Struggling against the warm ocean riptide, a solitary woman struggled to make her way back to shore. Time after time she sank beneath the surface.

“Help!” she screamed, getting a mouth full of seafoam in the process whenever she managed to break back through the surface.

Oh my god! I can’t get back. I can’t…can’t…get back.

Slapping the surface of the water, she fought the relentless current. Despite being a good swimmer, she was tiring fast. The deceptively soothing waters had begun to relax her muscles and as it did, she started to lose what strength and energy reserves she had left.

“Help me!”

A short-lived burst of energy brought her back to the surface.

Sinking again, she wondered how this vacation had turned out so wrong. Her last thought was of how devastating it would be if she died within sight of her friend’s home.

Her arms felt like lead and she couldn’t kick anymore. The world slowly darkened as she finally slipped beneath the surface.

I’ve lost it. It is so warm. All I want is to sleep. To sleep. To…sleeeeep.

*****

No, leave me. It’s…too peaceful.

NO!

What is going on?

NO! NO  Why? This hurts!

Something was different; she was still warm but this was a different type of warmth. It felt solid but soft and gentle.

I’ve got to cough. My nose feels funny.

What is this? Who?

Light seemed to come and go at almost at the same rate as the pressure she felt. A series of gargled hacking coughs now assailed her chest. Whatever was touching her backside was soft, and soon that softness underneath her switched to her side. Something else touched her, something soft and caring that rolled her back over onto her back.

What?

She could feel something touching her now. Reacting to the touch, her fingers tried to close. After another touch, they did close, then opened and closed again as if to grip onto something.

Vaguely, she heard someone say, “She’s coming around.” Opening her eyes, she saw a dark form just above her head. At first it was fuzzy, but slowly came into focus.

A dark-skinned man with wavy hair was smiling at her, his big smile highlighted by very white teeth.

“You’re going to be fine,” the face told her.

“Who are you?” She raised her hand to her mouth and started to cough again. The big man rolled her over to her side and gently thumped her on her back to help expel more of the fluid from her lungs. When the spasms stopped, he rolled her back over and softly brushed away the sand on her face.

“I’m Kono. My friend and I pulled you out of the ocean.”

Sitting back on his heels, he looked back towards Danny’s white mustang parked near the edge of the beach.

“How did you know where I was?” She tried to sit up, but Kono’s hand gently restrained her.

“No, you need to stay down until help arrives. You’ve got a lot of water in your lungs, so just concentrate on breathing.” He maintained his pressure until her relented.

With a nod of her head, she tried to relax and do as he asked.

Thank God they were there. I would have died if they hadn’t heard me.

Covering her face with her arm, she tried to force herself to concentrate on her breathing.

“My friend and I heard you scream," Kono said. "A rip current had you. What’s your name? Do you live nearby?”

“I’m Deloris, Deloris Larsen. I’m staying with a friend, who lives on the other side of the road. Her name’s Kimberly Johnston. Can someone get her?”

Tenderly, the Hawaiian brushed off more of the sand to make her more comfortable. “Sure. Where does she live?”

Another spasm of coughing hit her. "Right here on the beach. 225 Leihoku Street. Thanks. If it weren’t for you two I’d probably be dead.”

“No problem. Glad to help a pretty lady.”

This earned him a smile. “What were you doing out there, anyway?”

“Kim and her son were napping. I wanted to but it’s just too hot, so I thought I’d take a swim. I’m a good swimmer, so I didn’t think I’d have any problems.”

After reminding her to stay down, Kono stood up as Danny approached.

A strange voice was heard as Del laid back and tried to relax. “An ambulance is on the way.”

Kono stood up as Danny approached. “Good. She’ll need help to get rid of the rest of that water.”

“What happened?”

“She got caught up in a sudden rip current. She’s asking for her friend, a Kimberly Johnston.”

“Odd. That name sounds familiar,” Danny said, jotting down the information. “I’ll go track her down.”

Kono scrunched back down so the woman could see his face. “That was Danny. He’s gone to try to find your friend. With luck she’ll get here before the ambulance.”

Deloris could barely nod. She was exhausted and wanted to sleep.

*****

Taking a moment to catch his breath, Danny put the call into Central Dispatch. That phone number was bugging him. What is it about it? I know that number.

“Is this Kimberly Johnston?”

“Danny, is that you?”

“Kim?” Now the name registered with him. Kim’s son, Tommy, was the youngest and smallest member of the softball team he and Kono coached.

“Hey, do you know a Deloris Larsen?”

“Yes, she’s staying with me. I think she’s taking a nap…Tommy, go see if Del’s still laying down.”

“Kim! She's down to the beach at the end of your road. She went for a swim by herself and got caught up in a riptide. You need to get over there, NOW.”

"What?" Kim said, panic rising in her. “All right, we're on our way.” Not bothering to wait for his reply, she hung up and raced for the door, with Tommy right behind her.

“Mom?” asked Tommy who was getting a little scared.

Soon they were at the beach and spotted a group of people congregated off to the left. In the distance, they could hear the sirens of the approaching ambulance.

Moments later, they had reached Del's side. “What in the world happened?” Kim asked.

"Hey, Kono!" Tommy yelled. "What are you doing here?"

“A rip current caught your mom’s friend.” Kono reached over and ruffled up the young boy’s hair. “I had to giver her CPR.”

“You gave her mouth to mouth? Yuck! Girl cooties” squealed Tommy.

Their laughter broke the tension. “Yes, I did.”

Del faked a hurt expression. Tommy saw it and realized what he had said. “I’m sorry, Del. I didn’t mean you had cooties.”

"Well, if she has any, I'm sure they'll exterminate them at the hospital. So let's get out of their way so they can help her, okay?" said Kono.

Tommy nodded and Danny went ahead to guide the ambulance crew back to Del.

*****

Two weeks after her say at Queen’s Medical Center, Del was taking it easy luxuriating in the warm afternoon sun.

“Are you sure you’re up to going to Jenny’s Halloween luau tomorrow?” Kim asked setting the tea tray down on the wicker table between the two lounge chairs. She handed Del and ice-filled glass, and sat on the edge of the other chair.

“It’s been almost two weeks. I’m fine,” Del said for the third time that day.

“I know, but…”

“Kim…, I’m fine. Really!”

“Okay.” Kim was dubiously but decided not to push it.

“I know what a luau is not that you’ve explained it, but what types of food will there be?”

“Most luau’s are the same as mainland barbeques, but Jenny’s going to have a Kalua pig.”

“What’s that?”

“A pig cooked for many hours in a Hawaiian underground oven called an imu.”

“A whole pig? How many people are coming?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure. I think maybe twenty or so.”

“Isn’t a whole pig a bit much for only twenty people?”

Kim laughed. “She’s not cooking a large pig. There will be other meats too. Jenny’s boss is bringing steaks and will be doing lots of the cooking.”

“Her boss?”

“Steve McGarrett.”

“Isn’t he that cop I’ve seen a lot in the news?”

“That’s him. He’s also the boss of the men who rescued you last week. You know - Danny and Kono.”

“Are they coming to the luau, too?”

Tommy, slightly out of breath, suddenly appeared. “Mom!” he gasped, “Jenny asked me if I’d like to help her out. Can I?”

“Okay, but remember, dinner is in an hour.” Kim smiled as he scampered away.

*****

Saturday’s clear blue skies heralded a day that promised good food, interesting company and entertainment. The morning’s light offshore breezes had blown away the remaining clouds.

A tantalizing odor emanated from the Sherman home, as Del, Kim and Tommy entered Jenny’s back yard.

“Hey, check out this crowd!” Kim said.

A robust oriental man met them as they walked over to the patio. “Aloha Kim, Tommy. Glad you could make it,” said Chin Ho Kelly. “I see you brought a friend.”

“I sure did, Chin. Del, Chin is another member of the Five-0 team." Chin smiled and shook Del's hand.

“Where does Jenny want my salad?” Kim asked.

“Over at the table with the orange tablecloth, I think." Chin turned away briefly. "Hey, Jenny…where do you want Kim's salad?” 

Jenny hurried over to greet the new arrivals. “Aloha, everyone. I'll take the salad; thank you for making it. Tommy, Danny and the kids and have a game of Jarts going if you want to join them.”

Tommy whooped and took off.

“Get yourself a drink and claim a chair,” said Jenny. “I’ve got to go check on a few things right now, but I’ll be back soon. Make yourselves at home.”

Looking around the back yard, Del noticed a tall striking man in white pants and a blue aloha shirt working at the barbeque grill. “Kim, is he who I think he is?”

“Steve McGarrett in the flesh.” Kim grinned as she led the way over to the grill. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

“Hey, Steve,” Kim called.

The tall dark-haired man turned around and flashed a dazzling smile. “Hi, Kim. I hope you brought my favorite salad.”

“I sure did.”

"So are you going to introduce me to your friend?" Del’s striking green eyes caught his attention immediately. They were beautifully set off by her red hibiscus flowered pants outfit. Pulled back, her dark brown hair fell to down to her mid-back. Although she only came to his shoulders, the way she moved told him here was a lady who could take care of herself. 

“Steve, this is Deloris Larsen. She and I are old friends.”

“Welcome and aloha, Deloris,”

“Call me Del and thank you.”

“How long have you been in the Islands?” McGarrett asked, reaching over to tend to the coals.

“Two and a half months.”

“That’s quite a long vacation.”

“Well, I ended up here a little longer than I intended because I almost managed to drown a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to two of your men I’m still here?”

McGarrett raised his eyebrows as he turned to face her more. “So you’re the one. Danno told me about saving one of Jenny’s neighbors. How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thanks,” she said, hoping she wasn’t in for a social interrogation. All at once, Del realized Kim had left them alone. She felt a moment of panic. Yikes! Now what am I going to do? It then struck her.

“Need some help?” Make the most of it gal; you’ve got ‘the man’s’ attention.

“Please. I’ve got to get the meat from the house,” McGarrett said. "If you don't mind watching those coals, I'll be right back."

Several hours later, stomach stuffed to the point where she felt it was in real danger of exploding, Kim sat chatting with Jenny and rather enviously watched her friend, who hadn't moved far from McGarrett's side since she had introduced them. Oh Lord, what have I done now?

“Jenny, look.” Kim pointed over to Del and McGarrett.

“Looks like those two want to be alone,” replied Jenny. The path the two were taking would take them down to the beach and it was obvious they didn’t want company.

*****

Del couldn't be happier. My vacation had almost ended in disaster but suddenly turned into something very interesting. "The Man" might be a Legend, but he was also extremely charming.

Once they reached the beach, Del removed her sandals.

“How much longer will you be in Hawaii?” McGarrett took her footwear from her.

“Not much longer. I’ve got some things I need to take care of back home.”

“Where is that?”

“Chicago.”

“Ah, the Windy City. Have you lived there long?”

“Most of my life. Kim and I grew up together there. It wasn’t until she married Eric that she moved here. Are you a native to Hawaii?”

McGarrett smiled at her before he answered. “No, I’m originally from the Bronx. I left there when I joined the Navy.”

“Then you’ve probably seen a lot of the world.”

“Oh yeah.”

“Were you in Korea?” Del almost wished she could take back the question when McGarrett didn’t reply. They continued down the beach for several minutes looking out at the ocean. “Sorry if I touched a painful subject.”

Shaking his head, McGarrett reached over, picked up her hand, and patted it. “It’s painful, but it’s part of the past now,” he finally said. “I was a POW for almost a year and saw and endured a lot of brutality at the hands of a mad man. Once I was released I stayed for a few more years.”

“If you don’t mind my asking, how long ago was that?”

“That was back in 1959. It was while I was with NIS, here in Hawaii, that the governor offered me the position as Chief of Hawaii Five-0.”

“What made you decide to become a top cop then?”

Unmindful of the moist sand getting on his white canvas sailing shoes, he looked at her a few times, liking what he saw. “I was ready for a change.”

“Change is good sometimes.” She laughed as the wave encircled her feet. “The water is tickling me.”

A whimsical smile lit up McGarrett’s face as he looked at her. Pausing so that McGarrett could remove his own footwear and roll up his pant legs, they walked closer to the water.

“What type of work do you do in Chicago?”

“For the last five years, I had my own fashion design studio.” From his clothes, I can see he’s a man with taste. Even with his pants rolled up he’s good looking.

“Have you had any shows or do you sell through a brokerage?”

“Mostly through a brokerage. But a lot of my designs are bought by a store in London.”

“Really? Interesting. Have you thought of trying to sell them here?”

“Kim and I have talked about it. The longer I’ve been here, the better the idea sounds.” It would be neat if I did. Maybe I’d be able to see him more. She couldn’t’ believe how attracted she was becoming to him. Long ago, she had given up hope of ever finding someone she could be serious about.

“Every design men’s clothing?”

“Oh yes. Several. Come to think of it, I’ve got one that I think you’d like. It’s a tailored outfit, with a double pleat in the back. You’ve got the body type for it, I think.”

They continued to talk about the pros and cons of doing business in Hawaii as they walked, splashing through the waves as it came up. The sand under their feet was sucked out as the water receded, pulling on them as if to draw them deeper into the briny deep.

“I never knew such gentle currents could be so deceptively dangerous.” Del thought back to when she had almost drowned.

“Hmm, yes, they can be very dangerous. That’s why you should never turn your back on them.”

A large wave came up and whirled around their legs. “Yikes!” yelped Del as she fell into the water laughing.

McGarrett made a quick grab for her but missed. In doing so, he dropped their footwear. “Damn.”

“Help me up, please,” laughed Del as she offered her hand.

Drenched now up to mid-thigh, he reach down. Just as they made contact, another wave hit them. Playfully Del pulled him down with a splat. Bobbing in the water for a moment, McGarrett popped through the surface and giving Del a dirty look as she began to stand up.

“So that’s how you want to play this,” teased McGarrett as he reached over, grabbed her leg, flipping her back into the surf.

“Hey!”

McGarrett smiled at her as he stood up. “Pax, okay?”

Accepting his hand, Del stood up. “Pax. Since we’re already wet, how about a swim?”

Removing his shirt and pants, McGarrett rang them out as best he could. Folding it carefully, he watched her undress as he removed his billfold, keys and holster, placing them beneath the wet folds of material. “Ah – don’t take off too much more. This isn’t an authorized nude beach.”

“Oh come on. No one is around and hopefully, we’ll find our shoes.” Feeling playful, Del threw her top at him and a second latter her pants. Dressed only in bra and panties, Del turned and splashed back into the warm ocean water.

Shaking his head, McGarrett quickly folded her items and placed them on top of his. He followed her into the water. “Don’t go out too far. Rip currents. Isn’t this near where you got in trouble?”

Del looked back at the beach. In the darkness, the landmarks seemed somehow different. “I think it is.”

The two swam for a while, and then headed back to shore. Tired, Del laid down on the beach and looked up at McGarrett and the night sky. “Are the stars always this bright and close?”

Easing himself down next to her, he looked up. “For the most part, yes. Because we’re so near the equator, everything seems closer. That’s why you can get sunburned here faster than on the mainland.”

Propped up by his arm, he rested on his side facing her. Reaching over he brushed away some sand on her cheeks as he studied her facial features.

Del smiled. His tender touch sent chills down her spine. Reaching up she mussed with his hair, pushing away a stray lock from his face.

Slowly, McGarrett lowered his head down to hers. Their lips touched softly at first, then firmly, with a fiery passion. Entwined in each other’s arms they explored each other’s body with a gentle intimacy. Their soft caressing touches bringing an ecstasy to their partner.

Breathing heavily, they separated and laid back, Del’s head resting in the crook of McGarrett’s shoulder.

“Whew!” said Del.

“Yeah, whew.” It wasn’t often that McGarrett could find a woman with enough staying power to fulfill his needs. “I need to cool off. Want to join me?” Rising, he reached down to assist her.

Accepting his offer, Del followed him back into the water. Cooled off finally, they prepared to leave.

“You’re a good swimmer. How is it you got caught in that rip?” He handed her her clothing and then retrieved his own items.

“I guess I panicked. I’ve never encountered one before and the water was so warm, it sapped my strength.”

“You’re lucky my men were nearby. I hope you’ve learned not to trust the water. Looks can be so deceptive with the ocean.”

“No kidding.”

“I think we forgot something,” McGarrett said as he shook the sand out of his clothing.

“OUR SHOES!”

McGarrett nodded in agreement looking back at the waves. It’s going to be interesting driving home tonight.

“How are you going to drive?” Del mirrored his thoughts.

“I’ll manage. I just hope I don’t get stopped by some rookie cop and get a ticket for driving without them.” They both broke into laughter at the thought of the ‘Top Cop’ of the islands being ticketed.

“I’ve enjoyed my evening with you.”

“So have I. Before you leave I’d like to take you out for dinner some night.” McGarrett’s voice and eyes were soft as he wiped off some sand from Del’s outfit before they started back to the houses.

“I’d like that. How about next Wednesday?” Del offered, remembering her flight back would be on Thursday.

“It’s a date. I’ll even let you pick the place. About 7 PM?”

“Sounds good but why don’t you surprise me as to where. After all you know Honolulu better than I.”

“True. Any particular favorite types of food?”

“I’m game to try anything, just so long as it doesn’t bite me back.” Del gave his hand a playful squeeze. McGarrett put his arm around her as they walked back to the house.

“Looks like everyone has left.” Del noted the lights had been turned off in Jenny’s back yard.

“Looks like, but then we are late getting back.”

“I have a feeling that’s a natural part of your life - never getting some place on time,” teased Del.

Giving Del a squeeze, he led the way over to Kim’s. “It does seem like that at times. I never know when something will interfere with my plans. Things tend to happen quickly and my office has got to be flexible to respond to them.”

“Hmm, so you never know what you might be doing from one second to the next.”

“Not really, but I wouldn’t say I can’t or don’t take time off for pleasure. My men and I do try to stagger our schedules so each one can have some down time. If we didn’t we couldn’t keep up the hectic pace we sometimes have.”

“From what I’ve seen in the news that seems to happen a lot. Is crime really that bad here?” Del asked, trying to compare Chicago with Honolulu.

“For the amount of local population density that we have and the amount of tourist, it is. We have over one million people here and it’s an almost 50/50 – locals versus tourist. Most of our economy comes from the tourist so the businesses are gauged to that and that is where a lot of the problems come from. People don’t use common sense sometimes. They put themselves in great danger and then don’t own up that some of it they caused. That’s when someone is going to get hurt and many times murdered.”

Del shivered. “That’s hard to believe, but then people will be people. Is the drug scene here bad? In Chicago it’s horrible.”

“I’m hoping not as bad as on the mainland. There they have an easier means to bring it in. Here it’s done either by air or by water. We’re on the lookout for it all the time. Whenever we do find a source, we pounce on it fast. Being in the middle of the ocean though, we are a natural dropping off place.”

I see why he’s so busy. “I don’t know how you manage to keep the lid on.”

“It’s not been easy, but I’ve got a dedicated bunch of guys working with me. We seem to manage to put out one fire before the next one flares up most of the time.”

“Why don’t you come over to the Palace? I’d like to show you around.” By then they were at Kim’s front door.

“I’d love to see it and be given a ‘private’ tour of the place,” Del looked up at him eagerly.

McGarrett gently placed his hand under her jaw, lifting it up as he bent down and kissed her. The intensity of their kiss increased as Del wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing him in closer. They lingered like that until the light on the porch went out.

“Looks like Kim wants us to have some ‘private’ time now.” McGarrett smiled as their hands dropped down.

Del gave a little cough and smiled back at her escort for the night. “I guess so. I’ve had great time tonight, something I’ll remember for a long time.” God! What a man.

“Let me know if you can come over. If you can’t, I’ll see you Thursday night.” McGarrett chuckled at Del’s expression. “Our dinner, remember,” he said as he started to leave.

Del felt herself blushing. How could I have forgotten? “Yes, I remember.”

Del stood there watching McGarrett as he walked down driveway. Soon she heard the start of a car engine. As the car went by, she waved, not knowing if he saw her or not.

The house was dark inside. Silently as she could, Del made her way to her room. As she slipped between the sheets, a form appeared at her door.

“I was wondering if I was going to have to call out the cops about you,” teased Kim leaning against the doorframe.

“Oh don’t do that. He’ll be in enough trouble if someone does stop him. We…ah…sort of lost our shoes in the ocean,” confessed Del as she sat back up and turned on the light next to the bed.

Kim sat down on the edge of the bed. “So tell me, how was it?”

“Kim, he’s amazing.” For the next hour they talked about Del’s walk and of the plans for this week.

“It’s a shame you have to go home so soon,” Kim said as she got up.

“Yeah, but it makes the desire to come back even more so,” replied Del as she laid back down. Even more than you know, girlfriend, even more than you know.

*****

“Hi, Del. Steve’s in a briefing with his men. Why don’t you have a seat and I’ll tell him your here,” Jenny said when she saw her enter.

“Not a problem. Steve didn’t say when it would be the best time, so I took a chance.”

Smiling back at her, Jenny excused herself, walked over to the door lightly knocking on it before entering. She waited for break in the conversation before speaking. “Excuse me Steve. Del Larsen is here to see you.”

Looking at each other, Chin and Danny smiled when they heard who was there but said nothing.

“I heard you had a late night walk with my little wahine, Boss,” stated Kono feeling a little protective of the woman he had rescued.

Laughter exploded in the office at this.

“A little protective of your victim are you, Kono?” teased Chin Ho.

“I think maybe he’s a little jealous,” quip in Danny. 

“Now guys,” Jenny said. “Kono is only concerned, though I’m not sure for whom.”

Shaking his head, McGarrett couldn’t help but join in the on the merriment. “Have her come on in. We’re finished here,” he said concluding the meeting.

Grinning, Jenny left to tell Del she could go in. “Steve’s done. You can go on in.”

“Thanks Jenny. I wanted to tell you that I had a good time at your luau too.”

“I’m glad you did.”

Boy did I, more than what you’ll know.  “Hi everyone,” said Del as she entered.

“Hi Del,” said Danny with a grin leading the way out of the office. “Steve, we’ll check in with you later.”

McGarrett got up and walked over to Del. “Welcome to the Palace.”

“It’s an amazing building.”

“Yes, it is. Built in 1882, it served as the royal residence until 1893 when the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown. My office was actually the Queen’s sitting room back then.” McGarrett escorted Del to the lanai. “I’m glad you came.”

“What a beautiful view!”

“This is where I sometimes come to think or relax.”

“With the pressures of your job you need time to relax.”

McGarrett looked at her and smiled. “Come let me show you my world.”

*****

“Where is Steve taking you tonight?” asked Kim as she helped Del with her hair.

“I’m not sure. Yesterday he took me to House of Lee for lunch.”

“That’s their regular place to get a fast meal. Uncle Lee, as they call them, sort of caters to them ever since Five-0 was formed.”

“So he said. Steve got preferential too as soon as he walked in it looked like.” Del winched a little when Kim hit a snag in her long hair. “Owe!”

“Sorry, but your hair is so silky it snarls easily,” Kim said placing the barrette in place. “There, that should hold it. Take a look.” She handed Del the portable mirror.

Turning around, Del examined her friend’s handiwork. “Perfect. Now if you’ll just move back to Chicago with me I could wear it like this more often.”

“Not a chance, girlfriend. It’s too cold in the winter.”

“Yeah, and I think it’s getting colder there.” Cold enough to make me think seriously about opening an office here.

“When did Steve say your reservations were for?” Kim looked over at the clock. It was already twenty minutes to seven and McGarrett hadn’t shown up as yet.

“He said seven. Something must be holding him up.”

“Hard to say. Hold on. Let me call Jenny.”

With dinner over, Jenny was finishing up the last of the dishes when the phone rang. “Hold on, hold on. I’m coming.” Slightly exasperated, Jenny picked up the kitchen towel to wipe her hands off. “Hello.”

“Hi Jenny, this is Kim.”

“Hi Kim. What’s up?”

“Was Steve still at the office when you left?” Del gave her a smile, slightly embarrassed at them hunting down McGarrett like they were.

“No, he wasn’t. He and Danny had gone out to check on something. They weren’t going to be gone very long, he told me, but that was at 4 PM and he hadn’t returned by 5 PM, which is when I left.”

“Thanks Jenny. Hey, if you do happen to hear from him, tell him he’s late.” Hearing Jenny laughter, Kim chuckled with her.

“That’s Steve. I suggest that if you don’t hear from him in another hour, you might want to call Central Dispatch and see if they will put your call through to him.”

“Okay. Thanks for the suggestion. Night.” Hanging up, Kim gave Del a fast grin. “Jenny suggests we wait an hour then call Central Dispatch.”

“But will they hold his reservation until then?” Del was worried she wouldn’t get to see McGarrett before she left. What little time she had with him had aroused her enough that she wanted to repeat it. Her facial expression must have been written all over her face because Kim suddenly broke out laughing.

“Gal, get use to it if you’re going to be involved with McGarrett. But believe me, even though he’s made a reservation for seven, if the two of you arrive later, they’ll still seat him. No one’s going to refuse service to him.”

When McGarrett didn’t arrive or call by eight, Kim gave the police switchboard a call.

“This is Kim Johnston. Jenny Sherman, Steve McGarrett’s secretary, told me to call you and have you put me through to McGarrett.”

“One moment please,” replied the operator.

*****

The crime scene was finally secured. Those remaining within the drug house had given up without a fight after their leader was shot.

“Thanks for seeing that guy take a bead on me, Tony,” McGarrett said watching the paramedics tend to the officer’s twisted ankle. The officer had sustained his injury when he shoved McGarrett out of the line of fire.

“You were so intent on talking that Ross guy, I didn’t think you’d seen the other one at the edge of the bush,” replied HPD officer Tony Marcus.

“Well, thankfully he only grazed my arm,” McGarrett said, cradling his bandaged arm.

“We’ve got everyone, Steve,” said Danny after running over to check on his boss. “Is it bad?” he asked pointing to McGarrett’s arm.

“Good, Danno. Can you finish up here? I’ve got to have Doc check this out and I’m already late for a dinner appointment,” McGarrett said as he walked over to his car.

“Sure thing, Steve,” smiled Danny as he watched his boss depart knowing who his friend’s dinner appointment was with tonight. Del and the top Irish cop were the talk of the office. Very little got by them.

Gently easing himself behind the steering wheel, McGarrett was just about to start up his car when the radio squawked at him.

“McGarrett.”

“Steve, this is Kim. We were wondering where you were. Del was just about to send out the cavalry after you,” Kim said teasingly giving Del a wink.

“Sorry Kim. Tell Del I’m going to be about another hour or so. I’ve got to get something taken care of but I assure you I’ll be there in time so we can go out and have a nice dinner,” McGarrett told her as he started up his car.

“Okay, I’ll tell her. We just didn’t know if you had been involved in a shoot out.”

McGarrett winced at the remark knowing he would have to explain to them when he did finally get there. “I’ll see you then.”

After the call Kim looked at Del. “He said he would be about an hour or so, but I’ve got a feeling that he wasn’t telling me the full truth. Something is up.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. We’ll have to wait and see, but I’ve got a feeling he’s actually got himself shot.”

*****

“I’ll get it!” shouted Tommy running to answer the doorbell. “Hi Mr. McGarrett. Hey, what’s happened to your arm?”

“It got hurt today, but it’s okay. Is Del ready?”

“Yeah. Hold on and I’ll get her,” Tommy said as he slammed the door shut on McGarrett.

The young boy’s actions brought a light smile and a shake of the head as the Five-0 chief opened the door and stepped inside. He let out a whistle when he saw Del emerge from the hall. Her blue flowered creamed colored dress fit her exquisitely, elegantly showing off her figure. The deep frontal cut allowed enough cleavage to show yet was tasteful.

“You look great.”

“Thank you. Kim and I went shopping today and when I saw it, I had to have it,” said Del as she walked up to him. That’s when she noticed his left arm was in a sling. “What happened?”

“It’s only a graze. I’m okay.” McGarrett lifted and flexed his arm to show her he could still use it.

“I hope this doesn’t happen a lot.”

“Thankfully not, but it is part of the ever present dangers of my job.” Holding the door open for her, they walked over to his car. The drive to the restaurant was in a strained silence.

This is a side of him I hadn’t imagined. Life for him must be filled with adrenaline rushes. Unsure of how to react to it, Del chose to remain quiet, looking out at the scenery along the way.

“Del?” Getting no reply from her, McGarrett looked over at her.

“Del!” he said a little louder.

“Uh? Oh, I’m sorry, Steve. I was just thinking about how life must be for you,” Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment from not having been paying more attention to her date.

“I had a feeling your mind was elsewhere. I was asking you what time your flight was.”

Del gave him a quick smile. “Ten thirty tomorrow morning. I’m going to have to take a cab because Kim’s going to be at work at that time.”

“You don’t need to do that. I can take you,” offered McGarrett. I’ll sneak in all the time I can to be with her before she leaves.

“That’ll be great, just make sure you’re there on time. I can’t have you arriving two hours later like you did tonight,” teased Del.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be there.”

*****

“Do you like to dance?” McGarrett asked pulling into the Ilikai’s parking lot.

“Oh yes. I haven’t gone dancing in a long time,” Del said enthusiastically.

“Good. There’s a band here I like and we’re not too late.” He opened the car door car for her.

“Steve! It’s good to see you again.” Angus McCauley, an old time friend of McGarrett’s, pumped the hand of the Five-0 chief.

“Angus, how are you? This is my friend, Del, and we’re here to enjoy the music and get in some dancing,” said McGarrett as they followed Angus into the room.

The mixture of Hawaiian and modern music filled the night. Del found her partner to be very adept and knowledgeable about the various dance steps. Three dance filled hours later, they departed.

“Thank you.” Del leaned back in the car’s seat tired but pleased with everything. “Tonight has been wonderful. I haven’t danced so much in all my life.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I don’t get the chance to do it very often myself. Before I take you home though, I want to take you somewhere. I think the weather conditions might be perfect for it tonight.”

“Oh? What is it?” She was intrigued as to what it could be he wanted her to see at such a late hour.

“You’ll see,” McGarrett said keeping up the suspense.

The drive along the northeast side of the island was beautiful. The rippling waves reflected the brightness of the full moon. A light mist from a small storm front had left the landscape sparkling like diamonds.

The clouds still covered the tall ragged mountains to the left. As McGarrett guided his black Mercury around the point, he found the turn off he wanted and pulled the car to a stop just to the east of the North Shore area.

Del thought she had seen something in the sky, but she wasn’t sure until she exited the vehicle. “Oh my. But how?” she asked as she stared at the rainbow. “Rainbows should only appear during the day.”

“Right. This isn’t a rainbow though. It’s called a moonbow. It’s the only place on the islands too that it appears.”

“But how?”

“From what I understand, a storm system has to come off the ocean – like we had tonight – a light rain needs to be coming down and there must be a full moon. The moonlight is then reflected through the mist and that’s what makes the moonbow appear.” McGarrett stood next to her enjoying the sight. “It’s so rare that I thought this would be a great site for you to see before you leave. Something to sort of remember the Islands by.”

“Oh, I’ll never forget the Islands, or you.” Del reached up and gave his cheek a kiss.

Putting his hand under her chin, he lifted her head and kissed her. Del threw her arms around his neck, as they remained lip-locked for several minutes.

God, am I going to miss this man. I feel like I’m in heaven. The strength of his arms is so comforting. I never want to leave them.

“When will you know if you will move here?” McGarrett, who had his arms around her, asked as they gazed up at the rare sight in the night sky.

Del didn’t reply right away. Contented to just be where she was, she didn’t want to think of the near future. “I don’t know,” she finally admitted. “It will depend on how soon I can wrap up some things and see about subletting my office space.”

“With winter on its way it might be hard to find someone.”

“True.”

The two remained silent as they watched the last of the moonbow dissolve into the indigo night sky.

“I guess I should get you back.” McGarrett sighed heavily as he felt Del nod her head, but he continued to hold her gently leaning his head on top of hers. Sighing again, he turned her around, lifted her head up to him. Their kiss lingered, neither wanting it to end.

“I’ve really enjoyed tonight,” Del said as she rested her head against his chest.

“It’s been my pleasure. When you come back, we’ll go dancing again...”

“And try to catch a moonbow,” said Del, finishing his real thought.

The drive back to Kim’s didn’t take very long. After McGarrett walked Del to the door, she stood there watching as the long black Mercury backed out of the driveway and headed down the street. Just before it turned the corner, she waved.

*****

“Flight 907 to Chicago is now ready for boarding at Gate G,” came the announcement.

“Well, pretty lady, that’s your call,” said McGarrett as he draped the white lei around Del’s neck. “You’ll give me a call when you get home.”

Del nodded her head as she looked up into his steely blue eyes. “I’ll probably get in late.”

“Whatever time it is, is fine. You’ve got my number.”

When the announcement came again about Del’s flight, they walked towards the stairs. Before Del turned to leave, they kissed once more.

McGarrett moved long the edge of the raised walked way to get a clear view of Del as she walked across the. Unmindful of the wind tossing his hair into his face, he watched her ascend the step. Just before she entered the cabin, she turned and waved.

Slowly the big silver bird was pushed back away from the building. Once in the clear, the jets engines increased so to taxi down to the end of the runway.

McGarrett watched as the powerful engines increased in strength. Slowly then faster and faster, the jet raced along the strip. Its nose lifted first, then the whole jet was airborne.

McGarrett followed its course as it banked wide over the ocean before straightening. Good-bye, pretty lady. Don’t forget to return someday.