Chapter 18
After changing into a swimsuit and pulling on a clean shirt, Gage picked up his board and bag and headed down the hall to Hank's suite. They were meeting to discuss their first shifts. The door was slightly ajar and he knocked before he entered.
Some of the crew was there, similarly attired. Kel was seated at the table sipping coffee and perusing the morning newspaper. Hank was next to him shuffling through some paperwork.
"Hey, Johnny!" Marco greeted him. "See you survived the first shift."
"Yups!" he replied with a grin. "A little rough at first, but things settled down. Where's your room mate?"
"Still sulking. I thought he'd relax but he was still going on about being next door to Cap," Lopez admitted. "Even I can't listen to him that long!"
Mike entered next with a quiet smile. He helped himself to coffee before heading for the seat next to his captain. Johnny and Marco followed. Roy arrived next and was quickly coffee'd and seated.
"Hmmm, one short," Hank looked around the table. He stood up and walked around the table to the door that led to the linesmen's room. He opened his side and pounded on the other door.
"KELLY!" he yelled. "STOP CHECKING YOURSELF OUT IN THE MIRROR AND GET IN HERE!" The entire table broke into laughter. The adjoining door opened and a red-faced Chet Kelly walked through.
"I told you he hears everything!" he groused as he slunk into the room.
"How did he hear you looking into the mirror?" Marco asked, incredulous.
"X-ray vision?" Desoto suggested.
"I left my x-ray glasses at Rampart," Kel supplied.
"Oh, hardy-har-har," Chet retorted. "None of you has the boss next door!"
"Uh, I'm sleeping with the boss," Johnny deadpanned. The entire room dissolved into hysterics. Chet glared for half a moment then joined in.
"Ok, so you have it worse," he said.
"HEH!" Kel protested, but the smile ruined the moment.
"Gentlemen, the sooner we fill these forms out the sooner we hit the beach!" Hank stepped in waving his papers. These were passed around along with a box of hotel pens.
"No swiping the pens until the last day," he warned. Soon the only noise was the scratching of pens on paper. Johnny, Roy, Kel, and Hank were old hands at departmental paperwork. The other three struggled with all the questions.
"How do they expect us to list all the runs with only three lines?" Marco groused.
"You don't need to use full sentences," Roy pointed out. "And don't worry about recalling them all. They just want the bare facts, the runs that stood out the most to you."
"Seems screwy to me," Chet supported his buddy. "I mean, they just have to look at the log!"
"Ah, but then you'd have nothing to fill out," Kel sagely stated.
"I have to rate the men I worked with?" Chet exclaimed. "yeesh!"
"Well, I was at the 16's so I have it easy," Marco said.
"Basically you should give everyone passing marks," Hank said. "I think that John and I have to give lower passing marks and then write up why and leave it on a positive note. That way when the rest of you end up there on that shift you can give higher marks."
"Well, they certainly did improve as the shift went on," Johnny remarked.
"Amazing what a decent cup of coffee can do," Hank murmured as he dotted and crossed i's and t's. He flipped the page and started work on the next page.
For another forty minutes they worked diligently. Roy, Johnny and Cap helping the others. Mike was very hesitant to actually rate the captain he'd served under but Hank was able to help him get past his reticence.
"I'm heading down to the beach," Johnny said as he tossed his pen back into the box and handed Cap the paperwork.
"I'll come with you," Kel said, setting his pen down and pushing the paperwork across the table.
"I'm going to get Beth and Becky," Mike had finished as well, putting the hated review in his boss's hand. "And my board, too!"
When they got to the lobby Johnny leaned his board against a wall and went into a touristy store full of Hawaiian styled kitsch. Kel glanced around seeing a couple silly things he'd consider buying Joe and noted his room mate was looking at necklaces.
He selected six simple necklaces made from thick, black string with small silver clasps. Each one had either a shark's tooth or a small flower charm strung on it. These were paid for and he took the plastic bag from the clerk.
"Dare I ask?" Kel smiled.
"Oh, for the kids and me," Gage answered with his own smile. "See, there's these shells that you can find on a lot of the beaches here, called 'puka' shells. They're easy to string. I figured the kids could collect 'em."
"Huh, sounds like a plan," Brackett said. "Maybe I should find some for Dixie."
"You know, some of the local artists do wonderful work with coral and shells," Johnny said. "I bet you could find something special for her."
"Yeah, sounds good," he said. "But I'm going to get me a necklace just the same!" He went back into the shop and soon came out with his own small bag.
At the entrance to the beach they picked up a couple towels each and found a grouping of lounges on the sand that hadn't been taken. Here they set up a loose semi-circle and tossed towels and books on them. The surfboard was carefully put on one lounge. Kel pulled out his lotion while Johnny ran down to the water, into the surf and dove straight in.
Before the doctor could finish slathering up the paramedic was back with a small handful of shells. He sat dripping on the edge of a lounge and pulled out the necklaces. Soon each had a shell strung on it, three for his own that he put around his neck.
"Here, Doc," he smiled and passed two small shells to his friend. Grinning Kel strung them on his necklace and put it on as well.
Jake, Ruth and Emily were the next of the crew to show up. Johnny showed the two teens their necklaces and explained the shells to them. Intrigued, they wandered down to the ocean's edge to comb for more. By the sound of giggling it was apparent the puka necklace was a success.
The Stokers and Desotos were next and the three children were given their necklaces. Johnny took the two little girls to look for shells while Chris dashed ahead to the teens.
Once a couple shells were found and strung the interest dwindled for the younger children. Chris and Jenny were bouncing all over wanting to ride on the surf board. Of course Uncle Johnny indulged them, taking them out on his board. Mike soon joined them, Becky on his back, to take turns riding the gentle waves.
At some point the rest of the crew arrived, complete with a picnic hamper full of sandwiches, chips and cookies. Fruit and drinks were available at the small refreshment stand for a modest amount. The crew spent the entire day relaxing together.
When Johnny returned to his room he stowed his board in the closet and took a shower. He was tired! Between the runs the night before and playing all day in the surf he was ready for room service and an early night.
"So, what do you have planned for tonight?" Kel Brackett
asked when he came out of the bedroom showered and dressed for the night life.
"Nothing, actually," Johnny replied looking up from his
book. "The guys with families are going over to the Polynesian Center for a traditional luau and cultural history lessons. I'm kind of
'kidded' out. Chet and Marco were going to try a couple local bars. Did I mention I was 'kidded' out?"
Brackett could understand that. All day long the young
paramedic had been the favorite 'toy' of the under-10 set. He rode
with them on surf boards and played in the water all day. If
anyone deserved a break, it was Gage.
"One of the guys over at Castle called to apologize about how I was treated yesterday. He told me about a local place," Kel began. "He said they had cute wahinis, good bar, dancing and pool tables. Feel like an adult diversion?" This earned a lopsided grin.
"Yeah, I could be persuaded!" he answered. "Need to change clothes."
"Sounds good, I wouldn't want to be seen with a punk like
you!" Brackett teased. Johnny was 'resplendent' in shorts and a
tank top. The paramedic called his partner to tell him his plans and
within the hour both had outfitted for a night on the town. A cab was secured downstairs and soon they were headed for fun.
Roy and Joanne helped herd the kids into the Cultural Center.
The little girls were already gaping at the hula-skirted woman and the boys were enamored with the tiki gods. As they headed back they saw Matt and his brood and joined them.
"Hey, I see you made it!" the Hawaiian smiled.
"Yep, this is going to be fun, right?" DeSoto asked, still unsure about the 'cultural' classes.
"Sure, at least, the kids will find it fun!" Matt replied. "What happened to John? Get tired of kids?"
"Dr. Brackett came up with a better venue," Roy grinned. Some guy over at Castle told him about a bar down town." Matt looked over in concern.
"Did he mention the name of the bar?"
"uh, Dunny's? Dunbies?" Roy thought on it.
"Punnies?" Matt asked carefully.
"Yeah, that was it," Roy said. "The guy guaranteed 'em a good time," DeSoto smiled.
"Uh, mind watching my kids?" Pelona asked a little too quickly. "Beth will help."
"Sure, no problem!" he moved over a bit to watch over the four children. Matt immediately sought out Itora.
"Hey, Cap," he waved as he ran over. "We got problems."
"What?" Itora asked as he looked about. The scene seemed
quite calm.
"Some joker over at Castle sent Bracket and Johnny to Punnies
downtown."
"Aiue! That's kapakahi, bruddah!" the captain was alarmed.
"We got to get over there wikiwiki! Chen's here, and Maddie. Let's grab them and bag."
When Johnny walked into the bar behind Kel he noted that it looked a little… rough for his tastes. He could tell that even their
casual clothes were way too dressy for this dive.
And the guys at the bar and plying their pool cues didn't look
exactly friendly.
"Uh, Doc?" he hesitated. Unfortunately, Kel didn't stop and moved further in. The room fell silent as hostile eyes looked them over.
"Eh, look at the haoles," a voice murmured.
"Eh, one's haole, but the other?" a second, low voice growled.
"Yeah, the wahini is kinda cute, brah," another voice entirely spoke.
"Doc?" Gage had to walk in and stop his friend. "We, ah, have the wrong address…" Kel turned back to look at him.
"No, David said 'Punnies' and that's what the sign said," Brackett began, then he looked around the nearly silent room, the evil eyes raking over them, especially Johnny. Now he began to move backwards.
"Ah, sorry, we didn't mean to bother you," he said as politely as possible. By now a couple larger men had moved in front of the door.
"No bother, haole," one said. "We got a call from a bruddah. Said he was sending a malihini to take care of. Didn't say anything 'bout his date."
"Eh, Mick, check out the wahini," the second was definitely
undressing Gage, eyes burning his skin.
"Not much akole, but, yeah, maikai wahini…" the first door guard said. Johnny stood still, rolling shoulders back, face tooled in dead seriousness.
"We got the wrong information, guys," he said firmly. "We'll leave you to your evening." One of the nearer men, one who seemed to have some weight with the group, came to Gage and started to raise an appraising hand over his back. Kel grabbed his wrist.
"We said we got the wrong information," he growled low in
his throat. "My friend and I will see ourselves out."
"Don't be hasty, haole," a second man came closer as well. "Told ya we been expecting you." He grabbed Gage's hair and pulled back. This caused Kel to shove between them.
He was rewarded with a fist to his stomach.
Johnny pulled his hair out of the man's hand and went directly in front of Kel, snarling and fists in motion. He easily knocked the bully out of the way.
"Ooh, some fight," hands grabbed at Johnny and swung him around. Feet and hands anchored as the throaty, male laughter wrapped around them. Kel felt himself pulled back and shoved against the wall. His friend struggled mightily to get away. Several solid hits were landed Gage's torso.
The next thing Brackett was aware of, a wicked looking knife appeared. He watched as Johnny backed off and was quickly grabbed by a couple large men. The knife was run under his chin then under the neckline of his shirt. With a ripping motion the shirt was opened.
Kel fought harder and was rewarded with another punch to his midsection stealing away his breath.
"Table," the knife-wielder ordered. Gage felt himself lifted up, tossed up onto a pool table and held tight. Several hands getting awfully friendly. No way in HELL would he let these men hurt him or Kel! He played possum, waiting, listening to the promised activities to come.
That was all it took. A hand was released and he grabbed a pool cue, swinging it he caught a different man in the head causing him to release his other hand. A medical professional, he knew exactly what to aim for to give the most pain.
In the middle of all this action, the bar room door swung open and a new group of men poured in.
"5-O!" a voice shouted. Kel was ridiculously pleased to see the firefighters from 16 come in with a couple other men who held guns.
Johnny used the distraction to rise up on the table and swing the pool cue in a circle, hitting two more men decisively in the head. He was beyond furious, and scared, as he kicked out and connected with a nose.
A single gun shot brought the furious scramble to a stop. Brackett pushed himself away from the men that had pinned him down and headed for his friend. For his part, Gage was in a complete defensive position on top of the table, brandishing the pool stick.
Kono tried first, moving through the room and talking to the agitated man. Johnny would have nothing to do with him, fending him off with the heavy end of the stick. Next, Matt tried, thinking he'd recognize the Hawaiian paramedic he'd worked with.
No go.
Finally, Danny Williams pushed the other haole through to the table.
"Talk to him, mister," he ordered the doctor.
"Johnny!" Kel called. He watched his friend glaring left and right, then finally look down.
"Doc?" he recognized his friend.
"Yeah, Johnny," he said as calmly as he could. One arm protected his tender stomach as the other reached up. He was pleased to see the younger paramedic lower the pool stick and come towards him, kneeling down before swinging his legs over the side of the table.
As Kel reached for him, the H5O detective shucked off his jacket and handed it over. It was pulled around the shaking shoulders. He allowed his friend to help him off the table. But Gage was not finished. He pulled himself up and walked across the room to face one of his tormentors.
"I AM NOT A WAHINI!" he practically screamed, his fist flying through the air connecting with the large man's nose, breaking it. He then turned to the other guy who'd more than man handled him.
"AND QUIT LOOKING AT MY AKOLE!" again the fist flew and neatly knock the bully down clutching a blackening eye.
Danno and Kono had to admit, the bruddah had balls.
"You lolo!" the man trying to stem the blood flowing from his nose whined.
"Not as lolo as you!" Gage growled back. He actually stomped like an angry bull across the bar and stood next to his friend.
"Jerks," he hissed. Itora chose this moment to approach the duo, wondering if he was taking his life in his hands.
"John? Kel?" he asked quietly. "Do you need to go to the hospital?" Both men glared.
"NO!" the definitive reply sounded. Given what Kono had told him, Danno knew neither would trust any hospital on the island.
"Gentlemen?" he tried, calmly. "Would you come down to headquarters to file a report? Some of these men need to be reminded how to treat visitors to our island." The twin glares were transferred to him, but he bore it well. He moved closer and held out his hand.
"Danny Williams, detective with 5-O," he said. "I can have my personal physician check you both out there, no hospital."
"I'm more than capable of taking care of John," Kel was not ready to give in.
"I'm sure your are, sir," he said politely. "But the fact remains we need to take a report and you are protecting a tender stomach. Who'll check on you?" This brought Gage's protective nature to the front.
"Doc?" he asked, concerned. He allowed the paramedic to reach in and check the rigidness of Kel's stomach muscles.
"I'm fine, Johnny," Kel said gruffly.
"Well, I could use a drink," he grumbled back.
"Not until you're checked out!" Brackett shot back. Both men looked at Williams, the glares starting to diminish.
"Ok, we'll go to headquarters," Johnny said.
"I have a clean t-shirt that'll fit you back at the Palace." He motioned with his hand towards the front door. Outside there was a gauntlet of firemen waiting. Now that the danger was past they noticed their friends from the 16s.
"Hey, you gonna be ok?" Itora asked. Johnny was climbing into the unmarked police car so Kel answered for them.
"Yes, we'll be fine," Brackett said. "I'm sure Mr. Williams will see us back to the hotel. Don't bother the rest of the guys about tonight." Then he ducked into the back seat next to Johnny.
"He's mento if he thinks we're gonna be quiet about this!" Maddie said to Itora.
"Yups," Cap replied. "Call the chief first, then tell Captain Stanley," Itora said as he went to climb in the police car next to Mr. Williams.
Danny drove in silence, although he watched the pair closely in the rear view mirror. He could tell they were close friends, like him and Steve. He could also tell the younger man was flagging. Possibly going into shock. He reached for the microphone and called ahead, reaching Dr. Bergman.
His passengers listened as he explained the situation to the ME/doctor. They relaxed when the man agreed to meet them at the office with his medical bag.
"So, you're Captain Itora?" he asked the man riding next to him. He didn't recognize the name.
"Yes, I'm the fire captain, A shift, at Station 16," Itora explained as he watched the detective's face brighten with understanding.
"Ah, you're the group that's bringing the paramedic program to Hawaii!" he said.
"Eh, somewhat," Itora corrected him. "Doctor Brackett is the head of ER at Rampart Hospital in Los Angeles. He's running the hospital side of the training. And John Gage is one of the first paramedics in Los Angeles County. He really knows his stuff," Danny could hear the warm pride in the captain's voice.
"So, it's a done deal, right?" Danny continued. "I mean, the legislation passed and it's now the law."
"Yups," the older man answered. "It's just there's some... resistance to change." Williams shook his head.
"Sending two unsuspecting malihini to Punnies suggests there's more than some resistance..." he said.
"If it's any consolation, detective," Brackett piped in from the back seat, "there was quite a bit of resistance in Los Angeles five years ago when we started out."
"I don't recall getting my shirt cut off and being served up on a pool table," Gage grumbled as he tried to stop shivering. He hated his traitorous body trying to go into shock.
The car slid into a parking slot near the door of a large building.
"You want to shower?" Danno asked the dark-haired man as they got ready to walk into the Palace.
"Really?" Gage was surprised.
"Yeah, nice and hot," he replied. "I'll get Doc Bergman to come downstairs to the locker room. There's a couple of private rooms that he can use to check for any injuries." Johnny rolled his shoulder experimentally.
"I'm for that," he said. "I think I'm gonna be stiff tomorrow!" Soon the paramedic was standing blissfully under a steaming spray of hot water. He'd been frightened by the attack and wished to hide for a long time. But he knew Kel would want to check him over before the 5-0 doctor did so he rinsed and toweled off.
"What do you mean, Danno called you in?" Steve McGarrett stared at the ME standing in the office doorway.
"He just said he had a couple men that needed to be checked over," Bergman explained. The noise of an opening door caused him to glance over his shoulder.
"Hey, Doc!" Williams called. "They're downstairs. Mr. Gage needed a shower." He didn't realize his boss had returned to the office.
"Just who is Mr. Gage, Danno?" Steve's voice growled through the deserted office.
"Thought you went home, aikane!" Danny said, trying to side-step the question. No go.
"Mr. Gage?" the voice came closer as the man came to the door to pin his 2nd in command with a hard stare.
"There was a problem at Punnies," he tried the condensed version.
"Why did 5-0 go? That's the HPD's territory," McGarrett reminded him.
"Kono got a call from a cousin," he began at the beginning.
"Kono's got more cousins than the population of Wyoming," Steve pointed out.
"Kono got a call from a cousin," Danny stubbornly continued. "Seems one of the locals thought it would be amusing to send a couple tourists over to Punnies." Now he had his boss's undivided attention.
"When we got there we met the cousin and some friends," he said.
"At least they knew better than go into that hole!" Steve allowed.
"Anyway, when we got in we found the one guy pinned against the wall while his friend was on top of the pool table," Dan resumed his story. "Mr. Gage was holding his own, had a pool cue and was doing some real damage."
"Possibly, but two haoles in that dive would have turned up fish bait," Steve said. "Especially if they were fighting. Those mokes would really take a dislike to losing in their own den!"
"Anyway, we got 'em out and they refused to go to the hospital," Danny began to wind up.
"Why refuse?" Bergman finally entered the conversation. "I'd think that Mr. Gage at the least would need something to calm his nerves. Punnies frightens me and I live here."
"Uh, that's a whole other story and I'd really prefer getting them back to their hotel soon," Danny said. "They're both due early at the consulting jobs."
"What type of consulting?" Steve had to know.
"Know that legislation that passed? For a paramedic program on the islands?" Danny asked, trying not to cringe.
"Not that pretend doctor crap!" Steve growled. "I can't believe the legislature bought into that flaky California program!" Danny bit his tongue. Talk about resistance to change!
"Your opinions aside," he growled in a perfect imitation of his boss, "they are experts in their fields and some lolo thought it would be funny to get them hurt. That makes it MY business." His glare dared Steve to cross him. There were some lines that were concrete, period!
McGarrett was smart enough to drop it all in Danno's lap. "Take it, bruddah! I'm going home!" He turned off the lights and sauntered out with, "be here on time!" tossed over his shoulder.
Bergman waited until the door had closed on the 'boss'. He gave Danny his best supportive smile.
"Well, Detective Williams, take me to your consultants!" he said.
Before they reached the elevators McGarrett caught up with them with another man.
"Here's another person interested in your consultants," he said sarcastically. As he hadn't bothered getting a name, he didn't bother with an introduction. The casually dressed older man held out his hand to Danny.
"David Kimura," he said, "Chief of the Oahu Fire Department."
"Danny Williams," warm grin, "5-0." He could feel Steve's discomfort as he slunk down the hallway. "This is Dr. Bergman, state ME and the personal physician to 5-0." They shook hands.
"I haven't been over to meet you, or your boss, Steve McGarrett," the chief said with a rueful grin. "Got on board and immediately became entangled in this entire paramedic movement. From my own experiences working on the mainland I came to really value their work."
"Well, I have to admit I've only followed the arguments for and against in the news, but getting help to a critically injured person faster is a plus in my book!" Danno said definitively as they entered the elevator.
"Do we know how bad they were hurt?" Kimura asked more quietly.
"No," said the detective, "but they were both up and walking. Gage might be experiencing a little shock. Given the circumstances I'd be shocky, too." They exited the elevator and headed for the locker room.
"So, Doc, how is he?" Itora asked Brackett as he finished his exam.
"Bruised, looks like he strained his shoulder," Kel determined, "and his knuckles need some help."
"Hey, those jerks hit me with their faces," Gage whined, although he was grinning.
"I'd hate to think how many concussions you caused tonight," Brackett said with a twitching lip and folded arms. Yes, he'd been more than frightened, just like the paramedic, but it did end well.
"Not my fault they couldn't duck fast enough," stated the unrepentant man.
"Ah, here you are!" Danno said as he ushered in Bergman and Kimura. Itora immediately stood up straight. He didn't know the boss was coming!
"It's ok, Frank," Kimura smiled. "Just checking up on my 'consultants'." Danno introduced Bergman to the two men. Once he heard Brackett's name he straightened up.
"You're from Rampart out in LA," he said more than asked.
"Yes, I'm the head of the ER," he said. Bergman extended his hand.
"I've read you in the journals," he nearly gushed. "And I've heard you speak at several conferences." Kel smiled but didn't say anything. What could he say? He was more concerned in getting his friend and himself back to the hotel. Danno refocussed his friend.
"Why don't you check over Mr. Gage?" he suggested. "Then, I believe Dr. Brackett met with the business end of a fist."
"Oh, certainly," Bergman blushed slightly and proceeded to open his bag. He took vitals and then began a thorough poke and prod exploration. Gage was sporting several deep bruises and seemed to have strained his shoulder. Add to that sore hands from taking care of some personal business, you had a tired man.
Brackett stomach was tender and some bruising was just beginning to flourish. But there was no rigidness and Bergman felt he'd be fine.
"I'd suggest a day of rest, more for Mr. Gage," he determined. "Something for the strain, although aspirin and sunbathing would do the trick."
"I really can't see taking time off," Kel said. "With our schedule and the problems that need to be taken care of we don't have that luxury." Kimura had been quiet through the exam. Of all the people in the room he knew exactly how important the next couple of weeks were. But he also knew how serious the injuries could have been and the scandal that would have ensued.
"Dr. Brackett, whereas I agree that the schedule is tight," the chief said, "I don't agree that you don't have the luxury of down time. From where I'm standing someone tried to hurt you. In a way it was good that Mr. Gage went with you, more so that he told his partner where he was going. Detective Williams can tell you just how dangerous that bar is for tourists, especially white tourists."
"I am interested in getting your statements," Danno added. "I'm not quite sure what charges could be filed against the person who sent you to Punnies, but I do know that there will be multiple assault charges filed against the... gentlemen... in the bar."
"You two will take tomorrow off," Kimura determined. "It would have been the beginning of a 48 for you, John, so you can go to your next assignment the following morning. Kel, I know you want to get back to the ER, but I think a day off will actually be beneficial to the entire program. The detective is correct in that there was no law broken sending you to Punnies. But the hospital's board of directors might see it a little differently."
"We'll take statements and I'll send a copy over to you, Chief," Danno said. "Dr. Bergman can send over a preliminary report."
"Think you can edit some of the more... delicate parts?" Gage hedged, not wanting the description of him laid out on a pool table circulated.
"Yes, definitely," said Kimura. They went upstairs to the small meeting room by Danno's office.
After nearly an hour a complete statement was taken. A quick check in with HPD revealed three men had concussions, one broken nose and lots of bruises. After treatment the men would be held in the jail for charges.
And the person from Castle that'd given Brackett the address of the bar was also going to get picked up. If he really had called ahead to the bar to arrange for a special 'welcome' to the two Los Angelenos, then there could be charges.
"You know, John, you're building quite a reputation," Kimura said with a grin. Gage blushed slightly.
"John has enough of a reputation coming over," Kel growled. "I don't think he really needs to add to it!"
"Well, the man with the reputation is hungry, tired, and in need of a beer," Gage determined. "Can we get a ride back to the hotel?"
"I'll do you one better," Danny said. "I'll take you out for some real Hawaiian food."
"Chin's?" Bergman asked.
"Chin's," Danny said firmly.
"They got cold beer?" Gage asked.
"Yups," the detective grinned.
"Count me in," came the reply. Kimura offered to drive Itora back to the Cultural Center and speak with the 51s about what had happened. Bergman decided to head for home.
Returning to the black sedan Danno watched as Brackett got into the front seat leaving the paramedic to the back. With a sigh he worked off his tie and tossed it back on his jacket.
"Bet that felt good," Kel smiled.
"You know it, bruddah!" Danno replied as he pulled out of the lot. After a few minutes they pulled up to a modest restaurant, the sign, " Kelly's" neatly painted above the door. Warm light spilled out of the windows. It was a little after 9:30, yet there were several people eating in the relaxed atmosphere.
"What was it Matt said, John? Pound a meal? Grind a meal?" Kel asked. Danno chuckled.
Gage muttered. "I'm gonna grind."
"So, picking up the language, eh?" the detective asked.
"If it has to do with food..." Brackett teased.
"This from the guy who was waxing eloquent over poke this morning," the paramedic said as he opened the door with a grimace. "Raw fish - yuck!"
"Hey, bruddah, you're suppose to take it easy," Danno grabbed the door and waved him in. Giving him a lop-sided grin he ambled in. At least this place looked safe!
Kel was giving the place a careful once-over as well. An older woman came up and hugged the 5-0 officer. Danno introduced his guests to Helena Choi, one of the owners and sister of his co-worker, Chin.
"These malihini had a bad introduction to our islands," he said. "They need some ono kua kua!"
"Then de come to de right place!," her smile broad across her face. "Hey, ol' man, get the 'aina ahiahi going!"
"Three bottles," Danno said to the waitress leaning against the counter. They settled at a table, the paramedic electing to use a second chair for his feet. It'd been a looong night and he no longer cared if he was being a slob or not.
"Coors?" Kel asked skeptically.
"It's not Primo's, but it is cold," the detective said as he took a sip. Johnny made no comment save to take a deep pull on the bottle. Kel took a tentative sip. It was cold, he gave it that. He'd never been much interested in beer, but this place didn't have a full bar so he'd make do.
Johnny quickly finished off his first bottle and the smiling woman brought a second.
"Mahalo," he gave his best grin and received a blush and giggle.
"The only thing to warn you about is the workers are all related to Hawaii 5-0," Dan said. "And the boss is very protective of his men and their families." Johnny scowled.
"Hey, you can still flirt with me," the pretty waitress said as she leaned over his shoulder. "I'm definitely past 21."
"Ah, but your 'ohana' would not be happy with me," the paramedic rumbled low in his chest. He was pleased to have a lapful of female. An attentive female who soothed his brow. Danny looked over at Kel.
"This normal?" he asked.
"Well, he does flirt," Kel allowed, "a lot! But he doesn't seem to catch anyone." He watched as the lovely wahina held the beer bottle up to the paramedic's smiling lips.
"Gets a lot of attention?" the detective asked. Kel thought back over the years.
"Oh, yes," he affirmed. "A lot of attention!" He proceeded to share stories of the small harem that always appeared in his room while he convalesced. Soon laughter filled the room as the stories grew and stretched on.
"Don't pay attention," Gage whispered to the lovely draped across his lap. "Jealousy is an ugly thing."
Soon the cook himself carried out a huge tray and began setting plates down for his customers. He watched as the waitress jumped off the one man's lap with a smile and shook his head. His niece was a flirt! Then he took a second look at the young man's face.
"Do I know you?" he asked Gage. John looked up at the man but couldn't place him.
"I don't think so," he said politely. "I haven't eaten here before and it's been over 7 or 8 years since I've been on the island."
"Face seems familiar," he commented as he moved back to the kitchen.
"I didn't know you'd been to Hawaii before," Kel commented as he tentatively poked at the rice and pork on his plate.
"Oh, I was over here a couple times to surf," he said vaguely. This perked Danny up and once more he was under the detective's scrutiny.
"Johnny Gage, I knew I'd heard that name before!" he said with a huge smile. "Big waves competition! You took second two years running and then dropped off the circuit."
"You were on the surfing circuit?" Brackett asked, amazed. The poor paramedic blushed and lowered his eyes to his plate, pushing the food around.
"Yeah, I surfed back in the day," he admitted. "Needed to pay rent and stuff. I made some good money."
"Wow!" Danny picked up his fork and speared some meat. "I surfed as an amateur back then. I think I remember you, it was just about when I finished the academy. Cut into my surfing time!"
"And you have even less time now, bruddah!" a friendly voice boomed from the doorway.
"Kono! Come and meet a minor legend!" Danny said waving his friend over. Gage wanted to hide under the table.
"Where's Steve?" the big Hawaiian joked.
"Naw, a real legend, not the Boss," he retorted. "Johnny Gage. He surfed professionally a while back."
"Try? You surfed the circuit bruddah?" Kono grinned as he held out his hand. "Give me!" Johnny obliged, giving a shaka, slide and bump.
"You gonna hit the bamboocha surf?" he asked as he pulled a chair over and joined the table.
"Want to, but I don't have the wheels," he shrugged and took a bite of macaroni salad, his eyes closing in ecstasy. "Ohh man, that is maikai!"
"They do it right," Kono agreed. He waved at Helena who went back to get another plate.
"When's your next day off," Dan asked, "besides tomorrow."
"Saturday," Gage said. The 16s are having a bar-b-cue for us in the afternoon."
"Well, maybe we could hit the curls on this side of the island," Danny said. "I can get the morning covered at work. Got your board?"
"Yups," Johnny nodded then took a sip of beer. "Shipped it over with my friend's."
"Great, I can pick you up, say 6ish?" he asked.
"Uh, I'm on shift 'til 7," Gage said. "If we're not on a run I'd be back to the hotel maybe 8."
"No big, 8:30? If you're not there what station will you be at?" Danny eagerly asked. He watched as the paramedic slipped out his wallet and retrieved a folded note.
"Looks like the 16s, that's cool," he said mostly to himself.
"I'll get the number at the office," Williams said. "You interested? I know some sweet surfing spots!" He watched as a crooked smile crept onto the man's face.
"Ok, I'm in!" he said. "Just let me know if the other 'Legend' won't cut you the slack!"
"He'll give me the morning off," Danny grinned. "Why don't you bring along your friend with the board."
"I'll ask him," Johnny agreed.
