Midnight Destiny

by Lakes, Lynde

  They ran swiftly across the gangplank back to Duke’s boat where Mele waited. Rick and Mele didn’t hug or even say a word. They quickly disconnected from the kidnappers’ boat, eager to get Bethy away. Once they were clear, the Coast Guard would close in and arrest the kidnappers.

  Rick was so occupied that he barely noticed the ghostly mist hovering over the MaryAnn – a mist that made no sense on such a clear, sunny day. As Mele turned toward shore, one of Abah’s men tossed a grenade toward their boat. Before Rick could dive to catch it, Bethy leaped high in the air to grab it. The mysterious mist swooped down like a white tern, and Akua Lapu materialized and jumped in front of the girl as though to cushion the impact with her own airy hand. It was amazing; she appeared to have pillowed the grenade so Bethy could safely catch it midair. Bethy threw it back at the kidnappers’ boat with the speed and accuracy of a computerized missile. Rick’s and Mele’s cheers turned to screams as the explosion blew up the Iraqis’ boat and its backlash dumped Rick, Mele and Bethy into the ocean.

  “Grab onto something and hang on!” Rick shouted as they fought to survive the turbulence. Other than looking like drowned rats, Mele and Bethy seemed okay.

  The three of them were clinging to floating debris when the Coast Guard rescued them.

  ****

  Mele thanked God that they were all alive. During the fast ride back to shore, salt air whipped their hair, and they huddled together, sharing a blanket and body heat. Mele sat on one side of Rick, Bethy on the other, his arms around both of them.

  Rick kissed his daughter’s temple. “No more of this undercover stuff. I’m getting a desk job where we can be together all the time.”

  “Yeah, right, Dad. And that weird mist was really a ghost called Akua Lapu.” Bethy’s voice dragged with fatigue, but her eyes, way too wise for a girl her age, had a knowing sparkle. It was obvious she loved her father, faults and all.

  It amazed Mele that when Bethy sassed her dad, the earth didn’t open up and swallow her. Mele shuddered to think how her own dad would take it if she said, yeah, right to him. She wanted what Bethy had: the freedom to speak her mind in front of her family. At work, Mele was a respected powerhouse, but at home she was still treated like a subservient child. Bethy was lucky that she wasn’t raised within the constraints of the Hawaiian and Japanese traditions and beliefs about remaining the dutiful obedient daughter, a tradition that Mele was supposed to honor to her grave.

  Mele laughed. “It sounds like you’ve heard that promise before. But don’t scoff at our ghost. She’s as real as the three of us.”

  Bethy’s gaze searched the clear sky, and she shivered. “If you say so.”

  Mele had known from the beginning that her attraction to Rick was dangerous; and now, just because she felt a lot more than mere attraction, her thoughts hadn’t changed. Rick had a rolling stone sort of life, and she was an island girl who, no matter how much she resented her family’s interference, she wanted to live by them, care for them, and share the holidays and joys that were an important part of island living.

  It was too bad that she and Rick had professions and plans that would keep them apart. Especially now that Geoffrey had freed her to find and pursue the love of her life.

  Everything in her wished fervently that Rick could be that man.

  At the police station, while Mele and Rick answered questions about Dom’s death, a female homicide detective tapped Mele on the shoulder. With a gentle voice and soft sympathetic eyes, she informed Mele that her fiancé had been murdered.

  “What?” She couldn’t have heard right. The nightmare was over – everyone was fine.

  “I’m sorry,” the detective said.

  Oh, God, it is true. Geoffrey was dead. Mele’s head spun. She felt the blood drain from her face. She clung to the edge of the table, afraid she’d slip right off the chair and onto the floor. Minutes ago, she’d been thanking her Maker and guardian angels for letting them survive the rescue. Now her world came crashing down.

  The two other officers who’d been interviewing them went dead silent. Rick’s arm slipped

  around her shoulders. She shook it off. No sense counting on a man who would move on sooner or later. She looked at the woman detective. “How did he die?”

  The detective took a deep breath. “Your family mentioned that today was to have been your wedding day. It might be best to wait on the details until you’re with your family. You may even want to see a doctor and get a sedative first.”

  Mele straightened. “How?” she repeated in her best courtroom tone, the one used to sway the reluctant. “Please tell me. I can handle it.” She wasn’t quite as sure of that as she sounded, but she had to know.

  The officer swallowed, and in almost a whisper she said, “Beaten to death with his own golf club.”

  An image of Dom hammering Geoffrey about the head, with blood spurting everywhere, sent a sharp pain through Mele. Bile rose in her throat. She bit down on her lip, fighting tears and the swirling darkness that threatened to claim her. Guilt and sorrow rose so quickly in her chest that she could scarcely breathe. Rick had wanted to kill Dom, and she’d stopped him. If only she’d known….

  If Dom wasn’t already dead, she could have killed him herself. She’d never felt more capable of taking a life. She trembled at the thought. This was the second time in twenty-four hours that she’d questioned who she was and realized that she didn’t know herself anymore…if she ever had.

  It would be easier to blame Akua Lapu for messing with their lives. But her heart wasn’t in it; the ghost had saved Bethy, and them, too. So it came down to her. If she hadn’t been on the road last night, Geoffrey would still be alive.

  “I can drive you to your folks’ place,” the officer said. “They’d like to see you. They’ve had to deal with a lot in the last twenty-four hours, your accident and disappearance – and now this.”

  Yes. Yes. She had to see her family, Geoffrey’s family, and comfort them the best she could. “I have to go,” Mele told Rick.

  Understanding and compassion softened his gaze. “Wait and I’ll take you.”

  Mele nodded toward the woman officer. “I’d rather go with her, and you need time with Bethy.”

  It didn’t make sense, she knew, but she blamed Rick as much as herself for her best friend’s death. For self-preservation, she had to get as far from Rick as she could. She needed to face her sorrow, to heal, to think. Leaving Rick was difficult, because what she really wanted was to go into his arms and have him tell her that everything would be okay.

  So before he could object, she escaped the room, her eyes stinging with unshed tears.

  ****

  Rick watched Mele rush from the room, head held high, showing the world a bravery he knew was waning. It had only taken one look in her eyes to see that her heart was breaking. After going through this rescue with her, seeing her in action, and experiencing her unwavering support, he’d decided that what she’d had with Geoffrey couldn’t possibly compare with the deep bond and love that had fused between them in the short time they’d spent together. His heart panged at imagining how strong that love would be after years together – after a lifetime together. A woman who would jump into danger and give her all for him and his daughter wasn’t someone he could just let walk away.

  He hadn’t figured out how, but earlier he’d made up his mind that somehow he would stop the wedding. But the murder had changed everything. Ruined everything.

  After wrapping things up at the police station, Rick stopped at a coffee shop to get Bethy something to eat. Over burgers and fries, Bethy asked, “Why didn’t Mele come with us?”

  “Her fiancé was murdered. She wanted to comfort his parents alone.”

  Bethy sucked on her straw thoughtfully, then lifted her gaze. “I like her. I think you like her, too.”

  Rick frowned. That was putting it mildly. He’d been prepared to fight Geoffrey for her, but how could he fight the memory of a man who’d died so tragically, a ma
n who’d died because this FBI agent hadn’t done his job?

  “I messed up, Bethy. I made a mistake that cost Mele’s fiancé his life. I don’t think she’ll be able to forgive me for that.” Even though it was because she hadn’t wanted him to kill a man who deserved killing, he thought. “I knew better. I should have taken Dom out of the game sooner.”

  Bethy wrinkled her nose. “Who’s Dom?”

  “I’ll tell you about him sometime, but not tonight, okay?”

  “I’ve never seen you this upset before. Is it because of me?”

  He reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “Don’t even think that. You did everything right. You’re the bravest young lady on earth.”

  “I was so scared, but I knew you’d come get me.”

  His daughter’s faith amazed him. “We were lucky. Mele’s connections with experts made the exchange work. I might have botched the rescue without her.” He shuddered. He might not have even found Bethy in time.

  Bethy’s blue eyes brightened. “I want to see her again. You know, thank her and all that stuff. I didn’t really get a chance before.”

  “You’re right. We should both do that.” He wanted to do much more, but the guilt and regret between them would ruin their chances for a future. Mele would blame him – and herself – for Geoffrey’s murder.

  “Could we get her some flowers tomorrow and go by and see how she’s doing?”

  Rick’s heart pounded at the thought of seeing Mele again. “Good idea, Bethy.” He could tell Mele that the door was open, would always be open, and all she had to do was walk through, whenever she was ready.

  The plan sounded great, but the next day when they went to her parents’ house, his hopes were dashed to the ground. A petite Japanese woman in her late forties or early fifties came to the door, her stern expression as formidable as a sumo wrestler’s.

  “I’m Mele’s mother,” she said, holding the door partly closed, barring entry. “Mele’s in mourning and doesn’t want to see anyone but family.”

  Bethy thrust the bouquet of two dozen roses into the woman’s arms. “I wanted to thank Mele for helping my dad rescue me.”

  Mele’s mother’s eyes softened. “I’ll tell her, dear. This has been so difficult for all of us. Maybe if you come back after the funeral….”

  “I’d like to attend,” Rick said.

  “Please, no.” The woman’s face paled. “Due to the violence of Geoffrey’s death, it’s going to be private, just family. His parents want it that way. I’m sure you’ll honor their wishes.” Her flashing eyes, so like Mele’s, warned him not to disagree.

  “Of course. Would you give Mele a note? I have to leave town tonight.” Rick had to go to Washington D. C. to clear up matters with his bosses and explain about the lost money when the MaryAnn capsized. He could have delayed his trip for a day or two in order to attend the funeral, but since he’d been told to stay away it was pointless to hang around.

  Mele’s mother nodded in relief when he told her that he was leaving town. At least he’d made one person happy, he thought miserably. Still blocking the door, she placed the flowers inside and handed him a small notepad and a pen.

  His mind went blank. What could he say to the woman he loved under circumstances like these? He’d never been good at expressing his feelings on paper…or in spoken words either, for that matter.

  Mele, I’m deeply sorry about Geoffrey, Rick wrote. I wish I could stand beside you through your sorrow as you stood beside me and my daughter during the rescue. Your mother explained about the private funeral. I’m here for you if you need anything.

  He left several numbers where he could be reached and signed it simply, Rick. He longed to put Love, Rick but any show of affection might raise uncomfortable questions in the minds of family members who might see the note.

  Did she tell anyone that she’d spent the night in his arms? Did she even think about it? It was a night seared into his mind forever.

  ****

  Rick arranged a two-day layover in San Francisco so his ex could see that Bethy was all right. He expected an argument when he told her that he was taking Bethy to Washington D.C. with him. But to his surprise, she was all for it. Her new buyer’s job with a top clothing firm offered her an opportunity to go to Paris, all expenses paid, and the only thing holding her back was what to do with Bethy while she was gone.

  Rick noted the words what to do with – and that the word concerned was never mentioned. He didn’t ask why she couldn’t take Bethy along. He figured it had something to do with a romance with her new boss. Better him than me, he thought.

  After Rick met with his bosses in D.C. and set in motion his retirement from undercover work and a transfer to a desk job, he took a month’s leave and headed back to Hawaii.

  When they checked into a hotel, Bethy grinned and said, “Never thought you’d keep your promise. You’re full of surprises.”

  “You mean the trip to Hawaii?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

  She rolled her eyes. “You know that’s not it at all. I meant giving up the undercover stuff.” She laughed. “Don’t get me wrong – Hawaii is a wild bonus.”

  Up in their room, while Rick tipped the surfer-looking bellboy who had his hand out, Bethy walked out onto the terrace. “Wow! Cool view of the ocean and Diamond Head.” When Rick joined her, she asked without so much as a breath in between, “Can we invite Mele to dinner with us tonight?”

  Rick had already called Mele twice, both times getting the damn answering machine. It was the same when he called her from D.C. “She isn’t answering her messages. Maybe she’s out of town.”

  “Yeah, right, Dad. And that ghost called Akua Lapu went with her.” Bethy’s knowing eyes sparkled with mischief. She picked up the phone. “What’s Mele’s number? I’ll betcha a new outfit that I can not only get her to pick up, but I can get her to come to dinner with us.”

  “You’re on. I’ll even up the ante, shoes and purse to match, if you can pull it off,” he said, printing the number clearly on a piece of paper.

  Bethy got the answering machine and then went into the most pathetic bunch of crap that he’d ever heard: how something had happened, she didn’t say what, and that she’d just die if she couldn’t talk to a woman, right away, someone who’d understand. Her voice wavered as though almost in tears and she added, “Please, please pick up.” She feigned a sob. “Please…I’m so desperate.”

  Rick wondered how many times she’d used a different form of that ploy on him. He couldn’t believe it – his little girl was a master manipulator. Instead of being mad like he should have been, he was actually in awe of her.

  Bethy started to leave a number when suddenly Mele picked up. Bethy winked at him and then asked if Mele could meet them for dinner. “Dad’ll be about fifteen minutes late, and that’ll give us time to talk.” Then she whispered so loud that he couldn’t miss it. “I really need help with him.”

  Rick shook his head.

  After Bethy hung up, she said, “She bought it. Get out your credit card.”

  “I ought to turn you over my knee,” he said, unable to stop grinning. He grabbed his wayward daughter and danced her around the room.

  “Let’s go shopping,” she said. “And we’ll get you something new, too. Something hot that says I’m a fun guy, not an FBI stiff.”

  ****

  When Mele met Bethy at Kincaid’s Restaurant, the vibrant splotches of red tinting the young girl’s cheeks gave Mele reason to suspect that there was some other reason for this meeting, and the fact that she couldn’t quite meet Mele’s eyes practically confirmed it.

  “Thanks for coming. Dad’s driving me crazy.”

  Mele looked past Bethy and stared out the wall of windows at the harbor full of sailboats anchored at rest. How should she handle the girl’s deception?

  After several seconds, she pinned Bethy with her gaze. “How about the truth? Why did you really ask me to meet you here?”

  A smile cur
ved the girl’s lips. “Dad said you wouldn’t buy it.”

  “Did he put you up to this?” Mele narrowed her eyes, trying for a stern expression.

  “It’s not like that at all. It was my idea. He wasn’t getting anywhere leaving messages for you, and I bet him that I could get you to pick up that phone. Don’t blame him. I was just trying to help. He was pretty desperate….”

  “It would serve you both right if I just get up and walk out of here.”

  “Please don’t. At least hear him out. He’s been a real grizzly bear to live with.”

  “Honey, I know you don’t understand what’s going on, but—”

  “Yeah, I do. You lost the man you were going to marry, and that’s the pits. But he wouldn’t want you to die with him, would he?”

  Stunned, Mele sat there speechless. It was too soon for her to have a conversation like this with anyone, let alone a twelve-year-old. In her family….

  Mele stopped. This wasn’t her family; this was a girl raised with a whole different set of values who was only telling it as she saw it, without sugar coating. In a way, Mele admired Bethy’s courage to say what she thought, and she wouldn’t be the one to squelch it.

  Bethy’s eyes grew large. “I guess I shouldn’t have said that. Dad’s always telling me I speak before I think. I’m really sorry about your loss. I didn’t mean…”

  Mele fought the urge to ease the girl’s anxiety by explaining that she’d already broken the engagement before Geoffrey was killed. “It’s all right, Bethy.”

  “You know, Dad’s tied up in knots with guilt. He tosses and turns all night. Maybe you could help him get past it. I mean, you guys did go through quite a lot together.” Bethy’s lips curved down, and a flash of tears glistened in her eyes. “Actually, Dad was only doing what he had to do. If anybody should feel guilty it’s me. I put my father in a position where he had to do some very wrong things for some very right reasons. It’s my fault, really. If I had only run faster, maybe I would have gotten away from the kidnappers, and none of this would have happened.”