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And they're off... Our newly-formed Five-0 task force is working on a case. And please remember, this is an alternate universe... some characters may be different from those you know. Hope you enjoy!
A Wrinkle in Time
by Sam and Cokie
"Do you mind me asking a few questions?" Chin asked and looked at Catherine in the passenger seat.
"No, of course not," she replied, turning toward him. "What do you wanna know?"
"How long have you known Steve?"
"About fifteen years," she said with a smile.
"And how long have you been together? If you don't mind me asking."
"No, not at all. Define together. You mean living together, or being exclusive?"
"I guess it's not easy to actually live together while being in the Navy?"
"No, not really," Cath said.
"OK, exclusive then," Chin clarified.
"Fifteen years," Catherine replied and knew without a doubt that she spoke for Steve as well.
"Wow. That is…"
"You know, we met and it just clicked. But our careers have kept us apart a lot of times. We saw each other as often as we could, but we often didn't see the other for many months."
"That must be difficult," Chin wondered.
"Yeah, sure, but when you're on a mission, like Steve has been many times, you have to focus. You focus only on that. And I think we often didn't even realize that we hadn't seen each other in six months, or however long it was," Catherine told of their past relationship. "But in the last year or so, we have made more of an effort to come together more often and for longer. And now this opportunity has come along."
"I'm happy for you. For the both of you."
"Thank you. Now it's only fair for turnabout. How long have you been married?"
"Ten years now. Best time of my life," Chin replied with a big smile on his face.
"Steve said his dad was your training officer?"
"Oh yeah, John was great. I learned a lot from him," Chin said and turned into a parking space in front of the Noshimuri building. "Speaking of John. I saw him talking to Steve earlier, and he seemed worried. Is Steve really OK?"
"He is hurting. More than he let on, but he is not seriously injured," Cath explained. "And he would never endanger anyone while not absolutely fit for duty. He would stay back if the situation warranted it."
"I have no doubt he knows his limits and when to stand down," Chin assured her. "Here we are," Chin said and pointed to the entrance.
H50 – H50 – H50
Grover watched as Steve automatically headed in the direction of the staircase when they left their offices and he loudly cleared his throat. "You know, there is a perfectly good set of elevators right over here. Why don't you oblige and ride down with me?"
Steve stopped and sheepishly grinned. "Yeah, let's do that."
"You don't like having to compensate for an injury, do you?" Lou asked as the elevator doors closed.
"You can tell?"
"Just a tad… hardly noticeable," he replied with a grin. "Think they have a car ready for us yet?"
"Hope so," Steve replied. "Until you mentioned it, I had forgotten that neither of us had a vehicle. Cath and I are going car shopping on Saturday."
"Same here," Lou replied. "Well, lookee here," he said with a whistle when one of the officers from the HPD motor pool pulled up in front of the door in a shiny black Escalade. "Let's ride in style. Hand over those keys, my man," he said, going around to the driver's side.
"Excuse me?" Steve said. "Who says you get to drive?"
"Well, begging your pardon, Commander, Sir, but since you're all gimpy and only have one working arm, I think it is only fitting that I drive. Now the way I see it you have two choices. Hop in that shotgun seat and buckle up or sit in the back and pretend to be Miss Daisy."
Steve pulled open the passenger door. "Didn't know you were such a bully when I recruited you," Steve grumbled beneath his breath.
"And I never knew Navy SEALs liked to whine. Are we ready?"
H50 – H50 – H50
Halawa Correctional Institution
"All kidding aside, are you fit for duty?" Grover asked as they got out of the car.
"I'm OK as long as I don't have to run. So if we knew we would engage in any 'action' I would stay back and be with the second unit going in," Steve explained.
"Second unit?"
"Ehm, the guys back in the second wave?"
"You need to learn police speak, my friend," Grover laughed. "Uncle Lou will get you up to speed."
"Just what I need…" Steve grumbled again.
After a security check and relinquishing their weapons, they were escorted to the prison's medical ward where they waited for Victor. Moments later, he was brought in, seated in a wheel chair.
"Commander," he commented, getting a close look at the scrapes and bruises on Steve's face and the cast on his arm. "Did the crazy detective turn on you as well?"
"Funny, Victor."
"I thought so. Now, what could you gentlemen possibly want with me? If you recall, last time I gave you what you asked for. Under duress, I might add."
"Got a mouth on him, don't he?" Grover muttered to Steve.
Steve nodded, then spoke to Victor. "We're here to help you, Victor. And honestly, I can't believe I'm even saying those words after you tried to murder my father."
"Murder is such an ugly word, is it not?" Hesse said with a smile. "Although I now have an aggravated battery and use of torture charge against Detective Williams, the HPD and the State of Hawaii. I could become a very rich man."
"Is that a fact," Steve said, leaning forward and placing his arms on the table between them. "Not only are you in here for the attempted murder charge, but also for the arms deals. Money or not, you're not going to see the light of day. That is, if you even last long enough to get the money in the first place."
"And why would you say that?"
"Let's look at it this way," Grover calmly replied. "You were working with Wo Fat. Mr. Fat is now D-E-A-D dead. I'm gonna guess that someone higher up the food chain than him is not pleased about that fact. And just who do you think they're gonna blame for that?" Grover paused for a moment. "Let's think about that for a second. Oh, right, maybe the guy who gave him up? They just might be out for your skin. And I would bet that these prison walls won't stop them. You know, if they decided that you weren't on their friend list anymore."
"And you said you are here to help?" Hesse asked, now that they had his attention. "In what way?"
"Give us everything you have on Wo Fat. Accomplices, history, travel, anything. Someone of your caliber didn't go into arms dealing blindly," Steve said, leaning back in the chair. He couldn't fidget in front of Hesse, but his butt and hip had been hurting since he had sat down in that hard, metal chair.
"I worked with Wo Fat; I have no other names or information."
"You're lying," Steve accused. "I know for a fact that you were clever enough never to engage in dealings with any terrorist group, and that is why we can offer you a deal. Give us something we can use and the charges for arms dealing will go away. No questions asked. You will be charged with attempted murder… but with that conviction you will at least see the outside of these walls again."
"And if I say no?"
"You're on your own," Steve replied.
"And good riddance," Lou added.
"If what you say is true, and someone is out to kill me, what good would talking to you do me?"
"Let's say, if you chose to drop the charges against Detective Williams, I would make sure you get into a facility off the grid where you will be safe."
"That man shot me in cold blood!" Victor yelled.
Steve stood and leaned over the table. "Just like you planned to do to my father. Seriously, you might want to think this through. I don't have a lot of sympathy for you and what I have is rapidly going out the window. You have as long as we need to go out that door," Steve told Hesse and pointed at the exit. "After that, all offers are off the table." He turned to leave.
"OK, wait. I might have some information in a dossier that is locked away."
"And just how might we get this so-called information?" Grover asked.
Victor sighed and looked at the two of them, then glanced around the room they were in. "I have a lock box…"
H50 – H50 – H50
Steve slid from the passenger seat and held onto the door before attempting to walk. "I gotta admit, this is a sweet ride," he said.
"Somehow I don't think the governor will share the cost of this baby with us," Grover complained. "Although it surely did drive nice. Maybe someday you can get to drive one, too."
"Bite me, Captain."
"How's the leg?"
"Huh?"
"I asked how your leg was doing. And don't say 'its fine', cause it ain't. I've watched you last two times we've gotten out and you are favoring it more and more."
"OK, it hurts," Steve admitted. "It was doing fine until we had to walk the zoo to peel that damn key off the bottom of the monkey cage."
"Who the hell would hide a key there?" Grover asked, slowing his pace to walk with Steve.
"This info better pan out," Steve replied, trying without much luck to push through the increasing pain. "After going on a wild goose chase to get it."
"If Victor knows what's good for him, he didn't play us."
"Let's see," Steve said as they entered the building and slowly headed to the elevators.
"See, you can teach a monkey new tricks," Lou said with a grin. "You didn't even look at those steps."
"I repeat, 'bite me'."
H50 – H50 – H50
Hiro Noshimuri's outer office
"Captain Kelly and Lt. Rollins to see Mr. Noshimuri," Chin told the young man sitting to the side of Hiro's office.
"Do you have an appointment, Sir?"
"Yes, we called earlier today and were told we could have a few minutes of his time," Catherine told the assistant.
"Mr. Noshimuri is finishing up a meeting at the moment but I will let him know you are here," Josh Minor replied after checking the schedule. "Please have a seat."
"Thank you," Chin said and motioned for Cath to take a seat across from the office door.
Before they could sit down the door opened and Chin took a double take at what he saw in the office. "What the hell," he grumbled under his breath.
"Chin, what is it?" Catherine asked in a low voice.
The captain watched the assistant enter the office and close the door. He shook his head and turned to Catherine with a frown on his face. "What the heck is my cousin doing in there with Hiro?"
"Your cousin? Who's that?"
"Kono… Kono Kalakaua. She's a… surfer. A world champion surfer actually. But what is she doing here?"
"Well, just ask her; here she comes," Catherine answered and motioned to the persons leaving the office.
H50 – H50 – H50
Steve saw Catherine turn around when he and Lou entered the bullpen. He was well aware that she was watching him closely, so he tried his best not to limp. Or at least not too much. Riding the elevator had helped with the pain his injury caused. Keeping his weight off the affected leg helped, but only for a few seconds until he started walking again.
They slowly made their way over to the smart table, meeting the rest of the team.
"Danny, this is expensive, high-tech equipment, not a picnic table. You shouldn't eat on it," Steve said instead of a greeting.
"I needed a snack after the inquisition," Danny explained upon seeing Steve's disapproving look at his malasada.
"How'd that go?" Steve asked him and cleared some crumbs off the computer.
"Ongoing. They aren't gonna throw me in the pokey just yet."
"Speaking of," John said. "I was beginning to think Halawa was going to keep you two."
"Oh, we left there hours ago," Steve assured his dad.
"And I've had an up-close-and-personal tour of this island," Grover added. "Steve took me to the zoo."
"The zoo?" Chin said, his look one of disbelief, wondering why the duo would take time to visit there.
Steve handed him the flash drive they had found. "Victor was very chatty and admitted to having information about Wo Fat and others on here. The drive was in a post office box. Unfortunately, the key was at the zoo. Kinda like a scavenger hunt."
"Ergo, you went to the zoo," Danny surmised.
"Ergo?" Steve muttered, glancing at Cath and rolling his eyes receiving a sly grin in return.
"To be exact, we visited the monkey cage," Lou explained.
"The monkey cage," Chin muttered, shaking his head and placing the drive into the computer. "This may take a while," Chin said upon seeing the encrypted data on the drive.
"OK, I'm gonna go check my mail, and…" Steve began and turned.
Danny whirled around and tossed his empty bag into the air. "He shoots; he scores—"
"Son of a bitch!"
Steve tightly gripped the table, his leg threatening to buckle, his vision graying. An incredible pain shot into his hip and down his leg. He closed his eyes and worked hard to keep in the curses that threatened to spill out. He wasn't sure how it had happened, but if he could, he would kick Danny's ass for pushing him into the corner of the smart table.
"Steve!" He heard Catherine's shout that was echoed by others in the room. He couldn't reply, he was too busy with just breathing and not passing out.
Next, he felt her hand on his back, grounding him.
"Hey, man, I didn't know you were gonna move," Danny said. "I'm sorry; I was just tossing the trash."
"Maybe basketball is best played on the court," Steve heard his dad replying. Steve was sure he wasn't the only one watching him trying to pull himself together.
"You OK?" Cath whispered.
"Uh huh," he muttered through clenched teeth. "Danny, a little warning next time?" Steve glared at the shorter man.
"Yeah, man, I'm really sorry."
"Uh… as I was saying, I'm going to check my email," Steve said and ignored the detective for the moment. His hip was on fire and sent bursts of pain down his groin and leg. He still had a death grip on the table, although he was standing upright again. He turned to his second in command. "Chin, let me know what you find."
He knew they watched as he made his way slowly, way too slowly for his taste, to his office. Steve hoped that Cath would control her urge to follow him right away; he needed a few minutes to regroup. And to suffer silently and alone.
H50 – H50 – H50
Steve sat behind his desk and tried to control his breathing. The pain was only very slowly receding to a level that was more tolerable. He had his casted left arm loosely lying high up on his thigh, right on the spot of the most pain.
When he had grabbed for the table he had done so with both hands, a reflex he now regretted. Steve hoped he hadn't done any damage to the partially broken bone. He moved his fingers and grimaced when the movement caused pain in his wrist and forearm.
"Can I come in?"
Steve looked up and nodded at Catherine. "Yeah, sure." He hissed under his breath when he sat up straighter.
"Are you OK?" Catherine softly asked after she set on the edge of the desk, facing Steve.
"No, not really," he confessed. "It hurts."
"Wow. I think that is a first," Cath replied.
"You told me to share," Steve explained his sudden openness with a smile that turned into a grimace. "Argh. Fuck. Sorry," he grumbled after another wave of pain hit him.
"Have you taken one of the pills Dr. Floras prescribed?"
"Yeah, but they need about twenty minutes to start working," Steve said and leaned his head back. "Man, I could kick his ass."
"I think he's doing that himself. He's really sorry, you know."
"He should be."
"I'd never thought I'd say that, but I feel kinda sorry for how he's beating himself up over this accident."
"Good," Steve replied and took a deep breath. "Let's go back to work, I want to know how your visit with Hiro was."
Steve slowly stood up, glad that the drugs were starting to work, rendering the intense pain to discomfort.
H50 – H50 – H50
"Who wants to go first?" Steve asked when they all stood around the smart table again.
"What do you mean?" John wondered.
"Well, there is Cath and Chin's visit with Hiro, and I would like to know what Danny found out about any connections at HPD."
"Uh, yeah, about that," Danny begun.
"What about it?" Steve wanted to know.
"I haven't had the time to look into it yet," the detective said. "I was able to pull the file about the Meth case, but then IA called and Sgt. Cage grilled me for about an hour. I was about to look into Hiro and HPD when you came in."
"Alright. That leaves us with you and Chin," Steve replied and looked at Catherine.
"Oh, our visit was… interesting," Catherine replied and looked at Chin.
"Don't. Just don't," Chin grumbled.
"What is going on?" Steve wanted to know. He could see that Chin was not his usual Zen, but that something had angered him. "What happened?"
"Kono happened," Chin said, obviously not happy about something.
"Kono? Who is Kono?"
"Kono Kalakaua. My cousin."
"Wait. What?" Danny interrupted, turning to explain. "Steve, that lip-gloss chick in the ad! Remember, the va-va-voom girl we saw on TV in Victor's room." He swiveled back to Chin. "That's your cousin?"
"Be careful, brah. Watch what you're saying."
"Hey, she was the one trying to sell us kissy lip-gloss, or something like that," Danny defended his words.
"Can we go back to the important stuff. What happened?" Steve repeated his question, running out of patience.
"Yes, let's go back," Chin agreed. "So, we went to see Hiro…"
Hiro's office …a few hours earlier
"Kono," Chin called out to his younger cousin.
"Chin. This is a nice surprise," she said and hugged her relative. "So good to see you, I would have called you tonight. Oh, I'm sorry, have you met Adam?"
"No, I don't think I have," Chin replied with a frown on his face.
"Adam Noshimuri. Nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you," the tall dark haired man said while shaking hands with Chin.
"I can say the same about you," Chin grumbled and looked accusingly at his cousin. "Excuse my manners. This is Lt. Catherine Rollins. We're here to see your father."
"Oh, what about?"
"Something we're investigating. We hope he might have some information about it," Catherine chimed in.
"Then it might be better if I stay, I am one of his lawyers," Adam said and turned to Kono. "Sweetheart, I'll meet you for dinner as we talked about?"
"Of course," Kono replied and leaned in for a kiss. "I see you then. I call you, Chin. It was nice meeting you, Lieutenant."
"Likewise."
"Shall we?" Adam asked and motioned to follow him back into his father's office.
"Mr. Noshimuri, thank you for taking the time to see us," Catherine greeted the older man, sensing that Chin was still working through his irritation of seeing his cousin. "We only have a few questions, and appreciate your cooperation."
"Of course. Please have a seat," Hiro replied and motioned for them to sit. "What questions can I help you with?"
"It's about an old case we recently opened, your brother, Koji's accident. It was labeled a homicide and we read in the files that you were under investigation back then," Catherine explained.
"My father had nothing to do with my uncle's murder. And the investigation proved that."
"No, they didn't find anything to link him to the murder. There is a slight difference," Chin explained.
"I think this conversation is over," the younger Noshimuri said.
"Adam. Enough. Let the detectives ask their questions, we have nothing to hide. Please excuse my son. Youth is sometimes difficult to control," Hiro intervened with a glance that told his son to stand down.
"Thank you, Sir. As we said, we appreciate your time," Catherine said. "You have business connections to China, is that correct?"
"Yes, we do. My company imports many different goods, and we invested in a company in Bejing."
"One of the major import items is steel?"
"That is correct," Hiro replied with a nod. "Steel is our main import. But we always make sure that the steel complies with all American guidelines and standards."
"Mr. Noshimuri do you know a man named Victor Hesse?" Catherine asked.
"Wasn't he the one arrested for the attempted murder of a retired cop? I saw that on the news."
"Uh huh," Chin commented. "How about his brother, Anton?"
"No, I'm sorry, first time I have heard that name. May I ask what this could possibly have to do with my brother's murder 15 years ago?"
"It's just an angle we're working on. Victor and Anton were working for someone else, and we are interested in that person's boss. Just climbing the food chain. You know how that is," Chin replied with a smile.
"No, actually I don't," Hiro said, clearly not amused. "And I think I have given you enough of my time now."
"Of course. Thank you for your time. Don't bother, we'll find our way out," Chin told Adam when he stood up.
… back at HQ
"Seems that you hit a nerve," Steve said when Chin and Cath had finished their tale.
"Adam was definitely worried. Hiro not so much. If he had any dealings with Wo Fat or Hesse, he must have covered his tracks really well," Catherine told them. "He is very smug and quite sure of himself. I think he feels untouchable. We should look into his dealings with politician, judges and such. I would bet a month's salary that he's supporting a few of them."
"I did a thorough check into Denning…" Steve begun.
"What? When did you do that?" Danny wanted to know.
"Before I went back to active duty. I always make it a point to know who I'm dealing with," Steve explained. The point was clear that he had looked into all of their backgrounds as well. "As I was saying, Denning has had no dealings with Hiro, or has received any other suspicious funding from individuals or companies."
"So, he is clean?" John asked.
"Very sure that he is," Steve said with confidence. He grabbed the table when another spasm went down his leg. "I'm sorry, guys, but I need to sit down. Do you have anything else to add at this point, or can we take a half hour break?"
"That's fine with me. I'll type the notes into the computer and continue to work on Victor's flash drive," Chin said.
"OK then," Steve said and limped back into his office, watched by five worried people.
H50 – H50 – H50
"Man, I'm really sorry. I hope I didn't cause any damage," Danny said.
"What do you think!" Catherine called out. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for. It's just… for him to ask for a break... that is a huge thing… excuse me please," Cath said and turned toward their leader's office, but was stopped by John.
"Catherine, can I have a minute of your time?"
"Eh… sure," she replied.
John began to speak as soon as Catherine had shut the door to his office. "Catherine, you need to stop this."
"What do you mean?"
"Come, have a seat," John said and sat behind his desk, waiting for her to sit in front of it. "Look, I know you love my son. But you have to step back as long as we're in the office."
"What?"
"You can't…"
"John!" Catherine interrupted. "Yes, I do love Steve. And I am worried about him. BUT I would have followed you, Chin, Lou, and yes, even Danny if one of them were injured like Steve is. This has nothing to do with the fact that we're a couple," Catherine told her friend's father. "My partner is injured, and I think it is my duty, my job to make sure he's OK. You have a problem with that?"
John had to chuckle. "Steve warned me not to mess with you. No, honey, I don't have a problem with it, and I'm sorry if I interpreted your actions wrong. Just try to remember to give him a little space. He's just getting used to having someone there to… cuddle him."
"I do NOT cuddle him," Catherine said. "Well, yeah, OK, maybe I do," she agreed grinning. "Danny really hurt him, I mean, you saw those bruises. I can't imagine how getting knocked into the desk must feel like."
"Like getting kicked by a horse," Steve said from the open door, surprising them both.
"Steve! I thought you needed a break?" John called out.
"Denning called, he wants to see me. Just wanted to let you know that I'm heading over there."
"You want me to come?" Catherine asked.
"No, thanks, it's fine. But could you help Danny with his research into HPD? And dad, maybe you could call the officer who investigated Koji's murder?"
"Duke was one of them," John said and glanced at the clock. "He's coming by in about half an hour. I'll talk to him about it."
"Great. I see you in a bit then."
"Steve?"
"Yes?" He turned to his friend, already knowing what her question would be.
"Are you OK?"
"Took another pill. I'll be fine," he assured her. "See you later."
H50 – H50 – H50
Governor Denning's office
"Commander, thank you for coming. Please have a seat."
"Thank you, Sir," Steve replied and was glad to sit down again.
"How are you doing? I hope the injury isn't bothering you too much?"
"It's nothing serious, Sir. More of an inconvenience. But it might keep me in the office more than I like, Sir," Steve told his boss.
"Take your time to heal, Steve. Now, why I wanted to talk to you."
"Yes, Sir?"
"We swore you and Lt. Rollins in before you went back to active duty, but I would like to present the task force to the public," Denning explained. "I think it is a great thing for Hawaii, and I want the people to know about it. I scheduled a press conference for Monday afternoon and want all of you to attend."
"Uh, Sir," Steve began, quickly assembling his thoughts. "I don't think that is a good idea. To announce it to the press, yes, that is good. But I don't feel comfortable presenting all our faces like that. We should stay in the background."
"Commander, you will be attending various press conferences anyway; you can't be incognito," Denning made his point.
"I know that I have to do that as the head of the task force, but my team doesn't have to. May I suggest something?"
"Please, go ahead."
"I will attend the press conference along with my dad. As a retired HPD Detective and now our consultant, he could be the task force's face to the outside in addition to Sgt. Lukela from HPD. He has agreed to be a liaison between the task force and HPD."
"That sounds good, but what about the others? Don't you think the public has a right to know who they are?"
"No, Sir, actually just the opposite. I think it would be a security risk. People will see them when we're out investigating, but we don't have to plaster our faces all over the news."
"Alright, I do see your concern. Commander, you have very good insight. We'll do it your way. But if a situation arises where they need to attend a press conference or other event, I expect them to be there," Denning said.
"Of course, Sir. We won't hide, but I don't see the need to take any unnecessary risks."
"Understood. Good. Now, with that out of the way, let's talk about something more fun," Denning said, surprising Steve.
"Sir?"
"Cars," Denning said with a smile.
"Ah. Right. Lt. Rollins told me about your call on Monday. What kind of budget are we talking about, Sir?"
"The state has a very good deal with Cutter. You can decide on new cars or trucks, but they also have a few very nice cars they have only used for test drives or loaners. They are willing to sell them for a very good price. You might be able to buy something that would be otherwise way over the budget. Ask them about it if you find one that suits you," Denning explained.
"We will. Thank you, Sir."
"Very well then. Again, thanks for coming, Steve. Let me know if you need anything. My assistant will send you the schedule for Monday."
"Yes, Sir. Thank you," Steve shook the offered hand and made his way out of the office. Still trying not to limp in front of his superior.
He was just about to open the door when said assistant came in, tablet in one hand; coffee in the other, running into Steve and spilling the hot liquid all over his shirt.
"Darn, this is not my day," he grumbled and helped the assistant keeping her balance.
"Oh, I am so sorry," the young woman said, mortified that this happened, not only to Steve but also in front of her boss.
Steve pulled the soaked shirt from his skin; the hot coffee was cooling quickly and hadn't done any damage. But the shirt was a mess and Steve was thankful that he had a pack of extra tee shirts in his desk.
He hadn't had time to fill his locker yet, but he always had several tee shirts handy.
"Don't worry, it's fine," Steve assured the flustered young woman. "No damage done." He smiled at her and the governor and walked out.
H50 – H50 – H50
"What the hell happened to you?" Danny asked as Steve entered the main office.
"I've been around the wrong bunch of people today is what happened," Steve replied and slowly made his way to his own office, Danny trailing behind him.
"Karma doesn't like you today, huh?"
Steve only glared at him and bent down to open his desk drawer and retrieve one of the shirts. He couldn't quite keep from groaning when standing straight again pulled on his injured muscles. He put his casted arm protectively on the hurting part of his body; on the lowest part of his left belly, right above his thigh.
"Is there something you wanted from me?" Steve asked and pulled the tee shirt out of its bag. He then started to open the buttons on his shirt.
"Yeah, there is. I… I wanted to apologize again. Steve, I'm really, truly sorry… Oh my God," Danny called out when Steve had his shirt off.
"What?" Steve looked at Danny who stared at him with his mouth hanging open. "What?"
"Steve… man, that looks… horrible… horribly painful," Danny stuttered upon seeing the angry looking bruises muddling Steve's torso. "That looks likes it goes further down," he softly said.
"It does. Almost down to the knee on the outside and inner thigh," Steve told him. "And you're right, it really hurts."
"I'm so sorry, Steve. Please let me know if I can do anything to help you. Don't hesitate, OK?"
"OK," Steve nodded. "Hey, stop beating yourself up over this. It was an accident. Just don't play b-ball in the office. You suck at it anyway," Steve added laughing.
"I suck at it? Hey, that was a three-pointer. Just so you know, I was really good at basketball in high school."
"Oh yeah, did you run between their legs?"
"Short jokes. Keep that up and the offer for free beer will be off the table, my friend. Off faster than you can run," Danny said on his way to the door. "Ha, since you can't run right now, guess the offer still stands," he said grinning. "Doesn't have to be tonight; you look beat. How about tomorrow after work? Maybe we could do a team dinner at Bar&Grill? First round of drinks on me, as a form of apology"?
"You don't have to do that, Danny."
"I know. But I want to. It's a chance for all of us to get to know each other."
"OK. Dinner. Tomorrow. On you."
"Eh, drinks on me," Danny re-emphasized. "You buy your own dinner."
Steve grinned. "Drinks on you. How about I buy the appetizers?"
"Sounds like a plan," Danny agreed, closing the door.
Steve watched the shorter man leave and had to smile. He might grow on all of them after all.
H50 – H50 – H50