On the way into town, Steve hardly interrogated the lieutenant. Sara was almost embarrassed. "Steve, can you please stop cross-examine? I assure you, I've known the lieutenant for years, he's okay, "she asked from the back seat. Her husband turned to her. He just looked a little guilty. "Please," she repeated quietly. He nodded. They drove towards the city center when Steve suddenly shouted: "Pull over!"
The car was still rolling when he jumped out and ran back along the street. Sara turned and watched him go. After a moment, she spotted him on the street corner with an older man with a baseball cap.
"Are you all right, ma'am?" Asked Hattori, who had stopped at the roadside.
"Yes, thank you. Wait here."
"May I help you?" Asked the lieutenant.
"I'm fine," Sara replied, sliding off the seat.
She walked towards Steve, who was talking to the stranger. The men's body language told her that they seemed to know each other for a long time, even if they weren't necessarily best friends. But there was no danger if she'd get closer.
Steve was irritated to see the other man break off in the middle of the sentence and stare at something behind him. He turned his head and saw Sara walking the last few meters to them. When she stopped next to him, she looked quizzically between them: "Steve?"
"Sara, that's Lieutenant Commander Joe White, retired. Joe, Commander Sara McGarrett. "
Joe tapped his baseball cap, ignoring Sara's outstretched hand. "Ma'am. - Your wife?"
Sara slowly pulled her hand back when he replied, "Yes. I invited you to the wedding, several times. Only there was no reaction. "
"I thought it was an April Fool's joke. You getting married? To the daughter of Big G? When there was nothing in the newspapers, I felt proved in my opinion that it was a joke. When Big G's daughter's getting married, it makes headlines for weeks ... "
"Joe ..."
Steve couldn't say more, Sara cut him off. "I'm not going to listen to this nonsense. How do you come to the conclusion that one of us attaches great importance to seeing his private life spread across the press? At least as far as Steve is concerned, you should know better. And you have neither the right nor sufficient information to make a judgment about me. You're not living up to your reputation, Commander White."
"And you are in a position to judge that?"
"You'd be surprised, Joe," Steve replied instead of Sara. "Are you done insulting my wife then? I was going to invite you to celebrate Sara's promotion with us, but given the circumstances, I don't think that's a good idea. We've had enough excitement the past few days that would be counterproductive in every way. You can contact me when you have refreshed your information. I don't think it will take years again. You have the number. "He put his arm around Sara, who gave White a peek, then slowly walked back to the car. "I'm sorry. He had been off the grid for years. I saw him, it was a reflex. "
"No problem. I know what he means to you. And you're not responsible for his behavior. Let's go to Giordanos. I'm hungry and craving for a mousse au chocolat."
"So we'll get you one." He felt Joe's look in the back as he kissed Sara on the top of the head before they got back in and continued their way.
They enjoyed the evening at the Italian restaurant and the return flight the next day, in a smaller, almost empty passenger plane, was uncomplicated. After landing in Hickam, Sara felt much better, which was probably due to the lack of tension. In front of the building, the team of PO2 Keahi and PO Bloom were waiting again, next to her and another car and stood at attention when they saw them.
"Welcome home, Commanders. Congratulations, ma'am, Keahi greeted her. "Captain Duncan lets you know you're not expected to be back in the office before Tuesday unless anything special arises."
"Thank you, Keahi," Sara nodded to her assistant.
Bloom also congratulated her, then they both drove off in the Navy car. "Do you want, Steve?" She asked him to his surprise and held out the car key. "So you don't get out of practice?"
"You trust me with your car? Are you all right?"
"Mhm." She nodded. "If you want to keep the license for the hand control system, you have to practice regularly. And why should Ben request a rental car every time? But be nice to my little one. It's not Danny's Camaro."
"Sure I will. I have fragile goods on board." He gave her a kiss, then took the key and got in on the driver's side. At first it took a little self-control, but then he had got used to the driving style with the steering wheel control and he actually enjoyed taking it a little easier.
They made a short stop on the way home because Steve wanted to check out headquarters. To his surprise, they found the entire team there, and they received a few compliments for their appearance. Even Danny let himself be carried away: "I didn't think I would ever say that, but you two in uniform are awesome to behold. But it's kind of funny that Sara is now outranking you. Don't you have to greet her too? "He teased.
"Only on special occasions. Where's Junior and Eddie? "
Jerry laughed. "Eddie is currently taking our ex-SEAL for a walk. But they will come back soon, then you can take your furry friend home with you. When's the party gonna take place?"
"Next weekend. Let me get back first, okay? "Sara asked.
"Clear."
The door opened behind them, then Junior could be heard shouting: "Eddie! Eddie, stop! Stop!" The dog seemed to take him as seriously as ever, running unabated towards Steve, who caught him before he reached Sara, and cuddled vigorously. "Hello, big boy. Nice to see you. Did you give Junior a proper walk?"
Eddie wagged his tail heavyly and licked Steve's face. He wiped the drool with his hand and sat up. "I would say yes," he laughed, looking at the sweaty officer who had come up to them. "We'll have to work on that somehow."
"Sir." Junior nodded, panting, he just couldn't seem to do more. He coughed, then cleared his throat. "Commander McGarrett, congratulations on your promotion."
"Thank you. But I think you should finally start calling me Sara, that's getting embarrassing."
"Yes, ma'am. I mean Sara. Sorry."
The team around them laughed.
"Let's go, Sara. I want to get out of my uniform and take a shower, "Steve explained. "Now I know HQ is still working."
"As if it had ever been different in your absence," replied Lou. "Danny is already keeping us busy," he winked, then they said goodbye and left the building with Eddie right behind them.
XXXXXXX
Two weeks after the party, Sara had made a short trip to Vancouver and made plans on some purchases for her day off.
When she stopped in front of Danny's house, she noticed a white limousine with light seats behind the Camaro in the driveway, which she did not recognize. Thoughtfully she removed the keys and got out.
She could knock only once when the door was already opened. In front of her was a dark-haired woman, unknown to her, who asked: "Can I help you?"
"Um. Yes. I'm Sara, I wanted to pick up Grace, we have an appointment."
"Is that Sara?" She heard Danny's voice from the kitchen, then he came into view. "Hey."
"Hello Danny."
"Maybe you let her in and sit down first, as Grace and Charlie are still arguing about the bathroom?" The detective asked the stranger, who was still holding the door.
"Sure. You're welcome."
Sara took a closer look at her. "You are Rachel, aren't you?"
"Where did I just leave my education?" Danny called. "Rachel Edwards, Grace' and Charlie's mom, Sara McGarrett, the wife of my incredible boss Steve. Somehow it never happened in the past year that I could introduce you. "
The women shook hands. "Hello. Danny, I have to admit, you were right."
"By which?"
"When I first met Grace at the Palace, you said she was coming after her mother. You were right. She looks like you. Charlie comes after Danny more," Sara turned to Rachel.
"That is true, however. Maybe you want to sit down? Grace will be right there. I just wanted to pick up Charlie. My daughter said you want to go shopping? "
"Yes. I need a few new tops, it's getting tight," Sara pointed to her baby belly, over which her top was clearly stretched. She took a seat on one of the chairs at the dining table.
Rachel smiled. "Congratulations. Excuse me, but the idea of Steve as a father is something ... I can't think of a fitting word for it ... "
Sara smiled too. "You are not the first. I've heard that before. But since I know how he deals with Joanie and how much Charlie and Grace like him, I have no doubt about it. Just Sara, "she added, holding out her hand to Danny's ex-wife again.
"Rachel. Where do you want to go, maybe I can give you a tip?"
"Ala Moana Mall. I've browsed a bit online, but I prefer to be able to see and touch things. And as long as I am still hardly good on foot, I would like to take the opportunity for an excursion."
"I can understand that. But you will definitely find something there. Grace! Charlie! We don't want to wait here until sundown."Rachel called into the hall.
Shortly afterwards they heard the clapping of feet, then Charlie stormed into the living room with a backpack, followed by his sister.
"Hey, Auntie Sara," the boy called, then jumped into his father's hug.
"Hello Charlie," she greeted him with a laugh. Grace also greeted the group.
"Come on, otherwise they'll start without us," his mother asked him. Danny wished him a lot of fun, then the two left the house. "Adventure camp. The first time," he explained.
"It will be nice. Steve has already left for the office, he said he had to do something in the way."
"That's okay. Grace." Danny pulled his wallet out of his pocket.
"Leave it alone, Danny. That's on me."
"Sara, it really isn't necessary. The clothes for my children ... "
"Danny, I really don't want to argue with you. If you really want to, give her the money for a decent sundae. But the rest is my invitation," Sara contradicted and got up so that she was at eye level with him. He raised his hands. "Okay, okay. Don't argue with pregnant women." He took a twenty dollar bill from his wallet and handed it to Grace. "Thank you, Danno."
"Have fun."
"See you later, Danny. Take good care of my husband. "
"Sure." After a brief hug, they started off. They drove a bit together, then Danny turned onto the freeway while she stayed on the normal roads with Grace.