Aloha Lagoon Mysteries Boxed Set Volume III (Books 7-9)

by Leslie Langtry

  Felicity's lips quirked. "I have my sources," she said, her tone smug. When I glowered at her, she sighed and threw up her hands. "Okay, fine. I sneaked into the pool area and spoke to that know-it-all bartender, Tim, and he said you were asking questions about a woman that had threatened Louana."

  "His name is Timo. I thought reporters paid better attention to detail." I felt a sense of satisfaction when her cheeks turned pink. Though I was annoyed that Timo had spilled the beans to the nosy reporter, I couldn't exactly fault him for it. Felicity was right—he had told me everything he'd overheard Erin Malone say about Lou. "Why should I talk to you about any of this?" I asked the reporter.

  "Because I want to help."

  I eyed her skeptically. "What's in it for you?"

  Felicity grinned. "A story," she answered matter-of-factly. A strand of hair had come loose from her bun, and she brushed it out of her face. "Just hear me out, okay? Think about it—a down-on-her-luck ex-wife of a megastar athlete breezes into town and solves a murder case in order to save her beloved aunt from going to prison." Her lips twitched. "I don't know about you, but in my opinion, that has major blockbuster potential."

  I gave her a blank look. "Blockbuster potential?"

  Felicity took a breath. "What I'm saying is that I'm rooting for you. It makes for an excellent human interest piece—especially if you actually find evidence that helps prove your aunt's innocence." Her eyes shone with excitement. "That kind of story could land me a syndicated column, or something even better. Plus true-crime books are flying off the shelves these days. I could land a book deal with movie rights." She grinned. "Who would you want to play you on the big screen? Megan Fox? Emma Watson?" She tilted her head to the side as she gave me an appraising look. "Maybe Shailene Woodley?"

  I stared at her for a few moments, feeling bewildered. "You're delusional. I'm trying to protect an innocent person, and all you care about is glory and a book deal?" I pointed to the door. "Get out."

  Felicity's expression deflated. "But—"

  "Out," I repeated. I opened the office door.

  The reporter pursed her lips. "You're making a mistake," she said sulkily.

  "No, I'm not." I placed my hands on my hips. "I moved home to get away from the spotlight. I've already had my divorce dragged through every news outlet from here to Hong Kong, thanks to Bryan's celeb status. I'm not going through that again, and I'm not putting Rikki through it either."

  Felicity's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. To her credit, she sounded sincere. "For what it's worth, I do hope you clear your aunt's name." She lifted her chin. "But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't planning to report it, no matter what the outcome. A good story sells papers." She walked through the open door and then turned back to face me. "Good luck, Kaley."

  I gave the reporter a three-minute head start before coming out of the office. I retrieved my purse and breezed across the sales floor, making a beeline for the shop entrance. "Everything okay?" Sara asked as I passed the front counter.

  "Yep. Just fine," I said without looking at her. "I'm running late to meet Noa. I'll see you tomorrow." Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Harmony scowling at me.

  "Hold up a sec," Sara called. She followed me to the door. "Miss Chase forgot her credit card," she said, showing me a red VISA. "What should I do with it?"

  I frowned at the card. I was about ninety-nine percent sure Felicity had left it behind on purpose. Either she thought I'd track her down to return it, or she figured it would give her an excuse to come back to the store and harass me again—or worse, to harass Rikki. "Give it to me," I said, sighing in resignation. I took the card from the cashier's outstretched hand. "I'll return it to her." Though I ought to charge a round or three of drinks to it first, I thought as I left the store. It would serve her right.

  * * *

  The wide back patio at the Loco Moco Café had a perfect view of the ocean. A makeshift stage was set up on one end, and a steel drum band was performing instrumental covers of pop music hits as I stepped outside. I spotted Noa seated at one of the wicker tables near the back of the patio, munching on a bowl of chips with pineapple salsa. His laptop was open in front of him, and he was bobbing his head to the music as he worked. I couldn't help but smile. It was kind of adorable.

  My promise to Jamie echoed through my thoughts, but I forced it aside. For now, all I cared about was catching him up to speed on the afternoon's events. So much had happened in the few hours since we'd parted ways. "What a day," I said, grabbing a seat across the table from him. "I have so much to tell you. Have you heard from Jimmy yet?"

  Noa glanced up from his laptop. "Not yet," he said, his eyes sparkling in the afternoon sun. "But I've got other news." He offered me the bowl of chips. "You go first."

  "Where should I start?" I grinned. "We've got a motive for Luka Hale: blackmail." I recounted what I'd learned about Louana's threats to have Luka fired. "She could have ruined his life," I said, grabbing a chip and dipping it into the salsa. "And that's not all." I licked my lips. "You'll never guess who came into Happy Hula this afternoon."

  Noa's mouth turned up at the corners. "Elvis?" he teased. "I knew the King was still alive. How's he looking these days?"

  I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Noa. I'm not playing around." I leaned forward and lowered my voice. "Erin Malone."

  His eyebrows reached for the sky. "What did she say?"

  "Aside from reaming me out for essentially stalking her?" I grabbed another chip. "Well, I'll start by telling you what she didn't tell me, which was her alibi for Saturday." I felt my face warm. "She sort of stormed out of the store before I could coax it out of her. I did get her to talk about Louana though. Erin claims she was just being a loud drunk the night Timo heard her talking about Lou getting what was coming to her. Then she nearly shut down when I brought up Marco, saying that she never wants to hear that cheating jerk's name again."

  Noa grinned. "I'm glad you brought him up." He closed his laptop and set it aside. "Guess who I saw in the lobby on my way into the café? Our favorite slimeball bellhop."

  My pulse picked up speed. "Did you talk to him?" I asked, barely able to contain my excitement.

  "No." he shook his head. "But I did overhear Marco talking to one of the other bellhops. He was leaving work so he could head to the gym and then grab a shower before his date tonight."

  "Marco is already dating again? That was fast." I crinkled my nose. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised, considering he hit on me while I was interrogating him," I added with a shudder.

  Noa's lips twitched. "Well, get ready to be surprised after all. This girl must be something special, because he's taking her to dinner at Starlight on the Lagoon."

  Both my eyebrows shot up. "You're kidding." Starlight on the Lagoon was the swankiest restaurant in town. With Lou dead less than a week and Erin not speaking to him, who could Marco be taking on such a fancy date?

  Noa's expression was deadpan. "I never joke about fine dining." He cracked a smile. "That's not even the best part."

  "Okay," I said slowly, not sure what to expect. "Then what is?"

  "We have a reservation there tonight at eight o'clock—the same time as Marco and his mystery date. We'll be able to see who he's taking to dinner, and maybe we'll get another chance to talk to him about his alibi."

  "How did you manage to get us in?" I asked, unable to hide my surprise. The upscale eatery was popular among the resort guests. Their tables usually filled up quickly, making it difficult to get a reservation.

  He shrugged. "I gave them a good price on a website redesign a few months ago, so they owed me a favor."

  "Wow." I was genuinely impressed. "You must be really great at your job."

  Noa smiled proudly. "I am." He flagged down his waitress, a cute brunette in a Loco Moco T-shirt. "Hey, Carrie. Can I get my check, please?"

  The brunette smiled brightly. "Sure thing. You can pay whenever you're ready." She handed it to him and then made her way to another
table to take drink orders from a middle-aged couple.

  Noa took out his wallet and set a couple of bills down on the table. "I should head home and take a shower myself." He stowed his computer in a canvas bag and slung the strap over his shoulder. "Do you need a ride home to get ready?"

  "Not today. I've got Rikki's Vespa."

  He smirked. "I can't picture you scooting around town on that thing." Noa rose from the table. "I'll pick you up at seven forty-five."

  I hung back for a moment as he left the table, watching him stride across the café patio. My heart raced as the reality of what had just happened began to sink in. I'd just agreed to go to dinner with Noa at the resort's most romantic restaurant. Just the two of us. Under any other circumstances, that would have date written all over it.

  But it's not one, I reminded myself. It's a chance to spy on Marco. Who would his mystery dinner guest be? An accomplice, maybe? I couldn't wait to find out. I jumped up from my chair and hurried home to get ready.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Rikki was in the backyard when I arrived home twenty minutes later. I walked outside to find her doing yoga in the grass next to the flower garden we'd planted when I was in college.

  She peered up at me from between her legs as she moved into the downward dog position. "How were things at the shop today?"

  "We had a busy morning," I said, hoping the boost in revenue would also lift her spirits. "Are you feeling better?"

  She stood up and languidly lifted one ankle, pulling it behind her as she stretched. "I am," she said, smiling at me. "Exercise goes a long way to bringing me out of a funk. That, and there have been no surprise visits from the police today." Rikki gave me a wry smile. "What are your plans for the evening?"

  I felt a blush begin to creep up my neck. "Noa is taking me to Starlight on the Lagoon. He'll be here in a few hours to pick me up."

  "A date?" An amused smile played across my aunt's lips. "Well, it's about time. I always knew you two would work out." Her mouth twitched. "I didn't even give up hope when you married that football player."

  I grimaced. "Rikki, Noa and I aren't…" My voice trailed off as I searched for the right words to say. "I mean, I care about him, but after the way I—"

  "Stop making excuses," she interrupted me. "I've watched you two dance around your feelings for one another since you were keiki, just a couple of kids." Rikki straightened and walked across the grass to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "Kaley, my ku'uipo, let go of your past mistakes. You may have temporarily wandered down a different path, but it led you back here. The same goes for Noa. If you want things to change between the two of you, then you should tell him how you feel."

  I swallowed the lump forming in my throat and shook my head. "What if he doesn't feel the same way?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

  Aunt Rikki squeezed my shoulder. "Then at least you'll know for certain where you stand." Her eyes twinkled. "But I have a feeling that things will work out. You two deserve each other." She took my hand and walked with me back into the house. "I'm going to rinse off and then fix myself a snack. Let me know if you want help getting ready for your dinner date."

  I spent the rest of afternoon trying not to read too much into the dinner reservation Noa had made, but I couldn't help it. I blamed Jamie and Rikki for planting the idea in my head that perhaps he wasn't just spending so much time with me because he wanted to help my aunt. After all, we could easily find out the identity of Marco's date by hanging around the resort lobby to watch them arrive for dinner. Yet Noa had called in a favor to get us a reservation at the same restaurant—a place where many couples went to get engaged or celebrate anniversaries. With the incredible food and wine, the soft music, and the gorgeous view of the island, it was undoubtedly the perfect setting for a romantic evening. Would I be able to make it through dinner without confessing my feelings? Did I even want to try?

  Not quite ready to answer that question, I shifted my thoughts back to Marco Rossini and his dinner date as I styled my hair. What if Erin had been lying to me when she'd claimed she wanted nothing to do with him? If she'd seen Louana as the only person standing in the way of getting Marco back, perhaps he had played that to his advantage and convinced her to kill the other woman while he had remained at Beachcomber's the whole time, establishing his own alibi. Or what if he'd moved on from her and had invited some other woman out for a fancy dinner? The night could lead me to a dead end. At the very least, I'd enjoy a nice meal. And the company.

  Rikki came up to my room at seven to help me pick out an outfit. We dug through my closet and assessed my wardrobe, deciding on a tight black halter dress and matching sling-back heels. I had curled my long hair, and Rikki loaned me a gold hibiscus flower clip to pin it back from my face. "Are you sure this isn't too formal?" I asked, nervously checking my lipstick in the mirror for the third time.

  "It's perfect," Rikki replied, standing back to admire my completed look. "You're beautiful."

  Noa arrived just as I was spritzing a little of my favorite perfume on my wrists. I heard Rikki greet him and let him in the front door. I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. Then I lifted my chin and pasted what I hoped was a carefree smile on my face before heading downstairs to join them.

  Noa was dressed in a pair of nice dark slacks and a blue button-down shirt. He'd tied his own long hair back in a low ponytail at the nape of his neck. His gaze fixed on me, never wavering as I descended the steps and walked across the living room toward him. His lips parted. "Kaley…wow."

  "Mahalo." I grinned at him.

  Rikki chuckled. "Close your mouth, boy," she said, patting him on the back. "I don't want you getting drool all over my coffee table."

  Noa shut his mouth with a click, and his cheeks turned an adorable shade of pink. "We should go," he said. "Our reservation is in fifteen minutes."

  "I'll be home in a few hours," I told Rikki.

  "Take your time." My aunt's eyes twinkled. "I think I may go for a run later tonight. It'll help clear my head." She gave me a hug and placed her lips close to my ear. "Then maybe you two can enjoy a little private time," she whispered. She winked and gently nudged my side with her elbow as she pulled away.

  My face flushed. I hoped Noa hadn't heard her. "Have a good run," I said, turning to follow Noa to his Jeep.

  Starlight on the Lagoon was located in the main building of the resort. Noa ushered me through the front lobby and toward the elevators. Once upstairs, we traveled down the wide hallway that led to the upscale eatery's main entrance. Classical music filtered out of the open doorway, mingling with the sounds of muted conversations and the soft clink of silverware on plates.

  A young woman with waist-length brown hair stood behind the hostess stand. Her hazel eyes lit up as we approached. "Aloha, Noa," she said warmly. I thought I detected a faint German accent in her voice. "You're right on time."

  "Aloha, Stella." Noa grinned at the girl. "Thanks again for fitting us in on such short notice."

  Stella nodded. "I was happy to help." She grabbed two menus off the stack on the hostess stand and motioned for us to follow her. "Right this way."

  I discreetly scanned the restaurant for any sign of Erin as we made our way to our table. The light coral and turquoise color scheme was a sophisticated tribute to the ocean that surrounded the island. Guests seated around the main dining room were dressed in their most elegant attire, an array of brightly colored dresses, slacks, suits, and even a few tuxedos. My gaze roved over the section near the window that overlooked the beautiful lagoon, and I swooned inwardly. It really was quite the romantic setting.

  "Here we are," Stella said brightly, pulling my attention back to her. The hostess had stopped in front of a table next to one of the large windows. She pulled out my chair for me and then placed a napkin in my lap. "Your server will be by shortly," she said, smiling from me to Noa. "Enjoy yourselves. Your dinner is on the house tonight, compliments of the owner." She bowed and then turned to make her way back to t
he hostess station.

  "Wow." I raised a surprised brow at Noa.

  He grinned. "I told you they owed me a favor."

  "You must have done an excellent job on their website."

  "Well, I don't like to brag." He dipped his head, looking embarrassed.

  "Don't be so modest." I smiled at him from across the table. "It sounds to me like you're great at what you do," I said. "I'm proud of you." I suddenly felt shy. I took a slow breath, trying to summon the courage for what I wanted to say next. It's easy, Kaley. Just tell him how you feel. What's the worst that could happen? More heartbreak. That was what.

  "Noa, listen," I began, but he held up a hand to stop me.

  His gaze was fixated on something to my left. "There he is," he whispered.

  I swiveled my head to follow his line of vision. Sure enough, Marco Rossini was seated just a few tables over. His dark hair was slicked back, and he was dressed in a nice pair of slacks and a tan sport coat. Marco had a flute of champagne lifted in his hand. As I watched, he sipped it and then leaned forward to grip the hand of the woman seated across from him.

  "That liar," I murmured, watching Erin Malone raise her own glass. Since leaving the boutique, she'd changed into a silky red dress and pinned back her dark curls. The gold bracelet she'd taken from the store that afternoon slid down her wrist as she took a sip of her champagne. I turned back around to face Noa. "That's Erin," I said in a low voice.

  Noa's brow furrowed. "I thought she told you she never wanted to see him again."

  "She did." I leaned forward in my chair. "But she may have just been saying that to throw us off her trail. If we thought Erin didn't want Marco back, then we'd have no reason to suspect her of killing Louana."

  "What does this mean?" Noa looked over at their table and then back at me.

  I filled my glass with ice water from a carafe in the center of the table. Then I cast a furtive glance toward the couple to make sure they hadn't noticed us. "Marco told me that he tried to call it quits with Louana when she started calling him her boyfriend," I said. "Apparently, he wasn't that committed to her. His attempt backfired, and she wound up stalking him. Then she ruined his chance at a big break with that talent agent." I sipped my water. "So, my first theory is that Marco knocked off Lou to get revenge. Maybe he also realized that he still loved Erin, and he brought her here tonight to grovel and beg for a second chance."