Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “George Boone, watch what you say. You’ll give him ideas.”

  “As if he hasn’t already had those ideas.”

  “Got to admit, Annie, my imagination has run a wide range of possibilities where Layla is concerned.”

  “Men, you all are alike,” Annie said, laughing.

  “I’ll tell you what I told Layla. I’m planning a surprise, bring a camera, plenty of film, and hiking boots. We’re going to have a fun adventure.”

  “What’s that mean, adventure?” Annie asked.

  “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Layla watched as the plane Dewey sent approached the hangar area. She turned to gather Pullman cases and a tote; there was a lot of luggage, but Dewey had been so vague on their “adventure” she decided to pack for anything he had arranged. She turned back and began to maneuver her luggage to the plane; the stairs were lowered, and bounding down them came Dewey. Layla let go of the luggage handles, rushing to him.

  “Dewey, what a wonderful surprise.” Saying this, she pressed herself to him, giving him a big hug.

  Taken by surprise, Dewey gripped her tightly, returning the embrace. As a certain part of his body began to respond to Layla, he grabbed her waist with both hands, holding her away from his body. “I can’t believe you. What a difference these months have made! You look even more beautiful than I remember. Your hair is adorable, short, and bouncy, makes you look happier. You’ve put on some weight. You look wonderful!”

  “Dewey, always saying just the right thing. I’m so happy you’re here. When will Annie and George be arriving?”

  “They come in Sunday afternoon. I’m glad you were able to leave on a Friday. You can help me with my surprise tomorrow.”

  “I don’t suppose you are going to tell me or give me any hint as to what that might be?”

  “Nope.”

  * * *

  Saturday morning, Dewey and Layla sat at the large kitchen counter eating breakfast prepared by Agnes. Layla ate a three-egg, sausage, cheese, onion, and salsa omelet, along with fried potatoes, and was on her third homemade biscuit with butter and honey.

  “I’m amazed at the amount of food you’re eating,” Dewey said.

  “Me too. I don’t get this type of cooking back home, and these biscuits are sheer heaven,” she said to Agnes. “Dewey, you must enjoy all this excellent cooking. No junk food served here, I’m sure.”

  “When I was in Paia, I ate enough junk food to last a lifetime. Mr. Soo was my mentor in that respect.”

  “I can’t imagine he has an artery in his body that isn’t clogged.”

  “That’s the funny part because he is chairman of the board of his company. It is required he take a yearly physical. He passes with flying colors each year. I guess it’s because he spends his days walking all over the place. He’s quite a guy. Wish he had a happier home life.”

  “Me too. Annie explained his situation to me. Guess all of us have parts of our lives that cause pain and anxiety. I hope when I’m his age, I will be with someone and be as happy as Annie and George.”

  “You and me both,” Dewey said, looking longingly at Layla as she enjoyed the remains of her breakfast. “I’ll go and bring a car around to the front, and you can get ready for today’s little trip. This is really to check up on what we’ll need for our big adventure. Agnes, everything ready on your end?”

  “All set here, Dewey,” Agnes said.

  Dewey turned the Jeep into an industrial section of Salt Lake City. He drove into a garage where Layla saw a huge motor home befitting a rock star sitting front and center.

  “Dewey McMaster, welcome.”

  “Orin, good to be here. She’s a beauty,” Dewey said, nodding at the motor home. Orin, I would like you to meet my friend, Layla Richfield. Layla, this is Orin Johnson. He runs this establishment, and he provides custom-made cars, motor homes, and trailers. He’s the best in the business, and a lot of people come to him for custom jobs.”

  Layla extended her hand to Orin. “A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Johnson. Are you responsible for this big I’m not sure what one calls it?”

  “Yes, I am. It’s made to Dewey’s specifications. He’s a whiz at specifications. Guess it comes with his background. It’s a mobile home and comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, dining room, a nice-sized kitchen, and a built-in outdoor grilling area. I had a blueprint from Dewey for everything he wanted.”

  “No place to land a helicopter?” Layla asked, laughing.

  “Now why didn’t I think of that?” Dewey said. “Let’s look inside. We’ve just got today to get everything right before we take off.”

  “Ready to share with me any of our travel plans?”

  A short time later, Dewey and Layla said their goodbyes and were on their way back to Dewey’s, Layla following Dewey in the Jeep.

  “Not yet. You just focus on what Agnes could be fixing for lunch.”

  “Yummy, can’t wait.”

  George and Annie watched the plane taxi toward them. “Wow, he sent the big one. This is exciting. All those years working in the airline industry, and I’ve never flown on a private jet until now. I feel like a kid on his first trip to Disneyland. We are so going to enjoy this experience.”

  Making their way toward the plane, George rolled the large suitcases while Annie handled the totes. Down the steps came the pilot extending his hand, introducing himself. “I’m Neil Russell, your pilot. You must be George and Annie Boone. Dewey has instructed us to take good care of you both.” He then introduced his copilot. “This is Leslie Garcia, your copilot.”

  George and Annie shook hands with both pilots. Leslie told them she was in charge of refueling and getting food on board. Leaving the group, she headed for the hangar.

  “Honey, why don’t you go on inside and I’ll help Mr. Russell stow our luggage. Mr. Russell, I’m thrilled to be flying on a private jet. I’ve worked at this airport all my life and have always wanted to fly on one of these babies, I just never got the opportunity. I’m a retired engineer for United. My specialty was baggage configuration, and I did all types of engineering studies involving passengers, security, check-in, etc. Pretty much know my way around the whole place.”

  “It will be my pleasure to show you around this beauty inside and out.”

  “Terrific, I would love to know all I can,” George said, assisting in loading the luggage.

  Half an hour later, George and Neil made their way inside the cabin.

  “Good to see you. I was wondering what happened to you guys.”

  “Mr. Boone was eager to see the workings on the outside of the plane, and I was happy to show her off to someone that could appreciate what this plane is capable of. Now, let me show you the cockpit.”

  Annie smiled and nodded at George to go ahead; she could see he was having a grand time familiarizing himself with the plane. Several minutes later, Leslie returned to the cabin and said they would be leaving in forty-five minutes, and soon she and Neil would begin preflight procedures. Following Leslie were caterers bringing food for their trip.

  When George returned to Annie’s side, he was all smiles, and Annie was in a mellow mood, enjoying a large mug of Kona coffee. “George, you have to look around. The bathroom is fabulous. It even has a shower, off the bedroom.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I said the bathroom is fabulous. The lotions are really first class.”

  “No, I mean about the bedroom.”

  “Beyond the bathroom is a bedroom with a king-sized bed.”

  George shot out of his seat and headed toward the rear of the plane. He came back. “Annie, this trip just keeps getting better and better.”

  Neil’s voice came over the PA system, announcing they would be taking off and to buckle their seat belts. Annie quickly took her empty cup back t
o the galley, eyed the coffeepot, and promised herself another cup once in the air. George traded seats with her so he could check things out during takeoff. Annie squeezed his arm, thinking he was so cute when he got excited about mechanical things.

  After they were clear of the island, Leslie came into the cabin and said, “I know it’s early for you folks, but Neil and I are hungry. It’s been a long time since we last ate. I’m going to sit the meat and cheese platters out, along with several salads, and you can help yourselves or I can put things away and you can eat later. But first, I’m making fresh coffee.”

  “All that walking around outside and the excitement of seeing everything has made me hungry. How about you, Annie?”

  “Yes, I could eat.”

  Neil and Leslie ate their lunch, Neil joining George and Annie at a table in the lounge. He and George enjoyed technical talk while Annie enjoyed more Kona coffee.

  George and Annie moved to the sofa, and Annie admitted, “I’m so mellow. That was a great lunch and with the easy movement of the plane, I bet I could take a nap.”

  “Annie, you know all the years working for the airlines, the guys often teased me about my status in the mile-high club. I hate to admit this, but I would just wink and smile. Which, of course, led them to believe we were members. Well, sweetheart, here is our chance to become legitimate members. There’s a great big bed just beyond those doors, and it would be natural for us to take a nap after that big lunch. What do ya say?” George asked, pulling Annie to his side and stroking her cheek.

  Annie reached her arm around George’s neck, pulling his face close to her. “Far be it for me not to fulfill our membership qualifications. Frankly, I think it will be sort of fun, with the plane’s motion and all.” She kissed him lightly on the lips; they got up from the sofa, walking down the aisle toward the bedroom.

  “Damn, honey, that was amazing. You were right. The motion of the plane made it even more intense. Let me officially thank you for my membership in the mile-high club.”

  “I believe that qualifies both of us for membership. Do we have time for a little nap? I’m actually sleepy.”

  George checked his watch. “We have another three hours until we get into Salt Lake City. I can set the alarm for an hour and a half from now, and we both can get a quick nap. How does that sound?”

  Yawning, Annie replied, “Perfect, honey, and make sure you set it right. I don’t want Leslie or Neil coming back here, finding us like this.”

  “Just make them jealous,” George said with a grin.

  When the plane landed, George and Annie thanked Neil and Leslie for a great flight and their wonderful hospitality. Walking down the stairway, they looked up, and to their surprise, there stood Dewey and Layla.

  “Oh gosh!” Annie exclaimed as she gave them big hugs. “I didn’t expect to see both of you. This has been such a fantastic day, and now both of you are here.” Annie teared up and hugged Layla again as Dewey headed toward George and the luggage.

  Before they returned to the company of the ladies, George turned to Dewey and said, “I’ve just got to thank you for sending the big plane. Neil and Leslie were amazing, but somehow I think you had another motive in mind, which we took full advantage of.”

  George’s grin was all Dewey needed to know that his actual motive in sending the big plane had paid off.

  Luggage was loaded in Dewey’s SUV, and everyone settled in. Annie asked where the adventure was taking them.

  “Wait until you see what Dewey has gotten for our trip. You simply won’t believe it. I was amazed.”

  “George, you’re going to love this,” Dewey said, knowing George’s penchant for anything mechanical.

  As they entered the gates to Dewey’s estate, George immediately spied the large mobile home. “Wow, she’s beautiful. I can’t wait to hear where we’re going.”

  “Let’s get the luggage in the house, then Layla and I will give you a tour. Afterward, we’ll go inside for drinks, and I’ll show you our itinerary,” Dewey announced proudly.

  After George and Annie went on their jaw-dropping tour, Dewey ushered everyone inside to the family room and offered drinks. They all opted for beer as they sat around a table, eagerly awaiting the promised itinerary.

  Dewey gave everyone a printed copy of the adventure and watched as they read through the listed points.

  “I went to the Grand Canyon when I was young, to the South Rim. I’ve always heard the North Rim was much nicer and that there are hardly any people. My dad wanted to go on to Zion, but he had promised Mom he would take her to Laughlin, so we only saw the Grand Canyon. But what a sight! Being raised around Los Angeles, the first thing that came to my mind when I saw it was it looked like a movie backdrop. It just couldn’t possibly be real.”

  “George, did you really think that? How cute,” Annie said. “My family went to the South Rim too, but I didn’t like it. Too many people, gas fumes, and there was smog.”

  “They have controlled the South Rim much better over the last years, keeping cars away and taking green buses. Visibility has almost gotten back to normal, and I understand there is now a daily limit on visitors. For all the years I’ve lived in Utah, I’ve never seen the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, or Zion, so this will be a real treat for me. Layla, have you ever visited any of these areas before?”

  “You have to be kidding. My parents would consider a trip like this so beneath them. I’m so excited, but, Dewey, are you sure you can maneuver through those mountains with that big tank out there?”

  “Sure, I came home every summer from MIT for eight weeks’ vacation. Dad would rent a big mobile home and take it to Pismo Beach. He let me drive it the first time when I was sixteen. He said if I was genius enough to be at MIT, I was genius enough to drive a mobile home to Pismo Beach. Mom hated going, so it was just Dad and me. If she had known I was driving a mobile home, she would have killed Dad. It was always our secret. Those times hold special memories for me. We were a great team.”

  Everyone was quite for a minute after Dewey spoke. Layla patted his hand. “With your early experience, I think you will be the perfect driver.”

  “Dewey, maybe if there is a stretch of straight land, you can give me a few driving lessons. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at one of these big babies.”

  “George, I had that exact thing in mind, and I know just the spot.”

  “Good lord, George, first you were goofy about that airplane, now you’re wanting to drive a mobile home.”

  “Just want to expand my realm of knowledge.”

  “He’ll be fine, Annie, I’m a great teacher.”

  The group continued to discuss the trip until Agnes came in to announce dinner was ready.

  “Good, I’m starving,” announced Layla.

  “Ever since Layla has gotten here, she has emulated Mr. Soo’s appetite,” Dewey said, laughing.

  “Agnes’s cooking is so much better than New York take-out. I’m enjoying it while I can. By the way, Agnes, what’s your hand in all this?”

  “I prepared frozen dishes for you to take along. In case there aren’t any good places for dinner or lunch, you can enjoy a nice meal. Take it from me. Sometimes, a good place to eat along that route is hard to come by. We’ve been to Bryce Canyon several times. I love that place. I find it very feminine. When the shadows fall on the spires, they turn pink and look like fine lace. Well, anyway, that’s what it reminds me of,” she said, laughing. “Come on, folks, while everything is still warm.”

  Everyone adjourned to the informal dining room for their evening meal while excitedly discussing their upcoming adventure.

  CHAPTER 25

  The next morning they were up early, had breakfast, loaded up the mobile home with the remaining luggage, and were on the road to Bryce Canyon by nine. Dewey and George were pilot and navigator; Annie and Layla were in the lounge, discussing their
plans for the night. Dewey had pulled off at a mile-marker exit and told George it was his turn to be pilot. After explaining the workings of the mobile home, George turned back onto the interstate.

  Annie knew what was going on when they stopped.

  “George is now driving. I would love to go up front and see how he’s doing, but I’m afraid I’ll make him nervous. Could you go and check things out?” Annie asked Layla.

  “Sure, glad to. I’ll ask what time we should be at the Bryce Canyon Lodge.”

  Layla made her way to the front; she pulled the separation curtain back and acted surprised to see George driving. Layla posed her questions to Dewey.

  “We’ll be there around three or four, and we’re staying at the lodge. We also have dinner reservations. My secretary called early this morning and has arranged for one of the touring limousines with a guide to take us through Bryce Canyon tomorrow morning.”

  “That sounds great,” Layla said. “I brought my sketchpad and charcoals. I was hoping to get some sketching done. I’ll take a lot of photos. I can sketch from those too.”

  “I didn’t know you sketched,” George said.

  “Originally, I wanted to be an artist, and I started out sketching. I enjoyed doing landscapes. Those sell in some parts of the country but not in New York City. While taking a particular art course, I had a teacher who taught me how to mix paints to give them an older patina. I got started on researching paints and mixtures used in old art. The result of that was doing restoration work, which I truly love. Recapturing lost artwork or restoring something beautiful makes me feel very gratified.”

  “I’m impressed. I didn’t realize you had such an artistic background. I don’t actually know what restoration entails. You’ll have to explain it more to me. Maybe we can develop a computer program that can assist restoration artists in making paint choices.”

  “Don’t you just love this man?” Layla said, hugging Dewey from behind. “Such a curious, genius mind. It’s a thrill for me just to be in your company.”

  “Sounds like a mutual lovefest,” George said teasingly, his eyes never leaving the road.