Disclaimer: No, Hawaii 5-0 doesn't belong to me. It does to CBS.
A/N: Again, thank you all for your interest in the story. I am very happy you are enjoying it. Many thanks to Marie Thea for going over this text for me, I really appreciate the help.
000
TAKEN
5 Taking the Heat
Hands tied behind his back, Danny was shoved inside a dark enclosed space. He fell to the ground ungracefully. His pounding headache flared up; the skin at his left temple felt sensitive and wet. His neck and throat were sore to the point that swallowing was difficult. He was nauseous and the intense smell of kerosene was making it worse. It seemed to follow his every move. With his face against gritty cement, Danny felt disoriented and confused.
His wrists were let loose, and a hand pulled at his left arm. He resisted, trying to regain control of his limb. His efforts were met by an increasing pressure on his back: someone's knees. He soon recognized the distinctive click of handcuffs being secured around something. Even more restrained, he panicked.
"What're you doing?" he rasped. "Who're you?"
"Have you forgotten me, Danny?" taunted his assailant. The voice raised the hairs on the back of his neck. "I hit your head too hard. This might not be as fun as I hoped."
Gesner.
His childhood nightmare and pyromaniac former neighbour was back for real. He had gone after Allison and he had come after him. Why was this psycho not locked up? Why had he come back after all these years? Why Allison?
Allie was okay, right? Let her be safe, he silently implored.
"Relax, Danny," the arsonist said. "The fun hasn't begun yet."
"Darren, you can still stop this," he called out to the madman. "It isn't kids' stuff anymore. You're killing people."
"Not just people; I'm getting rid of all of you." Gesner stood quickly.
Danny tried to gather himself from the floor. His tied up wrists restricted his movements. He finally made it into a half-lying position. He turned around in time to see Gesner light up a pile of rags through blurry eyes.
"You won't get away with it. They'll catch you." Danny snorted. "Steve will even kill you."
"Maybe, but not before you go BOOM!" Gesner said. "It was nice seeing you again, Danny." The arsonist gave his handiwork one last appreciative look. He jumped from the shed, closing the door behind him.
Left alone and handcuffed to a metal shelf, Danny felt crushed by bone-wrecking fear. Smoke stung his eyes and clogged his lungs. He coughed violently. The fire was spreading rapidly and it was getting hotter. He was going to burn, again…his kerosene-soaked shirt was going to make him go up in flames. He frantically tore it apart with his free hand, threw it to the side and he pulled at the handcuffs with all he had. Pain shot up his arm. Overwhelmed, he cried out.
"I'm so sorry, Monkey…. Remember, Danno loves you, Gacie."
His love for his daughter made it impossible for him to give up. He felt adrenaline rush through his beaten body. Danny ran his right hand along his belt and pant pockets.
000
A/N: I don't know for you, but I'm feeling hot. Any of you made the connection between the name Gesner and kerosene? ;-) Thanks for reading and reviewing.
(Dec. 2010)