“You might find this hard to believe,” Layla said, “but I’m getting hungry. Is there a picnic ground somewhere we can pull into?”
Dewey looked at the detailed map and found one about eight miles farther up the highway. “George, I’ll tell you when we’re coming up on the exit, and you can head off the road. If you have any trouble parking, I’ll take over. Layla, you and Annie start getting something ready for lunch that doesn’t take long so we don’t lose too much time off the road.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice to start getting the food out.” Layla went back to the kitchen area, telling Annie they needed to get a start on lunch because they were pulling into a nearby rest stop. “Don’t worry, George is doing a great job. He is very intent on the road and appears quite competent.”
After a quick lunch stop, Dewey took the driver’s seat, and they were back on the road to Bryce Canyon. Annie and Layla cleaned up the kitchen and settled in the lounge to look at the passing scenery through the large picture windows. They fell asleep, only waking as Dewey pulled off the highway, following the map given them at the canyon entrance.
The rustic look of the lodge and its dramatic setting blended right into the park’s natural appearance. They gathered their luggage, locked up the mobile home, and went to register at the lodge. All three rooms were on the second floor close to one another. Annie and Layla decided to take a tour of the lodge’s gift shop; George and Dewey went to the lobby to make sure all was set for the tour tomorrow. At sunset, everyone was outside, marveling at the beautiful sight that the shadows created at Bryce Canyon, awed by the color displayed on the rock formations. That evening, they went to bed, smelling fresh pine-scented mountain air.
The next morning they met for breakfast in the restaurant. Their two-hour tour in the vintage classic English touring limousine began at ten, Layla and Annie making sure they had plenty of film for their cameras. When George and Dewey saw the limousine, they had questions for their driver who was excited to have two engineers asking about the workings of the limousine. He gave them a tour under the bonnet, explaining how everything worked. The actual tour took them to major vistas and points of interest throughout the park. Resting for an hour after lunch, everyone was in hiking boots, ready to explore the Queen’s Garden Trail; they watched their time closely so they would be at Sunset Point in time to see the setting sun.
It had been a spectacular day, and they decided to take advantage of Agnes’s cooking for dinner, no one wanting to dress for dinner. Later, they sat outside, enjoying the night air in the shadow towers of Bryce Canyon.
The next morning luggage went back in the mobile home, and they were on to Zion National Park. There was a mobile home/campground close to a park entrance. Dewey pulled in, confirmed their reservation, and found the allotted space. For the next two nights, they would be sleeping in the mobile home and using the Jeep, which was hooked up in the back of the mobile home on a tow bar, to explore Zion.
Once in Zion, they went to the Visitors Center to collect available brochures and literature. In bold contrast to the lace-like delicate shapes of Bryce Canon, Zion’s rugged canyon walls and rock formations looked formidable. They elected to take the Zion Canyon scenic drive to figure out where they would begin their hike. They stopped at a roadside rest area and ate the lunch Layla had insisted on packing. The scenic drive took most of the day, but they did manage to decide on a hike site for the following day that would afford them the most temple views. They turned in early, looking forward to a day of hiking.
After a big breakfast, each loaded their backpacks with protein bars and water and headed off in the Jeep to their hiking destination. Their hike brought them to sandstone wonders, unique plants, and some unsuspected wildlife sightings. By three that afternoon, four tired hikers piled back into the Jeep and headed for the campgrounds.
Layla declared, “I’m starving, I could eat a horse!”
Dewey suggested they grill burgers, which would provide the quickest meal for a weakening Layla who was munching on a bag of potato chips. Dewey deferred the actual grilling to George, and by four that afternoon, everyone was eating cheeseburgers with all the trimmings. After enjoying another beautiful sunset amid the mountains, they went to bed to get an early start toward the Grand Canyon.
Inside Grand Canyon National Park, Layla expected to see the canyon right away.
“Dewey, are you sure you went the correct way? There’s nothing here but forests.”
“Yes, you have to wait for the tree line to break and the canyon to be visible.”
It wasn’t long before an excited “Yikes!” came from Layla. “There it is! My god, it’s huge. I thought it would be narrow, but it’s mammoth. Oops, it’s hiding behind trees again.”
“Once we’re at the Grand Canyon Lodge, you’ll be able to see a great deal of the canyon.”
“I can’t wait. This is so exciting. New York is beginning to lose any appeal it once held for me. I love the smell of green freshness and the sights are so fabulous,” Layla said with such enthusiasm, it took everyone by surprise.
“I thought you were a true New Yorker?” George asked.
“I thought I was too, but after seeing all this wonder in only four days, the skyscrapers and concrete have lost a lot of their charm.”
As they continued to the lodge, views of the canyon became more and more frequent until it took up the entire panorama.
Dewey let everyone and their luggage out in front of the lodge and parked where he was directed. It was a lovely rock and timber lodge, richly appointed with a charming staff. Everyone met in the lounge after settling in, deciding how to spend the remainder of the day. Reading through brochures, Layla and Annie decided they would take a one-day mule trip into the canyon the next day with George and Dewey declining. George said he was too tall for a mule and Dewey admitted he had a vertigo issue. They walked around outside the lodge, amazed at the colors and vistas of the Grand Canyon. After lunch, they went on a small hike close to the area. After dinner, they had coffee around a huge outside fire pit with lights from the lodge aimed at a distant canyon wall. There was little conversation, the sights and night sounds making human noise seem irreverent.
The next morning Annie and Layla set out on their mule trip. George was not happy about Annie venturing on a mule that would be traversing narrow trails leading endlessly downward, but he knew better than to voice his objection. Stopping Annie from an adventure of this type would only cause regret, and he would not do anything to lessen her joy of life. Dewey was just as worried about Layla, but like George, he knew it would be unwise to voice such worry. After goodbyes, the ladies were off on their mule trip, leaving Dewey and George to spend an uneasy afternoon. They ate lunch outside on the patio, and even after a couple of beers, both still harbored fear that something bad might have happened to the ladies.
Layla and Annie were having a wonderful time; each took several rolls of film, having other tour participants take their photo and returning the favor. They ate a large catered lunch and began the return trip up the canyon wall. Late that afternoon, two giggling, happy women ended their journey and were greeted by two worried-looking men. George and Dewey went to get hugs and were immediately stopped.
“You do not want to come close to either of us. We smell like sweaty mules. Plus, we are a bit stinky ourselves,” Annie said, laughing. “We both need a shower. Why don’t we meet you two in the bar in a bit, and we’ll tell you all about our mule safari.”
George and Dewey were glad to see both ladies had made it back safely, they celebrated with more beers. By the time Annie and Layla appeared, they were in high spirits, and the ladies decided they had better go into dinner before anyone drank any more.
They left the Grand Canyon at the crack of dawn, hoping to reach Salt Lake City early enough to not keep the pilots waiting to take Annie and George onto Los Angeles. They had breakfast in the mobile
home, Dewey eating once out of the canyon while George was driving on a straight stretch of highway. After breakfast, Layla began drawing with her charcoals, and Annie began addressing postcards to friends back in Maui. In no time, they were past the turnoffs to both Zion and Bryce Canyons, everyone knowing that their journey together would soon be coming to an end. Layla was working with great intent on her drawing, not even mentioning it was getting close to lunch. Annie ventured up front and suggested they pull into a rest stop and have lunch. About ten miles up the road, Dewey pulled off, while Annie prepared their final meal together.
Layla moved her work off the table and into her bedroom. She came out shortly before lunch was served and announced, “Annie, George, I hope you will accept the liberties taken by the artist. I’ve combined Bryce Canyon scenery with you two at the Zion campsite, and I wanted to give you this charcoal as a memento of this wonderful week and how much it has meant to me to have shared it with you both.”
George gasped and, not realizing it, grabbed his throat with his hand.
“My god, Layla. It so beautiful,” Annie said. “George is speechless.”
George was speechless because Layla’s drawing depicted a beautiful view of Bryce Canyon at sunset, highlighting the pinks and purples; however, what caused him to gasp was that she had drawn Annie and him sitting in lawn chairs, holding hands. All that showed was their heads leaning into each other, George’s long fingers entwined around Annie’s hand. It was almost an exact replica of the photo the sheriff had shown him of the Okamoto crime scene without the scenery. George would not say a word to anyone, especially Annie, but the sketch troubled him. He thanked Layla, saying he knew Annie would have it framed and hung where they would see it daily.
They ate lunch quickly and were back on the road in less than an hour. There was a long stretch of road, and George was happy to drive, taking his mind off the charcoal Layla had drawn. Dewey relaxed and took a short nap. Annie and Layla talked about their trip and promised to exchange the many photos they had taken.
Annie decided it was time she broached the subject of Dewey to Layla. “Layla, I do hope you realize Dewey is in love with you.”
“He’s my best friend and I know he loves me as his friend, and right now, that’s all I’m interested about. Having a man in my life other than a friend is not in my current plans.”
Shortly before takeoff time, they were at the private field, and the luggage was loaded on Dewey’s plane. George and Annie thanked and hugged both Dewey and Layla, making them promise to visit Maui soon.
As the plane lifted off, Layla grabbed Dewey’s arm, with a catch in her voice. “Gosh, I’m going to miss them so much.”
Dewey put his around Layla’s shoulder, heading her back to the mobile home. “Stay a few more days, rest, and enjoy the clear Utah air a little longer, not to mention Agnes’s cooking.”
“That does it. Agnes’s cooking is a deal maker. If it’s OK with you, I’ll stay a couple more days. Frankly, I’m pooped.”
Dewey smiled and hugged her closer; that was just fine by him—in fact, that was great.
CHAPTER 26
George and Annie wearily trod up the stairway where Leslie greeted them. “You two look exhausted. You must have had quite a vacation,” Leslie said, stowing their carry-on luggage.
They took their seats. Annie explained, “We had a wonderful week with Dewey and Layla. We toured Bryce, Zion, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Then we visited our children and grandkids, and all hell broke loose. First, Disneyland for twelve hours. The next day, LEGOLAND. The next day, a waterslide park, then to our son’s house for a family barbecue. Mercifully, the next day we stayed at Charlie’s and rested. What a treat! By then, we were numb.
“The next day it was Universal Studios, and the following afternoon, Charlie and his wife thought we would enjoy going with them on a Hollywood bus tour. At least we got to sit, but I don’t think either of us could tell you anything we saw. Our minds had shut down by then. We lead a slower life in Paia. This go-go-go attitude is something we aren’t used to, and that freeway driving scared us like crazy. Guess we’re showing our age.”
“With that schedule, I wouldn’t have fared much better, and I’m only thirty-six,” Leslie said, laughing. “Do you want some coffee, Annie, and what can I get for you, George?”
“I would love a cup of your good coffee, thank you.”
“Just a water for me. The air here has made me dry.”
“I can understand that. The Santa Anas have been blowing, and they can make your throat and nose feel like a dust bowl. I’ll bring your drinks right away. Sit back, strap in, and relax. You can nap all the way to Maui.”
“I hope we recover enough to handle our classes on Tuesday.”
“Don’t remind me. I’ve been trying to forget, but this nagging little voice keeps telling me volleyball camp is in two days.”
“Once we get home, let’s forget about unpacking and just sleep.”
Leslie brought coffee and water, telling them, “We have a nice lunch ready whenever you feel like eating. Today we have a pasta dish you can heat up in the microwave, along with some garlic bread. There is green salad that just needs dressing. If you need any help, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll leave you on your own.”
“Thank you. When we feel like lunch, we’ll help ourselves.”
After takeoff, both Annie and George slept for about three hours. They woke up hungry, prepared lunch, ate, and cleaned up afterward. Taking their seats with full stomachs, they dozed until Leslie came and told them they would be landing shortly.
George and Annie followed Neil down the stairway and helped load their luggage into a waiting taxi. Annie thanked Leslie and gave her their phone number, making her promise to call if she or Neil decided to spend some time on Maui.
As the taxi pulled up to their home, Annie turned to George. “I had a great time, but I’m so glad we’re home.”
“Me too, honey, me too.”
They got luggage from the taxi up the stairs into a stuffy house and turned on the air so they could lock the house and nap. George was taking the last piece of luggage into the bedroom when someone knocked on the lanai slider.
“George, is that someone at the door?”
“It’s Ned Keller from across the driveway. Hi, Ned, come on in. We’re just back from a couple of weeks on the mainland. What can I do for you?” George said, letting Ned in, Annie joining them.
“Folks, I wanted you to hear the news as soon as you got back because I didn’t want you to face any awkward moments with Mr. Soo. Thursday after you left, Mrs. Soo passed away from a massive stroke.”
“What! I can’t believe it. Was she alone when it happened?”
“Annie, sorry to report, it happened midmorning, and Mr. Soo doesn’t return from his walks until late afternoon. The coroner said she died immediately and did not suffer.”
“What about services?” George asked.
“There were no services. Her remains were cremated, and after paying a large sum to the Chinese government, her sons took her remains back to China for burial next to her parents. She would have wanted that. She missed her beloved China so much.”
“How is Mr. Soo doing? Is he on the island, or did he go with one of his sons in Oahu?”
“No, he’s here, although not in their home. It’s now for sale. Mr. Soo bought that little bungalow across the street from his former home, the one that had been on the market for over six months with owners anxious to sell. It wasn’t moving because it was a two-bedroom, one-bath home. I helped him get quick occupancy, and Fiona helped him with furnishing. Mr. Soo spent about four hours in his old home, gathering things that mattered to him, then left and never went back. After getting rid of Mrs. Soo’s personal items, the property is up for sale as it was left.”
“Ned, we’re shocked. Do you think we should go visit Mr.
Soo?” George asked.
“He would love to see you both. He’s back at his daily routine, except he has both breakfast and dinner at Otis’s and gets home around sunset. He appears to be fine, but I do think he missed you folks. He has asked me twice when you were getting back. I’m going to go now. I know you are just getting back home and have a lot to attend to. I’m sorry I had to hit you with the news, but I felt you would want to know right away.”
“Thank you, Ned. We’ll go see Mr. Soo later this evening. We’re so shocked all this happened and feel bad we weren’t here to assist him when he might have needed us.”
“Well, Annie, you never know when tragedy will strike. We can’t sit around waiting for bad things to happen,” Ned left Annie and George, going back to his home.
George pulled Annie into him, holding her tightly. “Honey, we should call Dewey and let him know, then he can phone Layla. I imagine she has left for New York by now.”
“I hate to tell him. He was quite close to Mr. Soo. They enjoyed each other’s company,” Annie said.
Dewey was at his desk when his private cell rang. He saw the call was from George and Annie and assumed they were going to tell him they were back home. “Hi, folks, guess this means you made it home safely. Glad you called.”
“Dewey, we’re fine, but we have bad news.” Annie got that much out before her voice broke, and she handed the phone to George.
“My god, what’s happened?”
“Ned, our neighbor from across the street just left after telling us that Mrs. Soo passed away instantly, suffering a stroke Thursday after we left. Besides that, Mr. Soo has purchased the little bungalow across the street from his former home. He’s moved in, and his beachfront home is now for sale. Mrs. Soo’s remains were cremated and sent to China for burial beside her parents.”
“I can’t believe all this has happened so quickly. Was there or is there going to be some type of memorial service for Mrs. Soo?”
Maui Murders Page 15