered over what exactly was going on.
"Did she stay with you?" Chin questioned.
"Yes, she did."
"We are going to need her contact information before we leave."
"Okay…I still don't understand what's going on. Especially why you busted into my bedroom with your guns drawn!" Walter said, no longer nervous, but instead irritated and angry.
They ignored his questions for the time being, not wanting to have to try and explain Steve's over the top behavior. "Your phone sent the message. Where is it? I want to see it," Steve demanded angrily.
"I don't have it!" Walter answered his voice rising slightly.
"What do you mean you don't have it?" Steve cried.
"On our way home from the hospital Friday, we stopped for a quick bite to eat. While we were in the restaurant, our car was broken into. One of the things I'd left in the car was my cell phone," Walter explained.
Steve's eyebrows furrowed at his story. "Did you file a police report?"
"Yes, right away." The team all looked at one another questioningly, this new information changing things.
"Was anything else missing besides the phone?" Kono asked.
"Yeah, my laptop. Raquel's laptop. A couple CD's. A jacket of mine. That's all we noticed. There could have been more missing, but we just weren't sure. If they took anything else, it wasn't anything important."
"We're going to need to take your car," Steve abruptly divulged.
"My car?"
"Yes, we need to check it out. See if we can't figure out who broke in and took your things." Danny explained. "We will get it back to you as soon as possible."
"Do you think you'll be able to recover anything?"
"Hopefully!"
Steve was upset and that was putting it mildly. He'd had a bad feeling about whatever was going on since the first time he'd spoken to Pete, before Maddie was even in Hawaii. When the text message had come in he'd hoped it would be as simple as just tracing the number. But deep down he knew it wouldn't be that easy. Now hearing what Walter was saying, the feeling went from bad to worse. Steve felt that whatever was going on was even more complicated and dangerous than he'd thought, which meant the stress on Maddie wasn't going to end anytime soon. If only he could get her to fill him in on what was going on. But that wouldn't happen until he fixed the damage he'd caused that morning.
Hoping to get anything out of Walter that would aid him in finding the person responsible he asked, "Do you remember anything out of the ordinary? Anyone hanging around your car? Or maybe someone that you saw a few times around?"
Although he was angry that his house had been broken into and guns had been pointed at him, not to mention this man, who had never introduced himself, had physically grabbed him, Walter felt for him. It was obvious that whatever was going on was personal for him, so he thought back, doing his best to try and think of any information that could help. He was quiet for a few minutes as he closed his eyes and thought back.
The team patiently waited, but unfortunately, Walter could recall nothing out of the ordinary. "No, I'm sorry. But maybe Raquel remembers something. I was in a lot of discomfort that day. And on a lot of meds. I'm really sorry I couldn't be of more help."
Steve's sighed wishing for some more information. If his day wasn't bad before, it definitely was now. "Thank you for your help," he grumbled before storming out of the bedroom and the apartment leaving his co-workers there.
They all made eye contact with one another, all thinking the same thing. Danny finally turned back to Walter. "Uh…I'm sorry about him. It's been a…well..."
"Whatever you're here about is personal for him," Walter interrupted.
"Yeah, it is. Anyway, if you could give us Raquel's information, we'll reach out and speak to her," Kono said, handing him a pad and pen. He quickly scribbled down her name and number and then passed it back to her.
"Great! Thank you Mr. Seasius. We are so sorry for interrupting your day."
"I'd like to say it was no problem, but…well, you scared the hell out of me. It's not everyday you have guns pulled on you in your own bedroom."
"We really apologize," Danny said. "Someone will be by to tow the car to us. We'll go over it and let you know as soon as possible if we are able to recover any of your property. And if you discover something else that was stolen, let me know. Or if you think of anything…" He handed Walter his business card. Hesitating, he took out another from his wallet. "You can also call my partner. The one with the amazing social skills," Danny joked as he handed him the card.
Walter cracked a small smile as he took the cards. "Thank you."
They all turned and began walking out, Danny bringing up the rear. He suddenly remembered the front door and squeezed his face in apprehension before slowly turning back to Walter. "Oh, by the way…we'll get someone right over to fix your front door. I promise! And if it hasn't been fixed in the next two hours, please don't hesitate to give me a call."
"Door? What's wrong with my front door?" Walter asked, having no clue they'd knocked it down.
"Nothing permanent. It'll be just fine. I promise! …Anyway, thanks again and we really apologize for disturbing you. Feel better!" Flashing him one last smile, Danny turned around and headed out of the apartment, meeting Chin and Kono at the demolished front door. Seeing Steve's handiwork he rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I'm going to kill him."
"Did he tell you what is wrong?" Chin asked.
His question reminded Danny of their conversation in the car and he grew quiet as they walked to the elevator. "No, he didn't. But whatever it is really upset him because he's a NIGHTMARE!" Once inside and travelling down to the first floor, he looked to both Chin and Kono. "I wouldn't suppose one of you wants to ride with Steve?"
Kono laughed, patting Danny on the back. "Nope. Sorry brah!"
He looked to Chin with pleading eyes. "No way. He's your partner. Plus, you handle him so well," Chin chuckled.
He sighed loudly as the elevator doors opened. They were surprised when they didn't see Steve standing there. "You don't think he took off do you?" Kono asked.
"I think we should be so lucky," Danny retorted earning him laughs.
Exiting the apartment building they saw Steve leaning against Danny's silver Chevrolet Camaro, his legs crossed and head down as he stared at his feet. "We'll see you guys back at headquarters," Chin told Danny.
"Yeah, sounds good," he replied as he watched his distraught partner.
"Good luck," Kono whispered.
"Yeah, thanks," he sighed, rolling his eyes.
As the Kono and Chin drove off, Danny approached the passenger side of the car. With his hand on the door handle he barked, "Really Steve? You had to break down the door? What the hell?"
Steve looked at him calmly and shrugged. "I thought I heard something. For all we know someone was in trouble." With that he opened the door and climbed in the driver's seat.
Danny stood outside the door, doing his best to breath through the anger. "Thought he heard someone in trouble. Right, great!" he sarcastically mumbled. "This is going to be a long four days." Sighing Danny opened the passenger side door and climbed in, preparing himself for a very unpleasant drive back to Five-0 headquarters.
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!
Please, please, PLEASE REVIEW! Want to know what you think!
xoxo