Chapter Eight

-" Steve drop his head down. Cath, I will never lie to you, and yes, I did say to Danny. I only say it to him because I didn't want anyone to paint a target on your back; there were still a lot of people out there wanting to hurt me and willing to use anyone I was close to in order to get to me. I saw them do it to Mary in the earlier years, I didn't want to take any chances. I said that to him, but in my heart, I didn't mean it; you were always my girl and so much more. You know you are the only person I let in. I love Danny, but sometimes he can be a bit too much. I didn't admit you were my girlfriend, not that I was ashamed of you for anything or didn't love you. I want to protect and keep you safe until I have a handle on what enemies I have out there. I am not proud of myself, but you know me better than anyone and that I love you then and always. I am sorry Danny can't keep his big mouth shut and told Melissa. This is why I stopped sharing anything personal with him. That was a long time ago. Don't let this drive you away and doubt my feelings. I need and love you Cath.

-"She could tell he was telling the truth and decided not to let what happened to drive her away. Steve thought it was too much of a coincidence that those two landed in the same store with her. I don't know how they would have known. Did you tell anyone else you were going? Yeah, the waitress who said she knew you before recommended it. She doesn't know Lynn or Melissa, just that you were here with some lady that night. Yeah, Steve is pretty sharp. If you happen to see her while I am here, I want to say hi. Why Steve? My gut is telling me something is not right. You know what Chin said about coincidence: it takes a lot of planning. Okay. You hungry? Yes, I am. Let go to the restaurant and have lunch, then come back and work it off, and he kisses her.

-"They were having lunch and talking about the meeting with the CIA, and Catherine looked out to the lobby. There she is now, Steve walking to the elevator with a delivery. I be right back. He walked over before she got on the elevator. Excuse me Miss, you remember me. Yes, you are Commander McGarrett; I waited on your Valentine's night at a private dining restaurant. Steve was trying to forget that, but I need some info. Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions? No sir, let us go over here so we can talk in private. Then he turns on his McGarrett Navy Seal thousand-yard stares face. Showing he means business. Now don't lie to me because I promise you will regret it. Catherine told me you told her about Valentine's night, but it was just innocent on your part because you didn't know her, but I do not think that is the case. Did someone put you up to say that to her and to tell them where Catherine would be shopping today? She started crying. I am sorry sir. I thought she was nice and she convinced me that Catherine was the bad person and was trying to break you two up.

-"What her name? Lynn, that's all I know. She was here the day Catherine checked in and saw her. She remembers me waiting on you two. She offered me a big tip to do it; she said Catherine was a crazy ex, and I had to deal with one myself. The minute I talked to Catherine, I could tell she was a good person and felt bad for saying that to her. Lyn called to see if I had anything new to report; I told her I wasn't going to do it anymore because it was wrong, and I didn't want to hurt Catherine. She threatened to call the manager and have me fired for spying and taking the bride. I can't lose my job. I am a single mom, and I regret that I did what you asked. Please, please don't arrest me. Steve knew she was innocent. I am not going to arrest you but not answer her calls or texts, and I will make sure you don't lose your job but never do this again to anyone or anybody. If you don't know the person, you have no idea if they are lying or not, so it is best not to do it. Thank you Sir I will for sure. Lynn is viscous so she might come over here looking for you. You need to tell the manager you have to go out of town for an emergency. Do you have vacation time? Yes, sir, I hardly take off. I suggest you disappear for a week and when you come back, Lynn shouldn't be a problem because then Catherine & I will be planning our wedding. She is a good person, and I am lucky that she is back in my life. Yes sir I will and thank you again.

-"He went back over to Catherine. I knew I was right. Lynn tricked her into telling you stuff about Valentine's night and told her about the shop. She is innocent, but I put the fear of God in her and told her never to do that again. She is going out of town for a week, so Lynn can't come over and try to find her. Catherine was looking at him all goofy. Why are you looking at me like that? You are amazing, and you trust your gut. I love that gut so much. Well, what about the rest of me? Let's go to my room and I will show you. Your wish is my command. They ran to the elevator making out like teenagers and couldn't wait to get inside. She did show him over and over again. All was right with the world.

-"Catherine's parents arrived in town on Wednesday, but Mary couldn't come because of her job but would watch online. She did tell Steve that Lynn found her on Facebook, but she didn't answer her messages. He told her to block her from everything. She was happy for Steve because she knew Catherine was the only woman he loved. She wants him to be happy and become a Father. Wednesdayafternoon they went over their presentation before their meeting with the Director of the CIA. Danny wondered where Kono and Jerry were going and talking all the time. They told Danny they were seeing one another and laughed. He knew something was up but couldn't put his fingers on it. Steve would say things are great, and he is just spending time with Catherine.

-"It didn't seem like their plans had worked about her finding out about him saying she was not his girlfriend. He knew Catherine was not staying with him but at the Hilton so they still thought there was hope.

-"Once they were sure they had everything to convince the CIA, they left for the meeting. In the room was the CIA director, her assistant, Joe, Steve, Catherine, Kono, Catherine's Dad and Jerry. She said hello and was impressed the Admiral was there. She heard nothing but good things about him and all he was doing for the country. Okay, I have about an hour, so what is this about?

-"Steve got up ma'am I appreciate you taking the time to hear us. A year ago a bomb blew up a building that I was in and my partner Danny. Everyone was able to get out except two people. We had to be rescued. I found out it was because a CIA officer didn't want me to look into Wofat mother. As you probably know, my mother Doris was a CIA officer for years before she married my father. She faked her death because Wofat was looking for the person who killed his father. Wofat Mother was the one he killed. It turns out Doris' boss, the man I killed, Ed Cobb, was responsible and was afraid I would tell everyone, and he would lose his job. He was her boss on the mission. Yeah, I remember Ed Cobb, and as far as I know, he is deep undercover on some mission. That's not true. There was a cover-up because I shot him dead in self-defense.

-"Joe took it from there; someone came in, got rid of the body, and cleaned everything up. Steve was supposed to meet Sam Hubbard and he was going to tell him everything, but instead, he found Ed. He admitted he put the bomb in the building and was hoping it would kill Steve and anyone necessary, especially Five-0.

-"Catherine started talking; I didn't know anything about Steve killing this CIA when I had to go to Afghanistan to help a family find a boy that had been kidnapped by the Taliban. The CIA blackmailed me to join because of my intelligence work and all the languages I spoke. If I didn't, they would put Steve in a black site and make me look like he did it in cold blood. I couldn't tell anyone about it. I would never let that happen to Steve of Five-0. I love him, and they are my Ohana. I didn't know it was self-defense. The tape they showed me was doctored and made it look like he did in cold blood.

-"Steve was talking again; they didn't know I was wearing a wire and had a video recording. I gave it to Jerry and had him authenticate it to prove it was real, and it has been in a safe deposit box ever since. I recorded all of this step by step so no one could say I tampered with it. No one came after me, and I didn't know they blackmailed Catherine until I forced her to tell me when she came back after I was shot and almost died.

The Admiral then said ma'am, I know you know how I am, and even if Catherine is my daughter, I would never be here if I didn't believe every word what Steve is saying. I have known him to be an honorable man and he would never kill someone in cold blood. My little girl didn't even tell me because she didn't want me to get in trouble because she knew I would have raised Holly Hell no matter what.

-" Jerry will now present the video. Kono helped him and walked it thru step by step on what they were seeing on the screen and the date and time it was taken. When she was done, Steve said I am asking you to vacate Catherine's contract with no repercussions and to make sure no one can come after any of us ever again.

-"The director stood and said I can't believe this happened; this is not how the agency works, blackmailing people to join, blatant lies when it is not for the good of the country. I will deal with this on my end, and I assure you something like this will never happen again. Lt. Rollins, as of today, your contract is null and void; you are free to live your life, and no one will come for you or the Commander or anyone else. I am also impressed by the details and length you went to prove this. I must tell you, if you hadn't, I might not have believed you. Go live your life. Now I have another meeting to go to.

-" One more thing, could you email me a copy in writing so I have it for my record said Steve. Of course, I expect nothing else. Once she left, hugs, and smiles all around. I am free Steve! We can be together now and nothing will come between us. Thank you so much Dad, Joe, Kono & Jerry. Jerry blushed. He remembered he had a huge crush on Catherine, but once she knew she was Steve's girl, he backed off. We are free to live the rest of our lives. Steve whispered to Jerry; you were recording right. Yes got it all. Not that I didn't trust the Director, but it's always good to have proof. Let's get out of here and go celebrate. I'll call your Mom and tell her the good news and meet you there.

-"Boss, can I call Chin? I am sure he is on pins and needles. Yes, and tell him thanks for helping; I know he helped you and Jerry. I need to leave him the office to keep Danny from getting too suspicious, but still asking him to keep it to himself a little while longer will do. She called Chin, and he was so happy. He was in the office, so he had to hold it on. That great news is really great. Send my congrats. I talk to you later Cuz and Steve said thanks for your help.

-"They went out to one of Joe's favorite places and said cheers and congratulations. Kono, hey Cath, can I ask you a huge favor? I know it's last minute but Adam can't make it and we paid a lot of money for two tickets. I have to go to this event on Sat night in the Hilton ballroom to represent one of Adam's chains. He had an emergency meeting in Japan and can't make it back. It is going to look bad if one of us is not there. I just don't want to be by myself. Would you mind going with me? She looks at Steve. It's fine, Cath. We owe Kono. Joe and I are just going to hang out at the house; I invite the guys over; Jerry, you're welcome and you too, Admiral, if you want to come. No, your Mom & I have other plans, so we see you on Sunday. The Admiral smiled because he knew they would see her on Sat. at the surprise party. He always like Steve and so did his wife and was thrilled they were finally going to get married. Good night, everyone, and good job; I couldn't have pulled it off without your help. Steve said Admiral, can I see you for a second. Catherine wondered what that was about, but Kono said hey, let's go shopping tomorrow for a dress to wear. Yeah that would be great because I need something to wear. Steve said Sir, I know I asked for you and your wife's blessing before. I just wanted to make sure it was still good, and he smiled. Son, yes, it is, but I tell you if you break my daughter's heart again, I will make your life a living hell, and they both laughed.

-" Everyone leaves, and Steve and Catherine go back to their room; they are on cloud nine. I can't believe I am free and we can be together. Thank you, Steve, and I will never keep anything from you again, and the same here. I was going back to our home tonight, but since I am going to this event with Kono on Saturaday night so I think I am just going to stay here. If I get too drunk, I can just walk upstairs. Okay and I am going to head out tomorrow and get some stuff to barbecue. While you and Kono are out being wine and dine, me and the boys will probably play poker on Sat. He knew the barbecue was on Friday because the engagement party was on Sat. Are you going to invite Lou & Danny to the barbecue? I think I will. I will finally tell them the truth, but it will be a long time before we are close again because he betrayed me. You work it out; you guys are brothers. I am sure you're right, but I don't want to talk about Danno anymore; I have another thing I want to do. Is that right, Commander? Yes, he takes her to bed, and they celebrate all night long.

-"Steve received the invitation the next day and a link where Mary could watch online. Jerry will walk her through it. Now he had to send them out, but not before he talked to Lou and Danny. He called them and told them to stop by after work for some beers and barbecue. They were shocked and didn't expect it after the way he had been avoiding them.

A/N: Thanks, Carolina, for your beautiful review.

How will Danny & Lou react once they find out the truth about Catherine joining the CIA?