After the Storm

by Cynthia Hickey

  “I know just the place. Unfortunately, it won’t be the luxury you’re accustomed to, sir.”

  “I think staying alive is more important than luxury, young lady.” The governor chuckled. “Now, lead the way to my secret place and call the mainland to send someone to come and get me. Vacation is over.”

  Chapter Eight

  Someone had tried to kill her. To blow her up, along with the governor. The afternoon had been so busy trying to get a boat to come take the governor away, that it wasn’t until Kayla stood in front of her large window and watched the approaching storm clouds that it really hit her. Her legs threatened to give way. She plopped into a nearby wicker chair covered with a tropical fabric.

  Not that there was another hurricane coming, but the oncoming storm still prevented anyone from making a trip out to the island any time soon. Too many other people still stranded. Chase swore to protect her, but how could he watch over her and the governor? Thank God, the doctor had taken Alana back earlier in the day.

  Her hand shook as she reached for a glass of water from the nearby end table. Lightening slashed through the clouds pregnant with rain. Normally, she loved rain storms. Now? Not so much. The potential for violence left her cold.

  On the beach below, a lone figure walked, hands in his pockets. When the man turned and stared up at her window, she recognized Davis.

  “Good.” She toasted him with her water. “Think long and hard about trying to kill me. Oh, I know it was you, deep down inside. I’m going to help Chase prove it, too.”

  Davis stared up at her and gave a sharp salute before strolling away. The man had a lot of nerve, she’d give him that.

  A sharp rap sounded at her door. Kayla set her drink back on the table and opened the door to see a very tired Chase. She stepped back. “You really need to rest.” Dark shadows colored the skin under his eyes.

  “I will when this is over. I’ve come to check on you.” He ran his thumb down her cheek. “You alright?”

  “Other than now dreading storms, I’m fine. Oh, and being jumpy because someone wants me dead. So, yeah, I’m peachy.” She grinned.

  He laughed. “Glad to know you still have your spunk.”

  She started to tell him about Davis staring up at her, but left it be. There was no law about taking a walk on the beach and Chase had enough to worry about. “Have you eaten?”

  “No, I thought we’d head down together before the rain starts.”

  Her stomach rumbled at the suggestion. “I’d love to.” She pulled her door closed and locked it after them.

  The first sprinkles fell as they made their way to the dining hall. Considering how humid Maui was all the time, a light drizzle didn’t bother Kayla much. Nor the guests, it seemed. The atmosphere inside the dining hall was friendly. Sparkling cider and champagne flowed. A seafood buffet filled a table along one wall.

  “A celebration,” Mara said, carrying a tray from the buffet.

  “For what?” Did she know how much champagne cost?

  “The governor said because we are all alive.” Mara grinned and ducked into the kitchen.

  “A good enough reason for me.” Chase put his hand on the small of Kayla’s back and guided her to the table where the governor and Dalton sat. “Aloha, Governor Lowery.”

  “My savior!” Lowery raised a fluted glass in a toast. “I really do hope it doesn’t become a regular occurrence, you having to save me.”

  “I agree, sir.” Chase pulled out a chair for Kayla.

  “Nope. I’m filling you a plate. Sit.” She pointed to the chair. “Let me wait on you for once.” She marched off before he could protest.

  One of the servers just happened to be the suspected accomplice of Davis. Lonny dished out slabs of salmon to those who wanted some. “Aloha.” Kayla held out two plates. “Some of the mango salsa on top, please.”

  He looked startled to see her there, then gave her two generous portions of the fish. “Ms. Denton.”

  “I don’t recall seeing you at the last inspection we held on the lanai.” She narrowed her eyes. If she had, she might have been able to place him sooner.

  “I had a bit of…stomach trouble, ma’am. I’m better now.”

  “I’m glad to here it.” She held his gaze for a few seconds longer, then moved down the buffet adding sweet rice and seaweed to their plates. Then, grabbing two rolls, she set Chase’s plate in front of him and took her seat.

  “I need to find that young man’s employee records,” she sat, cutting into her salmon. “I don’t think I’ve seen him but a few times since we opened.”

  “You don’t think you hired him?” Chase’s eyes widened.

  “I’d like to make sure I did and that he isn’t here under false pretenses.”

  “We’ll look right after we eat.”

  The rain fell harder by the time they finished and, along with the guests, Kayla and Chase darted from the dining room and to their destination. Laughing at how her wet fingers had trouble getting the key into the lock, Kayla finally got the door of her office open. By now, her and Chase were drenched and dripped water onto the carpet.

  “Stand there. I have towels in the bathroom.” Kayla hurried to the small restroom and retrieved two towels, handing one to Chase. “Dry off and have a seat on the sofa. I’ll work better alone since I know where the files are.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He dried his hair with brisk strokes, then removed his shirt, draping it over a chair.

  Kayla swallowed past the lump that rose in her throat at the sight of his muscled chest and arms. The man looked good enough to eat. Afraid to say or do something foolish, she grabbed the towels and his shirt. “I’ll, uh, hang these in the bathroom.”

  She stalled, washed her face, grimaced at herself in the mirror. You’d think she’d never seen a man without his shirt on before. Taking a deep breath, she pushed away from the sink and stepped back into her office.

  Chase had stretched out on the sofa and fallen asleep.

  Smiling, Kayla toed off her shoes and as careful and quiet as possible opened the filing cabinet drawer that held the employee files. With her arms full, she moved to her desk.

  Finding it hard to concentrate with the view across from her, Kayla took a few minutes to watch Chase sleep. She couldn’t fall for him. As an undercover cop, he’d be going back to San Francisco once the danger was past and Davis caught and arrested. But, until then, she could enjoy the man.

  ~

  Chase opened his eyes to the sight of Kayla poring through files. He’d slept, but for how long? He yawned and stretched, sitting up. “Any luck?”

  She jerked, then shook her head. “You startled me.”

  “How long did I sleep?”

  She glanced at the clock. “About two hours.”

  “What?” He bolted to his feet. “Why did you let me sleep so long?”

  “Because you needed to. Calm down. I called the governor. Dalton said everything is fine.”

  “I should be making the rounds. Checking that everyone is alright.” He hurried to the bathroom and retrieved his shirt. “I can’t sleep when lives are at stake, Kayla.”

  She rolled her eyes. “You can’t do a good job if you’re exhausted. I did you a favor.”

  He reached for the door, then stopped. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

  “No. Lonnie does not officially work here.” She scooped up the files and put them in the cabinet. “Now what?”

  “I ask him some questions.” Chase reached for the doorknob.

  “Wait a minute.” She crossed her arms. “We ask him some questions. He’s working here under false pretenses. That means, as the manager, he’s my responsibility.”

  “If he’s a killer, he’s mine.”

  “Then, we, Mr. Mitchell, are at a standstill.”

  “I guess we are, Ms. Denton.” He set his jaw. He’d faced down tougher people than her before. “We’re wasting time.”

  “No, you are wasting time. The sooner you agree to let
me go, the sooner we leave and confront Lonnie.” She jutted out her chin.

  Absolutely adorable when stubborn. Chase smiled. “Let me do the talking.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “I knew you’d cave.”

  “Only because I have more important things to do. Like save someone’s life.”

  She sighed. “Let’s go. I’m finished here.”

  He opened the door for her, then stepped aside as she locked it behind them. “You should put in a number coded lock. Much easier than messing with a key.”

  “I agree, but my grandfather likes keys. He said electronics tend to stop working.” She hung the key on a stretchy band around her wrist. “Let’s go talk to a killer.”

  Chapter Nine

  Kayla stepped onto the lanai and froze at the sight of the silver-haired man in a dark suit talking to Governor Lowery. “Grandfather?” And why wasn’t the governor in hiding? She glanced at Chase. “This can’t be good.”

  He took her by the elbow. “I wouldn’t imagine so.”

  “Kayla.” Her grandfather smiled. Smiled? “Governor Lowery has given me a glowing report of your actions during the hurricane.”

  “How did you get here?”

  “A small motor boat. Had to pay a pretty price for it, too.”

  “That boat?” Chase motioned to a blue and white speed boat zipping past the island and out to sea. “Looks like someone borrowed it.”

  Her grandfather cursed. “Looks like I’m stuck here. Kayla, I trust you’ll put me in what is left of your best accommodation?”

  “That would have been my cottage,” Lowery said, grinning. “Blown to smithereens.”

  “You may have my cottage, Grandfather.” Kayla took a deep breath through her nose. “I’ll sleep in the employee dorm. Give me a few minutes to gather a few things, and it will be all yours. Chase and I have business to conduct if you could give us an hour?”

  “The governor and I will wile away the hours in the lobby.”

  “I can’t allow that, sir,” Chase said. “Governor Lowery is supposed to be in hiding for his protection.” He narrowed his eyes at Dalton who shrugged.

  “Really? Well, I’ll follow him to…wherever and he can fill me in.”

  “Gladly.”

  “I’ll escort you.” Chase glanced at Kayla to make sure she’d follow.

  Of course, she would. Lowery wasn’t the only one whose life was at stake, and now Grandfather had walked right into the pit and joined them. Once the men were again behind locked doors and out of sight, Kayla turned to Chase. “I’m sure Davis didn’t miss the fact that the governor is still on the island.”

  “I agree. Did you catch a look at the man in the boat?”

  She shook her head. “I’m guessing Lonny?”

  “You guessed right. So much for getting information out of the man.”

  “What now?”

  He rolled his head on his shoulders. “We watch and wait for Davis to make a move and pray we stop him from killing someone.”

  “With Lonny gone, he’s on his own.”

  “Which could make him more daring and dangerous. Come on.” He took her hand and pulled her between the cottages and under a slight overhang that shielded them from the rain. “There’s a light on in Davis’s cottage.”

  “Hopefully that means he’s not out plotting how to get to Lowery.” She wrapped her arms around her middle and shivered.

  Chase pulled her against him. “I’d give you my shirt, but its soaked. You don’t need to be out here, Kayla. It’s too wet and cold. Why should both of us be miserable?”

  She turned in his arms and stared into his eyes. “I’m not miserable when I’m with you.”

  “Does this mean you’d like to see whether we might have…something after all this?” His eyes smoldered.

  “Won’t you be returning to San Francisco?” She wanted to say she’d go with him, but Maui had a hold of her and she didn’t want the island to let go.

  “I’m thinking of requesting a transfer.” He gave a lopsided smile that sent her heart flipping.

  “I’d like that,” she whispered. She leaned her cheek against his chest amazed at the warmth his skin generated even when wet.

  “As much as I love having you in my arms, we have work to do.” His chest rumbled as he talked.

  She nodded and pulled away. “Let’s get this over with and concentrate on us.”

  “That’s the best thing I’ve heard in a long time.” He led her to Davis’s cottage.

  She peered through the front window where a gas lantern burned. The rest of the place was dark. “Maybe he went to sleep.”

  “Maybe he isn’t there.” Chase reached for the door handle. “Come up with a good story if we get caught.”

  “Didn’t I tell you that he had a leaky faucet?” She laughed.

  “No electricity.”

  Her smile widened. “But we were told electricity was back on. We’re checking all the cottages to make sure.”

  “You’re a devious woman. I like it.” He pushed the door open.

  Kayla stepped inside and listened. No sound other than the rain outside. It didn’t seem as if he was home, which meant he prowled the island somewhere.

  “Let’s take a quick look around.” Chase headed for the bedroom, Kayla on his heels. He pulled a flashlight from his pocket and shined it around the immaculate room. “He’s tidy.”

  “Hmm.” Kayla headed straight for the small rolltop desk against one wall. If the man had something to hide, it could be in there. She opened the desk.

  Laying in the center was the press release stating the governor would be the guest of honor at the new resort, Maui Lani. So far, his vacation had been anything but relaxing. Government officials needed to be a bit more subtle about their trips, in her opinion, instead of broadcasting where they were going and how long they intended to stay. Especially those not very well liked.

  “He definitely came here to target the governor,” she said, drawing Chase’s attention to the press release. “At least he is very interested in his whereabouts.” She opened one of the drawers and found a box of 9-millimeter bullets. Where was the gun?

  ~

  The night darkened, and the rain continued to fall, blocking out light and sound. Which made Chase nervous. He wouldn’t be able to hear Davis if he snuck up on them. “Let’s go. We should check on Alana and the governor.”

  “Alright. I still think she should have stayed on the main island and not had someone bring her back. She insisted she could recuperate better in her room.” Kayla closed the desk. “There’s nothing very incriminating here. Nothing that proves Davis is the one who set the bomb.”

  As time went on, the more convinced Chase became that the only way to nab Davis was to catch him in the act of trying to commit murder. He could only pray the man could be stopped.

  Daniel answered the door at Chase’s knock and ushered them in. “Alana is sleeping.”

  “No, I’m not.” She sat up from where she lay on the sofa.

  Chase stood next to her. “I need you to tell me what happened the night of the hurricane. Someone blew up the governor’s cottage and tried to take Kayla out with it. This is a matter of life and death, Alana.” He took her hand. “I know you’re scared, and I’m pretty sure I know what happened, but I need to hear it from you.”

  She closed her eyes for a minute, then nodded. “I was helping make sure everyone was safe and accounted for during the hurricane, just as we’d been told. When everyone was told to move to a safer place, something hit me in the back of the head. I turned to see Davis with one of the heavy water pitchers in his hand. He hit me again just as the window shattered. When I woke up, well, you know the rest.”

  “Why would he attack you?”

  “I overheard a conversation between two men the day before. I didn’t know who the men were, but they talked about how things would be over soon and the state of Hawaii could move into the hands of a man who cared more about the ecological preservation. O
ne of the men must have been Davis and he knew I’d overheard. It wasn’t until I regained consciousness that I realized the only way things could change for Hawaii was with a new governor.” She picked at a loose strand of yarn on the afghan that covered her legs. “I was too afraid to tell you when you asked. I didn’t want him to come back and finish what he’d started.”

  “You saw Davis hit you?”

  “Yes. His white hair and orange skin are hard to miss.”

  It wasn’t much, but it was some proof the man was guilty. “Daniel, keep her safe. Kayla, time to check on Lowery.”

  ~

  “Then we need to draw him out,” Dalton said when Chase told the others about the man trying to silence Alana.

  “Wait a minute.” Mr. Denton stood and glared at each of them in turn. “Why am I just now hearing about the attempted murder of my granddaughter?”

  “Lines were down, sir.” Chase smiled at Kayla. “But she did have a hand in saving the governor’s life.”

  “Of which I am eternally grateful,” Governor Lowery said. “When this is over, we’ll talk about a reward.”

  “I don’t want anything other than you not to sign off on the bill that will destroy the coral reef off Kihei where the fish lay their eggs.” Kayla sat next to her grandfather and toed off her wet shoes. “Rethink the damage to this island…and the others.”

  The man stared at her. “Is that what this is all about? Saving the beaches and reefs?”

  “We think so,” Chase said, then turned to Dalton. “Do you have a plan?”

  “You’re the same size as the governor. Pretend to be him. We’ll draw Davis into the open. Between the both of us, we can take him down.”

  “Unless he shoots from undercover.” Kayla shook her head. “I don’t want Chase at risk like that.”

  “Darlin’, this is my job.” He cupped her face, ignoring the questions on her grandfather’s face. “I’ll be fine.”

  Tears welled in her eyes. “You don’t know that.”

  “I do. Don’t forget we have plans for our future.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips, then turned to Lowery. “Let’s switch clothes.”