NEVER WRONG
by
gm
MISSING SCENE - - A GUN FOR McGARRETT
- SPOILER ALERT –
If you haven't seen the episode watch it before you read this!
A new crime lord has arrived in Hawaii and wants to take over organized crime. First, he wants to take out McGarrett. In a stunning opening, Steve and another officer are caught in the blast as a bomb goes off in McGarrett's office. The rest of the episode is Five-0 trying to protect Steve and unravel a diabolical plot to finish off the murder.
McGarrett's Principles:
(1) McGarrett is always right.
(2) You have no personal life.
(3) Never give up!
(4) Do your best.
(5) Trust your instincts.
(6) There's no such thing as a dead end.
(7) There are no coincidences.
(8)Never rule out the impossible.
(9)Don't poison your body
(Caffeine doesn't count!).
(10) When the boss is unhappy,
everyone is unhappy.*
* - An IMPLICIT principle of which EVERY member of Hawaiian law enforcement is acutely aware.
As Chin drove him home, McGarrett settled his head against the backrest and closed his eyes. This recovery/returning-to-work was not easy these days (he was not so young anymore!). The injuries, the fatigue, the long hours, and strains of the job were more telling these days. Of course, being caught in a bomb blast in his office had been pretty heavy duty sick leave! The physical set-backs this time were more daunting, sapping and lasting than a few punches or even a gun shot. This was going to take time to get over. Annoyed that he was required to have someone else drive him, (frustrating loss of independence) he was far more troubled that his energy and general health was so slow to bounce back.
Attempting to clear his mind and catch a few minutes of napping while en-route to Waikiki, his thoughts would not be stilled. The evening had been pleasant. His attractive and exotic date, Marnie Howard, was pretty, intelligent and talkative. The evening's events, though, had not been completely enjoyable. The initial-date-give-and-take had been unsettling. Strained. He wasn't sure why.
Couldn't a cop and a pretty art gallery owner hit it off? Their only connection so far was their shared intimidation by a criminal syndicate. When he gave in to her overt promptings to be asked out on a date, he expected the evening to go much smoother. Her obvious flirting meant she found him attractive/interesting/intriguing? Considering he AND DANNO had interviewed her it was obvious she had zeroed in on him. So, she liked the classic, mature, authoritative type rather than the cop-next-door appeal of Williams. That amused him. And Danno – yeah – way too much teasing from Danno. But he admitted it was good for his ego!
At the elegant restaurant, he had expected Marnie to immerse him in a fascinating evening of discussion: art, entrepreneurs, the Islands, her exotic British origins. Instead, chat had turned to – to him in extreme detail. One of his least favorite subjects. Obsessively private in his personal life, he hated to divulge anything. Certainly not much on a first date! She had accurately assessed that he was an all-too-famous personality in Hawaii, and cherished a chance to live his life unfettered by intrusion.
Her questions, he felt as his sixth sense niggled at him, were beyond the normal relationship-initiation inquiries. Marnie had been too curious.
Eyes snapping open, Steve glanced to the driver, a little startled it was Chin. Danno had the job of driving him around during the day and running the bulk of investigations during this strained recovery. It was always Danno who picked him up from hospital stays or other times they shared trips. Danno was the one who was more than a sounding board for his theories – most of the time it seemed as if Williams was able to grasp onto McGarrett's half-formed ideas and complete the thoughts. His second-in-command was the one who would punch out probing queries to test the boss's ruminations and solidify stray deliberations into meaningful hypotheses.
To get a break from the insane hours of running Five-0 and covering for McGarrett, the boss had told his friend to get some rest! Williams earned a decent night's sleep. Danno had spent the night on this couch for a week as his most adamant security guard! And while he warned his conciensious friend to not come by too early, he was confident Danno would be back here around dawn to double-check security and have everything covered both here and at the Palace before they went into work together.
Discuss his theories and suspicions with Chin? Discuss what? That Marnie talked about him too much? More than that. A deep unsettled gnawing in the back of his instincts rippled him with discomfort. He couldn't even put the thoughts into words.
Chin dropped him off at his building and diligently made sure a patrolman was on watch at the front doors. Another HPD officer escorted him up to his corner apartment, completing the linking chain of bodyguard protection. It seemed a bit much, but Danno had been in charge – overcompensating – after the bomb blast. An officer killed, the head of Five-0 injured in the assassination attempt – Williams would take no chances. Over-diligence was not too much to expect from the younger officer.
Flopping down on the sofa, Steve started removing his tie, then shoes. It was a slow process, the movement painfully executed around the annoying injuries of a mild concussion and broken arm. Further daunted by his distraction of the evening, he kept going back to all that was wrong with the date. With Marnie. So pressing were his concerns, he finally came to a complete stop of all actions.
Tiredly, he leaned back against the sofa and studied the view out the lanai. Against the indigo sky stars sprinkled and twinkled in the heavens over the looming hulk of Diamond Head. Below, lights of high-rise buildings, hotels, streets sparkled as the nightlife of Waikiki dazzled on this temperate evening. To the side, a dark, undulating water – the Ala Wai Canal – rippled in a midnight-blue ribbon. So peaceful. Frequently he would bring home non-security paperwork. Spreading it out on the coffee table he would put in extra hours as he soaked in the expensive and magnificent view of the corner condo. Ironically, he seemed to spend the most time here when he was recuperating! He should appreciate this treasure of living in paradise more . . . .
Feeling himself too relaxed with his head back and eyes blinking, he laboriously and slowly came to his feet. Coffee. He needed a jolt of caffeine. Setting up the machine he scanned the fridge while he waited. The ohana of Five-0 wives had not failed. Numerous dishes of casseroles and poke, lomi lomi and chow mien were stacked on the shelves. Coconut cake, from Dora Bergman sounded good. The elderly widow Ellen Kenau from next door had brought in macadamia nut cookies – half with blueberries to satisfy his healthy leaning in cuisine – half with chocolate chips for Danno. The care and support was heartwarming. He appreciated it all. Thanks didn't seem enough.
He would have to do something special for everyone who was helping. At a loss for that extent of social gratitude, he continued with his task.
It took two trips to bring the plate of cake, then the coffee, and settle in at his quasi-command post overlooking Diamond Head. Stll, he could not shake the unease. Thoughts so prevalent he had to give them complete attention. Something about Marnie . . . .
Picking up the phone, he automatically dialed the numbers without thinking. Theories building and weaving around in his fatigued brain, he needed to talk this out. As often happened, his lighting-strike conjectures rarely formed completely until he could voice them, talk them through in the light of day – or darkness of night – he ruefully considered. Braided across a room, his surmises took life when bounced off of his personal catalyst.
You are not a conductor of light, but in yourself illuminous. Holmes to Watson. HIS Watson was both luminous and illuminating and Steve needed a pieces of that inspiration light right now!
"Hello." The voice was blurry and quiet. The throat cleared. "Williams," he finished belatedly.
"Danno, sorry to wake you."
"Steve?" The tone conveyed every bit of his amazement. "What's wrong?" The concern was instant.
He surrendered a slight laugh of amusement. "I'm not sure," he confessed, knowing anything he said would be taken as strange, or worse, paranoia.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, yeah, yeah, fine. Sorry. It's – hard to explain."
"I thought I sent you off on a date for a safe night," came the sarcastically sharp comment around a yawn. "How dangerous can an English shopkeeper be?"
That might be a loaded – literally and figuratively – question.
"Steve!" The alarm now evident.
"I'm fine. Sorry, Danno. I know I promised you a decent night's sleep in your own bed, but there's – well – I have a weird idea. Can you come over?"
"Uh – yeah. Of course. There is something wrong. Did you alert Ono? His duty is outside in the –"
"Danno! It's not an emergency! I'm all right . . . ." he slid into silence.
How much should he try to explain? Couldn't he have talked this over with Chin? No. His half-baked theories usually didn't fly well with the rest of his staff. They respectfully listened, sometimes voiced their doubts, then obeyed instructions. For the really far-out conjectures he needed Danno. Who was not afraid to disagree with him. Yes always – always – always – on his side. No matter what. He needed more than that now. He needed the second-in-command of Five-0 cop. As well as the younger-brother who could possibly see the spark of inspiration behind the idea and help him build it into a solid proposal. His unsettled premise was pretty way-out even for him. But Danno would help put it all together. Through the eyes of unflinching loyalty and faith.
"You're sure?"
"Don't worry. I'm okay, aikane." There was a much simpler way to get right to the heart of the request because that was what it was all about – what was in his mind, yes, as well as his heart. He needed his touchstone of inspiration to think this through completely. "I need to talk. Danno, sorry, but if you could come over that would be great."
"Sure."
There it was. The support and trust as solid as Diamond Head.
"Where are you?"
He almost laughed. "At home."
"I thought you had a date – never mind – I don't want to know the ugly details."
"Well, you're going to find out."
"I am?" The cryptic comment relayed his piqued interest, curiosity, and surprise. "Okay, see you in a few."
Too weary to pace, McGarrett slumped on his sofa and stared out the open lanai doors. The sky and dusky mountainside of Diamond Head – dotted with faint strings of colored lights – street lamps, house lights - was captivating; a dark outline against a slightly paler midnight blue of the sky. A sight to inspire the artist within, it managed only a minor distraction from his disturbing search for meaning in the mysterious dinner encounter. Marnie and he should have talked about artists, museums, The National Portrait Galley or Victoria and Albert Museum of her home. The creative muse of living in the incomparable beauty of Hawaii. The date had just been so off – off balance . . . .
The sound of a key in the lock, then the door opening startled him. His colleague paused before closing the door to give an 'all clear' sign to the officer in the hall. Turning, Dan Williams took a moment to study his friend, briefly evaluate the apartment – taking stock in a habitual and practiced professional manner - before stepping forward.
Ambling over to the sofa, Williams stood for a moment, quizzically assessing his boss.
The first twinge of guilt flashed through McGarrett's conscience. Williams' wan face and dark-circled eyes reflected the extra hours, tension, lack of sleep, deep concern engendered by this latest case. The green and blue Aloha shirt was not completely buttoned – indicating his haste and tired inattention to his appearance – and the deck shoes without socks further indicated a rush to get over here and solve the mystery to the nearly-midnight call.
As usual when filling in for the leader, the second-in-command conscientiously overworked himself to do all, be all and accomplish all in place of the absent McGarrett. Should he have called out his friend on a whim, a vague and outrageous theory based on almost nothing? Regardless if it was a good idea or not, Danno was standing here waiting for an explanation.
"Help yourself to some coffee." he started out, barely remembering that offering some amenities might ease his guilt and Danno's possible irritation over this extreme scheme.
"Am I going to be awake that long?" was the quip, half-sarcasm/half-trepidation.
"I hope not," McGarrett admitted with a sigh.
"I guess we'll see," he speculated wryly.
After retrieving coffee – a large mug – he made another trip to bring back two plates. Both brimming with several pieces of coconut cake and some cookies. Dan already had one chocolate chip mac nut cookie in his mouth. Williams flopped down at the other end of the couch. He removed his deck shoes and stretched his bare feet on the coffee table.
"So, I thought you were supposed to go on a date with Marnie. What happened?"
"I went on the date," he countered, not sure where to begin.
"Okay," Dan grinned, shaking his head. "This is a first. Your dates usually don't end with you asking me to come over." His brow wrinkled, but he was still smiling. "You proposed and are going to ask me to be your best man?" he joked.
"Just the opposite," he plunged in. "I think Marnie's a plant. I think she's working for whoever is behind the bombing."
Perhaps he was too fatigued, but Dan did not sputter out an overt reaction to the radical supposition. His eyebrows rose nearly to his curly hair, but he offered no comment. Folding his arms, pinching his lip, his brow wrinkled again as he stared at his friend. Then he took several gulps of coffee. After that he held the mug in his hands and leaned back, studying the boss.
McGarrett let him simmer. The ball was in his court, to mix metaphors, and he really wasn't sure where to proceed after throwing out the crux of his disturbance.
"Not the usual assessment of a date," he finally breathed out with a whistle. He offered a confused laugh. "I'm feeling a little bit like Dr. Watson. You've just hit me with a deduction from out of nowhere and I'm trying to catch up. What is your string of clues?"
Confidence justified, buoyed by the usual support – even through confusion – from his most loyal and trusted ally. No second guessing, no dramatic refuting of the outrageous statement – just good, solid, expected assistance.
Steve offered a quirky grin. "Yeah, I know it's way out there."
Surged with stability that maybe his crackpot idea was not off base. Maybe he had a valuable forewarning as his gut instinct. He proceeded, knowing whatever he said was taken with, at least, a willingness to believe from his friend.
"Check this out," he began, weariness fading, energized excitement taking it's place.
Like the mentor of all detectives – Sherlock Holmes – McGarrett was rejuvenated by work, mysterious problems, justice to be served. As regretful as his theory was, he was on familiar ground here. Espousing ideas, throwing out conjecture, searching for confirmation, conclusions, and more layers of creative thought to pile upon his own premise. One of Williams' greatest assets/talents was his ability to be the flint from which McGarrett could spark so many speculations that turned to solid investigative lines.
"I really hate what I'm thinking, but I can't help it. See what you think when I lay this all out for you."
Dan was completely objective and receptive. "All right, shoot."
"Marnie couldn't stop asking questions. Not the usual getting to know you stuff either, Danno. Real specifics. What do I do every day? What is my timetable? Where do I jog? It's too much for a first date."
In a light tone, the younger detective observed, "So, not smitten speechless by the McGarrett charm? You're slipping, Steve?" He sobered quickly. "You think this is beyond the normal curiosity of one of your conquests getting a date with the famous Steve McGarrett?"
Infamous is what McGarrett would title his renown. Bothersome and irritating were other adjectives that came to mind. All of those playing a part in a mixed bag of experiences on dates. It was hard enough finding a woman meeting his strict qualifications – nice looking, interesting personality, fun, smart, similar interests. Tonight he had one who was completely enamored of him and he was accusing her of being the enemy!
"Yeah, and it's not my ego being overblown, either. It was an interrogation."
Constantly he teased Danno about not being very discerning with women. His friend never seemed to lack for dates. In fact – seemed to spend a lot of his off-duty time dating. Not vapid lookers, either, but never seemed to lack for a social life. He also enjoyed the process of the game as well as the end result of relationships. Not that any woman ever stuck around for long. They eventually figured out, as Steve's dates did, that they could not compete with Hawaii Five-0, which was the dominating presence in both men's lives.
In keeping with his complex and exacting nature, Steve needed more depth than just a one-night-stand. He started the courting route looking for someone who might be an engaging companion, someone he could escort occasionally. Any deeper commitment he was not interested in – too devoted to being a full-time cop to ever mitigate his career, or a serious relationship, with trying to merge both.
After covering a yawn, Williams nodded. "Okay, she interrogated you. Is that all you have?"
"When I was about to leave her place she asked when I would be without my bodyguards."
Grinning, Dan took a moment to sober after catching McGarrett's glare. "Steve, you have to admit that doesn't sound very sinister. Except for her dishonorable intentions maybe."
Catching the humor of the story, he managed the flash of a smile. "You're right, when I put it that way it sounds like she had different ideas." Remembering the sweet parting, he shook his head with weary sadness. "She really impressed me with her courage when she called us in about the extortion."
"I know."
"She's smart and good looking and tough, but completely feminine and charming." His suspicions were sounding wilder by the minute, but he couldn't suppress the deep instinct that she was false. "And what better package to use to set me up, huh?"
"If you're right," Williams added soberly, "it's too bad. She WAS impressive. But what better way to nab your interest, right?"
"Yeah," he agreed with disappointment. "Danno, I know it sounds crazy, but my instincts are telling me she's a ringer. Whatever plot is going on to nail me, she's part of it."
"A decoy?" he suggested.
"Probably."
"We can put a tail on her." He popped a square of cake in his mouth.
Worn out, McGarrett leaned his head on the back of the sofa, still looking at his friend, but his eye lids growing heavy. "It would have to be loose. We don't want to spook her."
"You need to sleep, Steve."
"I will, Danno. I had to get this off my mind first."
Nodding, Williams silently pondered options. Offering a few ideas, he reminded that Frank Kamana's snitch had a line on a possible hit man coming in to take out McGarrett. If his lead came through, they could be closing in on whoever was out to kill Steve.
"I ran a background check on her," Williams sighed in an off-handed example of his complete regard for his duty to keep McGarrett safe. All precautions had been covered. "She seemed clean."
The regret was clear and McGarrett marveled that his friend could see a personal failure in missing something that was probably invisible. Well, they were all touchy after the bombing and Steve knew any threat to his person was taken with extreme gravity by his second.
The memory after the explosion that ripped up his office, and him, and killed an HPD officer, was still hazy. The pain was overwhelming and all-encompassing, but he remembered Danno breaking down the damaged door and trying to take care of him until medical help arrived. He sensed more than saw his friend hovering close until he was taken away by the medics.
He wished he would have had Danno with him as the bodyguard on the date tonight. Williams' vigilance might have picked up on something that Marnie said or did that could help them now. Not that Chin failed in any way, but Steve and Danno were on the same wavelength most of the time – frequently exchanging ideas without the effort of words. Expressions, or less, often served to convey that they were both sharing the same concept.
"She had to be clean, Danno," he defended. "This is not your fault. You didn't miss anything. If she's a plant in this slick operation, she's got perfect credentials. How else would she get close to me? If she's dirty, as I suspect she is, then it was just her overzealousness to complete her assignment that tripped them up. Someone sharp enough to send me an explosive plaque – right to the Palace – isn't going to leave many cracks in such an ambitious plan."
The all-encompassing stare from the weary, but intent blue eyes zeroed in on McGarrett. "How are you doing?"
Fatigued beyond description. Angry at the assassination attempt and murder of an HPD cop. Anxious for retribution. Legally. Encouraged that his brain and gut were still working in near-normal cop instincts. Warmed that no matter what, when or where, there was a solid ally to share all of these turbulent events and emotions.
"Irritated at whoever is out there trying to kill me. And using bait sugar-coated like Marnie."
"Steve. I know." He reached over and patted his friend's arm. "We'll get them."
Smiling, Steve gave a nod. "Mostly I'm grateful for you always having my back, Danno. Mahalo just doesn't seem enough."
Popping another cookie in his mouth Dan winked and around the treat assured, "The cholate chip mac nut cookies help." He gave a final squeeze of his boss' arm. "I'll get started on a more in depth investigation," he assured. He paused as McGarrett yawned. "Anything else besides pointing you in the direction of your bedroom? You're done in, Steve."
The concern was waved away. "I'm a lot better. I'm fine."
Slipping his feet into his shoes and standing, Dan downed one more piece of cake. Energized, he seemed to have renewed focus and resolution. "I'll get on it right away."
Could there be greater contrast? Duplicity verses complete loyalty! He was irritated and disappointed at the first. Humbled and touched beyond measure by the latter.
"I'll come –"
"You've got to get some sleep, Steve," he hastily countered. "It won't take much time. I'll just a run down to the Palace to send off a few telex inquiries. You need to take care of yourself or Doc will be after both of us." He took the dishes to the sink. "I'll pick you up in the morning and let you know what I've got."
Not bothering to rise, Steve just nodded. "Mahalo, Danno."
"Sure," he automatically called at the door. Then he paused. "But, Steve, next time you go out on a date with a new girl, try someone above suspicion. Like a policewoman or something."
"Right," he smiled at the absurdity. "I don't mix business with pleasure like you, Officer Williams."
Eyes closed, McGarrett felt himself falling quickly into a carefree and long-delayed slumber. Questions, doubts, suspicions were taken care of for tonight. Bodyguards were around him. His most diligent agent was securing the future and he had complete faith that whatever hidden secrets Marnie had would be exposed by the tenacious Williams. It was safe to let go now, he smiled as he quickly slipped into a deep and contented sleep.
PAU