Chapter 20

Hi faithful followers - sorry for the delay. lt was unavoidable: recovering from hip injury. Chapters may be bit slow for the near future. Apologies.

After the touch football game, everyone returned to the picnic area. After selecting drinks and

leftovers, the team picked up where their discussion left off.

"I got the reports you were asking about at lunch, Commander." Jerry found the report and passed it to

McGarrett.

"Funny, there's a work order for Maintenance the morning Danny was dispatched to the hotel. The

work order for the adjoining room to repair 'wall damage'. Work order was entered at 0300. Five hours

before the body was found, almost eight hours before we knew the adjoining room was involved." He

looked at all the faces around the table. "Someone tipped their hand."

Danny smiled. "Talk about stupid. Jerry, can you tell where the work order originated?"

Jerry looked over reports and verified that information against other reports. "It was entered on

terminal 001, Lynn Downing's terminal. Key card says her key opened her office at 2:31 that night, l

mean morning."

"But do we know if she used it?" Steve asked quickly.

"No. Only certain about the key, anyone could have used it. Unless she has a password only she uses or

video in the executive office hallway, this is no way to be certain." Jerry answered. He shuffled through

his papers. "Wait! I think you may have something."

"Just a hunch. Some people keep a personal diary with another password, different from a system

password. That way, if you share the terminal with other your stuff remains private."

"That's right. When she left her office and her computer was left on, there were password protected

files." Jerry started searching through his piles of papers. "I printed out the directory. Here it is! File

names are dates. There is one for the day of the murder and the day it was reported."

"Interesting." Danny commented. "Too bad we can't take a peak." He looked at Steve. "Any guesses

to what her super-secret password is?"

"Wouldn't do any good unless you can get me back on her terminal. It's filed and stored there, no

server access." Jerry clarified.

"I know. But if we got you there, we'll need her passcode and I don't see her volunteering it." Danny

snapped at the analyst.

Jerry held his hands up in mock surrender.

Rachel just watched the team dynamics. Even though she disapproved of Danny's tone, she did nothing

to show it and risk undermining his leadership. But she would mention his brusque manner. She did so

like civility.

Steve ignored the exchange between Danny and Jerry. "One thing sticks in my mind. Everything she

said, she said that outdoor park was something she could say was hers, hers alone. If the situation

presents itself, try 'Garden'." Steve noticed the sour look on Danny's face. "What?"

Danny sighed. "Such a simple word. What makes you think so?"

"She said it was the only thing truly hers. She called it 'her garden' so if it isn't 'garden' try some

variation." Steve explained his rationale.

"Noted." The analyst made himself a note.

"Well, let's go watch a movie or something. We've done enough group brainstorming for one day off.

Sleep up tomorrow because we're hitting the hotel hard come Monday. Police personnel meet in my

office at 7am we'll get our shit together and go from there. Navy personnel, please meet us after your

duties are complete. That will be around …?" Danny looked expectantly at Steve.

"1330."

"Okay. We'll meet in the coffee shop at 1:30. You be prepared to romance Ms. Downing." Danny

pointed at Steve. "The rest of you are ready for anything."

"What's the plan?" Steve asked pointedly.

"You're getting rabbit food for lunch. Afterward, you and our leading lady hit the lounge, choke down

some sliders and drinks and make that big, dumb Russian jealous any way you can. Hopefully, he's got a

short fuse."

"I'll bet he does. Seeing how he responded to my 'request' for his records at the bar." Lou chuckled.

"He had murderous fury in his eyes. When Danny was on the phone to the State Department, l thought

he'd blow a vein, he looked like a strawberry. But he knew when to capitulate."

Mention of the phone call made Danny remember his phone call with the 'state department.' He still

owed the Navy Commander for that little gag. If the mention of the 'state department' triggered a

memory in either sailor, it didn't show. Good! They won't see revenge coming.

"I have an idea. Where's a good place to bring in a box lunch from. Something near the hotel and not

served in the coffee shop." Steve asked suddenly.

"Ah, like picnic.'' Danny assumed an arms crossed position. "What's your pleasure? A pizza, fried fish,

fried chicken, tacos…" He shrugged. "Gimme a clue."

Steve held up a finger, asking for silence. He took out his cell phone and dialed a stored number. He

turned his back on the group.

"Hello?" Lynn sounded like she had a cold.

"Hi Lynn, Steve McGarrett here. Did l catch you at a bad time?" Steve sound relaxed, rakish. He paused

to listen. "Well, I'm sorry to hear that. Think you'll be up to a picnic in your garden on Monday?"

Both Danny and Jerry exchanged painful smiles, but a stern look on Rachel's face put an end to their

childish behavior before it got started. Meanwhile, Junior closed his eyes at the words 'your garden'.

Steve ignored the noises going on behind him as he listened. "OK. How about that private tour and a

picnic at the koi pond? OK. What would you like for lunch? No, l doesn't know where that is, but I will

find it. Five Mile Panini. I'm teaching until one o'clock. So, two-ish? OK. I'll call you when l'm close to

the hotel. See you Monday. Bye." He hung up. Turning to Danny, he asked. "Where's the Dog Tooth

Bar and Grill?"

Lynn had a lousy Saturday, yet again. George was being impossible, dropping in unannounced, and

demanding his 'perk'. She endured his company Friday night through Saturday morning. Thank God the

lounge opened for business mid-morning. She didn't sleep at all while he was there, not until she was

alone with Kimba could she relax enough to rest. He had her so nervous even when he moved in his

sleep she jumped damn near out of both her skin and the bed. When he left, she collapsed into her bed

and called for her faithful cat. After stroking Kimba's luxurious fur for just a few minutes, she fell into

deep sleep.

Late afternoon, she woke up. Kimba was still snuggled against her, purring contentedly. Lynn got out

bed and headed to the bathroom. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her hairdo fell apart hours

ago, now it hung in messy strands from a malformed braided bun. Her concealer was cracked and

rubbed off in places. She felt so unattractive, unloved and overpowered that when she started to cry,

she wept for hours. Her head was congested now an even though she had literally run out of tears.

Around sunset, her cell phone rang. The cheesy ringtone of Donna Summer's Hot Stuff rang loud and

clear... She quickly blew her nose and answered. "Hello?"

"Hi Lynn, Steve McGarrett here. Did l catch you at a bad time?" His voice, that incredible voice brought

a smile to her face. She had to focus on his word. "Oh, yes. A picnic in the garden sounds wonderful.

By the koi pond, our spot, great." Again, he was asking what she wanted. "Five Mile Panini for Dogtooth

bar and grill please." He repeated her request and they settled on a time. "See you Monday, Steve.

Bye."

"Meeooww?" Kimba asked.

"Oh yes, Kimba." She picked the white feline up and kissed her head. "I have another date with Steve."

She sighed. "Let's get online and see if there is a remedy for bruises. If there isn't one, we got to get a

better concealer, and a new outfit. I want a third date with him, oh yes, a third date."

She felt alive again, something to look forward to. To make this lousy life worth the price she was

paying. The third date made her fall back on the bed, giggling like a giddy high school girl.

Kimba was happy to see her human smile again. She purred loudly.

The working party broke up. Jerry and Kono were the first to leave, followed by Chin Ho. Danny came

into the kitchen where Junior was helping Rachel put away leftovers and getting the kitchen back to

normal shape. As he snagged another bottle of water, Danny looked out the window and noticed his

partner sitting in the backyard talking with the older sailor.

Both men broke into laughter. Danny smiled and turned to Junior. "Wonder what they're laughing

about."

Junior shrugged. "Who knows? They were talking about coffee varieties, then action movies, then

where they are from. Who knows what they are talking about now?"

"Love, will you please go and check the patio for anymore dishes or trash? I think I got all the dishes and

I'm sure Junior got all the trash but can you make sure please?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah, sure. Do we have any more of those large trash bags?" Danny finished his water.

"I think so. Why? Junior already got most if not all the trash."

"I know Popeye isn't going to fit in the bargain bags."

"Daniel! Will you please, PLEASE stop calling him that? Hasn't your big mouth got you into enough

trouble today?" Rachel scolded.

"Loose lips sink ships." Junior grinned as the previous gaffe came to mind.

"Aw, shut up." Danny snapped.

Rachel put her hands on her hips and looked at Danny with a raised eyebrow.

Danny grinned as he went out the back door. "I'm going. I'm going."

The cool evening air felt good on Danny face. He ran his fingers through his hair, enjoying the slight

evening breeze. He felt both overheated and dehydrate since the touch football game. After checking

the yard for both dishes and trash, he strolled over to his friends. "Hey gents, how's things going?"

Steve took a long pull from his beer bottle. "Grab a libation. Join us."

"OK. What are we doing?" Danny grabbed one of the last beers in the ice tub. "Lou?"

"I'm good with Coke. I gotta drive home."

"Steve?"

McGarrett drained his bottle. "Well, I have a driver so, yeah, I'll take another."

Danny grabbed another beer and dragged a lawn chair closer. He handed the fresh beer to McGarrett

and sat down and opened his bottle. After a refreshing drink, Danny asked "What we talking about?"

Lou chuckled. "Just chewing the fat. Any and all subjects welcome."

"Oh." Danny slouched in his chair, hoping the two would resume their conversation. He wasn't

disappointed.

"Well, l say your girl is a good sport." Lou restarted the conversation. "My wife," he shook head. "I

know her. If I had bailed on the wedding the first time, there would not be a second time so third time

wouldn't happen."

"It wasn't my idea. And I didn't bail, I was activated. I had no decision in the matter. Both times we

were this close." Steve held his index finger and thumb barely apart. "This time, no church, no City Hall.

We're going to the base chaplain and l'll get the base closed if l have to! After we're married, then we'll

decide on the particulars for our wedding."

"Cart before the horse, Steve." Lou laughed.

"Lou, don't pick on him. It's the caveman way." Danny wagged his finger at his partner.

Steve almost choked on his beer. "? I didn't say I hit her over the head with a club! She

wants to marry me. But we keep getting 'orders.' So l figure if we get married, then we'll arrange the

wedding. If we're already married, I believe fate won't spoil the wedding. Again." He finished with a

raised thumb. "You know, where's the fun in that?"

"You know, Steve. That's the stupidest thing I ever heard." Danny paused for effect. "But it makes

perfect sense. Beat the Fates at their own game."

"Exactly!" Steve pointed at Danny with a grin.

"Well, have her meet your plane or ship in a wedding dress." Lou was still chuckling.

"Don't think THAT hadn't crossed my mind." Steve laughed. Danny and Lou joined in.

Danny looked toward the house. "Did you 'order' Junior to help Rachel Clean up?"

"No. I didn't know where he had gotten off to. But that's Junior. He lends a hand where needed. He's

a squared away sailor.'

As if they heard, Rachel and Junior came out the back door. "Can we join the sewing circle?" Rachel

asked.

"Pull up a chair." Danny and Steve said in unison, both sounding a little too happy.

Junior bought over two chairs. "Rachel, may l get you a beverage?"

"If there's a beer left, I'd love one."

"Okay." Junior was off to the cooler.

"Hey Junior, can you grab me another cold one too?" Danny called.

"You got it. Commander? Lou?"

"No thanks." Steve called back, clearly relaxed and happy.

"Coke, with lime." Lou finished his can and crushed it.

Junior arrived and settled down cross legged on the grass. "What are we talking about?"

"How Steve is going to get married without 'The Gods' interfering?'" Danny explained.

Rachel stopped mid sip. "Beg pardon?"

Junior laughed. "The Navy sees everything."

"Not the Navy, 'the Fates'." Steve corrected.

"Isn't that considered against the rules? Two officers marrying each other?"

"We're not assigned together. Or it would be."

"Then how did you meet each other?" Junior asked innocently.

Steve shot him a warning look and Junior emptied his water bottle guilelessly.

The Commander shook his head and took a bottle emptying pull of beer.

Danny and Lou exchanged amused looks while newcomer Rachel looked lost.

Steve opened his newly acquired beer and took a swig with a smug grin.

"Are both wearing your uniforms?" Rachel asked.

"I will. Cat has a beautiful dress."

"You've seen it?" Rachel asked "Cat?"

"Only in my dreams from a bridal display. Her name is Catherine. She's my Cat." Steve said proudly

before raising his bottle in a silent toast.

"When is the happy event?" Rachel asked.

"That's what we were talking about. Hey Rach, if I left you at the altar not once but twice, would you

still have married me?" Danny asked, his words slow and over pronounced.

Rachel considered. "Your choice or beyond your control?"

"Beyond my control, navy orders." Steve clarified.

"I'd be miffed but l'd wait for you."

"See? The love of a good woman.'' Steve said with a smug smile.

"Finish your beer and go home, Popeye." Danny said rather sourly. He saw Rachel's raised eyebrow and

rephrased. "You need to get home and get some rest. It's going to be a busy week." He said cordially.