Chapter 53
Hi faithful followers .Here's another chapter, i hope you enjoy.
After the late breakfast, Steve and Catherine continued towards the Williams abode. Catherine asked
Steve for a direction clarification. When no answer came, she glanced over.
Steve was sitting completely 'normal' in the passenger seat, even resting his hand on her thigh. Eyes
closed, face blissfully relaxed, other arm across his mid-section and breathing steady with a soft smile on
his lips, he was sound asleep.
Catherine smiled and returned her attention to the road. It was so refreshing to see her mustang so
happy and relaxed. He had been under a lot of stress since Vasily Federchuk's attack and it showed in
both his body language and face. She knew the way back to the coast, she had just wanted to hear the
voice she loved so.
With Commander McGarrett asleep, Catherine wished the U.S. Navy would spring for more than a basic
A.M. radio in their official vehicles.
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Junior left Commandant White's office and returned to his temporary quarters. He was happy and
honored that the Commander recommended him to continue teaching in his place. Quite the feather in
his career cap AND he got to stay a while longer, with Tani.
Lt. Sawyer was so confident he had the job, but McGarrett had recommended him. Of course, Junior
would take the job and Lt. Sawyer could just suck it!
Commandant White must trust the wounded commander's judgement and he would NOT let Steve's
faith in him be misplaced. He sat down at the kitchen table to work on developing lesson points the
commander had discussed with him at the hospital. But first, he had to call Tani and tell her the news.
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"So glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Anything we can do to improve things for your next
convention?" Lynn asked the convention director.
"Do you have a couple of luxury suites? I'm going to do my best to get some celebrities here next
convention."
"We do. Six premium suites. Would that be enough?"
"Can I reserve two now? I'm trying to get Sir Patrick Stewart, Brett Spiner and Walter Koenig to come to
sign autographs, do some Q & A and interact with their fans. Brett Spiner would be a coup: Star Trek
and Independence Day fans would lose their minds!" He continued.
"Let's keep in touch and I'll do all the hotel can do to give you a dynamite experience."
"Will do." He got up to leave. "Thank you, Ms. Downing." He shook her hand. "Thank you, Mr.
Noshimuri." He shook Adam's hand too and then left Lynn's office.
"I'll be glad when all these customed guests are gone. I'm ready for plain old tourists." Lynn said after
her door closed. She slumped in her chair. "I'll start the final tally. I sure hope after all is accounted for,
we made some money. I'm tired of just breaking even."
"Me too, on all accounts." Adam agreed. "Don't worry, Lynn. We have no where to go but up."
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"Tani, you got a phone call." Jen called from the bar.
"Coming." Tani called back as she delivered some potato skins. She was dead tired and her feet were
killing her but she was making great tips so she kept smiling.
"Have a seat and take a break." Jen said with a grin. "It's that handsome, young sailor."
Tani sat down gratefully and took the phone from Jen with a special smile. "Thanks, Jen." She sighed
happily. "Hello Junes. How's my favorite Hawaiian hunk doing?"
Junior sighed too. "My, my. 'Handsome, young sailor' and 'favorite Hawaiian hunk?' What an ego
boost! Thanks for making my day even better."
Tani was intrigued. "Better? What started your good day?"
Junior took a deep breath. "Commander McGarrett recommended me, recommended me, to keep
teaching his class as he recuperates. And the commandant agreed!"
"Wow! I guess Steve really believes in you." She took a deep, hopeful breath. "Can I get my hopes up
that you'll be around a while longer?"
"Yes ma'am!"
"I'm off tonight. You want to celebrate?"
"You bet! Pick you up at 7pm?"
"I'll be waiting."
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Rachel finished all the prep for the evening meal. Danny asked for something special for dinner, to
welcome Steve and Catherine. So after he left for work, she took Gracie to school and she and Charlie
went to the market. Leg of lamb, pork spare ribs, beef roast, she just couldn't decide.
Mashed potatoes were always good. Some fresh broccoli and cauliflower, salad items, soft drinks, ice
cream and pie for dessert. But what for a main course? She knew the sailor liked beef from their bar-
be-que so she decided on a beef roast. Charlie helped her get mushrooms, celery, carrots, parsley and
onions.
Standing in the check out line, she heard crunching. "Charlie! Don't eat the carrots! Mummy hasn't
paid for them yet and they are dirty."
Charlie giggled and took another bite.
Rachel rolled her eyes because Charlie was so like his father: he could get away with murder with his
smile and dancing eyes.
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"I'm going home on time tonight." Danny said firmly. "If George starts talking at four o'clock, YOU are
taking over, Lou."
Lou nodded. "I can do that."
"Steve and Catherine are coming in tonight. I'd like to be there and not dump it on Rachel. After all, I'm
the one who invited them."
"Gracious wife. If I did that before talking to Renee, I'd be a dead man."
"Of course my wife is gracious, she's British." Danny grinned. "Think Kate Middleton, not Meagan
Markle."
Lou raised a questioning eyebrow as he leaned back in his chair. "What are you trying to say, boss?
Women of color are…"
Danny almost tripped as he back pedaled quickly. "Gracious as well. They just don't suffer husbands
who aren't team players like the British. You know, stiff upper lipped."
Lou let the sergeant off the hook easy. "No, they do not."
Chin enjoyed the exchange with a straight face. He flashed a five-dollar at Lou, out of Danny's field of
vision.
Lou nodded as if the outcome could be anything but what it was.
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"Could you please stop at the upcoming rest stop?"
Catherine was so lost in thought that Steve's voice actually startled her. "I'm sorry, what now?"
Steve patted her leg. "Did I scare you?"
"I thought you were still asleep."
"What were you thinking so hard about?"
"Eloping."
"But I want the dress, the flowers, you know the whole shebang," Steve whined.
Catherine smiled. "So do I, but I also want to get married ASAP. How about we elope to Atlantic City
and have just a reception. That way we get married now and we get the dress, flowers, all that. Deal?"
"Sounds good to me." Steve agreed. "Let's do that. Soon."
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"Thank you so much for telling me. That's a load off my mind." Lynn hung up. "George is in police
custody. It's over, Adam."
Adam took a sigh of relief. "Thank God."
"We're free."
"Yes."
"Our net profit from that convention." She slid the ledger to her 'silent' partner.
"Are you kidding me?" Adam's jaw dropped. "Let's reinvest it immediately by giving everyone a small
raise, retroactive to the start of the convention."
"How about a bonus? I'd hate to give them all a raise and have to make cutbacks if business doesn't
stay consistent."
"Good idea. They worked hard and they should reap some of our profits."
"I agree. Jen, Laurel, Tani, all staff that worked extra shifts should get a healthy 'bonus' rate. Our
people busted their buns to make things happen. I think their extra shifts should reflect our gratitude."
"I agree. And let's settle on a flat bonus for the gardening staff. I know a lot of the convention
attendees enjoyed strolling around. I'd hate to lose those guys."
"Me too. They make my dreams come to life."
"Should we issue a memo or a thank you 'letter' in their pay?"
"I think we should leave their pay normal and issue bonus checks, with a thank you letter signed by both
of us. I think our staff should know you aren't just the night manager. Yes?"
"Lynn, I'd be honored."
Lynn smiled; this is how partnerships worked? She could get used to this. "Co-presidents"
Adam's reaction was not what she expected. "Lynn, I appreciate it, but you put in the hours, sweat and
tears. You deserve to be president."
Lynn considered. "Most companies have a president and a general manager. Yes?"
Adam formally bowed. "Madam President. As General Manager, I'll start getting more into the day-to-
day operations. You continue with the money management. Can we tackle personnel matters
together?"
"Absolutely. Let's get to work on getting another star or two on our hotel, Mr. General Manager."
"A lofty but obtainable goal, President Downey."
The partners shook hands.
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It was late afternoon when Catherine turned into the Williams' neighborhood. Rows of brick houses and
nicely mowed lawns. "What a nice neighborhood."
"Danny's house is halfway down, on the beach side. A clean two-story brick, white trim with English ivy
climbing up the front room's bay window." Steve remembered as he spoke.
"I see it." She parked in front, on the street. "Cozy house."
"Wait until you see the inside. Rachel has made a real nice home."
"We have a nice home, too."
"I haven't been home in SO long." Steve sighed. "I think I'm ready to settle down. Stay in one place for
longer than a few weeks. A domestic routine."
"Are you ready to retire? To leave the teams?"
"I think so."
Catherine turned the car off. "You've been thinking about this in the hospital, haven't you?"
Steve nodded and turned to Catherine. "I can do something else in the Navy. In the States for sure, no
more foreign postings."
"Sounds nice. Settle down and have a baby?" Catherine asked hopefully.
Steve smiled. "Sounds good, doesn't it? Let's see if we feel this way after being around Grace and
Charlie."
"Grace and Charlie."
"She is in primary school and he's a toddler. Imagine Danny, miniaturized. They are both cute kids.
Grace is surprisingly well spoken. And she is a parrot so be careful what you say around her because she
will repeat it, verbatim and ad nauseam."
"Good to know." Catherine suddenly looked concerned. "We are sharing a room, aren't we?"
"Good God, we better be. I can have sex quietly – if I have to. But I will not sleep without you. We'll go
to a hotel first."
"Why aren't we just staying at Camp May?"
"My quarters are on the third floor with its own private entrance. That many stairs weren't a problem
before but now, that physical therapist is concerned. Danny offered before George was apprehended.
He heard that I was making hotel reservations this morning and call me and had a fit because
preparations had been made already. So, here we are."
"When did you two become friends?" Catherine smiled and playfully poked him in the side.
In spite of himself, he jumped. Steve looked at her flabbergasted, speechless.
"Aw, your first non-navy friend. My sailor is growing up."
"I'll ignore that." He got out of the car and slammed the car door just a little harder than required and
stretched.
Catherine watched him go with a satisfied smile. She too got out and stretched. Shuffling over to Steve,
she played innocent as she took his arm.
"I AM well enough to put you over my knee, young lady." He spoke gruffly, sternly as they walked
toward the house.
Catherine knew his undoing. "With or without panties?" She asked with a deadpan face.
Steve stopped walking and did a double take. "Why would you say that?"
Catherine stopped by his side. "Say what now?" She batted her eyes at him.
He slapped her ass playfully, possessively. "Quit it and behave. Danny already doesn't believe I'm fully
housebroken."
Catherine smiled as they resumed walking.
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"Mommy, Mommy! Uncle Steve's here!" Grace announced. "I think he's mad because he just gave
Miss Catherine a swat on her bottom. She must have been naughty."
Rachel smiled at her daughter's innocence. "Gracie, come away from the window. It's impolite to spy
on people then comment on what you saw. You know better. Manners."
"Sorry, mommy. Yes, mommy." Grace climbed down from the window and sat properly on the sofa.
The doorbell rang.
Charlie giggled and grabbed the hem of Rachel's tunic.
"Charlie, let go. I have to answer the door." Rachel implored the grinning toddler. She finally gave up
and picked up the boy. "Oh my sweet Charlie, you're a handful." She reached the door and opened it.
"Hello you two." She stood aside. "Come on in."
Steve smiled at mother and child as Catherine entered. "Hey Charlie, remember me? I brought my
bestest friend over to meet you."
"Hi Charlie, I'm Catherine."
Charlie looked at the tall man then to the smiling woman. He blushed and buried his face in Rachel's
hair as Grace ran up.
The little girl jumped in the sailor's arms. "Uncle Steve!" She smothered him with kisses. Good thing
his reflexes were sharp.
"And just who is this?" Catherine played 'jealous' even though she was smiling.
"This happy bundle is Grace." Steve kissed her face as he readjusted her weight in his arms. "How's my
girl been? I think you've grown since I last saw you."
Grace looked down at her own body. "Does it show?"
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Danny yawned. He was exhausted. "How about we hire a couple of bad asses to go in there and beat a
confession out of the stubborn Russian son-of-a-bitch?"
"Ethics?" Chin ventured.
"I'm sure Junior will volunteer. Think Steve's up to it?" Lou sounded tired.
"Sure he is, just tell him George planned on raping Catherine before killing her. Poor George won't
know what hit him."
"I want answers, not just killing that jerk."
"Oh. Well, you weren't clear on that point, boss."
"Shut up, Chin." Danny let his head fall back with a grin. "You Hawaiian yo-yo."
"Yes, sir." Chin sounded contrite but his playful eyes gave him away.
Danny sat bolt upright. "Steve and Catherine!"
Lou and Chin looked at each other.
"They are arriving at my house." He looked at his watch. "Right now!" He grabbed his cell. "Hi Rach,
and before you say anything, know I'm in the car."
Lou and Chin chuckled.
Danny waved his hand at them sharply. "I know… what? Wait, what?" He stopped in his tracks. "Okay,
I'll be there soon."
"Why the face, boss?"
"Rachel said not to rush, they're 'just sitting down to tea.' TEA?! I hate that guy!"
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Steve was still carrying Grace as he put the plate of shortbread and cookies down. "Which are your
favorites?" He whispered as he arranged them on the plate.
"Oreos." Grace eyed her favorite.
"Take one." Steve whispered.
"Are you sure?"
"You are my favorite niece. Go ahead." He winked. "I won't tell."
Gracie threw her arms around Steve's neck. "Thank you, Uncle Steve."
Steve kissed the girl's forehead. "You're welcome, little ladybug."
After she devoured her cookie, Steve handed her the plate to carry. "Our secret? Your moms will kill
me if I spoil your appetite." He popped an Oreo in his mouth. They finished their cookies before they
got to the patio.
Catherine and Rachel were already seated with the latter pouring. Steve sat Gracie down by Charlie and
took the plate of assorted cookies and set it on the table.
"Tea?"
"Please." Steve picked up the tea cup for Rachel to fill. "Is this informal 'tea in the afternoon'?"
"Tea Party!" Both children clarified happily as Catherine held the plate of cookies for them.
"It suffices." Rachel said. "I miss tea in the afternoons. So the children and I have 'tea parties.' Maybe
when Grace is older, I'll do a proper high tea."
Catherine held her tea cup properly and gestured for Steve to do the same while Rachel tended to the
children's needs. Steve noticed but played clueless with a straight face. He took another Oreo and
another sugar cube for his tea.
"I noticed all but two of the cups are different." He made conversation.
Rachel sipped her tea. "The pot and those cup and saucers are all I have left of the set my mother gifted
us when Daniel and I wed. The other cups and saucers, plates I picked up here and there. Not proper by
any means but I figured I had a better chance to get the children to get interested was with a Hello Kitty
and a Baby Yoda set."
Gracie held up her cup proudly while Charlie concentrated on his cookie.
"This pattern is so lovely, so British. I guess it's what I envision at a British tea." Catherine commented.
Steve set his cup on the saucer gently. "What happened to the rest of the set? Thrown at your other
half?" He asked with a smile, ignoring Catherine's disapproving look.
"His fault but not thrown." She set her tea down and looked at Catherine. "Why do men baby golf
clubs? They are metal clubs for God's sake! When we moved here, Daniel just threw the tea set in a
box. Needless to say, I unpacked bits and pieces. But thank God his golf clubs arrived without a
blemish." Rachel refreshened everyone's tea.
As Catherine nodded wisely, Steve knew when to stay quiet and to make sure he didn't say something
stupid, he took another Oreo.
"Thank you for the short bread. It is a taste of the U.K."
"Not home?"
"I used to say that." Rachel said in a mock whisper. "But Daniel said it hurt his feelings that 'home'
wasn't with him, and I understand that."
Steve nodded as he drank his tea. Made perfect sense to him, with Catherine with him, he was 'home'.
"How did you two meet?" Catherine's curiosity got the best of her.
"Little jerk gave me a ticket."
Steve almost spit his tea across the table while Catherine laughed.
"Are you sure that wasn't a pretense?"
"Well, he did pay the ticket."
"And this sweet English rose was smitten." Danny came from the kitchen to the patio. He kissed his
wife's cheek. "You did run a stop sign, love."
"In a parking garage, an EMPTY parking garage."
"In America, they aren't suggestions." Danny teased as he reached over and stole a cookie.
"You know, you could have just eaten your lunch, minded your business."
"It was MY business and I was concerned for your safety." Danny defended. He turned his attention to
the Navy man. "Enjoying your tea?"
"Yes. Very civilized."
"Ah, shut up."
Steve was hip to the verbal jousting. "You asked."
Ignoring the smiling houseguest, Danny looked at Catherine. "Welcome to our home. Sorry we don't
have enough room for you to have your own room. You'll have to room with this animal."
Catherine smiled at the game. "I'll just have to make due." She smiled at Steve over the rim of her tea
cup.
Steve smiled back. "Somehow."