Chapter 11
Raoul and Bastien are now in the holding cell at the Thiès police station. They have confessed to stealing the gun. That's all they said. Maybe they can get money for the Américain after all. They hope to be released soon, as they have not attracted attention so far.
The Américain's gun has been checked by the police. It is even registered to a Commander Steve McGarrett, head of a task force in Hawaii.
Finally, someone there answers the phone. "Honolulu Police Department, what can I do for you?" The officer explains that the commander's gun turned up in Thiès during a bank robbery. "Where exactly is that? In Africa?" "Qui, in Senegal." "Alright, thank you very much, I'll let the Commander know, can I reach them at the number that is displayed?" The officer confirms that. Then they end the conversation.
Disappointed, the friends still sit in the hospital waiting area. Never before have they felt so at a loss.
It turns out that the man from the ranch's employee housing is a German tourist who didn't return from a trip a few days ago. His wife reported him missing. Apparently, a few of the Lefebre employees have been making extra money through extortion.
Again Danny cursed his Seal's solo efforts, why hadn't he just come to him. They could have helped Catherine together. The ringing of his phone snaps him out of his thoughts. "Williams?"
"Danny? It's Duke. Say, do you know where Steve is? I can't reach him, his phone seems to be turned off." Danny runs a hand through his hair.
"No, I don't know where he is either. Can I help you further?"
"It's about Steve's gun. It was used in a bank robbery in, wait, ..., in Thiès, Senegal. No ..." "WHAT?" "Yeah, I don't know how it got there, the police just called me. They have the bank robbers in custody. Do you want me to give you the number?"
Danny has already jumped on. "No need, we'll go straight there. What's the officer's name?" Danny hears that Duke's voice sounds confused, nevertheless he answers, "Officier Cardot, and how do you want ..." "Thanks, Duke, I'll explain everything later." He hangs up. Questioningly, the friends look at each other. "They used Steve's gun in a bank robbery here in Thiès. The bank robbers are still at the station. Come on, we'll take care of them now!"
After a quarter of an hour, the friends are standing in front of the Thiès police station. "Maybe we shouldn't all rush in there. Surely it's enough if two of us go." "Yeah, you're right Danny, you go with Chin then, we'll wait out here." Danny nods and looks at Catherine. She nods, after all Danny and Chin are cops.
"Bonjour, we are looking for Officier Cardot, please." "That's me, what can I do for you?"
"My name is Detective Danny Williams, I am with the Five-0 Taskforce in Hawaii. Sergeant Duke Lukela contacted me that our chief Commander Steve McGarrett's weapon had been found." "Yes, that is correct. A couple of petty criminals tried to rob the local bank with it. Do they have any identification?"
Danny hands him his ID.
"One moment" He disappears into a room and then comes back with the gun and hands it to Danny. "Please acknowledge receipt for me here. He slides a form across the table to Danny. Danny signs it and follows up with, "Duke also said the bank robbers are still here. Would it be possible for us to question them about how they got the gun?"
The officer shakes his head. "Sorry, we let them go an hour ago."
Danny stares at him and gulps. "Can they give us their address, then?"
The officer flips through his papers. "Yes, here in Thiès, at the Lefebre ranch." Disappointed, Danny looks at him. "I'm afraid the address is no longer correct. Madame Lefebre threw it out yesterday. ... Thanks anyway."
Their friends outside look at them spellbound. Danny shakes his head dejectedly, then he and Chin tell what they have learned. This can't be true now, tears gather in Catherine's eyes. She will never see Steve again.