Chapter 23
Hank ended up back at the hotel surrounded by the doting females of the 51s family. The 5s paramedics 'suffered' through The chief's shift and the 16s made sure their consultant rested as much as possible.
"So, when you gonna show up at the Cap's?" Matt asked as Johnny poured out a cup of morning coffee.
"Probably after one, although I think some of the guys will be there earlier," Johnny said then grinned. "I'm gonna surf." Matt eyed him suspiciously.
"Never did see if you could surf, Johnny!" he protested. "I sure don't want you to ruin the department's image."
"I can surf," he said. "One of the locals I met is taking me and Mike."
"Really? Where?" Matt pressed.
"Not sure, Dan said he knows where they're breaking," Gage shrugged.
"Dan? Who's that?" a scowl.
"Uh, Dan Williams, he's a detective I met at Punnies..."
"Danny Williams? The second in command at 5-0?" his loud exclamation brought Stephan and Maddie into the room.
"If you're gonna surf with Williams we'd better bag with you!" Maddie said.
"Yeah, it's the fire department's rep on the line!" Matt declared.
"Ok, ok, I needed to call him anyway 'cause I want to invite my sister along," Gage threw up his hands. The three crew members looked at one another. Sister? The LA paramedic didn't have any family they knew of. They followed him to the pay phone and waited as he pulled out a card and dialed the number inscribed on it.
"Hey, Dan? Yeah, Johnny," he began the conversation. After securing permission to bring his sister as well as Mike he inquired after the surfing location because a couple of guys from the station wanted to meet them there.
"Ok, great," he finished up. "We'll be out front in an hour." He hung up the phone and turned to the small knot of listeners.
"Place called Sand Island," he said. "Said to look out for his yellow mustang. Boards are gonna be interesting." He wandered out to the locker room to gather his things.
Matt and Maddie exchanged glances. "He better be able to surf," Matt grumped.
After calling both Lizzy and Mike Gage headed back to trade cars. Then he rode back to the Hilton with the rest of the 51s. Just after eight he was out in front, his board leaned against the building when Danny drove up.
First there were introductions. To say the detective's mouth dropped when he saw Lizzy for the first time would be an understatement.
"You're Lizzy Dunn!" he exclaimed, slack jawed.
"Yups," she grinned at the curly-haired man. 'Cute!' she thought to herself.
"I mean, you're a pro," he nearly dithered before Johnny saved him.
"Yeah, we surfed the circuit together for a couple years," he slipped in. "Her dad, Gus Dunn, taught me how to surf."
"Well, we should get going," Mike quietly put in. Lizzy had dated Mike for quite a while. But she'd introduced him to her friend, Beth, and the rest was history. With a grin she picked up her board and they approached the car.
After working out the logistics, the boards were sandwiched together on the far right of the car. Lizzy sat in the middle with Johnny buffering her behind Danny.
If Williams had been impressed by Lizzy, he had nothing on Matt and Maddie. The two men, and Maddie's wife, Chrissy, stared as the legendary pro hopped out of the car pulling her beach bag and board out with her.
As they walked passed the trio Mike reached over and shut Matt's mouth gently. They walked down to the beach and set up a place for their things.
"Doesn't look too bad, 6 to 8s," Johnny commented.
"Yeah, just be aware they can be pretty strong coming in," Danny said as he checked over his board.
"There's some coral to watch out for as well," Maddie put in when he found his voice.
Soon they were in the water paddling out to get in the loosely formed cue of surfers waiting to catch a ride. It didn't take long for the Hawaiian crew mates to realize Gage could ride and ride well. He caught a curl at the perfect moment, as the water started to crest, then easily carved his board up and down the face of the wave cutting a fan at the end of the ride.
Much to his chagrin, Matt fell on his first two tries.
Again and again one of the surfers would catch a swell and show off to the others. Lizzy and Johnny kept trying to up the ante by spinning 360s and shooting through the tube. Even Mike had a couple of moves, shifting up and down on his board with ease and pig dogging(1). Then Lizzy nodded to her brother and they caught a wave together.
If watching Lizzy hadn't been delightful in and of itself, watching her light up the wave with Gage was even better. They passed one another on their boards and at one point the paramedic and surfer held hands with mischievous grins.
"Awue!" Matt exclaimed. "And we thought he couldn't ride!"
"He was on the circuit for a couple of years," Danny said. "Took second in the Big Waves two years in a row."
"WHAT?" they exclaimed in unison.
"Johnny surfed professionally," the detective shrugged. "Did pretty well at it. But the rescue-bug caught him and that's what drives him now."
"Man, I could cheerfully strangle him!" Matt exclaimed. "Letting us believe he didn't surf much!" Their ride finished, the two friends pulled up on their boards and deftly propelled themselves back out to the cue.
"Hey, can I do that tandem thing with you?" Danny called out. Lizzy smirked and pointed over to Johnny.
"Go with him, he has much better control," she said. Gage just grinned as he paddled closer to the Hawaiian detective. As the others took their turns the two men discussed the acrobatics of sharing a wave.
Danny found out quickly it was much harder than it looked and only Johnny's lightening-fast reflexes kept them from smashing into each other. On the other hand it was absolutely exhilarating and as the wave played out he grinned like a little kid.
"AGAIN!" he called out and soon they were sharing another wave, William's control improved and soon he could sweep under and then behind Johnny or Lizzy. They traded off rides, sometimes tandem, sometimes solo, for a couple hours. As other surfers noted the 'pro' among them cameras appeared and finally a news crew was on the beach taking video of Lizzy surfing.
They then recognized Danny Williams and took some footage of him as well. In their zeal to get the 5-0 detective and the pro surfer they didn't recognize the third 'legend' in front of them, although they did get him in some tandem shots as he shared waves with the other two. When Johnny pulled off a perfect aerial 360(2) with his board the news crew became a bit more interested and taped the 'unknown' as he performed for his friends.
"Oh man, my boss is gonna blow," Danny said as they were heading in and saw the reporters waiting for them.
"Maybe he won't see the news," Johnny tried to be positive.
"Maybe," Williams sighed as he turned to his new surfing friend. "Just not a word about next Friday!" He received a patent-pending crooked grin.
"Friday?" Lizzy asked as Matt listened in.
"North Shore," he said. "The waves aren't monsters yet, need to be closer to winter, but big enough."
"Yeah, they're having a competition in a couple weeks to rev things up," Lizzy said. "It's been a pretty quiet summer. Even Huntington was pretty flat!"
"Anyway, mums the word!" Danny said as the smiling reporter stepped up for an impromptu interview. While the two were 'entertained' Johnny and Mike gathered up the boards and rinsed them off. These were then toweled off and set into the mustang. Not one to miss food the paramedic nudged the engineer and the two dug out wallets from under the seat and headed for the food stand on the nearby boardwalk.
Matt, Maddie and Chrissy joined them as chili dogs and sodas were obtained. Gage bought extra and with Mike's help brought them back to the 'celebrity' duo of the group.
"Mahalo!" Danny grinned as he accepted the hot, cheesy treat. They managed to chomp down without too many interruptions from fawning fans. Johnny maneuvered Lizzy between him and Mike to give her a little protection.
Danny noted this protective phalanx and sidled in a bit closer as well, observing the small crowd asking for autographs. When one man got a little 'chummy' Johnny carefully lifted his arm and allowed Lizzy to take refuge, sending a clear message she was not available.
"Hey, we need to bag, bruddahs," he said, giving them an out.
"Yeah, places to go," Lizzy said.
"Waves to catch," Johnny grinned. Trash was tossed, feet given a final rinse, and they piled back into the mustang. As Danny pulled into traffic the pro surfer sighed.
"Thanks, bro," she said as she leaned against Gage. "Never had such trouble with grabby fans!"
"It's like the whole scene is changing," he said. "You have people to look out for you at the competition?"
"Yeah, talked with the sponsors about security," Lizzy said. "Actually, it's been stepped up the past two seasons to give the surfers breathing space. When I'm with the group I'm fine."
"Ok, and remember you can always hang out with the 51s," he said. "I'd like to see anyone bother you with Joanne and Beth around!" This caused Lizzy to laugh. Yes, Joanne and Beth were great in keeping out the unwanted.
Soon Williams was heading home to clean up for work while the 51s were getting ready to head over to Cap. Itora's home. Lizzy was going to be out on another promotion that afternoon and hoped to meet up with them later for a drink.
Frank and Carole Itora's home was tucked up the side of the volcanic ridge that was the backbone of Oahu near a forest reserve. The backyard had a large pool and there were beautiful views of the peaks beyond. A large bar-b-cue was set up on the deck and a cluster of chairs ready for visitors.
Chen and Lena had come over early to help with set up. Chet and Marco had brought over coolers of sodas and beer. Side dishes were potlucked. By the time Johnny and Mike arrived the party was underway and lunch was being served.
"Well, isn't that convenient?" Chet called out. "In time for the food!"
"Hey, it's a finely-honed skill!" Gage teased right back with a wide, innocent smile causing a ripple of laughter. He produced a small floral arrangement for Carole, bussing her on the cheek and then shook hands with Cap Itora. He took a little more teasing from his friends before heading over for lunch.
Mike noted that Dr. Stewart was there eating next to Kel.
"Looks like the 16s are really working on team building," he said quietly as he scooped up some macaroni salad.
"Yups," Gage agreed as he took his own helping. They continued down the table adding other goodies to their plates before heading over to the bar-b-cue.
Stephan grinned as the two surfers came up for chow.
"We have Carole's Hawaiian chicken or Lena's kalua pork," he said as he waved his tongs over the grill. Chicken quarters were nestled in with a variety of bar-b-cued fruit. The pork was reminiscent of southern pulled pork.
"I'll have to try both!" Gage grinned as he accepted a portion of each. Mike indicated he wanted the same.
"How did Matt and Maddie beat us here?" Mike wondered aloud.
"Ah, they just came here to shower and change," Stephan said. "Plenty of time to pretend they helped set-up. Don't bother listening to 'em brag!"
"Thanks for the heads-up!" Gage chuckled. He made his way over to the two doctors. It was good they were invited, but to make the team idea work you had to actually interact with them as well!
"So, John, how were the waves?" Kel greeted his friend.
"It was frothing!" he said. "We really lit 'em up." Stewart looked over at the other doctor.
"I live here and I need a dictionary!" he muttered. Both men turned blank stares on the paramedic. Johnny snickered.
"Good waves, guys," he explained. "The guys, Lizzy and Chrissy could really do some great tricks!"
"Ah, knew there was a translation," the Hawaiian doctor chuckled.
"I'm gonna snag a beer," John continued. "Anyone else?" Both doctors waved empty bottles and nodded. Soon three cold brews were being sipped while one hungry paramedic began to eat.
"How did it go over at Hawaii Med?" John asked between bites. "Roy said you were showing them the communication board."
"Communication board?" Stewart's ears perked up.
"It's how we keep track of our stations," Kel said as he speared another bite of salad.
"Rampart has 8 stations that do runs," Gage explained. "The board helps them keep track of us!" He took a big bite of pork and moaned appreciatively.
"Hey, I didn't get that," Kel said and leaned over to steal some.
"UNCLE JOHNNY!" a small child yelled as she nearly knocked the man over.
"Uh, hi Jenny Bean!" he said as he preserved his lunch. She climbed up on his lap and took a piece of pineapple off his plate.
"Did you eat lunch?" he asked as the juice spilled down his shirt.
"No, not hungry," she replied as she grabbed some papaya.
"For someone who's not hungry you're certainly packing it away," Don Stewart observed dryly. Kel took a couple large napkins and tried to protect his room mate's shirt.
"Tell you what, sweetie, watch my plate and I'll be right back!" the paramedic said moving the girl onto his seat and leaving the plate in front of her. She picked up his fork.
"Mmmorfk... 'k...," came the unintelligible reply. Soon the dark-haired man was back with more food and sat next to the 'not hungry' child.
Who'd made an impressive dent on the adult's previous plate! Johnny put a glass of iced tea down and as expected watched Jennifer backwash a huge swallow.
The beer bottle was surreptitiously moved to the other side of his plate.
"So, Doc, how's the ER handling the new sets of hands?" John prompted.
"Well, once a certain head of the ER got his head out of his... posterior," he nodded in deference to the 5 year old scarfing down macaroni salad as if it were ambrosia, "it seems to be doing pretty good. It's an added ring to our other three ringed circus, but it helps more than I envisioned it."
"Roy and you did a great job of triage yesterday," Kel added.
"Roy is good at that," Gage deferred. "And both the 5s and 16s paramedics really kept it together. Not easy dealing with having one of your captains and engine crew down all at once."
"I never want a bad accident, but having this one gave two teams an up close and personal," Stewart said. "I was worried about working in the field with so little training, but these guys really picked up the ball."
As they sat talking and eating Joanne came over to check on her daughter. She was surprised Jenny had taken over her uncle's lunch, more surprised that she was eating ravenously.
"Hope it's ok to feed her," Johnny said guiltily.
"Like you had a choice," Kel chuckled. "I thought she was going to bite your hand if it got in the way." The mother shook her head.
"She wouldn't eat this morning and when we started plating up she kept saying she wasn't hungry!" Joanne huffed. Frank Itora and Stephan Lewis decided to come join the group.
"She's eatin' now," the 16s captain commented. With two daughters of his own he knew how hard it was to get kids to eat or go to sleep if they decided they didn't want to.
The newcomers took seats and soon the conversation flowed. The topic of hospital/station activities came up and soon they were discussing fund raisers and community outreach. Both Stewart and Itora began to get excited at the possibilities that were out there.
"We found the community health fairs attracted more people with a fire engine and real firemen available," Brackett said. "The kids get all excited and they want to climb on the rig. That brings in parents and grandparents who are lured to the various stations for blood pressure, weight, and simple screenings."
"Another benefit is having doctors and nurses available to answer questions," John stated. "I mean, we can do some of the screening but we can't really do more than suggest a medical follow up. With the follow up right there you help more people."
"I know I like the health fair with the dietician available," Joanne said. "She had great info on food choices for kids and adults." Kel pulled out a pen and looked around for something to write on.
"Here," Johnny separated his plate. A second one was underneath for extra support. Since he'd eaten most of the food there was no need for it.
"We make pamphlets," the doctor said sketching on the bottom of the plate. "Simple three-fold. Our senior auxiliary helped. We blocked out the stations available and left space for vitals and suggestions. Printed our info on the back plus the fire department's. That way they have something to carry off with them."
"You guys really know how to use your resources!" Don said, impressed. "No one has to do too much this way!"
"They even ask local groups if they'd like to set up food booths to raise awareness," Joanne added. "My son's scouting group had a hot dog and soda stand. They got to show off their projects and make some money for their troop."
"We even pulled in the med students and local seniors groups," Kel said.
"The more the merrier!" John grinned as he finished off his plate. He glanced over and saw that Jenny had done a great job eating over half of the first plate.
"I want dessert!" she declared pushing the plate to her uncle. She was off like a shot to check out the offerings on the table. Knowing how the girl ate and drank Johnny unfolded the napkin and covered the leftovers.
"Be right back," he said. "Anyone need anything?" He ended up with Joanne's tea glass and a request for two more beers. Of course he bussed all the empty plates.
"Where does he get his energy?" Stephan asked no one in particular. "Matt and Maddie are just dragging after surfing this morning and Gage just goes bouncing off like some hyperactive kangaroo!"
"We prefer 'force of nature," Kel grinned as he took a sip from his bottle.
"I refer to him as 'Tigger'," Joanne smirked. Talk returned to the health fair concept. Stewart was interested in shopping it around to his peers at the other hospitals.
"Even Hu?" Brackett asked.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far," he grudgingly admitted. "But when her administrator see how well we do then there might be some buy in."
"Bypassing Castle's ER, I'm sure," Kel said.
"Man, you should see the desserts!" Johnny was back with a plate full of goodies to pass around. He'd juggled two teas, two bottles and a platter. Jenny was right behind him with another plastic glass for herself and several sweets.
As the party progressed a volleyball game began. The younger kids played on the steps of the pool with tupperware pour water and floating things.
It was a big surprise for the 16s when Chief Kimura showed up with his wife and a big plate of cookies. Roy Desoto grinned as he nudged Hank Stanley.
"I mentioned the cook out to the Chief yesterday at the 5s," he said with a smug grin. "Said he was welcome to drop by."
"You are sneaky Roy," Hank shook his head as he watched his counterpart leap up from his chair. He had the desire to clock the paramedic upside the head with his cast. Carole, on the other hand, was the vision of calm as she helped Mrs. Kimura with her things.
"Just felt that it would be good for him to see his men working towards a better team," the senior paramedic said as he sipped at his beer. "Plus he could connect with Dr. Stewart. Never hurts to build inter-departmental relations."
"Yep, but a little heads-up might have been appreciated," Hank grumbled.
"I've seen you when you know McConnikee's coming," Roy teased. "Surprise is better sometimes." He earned a glare, then a smile. The two men watched as Johnny happily surrendered his chair and fetched a beer for the chief. He even went so far as to fix a plate for the man before joining in on the volleyball game.
As the afternoon progressed Frank had calmed down a great deal and actually enjoyed discussing the changes in the health and safety fields. With Hank and Kel's input more options were investigated. At some point a pad of paper appeared and ideas were written down.
Hank had to admit Roy had been right. Having the chief drop in unannounced worked.
Of course, he doubted Frank had burned Kimura's hat!
Pig dogging: riding the board and leaning back dragging a hand through the face of the wave.
Aerial 360: spinning board in a complete 360 degree turn in air landing back on face of wave.
