No matter how he sliced it, the reality was this job wouldn't last forever. He had a wife, and a young daughter who was growing up much too quickly. He needed to protect his daughter, and that included preventing her birth mother from violating the closed adoption by attempting to contact the girl she had freely chosen to give away.
Seymour expected Ferguson to heed his warning and keep his girlfriend away from Akela. But was that even possible? Especially now that Ferguson was privy to the knowledge that the woman he was sleeping with was the same woman who gave birth to his lieutenant's daughter. Seymour could only wonder if he had done more harm than good when he told Ferguson about this.
These thoughts were pushed aside for a moment as Seymour suddenly became aware of commotion not far from the stage where Leila and a very good fire knife dancer were doing their thing. It looked like the officers had rushed a man.
It was too soon to tell if they had nabbed the Hula Killer.
He made eye contact with Leila and then went to have a closer look.
* * *
Natalie was among several members of the police force in plainclothes to detain a man who was acting suspicious and bore some resemblance to the suspect, Motoshi Yoshioka. When he didn't respond promptly to verbal commands and reached into his pocket, he was tackled to the floor in fear that he might produce a weapon—such as the type of long-bladed knife used to attack hula dancers.
But when they removed the item from his pocket, it turned out to be a candy bar. His pockets were otherwise empty.
The man had alcohol on his breath and was behaving erratically, so they came to the conclusion that he was merely intoxicated and not their suspect.
Natalie brought Lieutenant Seymour up to date, as he rushed over. "It was a false alarm," she told him. "The man, identified by his license as Jerry Nishijo, does not appear to be a threat to Detective Kahana or anyone else, other than maybe himself."
Seymour, who by the expression on his face, seemed more upset than relieved, conferred with detectives, before saying tersely to a male officer, "Kindly escort Mr. Nishijo out of the mall, and keep an eye on him until the hula show is over. Everyone else, get back to your assignments and remain diligent."
Natalie followed orders and resumed her position in the crowd, while wondering if their undercover operation had been compromised. Had they tipped their hand, allowing Yoshioka to evade detection so he could strike another day?
She turned to the stage and watched as Leila continued to hula dance admirably, alongside the fire knife dancer, Hiram Miyahira. Natalie gazed at Jotoku, who was playing the guitar. He had risked his own safety by agreeing to perform in hopes of luring the serial murderer. That made her appreciate him all the more and she was glad they were working together on this.
Now two important questions remained: Where on earth was Motoshi Yoshioka? And when would he make his next move?
* * *
Renee stood in the crowd at the mall, watching the hula show. She had just witnessed the undercover cops take down a man who was, no doubt, thought to be the Hula Killer. From the looks of, it appeared as though they had backed off from this assumption, even though the man had been escorted away. Especially since the undercover officers, several of whom she had previously interviewed and could spot a mile away, were staying put.
Equally fascinating was watching the hula dancer at work. Detective Kahana. This was obviously an undercover assignment where she was using herself as bait to draw out the suspect in the hula dancer murders. Renee felt it took real guts for the detective to do that—and she was pulling it off, giving no one in the crowd any indication that she wasn't really a hula girl.
Maybe I'll get the nerve to try hula dancing someday, Renee thought. For now, she would stick to her job in journalism, thank you. In this instance, that meant keeping a close tab on what was happening there and—most importantly—what might happen should they spot Motoshi Yoshioka in the mall.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Renee heard the familiar voice over her shoulder.
She turned to look at Detective Jonny Chung. "Hello to you, too," she said tartly. "I'm on assignment, okay?"
His brows twitched. "What type of assignment?"
"I'm covering the free hula show," Renee said, batting her eyes innocently. She didn't think it would be too smart to admit that her current boyfriend, who happened to be a lawyer with the Prosecuting Attorney's office, had given her the skinny on this police department operation. Least of all, she saw no value in coming clean to someone she had bedded a couple of times, mainly to maintain her official source when she needed to make the story. But things changed. She had been there, done that, and wasn't interested in any repeat performances, even if she strongly suspected that Chung would jump at the chance.
"You expect me to believe that?" Chung asked.
"Why not?" She gave him a sideways look and decided maybe she would use this moment to her advantage. "Unless you want to share with me something else that's going on here with the Maui Police Department. I'm always happy to listen."
"I'll bet you are." He frowned and his phone rang. After answering, he listened for a moment before hanging up. "I have to go," he said reluctantly.
Renee wondered where, but said wryly: "Don't let me stop you."
"I could say the same," he muttered sarcastically. "Enjoy the show—or what's left of it."
"I will." When she looked back toward the stage, Renee saw the fire dancer and a couple of members of the band still performing, but Detective Kahana was noticeably absent. Did that mean the operation was shifting elsewhere? Had they apprehended the suspect and brought this murder investigation to a whole new level?
It was incumbent upon her to find out.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Motoshi had kept his distance from the hula show, fearing he might be recognized, in spite of his recent change in appearance.
Sitting in a different car he had stolen, he studied the flyer he'd picked up off the ground outside the mall. He gazed at the picture of the hula dancer who was performing this afternoon. Her name was Leila Tokunaga. She reminded Motoshi of his mother.
As such, he didn't need to see her perform in person to know that, like his mother, she was behaving badly with dirty dancing and encouraging onlookers to think sinful thoughts. She had to be punished, which was the only way to atone for her sins.
His father would want him to make her pay, just as he had made his mother pay, and others like her.
So Motoshi waited until he saw the hula dancer emerge in the parking lot. She approached a red car, along with another woman and a man. Leila got in the back and the other two got in the front.
He watched as they drove off and waited to see if anyone else followed, but they didn't. Motoshi started the car and trailed them, as dark thoughts of using his knife to exact retribution filled his head. Only when the deed had been done could he feel appeased.
* * *
Leila rode in the back seat of Jotoku's Chrysler Pacifica, with Natalie sitting in the passenger seat. She had decided to ride with them, as opposed to taking her own car, in the hopes that Motoshi Yoshioka would still seek her out, since he had failed to show up at the mall. Though the plan had been a longshot, it was still a disappointment to the entire police department that Yoshioka appeared to have outwitted them once again. She wondered if he had been there watching her perform, but became suspicious with the police presence and was somehow able to slip through their grasp.
"I'm sorry we didn't get him," Natalie said.
"You and me both," Leila remarked, while appreciating that Officer Yuen and her boyfriend had stepped up to do their parts. "Don't worry; it's only a matter of time before we nail Yoshioka to the wall."
"He deserves a lot worse than that," Jotoku commented as he drove down Honoapiilani Highway toward Launiupoko Beach Park.
Leila didn't disagree. But they still had to go through a process if they were fortunate enough to take the suspect into custody, inc
luding a trial and the verdict. She considered that Yoshioka could use an insanity defense to try to escape or delay justice. It would be up to the system, and possibly jurors, to see right through it and not let him off the hook for the vicious murders of hula dancers, along with another who barely escaped the same fate.
"First things first," she said thoughtfully. "We have to catch the killer."
"Have any idea where he might be?" Natalie asked, looking over her shoulder.
Leila stared at the question. She didn't want to get ahead of herself, so she answered: "Let's just say that we believe the suspect is on the move and could be anywhere, especially if it's a place where he can zoom in on an unsuspecting target."
"You mean like Brenda Gonzalez?" Jotoku asked worriedly.
"We have someone watching her 24/7," Leila said. "And it will stay that way until Yoshioka is apprehended."
"That's good to know." He faced Natalie. "Maybe you should try your hand at hula dancing. I'm sure the detective could give you a few pointers."
"Now that's a thought," Natalie said. "What do you think, Leila? Are you up for it?"
She laughed. "You'd be much better off taking lessons from a professional hula dancer, like Brenda, when she's fully recovered."
Natalie chuckled and gazed at Jotoku. "Maybe I'll surprise you, hon, and do just that."
Leila watched as he turned and grinned at Natalie. She could tell they were really into each other. But would Natalie actually marry Jotoku if he proposed? Or would her professional aspirations get in the way of that?
Leila couldn't help but wonder if her own career moves were an impediment to marrying Maxwell. Or were they merely an excuse not to?
In spite of his kindness in giving her some space while she decided which way to go, she knew his patience would not last forever. Nor should it.
After they pulled into the parking lot at the park, Leila said: "You can let me out here."
Natalie gave her an uneasy look. "Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, you said it yourself about the killer being very unpredictable, yet fully capable of going after someone he sets his sights on."
"We don't even know if he was at the mall or got to see me hula dance," she responded calmly. "I'll be fine, once I stretch my legs and get some fresh air." Leila opened the door and got out. "I don't live far from here, so I'm good. Mahalo for the ride and to you, Jotoku, for the good show you and your band put on."
"Anytime you need us, just let Natalie know, and we'll see what we can do."
Leila nodded. "I'll see you later, Natalie," she said, meeting her eyes.
"Yes, later," Natalie said.
Leila got out and gave a little wave as they drove off. She looked around, taking note of the vehicles and the setting in general. The park was just south of Lahaina and popular with the locals and tourists with its own beach, barbecue stations, picnic tables, and lots of coconut trees to provide shade.
Having already changed from her hula costume to a pink polo top, white cutoff shorts, and white sneakers, Leila headed toward the beach with her handbag strapped over her shoulder. She thought briefly about Maxwell and their beach walks under the moonlight, before focusing on the present and her surroundings.
She casually greeted a few people she passed by as she walked on the beach. Looking out at the ocean, she could see the island of Lanai in the distance, though it appeared to be much closer than it was. She stopped briefly to watch some surfers enjoying the medium-sized waves.
Glancing back toward the park, Leila saw nothing unusual as she continued to walk and wait.
* * *
Motoshi followed the hula dancer to the park and waited for the ones she was with to leave. From inside his vehicle, he studied the surroundings and spotted no sign of trouble. Pulling out his knife, he ran his tongue across the blade, tasting the blood of one of his victims, before putting it away for now.
He got out of the car and went in search of the one who brought back fresh memories of his mother. Then he spotted her. She was on the beach, all by her lonesome, seemingly lost in her own world.
Suddenly, Motoshi saw his mother standing there, just as he remembered her from his childhood. She was beautiful and spirited. Smart and understanding. Happy and humble.
Then he saw her as a hula dancer who teased men with her body, making them want her as much as she wanted them. She acted on her impulses, disgracing his father when she ran away from her marriage, leaving him and her boy behind.
Motoshi's face contorted with rage and his heart pounded wildly as his vision cleared and he could see again the hula dancer named Leila Tokunaga. She was staring out at the ocean, as though it would carry her away to some far away land.
Suddenly, she looked his way. He realized there was no turning back. Like his mother, she had to die and feel the sting of his blade.
He whipped out the knife, flipped open the blade and, without hesitation, charged at the shameful hula girl, intent on putting her out of her misery for good.
* * *
Leila saw the man she was looking for. He had changed his appearance somewhat by shaving his head bald, but the foreboding eyes were a dead giveaway. As if that weren't enough, the sharp-bladed knife he was holding sealed the deal.
He began to charge toward her like a serial killer possessed by the devil himself, his weapon of murder lifted in a striking position.
"You must die, Mother, again—" the lethal words spewed from his mouth.
I don't think so, asshole, Leila thought. She steeled her nerves and reached in her handbag in search of the Glock she had inside. Glancing away from Yoshioka at another figure moving toward them, she again eyed the murder suspect, and said: "I'm a homicide detective for the Maui Police Department. Motoshi Yoshioka, you're under arrest for murder and attempted murder—"
She wasn't sure if her words fell on deaf ears or if he was so caught up in his delusions that he heard something entirely different. Either way, she realized he was coming at her quicker than she anticipated—before she could pull out her gun and aim it.
Just as Yoshioka was upon her and prepared to thrust the knife into her heart, a shot rang out, hitting him right between the eyes. The knife flew from his hand. A second shot hit Yoshioka squarely in the chest. He went spiraling backward, somehow able to remain on his feet, before falling flat on his back on the sand.
Leila sucked in a deep breath and realized she was shaking uncontrollably.
Chung ran up to her. He was still holding his gun after shooting Motoshi Yoshioka twice.
"Are you okay?" he asked, seemingly taking pride in the fact that he had played his role to perfection in a daring move to draw out the Hula Killer.
"I'm fine," she told him, though still a bit shaky. "I went for my gun—"
"But he got the jump on you," Chung said. "I saw it and I had your back. It's cool."
She had underestimated Yoshioka and his determination to get at her, which had nearly been fatal, had Chung not been there to balance the scales.
He moved over to Yoshioka, who had blood covering what was left of his face and chest. After feeling his neck for a pulse, Chung declared, "He's dead."
Leila breathed a sigh of relief; even while aware that Yoshioka's death would not bring back those he killed. But at least they would rest in peace, knowing that the Hula Killer would never be able to harm anyone else again. That was welcome news for everyone living on or visiting Maui. After all, it was supposed to be paradise. Now maybe it could go back to that for at least a while.
She got out her cell phone and called the incident in.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Chung watched with satisfaction as Motoshi Yoshioka's corpse was carted off to the morgue. The son of a bitch had finally gotten what he deserved from someone who wasn't afraid to do what it took to make that happen. As far as Chung was concerned, it was a feather in his cap for taking him out, even though it came at the expense of Leila getting the glory since she failed to get her gun out before Yosh
ioka was all over her.
As her partner, Chung was only too happy to step in and finish the job. It made him look good, in spite of the reprimand they would likely receive for going it alone in luring Yoshioka out in the open. Chung wondered if he was just being paranoid, but lately he had a feeling that he'd been under scrutiny by the department, perhaps for his extracurricular activities. The idea of being busted scared the hell out of him. But not half as much as going to prison with some of the scum he'd helped put away. So maybe now the department, or at least the homicide division, would recognize his value to the team, even if he wasn't always on the right side of the law in his dealings.
"What the hell were you two thinking?" Seymour asked, peering at him and Leila as they huddled together on the beach. "Since when do we go after killers with no backup and ignore proper procedures?"
"Since we were desperate to bring the Hula Killer to his knees," Chung said firmly. "It seemed like an acceptable risk—and it worked."
"So, what, you expect me to pat you on the back and receive accolades from the department for this?" Seymour asked sarcastically.
"It was my idea," Leila told him.
"Really?" Seymour eyed her with reservations.
"Yes," she muttered. "Since Yoshioka didn't take the bait at the hula show, I decided that he was more apt to make his move if it was in a less threatening setting for him. So I laid out my plan to Chung, he went along with it, and we put it into action."
Seymour narrowed his eyes at her. "Why didn't you come to me first with your plan?"
Chung couldn't help but wonder in that moment if Seymour's ego was bruised more by Leila going behind his back as the homicide unit's leader or as an ex-lover.
Leila sighed. "Because if it blew up in our faces, I didn't want it to blow up in yours too."
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