Chapter 8

"Jamie"

Nate steered the Carerra GT into the parking area at 5-0 headquarters, followed by another sporty European convertible that he brought for Danny. He saw the blonde haired detective grinning like a kid about to receive a long awaited "toy". Chin stood to his co-worker's right with a woman Nate did not know. It surprised him Chin had not mentioned the possibility of bringing a date. The dinner reservations were for four people, not five.

Oh, he thought. Maybe Kono decided not to come. Why wouldn't she tell me?

However, when he came to a stop he realized he did know the woman. She was Kono. He had not recognized her all dressed up. Her hair was pulled up in a gentle sweep on top of her head and one loose curl hung down the left side of her face. In Nate's opinion, the cream colored, knee length dress she wore and the sunset colored shawl wrapped around her shoulders made her look like a Hawaiian princess.

Nate opened his door and stepped out. He called a "thank you" to the man who had driven the convertible over before the man left in a third vehicle.

"These cars look too perfect to drive," Danny said, admiring the cars.

"Yeah, but a car is made to be driven, especially these," Nate answered. "I brought the Spider for you," Nate said as he pointed to the magnesium grey convertible, which was parked behind the car he had driven. "Do you like it?"

"Yeah, it's great," Danny praised. "It's called the Spider?"

"Well, technically it's called the 8C Spider made by Alfa Romeo. The 'Spider' gives it a more superhero sound."

Danny and Chin looked at each other and grinned, both thinking they were the hero and the other was the sidekick. Finally, Danny voiced the thought out loud. "Chin, you can be my sidekick."

Kono smirked as the two began to debate who would be the better hero as they continued to admire the car. She appreciated the car as much as the guys did, but at the moment she was appreciating something or rather someone else. That someone was Nate McGarrett.

He wore a fitted black blazer, which defined his trim form and a button up shirt that made his blue eyes appear even more brilliant than usual. She thought he looked amazing. It would be a challenge for her to keep from staring at him all evening.

"Well, we should get going," Nate said.

"Okay, sidekick," Chin teased Danny, "I'll let you drive."

"Could you let this go and let me be the hero?" Danny pleaded. "Steve's not here."

"I am letting you drive," Chin countered as they climbed into the vehicle.

Kono tried not to seem too happy about the fact she would be driving with Nate, but it was hard, especially when he opened the passenger door for her and helped her in.

They watched Danny, who was all too eager to get going, speed out of the parking lot ahead of them.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

It took some time, but Steve finally managed to calm Natalie, so that he could pick up her off the floor and move to the couch. The little girl now sat sideways on Steve's lap, resting her head on his chest as she clutched the front of his shirt.

Natalie took in a shaky breath trying to stifle the sobs that were threatening to begin again. The thought of being associated with the name Keller caused her great distress. She could not imagine that man being her father. The man she called daddy was honorable, protective and loving. He would never hurt her or use her for selfish gain.

Steve was unsure how long they sat this way, but he noticed Natalie's eyelids beginning to droop and before long she was asleep. He rested his head against the back of the couch and closed his eyes. After a quarter of an hour passed, the thought occurred to him that he had not called Alex back since cutting their conversation short that morning. He pulled out his phone and selected her number.

"Hey," Alex answered. "I've been waiting for you to call all day. Is everything okay?"

"For the moment," Steve replied.

"That doesn't sound good. Are you alright?"

"Yeah, but Natty's not that great."

Alex sighed. "Is she not listening to you?"

"It's not that," he said, lifting his head and looking down at the little girl on his lap. "Today has just been a rough day for her." Steve went on to tell Alex about Natalie's nightmare, what happened at school, his discussion with Mrs. Schofield and the little girl's most recent trouble this evening.

"My poor baby," Alex sighed.

"Thanks, but this is about Natalie," Steve joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"You're ridiculous," she chuckled. "Thanks for trying to make me laugh."

"You know, I've been thinking about one of the things Mrs. Schofield mentioned."

"Which one?" Alex asked.

"That sometimes kids have a hard time dealing with change. And with all that Natty has gone through regarding her father and how she feels about him, I don't think it's helping her to make an easy adjustment to living here."

"Well, it should help when I come back and we can get into more of a routine."

"She needs it right now."

"Well, what are you suggesting?"

"I was wondering what you thought about Natty staying with me, instead of with your parents. I thought we could start fixing up my sister's old room that way Natty can have a room that's hers and she can get settled."

"I think that sounds great. Natty will like that. I kind of feel like I've dumped all this on you though, I'm sorry," Alex apologized. "I should have brought Natty with me, but I know she didn't want to be away from you. But you're busy with work and what if you get called out in the middle of the night or-"

"Hey," Steve interrupted her, "you don't have to apologize. I can do this."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure."

"I wish I was there to help you…no, I just wish I was there."

"I want you here, too, because…"

"You miss me?"

"Yeah," he smiled. "Danny's waiting for me to fall apart. He told me I would be losing it by tonight."

"Are you?" she wondered.

"Natty told me I was grouchy," Steve admitted and Alex laughed at the comment, "but I think I can hold out until Sunday. I'm warning you now that I may not share you with anyone when you come back."

"Promise?"

"Absolutely."

"Hey, I've been wondering about something," Alex began.

"Uh-oh," Steve said.

"Just listen. Do you think I've changed much since we were together four years ago?"

Steve thought for a moment. "I think you have, now that you mention it."

Alex was trying to imagine in what way he thought she had changed. Was it good or bad? "Do you care to elaborate?"

"Oh," he answered reluctantly, "so you want me to tell you?"

"I wouldn't have brought it up if I wanted you to keep it to yourself."

"Well, if you really want to know."

"Yes," she said impatiently.

"Okay…you're more beautiful than you were four years ago."

She exhaled loudly. "I don't know what to say to you right now. You made it sound like it was something terrible."

"Wow, I actually got you. I actually fooled Alex Reilly."

"Yeah, well, it's not going to happen again."

"You keep thinking that. Oh, and there is one other thing I would add to that change thing."

"What?"

"I'm not sure if it's possible, but you're more stubborn than I remember."

"That's not so terrible, is it?" she said with a degree of uncertainty in her voice.

"Alex, did you ask me that question for a reason because I'm trying to figure out where you're going with this?" She did not answer right away, so he continued hesitantly, "Have you changed your mind about us?"

"No," she assured him. "It's just my sister-"

"Oh," Steve said as understanding dawned on him. "I should have known. You were talking to Abby weren't you? She is the only person besides your dad that can make you question a decision you've made. You know, I wish I could join that club."

"I'm not questioning my decision to marry you and no one tells me what to think!" Alex realized her tone was a bit harsh. She paused and took a deep breath before continuing, "My father and sister just happen to bring up some good points and for your information, you are in a club all by yourself. I'm pretty sure you are the only one who can ever change my mind about anything."

Steve grinned. "I have all that power, huh? I think I'll put that to good use."

"You're not the only one with that power," she informed him. "May I remind you that I was the one who convinced you to dress up as Batman that one Halloween after you said there was no way you were putting on a costume. I was the envy of every woman at that party," she boasted. "Oh, and I have pictures, do you think Danny might like to see those?"

He smirked. "Alex, you haven't changed at all." Then a thought occurred to him. "Wait, is this about me? You think I've changed?" She did not respond to his question. "This is about me, isn't it?" She remained silent. "Alex, just tell me what you're thinking."

"I don't really know what it is. It's just…something I've seen in your eyes."

"So you're going on something you've seen in my eyes?" he asked as he ran his hand over Natalie's hair while she slept. "It was probably a lack of sleep you saw."

"It was not a lack of sleep. I noticed it mostly when we talked about your dad, but I think it's always there, lurking in the shadows."

He let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm not a character in one of your books, Alex. There's nothing lurking in the shadows. You're seeing things."

"You know you can't lie to me, even over the phone."

Steve pulled the phone away from his ear and closed his eyes for a moment. He knew he could not keep Alex in the dark forever about the circumstances surrounding his father's murder and the connection to Wo Fat, but now was not the time to tell her. "I don't know what you saw, but there's nothing."

"I don't want this to turn into an argument," Alex assured him, "but there is something you are keeping from me and I'm worried how this could affect our relationship." Steve tried to cut her off, but she silenced him. "Close your mouth and listen to me!" She could hear his irritation simmering as she continued, "We are getting married and we have a little girl to think about. Whatever goes on between the two of us she will either benefit or suffer from. Do you understand that?"

"I get that, Alex!" Steve snapped. "Believe me."

"Daddy why are you yelling at mommy?" Natalie asked, sleepily.

"Shh, it's okay sweetheart," Steve said, gently rubbing her back, "go back to sleep."

"I have to go to the bathroom."

"Okay, go ahead," Steve replied. Natalie slid off his lap and shuffled off to the bathroom.

Alex cleared her throat.

"Don't say it," Steve warned.

"It's already happening."

"I asked you not to say it."

"Look, you know I have my ways of finding things out, but I would rather you tell me about it. You need to stop trying to protect me and let me help you. I'm not going to fall apart or crumble; I'm not some China doll." She realized "China doll" was a poor example because of what had happened to her in China. She could hear him shutting the door on the possibility of him telling her what he was keeping from her.

"Leave it alone, Alex," he said in a firm tone.

She knew that tone. Arguing was futile. She bit back what she wanted to say and asked instead, "So, can I talk to Natalie?"

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Nate had not said a word since pulling out of the parking lot at headquarters, and Kono was beginning to wonder if something was wrong.

He is so quiet, she thought. We had a nice conversation yesterday when we ate our shave ice and when we went hiking last week. Why isn't he talking? Maybe he is wishing Chin drove with him instead. I wonder if he thinks this dress is too much for tonight. He did look at it several times when he helped me into the car. Maybe I should have worn my black dress. It's more subdued. Kono shifted self-consciously in her seat and glanced over at him. Hmm, his hair…

Nate could tell Kono was looking at him again. What did that mean? Is something wrong? he thought. Maybe she wanted to drive in the Spider, but she got stuck driving with me. At that moment, horror sliced through his stomach. I never looked at my hair. How did Natalie fix it? He discreetly leaned to the right, so he could see his reflection in the rear view mirror, but he realized that was not a good idea. You idiot, he thought. What's she gonna think you're doing? She's gonna think you're vain or maybe that you're trying to take her hand or something. He straightened up.

What was that? Kono wondered, looking at him out of the corner of her eye. Maybe he was going to hold my hand. Girl, you're ridiculous. She looked down and realized her arms were crossed. Oh, you, fool! She rolled her eyes. How can I casually unfold my arms without it looking like I want him to hold my hand.

"Natalie fixed it!" he blurted out. His sudden words made Kono jump. "I mean my hair…she wanted to fix my hair, so that's why it looks like…it does." He looked out his side window. McGarrett, you're an idiot.

"That was sweet of her," Kono responded. "I was actually thinking it looked great."

"Oh, really…thanks." I should probably say something about how pretty she looks. "Um…you look nice, by the way."

By the way? Kono thought. As in, by the way your mother called or by the way we're having fish for dinner tonight. "Thanks," she smiled.

They arrived at the restaurant in time to see one of the valets driving the Spider to a parking place. Nate pulled up to the curb and a valet opened the car door for Kono and helped her out. Stepping out of the car, Nate accepted the ticket handed to him.

"Enjoy your evening, sir," the valet said.

"Thank you," Nate replied. He walked around the back of the car and joined Kono. Donning an English accent, Nate said, "Your castle awaits, milady." For a brief moment, he hesitated before offering her his arm.

Kono smiled, and a laugh nearly escaped her lips when he gave her the most adorable grin she had ever seen. She hoped their awkwardness was behind them. Wrapping her arm around his she felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and fear collide within her. As the strong and gentle arm guided her forward, she felt like the lady in waiting Natalie had portrayed her as in the drawing the little girl made earlier in the day. In that moment, Kono decided Nate McGarrett was well worth waiting for.

Danny and Chin stood by the fountain in the courtyard as they waited for Nate and Kono. "Wow," Danny said. "Look at that smile on Kono's face. Hey, is there something going on with those two I don't know about?"

Chin raised an eyebrow. "I don't know, is there?"

"Why are you answering my question with a question?"

"I don't know, am I?" Chin asked.

Danny shook his head. "Maybe I should ask Kono myself."

"No!" Chin blurted out.

"So, there is something going on."

"I didn't say anything," Chin insisted.

"No," Danny said, "you didn't say anything."

The two men became quiet as the pair they had been discussing approached.

Kono looked from one to the other. "What?" she asked, her face alight with a smile.

Danny clapped his hands together. "Nothing," he answered innocently, "it's just a nice night…a beautiful night. Don't you think so, Chin?"

Chin smiled. "It's definitely nice."

"Right," Kono responded, not convinced by their replies.

Once inside the restaurant they were greeted by the maître d'. "Ah, Monsieur McGarrett, bienvenue. Comment allez-vous?

"Très bien, merci, François," Nate replied.

"It has been too long since we have seen you," François said with his thick French accent.

"Yes, it has been."

"I have prepared your usual table for you and your guests. Please, right this way."

François led the way to the table and the four followed.

"I didn't know you spoke French," Kono whispered to Nate.

"I can speak a word or two," he admitted.

They were seated at a table nestled in a quiet windowed corner, which overlooked the ocean. Kono sat across from Nate, while Danny and Chin sat opposite from each other. François informed the party their waiter would be with them momentarily.

"So, you speak French," Danny said. "Where did you learn that?"

"After eleven years of being encouraged to speak French at the dinner table, I guess I picked it up."

"Impressive."

"Well, one of my uncle's hobbies is linguistics and he tried to pass that on to me."

"Do you come here often?" Danny asked, glancing through the menu in his hands.

"I've been here a few times on business," Nate replied.

"Can you elaborate on what your job actually entails?" Chin requested.

"Basically, potential buyers approach my boss and tell him what they are looking for and then I go on a treasure hunt until I can locate the type of car they want. Sometimes it takes days, sometimes weeks; it all depends on the rarity of the car and whether the owner is willing to sell it. There is a lot of traveling involved."

"Sounds exciting," Kono smiled, turning a page in her menu.

"Yeah," Danny piped in. "How does one get a job like yours? Because when I can't follow your brother into battle anymore, I'd like to be able to hang around expensive cars and get paid for it."

Nate laughed. "My uncle's friend recruited me," he answered. "And it's not all that glamorous. It's really a lot of hard work."

The waiter came up to their table and took their orders. The conversation continued and Kono sat contentedly listening to Nate talk about various cars and some of the places he had traveled. For a moment, her attention shifted to an older, distinguished looking gentleman walking into the dining area with a stunning young woman on his arm, who was laughing flirtatiously at a comment he made.

Kono rolled her eyes. Some guys like 'em young, she thought

Kono looked around the room and noticed most of the male population gawking at the woman. The spaghetti strap dress she wore, with horizontal accordion pleats, hung an inch above her knees. Its silver color complemented her dark, reddish brown hair that fell about her shoulders in loose curls. She walked with a sway that would hypnotize an onlooker if they watched her for too long.

Kono shook her head and pulled her eyes away, focusing on Nate, who was asking Danny what he thought of the Spider. The New Jersey Native was about to answer when they heard a woman's voice call out, "Jamie? Jamie, is that you?"

Kono watched in horror as Nate responded to the name "Jamie" by turning his head toward the woman in the silver dress.

"It is you!" the woman said excitedly as she dragged the older man she was with over to the table.

Nate pushed back his chair and stood. "Nicole, what are you doing here?"

The woman replied by wrapping her arms around him and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "I don't even get a hello?" she questioned, her velvety green eyes caressing his face.

"Hello."

"You are too funny, Jamie," she said, straightening his blazer and then taking his arm. "I want you to meet daddy, but of course you can call him Mr. Millay. Daddy, this is Nathan James McGarrett, remember the one I told you about, who does that thing with cars."

"Yes, I do remember, dear," her father said with a measure of disinterest. "Nice to meet you Mr. McGarrett."

"A pleasure, sir," Nate replied, shaking the man's hand.

"Jamie," Nicole said, playfully scolding him, "are you going to introduce me to your friends or do I have to introduce myself?"

"I'm sorry," Nate responded. Chin and Danny stood while the introductions were made. "Nicole, this is Chin Ho Kelly, Danny Williams and Kono Kalakaua. Everyone this is…an old friend, Nicole Millay and her father, Mr. Millay.

"It's so wonderful to meet all of you," Nicole smiled.

Kono was unsure if Nicole truly meant those words, but she was quite certain she did not like this woman. Taking a look at Chin and Danny, Kono felt alone in that opinion. At least her cousin had the dignity not to drool when introduced to Nicole, but she could not say the same for Danny.

"Ow!" Danny exclaimed, sending Kono a scowl. "What was that for," he whispered to her.

Kono shrugged in reply, wishing she could have kicked Nate instead, but he was standing out of her reach.

"I love your hair, Jamie," Nicole purred as she ran her fingers possessively down the back of his head. "It's so sexy looking."

Get your claws off him! Kono screamed in her head.

"Jamie, you didn't say anything about my dress," Nicole pouted. "What do you think?" She turned slowly so he could see her from every angle.

"You look fabulous, Nicole," Nate responded.

Those words crushed Kono's heart. I look nice, she thought, and Nicole looks fabulous. Kono stood abruptly, dropping her napkin onto the floor. "Excuse me. I need to find the ladies' room."

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Kono closed her eyes and took several deep breaths as she leaned on the marble counter, thankful she was the only one in the ladies' room. She wished she could splash cold water on her face, but then, what little makeup she was wearing would be ruined.

This could not be happening. Nate said he did not have a girlfriend, but how was she supposed to believe that when he and this woman seemed to be on such intimate terms.

Nicole was the definition of perfection. She was a walking cliché; unfortunately, she was real and she was ruining Kono's evening. She frowned as she thought of Nicole's perfect hair, her perfect face and those flirtatious green eyes that were constantly touching Nate. Kono shuddered at the idea.

Catching a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror, she studied herself. Why would he want me, she thought, when he can have her? Kono dabbed at a tear that threatened to escape her eye. Pull yourself together, girl. He's just a guy. No reason to be upset. Who am I kidding? He isn't just a guy to me. She sighed, knowing that hiding in the ladies' room for the remainder of the evening was not an option; she needed to rejoin the others.

She smoothed out her dress and pushed back a few stray hairs that had fallen from her hair pins. "Kono Kalakaua," she said aloud, "you never shy away from a difficult situation and you're not going to start now."

Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, she exited the restroom and made her way back to the table. If she had only waited a few seconds more she would not have witnessed Nicole hug Nate goodbye and secretly slip what looked like a hotel keycard into the pocket of his blazer. What was far worse, in Kono's eyes, was watching Nate smile and take Nicole's hand in his for a brief moment before saying goodbye.

Kono could not look at Nate for the rest of the evening, but she kept up with the conversation and even laughed at Danny's attempt to speak French.

Chin, however, noticed the subtle change in his cousin; her beautiful smile had faded to a simple spreading of her lips.

* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *

Nate found Nicole's hotel room. He glanced up and down the hall before pulling out the keycard she had slipped into his pocket earlier in the evening. He inserted it into the slot and removed it as he slowly turned the handle and opened the door.

Entering the luxurious suite, he was greeted by dim lights, soft music and the scent of Nicole's exotic perfume lingering in the air. A bottle of champagne sat chilling on the table, accompanied by two long stemmed fluted glasses and a pair of lit candles. He heard a noise to his left and from the corner of his eye he saw a wine colored streak flowing toward him. As he turned, Nicole grabbed hold of him.

"Oh, Jamie," she breathed, "I've missed you." She captured Nate's lips with her own and drew him into her passionate embrace.

A/N: Did I leave you hanging? I hope so. Sorry. I did write a better summary for the story because the short one just doesn't do it justice. I posted it below. I hope it gives you a clearer picture of where this story is going without giving too much away. I'd love to know what you think. Thanks so much for reading.

Extended summary: Steve's fiancé, Alex, has gone back to Virginia to tie up loose ends with her job and prepare for her new life in Hawaii. She has left eight year old Natalie behind to begin school, which presents Steve with the challenge of learning how to be a father. Kono's attraction to Steve's younger brother, Nate, becomes more apparent to Chin and the others, but Nate seems to be the only one not catching on.

When Paul Keller, escapes from prison, Steve can't shake the feeling that Nate knows more than he is telling. Secrets threaten to part the brothers forever, but Danny tries desperately to keep them together. When Steve's life is turned upside down and he finds himself on the wrong side of the law, he is forced to join a mysterious operative to take down their common enemy in exchange for his freedom. The rest of the Five-0 team and several other skilled professionals join in the dangerous task. But will the mission, which is meant to obtain justice, twist into a sinister plot of revenge, placing all their lives at risk?