I do not own Hawaii Five-0 or any characters. No copyright infringement intended.

Notes: another tough chapter which the muse demanded be re-massaged and tweaked

H5O* H5O* H5O* H5O* H5O*

Chapter Eight

No Kau a Kau ~ For Eternity

After more than an hour of sitting at the beach's lot, Topher finally left the overlook with his newly acquired shadow. Chin had been stunned to see Reid at the wedding; stunned but oddly thrilled. Calling every thirty minutes or even sooner as events began to change with more rapidity, he had recently called again to finalize their next steps.

"It's him," Chin had reported back to Steve the very instant he'd spied the photographer at the wedding and he repeated himself again as their suspect left Ehukai Beach. "I don't believe this ... I mean, I do ... but really, Steve, I don't believe this is happening. What the hell is going on?"

"I know," Steve replied, just as astonished. "We don't have enough yet so stay on him. Call me when he lands." There was an emotional timbre to Chin's voice leaving no doubt that his friend felt that Reid's mere existence on the island was enough. Frankly, Steve agreed wholeheartedly but with no concept of where Kono might be, they couldn't afford to spook the man or make a single mistake. They desperately needed to act and had no time to wait nor enough evidence for a search warrant. As each minute elapsed to take Kono farther away, they simply didn't have the luxury of time on their side.

Forty-five minutes had elapsed since the last call, however Chin had been texting a play by play as he followed Reid to an upscale residential neighborhood on the North Shore. Assuming they'd be traveling back to a posh hotel, Chin remained shocked by the palatial estate which Reid pulled into. Stopping short of the long drive, Chin watched his suspect lazily guide his Mercedes though the double gates, park and thumb a security keypad prior to entering the large front door.

"He's not shy," Chin texted after sending the address. Though the message was short, there was no lack of angry sarcasm. "Mercedes? Now this?"

"Remember what Casey Mark said." Steve slyly texted back, knowing that Chin would understand he was referring to the editor's comments about Reid being a 'pompous arrogant bastard'. Both men had run the address though the system and were baffled by what they learned - Topher Reid had purchased the Mercedes sportster and the large home. This truth put their timeline completely off.

He'd not returned to attend a wedding; he'd moved right back onto the island, months earlier than even one of his own editors were aware.

For all intents, the man was back: permanently and that fact now shot him straight to the top of their very short list.

On a razor's edge and beside himself with concern, the game plan was for Chin to stakeout the house until Steve arrived so that they could pay the man a very personal visit. Steve - and preferably not Danny - though each knew that keeping their friend benched would be virtually impossible. They also knew their visit would pose an undeniable risk to Kono's safety. On the flip side though, such a visit would send a particularly well-defined message if Reid were indeed their culprit.

"Hey," Steve breathed out softly, a worried wince creasing his face as he knelt down next to the couch. He was about to do something which he didn't want to do, yet he'd made a promise. "Danny?' He softly coaxed his partner awake, a hand to his good shoulder and another wrapped around the wrist peeking out from the sling. "Danny? Time to go, buddy."

Danny frowned unhappily as he came up from his deep sleep. Almost on cue, his head immediately ached and his neck felt like a brittle spindle that would break if he dared move from where he lay. His entire body was leaden as he roused to look lazily up into Steve's face. Instinctively knowing that to move would incur a flood of pain, he allowed himself to wake carefully. His eyes closed momentarily, but only to gain ground and find energy stores which he certainly didn't possess despite his afternoon of napping. Steve waited him out, and for that, Danny was more than appreciative.

"Something ... happen? CSU?" His mouth was virtually gummed closed and it took an effort to find enough moisture to speak. But that was only his body. Even with a headache, his brain was lightyears ahead as his eyes opened to settle firmly on Steve's face.

"Yeah, but not with the lab. The toy and bracelet were dropped off though," Steve agreed and amended Danny's first assumption before voicing what would be a distinctly unpopular idea. For the hours of having slept though, his partner didn't look much better. "I'd like you to stay here while Chin and I figure this out."

"No way," Danny retorted, yet he still didn't move as he garnered stores of energy from a depleted body. He had a headache and could cope with something as minor as that which made staying behind not an option.

"It's nothing but a headache, Steven," Danny insisted, his eyes squinting against the light in the office, but resolute to get moving. "Help me up. What do we have ... what is it?"

The resulting sigh was half displeased moan as Steve briefly hid his face behind one hand before measuring the sickly pale hue of Danny's complexion, worsened by the pinched expression which was arguing against a persistent migraine. His respect for Danny ran deep and he'd never lie to his friend or force him to remain behind. However this time, he wished with all his heart that Danny would agree to wait in the office. When he finally replied, he was already helping his friend to his feet. "Topher Reid is here on the island. Chin's got eyes on him ... we're going to pay him a personal visit at his lovely new McMansion."

H5O* H5O* H5O* H5O* H5O*

Topher Reid heard the warning beep as one, and then two vehicles broke the infrared security barrier for his main drive. As he'd been doing since he'd moved in, the large iron double gates remained open at least until sundown. A fine welcome which blatantly shouted his purported lack of guilt. He smiled contentedly as he studied the two vehicles and then nearly laughed out loud when Kelly got out of the first.

"I'm impressed. That certainly didn't take too long." A few thoughtful taps of his computer later and his smart tv was broadcasting a loop of the Mantz-Harmon wedding and pleasant music was being piped through the house. The doorbell chimed just as he was refilling his wine glass and he lingered long enough to take a satisfying sip before casually answering the door.

There, he was confronted by Kono's barely in control cousin. Expecting a battalion of armed men, Kelly only had two others in tow though, and oddly enough, one was the injured blonde haole.

"Gentlemen?" Topher allowed his eyes to slide over the three, but it was a battle for him not react at the sight of the mainlander. The unspectacular appearance definitely got his attention, so much so, he was shortly unnerved.

The badge and gun on the man's belt indicated that he was an officer of the law and Topher felt a ripple of anger tingle his fingers. He feigned nonchalance but felt a quiet tide of fury sparkle dangerously because Kono had lied to him. Her surfing student ... her supposed friend ... was a haole cop and worse yet, a co-worker.

"How may I help you?" Ever so slightly Topher raised an eyebrow while intentionally communicating a strong sense of confused calm. He asked his simple question with a congenial smile, wondering if he should dare allow them to enter or demand a search warrant. His mental shrug approved the first option to further his innocence. Recovering his thoughts quickly, Topher realized that for the first time, he'd made a small error as Chin Ho's eyes settled on the bruised portion of his face.

"Five-0 ... the Governor's task force ... and we're here to speak to you about a particular case," Chin smirked through his official pleasantries as Topher lounged arrogantly in his doorway. The wine glass was an interesting prop as was the subtle music leaking out onto the front steps. But Chin wanted more and he inherently knew without a doubt that he was now facing Kono's kidnapper. The team only needed to prove motive ... and then a way into the large house. In actuality, it didn't matter which happened first; Chin would take either if he found Kono and brought Reid to his knees.

"So, Cristo Reed. You changed your name and what? You've come home?" Chin briefly paused before cocking his head quizzically to the right at the deep bruise gracing the fleshy part of Reid's cheek. "What happened here?"

"Cristo? Well, I haven't been referred as that in quite some time." Topher shrugged, ignoring the question about his purpling bruise and hardly registering the reference to Five-0 or what it might mean. Kono's elbow had been sharp and the results indeed poorly placed as three sets of eyes bore into his skin. Nonetheless, with a deceitful ease, Topher duly demonstrated a modicum of uncertainty at what should continually be perceived as an unexpected visit.

"Yes on both counts. My legal name is now Topher Reid; that young fool Cristo is long gone from my life. However, I'm sorry for being caught off-guard by your visit, but should I know you?" He purred his words lightly, a baffled nod to the two other stern looking men who flanked Kono's cousin. He made a show of eyeing their badges, another frown intentionally creasing his face. "Five-0? What's this about a task force? Are you officers? Police? What can I do for you ... is something wrong?"

"Seriously?" Chin breathed out. His anger flared and he fought to control a desire to simply overwhelm the photographer on the spot. Next to him, Steve fidgeted to remind him of taking due caution as the air changed around them to a much more troubled realm. "Are you really going to try and say that you don't know me?" Tension radiated from Chin's stance as he studied the changes in the adult version of Cristo Reed. The lanky unkempt boy was indeed gone. The handsome man before him was tall and well-built. He came across as decently educated, worldly even. However, he held a subtle physical strength topped off with a defiant arrogance. Topher Reid had become used to getting his way and as such, was dangerous. Both things which Chin could literally feel.

"You have me at a distinct disadvantage, gentlemen," Topher toyed with the wine in his glass, swirling it gently before taking a small sip. His eyes dropped to the goblet as he answered, then sighing softly before looking up to once again meet Chin's glare eye to eye. "What ... who are you all?"

"Lieutenant Kelly," Chin barely kept his temper in check as he was virtually forced to introduce himself, and then both Steve and Danny. The swelling on Reid's face was all he required to see and he felt his friends bristling in tandem. There was no doubt amongst the three that Kono had managed to score at least one point against Reid. Yet, they had no real proof and had to bide their time to find the right opening. "This is Lieutenant Commander Steve McGarrett, our C.O., and Detective Danny Williams. We'd like to come in and ask you a few questions. But for starters, we want to know what happened to your face."

If Chin had anticipated a feral reaction to his appearance, he was clearly disappointed because Topher remained unflappable except for the tightening of his fingers around the wine glass he held. He nodded at their introductions and then had the gall to pause as if considering their request to enter. His eyes briefly fell on the shorter detective to quickly take note of the bandaged head wound and the vibrant display of swollen, colorful skin covering his face. Slightly hunched as if in pain, the man's right arm was tucked protectively to his chest as if it also might be injured, though Topher couldn't be entirely certain. Those were the only clues to the extent of the haole's injuries except for the positioning of the team's commander. The taller dark-haired man, McGarrett, was purposefully staged by the blonde haole's side as if he might need to put out a hand out to physically prevent a fall to the hard pavement.

The advent of evening was still warm and the setting sun was brightly cascading off the glass of the front door. Topher had indeed forgotten about the bruise on his cheek, but he pleased himself by hiding any overt reaction to the ongoing question about how'd he'd gotten it. Instead, he purposefully allowed the large glass door to stay as it was, stalling to provide an even more brilliant reflection of the sun into the haole's already watery eyes. Without a doubt, the dazzling flare of light was toying with the man's general feelings of ill-health.

"Of course." Topher finally drawled his agreement, grandly opening his door wide to allow them entrance. "Gentlemen, come in and perhaps we can discuss whatever this is about in more detail. I'd be happy to oblige. I must say though … the Detective here, looks rather ill. Were you injured in the line of duty?"

"No." Voicing a curt reply, Danny fisted his left hand in frustration. He had insisted on removing the sling to look less handicapped. The concept was almost laughable for the appearance of the bruises on his own jaw and face. His hands were still scabbed and raw looking, but his headache continued to be his most debilitating issue. Having almost conquered the worst of the migraine in the car, the bright sunshine and a few stressful moments on Reid's doorstep exacerbated the pain back to an astronomical level.

As he entered the main foyer, Danny growled angrily under his breath at his body's ongoing treachery. He had no time for any of it ... more importantly, Kono had no time for it, either. In a few short minutes of having left the truck, Steve was virtually holding him up, and the emotional stress of being face to face with the man whom he believed to be his attacker - Kono's abductor - was unraveling whatever stamina remained in his body.

"We need to talk," Danny forced his voice to remain even-toned and managed around a slight slur sparked from his sore jaw. For added balance and to provide what he could in terms of emotional support, he settled his free hand on the small of Chin's back. "We'll come in … talk … look around."

"Of course." Reid's fluid turn on his heel was decidedly indifferent as he led them into the large open main area. With a sigh telling of the generosity of his valuable time, he motioned for them to sit as he comfortably sank into his accustomed armchair. He sniffed in amusement when the three kept their feet which seemed to be folly for the weakening haole.

"So, what happened to your face?" Steve took over for his two teammates who were seething in anger. "Let's begin there since you have yet to answer Lieutenant Kelly's question and I'm also very interested to know." To his side, Chin was in a quiet rage from an age-old vendetta. And despite the nauseating pain of a migraine and his own steadying grip, Danny was near to verbally leaping into battle. In truth, Steve wasn't doing much better when it came to controlling his emotions.

"I tripped," Topher replied with a gentle finger or two to his cheekbone. His explanation was founded upon the simple query of an enamored five year old flower girl, and he allowed the lie to flourish as if it were the truth. "New house. Packed boxes. I took a header in the dark on the way to my ensuite. Simply put ... I fell."

"Ensuite?" Danny glowered at the benign use of the word. "Tripped?" Standing in front of Chin and next to Steve, he was virtually rocking on his toes as he eyed Reid with an avid interest. For a moment adrenalin replaced the blinding pain of his migraine as he snorted in disbelief. "You seriously expect us to believe that you fell?"

"Yes, Detective," Reid calmly concurred. "After failing to turn on a light, I stupidly fell over moving boxes which I had yet to unpack in my bedroom."

The resulting silence was deafening amongst the four with the three team members staring at the photographer in varying degrees of animosity. For Reid's part, he managed to let the smothering stillness continue becuase it meant that the authorities might suspect him, yet they had nothing to act upon. With a coldness born from years of being trod upon, his attitude was boldly calculated as he acknowledged the gauntlet which had been thrown down.

"Why are you really here?" Topher asked. He inhaled sharply, his eyes altering to glitter with a deeper intensity. "What's this case about that you so desperately need to discuss it with me ... of all people?"

"So, Cristo … are you really going to tell me that you don't remember me?" Chin altered the tact of the conversation by effectively sneering out the old gang name as an intentional taunt. His next comments were pointed and clearly designed to get closer to the real reason behind the man's return. "You moved to the mainland twelve years ago as Cristo Reed to eventually settle in Denver where you've done quite well for yourself. It seems that you've become a highly regarded photojournalist; interesting how your skills with a camera seem to have acquired a better use. But I want to know ... why are you back?"

"As for my legal name change, it was done for professional reasons. It was done legally, but is there a problem with that? I can't imagine it's related to one of your cases." He smiled, almost innocently enough but was thoroughly enjoying the subtleties of the antagonistic banter. The haole was upset and in obvious discomfort from what appeared to be a hefty migraine. Kelly and the team's commander were decidedly walking a thin rope but loathe to make an error. All of these things helped Topher calm his initial flare of rage - he was controlling them like puppets. "With this interesting homework that you've done, you still haven't told me what you all are doing here. What case?"

"Officer Kono Kalakaua," Steve folded his arms, taking center stage as he stood over the seated photographer. "She was abducted almost three days ago."

"And what?" Topher laughed out right, his eyes twinkling merrily. "You think it was me? I don't even know what your talking about! Officer Kalakaua?"

"I don't appreciate this game so I suggest that you think a little bit harder because you know exactly who we're talking about and why," Chin warned, his anger no longer in check when Reid took a long moment to nod as if the challenge prompted him to recall his past run in with the Honolulu Police Department. But the method of his response nearly sent Chin over his catastrophic edge. Only Steve's warning breath in his ear kept his feet squarely under him as he stood over the sprawled Reid.

"Ah, yes," Reid softly noted, a thoughtful eye flickering up towards the ceiling. "Kono. And those old false accusations about some stolen property. You were part of the team that saw fit to condemn me. There was that foolishness about a restraining order ... over ... Kono, yet again. Do I remember right that she's your cousin? So because of my past and the fact that I'm quite literally back on Oahu, I'm now a person of interest? Sounds rather ... desperate if you ask me." Topher glared warningly over the rim of the wine glass which he held delicately to his lips. Words were being minced and the game was in full swing. Still, this team had little if he were still sitting so idly within his own home. If they thought he might make an error, they would be sorely mistaken.

"Incredible," Topher breathed around a sinister smile. "Guilty by association? A rather dark-aged mentality."

Chin's lips thinned whitely. He was being toyed with as the photographer danced around Kono and the old restraining order. Cristo - now Topher - was certainly a changed man, but Chin was certain it had only to do with a few alphabetical characters on a sheet of paper. That, and the odd mannerisms of speech coupled with an acquired wealth. Topher Reid was a very dangerous person and his arrogant confidence only worsened old nefarious tendencies.

"Bluntly put, yes," Chin growled out. "You're top of the list in fact."

"That's very ...interesting. Why do you think that I might know something about this abduction?" Reid asked as he began to feign a rising insult.

"You moved back to Oahu a few months ago. Why?" Chin pushed, knowing he had little to go on as the three anxiously looking for a hole in the man's cool demeanor.

"I missed my home and I have the means to return based upon the success of my career," Topher shrugged. His attitude was calm, relaxed and it purposefully annoyed the three men to no end. "If this is your evidence of wrong-doing gentlemen, I must say you're entirely off base."

"No, I know you ... I saw you," Danny wavered in place, his fading mental stamina warring with an uncomfortable queasiness in his stomach. "You were on the beach at Ehukai a few days ago taking pictures. Before that, you were at a number of other beaches where Kono and I just happened to be."

"Ehukai? I was there this evening as well!" Topher chuckled, his eyes widening in mock delight. "Ehukai is a favorite of mine and I am a photographer after all. How is this exactly relevant?"

"There's more," Danny growled a warning, his finger pointing dangerously towards the man whose smile refused to leave his face. "You were there three days ago and exactly at the same time Officer Kalakaua was abducted."

Danny almost let too much more information drop; fatigue and anger were nearly getting the best of him. But the pieces of damaged camera equipment discovered in the parking lot under the dumpster would be their trump card. The knowledge that the fragments came from a highly specialized and very expensive camera would be this man's final undoing.

"Coincidence," Topher drawled almost too casually. He should ask a number of questions himself, but held his tongue as if playing the fool in his false sense of confusion. He purposefully hesitated before his voice rose in anger as stared defiantly into Chin Ho's equally perturbed face. Fighting fire with fire, he jumped right into the fray while aiming each of his words at Kono's cousin.

"You listen to me. I wasn't involved with her then and if you're implying the same, you're sorely mistaken. I'm a person of interest because I moved back to Hawaii? I'm sorry that she's missing, but I fail to see how my penchant for taking pictures on that particular beach or any other renders me a suspect! Especially just prior to a storm when the lighting is absolutely perfect."

He threw the latter in for reaction as he glanced casually to the blonde detective, delighted when he saw the haole's face turn a startling shade of crimson. "I'm sorry," Topher blinked in mock dismay as the detective coughed harshly. The wince was obvious, too, and he swayed alarmingly. "Have I said something wrong … or is he very ill?"

"Danny … sit. Have a seat." The taller commander automatically intervened with a hushed whisper. There was a lull and an entire switch in attention as the detective was forced to sit in the closest chair.

"Water. I'll be right back." Acting the dutiful host, Topher smoothly gained his feet with a concerned oath to leave the Five-0 men for a glass of water. The crystal tumbler was thrust quickly into McGarrett's hand to pass along to the ill detective. With a disgusted smirk, he realized that he wasn't trusted enough even to provide an ordinary glass of water as the detective waved off the offer.

"I'm genuinely sorry that I can't be of more help," Topher said, his tone becoming definitive in its dismissiveness. "In fact, I believe we're done here until you return with a search warrant." His attention was entirely focused on McGarrett now, a purposeful ploy to avoid eye contact with either the enraged Chin Ho or the ill Detective. As the senior officer, he would be the one to put an end to the pains of the interrogation. However, Topher found himself resentfully needing to mind their visit a bit longer based on the commander's next demand.

"We'd like to look around," Steve dug in harder despite not being entirely in the right without possessing a warrant.

"What? As part of my civic duty?" Topher pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"If you're as innocent as you insist," Steve paraphrased the man's words closely. His tone of voice clearly communicated the dare. "Then what's the harm?"

"Whatever you like," Topher responded carefully. "I've nothing to hide." He glanced to the seated detective, unfazed by the aggrieved expression or the shaky hands. As he caught the injured man's eye, he shrugged before reiterating the sentiment. Inside though, Topher was amused by the officer's true vicinity to the object of his quest because the hidden access to the renovated wine cellar was literally behind the entertainment system.

He glanced at the loop of the wedding, smiling when the Detective's eye followed with an uncomfortable squint. The little flower girl had just rotated into view. "No, I've got nothing to hide at all."

"Chin," Steve motioned meaningfully towards the far end of the large rambling house. He watched as his friend aggressively stalked away before surveying every nook and cranny in the near vicinity. The main living area consisted of a large open space, sparsely decorated. However, there was an organized library of sorts with a prettily constructed desk which seemed to also house a variety of cases that could hold photographic equipment.

"That's my office area," Reid suddenly objected the intrusion. Still, Steve approached that dedicated space in order to casually pick through the items. Based on the immediate tone, he'd found the first sore point with the man and was intrigued.

"What's in here?" Steve pushed rudely. But as his hand fell on a large stainless steel case and as he picked it up, Reid's voice angrily boomed by his side.

"Please don't touch that or any of my equipment. It's all very expensive," the photographer demanded. "I've been kind enough to allow you in; but I will not permit you to take this farce any further."

For the first time, Topher felt a trill thrum warningly through his body as the team's commander regarded him. They knew something more; he could sense it. "No one touches my equipment." The dark-haired commander matched him in size. They were effectively shoulder to shoulder and nearly nose to nose as Topher physically removed the case from the man's hands.

"You're taking my generosity much too far," Topher warned hotly, after the commander relinquished his hold. His tone was now threatening in every possible way and he glowered when he noticed that the detective had regained his feet. Standing in support of his partner, the haole was sweaty and pale, but he'd adopted a dangerous expression.

"Really," Steve took a few steps forward, forcing Reid to yield in kind until the only thing separating them was the silver case. "I'm honestly not sure we can take this far enough. You'll have to work hard to convince us otherwise." Apparently meeting Reid head on was something of which the photographer was not accustomed.

"So, Reid," Steve snarled so softly that even Danny barely heard him. "Why are you really here?"

Steve's eyes narrowed as Reid defensively squared his shoulders to push back. The man had a vile temper which completely altered his very appearance once it came to the fore. As the niceties faded along with his calm mode of speaking, so did the pleasant looks and amenable expression.

"Get out," Reid snarled. "Get that Kelly ... and get out of here. Now."

Behind them, Chin was returning with a distressed look etched on his face. However, he did have a bit of evidence tucked into his pocket; a few strands of hair pried gently from a brush and comb openly left in the palatial master bathroom.

The house was large, yet nearly empty. Only the one master bedroom was furnished while the other four were nothing but hollow shells which even lacked window treatments. He'd opened doors, sniffed in the most obtuse of places, looked for evidence and briefly investigated closets. He'd gone outside twice to view the lanai, rear of the house and its private beach access. But he'd come up empty each and every time. Rather than voicing that fact, Chin shook his head once to communicate his lack of findings to both Danny and Steve, though his fingers lingered by a pocket to send another subtle note.

"You're being watched so closely that you're going to need permission to just use your damned ensuite," Steve advised, sharing a tight smile as Reid stalked to the foyer, intent now on personally escorting them all out of his home. He gathered his two teammates with a curt nod and then made it clear he would abide the request, albeit only temporarily.

"We will be back; and you can count on it being very, very soon. By the way, keep in mind that you'll regret our next visit more than you can possibly imagine," Steve promised, his entire upper body inserted directly into Reid's limited personal space.

"I said get out," Reid snapped, his voice finally rising as he lost any semblance of calm. "Now!"

The front door was flung wide open to allow the setting sun's rays to trail brightly into the house. This time, he winced along with the ill detective who needed to use the foyer wall to steady himself. The sun was not only blinding in its intensity, Topher was in a decidedly foul frame of mind.

"As for this or any other future time, it's my lawyer you'll be dealing with." With those parting words, he stood framed by his ornate front door as he watched them leave. Angry and defiant, he stood there larger than life with a look which dared they contest him.

~ to be continued ~