Chapter 57
Hi faithful followers - Here's another chapter, i hope you enjoy.
Danny drove back to his office, singing along with the radio. He felt confident that the mole had been
discovered and they could keep an eye on him. He pulled in the parking structure and found a spot.
He walked into the office with the update. "Okay team, McGarrett identified Caleb Burlingame as an
employee at the Traveler's Oasis. Now, we must identify him, find out who he really is."
"I think I can verify that." Kono offered. "Remember when you had me identify all hotel key holders
and to take DNA to identify the short and curlies? I took photos and made notes about each employee.
I think this is Rich Greenly, hotel gofer. He looked different…"
"Don't tell me, unshaven and his hair was messy and longer. Did you find him working in the garden?"
"How did you know that?"
"McGarrett identified him like that." Danny replied with a satisfied smile. "The Commander identified
him from the photo, said he looked different, but it's him. So, he cleaned himself up and played lawyer
for the day. Chances are Lynn Downing has no idea George has a spy in her midst."
"Should we warn her, boss?" Lou asked, concerned.
"Yeah, that's a good idea. Let's do it on the sly though. We don't want to tip our hand. I've been there
before to update her so I doubt a visit from me would raise any eyebrows. Want me to do that?" Chin
offered.
"Good idea. But tell her not to 'do' anything. Just be aware." Danny cautioned.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll be at the hotel." Chin gathered his hat and left.
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With the groceries put away and Charlie down for his midday nap, Steve stood by the kitchen glass door,
sipping lukewarm coffee absent mindedly. He stared at the ocean, lost in thought.
Catherine hugged him from behind. "Penny for your thoughts."
Steve leaned back against her. "Just thinking about that Russian and his fake lawyer. He can't make
bail, so what's his plan?"
She kissed his shoulder blade. "Let's just be patient and watchful. In the meantime, we enjoy a little life
out of the Navy - temporarily."
He sighed. "You're right." He pulled her around his body and hugged her against his chest. "I should
enjoy this. After all we have been through, we should relax and enjoy this time together. Thanks for
reminding me what is profoundly important."
"My pleasure." Catherine said softly while snuggling closer.
Rachel came into the kitchen. "Spot of lunch?"
"Sounds good."
"Yes, please."
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"Hey boss, you are not going to believe this: Rick Greenley barely graduated high school! He has tried to
become a firefighter, but he could not pass their physiological test, seems he is both a ninety-eight-
pound weakling AND a fire bug. He has two arson convictions, minor beefs – kid stuff. But he worked as
a handyman at a lot of the same properties Federchuk had interests in – where three owners died in fire
related situations." Lou scanned his notes.
"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Danny exclaimed. "Why didn't data entry catch it?"
Grover shook his head. "No lie. He changed his middle name each time. His social security has an initial
for a middle name, so he changes his middle name. To the computer, he identified as three different
people. When I ran the report by drivers' license number, it was caught."
"Unbelievable." Danny complained. "We had a link in these 'accidental' deaths all along."
"Yeah. But he is a tertial witness, at best. He is a doorman, a handy man, a custodian. The computer
would have never caught it."
"So, man is still superior over the computers, that's one for our team." Danny cracked. "Do we know
where this miscreant is?"
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Rick Greenley watched his new favorite thing: a 1970's fireman series. He scarcely noticed the phone
ringing.
"Yeah."
"Rich?"
He paused the television. "Oh, hello Ms. Downing. You need me?"
"Yes, I do. Bring your bar uniform and good shoes. This assignment will last at least a few days, involve
a couple of double shifts. Can I count on you, Rich?"
Greenley felt a rush of importance. "Anything for you, Miss Lynn."
"Thanks Rich, I really appreciate it. See you at 4:00 this afternoon?"
"You bet, see you then."
"Thanks again, Rich. I really appreciate it."
Greenley hung up and resumed watching his television show. Money and information for George;
things were looking up.
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Lynn hung up her phone. She looked at Adam then at Chin. "How'd I do?"
"Perfect. Where will you schedule him to work?" Chin asked.
"I would think the lounge would be the best place for him to be observed without suspicion." Adam
suggested. "There is the added traffic since Eric is doing his shows. Jen and her serving staff are really
stretched tight so adding Rich won't look out of place."
"I think it will work fine. Someone will get back by showtime. Got to get back to the office and update
Detective Williams." Chin got up to leave. He shook hands with the hotel manager. "Thank you, Ms.
Downing." He turned to Adam. "Mr. Noshimuri, thank you for your input."
Chin closed the door behind him.
Lynn looked at Adam. "Rich was always following George around like a puppy. I should have put it all
together."
"Don't blame yourself. I saw Richie cozy up to George and I figured he was just a little ass kisser." Adam
said gently. "Now we know. Since we really do not interact with him, we'll just ignore him." He got up.
"I'll put a note on his timecard to report directly to Jen in the lounge. Then I'll go update Jen on the
addition to her staff."
Lynn looked alarmed.
"Don't worry, I'll present him as additional help, nothing more. You stay here, this is General Manager
stuff."
"Thank you, Adam. I'm just so used to…"
"I know." He smiled. "I am a loyal partner, nothing more than a General Manager meeting a staffing
need." He winked at Lynn. "Be strong, Lynn. We'll get through this."
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"Thank you, Mr. Noshimuri." Jen was beyond thrilled. "He will be put to good use. Eric's shows are
really bringing the locals in. This will free the waitstaff to focus on the customers. I will use Eric to keep
the hot table and bar stocked, and to bring ice up. Thank you so much, Ad, uh, Mr. Noshimuri."
"I may be the General Manager now, but I'm still Adam." He smiled. "I'll have Eric report to you. As his
supervisor, you will sign his timecard. Any problems, you refer to me on the matter. I am going out on a
limb with him, let us see if he works well with others and in view of the public. If he behaves like a jerk,
I'd rather not have Ms. Downing know that my first personnel appointment was a bad bet."
"Of course. I will come to you." Jen assured him.
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"Well, Rich Greenley doesn't know anyone on this team except Miss Kono. So, I have got Steve and
Catherine at my house. Besides, I am sure he will remember me from court. Along with Chin and Lou,
Kono you interviewed him. So, what now?" Danny pointed out.
"How about Steve's assistant, Junior?" Lou suggested.
"Huh?" Danny looked at his partner.
"No one knows the petty officer. Let us call him and see what he is up to." Lou pulled out his pocket
notebook and started looking for Junior's cell phone number. "He's a trained observer, by the Navy."
He looked at Danny as he started dialing. "Who is making the call, you or me?"
Danny sighed. "I'll do it."
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Junior and Tani were heading to the Traveler's Oasis. Junior let go of her hand to answer his cell phone.
He noticed the caller i.d. "Hello, Sergeant Williams. Is Commander McGarrett all right?"
"He's fine. But I could use your help."
"Of course. What can I do to help?"
"We suspect the hotel gofer, Rich Greenley, is in cahoots with George Federchuk. I need someone to sit
in the lounge and observe him. He will be working in there from now on. After work, I need him
followed and his address obtained." Danny explained.
"Well, I'm your man. I am on the way to the lounge right now. Me and Tani Rey. It's trivia night
tonight." He turned to Tani. "Do you know Rich Greenley?"
"I do. That pervy, skinny insect? Yeah, I know him. Why?"
"Sgt. Williams needs someone to surveil him, stealthily. Then, follow him and get his address for him.
Wanna?"
"Sounds like fun. As long as we do not have to interact with him."
"We're in, Sergeant. I'll call you in the morning with the info." Junior assured him.
"Great! Thank you, Junior. He will recognize all of us. With you being with Miss Tani, Greenley won't
suspect a thing." Danny said gratefully.
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Tani led Junior to the table she reserved. They ordered drinks and bar food then settled in, awaiting the
start of the Trivia Extravaganza.
"I highly recommend the sliders and potato skins."
"I've had them both before and you're right, they are amazing."
Eric took to the stage amid thunderous applause. The trivia competition began.
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Steve was dozing on a lounge chair on the backyard deck when Danny arrived home. Rachel and
Catherine were nearby, enjoying afternoon tea.
Danny kissed Rachel's cheek. "When is dinner and what are we having?"
Catherine chuckled as she sipped her tea.
"Baked chicken, in about an hour and a half." Rachel replied quietly. She gestured toward the sleeping
sailor. "He finally fell asleep about an hour ago. Why don't you go take a hot shower and lay down for a
while?"
Danny stretched. "Sounds good, babe." He went into the house.
"I'm sorry we got such a late start on dinner." Catherine apologized.
"No problem. He will be more relaxed after a hot shower. We usually eat around 6pm any ways."
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Danny stopped at the top of the stairs. On a whim, he went to the kid's room. He found Charlie playing
with legos quietly and Grace doing her homework.
Both kids were happy to see their father. "Danno!" They exclaimed excitedly as they jumped in his
arms.
He hugged and kissed both his children. "How was school, Grace? What are you working on?"
"Long division, Danno. Double digits into three digits." She explained. "It's so hard." She whined.
"Nothing worth learning is easy, baby." Danny soothed his daughter. "You have a great mathematical
mind, monkey. You can do this."
"Uncle Steve is really smart. He was helping me with single digits into two digits. Twos into threes are
really hard. Will you help me please, Danno?"
"Of course, I will, Gracie. I'll go change and we'll tackle this together, okay monkey?"
"Yes, thank you, Danno." She hugged him tightly.
Danny turned his attention to his toddler son. "And how's daddy's little man doing?"
Charlie giggled and kissed his father. "I'm building a puppy, Danno."
"A puppy? What are you going to name it?"
"Puppy."
Danny smiled at his son's simplistic answer. "I'll be right back, son." He kissed both kids before heading
to his room.
Once in his own room, he shut the door and headed to the shower. Tossing his dirty clothes in the
hamper, he started the water.
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Rachel handed Catherine a throw blanket. "Steve looks chilled."
Catherine took the blanket and covered Steve's torso. She gently kissed his forehead as she swept some
loose hair back to his hairline. Steve smiled in his sleep at the touch of her lips, he repositioned himself
a bit, pulled the blanket around himself and returned to his slumber.
Catherine returned to the patio table. "Do we have time for another cup of tea?" She asked her hostess
softly.
Rachel smiled as she refilled both teacups. "Absolutely." She replied, equally quiet. "Everything is
ready. Let the lads relax about an hour than we will eat. Sound reasonable?"
Catherine sipped her tea then returned the cup to its saucer. "Absolutely civilized."
Both women sighed contentedly, stirred their tea, and watched the tide slowly come in enjoying the
silent camaraderie.
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Danny returned to the kids' room after changing into baggy sweats with a New Jersey Devils t-shirt, hair
perfectly groomed though still damp. He sat down next to his daughter.
"How are you doing?"
"A little better." Grace admitted.
"Okay, let me see this." He smiled as the little girl leaned on him.
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Steve woke up to pink and orange skies. He blinked. Despite knowing his body was in healing mode,
McGarrett was surprised he fell asleep during the day. He started to uncover his arms.
Catherine noticed the movement. Excusing herself, she went to her fiancé. "Sleep well?"
Steve swung his legs to one side and sat opposite Catherine. He leaned on his elbow and turned to
encircle her waist with his other arm. "I remember listening to you and Rachel plan dinner … I guess this
is what that Physical Therapist meant when he said that I would learn if I relaxed, I may be surprised.
Well, I am."
Catherine smiled. "I know you won't agree with me, but it's okay to be less than 100% as long as you
are recovering. You heal when you sleep. I think you should nap daily."
"If it happens, like it did today, I wouldn't fight it." His brow knit. "Don't send me to our room. I want
to be near you, hear you."
"Deal." She leaned in and kissed him. "Sealed with a kiss."
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Rachel slipped away when Catherine went to Steve. She gathered up the tea things on the serving tray
and went inside. Once in the kitchen, she put aside the tea service and checked on dinner. She got
together plates and silverware and started to set the table when Steve and Catherine joined her.
"May we help?" Steve asked cheerfully.
"Wash your hands please. One of you, please bring the pitcher of ice water and glasses to the table and
the other start transferring the food from the pots to the serving dishes, please." Rachel directed.
Both saluted her and went about their assigned tasks.
Danny appeared in the dining room doorway holding Gracie's hand while carrying Charlie. "I thought I
heard activity. Dinnertime?"
Rachel kissed his cheek as she took Charlie from his father. "Hope you are hungry."
"I am and dinner smells terrific." Danny led Grace to the table and grabbed Charlie's highchair and
placed it between Rachel's and his chairs.
Steve brought the ice water and glasses to the table. He placed a glass in front of Grace and filled it. He
did the same for her father.
Danny drank the glass dry and held it up for the sailor to refill.
The sailor obliged. "Anything new?"
"I have a different flavor of Toscanello for you to try."
"Excellent. Looking forward to it."
"Looking forward to what?" Catherine asked as she set the bowl of vegetables and mashed potatoes on
the table.
Steve and Danny exchanged looks. "Cigars. Let me tell you, Danny is getting me hooked on them for
after dinner relaxation." He winked at Catherine.
Catherine nodded and winked back. "Well, we'll have to invest in a box when we get back to Hawaii."
"Good idea."
The subject was dropped as Rachel brought the fresh bread sticks and the platter of chicken cutlets to
the table.
"Chicken!" Both children exclaimed happily.
Steve and Catherine smiled at their exuberance.
After plates were passed and dinner shared, Gracie looked at her father. "Danno, will you please help
me with my math homework before you go outside?"
"Of course, monkey, under one condition." He smiled at his daughter's waiting expression. "I get to
tuck you into bed."
"Can we have a story too?" Charlie asked excitedly.
"You guys can have two! I'll tell you one and Uncle Steve will tell you another."
"I will?" Steve asked with his mouth full of chicken. He looked bewilderedly at Catherine. "I don't know
any stories."
"Of course, you do." She reassured him.
"Uncle Steve, will you tell us about the ocean? Whales? Dolphins? And mermaids?" Grace implored.
"Mermaids!" Charlie repeated happily.
"I think you have your subject matter, Popeye." Danny grinned.
"Daniel." Rachel frowned.
"Sorry there, Popeye." Danny said sincerely.
"It would sound more sincere if you wouldn't demean Steven with that inappropriate 'nickname'."
Rachel scolded softly.
"Thank you, Rachel. I do not mind. Danny is just kidding." Steve turned to the detective. "Right?"
"'Course, buddy." Danny nodded.
"Thanks, Flatfoot." Steve said good naturedly. "Rachel, this chicken is absolutely delicious."
Danny made a sour face for a micro-second, but he smiled quickly.
"Thank you, Steven. There is plenty more. Please, chow down, Commander." Rachel smiled. "I can't
tell you, as a cook, I love seeing people enjoying their meal."
Steve grinned as he chewed. He gave Danny a wink.
Danny smiled without mirth: the sailor was getting under his skin, and he wasn't going to give McGarrett
the satisfaction. He would address this during their smoke time.
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After helping Grace with her long division, Steve and Catherine watched a game show while Danny
bathed Charlie and Rachel bathed Gracie.
Catherine snuggled up to her fiancé. "I love you, Commander." She whispered softly.
"I love you more." Steve kissed her head. "I'm so happy you're here. You are making my recovery so
much more endurable. In fact, I'm sure you are making me so happy that I'm healing faster. I'm
sleeping so good with you in my arms. My hair has almost grown back enough for us to elope."
"I can hardly wait. Every woman should sleep with a Naval Operator, it makes you feel so safe."
Steve chuckled. "I'm sure every man will line up for the training after hearing that. What happens to all
the bell ringers? Don't they deserve the love of a good woman too?"
Catherine laughed. "I suppose."
Rachel and Danny joined them. "Kids are clean and in bed." Danny announced. "C'mon Steve, we each
owe a story to the monkeys."
Catherine got up with Steve. "Rachel, I hope you don't mind but I cleared the table, soaked the dishes
and stowed the leftovers."
Rachel was pleasantly surprised. "Thank you, Catherine." She turned to the detective. "Chicken for
lunch tomorrow?"
Danny kissed her cheek. "You take such good care of me, thank you."
The men headed upstairs for storytelling and the women headed for the kitchen. "Would you guys like
some coffee with your cigars?" Rachel called out after them.
Both men stopped mid staircase and exchanged looks. Steve nodded and Danny called back. "Oh, yes
please. Thanks, babe."
Once upstairs, the men headed to the kids' room. Grace was waiting in her bed, but Charlie was putting
finishing touches on his Lego puppy.
"Wow Charlie! Your puppy is adorable. Have you named him?" Steve picked up the toddler and his
creation.
Charlie was no longer shy with the naval officer. "His name is 'Puppy'. He likes you."
"I like him too." Steve petted the ersatz canine. "Hi Puppy. Will you watch over Charlie while he
sleeps?"
'Puppy' barked an affirmative. Steve pretended not notice Charlie's lips move which tickled the toddler
no end. Steve put the boy into his bed while Danny tucked his daughter in.
"Okay, are you two ready for 'Hanzel & Gretel'? A brother and sister having a life-threatening adventure
in the forest? You two will love it."