Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “We were just people watching, having a cup of coffee,” Fiona said while Layla offered a pleasant smile. “Layla has selected some items for her bathrooms, and we’re stuck on the vanities. We thought you could give us your input.”

  “My pleasure, ladies. Let’s see what you’ve selected.”

  Layla and Fiona showed Herb the selections already made and told him of the nautical theme.

  “Sounds perfect with the large subway tiles and navy grout. The mirrors and light fixtures I sketched will go great with your theme. It will be subtle, and it will look very classy.”

  “That’s what I hope to achieve, Herb. Come look at the vanities. There doesn’t seem to be anything that fits into my scheme.”

  At the vanity section, Herb did a lot of looking at models and color palettes. “Layla, I have an idea, and, Fiona, please voice your opinion on this too. My partner, Wade, is a terrific carpenter, and he could build you matching vanities. I have in mind a weathered-gray look, like that commonly seen on Eastern Seaboard summer homes. It would go well with the gray tiles in both those retro showers.”

  “Herb, that’s perfect,” said Fiona, nodding her approval.

  “I like that idea, but is Wade a good carpenter?” asked Layla.

  Herb grinned broadly, saying, “He’s excellent. In fact, ask Marty. He apprenticed under him, so you know he learned from the best.”

  “My gosh, what a small world,” said Layla.

  “No, just a small island,” Herb said.

  “I’m learning that!” Layla said, laughing.

  “For the top of Wade’s vanities, we could have silestone installed in a navy blue, then have deep undermount rectangle white sinks. I think that would look stunning,” Fiona said.

  “That would look spectacular. Let’s get simple round brushed nickel knobs for the drawers and cabinets, keeping that low-key.”

  “Are we all in agreement then?” Herb asked. The ladies nodded their approval. “Let’s pick out the faucets while we’re all here. Then you are basically done making your selections for the bathrooms.”

  They chose simple brushed nickel hardware for the sinks and tubs. Herb loaded everything except the tubs, sinks, and toilets in his truck, telling the clerk he would be back tomorrow with helpers to pick up the remainder of the order. He arranged to meet Layla late Sunday afternoon and unload the items into her garage.

  Back in the car, Fiona said, “We don’t have time for more shopping, but, my dear, we’ve accomplished more than I imagined.”

  “I agree. Thanks to you and hunky Herb.”

  “Oh, that’s cute. I will think of him now as hunky Herb.”

  “May I take you to lunch?” Layla asked, figuring a refusal would be forthcoming.

  “How lovely. It would be my pleasure. If you like Chinese food, there is a terrific Chinese restaurant in the strip that has the best Chinese food on the island. A good tell is that it is always full of Chinese customers.”

  “Great. I ate a lot of Chinese in New York, and I miss the wonderful flavors.”

  After they finished their egg flower soup, while waiting for the main course, Layla asked a question she had wondered about. “Fiona, where were you and Ned when the storm struck Maui?”

  “Ned has a sister that lives on Oahu, and when she heard Maui would be in the storm’s path, she demanded we fly to Oahu to be out of harm’s way. Ned’s sister is wonderful. She is the family matriarch. We all acquiesce to her, and she’s usually right. When she heard about the Okamoto murders, she said but for the grace of God and her, it might have been Ned and me. Well, I didn’t believe that, but frankly, I was grateful we weren’t here when that horrible business happened. Do you think Annie has completely gotten over her experience?”

  “No, I think she has blocked it out, and George agrees. He said she seems more delicate than she used to be and cries easier at her favorite old tunes on the radio or at old movies. I love those two. They have helped me so much, I will never be able to repay what they have given to me. They have played a big part in my recovery.”

  “I can only imagine how horrible the loss of your child must have been. But honestly, if Kyle had been my husband and he announced he was leaving me for Kim, I would have beat him to a pulp.”

  “Fiona, I believe you would have. By the time it got to that point, I was so numb, I didn’t feel anything. I craved the idea of being alone.”

  Their food arrived, and both ate a delicious Chinese lunch. On the way back, Layla said, “I really enjoyed today. We talk so much business, it was fun just to chat about other things.”

  “Come in, and I’ll fix us a latte. I don’t care if it was Chinese, I still like a latte to finish off my meal.”

  “Sounds great!”

  Enjoying their lattes, Layla continued the conversation, “The good thing about my divorce is what Dewey has come to mean to me. I believe I’ve fallen in love with that man, and he’s as much as told me that’s how he feels. I hope, after my home is remodeled, he’ll come over for a visit, and we’ll take our relationship to the next level, if you know what I mean.”

  “That’s such an exciting and fun time. I had my first sexual experience when I was fifteen with one of my shooting coaches. All my doing, I wanted to get rid of that virgin stigma. It wasn’t thrilling, but at least I got that out of the way. I had a number of lovers before making my way to Hawaii. The French and Italians are very overrated. But, honey, let me tell you the Dutch are wonderful. I learned so much from two different Dutchmen that were my lovers. Frankly, they don’t call them Dutch masters for their paintings!”

  “Wow, you had an exciting youth.”

  “It sure was, and I was quite stunning in my youth. Long red-brown hair, big breasts, tiny waist, and long muscular legs, and I knew I was a knockout and used it for all it was worth.”

  “Fiona, you are still a stunning woman. Everyone comments on your legs and your great shape.”

  “Thanks, dear, but you should have seen me in my early twenties. That is when I met Ned. I was in Hawaii on a photo shoot for the Italian Olympic team. Two team members and I were having Mai Tais at an outdoor bar in a popular plaza in Oahu. I looked at a nearby table, and there was this beautiful man. About six feet, sun-bleached blond hair, bronze tan, and dressed extremely well, looked like money. The other two people he was drinking with got up and left, and he paid the bill but sat and finished his drink. That was all I needed. I had on short shorts, a halter top, and platform sandals, and I knew I looked hot. I sauntered up to him, stuck out my hand, and in my best Italian accent, introduced myself.”

  * * *

  “It’s a pleasure to meet such a stunning representative of Italy. My name is Ned Keller. The gentlemen that left before you came over are my silent partners in a new business I’m starting up, Ned Keller Real Estate.”

  “Well, Mr. Ned Keller, that is wonderful. I believe I can be an asset to your new business. Hawaii is the final stop on our Italian Olympic team photo shoot, and from here, we go back to Italy, if we choose. I’m a university graduate in interior design. Hire me, and I guarantee you a distinctive interior design representative for your firm.”

  An amusing smile crossed Ned’s face. “I believe we need to discuss this further, Fiona. Right now, I have to sign a rental agreement for my office space, but let me take you to dinner tonight.”

  “That would be lovely, Ned.” Fiona gave him her hotel information and went back to her table of fellow Olympians. “I’m having dinner tonight with my future husband,” she declared.

  * * *

  “Fiona, you knew right then and there you were going to marry Ned?” Layla asked, not sure she believed what she was hearing.

  “Yes, no doubt about it. He moved me sexually, and he also moved a part of me that had never been touched before, my heart. It was so unexpected.

  “Ned and I shared a l
ovely dinner at an upscale restaurant and talked business throughout dinner. I, of course, was dressed in one of my most alluring outfits, but I swear he seemed unfazed. I was shocked when after dinner, he escorted me back to my hotel and said good night at the door. I had imagined us having a wildly romantic evening, burning up the sheets. Just as I was about to close the door, he asked if I would be interested in dinner tomorrow evening. I naturally said yes. He told me to wear something very comfortable, just shorts and a top would be fine.

  “The next evening I wore white eyelet short shorts and a yellow blouse that I tied up on my midriff. The yellow highlighted my tan and hair color. Once again, I knew I looked hot. I brought along a large Hermes tote, a graduating gift from a former lover, which held a portfolio of my design work. When he came to the door, he had on casual shorts and a light blue Oxford shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He was beautiful. We got into his car, not the Lincoln of last night but an open-air Jeep, and he drove out of town to the other side of the island. He turned off on a dirt road, headed toward the ocean. That damned road was so bumpy, I thought I would lose the shape of my great buns. I took a lot of pride in their shape.”

  Layla started laughing. “Fiona, I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying this tale. Please continue.”

  “He stopped the car at a small cliff overlooking the water. We got out, and he produced a large picnic basket. He gave me a blanket and towels to carry, and we went to the beach. It was very secluded, and we set things up so we could rest our backs on some lava rocks. We had sandwiches, salads, and a remarkable red wine with fresh strawberries and papaya for dessert. After dinner, I produced my portfolio and showed him my design work. He was surprised. He thought I was not what I claimed to be. Well, I showed him. I had won several university awards for my work. After he finished viewing my work, awards, and letters of accommodation, I asked him if he was ready to give me a job. He said he was seriously considering it, then smiled his melt-your-heart smile.

  “I suggested we go for a swim, then began to get up and undress. He said he didn’t bring any swim trunks. I told him, laughing, I didn’t either and took off my bra and panties and headed toward the water. I heard him say, ‘Oh shit,’ and he began stripping and followed me into the water.”

  Layla sat entranced by Fiona’s story, saying, “This is so romantic. Go on. I can’t wait to hear what you did next!”

  “When he got into the water, I waded up to him, put my arms around his neck, and smiled.”

  * * *

  “You have a beautiful body, Fiona. Aren’t you bothered by this nude swim?”

  “Of course not. I’m European. I’ve swam and sunbathed on nude beaches for years. Is this new for you?”

  “I’ve never swam in the nude before with a female. With the guys, yes. You’re making it difficult for me to keep my hands off you.”

  * * *

  Fiona smiled with the memory. “I pushed into him closer and swung my legs around his waist, knowing I was teasing him horribly. ‘Then why try?’ I said, kissing him passionately. Let me tell you, Layla, that was the first of several meaningful kisses, and we went back to the beach and made love. I will say, though, an afterglow moment with all that sand stuck everywhere is impossible!

  “We left the beach and went back to his condo where I spent the night. The next morning he agreed to give me a chance as his design assistant in Ned Keller Real Estate. I do believe we wore each other out making love before we reached an agreement. I also agreed to move in with him. We married six months later. It’s been perfect ever since. Of course, we’ve had our ups and downs, which means making up is especially sweet.”

  Fiona gently gripped Layla’s arm. “Layla, Dewey is in love with you. Don’t waste the opportunity to find true love. Believe me, it makes life so wonderful. Look at Annie and George, Ned and me, happy people still in love with the person they married.”

  CHAPTER 47

  Fiona said goodbye to Layla and reminded her about Herb’s delivery the following afternoon. Fiona was ready to unlock her door when she heard a scraping noise coming from the Boones’. Looking over, she saw George cleaning their large grill with Annie supervising. Fiona waved and said, “Annie, mind if I come over? I need to talk with you about something.”

  “Sure, come on over.”

  Fiona made her way to the top of the Boones’ lanai. “Come on up,” said Annie. “George is doing our every-three-months grill cleaning.”

  “Well, it’s not my damn idea. This grill does not need a good cleaning once every three months. Once every six months is plenty.” He was wearing an old black T-shirt, dark board shorts, and large kitchen rubber gloves.

  “George, you certainly are making a fashion statement,” Fiona said, chuckling.

  “Very funny, Fiona. Annie insists I do this every three months to lessen the grease buildup, she says, but I think it’s more a personal torture,” George said, resuming his scraping.

  “Fiona, sit down,” Annie said, gesturing to a chair. “What can I help you with?”

  “Layla and I went on a shopping trip today, and she told me about the mattress factory you took her to yesterday. She spoke very highly of their professionalism and was impressed with their prices. I’ve lived here for years, and I never heard about them, so I thought maybe you could give me a card or name so I could go and introduce myself.”

  “Sure, no problem. We found out about them because George worked with the brother of the owner, and we’ve been buying from them for years. They don’t solicit individual business but concentrate on local hotels, hospitals, those types of clients. However, they gladly sell to the general public. We’ve always been happy with their quality and service. Let me go inside and get you their card.”

  Fiona got up and walked over to the grill; looking in at George’s work, she said, “Bet you won’t use that again soon?”

  “Going to use it tonight. It aggravates Annie. I figure it’s the least I can do if I have to clean it every three months. You better step back before I splash grease on you.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get in your way.”

  Annie returned with the business card and handed it to Fiona.

  “Thanks so much. When I call, I’ll be sure and say you gave me their card,” Fiona said, looking at her watch.

  “I was going to offer you a drink, but if you have to be somewhere, I’ll understand,” Annie said.

  “No, I’ll take a drink. It’s just that Ned should have been back from his golf game by now.”

  “When I was coming back from my Saturday honey-do run, I saw him and Donnie going into the Visitors Center. Ned had an armload of blueprints with him.”

  “Thank you, George. You have relieved my mind.”

  “Did you just say honey-do run? You’re a grumpy old geezer this afternoon. Hurry up, and I’ll get you a beer,” Annie said, shaking her head and smiling. “What can I get for you, Fiona? I might add, I make a great Mai Tai.”

  “That sounds lovely. Will you join me, Annie?”

  “Yep, need something to cheer me up after all the verbal abuse I’ve been taking from my husband.”

  George mumbled into his grill, neither woman able to understand what he was saying. Fiona decided she would steer clear of George while Annie went in and made their Mai Tais. As Annie was coming out with their drinks, Ned pulled into his driveway. Fiona got up and signaled him. “Ned, I’m over here. Come on over.”

  Ned walked onto the lanai, and Fiona went over and hugged him. “I was worried about you,” she said, planting a kiss on his cheek.

  “I’m sorry. I should have called and told you Donnie and I went to check out something I discovered last night while going over the plans for the Visitors Center, a small thing that could turn into difficulty later on. Now all has been taken of,” Ned said, putting his arm around her and smiling. “Always good to be missed by my lo
vely wife.”

  “See, Annie, a loving couple,” George said crisply.

  “George, are you two fighting?” Ned asked with a grin.

  “No, we’re not fighting. George gets a bit testy when he scrubs the grill.”

  “Damned dirty job and only necessary every six months, not three,” George said emphatically.

  “Fiona, that’s why I don’t grill anymore. I hated cleaning that thing, so I bought us the Jenn-Air inside grill.”

  “Honey, it’s not the same as food grilled over charcoals,” Fiona said softly.

  Anxious to change the subject, Annie asked Ned if he would like a drink, and he also decided on a Mai Tai.

  When Annie came out with his drink, George said to Annie, “OK, Sarge, ready for your inspection.”

  “Sweetie, I don’t need to inspect anything. You always do a good job. Go clean up, and I’ll have a cold beer waiting for you.”

  When George returned, Annie handed him his beer, saying, “Thank you, honey, for cleaning the grill.”

  “You’re welcome, and we’re grilling tonight. Fiona and Ned, we’re not having anything special, just hamburgers. Want to join us?”

  “Well, you don’t have to ask me twice. Absolutely,” said Fiona. “What can I bring? I know, I make a killer lemon cream pie, and it doesn’t take any time to make.”

  “Great,” said George. “Annie has already made her terrific pea salad, and we’ll do cheeseburgers. I’m getting hungry all ready.”

  “We should invite Layla and Mr. Soo. He’ll smell the grilling and be hurt he wasn’t invited.”

  “By all means,” said George, “give them a call.”

  Annie called Layla, and both she and Mr. Soo eagerly accepted the invitation. Layla said she was in the process of making baked macaroni and cheese for Mr. Soo and would bring that with them.

  “That sounds terrific. I haven’t had macaroni and cheese for ages. We’ll have drinks and snacks about seven, and George can fire up the grill at eight. See you then.”