Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “We’ll be ready. Looking forward to the evening, George,” said Ned sincerely.

  George left and went back home. He felt sure Ned was going to get an earful from Fiona.

  “How come you never told me you wanted to go to Bird’s?”

  “Because I knew you wouldn’t want to go, and I like to defer to my lovely wife.”

  “Then how come we’re going tonight?”

  “Because our good neighbors asked us to join them, and they are doing work for the Visitors Center,” said Ned sharply.

  “Oh, right, I forgot about that. Who knows, it might be a fun night, and I promise I won’t be snooty.” Fiona reached over and gave Ned a kiss on the cheek.

  “Annie,” George called out, “Ned and Fiona are joining us. I don’t think Fiona is too thrilled about it, but Ned said he always wanted to go to Bird’s.”

  George called Bird’s and ordered steaks for four; when he told Byrd who they would be bringing, he sounded about as happy to have Fiona in his place as she was to be there. George hung up, saying they would see him around seven for drinks, then dinner at eight.

  CHAPTER 61

  Dewey phoned Layla Saturday morning telling her everything was set for him to arrive next Friday. They had reservations at an inn at Mama’s through Tuesday of the next week. He would return to Salt Lake City late Wednesday morning.

  “Honey, you’ve made me so happy. I miss you so much and feel so safe when we’re together.”

  “Safe, that’s a funny word to use. Is someone bothering you? Is something wrong?”

  “No, it’s just that—oh, I don’t know, sometimes I wonder if everything is truly real here.”

  “Layla, what are you talking about?” Dewey asked, deep concern in his voice.

  “Everything is going so well, the work on our house, finding furniture, the Visitors Center is really coming along, you and I are going to be married, and yet none of this would have happened if it hadn’t been for those horrible murders. Thinking of that scares me.”

  “I need you too. Sometimes I get too nerdy for my own good. That’s why I ended up in Paia, hiding out for half a year. I was afraid if I kept on at the pace I was going, I would end up with a breakdown or worse. We’ll take care of each other. OK with you?”

  “I’ll love you like crazy, and we will always take care of each other. Thank you for telling me what you just shared. Now I don’t feel so needy,” Layla said.

  “That’s just it, honey. We are needy, we need each other.”

  “On a lighter note, I’m going out sketching tomorrow to finish a couple more charcoals for the house and one more for the Visitors Center to sell.”

  “What plans do you have for the rest of the week?”

  “I’ll check with Fiona later today, no telling what she has in store. We still have to make a trip to Oahu, which I would like to get out of the way. I’ve got to get the dimensions to Wade for the large flat-screen television for the living room so he can begin to make the shelves. The air-conditioning people will be finished by the end of next week or first of the following week. Then things will really start to move fast.”

  “I can’t wait to see where things stand. That’s going to be our home-away-from-home for many years.”

  Thirty minutes after she finished talking with Dewey, Layla was sitting on Mr. Soo’s lanai when she saw Fiona returning from a run. Fiona looked like she had run a marathon, sweaty, slightly panting, hair flying all over, and red faced.

  “How about coming up for a cold glass of either iced tea or lemonade?” Layla called out.

  “I could use the lemonade, I’m thirsty.”

  Fiona made her way up to Mr. Soo’s lanai and sat down weakly in a chair. Layla came out with a cold pitcher of fresh lemonade and poured a glass for Fiona who drank the cold sugar-boost and held out her glass for a refill.

  “Are you in training for some type of marathon or something?”

  “No, I’m in training for eating a fattening dinner this evening. If I do this now, I can enjoy the meal without feeling guilty.”

  “Fiona, your logic is amazing,” said Layla, laughing. “I need your sage advice on a couple of items. First off, let me tell you Dewey is coming for five days, beginning this coming Friday.”

  “You’re not staying with Mr. Soo, are you? I imagine you will be spending the first couple of days in bed, and that could be awkward.”

  “Funny, a month ago, I would have been shocked by that remark. Now I think it’s thoughtful of you to ask. Dewey has arranged for a bungalow at Mama’s. That way, we will ensure our privacy. Anyway, I noticed while I was sitting here this morning, my legs are getting fuzzy, and I need another manicure and pedicure. I hate to have to go all the way to the Four Seasons for the upkeep. Is there any local place you can recommend, and do you think my hair needs a little clipping?”

  “Glad you’ve made other sleeping arrangements,” Fiona said, smiling. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her cell phone. “Get a paper and pencil, and I’ll give you the name and phone number of local places that do great work. I use them. Be sure and tell them I recommended you. They will treat you right or they will hear from me, and they know it. Your hair is fine for a couple of more weeks, then you will need to get it cut again.”

  Layla got a paper and pencil and copied names and phone numbers from Fiona’s contact list, including Choo Choo’s. “Do you need another refill on the lemonade?”

  “No, another one, and I’ll have to run that off too. I need to go home and get a good hot shower. If Ned is home, he can give me a rubdown. I’m sure I’ll have sore thighs.”

  “My, that sounds romantic, a nice warm shower and a rubdown.”

  “Well, it might if Ned was a few years younger, but after last night, I don’t think he’ll be, shall we say, up for anything else this afternoon. Enjoy it frequently for as long as you can. Poor boys, their testosterone level really starts falling off once they hit there sixties, and they are only good for maybe a couple of times a week. Pity, I’m just as ready and able as ever.”

  “I think Dewey and I have quite a few good years left, but I’ll keep that in the back of my mind. Have you ever considered that Viagra pill?”

  “There is no way I would even consider letting Ned take one of those, and he knows it. Here’s my thinking: they do not have radar, and they enlarge muscle. The heart is a muscle, and I don’t give a damn what the doctors say, I don’t think they’re safe. Besides, if I can’t take care of getting my Ned excited enough for sex, I better turn in my Italian heritage.”

  “Fiona, you need to write a book,” Layla said, laughing.

  “Actually, I once said that to Ned, and he said it would have to wait until he was dead because if not, he would probably die of embarrassment. I can’t imagine why he feels that way. Everything I say would be truthful.”

  “Well, you know some men like to keep their love life, especially with their wife, private.”

  “Perhaps you’re right, but he should be proud. He was and is a real stud.”

  CHAPTER 62

  At seven Saturday evening, the Boones and Kellers were on their way to Bird’s. George pulled into the gravel lot of Bird’s, which looked better after dark than in daylight.

  “Well, folks, here we are,” George said. He aided Annie out of the car as Ned helped Fiona. Fiona gave a faint audible sigh as they went up the ramp to the foyer of Bird’s.

  Annie walked into the bar, followed by Fiona, Ned, and George. When Bird saw Annie, he let out one of his whistles, and she went over and placed her cheek close for him to nudge.

  Next, Bird saw Fiona and let out a loud shrieking whistle. Fiona smiled fondly at him, went to his perch, and stroked the soft feathers on his head, something no one dared attempt. She cooed to him, and he bent down and nuzzled her cheek as she continued petting him.

  “My na
me is Fiona,” she told him softly.

  Bird yelled “Fiona!” at the top of his bird voice, silencing those in the bar and causing Bird to come from behind the bar into the foyer.

  “What the heck? My god, you’re petting him!”

  “Goodness, yes, he’s the sweetest little darling I’ve ever seen,” Fiona said softly.

  Byrd shook his head and went back behind the bar.

  “Let’s get a table and a drink,” said George.

  “You folks go ahead, and, Ned, order me a vodka martini. I’m just going to stay here a minute and talk to this baby.”

  Making their way to a booth midway inside the bar, Ned said, “Mark my words, the minute she gets over here, she’ll want a parrot. Then I’ll have to talk her out of it, which will make her pout.” Ned shook his head and ginned at the Boones.

  Byrd came over to take their drink order.

  “What’s with your namesake there, Byrd?” asked George.

  “Apparently, he’s found his soul mate, or better yet, with the color of her hair and the way she’s talking to him, he probably thinks she’s his mommy.”

  “Don’t tell Fiona that. She’ll want to take her baby home.”

  “I’ve never seen him so smitten before. I guess Fiona Keller has lived up to her reputation.”

  “My wife, in some way or another, is always living up to her reputation.” Ned said with a laugh. “She’s instructed me to order her a vodka martini with olives, and I’ll have a Heineken Light.”

  “I’ll try one of Fiona’s martinis too,” said Annie.

  “I’ll take the same as Ned,” said George.

  Byrd brought drinks, and Fiona tore herself away from her new pal, sitting down at their booth. “Ned, we should seriously look into owning an exotic bird.”

  “Absolutely not, they spit seeds, and their toilet habits take a great deal of tending to. Whenever you feel a need to fluff some exotic bird feathers, we’ll come here.”

  “Ned, you’re being unreasonable. Think how much fun we could have teaching a bird to talk.”

  “Dearest, we are on the go too much to tend to any animal.”

  “Oh, perhaps you have a point there,” said Fiona, tasting her drink. “My goodness, this is lovely. How’s yours, Annie?”

  “I like this. I never tried a vodka martini before, much better than gin. I had an aunt that if she ran out of perfume, she would put gin behind her ears and on her wrists, said it smelled so much like perfume no one never knew.”

  “Tastes like it too,” declared Fiona.

  “Hi, folks,” greeted Jessie Byrd, who came in the nights Byrd cooked to tend bar in his place. “Good to see you, George, Annie, and who are our new customers?”

  “Ned and Fiona Keller,” said Ned, extending his hand to Jessie.

  “I love your beautiful bird. Do you take him home at night, or does he stay here and act as a guard bird?”

  “Pleased to meet you, folks. Bird comes home with us each night. We screened in a section of our lanai, then added lots of plants and bushes. We let him roam around at night. He’s not able to fly, but he likes to hop around and perch wherever he wants. He’s family to us. We never had children, and I guess, he’s our child substitute. Funniest thing is him riding in the car. He gets in the back seat and bobs around looking out the rear window. We get a lot of stares. I better get behind the bar so Byrd can get to his grill.”

  “Jessie, when you have time, I need to talk with you,” said Annie.

  “Fine, let’s make it after Byrd is through cooking.”

  Byrd brought their dinners. Porterhouse steaks were served with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and Maui onions.

  After several bites, Fiona declared, “This is superb. I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten a finer piece of meat. These potatoes and grilled vegetables are excellent. Ned, why haven’t you brought us here before?”

  “Well, guess I never thought of it. I’m glad you’re enjoying dinner.”

  Annie and George looked at each other, smiling.

  After dinner, everyone sat and moaned about how they had overeaten but enjoyed every morsel. Annie saw Byrd relieve Jessie from behind the bar and went over to speak with her.

  “Jessie, I’m signing up Paia residents to work a two-hour shift at the Visitors Center as docents. George and I will be doing the training, and Hilo Hatties is providing custom-fitted Hawaiian shirts. I hope I can add your name to our list. We’ll have a meeting where those volunteering can select their desired shift.”

  “Annie, it would be my honor to be a docent at the center. I am so pleased that you have asked me. Have you scheduled a meeting date yet?”

  “No, I’m still recruiting and so is George. The plan is to have an older person work with a younger Paia person at the reception desk. George is hoping to recruit some of the windsurfers here tonight.”

  “There are a lot of the young Paia folks that have deep ties to this area, and I believe he will find them anxious to contribute their time, keeping in mind they have pretty heavy schedules. Many of them go to college and work, plus windsurfing, but I know they will try their best to work this into their schedule.”

  Annie went back to their table and added Jessie to her list. She told George what Jessie said about the windsurfers’ willingness to volunteer. The band was busy setting up for the evening, and soon sixties, seventies, and eighties rock music filled the bar.

  “Ned, let’s get out there. That’s what we need to work off some of this dinner,” said Fiona, nudging Ned toward the end of his seat.

  “Lord, Fiona, look out there. There’s nothing but young folks on the dance floor.”

  “Excellent, we can show them how to dance.”

  With that, Fiona and Ned headed toward the dance floor. George and Annie scooted around, George saying, “I can’t want to see what Fiona does. No doubt she feels free to abandon restraint.”

  “Honey, I don’t believe the words restraint and Fiona are compatible.”

  Amazingly, Ned and Fiona danced very well to “Honky Tonk Woman.” It seemed like they had a silent routine; several of the younger crowd paused to admire the older couple. That was followed by a slower “Always” with George and Annie joining in on the dance floor. After the number ended, George and Annie went back to the booth as “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” boomed from the jukebox. Fiona and Ned stayed dancing. Ned came back to the booth, but Fiona continued dancing with one of the younger men.

  “Whew, I’m worn out and need a beer,” Ned declared, dropping into the booth.

  “Where does she get all the stamina?” asked Annie.

  “Beats the hell out of me,” said Ned. “She’s always had this higher than normal energy level. I’ll tell you this, though, when she goes to sleep, she’s dead to the world. We once were in Southern California when they had a 5.0 earthquake. I jumped out of the hotel bed and figured she was behind me, but nope, she never stirred, slept through the whole thing.”

  George gazed at the dance floor and spotted Fiona with arms high in the air, wiggling away.

  “She’s having a ball,” he said, laughing. “I’m going to guess that between that bird, the food, and dancing, she’ll have you bringing her back here before long.”

  “No doubt,” said Ned with a smile.

  “If you folks will excuse me, I see a couple of windsurfers I want to speak to about doing docent work. These are Paia-born kids, and they knew the Okamotos, so I think I’ll have no trouble recruiting them for a couple of hours per week. Annie, give me your pad and pencil. That way, I can get names and phone numbers.”

  George went to his recruitment duties, and Fiona made her way back to the booth. “I need something cold to drink, catch my breath, then I’m back out there. This is so much fun!”

  Fiona drank half a beer, and Ned got Annie out on the dance floor for a milder ol
die. When they got back, George was sitting at the booth with a big smile. “You looked great out there, honey.”

  “You don’t dance?” asked Ned.

  “Only the slow ones, I always felt uncomfortable dancing fast with my height. Annie, not only did I get six windsurfers to sign up, but two of them said their moms wanted to be docents also. I’ve got their names and phone numbers for you. They also gave me names of other windsurfers not here tonight because of their age whom I should ask. We’re doing quite well. Is Fiona still out on the dance floor?” George asked, looking into the crowd on the dance floor.

  “I expect so, said she was having a ball, then headed back out,” said Ned.

  Close to one o’clock, the group made their way out of Bird’s, Fiona cooing goodbye to Bird with a promise she would be back to see him soon. She thanked George and Annie several times for the great evening.

  CHAPTER 63

  Layla and Mr. Soo were coming back from the grocery store when Layla spotted Fiona on her lanai.

  “After we get things inside, I’m going to talk to Fiona about making a trip to Oahu this coming week. I need to finish up buying the big-ticket items for the house.”

  “You go on over. I’ll put things away for us.”

  “Thanks.” Layla walked next door and asked Fiona if she had a minute.

  “Sure, Ned’s out for a round of golf, and I was sitting here thinking about how much fun we had last night. Have you ever been to Bird’s?”

  “Love it, great place, and food is terrific too.”

  “George and Annie took us there last night. They both wanted to do some docent recruiting. I fell madly in love with Bird, the parrot, that is,” Fiona added quickly. “The food was outstanding. Then we danced the night away. Well, I actually danced a lot more than Ned. Those young folks really know how to have fun,” Fiona said, smiling fondly.

  “Sounds like you did have a good time. Can we schedule a trip to Oahu for next Wednesday? It seems there is nothing for me to do at the house, you have everyone working so well, and I’m feeling lost, just waiting for Dewey to get here on Friday.”