Episode 29 Celebration part 1/3 (Patreon)

John Nolan

Their wedding was modest, but he wouldn’t trade it for anything. The sight of Grace walking down the makeshift aisle, barefoot and wearing a simple yet elegant white dress on the beach was forever etched in his memory. This was the love of his life, his best friend, high school sweetheart and his partner in crime.

It was a small affair, and the minister who officiated the wedding seemed amused at how bare it was. Originally three couples were invited to act as witness, but as the captain and Jack had seemingly cut off all contact, Sergeant Grey and his wife Luna generously stepped in.

Their reception was also very simple, as he just reserved the outdoor portion of a restaurant by the beach. They were just seated at one long table, with the minister seated beside him happily eating the dishes served.

“I have to say, this is one of the best reception I attended.” The minister observed.

He felt proud as he saw Tim, Wesley and Grey nod in agreement.

Grace, his wife, he still couldn’t believe he could say that now, was happily seated at the other side of the table with Angela, Luna and Rachel. She was sharing stories about their past, and he let them talk among themselves as he focused on their partners.

“So that’s why nearly all the hotels are booked?” The wedding minister, also called John commented.

“Two thousand officers, plus their families.” Grey replied. “Then I heard there’s a RIMPAC exercise going on, so add the officers and crew of two dozen or more countries plush the ships they sent.”

“It’s a naval exercise held every two years.” Tim added. “RIMPAC stands for Rim of the Pacific, it’s the largest gathering of military forces in the world.”

Talk among them shifted to Wesley, as he and Grey unexpectedly teamed up in teasing the lawyer.

“You’re next Evers.” Grey smiled after he took a sip of his bottle of beer.

“What’s the plan on the proposal?” Tim joined in. “If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me for help.”

“But be careful.” Grey warned the flustered lawyer. “You know how Lopez is. She’s very observant, and it will be hard to surprise her when you pop the question.”

“We… we haven’t talked about it that much.” Wesley replied.

“But are you planning to?” He asked.

“Definitely.” Wesley answered without hesitation. “I can really see living a married life with her.”

“You only saw that after Jack helped his T.O. clean up her house.” Tim observed. “After that whenever I visited Angela you were always the one that answered the door.”

“C’mon guys, why is it my turn?” The lawyer complained.

“You’re the only one here who hasn’t married yet.” Grey patted him on the shoulder. “It’s the rule, Wesley.”

“Speaking of Jack, where did he and the Captain go?” He asked. Jack was someone who always followed through with his promises. He said he’d be at their wedding.

“Maybe they lost track of time?” Tim guessed. “You know those two. They’ve been apart for more than a week because of that TV show.”

Tim had a point. It was an open secret by now that Jack and the Captain are very active in the bedroom. Lucy was his best source of gossip. Speaking of his fellow rookie, he sort of understood why Lucy didn’t show up. His ex-girlfriend was feeling left out, and attending his wedding as the only one without a partner would only highlight her loneliness.

Technically she would have a partner, if she attended as Sister Lucy Chen. There was a male clergy present with the minister, Lucy could be the nun.

Grey’ phone started ringing and the sergeant quickly apologized and left the table. They continued talking about their plans for the week when the sergeant’s voice caught their attention.

“YOU WHAT?”

Conversation died down, and they all looked at Grey who was pacing up and down the beach. He was nodding, rubbing his head, but his body language indicated he was agitated and stressed. The call lasted for nearly five minutes and while they ate their food, he and most of the table were focused on Grey.

“Are you sure? Alright… You should have called as soon as you can. “

“Yes Captain. Thank you. See you soon.”

Grey ended the call, but he was still staring at his phone. He looked up and shook his head when he noticed they were all staring at him.

“Sorry.” Grey replied and sat back down the table.

“What happened Honey?” Luna asked.

“That was the Captain.” Grey sighed and quickly finished his bottle. Without another word he took a second bottle from the ice bucket at their side of the table and opened it.

“That bad?” Tim asked.

“Apparently the reason Routh and the Captain were not present today because they got abducted yesterday.” Grey explained.

Abducted? He couldn’t possibly believe that their fierce Captain and Jack could be abducted by anyone.

“Wait, what?” Angela almost stood up from her seat. “How are they? Do they need help?”

“Relax Lopez, they’re fine.” Grey answered. “They were lured to an isolated nearby island with the promise of a fake island hopping package. The captain and Routh managed to turn the tables around and call for help. A special Task Force also arrived to help mop things up.”

“It’s that bad? Was Jack hurt?” Lopez looked ready to storm the island mentioned. He had to admire how protective the T.O. was of her former boot.

“Aside from some scratches, no.” Grey explained. “I only got the summary, but she and Jack had managed to take down around eight men who were trying to hunt them for sport. They apparently stumbled upon a gang who was maintaining an illegal marijuana plantation and lured unsuspecting tourists, mostly women.”

The sergeant stared at each and every one of them in the eye. “I don’t have to explain the details of what happened to those women.”

Angela gave a tight nod, her jaw clenched tightly. Rachel look horrified as she covered her open mouth with her hand. He felt Grace clutch his hand tight and he squeezed her hand back to comfort her.

“There were rumors…” The other John joined in the conversation. He looked uncomfortable as the focus of the table shifted to him but he continued speaking.

“Female tourists, backpackers just vanishing and leaving their belongings at their hotel rooms.” The minister shared. “My sister works in a hotel, and there’s talk about a serial killer, especially with the few bodies that are found washed up on the beach.”

“So it’s not just a serial killer, but a gang of serial killers.” Tim noted.

“The Captain didn’t go into details, but she did say Jack was brutal and efficient with the gang.” Grey added looking serious as he spoke. “Her words.”

“They deserve it then.” Angela replied. “That’s totally self defense, and they just abducted the wrong couple.”

Damn. If Captain Andersen said that, it was more likely than not that Jack had used lethal force. He could still remember the moment his fellow rookie showed what he was when provoked with that idiot director. The raw power, the rage. He would not wish to face an angry Jack Routh, not without the help of an entire offensive line up of an NFL team.

“What about the plan?” He asked.

“It’s still on, so we better get ready for tomorrow.” Angela replied.

“Great.” He was eager to change topics, it was his wedding day after all. The wind shifted and he caught Grace lovely scent. He eyed the back of her neck and suddenly he couldn’t wait for their meal to end and have his wife alone in their hotel room.

“Slow down John!” Grace laughed as he chugged his beer.

Jack Routh

WOOOMF!

He didn’t question Zoe just collapsing on the bed beside him. It had been a long day, from giving out statements, answering questions from the detectives, staying at the island for a few more hours and then getting picked up by a sleek boat from the massive yacht Taylor chartered.

He was thankful that the tall blonde allowed them a few hours to relax in one of the spacious cabins for a few hours before they needed to head back to O’ahu and report to the Task Force’s headquarters for the dreaded paperwork. She also fed them, and gave him and Zoe new clothes to wear, their original ones torn and dirtied from spending a whole afternoon and night in the sanctuary island.

The shower they had earlier on board the yacht was memorable. They didn’t have to speak as they cleaned each other, watching the specks of sand, dirt and grime wash away down the drain.

It had a symbolic meaning, like they were baring themselves to each other fully as husband and wife. Like washing off the regrets they had of their own pasts, and forging ahead anew.

There was one thought in his mind that lingered, his worry about Zoe’s view of him He didn’t regret killing those men, and he would have hunted the other two without any hesitation if not for his wife reminding him of their duty and for the families of the victims.

He felt Zoe shift beside him and he turned his head to look at her. She was resting her head on the pillows, but she was staring straight at him with a look he couldn’t place.

“You look a bit bothered.” His wife observed. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I was just thinking of my first day on Mid-Wilshire. I didn’t feel remorse when I killed that gun runner. I don’t feel guilty killing those men on the island.” He replied.

He could see parallels in what happened to them earlier and his first day on duty under her command. The automatic rifles with armor piercing bullets that punched holes on the shop as they ducked for cover, trying not to get hit. The shots he took with deadly intent, hitting the driver between the eyes.

It was the same feeling at the island. He was calm outside, but inside he had a thirst of vengeance for the victims as he released those arrows. They dared to hunt his wife, and he was eager to teach them a lesson, permanently.

There was no mercy in his heart. He remembered the satisfaction he felt as his arrow flew true and hit the leader of the group in the chest. While hunting bows were less efficient than modern firearms, they had a few distinct advantages. They were silent, and only the whistling of displaced air gave away that an arrow was in flight.

He remembered the look of panic on those men as they struggled to find his location in the dense jungle, their firearms useless at that moment. The second advantage was the stopping power. An arrow had more mass than a bullet, and he remembered how the leader was blasted to the ground after he released that arrow. He knew that the second arrow to the neck of the other man near the leader was fatal. The man simply crumpled to the ground, with the arrowhead probably hitting deep into his spine.

“You’re worried that I might think differently of you.” Zoe shifted closer to him. “I don’t. In fact I got hot seeing you like that, protecting me.”

“You do?”

“Oh yeah.” His wife smiled, looking content. “You already know about the difference between the spirit and the letter of the law. As the first participant for the new Metro tactical program, your records were meticulously analyzed by the department.”

“I saw body cam footage of you during brass deliberations at central, handling many difficult cases. Traffic stops were they insulted you, 211s where you took down armed suspects without any loss of life. You only used lethal force when lives were truly in danger.” Zoe continued speaking. “Seeing how you were in the jungle, made me appreciate the restraint you have.”    

“Thanks, honey.” He appreciated her words of support, and it did make him release the shred of doubt still clinging to him. She didn’t mind it at all.

The next day was relaxing, with Liz showing up after she heard the news from Zoe about their ordeal to check up on them. They then met up with Sergeant Grey and the other officers from Mid-Wilshire who were all eager to hear about their experience with the kidnapping.

Cops being cops, each person on the table gave their own theories about the gang’s history and connections during breakfast. He was sharing his own thoughts about the case and the moment when he realized they were in danger when his phone rang.

It was a call from someone from the task-force.

“What is it?” Zoe asked.

“It’s from Commander McGarrett.” He replied. “He wanted to meet up for beer, if I had time. He’s offered to show us around.”

“Why not?” His wife replied. “I’m already booked for a spa appointment with Liz, but you have your schedule free today.”

Nolan and Grace were still holed up in their room, and Grey was pressed by his wife Luna to accompany her in her shopping trip with Angela, Rachel and Lucy. Zoe had booked a Spa day with Liz. He was surprised that Tim decided to join him.

“I’m tired of trying out tourist food and paying overpriced beer.” Tim explained to him when he asked as they made their way to a meeting place far from the Resort row that McGarrett indicated.

“Besides, I met McGarett before when I was still in the military.” Tim shared. “Let’s see if he still remembers me.”

Steve McGarrett

The suspect they had in custody immediately folded when he saw the pictures of his comrades. He saw how his eyes widened in shock, staring the crime scene photographs. They weren’t pretty, especially the body that fell on that hidden pit filled with sharpened wooden sticks.

The confession led them to discover how extensive the gang’s connections were. It wasn’t over, as he authorized several operations to arrest several suspects, a few were even holding key government positions in the state. The Governor was not happy when she learned how deep it went.

That also made him curious about their two heroes, more specifically the husband. Even if he worked with Hondo, there was no way he should be able to take those men alone unarmed. He was surprised with what he learned in their detailed files when he used his connections to get a better idea of the couple, and who had it in their possession.

 It looked like several federal agencies already knew of them, even agent Weston. She had admitted that they were looking to recruit him into their organization, and there was a brewing rivalry with the FBI on who would get to pluck him first from the force.

He even received an unexpected call from Jangus, a former colleague that warned him not to poach Routh for his task force. The conversation was friendly, but he could tell the black ops spook wanted Routh to stay at L.A. That was a pity, since he could use a man with those kinds of talents in his team.

Still, he needed to thank the couple personally, and asked Danny for any ideas on how to do that.

“They’re part of that stupid conference right?” Danny asked. “I bet he’s tired of the overpriced food and beer in that touristy area. Why don’t we show him around our usual spots, and exchange some stories?”

“You think he’ll like that?” He asked.

“He strikes me like a man who enjoys simpler things. He did love the sandwiches we brought over when we were at the island.” Donny replied.

“Can I come?” Kono asked.

The girl was still on a high after meeting her crush. He watched the usually scary woman that didn’t hesitate to run headlong into danger turn into a fan girl when she saw her… Sugar.

“Are you going to act weird?” Danny asked. His second in command laughed as Kono hit him on the shoulder.

“I’m not being weird!” Kono insisted. “I just really like his music.”

Right, he remembered Kono yapping about Routh’s impromptu performance with a ukulele. That song Amber was an instant hit, and he already heard many covers performed in the bars and beaches by fans of Sugar’s music.

Danny gave him a shrug and he gave Kono a nod. The woman visibly brightened and rushed out of his office.

“Where you goin’? Danny asked.

“To get ready!”

“We’re just going to some food trucks.” Danny shook his head.

The drive to the pick-up point was filled with the only woman in the car sharing her favorites and why Amber was the best. Kono certainly dressed up, wearing nice jeans and a blouse she had never word before.

“You know he’s married.” He pointed out. On the driver’s seat, he could see Danny trying not to laugh. He was clearly enjoying seeing this side to the normally stoic female officer.

“I wanted to look good in the selfie.” Kono insisted.

He didn’t bother to remind the woman that she already had a few selfies with Routh at the sanctuary island.

“Oh god, there he is.” Kono breathed out as they saw Routh standing beside someone that looked familiar.

“Hey, hope you weren’t waiting too long. Get in.” He called out to their guests.

“Thanks.” Routh joined them, sitting beside Kono who had suddenly gone quiet.

“Hope you don’t mind, but I brought someone along who knows you.” Routh continued speaking. “This is…”

“Bradford.” He smiled as he finally placed the name to the face.

“McGarrett.” He quickly shook hands with the former marine. He remembered he had to save their unit when they were ambushed near Mosul.

“You two know each other?” Danny asked.

“Had to save his ass a few times in Afghanistan.” He replied. “How’s your L.T.?”

“Promoted.” Bradford looked annoyed for a moment, as if remembering a bad memory. Yeah, he could understand that. “You know how it goes, no matter how bad they are or deaths they caused, they still get promoted.”

“You did what you could man.” He remembered arriving at the scene to see Bradford and his squad keeping the enemy at bay with suppressing fire while his unit had to go and rescue the reckless LT who got the rest of the platoon pinned down, unable to retreat.

They arrived and Danny’s favorite food joint. He watched with amazement as Jack Routh ordered pineapple marinated chicken barbecue on a stick that could easily feed three grown men.

“This is really good.” Routh commented, already on his second stick.

“I know right?” Danny looked happy.

“This could go toe to toe with the best food trucks L.A.” Routh added.

“L.A?” Kono looked confused. “Food there is that good?”

He could understand her reaction, seeing as the woman wasn’t familiar with the infamous city.

“Crime is through the roof, crazies everywhere but it has an amazing selection of food at affordable prices.” Routh explained. “Mexican, Japanese, Korean, it’s all there, and the food is really good.”

“Don’t forget about that new food truck.” Bradford joined in the conversation. “Those cubanos are my new favorite thing.”

“Cubanos in L.A.?” He asked.

“It’s from a former head chef that went viral after having a meltdown in a restaurant.” Bradford explained. “He picked a fight with a food critic in twitter.”

“I think I saw that in cliptok.” Kono shared. “So he’s now working in a food truck?”

“Guy dropped everything and his latina wife and kid helps him out on weekends.” Bradford added. “Cute family.”

They enjoyed the meal, sharing funny stories about their experiences. Kono gradually became more comfortable, and soon the two youngest cops in the group were having their own conversation. Suddenly remembering why he invited Routh, he listened in on their conversation.

“Interesting name.” Jack told Kono.

“My name?”

“It’s the name of the second dynasty of the kingdom of Hawaii. House Kalakaua succeeded House Kamehameha, before it was overthrown by a coup by its own military.” Routh explained. “You might be a descendant of the royal family.”

“You hear that , Boss?” Kono turned to him with a smile. “I could be a princess!”

“You wish!” Danny rolled his eyes.

Right, he remembered from reading the file that Routh was also a history professor at a community college, where he nearly died stopping a school shooter. He turned back to their conversation, and he exchanged amused looks with Bradford as Routh started a lecture on Royal titles.

“He does this sometimes.” Bradford whispered.

“King, in old English is Cyning.” Jack explained to his new student Kono who was listening with a focused expression. It’s a word for any ruler or sovereign, but it is also related to the word kin. And the dom at the end of the word Kingdom is not related to the word dominion. It’s more related to the word doom. ”

“Doom?” Kono laughed, actually laughed.

“Doom, in old English meant a law, or even a decree or the administration of justice.” Routh shared. “So doom is the judgment made upon you, and even a judge was called a doomsman.”

Huh. Interesting. He wasn’t even pretending to eavesdrop. He turned to focus on Routh, and noticed that Bradford and Danny were doing the same.

“So kingdom doesn’t mean dominion of the king… but doom of a king.” Kono mused.

“Exactly, which sounds poetic in its own way.” Routh replied with an encouraging nod and a smile.

“What about queen?” Kono asked. “Where did that come from?”

“The word queen means wife, or Cwene in old English.” Routh replied. “Queen, or wif just means a woman, but men can still call their wives their queen, since it’s theoretically correct.”

“Do you call the captain, queen?” Bradford asked. Danny laughed outright, causing Kono to frown.

“No, I call her Major.” Jack replied with a straight face.

He took a sip of beer and realized Jack Routh was the type the Phoenix Foundation was looking for. Capable, an academic but can handle himself in a fight. It was a pity that the man seems determined to stay in L.A. and serve in its police department.

With lunch done, he was surprised to learn that Jack Routh had agreed to hang out for the rest of the day with Kono. The young woman offered to teach Routh surfing and the celebrity cop happily accepted the invitation.

 “You’re going to love it! Good thing you’re already wearing your board shorts. I have a friend nearby that can let us borrow his surfboards for free.” Kono continued speaking as the two headed to the beach.

“Do you want to go?” He asked Bradford.

“Nah. I’d rather stay here and drink beer.” The former marine replied.

“Great minds.” He ordered another ice cold bucket full of beer bottles and relaxed back into his seat. He finally had a good idea what type of person Routh was, but decided to swap stories with Bradford to learn more.

Seeing Routh so carefree and relaxed at the table, made him yearn for a similar set up at this stage of his life, and perhaps get married to a hot wife like Jack Routh has. It was a pity that his longtime partner Cathy was always deployed abroad because of her work. He suddenly felt the urge to settle down. Damn.

Nickolaj Coster-Waldau

Who knew going out for a sandwich one early morning would lead to a vacation in Hawaii? His girls were excited when he told them of the news.

“We’re invited to Sugar’s wedding reception?” Filippa, his eldest jumped up and down in excitement. “Oh my god! Now we need to get new outfits! Mom?”

“Go ahead. I still have a few dresses I can wear.” His wife Nukaka replied with a  fond smile.

 His 20-year old quickly dragged his youngest, 14 year old Safina to shop. The two rushed out soon after, taking their mother’s car.

That was a week ago. Now he was soaking up the sun by the beach with his wife.

His wife had just come back from Greenland with his daughters. The faces they made when they learned he became friends with one of their idols made him realize how famous Jack Routh really was.

“It’s a pity I haven’t met your new friends.” Nukaka stretched as she sat in her own lounge chair. “Jessica did say they were nice and down to earth. I’m more apprehensive of that… Elizabeth Winstead. Is it true what they said on the news?”

 “Far from it.” He replied. “If you’ve heard her side of the story, then you’ll understand. She didn’t say much on that survival show. She’s nice, and made quick friends with Jack’s wife, Jessica and Taylor.”

He thought that both his girls would pass out from excitement when he mentioned that last part. They loved Sugar, but they absolutely worshipped Taylor Swift.

Feeling hot, he dragged his reluctant wife to join his daughters at the shore. Safina had the bright idea of letting the surf roll her around in the sand as she tried her best to withstand it. Filippa was taking photos of thee footprints she left behind on the beach, and he noticed that her eldest was trying to time it as the water just reached the sand.

Feeling playful, he suddenly scooped up his wife and ran to the surf. Nukaka screamed and pounded his back, but it was too late and once he reached waist deep water, he tossed her a good four feet by his estimates.

As expected she was furious when she surfaced and quickly chased after him.

“Go Mom!” He heard his eldest shout in support of his wife.

“Faster Dad! Mom’s getting closer!” Safina, forever his little princess cheered for him.

He pretended to trip, and that allowed Nukaka to tackle him. Submerged underwater, his fingers found her sensitive spots, causing his wife to release him.

They spent a half an hour playing in the water. The sun was getting hotter, and the girls unanimously decided to find some cold drinks and cool off in the shade.

A whistle caught his attention, and he saw the life guard tower warning swimmers in the deeper water of the surfers trying to catch waves. They were far from the big waves and he watched as surfers tried and failed to ride the swell. However, two individuals caught his attention. The woman was very skilled, and she immediately caught everyone’s attention.

The man riding the same wave as her was more cautious, and he could see that this surfer merely tried to stand on his larger board. They were travelling in the same direction, and a few moments later he got a good luck at the two. The smaller woman wore a big grin on her face, while the man had a more focused look.

“Jack?” Nah, that couldn’t be. He was supposed to be on the other side of the island.

Zoe Andersen Routh

Spa day was glorious. If she could have the same thing at home every weekend, then life would be perfect.

She felt light, clean and relaxed. She walked as if she was floating on clouds and she could tell Liz felt the same way.

She checked her phone and saw a bunch of messages. Her division, even those that attended the conference, had planned a small get together on the beach not far from their location. Once she arrived at the location she smiled at the sight.

Her officers were having fun.

Bradford was cooking food with Grey and a few of the detectives. Lopez was playing volleyball, diving in the sand without any ounce of fear just to save the ball.

 Nolan and Grace were surrounded by well wishers, the two finally making an appearance after their quick wedding. She felt bad not being able to be there, but then she didn’t have any control over a criminal gang’s schedule on when they would kidnap people.

Little kids ran around, being chased by their older sibling or parents.  She stood still for a moment as a few of the toddlers zipped past her and made her an obstacle for their chasers.

“Sorry captain!” Vestri, one of her senior detectives apologized when he nearly ran into her. She waved it off with a smile and continued to look around the large gathering.

“Where’s Jack?” Liz voiced out her own thoughts.

Her sharp eyes finally spotted him. She sighed in disbelief and nudged her friend to catch her attention.

“There, he’s being buried in the sand by some kids.” She pointed to the area where a large mound of sand was covering her husband aside from his head and feet. He looked fine, as toddlers made the mound of sand made of Jack Routh like an obstacle course.

Their tiny bodies would struggle to climb on top of the sand hill and then roll down gently to the other side. She walked over and leaned over his head, catching his attention.

“Hey honey.” Jack greeted her with a smile. “How was spa day?”

“It went well.” She replied. “Having fun?”

“They’re having fun.” He replied and looked at the kids using him as a playground.

“I hate to be a spoilsport, but we have to get ready.” She told him.

“What for?” He asked.

“I’m taking you guys somewhere.” Liz stepped forward. “It’s a surprise but I’m sure you’ll love it”

“I can’t.” Jack pretended to struggle. “I’m stuck here.”

Really. Her husband was the strongest man she knew. He could easily lift her like a child, and she remembered trying to draw the bow he used to dispatch those suspects. She could barely pull it far enough, but he did so with ease.

“We need to hurry.” She kneeled down in front of him and tapped the tip of his nose. “Liz says it takes weeks just to get a reservation.”

“Fine.” The large mound of sand quickly collapsed as Jack easily sat up. The toddlers let out cute awwws as their playmate decided to stand up.

“It’s aunt Lucy’s turn! Bury her!” Jack pointed to Chen who was talking to Rachel. The officer in question looked surprised as the group of kids yelled and tackled her to the sand.

Jack took a quick rinse in the ocean and she took a moment to admire her husband dripping wet. A quick look and she saw more than a few eyes focused on his form. Even Liz was not immune and she watched with amusement as the actress took a deep breath.

“C’mon, it’s near the pier.” Liz told her.

“Do we need to change?” Jack asked, putting on a simple white button shirt, perfect for the weather.

“No, they’re not strict on dress codes.” Liz replied. “What you two are wearing is perfect. Let’s go!”

She shared a puzzled look with her husband and followed the actress. Liz seemed more excited than they were. Was the food really that good?