Chapter 14
"I Don't Know What to Do"
Nate spotted the unmarked police cars on the street near Steve's house. He observed the furtive glances the plainclothes officers gave him as he drove by them. Pulling into the driveway, he noticed his brother's truck was gone and in its place sat a familiar red Chevy Cruze. Kono was there, probably to protect Natalie. And me, he realized. That fact annoyed him, but then, he should be used to it by now. Being protected was the story of his life.
He knocked on the front door so he would not cause any unnecessary alarm by just walking in. Kono opened it, but did not look pleased to see him. Normally she would have smiled, or so he thought, but the events of the day must have caused her some anxiety.
"Hi," he said.
"Hey," Kono replied, her tone laden with indifference.
"What's goin' on?"
She glanced up the stairs where Natalie was looking for a game. "Steve didn't tell you?"
Nate shoved his hands in his pockets. "All he said was 'come home right now'."
She sighed and crossed her arms, figuring he had a right to know. "Do you know who Paul Keller is?"
"Steve mentioned him."
"Well, Danny, Chin and I were helping to transport him to the airport when we were ambushed and he escaped." Kono saw a look of concern cover his face.
"Is everyone okay?" Nate asked. "Are you okay?"
She detected a softening in his tone when he asked about her well-being. It gave her a slight feeling of satisfaction, but not enough to completely forget the incident with Nicole Millay the other evening. "I'm fine."
Nate frowned at her cool response. "Is something else wrong?"
"No, why would there be."
Nate knew enough about women to decipher Kono's reply. There was something wrong, but she was not about to tell him what it was. "Okay, if you say so."
"I do." She raised an eyebrow and turned away from him, calling up the stairs, "Natty, your uncle's here."
Nate heard the childlike thunder of an eight year old's feet as Natalie made her way downstairs. She flew into his arms and hugged him tightly, causing him to grimace. Injuries to the rib cage area proved difficult when you were around a little girl who liked to hug.
Kono had to admit she was a little jealous that Natalie could hug Nate so freely. She sighed away her feelings and resolved that she would stay indifferent to him.
"Uncle Nate, where's daddy?" Natalie asked. "Is he okay?"
Nate looked at Kono for a moment before he crouched down in front of Natalie. "I'm sure he's fine," he said, taking her hands and giving them a reassuring squeeze. "He just had to take care of some things."
She didn't look convinced. "When will he be back?"
"When he's done, I imagine."
Kono rolled her eyes. "Natty, did you find a game?"
"No, I don't want to play a game." Natalie looked like she was going to cry. "I just want daddy to come home."
"Hey, I have an idea," Nate said with enthusiasm. "How about you go get that book we were reading last night."
Natalie's eyes brightened with that suggestion and she scurried away to get the book. A couple of minutes later, all three of them were seated on the couch. Natalie had grabbed her blanket and flashlight along with the book and snuggled next to Nate.
Kono sat on the other side of him, not by choice, but because Natalie wanted her to be close enough so she could see the illustrations. She did not wish to cause the little girl any more grief, so she complied with her request. She had to admit it was pleasant listening to Nate read. He changed his voice for each character and stopped dramatically at crucial points in the story, which caused Natalie to urge him on frantically.
Kono glanced at Nate. His expression displayed a childlike wonder that she found endearing. There was something nice about being around him, but she didn't know what to do about that. Her stubborn side wanted to remain indifferent to him, but the longer she was with him the more her resolve began to splinter.
* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *
The three Five-0 members had finished with their investigation shortly after Lynch had been taken to the hospital. Steve had told Danny and Chin they could leave, but they stayed because he stayed.
"He should go home," Chin said, glancing at Steve, who stood by himself several feet away. "Waiting around here all day isn't going to help us find Keller."
Danny ran a hand through his hair. "I know, but look at him. I don't think he knows what else to do. I don't know what else to do."
"We'll do what we always do.
"And that is?"
Chin smirked. "Make it up as we go."
Danny couldn't help but smile. "You're not helping me right now."
"Maybe not, but I got you to smile."
"You, my friend, are beginning to scare me."
Chin inclined his head toward Steve. "Just go talk to him and try to get him to go home. Then we'll head back to HQ and figure out what to do next."
Danny took a deep breath and blew it out noisily through his lips. "Okay, I'll talk to him, but you owe me."
"I'll buy you a pizza."
"I think you're gonna buy me a steak."
"You got it," Chin replied as Danny walked away.
Steve knew Danny and Chin were talking about him, but he didn't care. He was lost in the scene of the burnt and twisted wreckage. He should have seen this coming. Perhaps he had, but it was too late now.
"Why don't you go home," Danny said, walking up beside him.
"And do what?"
"Be with Natty."
Steve nodded his head and turned to look at his partner. "Am I supposed to tell her what happened?"
The look Danny saw in his eyes was one of uncertainty. Slipping his hands into his pockets, Danny replied. "I don't know, Steve. I really don't know."
"I'm supposed to keep things like this from happening. I'm supposed to keep her safe. What will she think if I can't even do that?"
Danny gave Steve an incredulous look. "What are you, God? Things happen that even you can't control. I know that may come as a surprise to you, but it's the truth."
Steve wiped a hand down his face and held it over his mouth for a moment. "If I had been here maybe I could have stopped him."
"Do you really believe that?"
"I could have at least put a bullet in him," Steve shot back.
"Yeah, that would have solved all your problems. Look, Steve, there wasn't anything you could have done. It happened and now we move on, okay? Now would you please go home. Natty's probably wondering what's going on. And if she finds out, it should come from you.
"Okay," Steve sighed, "I'll go."
"Oh, and I'd start coming up with a reason why your face looks like you ran into a wall because she's gonna ask."
Steve touched the swollen area on his jaw and winced. He would never admit it to Danny, but the blond haired detective had a powerful right hook. He would need to put some ice on his jaw later.
Danny noticed his discomfort. He patted Steve's shoulder. "Yeah, sorry about that."
"Sure you are."
"Well, under normal circumstances I don't think I would be, but today I am. It was a sad moment in Five-0's history. But then again," Danny smirked, "it is good to know that Chin and I can take you."
Steve gave him a tired grin. "When this is all over you two can try again."
"Well, we wouldn't want to hurt your delicate ego."
"Thanks, Danno."
Danny knew those words encompassed more than appreciation for not hurting his partner's ego. "Anytime, Steve."
* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *
Alex glanced out her car window at the flowering bushes and trees as she drove to meet her boss. She had always enjoyed spring in Virginia. It was the time before the heat and humidity set in and before the need for air conditioning. However, since she came back from Hawaii, nothing here seemed pleasant. Everything was a vivid reminder of how miserable she had been during the past four years. But things were better now. Or at least they should be.
Things were right again with her and Steve and they were getting married, but she still felt the crushing weight of what happened to her in China. Even though Steve said he loved her, she wondered if, as time passed, he would be disappointed because she couldn't give him any children. The fear of that possibility plagued her. She realized it was something they would need to work through together in the coming months and years.
Alex arrived at her destination and parked the car. She sat there for a few minutes thinking and worrying about Steve. She had detected the anger in his voice when he told her the news of Keller's escape. She knew he wouldn't sit idly by and wait for Keller to turn himself in. Steve would be so focused on finding Keller, Alex wondered if he would be able to care for Natalie.
All these thoughts were making it hard to concentrate on the meeting ahead of her. She kept postponing talking with her boss because she was undecided as to what she would do about her job.
There really isn't another option except to quit, she thought. For Natty's sake if nothing else. What kind of life would it be for her to have both her parents working such demanding jobs?
Alex gripped the steering wheel and took several deep breaths, exhaling each one slowly. She was not looking forward to this talk with her boss.
Alan Wright, was a tough CIA veteran who had seen a lot of action and he expected nothing but the best from the people who worked for him. He applauded resourcefulness and creativity, encouraging his agents to get a mission done no matter what the cost, human or otherwise. He also had a weakness for coffee. That's why he suggested they meet at this small coffee shop.
Alex stepped out of her car and walked to where Alan was seated at an outside table. He was a wiry man about five feet ten inches in height with black hair flecked with gray. He held a newspaper in front of him, but she could tell he was watching her. She pulled out the chair across from him and sat down. After a few moments he set aside his paper.
"This is one thing I refuse to read online," Alan said, patting his paper. "I love the feel of a newspaper in my hands. It's especially nice with a cup of coffee." He pointed to her. "What would you like? Coffee? Tea?"
"Iced tea. Two lemons and lots of sugar."
"Be right back."
Alex didn't think Alan Wright had ever gotten anyone coffee or tea in his life. She wondered why he was being so…nice. A minute later he came back with her request. She thanked him and absently twirled the ice with her straw while she waited for him to speak.
A few minutes passed and Alex began to think he would never say anything until he finally blurted out, "What the hell is wrong with you, Reilly?" He didn't wait for her to reply. "You're not acting like yourself. You've always known where you were going and how to get there. But now, you're like an emotional train wreck."
She blinked twice. "I'm fine, sir."
He snorted and leaned back in his chair. "Three times," he held up that many fingers, "three times I had to reschedule this meeting with you. Do you want to tell me why or do I have to guess?" He gave her three seconds before he continued, "Fine, I can guess. Does it have something to do with that damn SEAL you were mixed up with four years ago?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "The ring on your finger hasn't exactly escaped my notice. When were you going to tell me?"
"Right now. I'm getting married and moving to Hawaii."
"Well, that's going to be a long commute to work, isn't it?"
Alex went back to twirling the ice in her glass.
"So, he's making you quit, huh?"
She looked him in the eye. "He's not making me do anything."
Alan laughed. "Wait 'til you're married for a while, that will change. It makes me sick to think an intelligent woman like you will soon be relegated to doing the man's laundry, cleaning up after him, making his meals and all that crap. Plus, you'll be at his beck and call whenever he needs something rubbed-"
"Alan!" The tone of her voice made him smile.
"That's better. I was afraid I had lost you. Well, I guess I am losing you if you're willing to sacrifice yourself on the altar of matrimony."
Alex sat back in her chair and folded her arms. "What am I supposed to do?"
Her boss grinned devilishly. "Dump him."
She frowned. "About my job, Alan."
He leaned forward and rested his arms on the table. "This is what you're going to do. Finish up your work here and go marry the guy if you have to-"
"His name is Steve."
"Whatever." He brushed her comment aside with a flip of his hand. "When you're getting sick of his demands, we'll talk."
Alex rolled her eyes. "Fine." She wasn't going to try to convince her boss that Steve wasn't demanding because she knew he could be. And yet, there was so much more to him that a man like Alan wouldn't understand.
"Now that we've dispensed with the topic of you leaving me, which I am taking personally, we can move on to other things. I read Adams'- or Lynch's or whatever we're calling him these days- I read his report on your little adventure in Hawaii. It was…interesting."
Alex bit the inside of her lip and shifted in her seat. She had known this was coming, but it still didn't make it any easier.
Alan noticed her reaction and decided to proceed gently because he considered himself a nice guy. "How is the little girl? It's Natalie, right?"
She folded her hands on the table. "Yes, she's doing fine." Her response was almost robot-like.
He narrowed his hazel eyes. "It must have been scary for her."
Alex knew he was really asking about herself. "She was a brave girl, but it was unnerving."
He nodded in response. "Her mother Annie was brave too. One of the best. Yet, she was a perfect example of an intelligent woman who married and then the idiot ruined her life." He scowled. "He's still ruining people's lives."
Alex felt her throat tighten and she turned away pretending to admire a planter filled with flowers.
Alan studied her. "Alex, I don't want you to worry about Keller." She turned her attention to him once more. "He's the last thing in the world you need to be concerned about. After all you are getting married. That's what you should be concerned about."
"Thank you for putting my concern in the right direction."
"You're welcome. So, how much longer 'till I lose you."
* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *
Kono's rough morning had taken more out of her than she realized. She shook her head trying to dispel the weariness that flowed over her. She needed to focus on the reason she was at the McGarrett house. She was here to protect Natalie and as she thought more about it, Nate, too. Although, she didn't have the feeling he would run and hide if bullets started flying.
Her eyelids slid closed as she listened to Nate's soothing voice read the final chapter of The Doll People. She finally rested her head on the back of the couch and dozed off.
"She must be tired," Natalie whispered, leaning forward to look at Kono.
Nate glanced down at Kono, whose head was just touching his shoulder.
"She's pretty when she sleeps," Natalie added. "Like a princess, but not one of those Disney ones. What do you think?"
He had to agree. But he wasn't going to admit that to Natalie because he didn't want to fuel the little girl's plans for him and Kono to be a couple. "It's not polite to look at people when they're asleep," Nate said.
"Why are you looking at her then?"
"Because you said- never mind. Let's just finish the story."
Natalie took one last peek at Kono before settling back into her place on the couch. Nate read the last two pages and then closed the book with a loud thud, which was meant to wake the sleeping princess.
Startled, Kono sat up.
Natalie elbowed Nate and whispered, "You were supposed to kiss her to wake her up. It would have been less traumatic." Nate's expression told Natalie to drop the subject.
Kono stood and scanned the room, "Did you hear something?"
"That was the book closing, Uncle Nate's rude." Natalie scowled at him as she slid off the couch. "Let's play sardines."
Kono stifled a yawn. "What's that?"
"It's hide and seek, but different. Don't worry I'll tell you how to play. Uncle Nate, you have to hide first."
* * * * * * H50 * * * * * *
Lynch did not like to be worried, paranoid, yes, but never worried. To him, paranoia was a survival skill; worry was a health hazard. But from the moment Arthur Stetson, whom Lynch referred to as Alfred, picked him up from the hospital, he had been worrying.
His imagination went wild each time they passed a side street as he imagined "Alfred" discarding his body in one of them, after he slit his throat. Lynch's hand instinctively went to his neck. Many in the business considered Arthur Stetson's skill with a knife to be an art form that had yet to be surpassed by anyone.
"Are you alright, Mr. Adams?" Arthur asked. "Should I stop?"
"No!" Lynch replied more forcefully then he intended. "I'm good." He was acting like a drama queen. He wondered if there was such a thing as a drama king. He would feel better about that.
Jason, pull yourself together, he told himself, but he did not take his eyes off "Alfred".
Lynch was not acting completely irrational. He knew Mr. Hamilton was not all that forgiving, and Arthur Stetson had a reputation for making people disappear who had outlived their usefulness or in his case screwed up. Whether he worried or not, his health was at risk.
When they arrived at Mr. Hamilton's residence, Lynch was unsure whether that was a good sign or not. They probably decided the house was the best place to kill him so he could die a slow, painful death. Then they would dump his ravaged body into the ocean. He had always dreamed of having an open casket funeral. That would never happen now.
He yawned and turned to Arthur. "Alf-" he corrected himself, "Stetson, just kill me now and get it over with."
Arthur looked at the younger man with a trace of amusement on his face. "Excuse me?"
Lynch's head slumped on the back of the seat as he looked at the older man. For some reason he was suddenly feeling tired. "Juth kill me and make it painleth." His words weren't coming out quite right. He shook his head. "Why am I so tired? Wait…you poisoned me." He clutched the front of his shirt. "How much time do I have before my heart stops?" His head slumped on his chest.
Arthur wondered how he was going to drag the delusional agent inside. He might need to get assistance.
After a fifteen second nap, Lynch's head popped up. "Tell Alex…tell Alex I… I…what's wrong with me? Why do I feel so strange?"
"That would be pain medication, Mr. Adams."
"I said no pain mediation!" Lynch snapped. "I mean meditation…medicine! I'm so confused. I don't know what to do."
"Don't worry you'll be fine," Arthur said, getting out of the car. He walked around to the passenger side where Lynch had stumbled out of the vehicle and was beginning to zigzag up the walkway. "Let me help you." He took the younger man's arm and helped him to the front door.
"How am I supposed to find Keller if I'm drugged," Lynch complained. "I told the doctor not to give me anything for the pain. Who did this to me?"
Arthur was not inclined to tell the young agent that he himself was responsible for the administration of the pain medication. They entered the house and Arthur led the unstable man to the library. He pushed aside the large mahogany door and guided Lynch through the opening.
Lynch stopped abruptly, forcing Arthur to stop as well. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded. He was not sure if he could trust his eyes because standing before him, very much alive, was T.J., along with the cause of his rotten day, Paul Keller.
A/N: I'm so sorry for the long delay in posting. Lately, there has been little time for writing. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Any thoughts, comments, reviews…or weather reports are welcome. :D Thanks so much for reading.
Caseofmistakenidentity, you're doing awesome with reviews. Thanks so much! :D