A Time For Regrets.
“Steve, I know that I almost blew it but please don’t take me off the case!” Danny pleaded as he watched his angry friend pace near the lanai doors.
“Almost blew it!” McGarrett turned, his ire bubbling over. “You almost got yourself killed, Danno!” He shouted as he stepped back to his desk and glared angrily at the young man. “It was only your skill and some good luck that you weren’t!”
“I misjudged Brian’s temper Steve. I promise I won’t make that mistake again!” Danny tried to explain as he ran a hand nervously over his curly hair.
“And that luck of judgment almost got you shot!” McGarrett’s temper flared as he remembered listening to the listening devices placed around the house and hearing the struggle for possession of the gun between the undercover detective and the suspect’s brother. He still shivered as he heard the threats Brian Denman made towards Danno’s life. Threats that Steve had no doubts the man would carry out if he was given the chance.
Danny sighed, as he continued to try and sway his boss’ mind. “Steve, please let me go back. I know I am going to have to be more careful around Brian but I am so close to breaking this case. Just a couple more days and we can get them off the streets!”
“No! This is turning too dangerous to allow you to go back undercover!” McGarrett snapped. “We will find another way to get them Danno. I am not going to risk your life!”
“This is the only way!” Danny challenged, his voice rising as McGarrett stiffened at his words. “You know it! I know it! Or is the problem that you don’t trust me enough to think that I can carry it out?”
“This is getting too dangerous!” McGarrett shouted back, “And I have already made my decision! You are NOT to go back undercover!”
Danny grabbed the back of the white chair in front of him, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to control his temper as he tried one final passionate plea. “I know I can get the information we need from Carmel. I promise I’ll steer clear of Brian. I have to do this, Steve! I need to do this for Mike’s wife and kids!”
McGarrett winced internally. He was aware of how close the friendship between Danno and Mike Taylor was when he had allowed Dan to talk him into this assignment. He also knew how much the violent death of the young HPD officer at the hands of this ruthless gang had affected his youngest detective and closest friend. The case was personal with Williams and it had been a mistake in allowing Danno to infiltrate the gang undercover. A mistake that had almost cost Danny his life only a few short hours ago. A mistake McGarrett decided to correct.
“As from this minute you are off the case. You are not to have any more contact with Carmel or her brother!”
“And if I don’t?” The tone of Danny’s voice was defiant, challenging.
“Than Officer Williams, I will have no other course than to suspend you!” McGarrett’s voice echoed from behind his closed office door causing the two detectives and the secretary in the anteroom to wince at the heated words.
Danny stood and stared at his boss for a moment. “Well I guess I’m suspended!” He said softly as he suddenly turned and walked out of the office, leaving Steve staring stunned at his words.
“Danno?” Kono moved to grab his friend’s arm, in an attempt to steer him into his cubicle to calm his impulsive friend down.
“Just leave me alone, Kono!” Danny Williams warned his colleague as he shrugged out of the light hold on his arm and stormed from the office, slamming the door behind him. Kono Kakakaua threw a worried glance towards Chin as McGarrett followed Williams from his office a moment later and headed towards the door after the angry young detective.
“Danno!”
“No, Steve, give him a few moments.” Chin advised softly as he reached for the lead detective’s arm to prevent him from following. “Then I’ll go and talk with him.”
“No, Chin, I’m the one who should talk to him.” Steve admitted quietly, “But you are right, now isn’t the time. He needs a little time to cool down.”

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________________________________________

Entering his apartment, Danny Williams carefully removed his jacket, wincing in pain as the action pulled on the blood stained shirt that now stuck to the bullet graze in his side. He glanced down; almost disinterestedly as he saw the amount of blood that now stained his shirt and pants, before he tugged the shirt free from his body and dropped it onto his bedroom floor. The wound began to bleed heavily again and he paused a moment, closing his eyes tightly as a wave of dizziness washed over him.
Moving into his small bathroom, he reached for a towel, swallowing a moan as he pressed it against the bleeding wound as he reached for several dressings and the surgical tape from the first aid box. Removing the towel, he quickly replaced it with the dressings, pressing them tightly against the deep graze and taping them down. Satisfied that the basic first aid he had administered to himself was sufficient enough to stop the bleeding, he quickly dampened the towel with water and wiped away the blood that stained his side, tossing the towel onto the bathroom floor when he had finished.
He had not told McGarrett that he had been wounded during the struggle for the gun, instead he had bunched his shirt against the wound as a temporary pressure bandage and had put on his jacket to cover the bloody shirt. He knew that his overprotective boss would have pulled him straight off the case if McGarrett had realized that he was injured so he had ignored the dizziness caused by the pain and blood loss as he tried to cover up the graze. Danny laughed bitterly - for all the good it had done- McGarrett had pulled him off the case anyway!
Biting his lip as he remembered the angry exchange in the office, Danny moved back into his bedroom and quickly changed into a clean pair of jeans and a shirt before he pulled more pieces of clothing from his closet and shoved them into his overnight bag, knowing that he would not return to his apartment for a few days.
He reached for his discarded jeans and removed his wallet and leather ID folder before he opened the top drawer to his bedside table and dropped them in, only pocketing some cash. He reached for his police gun uncertain if he should take the risk but decided that his small .22 calibre gun would be easier to explain and conceal. Placing the police special on top of his wallet and ID folder, he closed the drawer and securely locked it.
Glancing at his watch, he knew he did not have much time. He knew it was only a matter of time before Steve would arrive to try to talk him out of his decision of returning back to the gang undercover. He grabbed the small overnight bag and quickly left his apartment, ignoring the pain in his side as he closed his apartment door and locked it.
The soft click of the lock reminded the young detective that he was probably closing the door on his police career and walking away from the man who was his closest friend but he knew that he had to do this for Sue and the kids, he had promised Mike that if things went wrong that he would do his best to bring this violent gang down! It was a promise he intended to keep even if Steve did not understand or support his decision. He knew that a man’s life meant little to these drug traffickers but he was so close to bringing them down! He only needed a few more days even if he was now on his own!
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“Danno!” McGarrett called as his knock on the young detective’s apartment door went unanswered. He sighed and reached into his pocket, pulling out his key ring and using the key that Danny had given him several months before to unlock and open the apartment door. “Danno?’ He called again as he entered the silent apartment and glanced quickly around.
Danny had definitely returned after the argument at the office, McGarrett surmised spotting the discarded jacket thrown carelessly onto the sofa. He walked over and picked it up as he studied the rest of the room for any indication of where Danno might have gone. He glanced down surprised when his fingers brushed across the damp material, his chest tightening in fear as he spotted the wet maroon stain that discolored the inside of the denim jacket. Blood!
Moving quickly towards the bedroom door, he called loudly, “Danno?”
His heart was in his mouth at what he might discover within he pushed open the door and found himself staring at another empty room. Danny’s closet door stood open and the clothes that Danny had been wearing earlier now lay scattered on the floor.
It was obvious to the seasoned detective that Danny had been in a rush when he had returned home, changing before he headed out again. Picking up the clothes from the floor, McGarrett stared at the bloodstained shirt and the jagged tear in the material. “Damn it, Danno! Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?” he muttered angrily, already knowing the answer as he tried to push down the icy ball of fear that settled in his stomach.
He quickly searched the rest of the room, discovering the missing overnight bag and the disturbed closet, noticing immediately that several items of clothing appeared to be missing.
Quickly moving around the bed, he tried to open the drawer where he knew Danny kept both his police special and .22. The drawer was locked and he removed the small pocketknife from his jacket and pressed the blade between the drawer and the drawer top, jiggling the small lock until it unlocked with a click. Pulling open the drawer, the dark hair detective found himself staring at Danny’s police revolver, I.D. wallet and wallet. Danny’s .22 gun appeared to be the only item missing.
McGarrett closed his eyes and sighed, his impulsive friend had obviously decided to try and remain undercover, injured and with just a small handgun for protection. He reached for the phone and quickly dialled the office, ordering both Chin and Kono to Danny’s apartment. Hanging up, he glanced around the room, fearful for his best friend’s safety.
________________________________________

Pacing the small living room as he waited for the arrival of his detectives, Steve McGarrett ran his hand over his face as he silently reviewed the case that had pushed his closest friend into taking such an insane risk as going back undercover against his explicit orders, wounded and with no backup. This case had begun as an HPD undercover operation to infiltrate a suspected drug smuggling gang. An operation that had turned deadly when the undercover officer, Mike Taylor’s body had been found washed up on the north shore. An autopsy revealed that the young HPD officer had been tortured and than overdosed before his body had been tossed to the sharks.
Steve sighed as he stopped his pacing and turned to stare out of the window, his mind back in the office on the day Danno had approached him with the idea of Five O taking control of the case and infiltrating the gang themselves in an attempt to capture the young officer’s murderers. He had known that Mike and Danno had been close friends, that both men had known each other from childhood but had allowed himself to be swayed by Danny’s reassurances that he was the right man to go undercover.
McGarrett shook his head angrily, he had known that Danno was too emotionally involved in the case but he had allowed Dan’s pleas to override his own reservations. A mistake that he should have never let happen! A mistake that he was now paying for!
It did not take Danno and Chin long to set up Danno’s new identity, something Steve suspected Danno had probably already been doing when he had first approached him with the request to go undercover. Danny Williams was transformed into Danny Walters, age 22, unemployed drifter, with no known living relatives, within a few short hours. It had only taken him a couple of more days before he managed to catch the attention of the gang leader’s sister, Carmel Denman, and was accepted into the gang.
Keeping a tight surveillance on Danny’s moves had initially been easy. HPD had managed to plant several listening devices throughout the house that the gang occupied and Kono had managed to keep regular contact with the young detective, meeting discreetly with him at the various locations around the island.
Danno had hinted that he believed the gang was into more serious criminal activity than just drug running but was uncertain what the other activities were. He was currently being used as a runner, delivering and picking up parcels with the explicit order that he was not to get to nosey as to the parcels’ contents.
He had also managed to establish a close relationship with Carmel but this had been the catalyst for the violent confrontation between Brian Denman and Danny earlier in the day. Brian was becoming extremely jealous of the attention his sister was showing towards the new kid and in a drunken rage had tried to warn Danny away.
Steve shivered as he remembered the fear as he had listened to the tapes of Brian’s drunken threats against Danny and than the struggle for possession of the gun. All the officers listening to the tape had jumped as the sound of a shoot echoed through the silent room before they heard Carmel’s furious shout at her brother to leave Dan alone. Each officer held their breath, releasing a collective sigh of relief as they heard Danny reassure the angry woman that he was all right and had taken the gun away from the intoxicated man.
It was an hour later before Dan emerged, unaccompanied from the house. Kono had been waiting to pick him up unobserved and return him to the palace where Steve had been anxiously waiting.
McGarrett mentally berated himself, he had been blind to see how emotionally involved Danno was when he had allowed Dan to talk him into allowing him to go undercover and THAN he had not considered Danno’s emotional state of mind when he had tried to order Danno off the case. It was his fault and his fault alone that the young detective had felt that he had no other recourse than to disobey orders and return undercover unprotected. If anything were to happen to Danno…
A sharp rap at the door that preceded Chin and Kono’s hurried entrance into Danny’s apartment interrupted the dreaded thought.
“Steve?”
“Boss?”
The two detective’s anxious tones snapped McGarrett from his private thoughts and he quickly turned from the window to face the two men. He drew a deep breath as he quietly informed them, “Danny’s gone, probably back undercover against orders.”
“Awue!”
“He wouldn’t be lulu enough to…”
Steve nodded before he softly added. “I think Danny is so emotionally involved in the case that he has. We all know how badly he took Mike’s death, I should have never…” McGarrett’s voice trailed off before he shook his head and refocused on what was the most important objective now. “Danny’s been injured, probably when he was fighting for the gun this afternoon. I found the shirt and pants he was wearing in his bedroom. Both are bloodstained and the shirt has a bullet hole in the side, there is also evidence that he tried to treat himself for the injury – a bloody towel in the bathroom and the first aid bag is open with several dressings missing. Chin I want you to bag them and take the items to Che for confirmation.” At Chin’s silent nod, McGarrett continued, “I also have found his id, police special and wallet locked in his bedside drawer, the only weapon he seems to have taken with him is his .22. He has virtually gone back in unprotected!”
“What are we going to do, Boss?” Kono asked quietly.
McGarrett silently looked both detectives in the eyes as he answered, “We are going to watch his back!” Both men nodded their approval as Steve continued, “I don’t want anyone to know that Danno has been pulled off the case, as far as HPD are concerned, it is business as usual. Kono I want you to stay as his contact. I want to know how seriously he is hurt the next time you have contact with him.”
“Will do Boss!” Kono agreed quickly.
“Chin I want the surveillance increased, I want a close net kept around Danno. If he gets into any type of trouble I want us to be able to pull him out immediately!”
“On it, Steve!”
“Okay gentleman, Danno has taken the lead in this case, I want us to be there if and when he needs us! Whether he realizes we are there or not!” McGarrett ordered sharply. “And I don’t want any words leaking out that Danno has gone in alone!”
At the two detectives agreeing nod, McGarrett turned and hurried from the apartment. He wanted to restudy the files on every known member within the gang and assess their potential danger to his wayward friend.
-------
Sitting in the dimly lit bar, Kimo Haulkai quickly covered his surprise as the young sandy haired man entered the bar and walked past him, headed towards the table where the three suspects sat. Kimo quickly glanced across at his undercover partner and read the same surprise in his eyes at the entrance of Williams. Pete Barnes gave a small shrug before he return his attention covertly back towards the small group. He had thought that McGarrett would have pulled Williams from the operation after the shooting incident that afternoon but who was he to question McGarrett’s decisions concerning the young detective’s undercover operation.
Carmel rose and hurried around to his side as Danny carefully eased himself onto the chair. “Danny, where have you been? I was worried after you left!” She asked anxiously, staring at his pale face.
Danny shrugged, “I needed to get away for a little while, to let Brian cool down.” His voice trailed off, his smile faded as he glanced away before he turned back uncertainly towards the blonde haired woman. “I guess Brian doesn’t want me around.” He said softly. “I just wanted to say goodbye before I headed off.”
Carmel stared at the young man in surprise before she smiled seductively at him, her hand lightly squeezing his shoulder, “And what if I don’t want you to go?” She asked him quietly, “What if I want you to stay? Brian doesn’t tell me who can go and who can stay. That’s my choice!” She whispered as she took his hand and tugged him to his feet before guiding him out of the door.
Kimo and Pete waited a few moments before both stood up and left the bar separately, Pete following the young couple at a discreet distance as Kimo found a public phone and reported in.
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Danny gave a small sigh of relief as Carmel led him back up to the bedroom that he had been using since he had entered the gang. He wasn’t sure that the ‘poor little me’ act would work but was relieved when it did. He was exhausted by the blood loss and the argument with Steve and was too tired to come up with any other plan. Now he just needed to stay under Brian’s radar until he regained some of his strength.
He allowed Carmel to remove his shirt, closing his eyes as her lips brushed against his. He knew that he had to be careful about how far he would allow the relationship that Carmel seemed to be trying to form between them to go. He could not afford ruining the case with accusations that he had seduced the suspect for information.
His eyes snapped open when he heard Carmel’s’ concerned gasp as she noticed the bloodied dressing that covered his side. “You’re hurt!”
“Just a graze!” Danny shrugged, “Wasn’t able to get out of the way quick enough when Brian had the gun.” He admitted sheepishly as Carmel lifted the edge of the dressing and peered at the wound.
“Brian shot you?” Carmel asked, her blue eyes blazing in anger.
“Grazed me.” Danny corrected with a small shrug and a small reassuring smile “Just a scratch.”
“Why didn’t you say something when I came in the room?” Carmel asked gently.
Danny shrugged and winced in pain as the movement pulled at his wound. “He was drunk and I guess I annoyed him. It was just a scratch. Brian didn’t mean for the gun to go off.”
“He was jealous!” Carmel growled. “And this is more than just a scratch! It needs to be treated, Danny, take your shirt off. “ She ordered as she turned and left the room, returning a few moments later with a first aid box.
“I’ve already cleaned it and put a dressing on it!” Danny protested as Carmel carefully lifted the bloody pad from the wound, examining the red, swollen wound beneath.
“And you did a fair job but it needs a little more than just a quick clean and a dressing. Now sit down and let me take care of this.” She commanded gently as she pushed him back down onto the bed. “I’ll even get you something for the pain before I start.” She promised as she turned and walked to the liquor cabinet, her body blocking Danny’s view as she poured a small glass of whiskey. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a small package and tipped a little of the white powder it contained into the glass, stirring the whiskey with her finger until the powder dissolved. Slipping the powder back into her pocket, she turned and smiled as she walked back to the bed and handed the drink to the young man.
“Drink it.’ She whispered gently as she grabbed Danny’s hand and lifted the glass he held up to his lips in encouragement. “It’s going to sting a little when I clean out the wound but the whiskey will take the edge off the pain.”
Danny swallowed the alcohol in two large gulps, wincing as the liquid burnt the back of his throat. He closed his eyes and allowed the warming effects of the alcohol to relax him. He had almost drifted off to sleep, despite the pain caused by Carmel as she carefully and tenderly cleaned the graze and redressed the wound, when he heard her call his name. He opened his heavy eyelids and tried to focus on her face as she gently manoeuvred him into the bed and covered him with a sheet. He saw her lips move but was unable to understand what she said as his eyes slowly closed and he slipped into a deep sleep.
Carmel waited a few moments until she was satisfied that the drug had taken effect before she turned and left the room, closing the door firmly and locking it before she left.
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Entering the living room, Carmel frowned as she watched her brother pace agitatedly around the room. She knew instantly why he was upset and quickly moved to his side to reassure him.
“Why did you bring him back here?” He snarled as she approached, causing her to flinch at the fury of his tone but not halting her silent advance towards him.
Aware of the hidden police microphones, she grabbed his arm and led him out onto the lanai where they could talk without being overheard before she answered quietly. “He came back to the club, hurt and had nowhere else to go. He’s just a kid, Brian, a kid you shot in temper!”
“Shame I wasn’t a better shot!” Brian muttered.
“Lucky you were drunk and he grabbed the gun as you fired!” Carmel corrected him. “You almost blew away an asset! I know you don’t like him, Brian, but Danny’s a kid we can use in our operation. He’s young, good looking, with just that naive hint of innocence that attracts the rich clients like bees to honey!”
“I don’t trust him!” Brian growled. “Not after that last kid you brought into the operation. He was a damn cop! We’re lucky he didn’t find out about the full operation! How do we know this one isn’t a cop as well?
“Danny’s okay!” Carmel placated her brother quietly, placing her arm protectively around his shoulders. “He’s just a kid with no family, no one watching out for him. Not some undercover cop! Think about it, if he was a cop, do you think that they would allow him to remain undercover after you shot him? The place would be crawling with cops and we would be sitting in a tiny jail cell at the moment with an attempted murder charge dangling over our heads! He’s just a kid!”
“I still don’t trust him!” Brian whined, as he pulled free from her light embrace.
Carmel sighed, slightly annoyed with her brother’s childish attitude. “I promise if the kid wears out his usefulness than you can have the fun of getting rid of him! Until than, leave him alone! Just let me take care of Danny.”
“You better!” Brian grumbled, “Cause if you can’t control him, than I will! Anyway where is he?”
“Sleeping,” Carmel smiled as she turned her back to face back into the house as she slipped her hand into her pocket and withdrew a small clear plastic bag partially filled with a fine white powder. “With a little bit of help.” She laughed, kissing the bag before replacing it back into her pocket. “He should sleep all night.”
Grunting his approval, Brian allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of his lips. “Should have known!”
“A few more doses and I’ll have him mainlining in a couple of days.” Carmel grinned, “He’ll be willing to do anything we want just for his next fix. Anything!”
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________________________________________

A short sharp rap on the office door preceded the entrance of Duke Lukela. Pushing away the file he had been perusing, Steve watched as the HPD sergeant entered the room and crossed to his desk before he spoke. “What have you got Duke?”
“Kimo Haulkai just reported in Steve, Danny met up with Carmel Denman at Eddie’s bar about five p.m. and left with her a few minutes later. Kimo and Pete Barnes followed them back to the house where they have remained for the last couple of hours. Pete says that there is not much activity at the house, looks like the gang has settled in for a quiet evening.” Duke reported quietly, “ Pete did say that about half an hour after they arrived back at the house he observed Carmel and Brian having a conversation on the back lanai where the listening devices were not able to pick up their voices. The guys in the surveillance van report that all the conversations tonight have been on very general topics, almost as if they are aware that we are listening.”
“So they may be aware that we are on to them?” Steve asked quietly, his heart beating a little faster in fear for the safety of his wayward detective.
“Possibly Steve, especially after Mike’s death. If they discovered he was an undercover cop and killed him than they must be aware that we are watching them!” Duke answered.
McGarrett nodded, it was a possibility the Five O detectives had already discussed before Danny had gone in undercover. “What do you know about the gang, Duke?” Steve asked, knowing that a cop’s perceptions was often more valuable than any reports that were read.
“Probably only what is written in that file, Steve.” Duke answered honestly. “That the gang first came to our attention about six months ago shortly after Brian and Carmel Denman moved to the island from California. Their names started popping up on the coconut wire as the new drug suppliers in Waikiki but we couldn’t link them to anything. They began to get a little following of kids that hang around their beach house on Kalakaua Avenue, mainly uni dropouts, hippies, kids that have nothing better to do or no desire to do anything better.
We started to investigate them after one of the kids turned up dead from a drug overdose, high grade Heroin, Steve, Doc said it was almost pure!”
“Was that Eddie Lobus?” Steve asked remembering reading the report in the file.
” Yeah! Eddie’s parents swore that that their son had never used drugs before he met the Denmans and believed that their son’s death was more than just an overdose. They claim that Eddie became quite withdrawn and upset several weeks after becoming associated with the pair but refused to tell his parents what was troubling him. That he sometimes came home after spending a couple of days at the house with unexplained bruises. They begged him not to return to the house but he told them he had too, that he had no choice! But refused to tell them why. Both parents said that he was terrified and the day before he died he had had an argument with Brian Denman. It sounded suspicious but we had nothing to link either Brian or Carmel to the death”
McGarrett nodded as Duke continued. “There was a second overdose death involving another kid that hung out at the house, another boy - Sammy Johnson. The parents gave much the same story about their son and the days preceding his death, Steve, that’s when we decided to send Mike in undercover. He was young and we created a background for him that fitted the profile of the two boys. He reported that they had him delivering parcels, much like they had Danny doing but they were hinting that they might want him to do some other work for them. What it was we don’t know, Mike suddenly stopped reporting in and we found his body washed up on Sunset Beach two days later. That’s when we approached Five O for help.”
“What are your thoughts on Brian Denman and his sister Carmel?” Steve asked interested in the Hawaiian sergeant’s opinion.
“Brian is lulu, Steve, a real psycho. From what I have been told and what I have observed myself he has a hair trigger temper and the slightest thing can set him off! He has a couple of previous convictions in California for assault and assault with a deadly weapon. Seems he will use whatever is near to beat his victims if he believes that they have crossed him in anyway. He was lucky he wasn’t up on an attempted murder charge with the assault with a deadly weapon conviction - he shot a kid in the back for looking at Carmel – claimed the kid was being disrespectful. Lawyer got the charges reduced by pleading the shooting was done in the heat of the moment and Brian was not responsible because of insanity.”
Steve felt a cold shiver run up his back as he remembered the run-in Danny had had with the man earlier that had resulted in Danny being shot. He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the knot of fear that seemed to have permanently settled in his stomach as he asked, “What about Carmel?”
Duke shook his head slowly, “I think she is the most dangerous of the two, Steve, very cunning and cold! Mike commented a few times how she would deliberately send Brian into a rage with the way she flirted with some of the boys, like it was some sort of game with her. Mike felt that Carmel was the brains behind whatever was going on. That she was the one that befriended the boys that she wanted to do the special jobs for her. Mike believed that she was also the one who was responsible for somehow hooking the boys onto the drugs but he wasn’t sure how.”
“Any idea why she seems to be trying to get close to Danno?” Steve asked softly.
“Not sure Steve but whatever her reason, it can’t be good. I wouldn’t trust that lady as far as I could throw her!” Duke answered heatedly.
“Thanks Duke.” Steve said softly.
“I’ll keep you updated with the surveillance at the house. I volunteered for the next watch.” He glanced at his watched before he continued, “I better head over there to relieve Pete and Kimo. Kono promised to join me there a little later if he gets the chance.”
The HPD sergeant turned to leave but hesitated turning back to the lead detective who had again picked up the file and was reading it. He had known Steve for years, serving with him in Korea. As a HPD officer Duke had worked closely with Five O on many cases and often liaised between HPD and Five O. He felt he was a part of the tight knit Five O ohana and as so had never been worried about speaking his mind, now he decided was not the time to start worrying. “Steve, I’m wondering if maybe it was a mistake to send Danny back in undercover after that shooting incident this afternoon.” He began before hesitating as he saw an unreadable expression flicker across Steve’s face.
“Danno wanted to stay undercover, Duke!” Steve replied weakly as he dropped his eyes back to the file on his desk.
“Danny wanted to…” Duke parroted softly as he studied his friend. Suddenly it became clear to the Hawaiian what the look he had just witnessed on Steve’s face was fear! “Danny wanted to…” He repeated again as he stared at McGarrett realizing what Steve wasn’t saying. “But you didn’t? You pulled him out?” Duke shook his head as he realized what the impulsive and upset young detective had done. “Awue, Danny went back under against your orders?”
“I knew how emotionally involved he was, Duke!” Steve said softly. “I knew that I shouldn’t have let him undercover in the first place and after the incident with the gun and Denman this afternoon I pulled him off the case. He didn’t take it well. I let him storm out of the office, thinking he needed some time to cool down I thought that once he had some time to think about it he would realize why I pulled him out but when I went to his apartment he was gone. I realized what he had done.” Duke stood silently as Steve rubbed his face with his hand and continued to talk. “He was injured in that shooting incident but didn’t even tell me, probably because he knew if he had he would have been taken off the case.”
“Injured? How serious?” Duke whispered horrified that Danny would take such a risk.
Steve rose from his chair and turned to look out of the open lanai doors. “I’m not sure Duke, I found the bloodstained clothes he was wearing on the floor of his apartment. His shirt had a bullet hole torn into the left side. It looks like he tried to treat it himself using the supplies in his first aid box. Kono is going to try and link up with him tomorrow and assess how serious his injury is. We also know the only weapon Danno has for protection is his .22.” McGarrett turned back to the HPD Sergeant. “I don’t want any word of Danny’s behaviour leaking out, Duke. We have to play this his way until we can convince him to come out. Until than I want surveillance to be extra tight and everyone ready to move in fast and hard if we need to. I do not intend to have Danno to be this gang’s next victim, no matter what they are up to!” McGarrett stated empathically, his voice rising with his determination.
“I’ll make sure the guys are on their toes Steve!” Duke promised the lead detective.
“Mahalo, Duke!” Steve said softly, “You better go!”
With a quick glance at his watch, Duke gasped as he realized the time, “I’ll keep you informed of any movement at the house.” He told McGarrett before he turned and hurried out.
“Just watch Danno’s back for me!” McGarrett whispered softly as Duke disappeared out of the anteroom door.
“Almost blew it! You almost got yourself killed, Danno! This is turning too dangerous to allow you to go back undercover! I have already made my decision! You are NOT to go back undercover!” McGarrett’s angry face floated in front of him but faded and was replaced by Mike’s excited face. “There’s something big going on with this gang, Danny. I don’t know what it is but Carmel keeps hinting about me being perfect for a special job! I I’m getting close to finding what they are up to and I don’t think it is drugs! I’m sure it’s something even bigger!”
Mike’s face slowly dissolved as Danny found himself standing over the autopsy table. He was staring at the bloodied remains of a body, listening in horror as Doc assured Steve that the dental records positively proved the remains were Mike Taylor’s. Placing his hands over his ears, Danny begged Doc to stop. Bergman grinned and turned towards him, seemingly taking great enjoyment watching his reactions as he told him the last about the last few hours of Mike’s life. “What’s wrong Danny?” Doc laughed, “Don’t you want to know how they slowly tortured him to death?”
“NO!” Danny shouted, gasping at the pain in his side as he sat upright in the bed and stared into the semi-darkness of the unfamiliar room, trying to control his ragged breathing and racing heart. He jumped as he felt a light touch on his shoulders, easing him back onto the pillows that were now propped behind him.
“Shhh…It was only a dream.” Carmel whispered softly as she carefully sat down on the bed beside him, gently caressing his face. “It was just a bad dream.”
Danny blinked several times and nodded unconvinced, finding it difficult to make the full transition from sleep to awareness as he tried to focus on the moonlit face in front of him. He grimaced from the pain that speared through his side as he lifted his hand and ran it over his sweat sodden curls. “I’m sorry.” He whispered embarrassed, “I didn’t mean to …”
Carmel laughed softly, cutting of his apology. “Hey, no problems. Not your fault you had a nightmare.“ She whispered as she leaned over and switched on the small bedside lamp, studying his pale damp face. His pupils were still pinpointed from the effects of the Heroin she had mixed with his drink several hours earlier. Although normally injected or snorted, she had discovered several months before that Heroin mixed with water or even alcohol had almost the same effects of Morphine. It also made it easier to addict unwilling boys onto the drug. Once hooked, it was effortless to start them mainlining and that made their willingness to participate in the other side of the business so much simpler to control.
Shifting in slightly in the bed, partly in an effort to ease the aching throb in his side but partly from his own discomfort from the strange scrutiny that he was receiving from Carmel’s stare, Danny moaned as the movement caused another stab of agony through his body from his wound. “Owww!”
Danny’s groan snapped Carmel back to the moment and she realized that the effects of the drug was wearing off as she noticed that his eyes were squeezed tightly shut, his hand clutched at the dressing as he tried to unsuccessfully ride out the wave of pain in silence.
“Is your side hurting?” She asked concerned gently pulling his hand away and checking the slightly bloodstained dressing,
“I…I guess…I shouldn’t…have sat up…so fast!” Danny gasped through gritted teeth as he pulled his hand free and returned it back to his side.
Rising from the bed Carmel lightly squeezed his arm, “Hold on, Danny, I’ll get you another shot of whiskey. That should ease the pain a little and help you sleep!” She whispered as she turned and hurried across to the liquor bar, quickly pouring the alcohol and adding a small dose of Heroin before she returned to the man in the bed. “Drink this!” She commanded softly as she placed the glass against his lips and helped him drink. When he had finished the contents in the glass, she placed the glass on the table before she again sat down beside him, whispering soft reassurances and holding his hand through the waves of pain until he drifted back off to sleep.
She waited for several minutes after he had fallen to sleep before she rose and left the room closing the door firmly behind her but leaving it unlocked.
“What were you doing in his room?” Brian grabbed his sister’s arm, startling her as he spun her around, angrily shoving her back against the wall.
Looking at her brother’s enraged face, Carmel furiously pushed him away. “I was giving him another dose of the drug you fool! What do you think I was doing? I told you I would take care of him! So let me do what I have to do and stop acting so jealous! He means nothing to me, now I am not going to tell you that again! So excuse me but I’m going to bed, tomorrow is going to be a busy day!” She hissed angrily as she shouldered him out of the way and stormed away.
He waited until she had disappeared into her bedroom and had closed the door before he turned and entered Danny’s room. Walking to the side of the bed, he stared down at the sleeping young man. “I can’t wait till she grows bored of you! I don’t care how valuable she says you are or how much money you can make us, I am going to enjoy getting rid of you slowly and painfully!” He whispered to the non-responsive figure on the bed before he turned and left the room.
---------
Carefully closing his bedroom door after secretly watching the heated exchange between the brother and sister and Brian’s brief visit into the new kid’s room, Luki leaned back against it and bit his lip. He knew that the sandy haired kid probably had no idea of what the siblings had in store for his future. Even if Luki tried to warn him, he would probably not believe him.
Luki shivered and wrapped his hands around himself in an effort to stay warm as the desires for his next hit began to stir. He could not remember how he had gotten hooked on the drugs but he could remember the first cravings he had felt for it and the grateful feeling towards Carmel as she had taught him how to inject himself. He laughed bitterly, he had been willing to do anything for her to show her how thankful he was when she continued to supply him with the Heroin and now he would do anything to escape the life that he lived. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore the craving that was starting to build as he wondered how he could help the sandy haired kid across the hallway to escape the horror of this house.
A small tremor of fear shook his soul as he remembered what had happened to the last kids who had tried to escape; both had mysteriously managed to overdose themselves from hits of the drug given to them from Carmel. Than there was the last young kid who had entered the gang, initially used as just a mule. Carmel claimed to have seen his potential. Luki had tried to warn Mike of the danger but the kid had just shrugged it off saying that he had other plans.
Luki was uncertain as to how Brian became suspicious of the kid, but he could still hear Mike’s screams as Brian beat him. The screams had seemed to go on forever until at last Brian grew bored and had overdosed him, ending his pain and misery. Luki was not sure what happened to the kid’s body but had overheard Brian claim that Mike had actually been an undercover cop!
A small tear trickled down the frightened boy’s cheek as he remembered Brian’s threat of anyone thinking of turning to the cops for help would be treated in the same way.
Brian’s unpredictable temper had become more volatile and Carmel seemed to enjoy making him jealous, especially with new sandy-haired kid. The new kid’s future look neither bright nor long, if the drugs and new life did not destroy him than Brian’s jealousy and temper would.
Another shivered racked his body and Luki groaned in misery. What could he do to save the other kid from this life when he couldn’t even save himself?
Pushing himself away from the door, he stumbled back to his bed and fell onto it, waiting for his next hit that would take away his pain.
________________________________________

He felt strange! That was the only way he could coherently place into words how he was feeling. He felt strange!
Danny Williams kept his eyes closed and tried to concentrate on how he was really feeling but found it difficult to actually assess what was wrong. His mind seemed to be buzzing, making it difficult to think. He felt as if he was floating, although a pleasant sensation, he had to admit reluctantly it was also a little nauseating. The shooting pain that torn through his side earlier when he had awoken from the nightmare had now eased into a dull ache. He sighed contently; he felt warm and relaxed, more relaxed than he had felt in days. He continued to lie motionless enjoying the sensations for several more minutes before he was able to rouse himself enough to open his eyes.
Carmel smiled as she watched Danny slowly open his eyes and blink. “Good morning, sleepy head.” She crooned softly as she lightly kissed him on the cheek. “I see you are feeling a little better than you did the last time you woke up.”
“Morning.” Danny answered, feeling a little confused to find Carmel in his room. He turned towards the window surprised to see the bright sunshine that shone through the glass. Turning back to the woman standing beside the bed he asked, “What time is it?”
“A little after eleven.” Carmel answered brightly as she leaned forward and helped Danny sit upright in the bed. “I told Brian to let you sleep after the bad night you had last night.” she explained quietly.
“Thanks.” Danny smiled weakly as he slowly rose from the bed, holding his side as the movement tugged at his wound, reawakening the pain that had been muted. He grimaced but politely refused Carmel’s assistance as he slowly stood and walked around the room.
“I have brought you up some breakfast.” Carmel chattered happily as Danny closed his eyes briefly as a wave of dizziness washed over him, threatening to topple him as he returned back to the bed. “Eat and than have a quick shower before I clean and redress your wound.” She told him as she pushed him back onto the bed and placed a tray of food onto his lap, standing with her arms folded as she watched him take a small bite of the piece of buttered toast
Ignoring the greasy looking bacon and eggs, Danny forced himself to swallow a couple of bites of toast and a few sips of tea before he placed the tray beside him on the bed and gingerly stood again.
“Have your shower and dress into these.” Carmel instructed, handing him his swimming trunks and a light t-shirt. “I thought that maybe we could go to the beach and relax a little this afternoon. It will do you good and also get us out of the house for a while, away from Brian.”
“Sounds good.” Danny agreed, secretly pleased that Carmel had suggested some time alone. He had been hoping to spend some time with her to attempt to casually question her and try and find out what was going on.
The shower was nice and hot but Danny was unable to enjoy it, the ache in his side grew more intense and even standing under the steaming shower he felt cold. He quickly washed and dried himself, dressing into the swimming trunks before he wandered back into the bedroom.
“Is your side hurting again?” Carmel asked as she studied Dan’s pale, pained face. “Sit down and I’ll get you some whiskey. That should take the edge off.” She told him quietly as she grabbed his arm and guided him back to the bed, helping him to sit. He watched as she turned and went to the bar and grabbed a glass and the whiskey bottle, her back was to him as she poured the whiskey. He never saw her add the powder to the glass.
Drinking the small shot of alcohol, Danny was surprised at how quickly it seemed to take effect, his body warming almost instantly, the pain faded as he felt the now familiar buzz. He watched disinterestedly as Carmel quickly began to clean and dress his wound. not quite understanding her words as she told him it was looking better.
She helped him into the t- shirt before she guided him out of the room, chattering excitedly about their afternoon at the beach. He found himself feeling content to let her make the decision on where they would go and how they would spend their afternoon as he enjoyed the warm buzzing sensation that seemed to fill his soul.
------
Picking up the mic, Kono requested a patch through to McGarrett. It only took a moment before he heard his boss’ voice ask, “What’s happening Kono?”
Kono glanced through the windshield of his car watching the young couple as they exited their car and began to walk down to the sand, pausing a few moments beneath a palm as Carmel began to take photos of her young companion, seeming to tell him how she wanted him to pose. “Danny and Carmel have just arrived at Waikiki Beach, Steve, by the look of the beach towels they are carrying I think they plan to spend the afternoon.”
McGarrett glanced down at the transcripts he was reading of conversations recorded within the house. So far none sounded promising to their investigation and the HPD officers monitoring the taping had pre-warned him that most of the conversations sounded staged. If suspicions were correct about the siblings being aware of the police bugs than Steve had no doubts that any incriminating conversations were taking place outdoors.
Pushing the file away, McGarrett rose to his feet. “Stay close to them, Kono.” He ordered, “I’m on my way to join you now.”
“Will do, Steve.” Kono answered, before replacing the mic. He waited a moment till the couple began to walk away before he got out of his car and began to follow.
-------
Easing down on the seat beside Kono, McGarrett casually handed the Hawaiian detective a sno-cone. “How’s it going Kono?” he asked.
Glancing across at his boss, Kono nodded towards the young couple who were walking hand in hand slowly along the water’s edge, allowing the gentle waves to wash over their feet. “She hasn’t left his side for a minute, boss. I haven’t been able to even get close to him.”
McGarrett nodded and squinted as he watched the couple in the sun. he noted that while Carmel was wearing a bikini, Danno was dressed in his swimmer trunks and a light t-shirt, hiding any wound dressings he might have from sight. Frowning, Steve watched his young detective’s movements carefully trying to assess if his suspected injury was causing him any discomfort or pain. Danno’s movements seemed sluggish and slow, as he allowed Carmel to guide him as they walked.
The two detectives watched as the couple stopped and Carmel stepped a few steps away, raising a camera she held before she took several photographs of their friend.
Kono frowned, “She’s been snapping photos of Danno almost constantly, Steve.” He informed his boss quietly. “Sometimes getting him to pose and sometimes just casual shots like she just took then. Danny seems happy to do what ever she wants him to do. It’s seems kinda creepy.”
Nodding McGarrett shifted slightly to keep the couple in sight as they moved further down the beach before turning and walking back the way they had just came. He turned back to his detective eyeing the casual dressed detective. “Kono, I want you to ‘accidentally’ bump into them. Just apologize, don’t try and communicate with Danno at all but check his eyes.”
Kono studied the back of his young colleague for a few moments before he turned back to his boss and asked quietly, “Do you think Danno’s been drugged?”
“I hope not Kono but look at the way he is walking. “Steve murmured quietly, watching as Danny stumbled slightly in the sand, “I hope not!”
With a silent nod, Kono quickly handed his snow cone to his boss and rose, making his way down onto the beach. Strolling casually along, he tried to give the impression that he was interested in the many girls that were scantily clad in bikinis when where he was actually going. He sauntered closely to where Danny and Carmel now stood and turned around to stare openly at a young woman as he walked backwards, stumbling into the couple. Feigning his shock and embarrassment at bumping into the couple, he turned and quickly apologized before hurrying away.
Danny winced in pain as his side was jostled as the Hawaiian man jostled into them. He turned and watched the man hurry away before his sluggish brain recognized who it was. His eyes opened wide with surprise as he slowly realized that Steve had Kono still watching his back even after he had gone against orders. He suddenly felt a little safer knowing that Steve was still around. Carmel’s angry grumbling about the rude Hawaiian oaf finally caught his attention and he nodded distractedly his agreement when she insisted on leaving.
Watching the couple leave, McGarrett was reassured as he watched Kimo Haulkai follow at a safe distance. He stood and waited for Kono to join him before demanding, “Well?”
“His pupils are pinpointed Boss, that wahine has him on somethin’. “Kono told his boss angrily, “His reflexes are slow. It seemed to take him a few moments to even focus on me. And he is definitely hurting, Steve.” Kono added silently, “He moaned and grabbed his side in pain when I knocked into them.”
“Damn!” McGarrett mumbled, “We have to get him out as soon as we can! I haven’t quite worked out what they are up to but I have the feeling it is more than drugs!” Steve hissed through clenched teeth as he turned slowly and watched his young friend climb into the passenger side of the car a few moments before it drove away, Kimo’s unmarked car trailing a few cars behind.
--------
He felt sick and cold; he shivered uncontrollably as he tried to ignore the nausea that was beginning to make itself known. His wound was aching from the jostling that he had received from Kono. He closed his eyes and tried to swallow a moan as Carmel helped him from the car to the house. She guided him through the small living room and carefully walked him up the stairs to the bedroom that was now his. He groaned as she help him into the bed, trying hard not to let the tears of pain that threatened to fall, not wanting to show her any weakness.
“Can I get you something?” She asked him softly as she gently brushed her hand over his damp hair.
He swallowed knowing what had relieved his pain yesterday and than before they had gone out. “Please, can I have another shot of whiskey?”
She nodded before walking across to the bar, pouring the drink and carefully positioning herself as she added the powder before she returned to his side and handing him the glass. She smiled as she watched him gulp the fiery liquor, taking the glass from him when he had finished.
Feeling the almost instantaneous rush from the alcohol, Danny settled back against the pillows. He could feel his body begin to relax and grow heavy as the pain quickly faded away. The strange buzz that he had felt earlier returned making it hard to think. Slowly his eyes grew to heavy to keep open and he allowed them to close as a single comforting thought drifted through his mind as he drifted off to sleep. Steve had not given up on him! Even after all that he had done, Steve was still watching his back!
Carmel watched as Danny’s eyes slowly closed and his breathing became slow and even as she held his hand. Satisfied that all was going to plan she rose and quietly left the room.
--------
“Well?” Brian demanded as she stepped into the hallway.
“He’s hooked!” She smiled, “Should be able to start him mainlining tomorrow. After that getting him started in the business should be a breeze. I have the photos we need to show the clients. They will be fighting each other on who gets him first!” she giggled as she turned and walked away.
Brian watched her go before he turned and looked at the closed door. “I have the perfect client all lined up for him already!” he laughed before he glanced at his watch. It was almost time to get Luki ready to work.
--------
Releasing the tourniquet from around his bicep, Luki allowed his head to drop back and closed his eyes, enjoying the warm rush the drug gave him. His moment of peace and enjoyment was quickly shattered as Brian grabbed his arm and pulled him roughly to his feet.
“Time to go, kid, time to earn your keep!” The older man snarled viciously as he began to drag the young boy towards the door. “We don’t want to keep Jenkins waiting!”
“Jenkins?” Luki gasped as the name filtered through his self-induced drug haze. “Please Brian, you promised that I would never have to go to Jenkins again. Not after the last time!” He pleaded fearfully as he tried unsuccessfully to break loose from the bigger man’s hold. “Please Brian, you promised!”
Denman growled and turned striking the striking boy hard, knocking him to the ground. He leaned over and grabbed Luki’s collar pulling the boy off the floor. “Listen, Jenkins wants you and he is willing to pay double! So stop ya whining cause you’re going!” Lifting the cowering boy fully back up to his feet, Brian lowered his voice and warned, “If you don’t want to end up like the others you will do what we say, understand?”
Swallowing down a sob, Luki nodded his head. “I understand Brian.” He whispered.
“Good boy!” Brian grinned patting Luki on the shoulder. “I promise this will be your last time with Jenson. I think he will enjoy the new kid even better!” Brian laughed as he led Luki out to the car.
---------
The sound of a door slamming closed startled McGarrett out of the light sleep into which he had fallen. It took the exhausted detective a few moments to realize that sometime after five am he had dozed off. He had spent the night studying the investigation notes again, searching for some clue that they might have missed. He sighed and rubbed his face with his hands, trying to bring himself to a higher state of alertness, as his office door opened and Chin entered carrying two mugs and a file.
Crossing the large office, Chin placed a mug of coffee on the desk in front of his boss, refraining from asking if Steve had even gone home. He already knew the answer to the question - with Danny in trouble, McGarrett would literally remain on the case until the danger to the young detective had passed. Placing the file next to the mug of coffee on McGarrett’s desk, Chin settled himself on to one of the white chairs.
“Mahalo, Chin.” McGarrett said softly picking up the mug of steaming coffee and taking a sip. He placed the mug back down and reached for the file opening it as he asked, “What have you got for me?”
‘That’s last night’s surveillance reports on the house, Steve. The evening surveillance team reported that Brian left the house about ten pm with one of the boys. The boy didn’t look too happy. They were followed to a hotel dive on Hotel St where they entered an apartment. Brian left a few minutes later and returned back to his house. The kid stayed for a few hours before Brian returned just before dawn and picked the boy up. They returned to the house at five thirty am.” Chin informed his boss as McGarrett visually skimmed over the written report.
“Do we know who is renting the apartment or why the kid was there?” McGarrett asked, taking another sip of coffee, pleased that the caffeine was giving him a new energy boost.
“HPD are checking out who leases the apartment now, Boss, hopefully we should know soon. As for why the kid was taken there by Denman, “ Chin shrugged before he grimaced, “don’t know the answer to that yet but I can think of a few nasty reasons.”
Lowering his mug, McGarrett eyed his detective, “Prostitution?” He asked quietly, mulling over the theory.
Chin nodded solemnly, “That could explain why the two boys were so upset in the weeks preceding their deaths.”
McGarrett rose out of his seat and began to pace, “Yeah, Chin, yeah.” He agreed, “Denman gets the kids hooked on the drugs and than he sends them out to work for him.”
“Think that Mike Taylor discovered what Denman was doing?”
McGarrett nodded, “Duke told me the other night that Mike thought that there was something bigger going on than just drug pushing. He had reported just before he was murdered that Carmel had hinted that he would be perfect for a special job but she didn’t tell him what it was.”
“But why kill him if they planned to use him?” Chin questioned.
“I don’t know, Chin, maybe Mike’s cover was blown or he refused to participate in their plans. Or maybe he fought then when they tried to give him drugs!” Steve answered before he turned back to his detective. “We need to find out who leases that apartment and get them in here for questioning. If our theory is correct and Denman not only in the drug trafficking business but the drugging and prostitution of these kids as well. Danno could be in real danger!”
Glancing at his watch, Chin rose from his seat, “The boys at HPD should have woken up the manager of the hotel dive by now Steve, hopefully we should have a name to whoever leases that apartment.”
“As soon as you do, I want the person brought straight in for questioning Chin, but do it quietly, I don’t want to spook Denman in any way.”
“Will do Boss.” Chin replied as he turned and left the office.
McGarrett sighed and opened the lanai doors, walking out into the fresh air. He walked to the railing and leaned against its cool surface as he stared out across the palace grounds, not seeing the beauty in front of him. “Danno, please be extra careful my Aikane, this gang is more dangerous than we first thought.” He whispered.
Sitting on the bed, hugging his knees that were drawn up tightly to his chest, Luki gently rocked back and forth as the tears streamed silently down his face. The sadistic treatment he had endured last night at Jenkins’s hands was the worse that he could ever remember. The man was brutal and loved to inflict as much pain as he could. Hugging himself tighter Luki knew what he had to do, no matter how scared he was feeling. Nothing that Brian could do to him would ever match the horror that he had been forced to live through last night, the same horror he knew that the new kid would be forced to endure tonight.
He turned and stared at the half fill syringe that had been left for him to use on the small bedside table. Fighting the temptation to give into the craving, he reached across and picked it up, quickly placing it into his pocket before he had a chance to change his mind. Wiping the tears from his face, he drew a deep breath and rose from the bed, ignoring the cramps and the small shivers that he had learnt long ago fore warned the imminent painful symptoms of withdrawal.
He could do this! He had to do this! All he had to do was pretend that he had taken the hit. Carmel would suspect nothing was amiss if he could keep it together long enough to leave the house. He could do this! He could do this! He repeated the soft mantra in his head as he wiped his sweaty hands on his pants, took a deep breath trying to settle his nerves as he left his room. He paused a moment and glanced at the closed bedroom opposite his own before he turned towards the stairs. He had to do this, not only for himself but also for the new kid in the bedroom!
-------
“Kono.” May’s soft call caught the detective’s attention as he passed her desk on his way to the boss’ office. Lightly grabbing his arm, she nodded towards a young man who sat waiting near the door as she whispered softly. “The young boy sitting there says his name is Luki Miyakawa, he came in a moment ago wanting to talk to a detective. He wouldn’t tell me what it is about but he insists it’s important.”
Glancing across at the frightened looking boy who was watching them closely, Kono recognized him as one of the boys he had observed at Denman’s house, “Thanks May, I think the boss will want to talk to him.”
Grabbing his arm again before he straightened up to move towards the boy, May added softly, “Kono, he is really scared. I think someone has assaulted him; he’s got dark bruises beneath the collar of his shirt and on his arms.”
Nodding silently, Kono straightened up and slowly walked to where the young man sat, smiling warmly as he drew near, trying to ease the boy’s obvious nervousness. “Hi, I’m Detective Kalakaua.” He introduced himself as he reached the boy, “I understand that you are wanting to talk to me.”
Getting to his feet, Luki nodded his head, his hands rubbing consciously over his arms to warm himself as he spoke, “I…I need to talk to someone about…about boys being forced to…to…” He blushed and glanced away, unable to look the large Hawaiian detective in the face, unable to say the words in such an open area. He sighed with relief as the detective seemed to know what he was trying to say and suggested that they talk somewhere more privately.
Guiding the frightened youth towards McGarrett’s door, Kono quietly explained that the lead detective would be very interested in what Luki had to tell them; reassuring Luki that he was doing the right thing with coming forth with the information that he wanted to share.
Knocking lightly on McGarrett’s door, Kono waited for McGarrett to bade them to enter before he opened the door and gently encouraged Luki to enter, closing the door firmly behind them as he quickly explained to his boss. “Steve, this is Luki Miyakawa. Luki, this is Steve McGarrett, lead detective of Hawaii Five O.” Kono quickly made the introductions as he gently led Luki to a seat in front of the large desk and nodded for Luki to sit as he continued to talk to the other detective, “Luki has some information to tell us about a prostitution racket involving boys.” Luki’s eyes widened in surprise and McGarrett leaned forward in interest as Kono quietly added. “I think it involves our current investigation Boss, Luki is one of the boys observed at the Denman’s house.”
“You know about Brain?” The boy stammered, as he rubbed his arms again, desperately trying to ignore the cramps and the tremors that were beginning to intensify.
Steve studied the trembling boy who sat in front of him. It wasn’t hard to see the young man was starting to show the first symptoms of some type of drug withdrawal. The young man was shivering uncontrollably, his eyes were bloodshot and his pupils were pinpointed and he clutched his stomach as if in pain - probably cramps from the withdrawal McGarrett surmised silently. Leaning across McGarrett hit the record button on the tape recorder and placed the mic on the desk. “Why don’t you tell us about him?” McGarrett prodded gently.
“I..I don’t know where to start.” Luki said softly glancing towards Kono before he returned his attention back to McGarrett.
“Why don’t you tell us about meeting Denman.” Steve suggested.
Luki nodded and closed his eyes, trying to gather his thoughts in order before he reopened his eyes and looked at the dark haired detective sitting behind the table. “I met his sister Carmel first.” Luki began hesitantly, “I was at the beach when I first met her. We got talkin’ and she asked if I wanted to earn a little bread.” Luki shrugged and shook his head, “I was kinda broke so I jumped at the chance.”
“What did she have you do?” McGarrett asked.
“Just deliver some parcels for her and Brian to different places around the island, nothin’ to hard.”
“Did you ever look at what was in the parcels?”
“No!” Luki answered quickly, fear readable in his face, “ Brian warned me if I did I wouldn’t see the sun set and I knew he wasn’t joking either!”
“Go on.” Steve encouraged.
“Anyway after a few weeks, Carmel offered me another job and said I could move into the house with them. I was having hassles with my parents so I agreed. Everything seemed cool the first few days although Carmel didn’t say anything else about the job. I guess it was just after I moved in that I started feeling strange, kinda like I was on some kind of a buzz.” Laughing sadly, Luki shook his head and wrapped his arms tighter around his body. “I was so stupid not to realize, even when I started to hurt bad after a couple of hours. At first whenever it happened Carmel would give me a shot of whiskey and the pain and shakes would go away and the buzz would be back. “ Luki fell quiet and his eyes seemed to glaze, McGarrett was about to gently prod him verbally for more information but he spoke before Steve could. “Than one night when the pain and shivering was really bad, Carmel showed me a needle. She said it would take away the pain and I would feel wonderful. I was so desperate I let her inject me…. It was a total rush… before I knew it I was hooked and shooting up by myself.”
“What are you using?” Steve asked softly.
“I don’t know!” Luki answered truthfully as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the half filled syringe, licking his lips as he passed it to McGarrett. “Carmel never told me. She supplies the stuff. Has it ready for when ever I need a fix or has a little extra when I have business to do. This is this morning’s hit. I thought that you could find out what it is.”
“So you haven’t had a hit today?” Kono asked glancing at McGarrett.
Looking over his shoulder at the Hawaiian detective, Luki shook his head, “I thought it was better that I gave it to you.” He turned back to McGarrett. “It was that night that Brian introduced me into the business. He got Carmel to give me another hit and than told me he had a client that wanted to meet me. I guess I was pretty naive cause I never suspected a thing even after he warned me that I had to be nice to the client and do what ever the client wanted me to,’ Luki turned away unable to look at either of the two detectives that were listening intently as he continued. “We went to the apartment that Brain leases for his clients use.”
McGarrett interrupted, “Is that the apartment on Hotels Street?”
Nodding, Luki rushed on. “ The client was there, haole, cold green eyes, I will never forget his face. “ Luki swallowed hard and blinked away the tears, “I thought that Brain and the client were joking when they told me what I was there for. I tried to fight but Brain grabbed me and held me down while the guy…while the guy… raped me.” Wiping away the tears that had began to trickle down his face, the young man looked back at Steve, “After it was over, Brain took me back to the house and beat me for resisting. He told me about what he did to both Eddie and Sammy when they both refused and than tried to escape. Than he warned me the next time I refused a client would be my last! I knew he meant it!”
“Eddie Lobus and Sammy Johnson?” McGarrett asked softly, watching as Luki nodded before asking softly, “Do you know what happened to Mike Brogan?”
Kono leaned forward at Steve’s question of Mike Taylor’s undercover name as Luki answered.
“I tried to warn Mike about what was going to happen to him when he first told me that Carmel had offered him a special job but Mike wouldn’t listen.” McGarrett nodded as Luki continued, “Anyway, I’m not sure why but Brain suddenly got real paranoid about him Claimed that Mike was some undercover cop or somethin’. One night he told Mike that he needed some help in the basement and when Mike went downstairs Brain attacked him. Brain beat him for hours; I can still hear Mike screaming. It was horrible! Then when Brain got tired he overdosed him.”
The two detectives made brief eye contact over the boy’s head before McGarrett asked, “Why did you decide to come and tell us this today? Why didn’t you come in earlier?”
Luki bit his lip, his shivering becoming more noticeable as perspiration began to trickle down his face as the withdrawal symptoms became stronger. He knew he had to hold it together for just a little longer as he answered. “Last night Brain took me to the apartment. I knew that Jenkins was there and I didn’t want to go.”
“Jenkins?”
“Marco Jenkins, one of Brains clients. He likes to beat us before he forces us to have sex with him. He really likes to inflict as much pain as he can!”
“Is that how you got the bruises?” Kono asked quietly.
Pulling his shirt tighter, Luki nodded as he continued to talk. “There’s a new kid at the house. Carmel has also been driving Brain nuts by flirting with the kid. Anyway when Brian came to pick me up this morning I heard him and Jenkins talking, Carmel has the kid hooked and she says he is ready to start mainlining and going into the business. Brain offered the kid to Jenkins for tonight. Told Jenkins that he can be as rough as he likes, that Brain intends to dope the kid up after he gets there and if Jenkins doesn’t finish him off during the session, than Brain will with an overdose. He doesn’t want the kid around!”
“Do you know the kid’s name?” McGarrett asked softly ignoring the horrified look on Kono’s face.
“I think I have heard Carmel call him Danny a couple of times.” Luki answered sensing that the name meant something to the detectives as he pleaded softly, “Please you need to get the kid out of there. If Jenkins gets him, he hasn’t got a chance!”
McGarrett rose and walked around his desk to stand beside the young man sitting in the white chair. Placing his hand on shivering trembling boy’s shoulder, he gave it a light squeeze as he said reassuringly, “Don’t worry Luki, we won’t let Jenkins or Brain do anything to Danny. Now why don’t we get a doctor to check you over? I think he will give you something to help you through your withdrawals.”
At Luki’s nod, Steve glanced at Kono, “Take him to Queens Hospital. I want a HPD officer guarding him. “Glancing down at Luki, he explained, “Just until we have Brain, Carmel and Jenkins in our custody.” He looked back up at Kono, “Than get back here as fast as you can.”
“On it Boss.” Kono acknowledged the order as he gently help Luki to his feet and guided him out of the door.
McGarrett watched silently as they left, waiting for the door to close before he switched off the tape recorder and reached for the intercom. He waited a moment till May answered before he asked to be patched through to Chin’s car.
“Boss?” Chin’s voice filtered through the small speaker almost immediately.
“Chin, check with the manager of the apartment building if the apartment is leased by Brain Denman and if he allows friends to use it. If the answer is yes then I want you to come back immediately to the Palace. I don’t want the friends picked up at all at this time, understand?”
“Understood, Steve.” Chin answered before replacing the mic. He frowned at the change of orders but knew he would find out the reason why when he returned to the office.
Picking up the phone, McGarrett rang Walter Stuart, requesting a meeting with the D.A in his office.
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Entering the small bathroom at the top of the stairs, Brain watched as his sister prepared the needle. Aware that the room had already been cleared of any police bugs and knowing it was safe to talk freely, Brain nodded towards the needle and asked, “Is that for Walters?”
“I told you last night that Danny is ready for me to introduce him to mainlining!” Carmel answered impatiently, “We want him ready to start earning us some money! Once the clients see his photo I expect that they will start to ask for him straight away. I want him to have a couple of hits before that happens!”
“I have already promised him to a client tonight. The client will pay triple to see him get his first hit. I’ve already accepted down payment!” Brian announced smugly as he pulled a large wad of money from his back pocket and proudly fanned it out in front of his sister.
Carmel glanced at the money before she looked at her brother suspiciously, “You haven’t promised him to Jenkins, have you?” She asked hotly.
Brian laughed, “Does it matter? As you said the kid is going to make us good money and Jenkins pays the best for the new ones!”
“Jenkins is an animal!” Carmel hissed angrily, “He pays the most because he’s the one that inflicts the most damage! Give him his money back and offer Danny to one of the other clients. I bet they will be happy to pay a little more for him!”
“Don’t you dare tell me who I can and can’t sell the kid for the night to!” Brain snarled angrily into her face as he grabbed her arm tightly and pulled her close. “You’re responsible in getting them hooked and ready! I am the one who gets to choose who gets to own them for the night! It was me who set up this business not you! And it is me who makes the decisions! Have you got that?” He screamed as he shook her roughly. “Or maybe the problem is that you are sweet on this kid! If that’s what it is, I can take care of it and just kill him now!”
Paling at the threat Carmel whispered, “You’re the one who decides who gets the kids, Brian, It just that Jenkins is so rough with them. We can make a lot of money with Danny if he’s not damaged, lots more than with any of the other boys.”
“We can make a lot of money with him tonight from Jenkins, more if Jenkins gets to witness the kid’s first real hit before the fun and games start.” Brian growled softly, “I have already made the deal. The kid belongs to Jenkins tonight and Jenkins gets to see his first hit real hit of the good stuff, got it?”
Carmel whimpered as her brother twisted her arm, “Got it Brian!” She gasped.
“Good! Give him a dose of the funny juice to start his day and than let him go dry for the rest of the day, I want him begging tonight when I offer him the needle.” Brain breathed as he released her arm and reached for the prepared needle, sliding it into his pocket for later.
Wiping the tears from her face, Carmel watched him turn and leave the room. She knew that to argue any more with him when he had made a decision about who would own Danny tonight would be dangerous not only for Danny but for herself. It was better just to do as he wanted and hope that Jenkins would decide to take it a little easier on Dan than he had on the other new kids. She knew that the chances of that were extremely slim; in fact they were virtually non- existent.
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Rushing out of his cubicle to inform Steve of his findings about Jenkins, Kono almost knocked over Chin as the oriental detective enter the office. “Sorry Bruddah,’ Kono apologized, “Didn’t see ya!”
“What’s happening, Kono?’ Chin asked quietly as he walked with the Hawaiian towards the boss’ office, “Why the sudden change in orders?”
“Big break in the case!” Kono told his colleague excitedly, “One of Denman’s kids came forward and told us everything that’s going on. Apparently it’s not just drugs this pair are into, they are into drugging young boys and selling them for sex! The apartment you were checking out is apparently the apartment that Denman uses for his clients.”
“They are running a boys’ prostitution ring?” Chin breathed out in horror, any crimes against children and young people disgusted him. “What about Danny? Does he know? Is he safe?”
“The kid says that Danny is going to be their next victim. He claims that Denman is planning more than just prostituting him, that he plans to overdose him afterwards!”
“Awue!” Chin muttered as they knocked on McGarrett’s door and entered the office.
Looking up from the file he was reading, McGarrett nodded to both his detectives to sit as he asked Chin, “Has Kono brought you up to speed on the case?” At Chin’s nod, McGarrett demanded, “Okay what have you got for me?”
“The manager confirmed that Brian Denman leases the apartment and allows friends to use the apartment during the nights.” Chin confirmed, “The manager says that Brian’s friends often turn up late in the evening to stay and Brian usually joins them a few minutes later with a boy. Brian always leaves a few minutes later but the boy always stays.”
“And he never asked no questions about it?” Kono asked horrified at the man’s lack of concern.
“Said it wasn’t any of his business.” Chin shook his head in disgust as he continued, “He said that by the time he gets up in the morning the apartment is always empty. Nobody ever uses the apartment during the day.”
“Did he know any of the names of Brian’s so called friends?” McGarrett asked.
“Only one, the most regular visitor he said – Marcus Jenkins.” Chin answered before adding. “The manager also told me that he was considering telling Brian that Jenkins is not allowed back- seems that every night that Jenkins stays in the apartment the other residents complain of screams and the sounds of some type of a struggle going on in the apartment.”
“Did any of them ever check what was happening or ring HPD?” McGarrett inquired as he leaned forward waiting for the answer.
“No one wanted to get involved, Steve, they tried to ignore it while it was happening and than complained to the manager the next morning.” Chin informed the boss softly.
The dark haired detective shook his head in silent disgust as he rose from his chair and began to pace. “What have we got on Jenkins?”
“He’s big pilikia, Boss, one very mean and nasty haole!” Kono started as he opened his notebook. “Been convicted in California for the kidnapping and rape of a boy in ’59. Released from jail and came to Hawaii in July last year. He is also suspected in the kidnapping, attempted murder and rape of two other boys, according to the police reports he almost beat them to death after he raped them. The case never went to trial, both boys were to frightened to testify and there wasn’t enough evidence to convict without their co-operation. “
McGarrett nodded, understanding the boys’ reluctance to co-operate. His heart went out to the three victims. This time he woul