The team returns after their investigation to compare notes
Disclaimer: The only thing I own is my car.
A review or two would be welcomed.
====================================================================
Hawaiian Village Hotel
Suite 1635
1 pm
The group met back in Harm and Mac's suite. They all had some interesting things to add.
"I definitely got the impression that Commander Simmons was hiding something. He didn't seem unhappy to see us, we could all tell he was holding something back." Mac said.
"We got the same thing from Detective Pakeli," Harm said. "Except he was less than thrilled with us. He believes that it's a case of a bunch of kids fooling around."
"Actually Harm, he said 'messing' around." Harriet corrected.
"Are you sure he said 'messing?'" Sturgis asked. "That is the same word Commander Simmons used."
"I don't like this." Harm said. "Did anyone else feel the answers were rehearsed?"
"Did you get the impression that the investigation was going fine?" Mac asked.
"Oh yes, we did." Bobbie replied.
"Did anyone believe them?" Bud asked.
"Not a single word." Replied Harm.
"I suggest we get some lunch and continue to compare notes." Mac said.
They called room service and ordered in. While they were waiting for the meal to arrive, Harriet took the opportunity to call Little AJ. After parents and godparents made silly noises over the phone, they got back to their case.
"Ok, I think we should continue on the path we are on. We will return to the base, you all keep after the detective." Mac said.
"Sounds good, after lunch we are going to talk to the officers who first responded to the call." Harm said.
"I think we should go out to the Arizona memorial and speak to the Guards there." Mac said.
While they were all equals for this case, the group seemed comfortable letting Mac and Harm take the lead. Even though Harriet and Bud were husband and wife and Sturgis and Bobbie had been a couple for a while, no to people could finish each other's sentences and reach each other's thoughts like Mac and Harm.
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial 2pm
Mac, Bud and Sturgis walked towards the Petty Officer who was standing guard at the memorial.
"Good afternoon, Petty Officer. My name is Agent Teller with CIA Homeland Investigations. We would like to ask you a few questions." Sturgis said.
"Ryan can you take over for a moment?" The PO asked his partner. "What can I do for you?"
"We would like to know if you were on duty the morning of August 14th?" Mac asked.
"Yes ma'am I was." PO Claiburn replied.
"Were you the one who realized divers had gone down to the Arizona?" Mac asked.
"Yes I was. When I reported for duty, I noticed that there were marks on the side over there." He pointed to the guardrail. "When I went to check it I saw the rope. It looked like whoever was here had rushed to get away."
"What did you do then?" Bud asked.
"I called my CO and advised him." Claiburn answered.
"Was a dive team sent down?" Mac asked.
"No ma'am. I was told that the local police would be out to investigate." Claiburn was getting nervous. "Ma'am with all due respect maybe you should be speaking to my CO. He said he would be handling any inquiries."
"We have been in to see him Petty Officer. We are just following up for our report." Mac tried to put him at ease.
"Well all I know is that the local police are investigating it. Can I say something off the record?" Claiburn asked.
"Of course." Mac replied.
"Something doesn't seem right. No one really seems worried about this. My grandfather was killed at Pearl Harbor during the attack. I remember my uncles always talking about the Honor of these men. It's just not right, to ignore it."
"Petty Officer Claiburn, all your comments are off the record. We appreciate your candor." Bud said.
With that they left and returned to the hotel.
Honolulu Police Department
2 PM
"You're back already." Detective Pakeli said.
"Yes we are. If it's possible we would like to speak to the detectives assigned to the investigation." Harm said.
"Well that would be me. What do you want to know?" Pakeli asked.
"We want to know who was on the diving team?" Bobbie asked.
"We didn't send any divers down. Didn't see the need. We went to the memorial saw the pulley marks and saw the ropes and knew that there had been divers there." Said Pakeli
"So at this time, it has not been confirmed if they actually made it down to the Arizona?" Harriet asked.
"We didn't feel it was necessary, the Arizona is deep enough that no one would actually be able to make it there in the dark." Pakeli said.
Harm just looked at him, "Are you telling me that we don't know what happened down there that no one has checked anything out and that this is investigation is being based on a rope?"
"I am not sure what you are getting at Agent Ronson, but I can assure you that we are investigating this in accordance with all the rules and regulations." Pakeli snapped back at him.
"Gentlemen, the concern here is to ensure that the Arizona was not disturbed and this does not happen again." Harriet said trying to diffuse the situation.
"We would like to see your file please. If you would please send a copy to the hotel it would be appreciated." Bobbie stated, not realizing what she had just said.
"Feel free to look at them here, but I cannot release the files of an ongoing investigation." Pakeli said.
"Very well, may we see them now?" Bobbie said.
After reviewing the case file, Harm, Bobbie and Harriet returned to the hotel. This was getting stranger and stranger.
Hilton Hawaii Village Hotel
Suite 1635
"All those who think we are being lied to raise their hand." Mac said sarcastically. Everyone raised a hand.
"This is getting more suspicious with every passing minute." Harriet said.
"It's time to review," Harm said.
"Here's what we know," Sturgis began. We have a rope and damaged railing. A Petty Officer who feels things are not being investigated properly. Wise kid. No dive team was ever sent down and the CO is handling all inquires and questions."
"Right, and we have a Chief of Detectives who does not like to be questioned. A file that is less than complete. Overall I get the impression that he feels we are blowing this out of proportion." Harm said.
"I don't think that the divers were going down to the Arizona," Mac said. "I think that it's a red herring, hiding something else. I just wish we knew what."
"It's too convenient that the investigation is being handled by basically two people and everyone else is being shut out." Bobbie said.
"They are working together." Harm said as if a light bulb had snapped on. "They are hiding something."
"Congratulations Harm," Sturgis said. "We know that."
"Funny," Harm shot back, "Hear me out. The Arizona is sacred. If you wanted to hide something where would you hide it?"
"In a place where no one goes." Bud said.
"Exactly," Harm continued. "What if timing was off and while hiding they had to make a quick departure."
"No one realized the rope was left until the Petty Officer saw it." Bud answered. "And then it was kept quiet to avoid any attention being brought to it."
"You got it." Harm smiled. "But the press got a hold of it."
"So what are they hiding?" Bobbie asked.
"I don't know yet, but we are going to find out." Harm answered.
Harriet spoke, "I know we are here on business but how about a little fun tonight? It's almost five o'clock and there isn't much more we can do today. Maybe if we get our mind off it, it will all make more sense."
"Harriet that's a great idea. Let's meet at 7pm for dinner. " Mac said.
Suite 1633
"Harriet, what were you thinking? We are on a case and you are talking about fun?" Bud asked.
"Bud, come on, when we are home we take a break. It's healthier. What are we going to do, sit around all night saying the same things over and over?"
Bud realized his wife was right and everyone was in agreement, this was the first time they had worked together and he was somewhat nervous."
Suite 1635
"Hey there sailor, you're looking might nice there in that suit. Almost as good as you do in your dress whites." Mac teased.
"Well, you look a hell of a lot better than you do in those drab greens." Harm shot back laughing.
"Come on flyboy, its almost 7 and I'm starving." Mac said.
"Does that stomach of yours ever take a break?" Harm teased as he kissed her.
Hilton Lobby
"I called ahead and made us a reservation at Bali By the Sea Restaurant" Harriet said.
"Good choice Harriet," Bobbie said.
The group went to dinner.
Disclaimer: The only thing I own is my car.
A review or two would be welcomed.
====================================================================
Hawaiian Village Hotel
Suite 1635
1 pm
The group met back in Harm and Mac's suite. They all had some interesting things to add.
"I definitely got the impression that Commander Simmons was hiding something. He didn't seem unhappy to see us, we could all tell he was holding something back." Mac said.
"We got the same thing from Detective Pakeli," Harm said. "Except he was less than thrilled with us. He believes that it's a case of a bunch of kids fooling around."
"Actually Harm, he said 'messing' around." Harriet corrected.
"Are you sure he said 'messing?'" Sturgis asked. "That is the same word Commander Simmons used."
"I don't like this." Harm said. "Did anyone else feel the answers were rehearsed?"
"Did you get the impression that the investigation was going fine?" Mac asked.
"Oh yes, we did." Bobbie replied.
"Did anyone believe them?" Bud asked.
"Not a single word." Replied Harm.
"I suggest we get some lunch and continue to compare notes." Mac said.
They called room service and ordered in. While they were waiting for the meal to arrive, Harriet took the opportunity to call Little AJ. After parents and godparents made silly noises over the phone, they got back to their case.
"Ok, I think we should continue on the path we are on. We will return to the base, you all keep after the detective." Mac said.
"Sounds good, after lunch we are going to talk to the officers who first responded to the call." Harm said.
"I think we should go out to the Arizona memorial and speak to the Guards there." Mac said.
While they were all equals for this case, the group seemed comfortable letting Mac and Harm take the lead. Even though Harriet and Bud were husband and wife and Sturgis and Bobbie had been a couple for a while, no to people could finish each other's sentences and reach each other's thoughts like Mac and Harm.
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial 2pm
Mac, Bud and Sturgis walked towards the Petty Officer who was standing guard at the memorial.
"Good afternoon, Petty Officer. My name is Agent Teller with CIA Homeland Investigations. We would like to ask you a few questions." Sturgis said.
"Ryan can you take over for a moment?" The PO asked his partner. "What can I do for you?"
"We would like to know if you were on duty the morning of August 14th?" Mac asked.
"Yes ma'am I was." PO Claiburn replied.
"Were you the one who realized divers had gone down to the Arizona?" Mac asked.
"Yes I was. When I reported for duty, I noticed that there were marks on the side over there." He pointed to the guardrail. "When I went to check it I saw the rope. It looked like whoever was here had rushed to get away."
"What did you do then?" Bud asked.
"I called my CO and advised him." Claiburn answered.
"Was a dive team sent down?" Mac asked.
"No ma'am. I was told that the local police would be out to investigate." Claiburn was getting nervous. "Ma'am with all due respect maybe you should be speaking to my CO. He said he would be handling any inquiries."
"We have been in to see him Petty Officer. We are just following up for our report." Mac tried to put him at ease.
"Well all I know is that the local police are investigating it. Can I say something off the record?" Claiburn asked.
"Of course." Mac replied.
"Something doesn't seem right. No one really seems worried about this. My grandfather was killed at Pearl Harbor during the attack. I remember my uncles always talking about the Honor of these men. It's just not right, to ignore it."
"Petty Officer Claiburn, all your comments are off the record. We appreciate your candor." Bud said.
With that they left and returned to the hotel.
Honolulu Police Department
2 PM
"You're back already." Detective Pakeli said.
"Yes we are. If it's possible we would like to speak to the detectives assigned to the investigation." Harm said.
"Well that would be me. What do you want to know?" Pakeli asked.
"We want to know who was on the diving team?" Bobbie asked.
"We didn't send any divers down. Didn't see the need. We went to the memorial saw the pulley marks and saw the ropes and knew that there had been divers there." Said Pakeli
"So at this time, it has not been confirmed if they actually made it down to the Arizona?" Harriet asked.
"We didn't feel it was necessary, the Arizona is deep enough that no one would actually be able to make it there in the dark." Pakeli said.
Harm just looked at him, "Are you telling me that we don't know what happened down there that no one has checked anything out and that this is investigation is being based on a rope?"
"I am not sure what you are getting at Agent Ronson, but I can assure you that we are investigating this in accordance with all the rules and regulations." Pakeli snapped back at him.
"Gentlemen, the concern here is to ensure that the Arizona was not disturbed and this does not happen again." Harriet said trying to diffuse the situation.
"We would like to see your file please. If you would please send a copy to the hotel it would be appreciated." Bobbie stated, not realizing what she had just said.
"Feel free to look at them here, but I cannot release the files of an ongoing investigation." Pakeli said.
"Very well, may we see them now?" Bobbie said.
After reviewing the case file, Harm, Bobbie and Harriet returned to the hotel. This was getting stranger and stranger.
Hilton Hawaii Village Hotel
Suite 1635
"All those who think we are being lied to raise their hand." Mac said sarcastically. Everyone raised a hand.
"This is getting more suspicious with every passing minute." Harriet said.
"It's time to review," Harm said.
"Here's what we know," Sturgis began. We have a rope and damaged railing. A Petty Officer who feels things are not being investigated properly. Wise kid. No dive team was ever sent down and the CO is handling all inquires and questions."
"Right, and we have a Chief of Detectives who does not like to be questioned. A file that is less than complete. Overall I get the impression that he feels we are blowing this out of proportion." Harm said.
"I don't think that the divers were going down to the Arizona," Mac said. "I think that it's a red herring, hiding something else. I just wish we knew what."
"It's too convenient that the investigation is being handled by basically two people and everyone else is being shut out." Bobbie said.
"They are working together." Harm said as if a light bulb had snapped on. "They are hiding something."
"Congratulations Harm," Sturgis said. "We know that."
"Funny," Harm shot back, "Hear me out. The Arizona is sacred. If you wanted to hide something where would you hide it?"
"In a place where no one goes." Bud said.
"Exactly," Harm continued. "What if timing was off and while hiding they had to make a quick departure."
"No one realized the rope was left until the Petty Officer saw it." Bud answered. "And then it was kept quiet to avoid any attention being brought to it."
"You got it." Harm smiled. "But the press got a hold of it."
"So what are they hiding?" Bobbie asked.
"I don't know yet, but we are going to find out." Harm answered.
Harriet spoke, "I know we are here on business but how about a little fun tonight? It's almost five o'clock and there isn't much more we can do today. Maybe if we get our mind off it, it will all make more sense."
"Harriet that's a great idea. Let's meet at 7pm for dinner. " Mac said.
Suite 1633
"Harriet, what were you thinking? We are on a case and you are talking about fun?" Bud asked.
"Bud, come on, when we are home we take a break. It's healthier. What are we going to do, sit around all night saying the same things over and over?"
Bud realized his wife was right and everyone was in agreement, this was the first time they had worked together and he was somewhat nervous."
Suite 1635
"Hey there sailor, you're looking might nice there in that suit. Almost as good as you do in your dress whites." Mac teased.
"Well, you look a hell of a lot better than you do in those drab greens." Harm shot back laughing.
"Come on flyboy, its almost 7 and I'm starving." Mac said.
"Does that stomach of yours ever take a break?" Harm teased as he kissed her.
Hilton Lobby
"I called ahead and made us a reservation at Bali By the Sea Restaurant" Harriet said.
"Good choice Harriet," Bobbie said.
The group went to dinner.