Chapter 5
Che Fong finished studying the sample on the microscope slide and straightened from his bent position to face his not-so-patient visitor.
"The blood we took from the carpet is A-positive, same as Dan's," Che explained gently to the lead detective. The forensic scientist understood the fondness that Steve had for his second-in-command and knew that this information would only compound the man's concerns.
Steve's jaw tightened as he leaned against the wall of the crime lab. His mind attempted to sort and prioritize the multiple crises that were on his shoulders: the governor and his wife; Kono, torn between loyalty to his family and to his duty as a cop; and now, Danno had been taken, apparently further injured. He willed his thoughts back to the business at hand.
"What else, Che?"
"We also found a fair amount of red dirt on the carpet inside the apartment and in the hallway by Dan's door."
"Pineapple field!" Steve exclaimed. "That could be where they're being held."
"I'd say that's a good bet, Steve," Che agreed.
o-o-o-o-o
As Kono entered the main office of Five-O headquarters, Jenny smiled at him from her desk.
"Kono! The boss wants to see you. He says it's urgent." Jenny called out as the Hawaiian started to approach his cubicle.
"Mahalo," Kono replied. The faint glimmer of a smile failed to reach his eyes. He passed the secretary's desk and walked up to Steve's office. After the first round of knocking, he was greeted by Steve's response and opened the door. Entering the office, Kono took a deep breath, feeling somewhat ill at ease. His cousin's involvement in a crime that was making headline news fast took its toll on the young detective. As a cop he was duty bound to protect the island by keeping its people safe. It was a duty he would willingly sacrifice his life for. But was he willing to sacrifice his own blood? He feared his cousin's ties to the land and his people could end in bloodshed whether it be an innocent's or Maleko's. Faced with this heavy burden Kono stood in front of Steve's desk trying not to let his emotions be seen by his colleagues as they cast furtive glances in his direction.
"Kono, we believe Mrs. Jameson and Danno are being held near a pineapple field. We just don't know which one." Steve announced.
"I think I know which one. There's a pineapple field off da Kamehameha Highway where Maleko used to work until he was fired."
"Good, Kono. You know Maleko better than anyone in this room. What are the chances he will listen to you and release the hostages?" Steve questioned the Hawaiian detective.
"Honest, Boss? Maleko and I don't see eye to eye no more. Years ago we were friends but now…" Kono's voice trailed off and he shook his head dismally.
"Ben said he saw two men at Washington Place when they took Mrs. Jameson. Do you know who Maleko might be working with?" Chin asked as he turned to face his colleague with sympathy written on his features.
Kono pondered his answer for a moment before something crossed his mind. "I don't know for sure. I tried to call Kimo, his younger bruddah, before I left my great-uncle's house. I got no answer. He always watches Maleko catching da big waves at da Pipe. He never gets into trouble. Why would he do dis with Maleko?" Kono's question hung in the air for what seemed a long time before anyone spoke again.
"It could be Kimo was coerced into helping Maleko in his cause. Maybe, just maybe if we can get to him, he can help us end this without bloodshed." Steve declared.
"Let me talk to him. Kimo listens." Kono's determination was enough to convince Steve to give him the chance to talk Kimo into helping them bring this nightmare to an end.
o-o-o-o-o
Danny and Mrs. Jameson looked up, startled at the sound of a bolt being drawn back outside the door. A young Hawaiian man entered carrying two Styrofoam cups in his hands. Danny immediately recognized him as Kimo.
As Kimo knelt down and brought the cup to Danny's mouth, the wounded detective was grateful for the water. "Thank you, Kimo" he said.
"Quiet," Kimo hissed. "My bruddah doesn't know I'm here."
When Kimo walked over to Patti, Danny decided to keep press his luck. "Look, Kimo. What you're doing is only hurting your people and your cause. We know this was your brother's idea but your presence here makes you an accessory. Free us or get word to Five-O where we're hidden and I'll see what I can do with the judge."
Kimo backed toward door, shaking his head. "I can't help you."
"Yes you can," Danny countered. "All you have to …"
"No!" Kimo shouted, forgetting to his own order to be quiet. "I'm tired of Haoles tellin' me what to do. I'm tired of Haoles stealing our land! You can be free when Maleko gets want he wants." Then without another word, Kimo stormed out of the small room.
o-o-o-o-o
Steve had noticed a change in Kono's demeanor the closer they got to the pineapple field and Kono started barking orders to Steve, Chin. and HPD as to the best way to approach and secure the perimeter. Steve could tell that Kono feared that this day would end in violence and that he wanted to protect both of his ohanas – police force and his cousins - as best as he could.
Steve parked his Mercury behind a row of trees that obscured their sight of an old barn. Exiting the car, Steve watched Kono closely as he looked at the barn, a battle of emotions playing out on his face.
Holding out the bullhorn, Steve asked, "Are you ready?"
"No," Kono replied and Steve feared that his friend was going to be too closely connected to the case to be of help but Kono surprised him.
"No bullhorn. It wouldn't work. Maleko will hear everything dat I say and dey will know dat da police is here. I need to go in alone."
"I can't let you do that."
"Boss, I can do dis. If I go alone I can say dat I've come to warn dem and want to sneak dem off the island. If dat doesn't work I might get Kimo to help."
Steve didn't like the idea of Kono walking into that barn and giving Maleko another hostage but he understood Kono's motivation for this plan; if he could trick the Kapules into coming out, he could prevent a standoff that would most likely end in blood. It didn't matter how mad Kono was at the brothers. They were still ohana and his friend was determined to try and save them.
Looking in the eyes of man he loved like a brother, Steve knew that if he didn't give Kono this chance and things ended badly, he would never forgive himself.
Squeezing his detective's shoulder, Steve stated, "If I don't hear from you in thirty minutes, we're coming after you. Pomaikai e."