David O'Brien flipped through the channels disinterestedly until something behind the reporter caught his eye. The video feed showed two very familiar figures leaving the hospital with Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua. A smile formed as the scene switched to McGarrett's home and he watched as two vehicles pulled into the driveway and stopped in front of the door. He caught a glimpse of McGarrett and then Williams and wondered why he'd let himself fall prey to the draw of money.
O'Brien knew there was no turning back now, he'd made too many mistakes to even think about going back. A small part of him toyed with the idea of leaving with what he had, but years of being who he was made it impossible to just walk away. Danny should have backed him up against McGarrett, but instead he'd turned his back on the years of friendship they had. The man would soon find out just how wrong he was in taking his new partner's side.
David looked at the phone on the table and knew Sheffield or Higgins would be calling him at any time. When he received that call, his plans would be put in motion. He regretted having to use Grace Williams, after all the sins of the father should not be delivered onto the children, but there really was no choice. He needed to finish this and disappear before his clients decided to come after him, especially since they'd lost the merchandise.
O'Brien moved to the table and picked up the bottle of beer and stared out at the rain that had started to fall, but reached for the phone when it began to ring. He saw Sheffield's name and accepted the call. "Go ahead."
"McGarrett and Williams are at McGarrett's home," Sheffield told him.
"Very well. You know what to do next," O'Brien told him.
"Halina will take Grace Williams from the park tomorrow afternoon. You should have her before six in the evening," Sheffield said.
"Good."
"Charlie and I want to be there to see the look on McGarrett's face..."
"I thought you didn't want anything to tie you to this."
"We don't, but taking McGarrett and Williams down is worth it. We'll be there..."
"If you're going to be involved you might as well pick up McGarrett and Williams. You can make sure both men are incapacitated," O'Brien ordered.
"We thought about that too and will need to make sure Kelly and Kalakaua are busy and can't make it to McGarrett's until it's too late," Sheffield said.
"That's on your head. I'm sure with your imagination and contacts you can find a way to keep them away from McGarrett's home. Make sure Williams knows his daughter's life depends on him cooperating and that his partner is in the trunk of the car," O'Brien said and hung up before Sheffield could say anything else. He sat on the edge of the bed and finally lay back against the pillows as a smile formed on his face. Things were finally looking up and before long he'd look Danny Williams in the eyes and make sure he knew that his daughter's life depended on him putting a bullet between Steve McGarrett's eyes.
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Halina Senna hung up the phone and knew it was time to call Ronnie Murphy. She'd known him for several years and promised him a hundred dollars if he made a scene at the park around four o'clock. If things went as planned Grace Williams would be at the park with another little girl whose mother would be watching them both. The woman also had an infant daughter and was preoccupied with her which often left the two girls vulnerable.
She looked at the kitten in the box and smiled when the forlorn creature meowed softly. She didn't care for animals, but when she found this one cowering under an overhang in an alley as the rain fell heavily, she realized it could be just what she needed to get to Grace Williams. She'd lured the kitten into the box with a little bread soaked in milk and brought it to her apartment.
The kitten looked up at her as if wanting her to hold it, but she ignored the steady gaze and the soft cries as she glanced at the needle. It was time to make herself feel good again and for that she would need more of the street level drug she used. She had just enough money for one more buy, but tomorrow night she'd have enough to keep her as high as she wanted for a couple of weeks. It would be so good to just lie back and go for the ride, but first she needed to make a score. With that thought in mind she left the kitten alone in its box.
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Steve opened his eyes to bright sunshine and sat up, sliding his legs over the edge of the bed as he ran his fingers through his hair. His side ached, but it wasn't a debilitating pain and he slowly stood up before making his way toward the bathroom. He removed the dressing from the wound, relieved that Wilson had given him the go ahead to get a shower. It felt like it had been forever since he'd last stood under a hot spray and right now he could probably spend several hours just letting it wash over him.
McGarrett reached into the cabinet and took out the waterproof dressing. He taped it in place before turning on the shower and stepping into the stall. It felt great and he lifted his head so that the water hit his face and cascaded down his body, washing away the aches along with the sweat and dried blood. He reached for the bottle of shampoo and washed his hair before using the shower gel on his body.
Steve stood under the spray and allowed the water to wash away the shampoo and soap before shutting it off and stepping out onto the mat. He reached for a towel and dried his hair before wrapping a larger one around his waist and moving back into the bedroom. He reached into the dresser and took out the clothing he'd need for the day. By the time he was dressed in khaki pants and a white t-shirt, his stomach rumbled and he knew he needed to get something to eat.
McGarrett made his way to the door and opened it to the smell of bacon frying. He hurried toward the kitchen, surprised to find Danny using the griddle to cook bacon and sausages.
"I thought you were gong to sleep all day," Williams observed with a grin.
"What time did you get up?" McGarrett asked and reached for the coffee pot.
"About an hour ago," Williams answered and pushed his empty cup toward his partner. "There's biscuits in the oven. Do you want eggs?"
"No, just biscuits and bacon. I didn't know you were such a Suzy Homemaker," McGarrett teased. "How'd you manage all this with one arm?"
"Kono had the biscuits ready and it was easy to throw the bacon and sausages on the grill," Williams said.
"Why don't you sit down and take it easy," McGarrett offered.
"I can get it," Williams said.
"And you tell me I'm stubborn," McGarrett said with a grin.
"I'm not stubborn, I'm obstinate..."
"Same thing. It won't do any good if you do more damage. Sit down, Danny," the head of Five-O ordered and took the tongs from Williams. He slowly moved around the kitchen and took the plates from the cupboard.
"You're moving like an old man and I'd like my breakfast hot," Williams griped.
"It's hot."
"It is now, but the way you're moving I'll need a microwave."
"It's on the counter," McGarrett told him and gingerly placed the plate in front of his partner before grabbing utensils and napkins.
"Why don't we eat outside?" Williams asked.
"Because I'd have to hear you gripe about breakfast being cold."
"I wasn't griping..."
"Sure sounded like you were," McGarrett said and returned with the biscuits. He sat down and reached for his coffee, but Danny seemed to be looking for something. "What?"
"Got any real butter?" Williams asked.
"Anything else while I'm up?"
"Peanut butter?"
"Crunchy or smooth?"
"Crunchy and jam," Williams told him wrinkling his nose when Steve placed a jar of pineapple and mango jam in front of him. "What is it with you and pineapple?"
"I happen to like pineapple," McGarrett said when the other man pushed it toward him.
"I think you're obsessed with pineapple...everyone in Hawaii seems to be," Williams said and shook his head in disgust.
Steve smiled at his friend and made a point of spreading the jam on a biscuit and taking a bite. He licked his lips appreciatively and watched as Williams ate a sausage. It seemed like such a normal day, yet something told him it would not stay that way.
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Halina Senna sat watching the children play on the swings and knew Murphy would soon make his appearance. She had the kitten sitting on her lap and absently rubbed it's back. It purred softly, as it watched the kids running around without a care in the world. Grace Williams played near the edge of the park with another little girl. A baby's cry brought her attention back to the woman on the bench across from her and she glanced at her watch.
Halina picked up the kitten and made her way toward the spot where her target stood counting with her hands over her eyes. She took it as an omen that the children had decided to play hide and seek. She hurried past the girl and knew exactly where she would place the kitten so its cry would draw Grace Williams' attention.
She heard the sound of a dog barking and a man's sharp order for it to stop and knew Ronnie Murphy was supplying her with the opening she needed. She released the kitten and looked up to see Grace had finished counting and was beginning to search for her friends. She made a show of chasing the kitten and calling softly to it, relieved when the child seemed to have noticed her.
"Come here, Tigger, it's time to go home," Halina said and pretended to be frustrated when the kitten seemed to ignore her. She chased it across the field, keeping her eyes on Grace and could see the child was watching the kitten. The other children were intent on watching the scene across the park where Murphy was chasing the small dog he'd released.
Halina chased the kitten toward a small bush away from the area where the parents were seated. The only person nearby was Grace Williams and she knew it was time to make her move. "Please, could you help me get Tigger out of the bushes before that dog comes over here. Tigger's so little and she's afraid."
"I'm not supposed to..."
"It won't take long. You just need to stand here and shoo her out so I can catch her," Halina said and watched as the child's attention returned to the kitten's soft meowing sounds. "Just walk to the bush and scare her out and I'll get her. That dog might hurt her and she's so small."
"Okay," Grace said and moved close to the bushes, surprised when the kitten came out and rubbed against her leg.
"Don't move...I'll get her," Halina said and walked toward her. She reached into her pocket and took out the cloth she'd placed their earlier. It wouldn't take long to work and if she did it quickly she'd be able to disappear into the trees and escape through the back of the park before anyone noticed the child's disappearance.
Grace smiled and bent down to pick up the kitten, and missed the change that came over the woman's face as she moved behind her. Halina reacted as soon as the child's attention was on the ball of fur at her feet and quickly place the cloth over Grace's mouth as she wrapped her other arm around her and held her in place. She expected the struggle and held tight until the muffled cries stopped and lifted the girl into her arms. She hurried toward the area where she'd park her car, relieved that she'd left the trunk unlocked. She deposited the child inside and closed the lid before glancing around at the empty area. She moved to the driver's side, got into the car and drove away from the park.
Halina reached for her cell phone and hit speed dial on the hand's free set.
"Is it done?"
"It's done," Halina told Sheffield.
"Good. Take a picture with your cell and send it to me."
"I need to get away from the park," Halina told him.
"You know where to go?"
"Yes."
"Good, stop as soon as you can and get the picture. I need to have it ASAP."
"I'll get it," Halina said and pulled onto a side street. She made sure no one was around and moved to the back of the car. She opened the trunk and snapped the picture before returning to the driver's seat and sending the picture to Sheffield's phone.
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Steve relaxed in the chair as the sound of the birds in the nearby trees mingled with the laughter of a group of teenagers surfed a short distance down the beach. Chin had called to say they'd be late getting back because of a meeting with the governor. Danny was stretched out on a lounge chair and from the soft snores emanating from him, Steve knew he was sleeping. He shifted on the chair and winced as it set off the pain in his side and knew he should have taken his medication two hours ago, but that stubborn SEAL pride would not allow him to give in to his body's need for relief.
"No one will think any less of you if you take the medication," Williams said.
"I thought you were sleeping?"
"Hard to sleep when you're moaning and groaning over there."
"I wasn't moaning and groaning," McGarrett snapped.
"You're always moaning and groaning about something..."
"No, Danny, that'd be you," McGarrett said and heard the sound of a vehicle pull into the driveway. "Sounds like Chin and Kono are here."
"Hope they brought dinner," Williams said and sat up, surprised when he saw the two men come around the corner of the house. "What the hell are you two doing here?"
"Hello to you too, Williams," Sheffield spat.
"What's going on, Sheffield?" McGarrett snapped.
"Well, it seems you're not in the mood for pleasantries, so let's get right down to business," Higgins said and turned to Williams. "We've come with a message from your old friend."
"What old friend?" Williams asked, but knew who the man was alluding to when Sheffield simply smiled and took out his cell phone.
"David wants you to know she'll be safe as long as you do as he asks..."
Danny felt as if the bottom had dropped out from under him as Sheffield showed him the phone. He stood up and grabbed the man by the shirt. "You bastard! Where is she?"
"Danny..."
"They've got Grace," Williams answered McGarrett's unspoken question.
"Sonofabitch!" McGarrett cursed and moved toward Higgins.
"Back off, McGarrett!" Higgins snarled and drew his gun. "I could kill you right now, but I'd rather not have to explain why you and Williams have bullets from my gun in you. Now, here's what we're going to do."
"Where's Grace?" Williams asked, reluctantly releasing his hold on Sheffield as he fought to control his warring emotions.
"O'Brien has her, but he's making sure she doesn't see his face or hear his voice and that she'll be released as soon as I deliver the two of you to his location," Sheffield answered.
"Why Steve?"
"I guess he doesn't like him," Higgins said and shoved his gun into McGarrett's wounded side, smiling when the man grabbed his side.
"Leave him the hell alone!" Williams said.
"We need to get moving, Charlie," Sheffield said and looked at the two men. "Detective, would you kindly put the cuffs on McGarrett."
"Are you blind or just stupid?" McGarrett asked. "He's only got one arm."
"Turn around, McGarrett," Higgins ordered and quickly snapped his cuffs in place. "All right...here's how this is going down. Paul will take Williams out to our car. If it's clear I'll bring McGarrett."
"Come on, Detective, it's time to rescue your daughter," Sheffield said.
Higgins grabbed McGarrett's arm and waited for the signal that it was safe to bring the second man out.
"I knew you were dirty, Higgins."
"I'm not dirty, I'm smart, McGarrett."
"No, you're not and I'll prove it as soon as Grace is safe," McGarrett vowed, and dropped to his knees when Higgins used the butt of his gun against the wound.
"Move, McGarrett!" Higgins ordered when he got the signal from Sheffield.
Steve managed to get to his feet and stumbled ahead of the IA agent. When they reached the front of the house he saw that Williams was already seated in the passenger side with Sheffield in the driver's seat. He headed for the back seat, but Higgins grabbed his arm and stare him to the open trunk.
"I'm afraid you're looking a little rough and should be lying down," Higgins said and motioned for the prisoner to climb inside.
Steve glared at the man, but had no choice but to get into the trunk. He gritted his teeth and tried to ride out the pain as he was forced to bend his body in order to lie down in the cramped space. He looked up as the lid was slammed shut and forced his mind to think of anything else but being trapped in a small area with nothing, but darkness surrounding him.
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Patricia Kinnard watched as the children chased the small dog as she lifted her infant son from the stroller and placed the blanket so that she could breastfeed the baby without exposing herself. She'd seen her daughter, Julia and Grace Williams playing with several other children and knew they were playing hide and seek.
She hummed softly as her son suckled at her breast, but lifted her head when she heard her daughter call out to her. "What's wrong, Julia?"
"I can't find Grace?"
"Have you looked in all the regular hiding places?"
"But I was hiding and she was supposed to find me and Tommy Chow," the girl explained.
"Maybe she just hasn't found you yet," Patricia said, used to the way the children played their games.
"No, Mom, Tommy and I waited, but she never came...maybe she went with that lady."
"What lady?" Kinnard asked, suddenly aware that something might be wrong.
"Tommy said he saw a lady chasing a kitten near where Grace was counting, but he didn't see where she went because he had to hide."
"Julia, where's Tommy?" Patricia asked and stood up. She placed the crying baby back in the stroller and strapped her in.
"His mom called him and he went home. That's why I was looking for Grace to tell her the game was over. Did I do something wrong, Mom?"
"No, Honey, you did nothing wrong," the woman said and pulled out her phone. She knew she should look for the child, but something about the woman had her unhinged and she called 911.
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Halina Senna pulled the car to a stop in front of the hotel room and moved to the door. She knocked several times until it was opened by a man who looked like he hadn't shaved in weeks. "Are you O'Brien?"
"Depends who's asking."
"Sheffield sent me."
"Where's the girl?"
"In the trunk."
"Is she still sleeping?"
"Yes, but I don't know how much longer she'll stay that way," Senna explained.
"Bring her in and put her on the bed," O'Brien ordered and kept watch. He knew there was no one else staying at the hotel and that the elderly couple who owned the place had already retired for the night. He held the door as the woman carried Grace Williams inside and made sure the little girl's hands and feet were secured before adding a blindfold and gag.
"You going to kill her?"
"I guess that depends on her father," O'Brien said.
"She saw my face," Senna said.
"Then that makes you a liability," O'Brien said and shot the woman. He quickly dropped the silenced weapon on the bed and dragged her body into the bathroom, ignoring the death rattle that signaled she was beyond help. Now it was simply a matter of keeping the girl asleep while he took care of her father and McGarrett and left the evidence that would point to the two IA agents as the patsies.
Author'sNote—- Surprise, here's another part...Thanks again for the wonderful reviews...Winnie