Chapter Three

Flashback USS Enterprise!

-" Steve had just been giving his orders to be in charge of Navy Intelligence on the USS Enterprise. The assignment would help him with his quest to be a Seal. He walked into his duty station as a man of authority. Shoulder wide and push out. All the ladies stop to notice the hot Lieutenant who passed them into the big boss officer.

-"Sarah said to her bestie sitting next to her did you see that Greek of God who just walked past us?

-" No, I am busy trying to find this terrorist cell, " said the Brunette.

-"Girl, he is one piece of hot eye candy.

-"You have been at sea too long; any man is eye candy to you. She rolled her eyes and got back to work.

-"Steve saluted his Commander, and Captain Smith said at ease Lieutenant. Welcome,McGarrett; I heard nothing but good things about you. Have a seat.

-"Thank you, Sir.

-" Here are the files of all the people you supervise. They are all exceptional. As you know, in any unit, you are going to have some slackers, which you need to keep an eye on.

-"Yes sir, I know I had some like that in my last unit.

-"Here are the current assignments we are working on for the Seal Teams. Come on, I introduce you. He opened the door and said attention. They stand up and salute them. At ease. As you know, your last supervisor was transferred to Japan. This is Lieutenant McGarrett, your new supervisor. He will be meeting with you one-on-one to go over your current assignment.

-" He notices some of the ladies looking at him with a gleam in their eyes and the biggest smile. Some of the guys had pissed-off looks on his face. He noticed one lady who never looked up and was busy working. He said he was happy to be their supervisor and looking forward to working with them. To continue what they were working on until he had a chance to meet with them.

-"Captain Smith showed him his working station. It was a cubicle but with a window so he could see them working. He said Captain Smith, I noticed one woman who never looked up the entire time and continued to work.

-"Oh, that Rollins the work alcoholic. She is the best one in your unit. She won't quit until she finishes an assignment. I had to threaten her one time to get her to go get some sleep. She is going to do great things for the Navy. Her Dad is Admiral Rollins, and he is also one tuff son of bitch. I think that the reason she worked so hard so others don't think she got her assignment because of her Dad.

-"Admiral Rollins, he a Seal, right? Yes, he is a legend. I read up on all the Seals, so I know what to expect if I get accepted.

-"You find your barrack, okay? Yes, I did.

-" Okay, I let you get to work. Your shift is over at 1900 hours and begins at 07:00.

-"He saluted Captain Smith and went to his duty station. He spent the day meeting everyone one on one. All the ladies let him know without subtle hints, they would be happy to show him around. He kept his stern face, said no thanks, and went into their job duties. The guys show their disdain for him by answering sharply and letting him know with their tone they didn't think he was all that.

-"Then it was Ensign Rollin's turn. He said tell me about yourself and what you are currently working on. He noticed she was all business and treated him like a boss. No outward flirtation. He looked into her brown eyes and got lost for a second. I understand you are a bit of a work alcoholic.

-"Sir, I am here to do a job, and I can't stop when a lot of Seal Teams depend on my information, and it is life and death.

-"Well, Rollins, you need a break every now and then. I am ordering you to take at least one break a day.

-"Sir, I don't need it.

-"You heard me, Rollins.

-"Yes, sir, " he noticed how she tilted her head and had a little wrinkle on her forehead, indicating she was angry. He thought to himself, damn, that is cute.

-"What about you? What do you mean? I have a habit of checking out who I should report to. Are you saying you look me up? Maybe a little.

-"Captain Smith had me pull your file once he got the order for you to be the new supervisor. Oh, I see. What did you learn? You graduated top of your class. You receive numerous awards for your leadership and for being the best in your field.

-" I see, nothing personal? No, sir, I would never look into your personal life. I am sorry if I overstep my bounds. He smiled and said it was fine. That was when she felt a flutter in her stomach. She never felt this before. There was something about that smile that got to her. But for all she knew, he married and had kids.

-" Do you know where the gym is? It's one flight down, and the first door on the left. I do take time to work out, believe it or not. Thank you, and you can go back to your workstation. She salutes him and leaves.

-"Steve didn't know what to think. It was something about this Ensign that had him unnerved. She was beautiful, and he could tell she was smart. She was different. He quickly put those thoughts out of his head because of Navy rules. They could never be anything more than friends.

-"It was 2000 hours and way past quitting time. He was exhausted from his first day, reading all the reports, meeting everyone, and ensuring all the reports were done; he looked up and saw one person still working. It was the Brunette on the phone and working away at the computer.

-" Ensign Rollins, why are you still working?

-"Sorry, sir, I was just wrapping up guiding Seal Team 7 out of enemy territory. I couldn't leave until they were safe.

-" Did you take your break as I ordered?

-"Uh, sorry, sir, but time slipped by me.

-"I let it slide this time, but now that they are safe, eat and rest.

-"Yes, sir. She noticed he wouldn't leave until she turned off her computer and left first. He stood with his arms crossed. She got up and said good night, sir. good night, Rollins. He watched her walk away and thought I am in trouble.

-"A week passed, and he caught himself looking up occasionally to look at her.

-"He saw her laugh at something and thought, what a beautiful smile.

-"It was quitting time, so he headed to the gym after work. He changed into his t-shirt and navy shorts. He went to lift some weight but took off his t-shirts, showing his tattoos. Some ladies were on the treadmill, and he heard them say damn, those tattoos make him even hotter. Do you think he married? I don't see a ring. Someone hot at home has to have a girlfriend. Yeah, she is one lucky lady.

-"Catherine and Sarah walk in wearing their workout clothes. Tank top, short yoga pants, and hair in a ponytail. Sara hit her arm and said, looked at our boss and those tattoos. Shut up, Sarah; get those thoughts out of your mind, or you will be up for insubordination. Come on, Cath, you know you feel the same way. She took a quick look and thought damn, he is hot. Come on, let's hit the treadmill.

-"Steve saw her walk over to the treadmill, and for a minute, their eyes met, and both looked away. Steve decided to have a little fun. He got up and started bending over to stretch, and his ass was to her and Sarah. Catherine almost fell off her treadmill. Sarah caught her. I knew you had the hots for him, and she hit Sarah's arm. Sarah said if I weren't madly in love with Andrew back home, I would be all over that. You would not because you don't want to get kicked out of the Navy.

-"Steve walks over to them with his shirt still off. Hello ladies, nice to see you all relaxing, and he was staring at Catherine the hold time. Well, the same with you, sir. The place was now empty, and Sarah said I needed to call Andrew. See you later, Cath. Okay, Sarah.

-"Steve asks if there is anything else to do on this ship for fun. Uh, we play cards and shoot pool in the game room up on flight 4 on Mon, Fri & Sat nights at 2200. Yeah, You any good? I am damn good. I am the reigning champ in both. We just see if you can remain the champ, and he grinned.

-"His eyes, she was lost in his blue-gray eyes and that cleft in his chin. You on, sir, we off duty so call me Steve or McGarrett. Okay, you on McGarrett, and they shook hands, and sparks flew.

-" Catherine sometimes went up on the fantail to read by the moonlight, or she brought a portable light. So far, it was her special place to go to and be alone. One night, she heard what you're reading, Rollins? She said Sir, it's Emily Dickinson. She is one of my favorites. I told you to call me Steve or McGarrett off-duty. She asked him what he was doing up there.

-"He said I like to be near the water. She said why. He sits down beside her, and the moonlight causes a glow to her face, a beautiful glow. He told her I grew up in Hawaii and had a beach in my backyard. My Dad and I always swim together. That must be nice, your own private beach, and she smiles. He had grown to love her beautiful smile.

-"Before he knew he had told her all about his life, his Dad sent him away to military school after his Mom died and Mary to stay with Aunt Deb. He had never shared any of his personal life with anyone. It was something about her that calmed him and put him at ease. She touched his hand and said I am sorry you had to go through this. Remember that your Dad only did what he thought was best for you two. Don't hold it against him.

-" He nodded and said you ready for me to kick your butt tomorrow night playing poker. You wish, but bring it on, McGarrett. He knew he was in trouble but was drawn to her like a magnet. They both knew they would never risk their Navy careers.

-"From that moment on, they remained professional at work, but after work, they worked out together and became a team to beat in cards and pool. Competitive against one another. Each is determined to win when they play separately. They became best friend and shared everything with one another.

-" Catherine's best friend Sarah was teasing her nonstop that you can't be just friends with someone like that. Catherine finally admits she has feelings for him, but he is her boss, and she would never risk her career or his. Steve was the same. Their time on the Enterprise was spent fooling themselves; they were just friends. He knew then she was only going to be the girl for him.

-"Earth to Steve, earth to Steve. He opens his eyes a to see Danny standing next to him.

-"I guess I fell asleep. Why did you have that goofy smile on your face? Let me guess, thinking about Catherine.

-"Shut up, Danno; I am not in the mood.

-"I am your best bud, Steve, and I came to check on you. You've been one giant mess since you found out Catherine is back.

-"Sorry, man. I just found out there might be more to Catherine joining the CIA.

-" How do you know that?

-"Because of how Catherine started to say something the other night before she threw me out. Also, her best friend Sarah hinted but wouldn't go any further. I called Joe, and he told me he saw her on a mission six months ago, and he dropped a hint he knew something.

-" All these people dropping hints but won't tell you.

-" Steve sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. Joe coming tomorrow to tell me. He said he couldn't do it over the phone. I was a fool; I should have known something wasn't right. I was so pissed and caught up in my own feeling I didn't question her. Now she knows about Lynn, and this Al is going to ask her to marry him.

-"How do you know this?

-"Her best friend told me after telling my ass off. It had been long since Danny had seen Steve so sad and lost.

-"Steve, I am sorry I pushed you to date Lynn. I know your heart wasn't in it, but you were so broken, and I just want the old Steve back.

-"It not your fault, Danno; I am a grown man and should have stood my ground with you, Lou, and Ellie. I am an idiot.

-"What is the plan to get your girl back?

-"That made Steve smile. I first need to wait for Joe and then I come up with a plan.

-" No we come up with a plan. Thanks, Danno.

-" Oh, you should know Lynn told Melissa she will be damn if you leave her.

-"I can't worry about Lynn now. All my focus is on Catherine. You want a beer.? Yeah. He hands Danny a beer, and the both of them just sit quietly, watching the ocean.

-" A couple of hours passed, and Danno said I am going to head out, and I will check in with you tomorrow. They hugged and thanks Danno. I am not sure if I did much, but you are welcome. Just being here helps. Don't worry, Super Seal, you be back with the Ramboette in no time.

-"The next day, Steve gets up early and swims. He was beside himself, waiting for Joe to arrive so he could get some answers.

-"Sarah told Catherine about Steve's visit. She said you better not have told him the truth. I promise I didn't, Cath. I tell you that is one man on a mission who knows he screwed up with you. I felt sorry for him, but you are my bestie, and I didn't betray you.

-"Thank you, and I know he is sorry, but it hurts me he moved on so fast and brought her into our bedroom. The bed I helped pick out, and we shared for years. I know it's my fault, but I don't think I can ever get past that.

-"I understand, and Alex is crazy about you. I know, and he treats me like a queen. But and she stops and says it is nothing, let's enjoy our lunch. She decided not to tell her Steve was going to propose. It would only hurt and confuse her more.

-"Steve heard a knock on the door.

-"Hey Joe, come on in. Steve didn't have time for chit-chat. Why did Catherine join the CIA?

-" Nice to see you too, Steve, and I need a beer. He quickly walked to the kitchen and got him a beer.

-" Sit down, son. I don't want to sit down; I want the truth. I told you I saw Catherine on a mission about six months ago, Yes, and he waved his hand to tell Joe to get to it. I could tell she was sad by her eyes. I asked why she joined the CIA. She refuses at first, stubborn at hell. Don't I know it? I wouldn't let up, and she finally told me she was blackmailed to join the CIA and lie to you.

-"He yells blackmail with what?

-"When she returned for Kono's wedding, they came to your house to pick her up. They waited until you left for a case.

-"Are you fucking kidding me?

-"They took her to the local CIA office and showed her a tape of you killing Doris' old boss and said it was in cold blood.

-"It was self-defense. Yeah, but she didn't know anything about it; you never told her. She didn't believe for a second it was cold blood. She said Steve would never do this. They said it didn't matter; they could make it look like it. They needed her for a mission. She had the expertise and spoke several languages. They had been watching her for years and knew she could handle herself.

-" Steve is pacing now.

-" She had to agree to a four-year contract, and no harm will come to you or Five-0. She could never tell you and to come up with a cover.

-"Those some of bitches. So help me, God, they are going to pay.

-" Steve, it's over now. No need for you to go on a rampage.

-". It is not fucking over; it cost me the one person I love more than anything.

-"The guy who blackmail her was Uncle of the guy you killed. He did this on his own to stick it to you.

-"Steve's face was full of rage.

-" I told her to sit tight. I would work to get her out of this, and she could return to you. She said okay, Joe, but don't get yourself in trouble. It took me about six months to find the info I needed on this guy. He was beyond dirty. I got it to the Director, and she voided her contract. She also had the officer pick him up and take him to a black site.

-" By the time I called Catherine and told her the good news, she was thrilled and sad.

-"Why was she sad? I don't understand said Steve.

-" Because she has seen you and your new lady friend on social media. She made me promise not to tell you, or she would never speak to me again. She said you were happy now, and there was no need to upset your life now. She causes you enough pain. She begged me not to tell you. That poor girl had been through so much, so I agreed.

-"I told her I thought she should tell you, but she was adamant about not telling you. I did the best thing I could. I got her the job at Pearl. Hoping you two would run in to one another and work everything out. I take it is not the case.

-"Joe, I am so fucking mad now at the CIA and myself. They ruin my life. I should have known something was wrong. No way she would lie to me and leave me like that. My hurt feelings of being rejected so blinded me I didn't question her, and now it has caused me everything.

-"She won't have anything to do with me; she is hurt by all the stuff Lynn puts on social media.

-"Do you love this Lynn person?

-"No, I never did; I let others push me to date when I wasn't ready; I take responsibility because I am a grown-ass man and should have said no. I became someone I never thought I would, a player and fool myself by dating Lynn. Everyone thought I was happy with her and had moved on, but I didn't. I ended whatever I had with Lynn. Catherine will never forgive me.

-"Why didn't you tell her about shooting Doris' old boss? I thought I was protecting her from my shit, and I had everything under control.

-" That has always been one of your downfalls, trying to control everything.

-"I have to come up with a plan to get her back and away from Al.

-"Al said, Joe. Yeah, a Captain at Pearl. Oh, you mean Alex. Steve frowned. We got in a fight at a new Sushi restaurant the other night.

-" You what? Yeah, that's how we ran into one another. She was there with him. You didn't, Steve. I did and she was mortified and left with him. I figured she was staying at her old place. I went there and let myself in with my key. Your key? Yeah, I still had it from before.

-"Joe is shaking his head, not believing he did this. She comes home, and we have it out. She told me all about the pics and comments on social media from Lynn. I didn't know she was posting this stuff. She was mad that I got in a fight and called me a caveman. When I pushed her about why she joined the CIA, she got really mad and yelled it didn't matter after all, and she stopped.

-" That makes me think there is a lot more to her joining. I figure you or Sarah could help me to find out. Sarah told my ass out and refused to tell me anything, but she also said she gave up a lot for my ass and stopped. This is why I call you.

-"I am sorry, son, but Catherine has been hurt, and you need to tread lightly, or you might lose her for good. I know you are right, Joe, but I will be damn if Al gets my woman. Okay, so I am going to head over to the Tiki bar. Remember, when she finds out I told you, you must protect me. You are welcome to stay here, Joe. Thanks, and I see you later.

-"Steve had to devise a plan to be alone with Catherine and no distractions so he could plead his case. He knew Catherine was just like him; needed to be in control and not be pushed into anything. Beside the fact she was mad at hell with him now, he had to do this right. After thinking for some time out by the beach he thought he had the perfect plan. He will need Kamekona's help.

-"First, he called Admiral Rhodes, who was now over the entire base.

-" McGarrett, what can I do for you?

-" I am calling in that favor you owe me.

-" It has been years, and I thought you had forgotten about it.

-" Have you ever known me to forget anything?

-" No, so what do you need?

-"You have a Catherine Rollins working on the base, training new cadets and teaching cryptology.

-" Rollins, last I heard, she joined the CIA, and the two of you were broken up.

-"Steve didn't care to hear that last part. She is back, and I need you to get her boss to send her on a three-day assignment to Maui.

-"Maui, what for? I don't know, but I am sure you can think of something.

-"Tell her you arranged for her to stay at Airbnb. I text you the address to give her.

-"How long did you say? Three days. You better be glad I owe you; this is the last time I agreed to do anything for you. Steve smiled and said thank you, sir.

-"That part is done. He texts the Admiral the address to a secluded private cabin that belonged to one of his old Navy buddies. He got transferred overseas and asked Steve to check in on it for him, and he could use it anytime he wanted.

-"Steve would get there early and make sure everything is perfect. He called Kamekona and told him he needed him to fly him to Maui today.

-"Today Big Kahuna? Yes, today. I got tours scheduled for later. I don't give a damn, so just cancel them.

-"Sorry, man, I need your help. I am trying to get my girl back. Would that be my favorite customer? Yes, say no more, and I'll see you shortly.

-"He called the governor. What can I do for you, Commander? I need to take off for the rest of the week on a personal matter. This is short notice, Steve. I know, sir, and I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. Okay, but you must come back if there is a high-priority case. Understood, and thanks.

-"He heard about the fight in the bar over Lieutenant Rollins. One of his buddies was there. He knows the Commander hasn't been the same since she left.

-"Steve texted the team he would be off the rest of the week, and Danny was in charge. He was okay but needed to take care of something.

-"Danny called him immediately. What are you up to, Steven? Listen, Danno, I can't get into everything now. I am short on time. I talked to Joe, and Catherine was blackmailed to join the CIA and to lie to me. Are you serious? Yes, I have to tell you the rest later. I am flying to Maui and hope I can convince her in three days to give us another shot. How are you going to get her to agree to come to Maui? I got a plan, and I got to go, buddy. Don't do anything stupid, and he hung up.

-"Steve arrived at Kamekona and got in opposite him. Thanks, buddy, for doing this on short notice. You know I do anything to get you back with my favorite customer. How many times did I tell you to get her? Yeah, man, I know you did, but I was being too pigheaded. You sure were.

-"Where in Maui am I dropping you off? You can drop me off near the Maui Cabin resort. My buddy has a cabin out there. You got it. He dropped Steve off and said good luck, Big Kahuna.

-"Steve walked to his friend's cabin. It was at the end by itself and had a big lake in the backyard. He loved it here; it was peaceful. He thought about getting him a place out there. It would be a perfect getaway for him and Catherine. Now he needs to get to work on Operation To Get My Girl Back.

-"Catherine's boss called her into his office. I need you to leave first thing in the morning for Maui.

-"Maui for what?

-" Admiral Rhodes needed someone to fill in for him at a conference. I recommend you.

-"Why me? You are the only one that I think can fill his spot. I can't go, and you are the next best thing. You don't turn down a request from the base commander. I will text you the address where you will be staying.

-"Where is the conference going to be? He said he would send that to me later, and I texted you. The conference starts late tomorrow. You should be able to get on a flight at 0600, and by the time you check-in, you will have the conference address.

-"Okay, I guess I head home ad pack. Alex calls her on his way home, asking about dinner tonight. She said sorry, but my boss is sending me to Maui for a conference to fill in for Admiral Rhodes. It's an early fight so that I will go to bed earlier. I miss seeing you. I check in on you later.

-"Steve was busy changing the bedding in the master and guest bedrooms. He knew they weren't ready to sleep in the same bed yet. He had the local grocery store deliver all her favorite food and wine. Some plumeria flowers. Admiral Rhodes texted, saying she be there at 0800 tomorrow. He knew she would be mad at hell when she found out he was behind all of this. He didn't care. He hoped he could convince her to stay the three days anyway.

-" Lynn was still texting, saying she loved him and please don't give up on them. He knew he was a jerk for leading her on and taking responsibility for that. He hoped in time, she would move on.

-"Catherine landed but thought it was odd that she didn't get the name of the place where the conference was. She took an Uber to the cabin. It was beautiful out there. She gets out of the Uber and walks up to the door. It dawned on her that she wasn't given the code to unlock the door. She put her luggage down and was about to call her boss when the door opened, and to her surprise, it was Steve. Steve, what the hell are you doing here?

AN: Thanks to the guest who left the review and the ones who follow and favorite.