The ladies enjoyed a hearty lunch, then caught their return flight to Maui.
CHAPTER 65
Layla returned to Mr. Soo’s a little after one Thursday afternoon. She admired the pinkish salmon color on her nails and toes, but best of all, she was thrilled that her second bikini wax was hardly painful. Her first task was to go to Fiona’s and pay her current bill. She also wanted Fiona to accompany her as she told the workers of her upcoming plans. Once all that was accomplished, she would begin her packing and make a couple of casseroles of macaroni and cheese for Mr. Soo.
Fiona and Layla sat at Fiona’s counter as she explained her bill, emphasizing that she did not charge for her time at Mrs. Steinmetz’s, fully expecting that visit would lead to a large commission for Ned. Layla knew Fiona would not forget the charges unless she wanted to forget. She paid the bill as presented, adding a large sum, which was Fiona’s estimate for the final payment for the air-condition installation.
Fiona felt sure by the time Layla returned from Salt Lake City, all floors would be done, walls painted, bathrooms close to complete, if not totally completed, and the living room shelving finished. If things got done earlier, she would make arrangements to have the furniture shipped over from Oahu. Layla could not believe her ears. It was just like Fiona had predicted: when everything began to be completed, it would all be done at once.
At Layla’s, they spoke with Wade and Herb about Layla’s plans and were told that would be fine, and if needed, they would contact Fiona; the same response was echoed by Chris and Josie. Satisfied all was taken care of, Layla and Fiona headed back to their respective homes. Layla began making macaroni-and-cheese casseroles, and Fiona went to the bank to deposit her large check.
By six o’clock Friday morning, Layla was up and in the shower. She was not able to sleep any longer and decided to have breakfast with Mr. Soo at Otis’s. Dewey told her the earliest he would arrive would be ten o’clock but would call about thirty minutes before their estimated landing time. Mr. Soo and Layla enjoyed their breakfast together. He let her know he would be fine while she was in Utah and reminded her that she would be getting married before too long and moving away permanently, so he had to get used to being without her pleasant company.
Layla reached across the table and laid her hand on top of his. “I will miss you so very much. We’ve had great fun together. You are very dear to me.”
“Thank you, Layla, you are dear to me also. Mrs. Soo and I only had sons, but if we would have had a daughter, I could not have wished for any better one than you. For that matter, if I had a granddaughter, I would want her to be like you. It seems the Soo family can only produce males, and they are too much like their father. It has not been until I’ve gotten to be an old man that I realize I missed so much of my sons as children, teens, and young men. Now they are all on Oahu keeping the business going, and I don’t even get to see my grandchildren that often.”
“Have you ever thought of moving to back to Oahu?”
“No, too hectic. I lived that fast-paced life too long. I’m used to the tranquility of Paia, and I have all my wonderful friends here. No, I’ll stay here. Besides, you and Dewey will come to your home often, and we will visit then.”
“We will be here as often as we can. Dewey has begun to reassign his workload. He’s putting more responsibility on others and freeing up his time.”
They finished their breakfast, said goodbye to Otis, and walked back to Mr. Soo’s. Layla loaded her first set of luggage in the car and went back inside to get another cup of coffee. After several hours of puttering, she decided to go and speak with Donnie, get a latte, and wait for Dewey’s call.
When she got to the bank, she asked Donnie if he would be going to the Visitors Center this afternoon and wondered if she and Dewey could drop by for a brief look around. Donnie, aware of the contribution Dewey had made to the project, readily agreed.
Layla was coming out of the coffee shop when her cell phone rang. It was Dewey telling her he would be landing in twenty minutes and couldn’t wait to see her. Layla got in her car and made the short drive to the airport.
Dewey peered out the window as his plane taxied toward the hangar. He thought he spotted Layla’s car and saw a figure standing near. As the plane grew closer, he could see it was his Layla, and he felt silly with anticipation, reminding himself he was a grown man and this was the woman he was going to marry. What the heck, he couldn’t wait to hold her and kiss her, too long without her near.
When the plane’s engines shut down, Layla drove on the tarmac to pick up Dewey and his luggage. The stair ramp was lowered, and Dewey came bounding toward her. They kissed and embraced, enjoying their togetherness. Dewey transferred his luggage to her car, and they left the airport.
“Dewey, it’s too early to check in, but I’ve arranged with Donnie to drop by the Visitors Center so you can see how the work is progressing. I also thought we could drop by our home so you can see how things are coming along. After the Visitors Center, lunch, and by the time we’ve finished, we can check in at Mama’s.”
“Sound good to me, and you look beautiful. I’ve missed you so much. I’m so happy you’re coming back with me. Agnes and Ted are thrilled you’ll be visiting. The way things are going here, it won’t be long before you’ll be moving in permanently to our Salt Lake City home. I’m assuming that it’s suitable for you.”
“Dewey, are you kidding? Your home is fabulous or, should I say, your compound. It has everything one could imagine.”
“Three-fourths of the house is closed most of the time, and we’ve never utilized the stable or tennis court areas. When it’s necessary to open up some of the rooms, we’ll hire more staff. I imagine once we’re married, we’ll open up more rooms. I’ve always hoped that home would be full of people, especially kids,” Dewey said, winking at Layla.
Layla grabbed Dewey’s hand and squeezed. “That would suit me just fine.”
Back in Paia, Layla pulled into her driveway, and they went in so Dewey could see all that had been accomplished since his last visit.
“I don’t see any of the air-conditioning people. Have they finished?” asked Dewey.
“Yes, they finished up yesterday. Chris and Josie are about finished sanding the floors. However, before they begin staining them, Fiona is having a crew in to wash walls and clean up the dust particles. As you can see, there is a layer of film everywhere. Until the air-conditioning people left, everyone coming in had to wear a mask.”
“I’m impressed with the ceilings, they are beautiful, and once dust is cleaned, they will shine. After the staining is done, will they paint?”
“Yes, and then basically, all will be done. I think Herb is close to having the larger of the two bathrooms finished, and he’s also working on the smaller one. Wade has the measurements for the shelves, and he’ll do the staining on them. As soon as the floors are done, Fiona will start moving the furniture in. Items coming from Mrs. Steinmetz may be delayed in arriving until she leaves the island.”
They went to the various rooms and greeted Chris, Josie, and Herb, commenting on their great work. Dewey imagined how peaceful it was going to be sitting out on the front lanai and watching the surf, Layla by his side.
Layla looked at her watch. “Let’s drop by the Boones so you can say hello to George and Annie. It’s too early to meet Donnie at the Visitors Center.”
They walked next door to the Boones’. George and Annie invited them in and explained the large docent chart that lay on the dining room table.
“I’m impressed how many people you’ve recruited,” said Dewey.
“It’s been easy. Many sought us out and asked to be on the list. We’re having a meeting a week from this coming Sunday at the Visitors Center to acquaint them with the inside, and the Hilo Hattie lady is coming to take measurements for shirts. Everyone will sign up for a shift time that will work into his or her sch
edules. Donnie is having brochures and city maps made, and hopefully, those will be ready for the meeting so each docent can take one home and become familiar with what’s inside. Annie is preparing a program she and I can work from to instruct the docents on information and procedures that will need to be followed in this type of an endeavor. Should be a busy and interesting few weeks.”
“Sounds to me like you guys have planned everything out. Of course, I realize one can never plan for the unexpected, but with you and Annie heading up this project, you’ll keep it all under control,” said Dewey, smiling at his friends.
Layla noticed Ned come outside to begin his Friday walk to the Visitors Center. She opened the lanai screen and yelled, “Ned, wait up! Dewey and I will go with you. We are going to meet Donnie there for a tour. I’m so anxious for Dewey to see how much progress has been made.”
Ned turned back and headed for the Boones’. George and Annie were on the back lanai, saying goodbye to Layla and Dewey.
“Layla and I will meet everyone at eight tomorrow evening at Bird’s. I’m sure looking forward to one of his good steaks.”
“Me too. It should be a fun evening. You and Layla will get to see Fiona and that parrot. Darnest thing I’ve ever seen,” said George.
“So I’ve heard. That Fiona, only she could charm that old Bird,” said Dewey with a laugh.
“What was that I heard about my Fiona?” Ned asked, smiling.
“George was commenting on how only Fiona could charm that parrot.”
“Lord, don’t remind me. Almost every evening, she wants to drive over there so she can coo to that bird. Frankly, I think it’s a little weird, but it makes her happy and a heck of a lot better than us getting our own parrot.”
“Dewey, let’s drive up to the center because we’ll have to leave around one for lunch. Come on, we’ll give you a lift,” said Layla, making her way down the stairs.
“Great, I’ve already played eighteen holes today, and it’s quite humid this afternoon. I will enjoy the ride up the hill.”
Dewey parked in the parking lot at the center and was impressed with the broad veranda that would serve as the eating area. Once inside, his jaw dropped in amazement. He could not believe this was the former Okamoto Market. There was no resemblance whatsoever to a market or store format. He was delighted with the openness and marveled at the old photos of Paia.
“Honey, are you all right?” asked Layla.
“I’m fine. This is a fabulous transformation. The residents of Paia can take pride in this facility. It’s beautiful.”
Ned went on to explain the architect’s vision and filled Dewey in on the immense contribution George had made to the final plans. He explained the area that Fiona would have charge of that would sell items made by local artists. He told him how the food line would work, ushering those purchasing food outside to eat on the veranda.
Dewey liked the welcoming feel of the docent’s area and imagined docents dressed in colorful Hawaiian shirts greeting visitors. Donnie came into the center and greeted everyone, then took Dewey and Layla around to specific areas, explaining the function of each in more detail.
“Donnie, it appears the Visitors Center and Mr. Soo’s former home will be completed about the same time. Funny how those two projects coincide.”
Layla looked at Dewey and tapped her watch. They told Donnie they had to be on their way, thanked him for the tour, and praised him for his dedication to the center. On the way out, they confirmed with Ned their eight o’clock dinnertime tomorrow night at Bird’s. They got in the car and went to Mama’s for lunch before check-in.
After lunch, they had about forty-five minutes before check-in. Dewey went to the check-in office and found out their room was ready and went ahead and checked-in. They spent the rest of the afternoon making love, discussing their future plans, and more than once laughing about Fiona and her Bird.
CHAPTER 66
Ned and Fiona arrived first. Ned sat at a large table as directed by Byrd. When Fiona walked in, Bird shrieked at the top of his bird lungs, temporarily silencing the bar. Fiona cooed and chatted with him, then joined Ned for a predinner cocktail.
George came into the living room as Annie secured the front lanai slider. “George, I don’t recall that shirt. You look very handsome this evening.”
“It’s one I used to wear to work, remember, with the dark-blue tie you liked? You look pretty darn hot yourself. You don’t wear a dress too often, but when you do, it makes me crazy,” George said, drawing Annie into him.
“George, you are the—”
George quickly placed his finger on her lips, saying, “Don’t say what you were going to say, just call me lustful. You, my love, make me lustful. I have a great idea. Let’s go back to the bedroom and be a bit late for dinner.” George bent down and kissed Annie longingly.
Annie pulled back and placed her hand on George’s cheek, smiling up into his face she said, “Honey, we shouldn’t be late for dinner, especially since it’s Dewey’s treat.”
“He and Layla won’t care if we’re late. After all, they have been at it for about twenty-four hours. They’ll probably be a bit late themselves.”
Annie smiled up at her husband. “Well, since you put it that way.”
Annie and George walked into Bird’s only twenty minutes late. They sat down in the booth, Annie saying, “Please excuse us for being late, but something came up.”
“No problem,” said Dewey, “we were a few minutes late ourselves.”
George beamed at his wife.
Later in the evening, when Dewey and Layla were on the dance floor, Dewey said, “George and Annie were late because they had a quickie before dinner. I could tell, George had a goofy grin on his face when Annie explained they were late because something came up.”
“Now that you mention it, he did look like the cat that swallowed the canary.”
Everyone enjoyed the evening with great food, dancing, and easy companionship. It was after one when they all left Bird’s.
Sunday morning, Ned backed the car out into the driveway, then closed and secured the garage door. He stood by the car door, looking up at the lanai, waiting for Fiona to appear.
George was on his third cup of coffee when he spotted Ned. “Wow, you have more pep than Annie and I. We even missed church this morning. Guess we overdid it a bit last night.”
“No, I’m just a tired as everyone else, but we have an appointment with Mrs. Steinmetz to see her estate, then we’re taking her to brunch at the club. Now, if Fiona will just hurry up, she’s a bit pooped herself but would never admit it.”
“What would I never admit to?” asked Fiona, coming out onto their front lanai.
“That you’re pooped like the rest of us,” said Ned, curious to hear her reply.
“Damned right I’ll admit to it. It took me three layers of makeup to hide the dark circles under my eyes. Geez, I hate getting older,” moaned Fiona. “Hello, George, you and Annie dragging like we are?”
“Oh yeah, we even missed church this morning. Annie hardly ever lets us miss church. Maybe our trouble is we don’t party enough instead of being too old. We’re just not used to all that late-night drinking and dancing.”
“George, I like your thinking. We’ll have to try it again soon.”
“Fiona, we’ve got to get going. Being late to Mrs. Steinmetz’s would not be suitable.”
“Yes, dear,” Fiona said, getting into their car.
As was her custom, Rebecca Steinmetz walked outside under the porte cochere to greet her guests. She extended her hand to Ned. “You’re Ned Keller. I’m so pleased you could inspect my home. I’m Rebecca Steinmetz.”
“I’m honored. Fiona has raved about your home ever since she returned from her initial visit.”
“Thank you, my late husband and I took such joy in living here. Ned, may I call you Ned
?”
“Yes, Mrs. Steinmetz, please do.”
“And call me Rebecca. I’m anxious for your advice on the property. Fiona believes it will fetch much more than I imagined.”
“Let’s go inside, and I’ll look around. I would also like to see your deed to get the exact amount of property we are talking about.”
“I have that ready for you.”
“My god,” uttered Ned, “Fiona said I would be amazed, and frankly, that’s putting it mildly. In all my years in real estate, I’ve never seen anything as breathtaking as this entrance.”
Rebecca gave the same details to Ned as previously given to Fiona and Layla. She then took him on a tour of the home and into the backyard. “Ned, I have to be honest. There might be a problem with the back acreage, although I don’t know for sure. I have been told by several law enforcement people that there is a good likelihood marijuana is being grown illegally on the back side of the property, where no one ever goes. It’s the perfect type of area, great cover and no traffic. That could be a problem in selling. What do you think?”
“Honestly, Rebecca, that’s a situation I’ve never encountered before. However, I will check into it for you. Don’t worry too much. I can always call in some favors and get the area raided.”
“You could do that? My goodness, it appears I’ve certainly met the best real estate agent for this property.”
“I’ll do my best for you, Rebecca, to see that you get the highest price possible for this estate. It will make a nice legacy for your children and grandchildren.”
“I never thought about getting enough money to leave a legacy, but that would be wonderful,” Rebecca said a smile on her face.
“Let’s be off for lunch. I’m starving,” said Fiona, trying to move everyone along.
They enjoyed a long lunch at the country club with Rebecca relating tales of their experiences at the big ranch on Hawaii, how her husband came to purchase the property on Maui and build their home. Ned and Fiona listened raptly to Rebecca; her vivid stories came alive as she spoke.
Maui Murders Page 40