Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  Driving back to their home after returning Rebecca to hers, Fiona said, “Funny, isn’t it? Just when you think you’re going to endure something boring, it turns out you have a wonderful time.”

  “She’s a charming lady and can she ever tell a story. I’m going to make an extreme effort to get top dollar for her estate. When we get home, I’m going to place a call to an old friend on Oahu, who has a handle on potential high-end buyers.”

  “That’s good, honey. When I get home, I’m getting this ton of makeup off, get undressed, and take a nap. I’m so sleepy.”

  Fiona woke up several hours later, feeling greatly refreshed. She threw her legs over the side of the bed and tried to rise without making nose so she wouldn’t wake Ned.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not asleep. I woke up about ten minutes ago. Just lying here, resting and thinking.”

  “I can tell you’re in business mode. Your mind works overtime.”

  Ned turned and reached his arm around Fiona, drawing her back into bed. “Let me tell you about my call to Oahu. It was to Larry Tomoko, he’s the realtor that handles all the extremely expensive estates and property on the islands. I told him about Rebecca’s to get a feel for what type of buyer I might solicit. Guess what, he thinks he has someone that might be interested. However, this party must be able to build a helicopter landing pad within close walking distance to the residence. I told him about the possibility of marijuana being grown somewhere on the property, and he actually said, for this buyer, that would be worth upping the price a million or so. Turns out the person he has in mind is a producer of action films and could only dream of hanging out of his own helicopter, rifle slung through his arm, hunting illegal pot farmers. He was slated to purchases a large property in Hana, but when he found out his neighbor would be a Saudi prince, he backed out. He felt there were be too many security concerns. This property would take him away from any town, is isolated, and he could do all sorts of outlandish action things. He wants to fly over Wednesday or Thursday of this week to view the property before calling the potential buyer. I’ll call Rebecca a little later and see what time would be suitable for her, and, honey, I want you to join us on this trip to Rebecca’s. Having you with us will make her feel more at ease.”

  “That’s a lot of information to absorb after just waking up, but I think I got it all. It would be my pleasure to accompany you and Larry. He’s a very natty dresser. We should wear something Armani.”

  “Fiona, I leave it to you to think of what we should wear,” Ned said, giving his wife a kiss on the forehead. “I’ll need to work up an overview between now and Tomoko’s arrival, not my favorite way to spend time.”

  “Sweetheart, just think of the huge commission from the sale, and the words will flow.”

  CHAPTER 67

  Layla got out of bed, went to the kitchenette, and started a pot of coffee. Dewey woke up, the rich smell of Kona coffee wafting into the bedroom; he got a cup and joined Layla on their enclosed patio. He gave her a morning kiss, sitting down next to her. “I have to admit I’m hungover and I’m tired. We sure had a great time last night though. I imagine everyone else must be feeling worse than we do. Poor Ned and Fiona, they have to meet with your friend, Mrs. Steinmetz, and take her to brunch.”

  “Sweetheart, remember, we’re taking Mr. Soo to lunch today?”

  “Great. Who thought that one up? Right, I did before we overdid last night. After a long shower, I should feel better. I would feel even better if I had someone to shower with,” Dewey said, smiling at Layla.

  Layla reached over and cupped Dewey’s face in her hand. “Oh, I think that can be arranged. Everyone on the island is committed to water conservation, and I should do my part.”

  Mr. Soo’s soft chuckle brought grins to both Dewey and Layla. She had just told him the story of Fiona and Bird, the parrot. After Layla told him and their brief encounters, he had changed his opinion of Fiona and said he planned on developing a better friendship with her once Layla left the island.

  “Better to know all the lovely ladies that surround you,” Mr. Soo said in earnest.

  “Right you are, Mr. Soo, especially ones that are great cooks.”

  “That is a factor too,” said Mr. Soo seriously.

  Their luncheon was longer than planned, but after several sidelong glances from the wait staff, they decided it was time to leave.

  Monday morning, Ned called Rebecca, making an appointment to show her estate on Wednesday, saying he would get back with her on the time. He also mentioned it would be necessary for her to sign a contract to sell her estate but only if she felt comfortable with his representation. He didn’t tell her about the potential buyer but said he would be showing the estate to another real estate professional.

  Rebecca said she had no hesitation in signing a contract with him and felt secure that he had her best interest at heart. Her only concern was that if things went too quickly, she didn’t know how she would get packed up and ready to move.

  Ned said that should be the least of her worries but suggested she begin to sort through her belongings.

  “Fiona is an expert at helping people get ready to move, and she will assist in every way possible. She’ll be joining us on Wednesday.”

  “Oh, that’s lovely. I do so enjoy her company,” said Rebecca.

  After speaking with Rebecca, Ned phoned Larry Tomoko and told him he had set up a meeting Wednesday with Rebecca Steinmetz. Larry said he would fly over in the company jet and be there around nine. He also asked Ned if he could secure the services of an engineer to survey a possible helicopter landing area, saying his firm would pay the usual $500 fee for services.

  Hanging up from talking to Mr. Tomoko, he shook his head and uttered a resounding “Damn.”

  “What’s the problem, honey?”

  “Tomoko wants an engineer to join us on Wednesday to make sure a helicopter landing pad is possible. Does he think I can just magically pull an engineer out of the woodwork, especially one familiar with helicopter sites?”

  Fiona shook her head and walked toward her husband, smiling. “Well, why not, dear? After all, you live right across the street from a highly qualified airline engineer.”

  “George, he might just be perfect. Fiona, you’re a genius!”

  “Yes, dear.”

  “Call and see if we can pop over. I may need your enthusiasm to talk him into going with us.”

  “Ned, George and Annie are not wealthy like some of us. I’m quite sure he will be happy to earn $500. I’ll call and see if we can drop in for a few minutes.”

  Fiona placed the call, then they walked across the street to the Boones’.

  George opened the back lanai slider, ushering them inside. Ned reached up and put his hand on George’s shoulder, saying, “George, I have a deal for you, if you’re interested and know anything about helicopters.” He then went on to explain why he needed an engineer qualified to handle specs for a possible helicopter-landing site and the $500 fee involved.

  “Great, it should be interesting. Frankly, I’m perfect for the job. A couple of years before I retired, I did all the initial engineering work for the new helicopter handing sites at the airport. I’ll check out the FAA website to ascertain if there are any new regulations, and I’ll get to see the Steinmetz’s property, plus earn $500, which we can always use, right, sugar?” he said, turning toward Annie who was in the kitchen making a fresh pot of coffee.

  “That’s great, Ned. Thanks for thinking of George.”

  Fiona was standing in front of the charcoal of the Boones that Layla had done on their trip to Arizona. “Every time I see this, I’m so taken by the blend of colors and shading. I’m going to purchase one of the charcoals she’s done for the center. I hope once she and Dewey are married and settled, she’ll continue to draw. I’m actually quite impressed with her talent.”

  “I agree with y
ou. The way she blends in the various hues is so subtle but has such an impact,” said Annie.

  Monday afternoon, Dewey and Layla strolled through Paia, stopping for a coffee. “I’m going to walk over to the sheriff’s office and see if there’s anything new on the Okamotos’ case.”

  “Go ahead, I’ll sit here and read. I’ve got a paperback with me.”

  “OK, honey, I’ll be right back,” Dewey said and walked the several blocks to the sheriff’s office.

  Charlene greeted him warmly; the sheriff was in and pleased Dewey dropped by to visit. They exchanged pleasantries, then Dewey asked, “Anything new on the Okamoto murders?”

  “That’s a real sore subject with me, son. It’s now officially a cold case with everyone but me. They assume it’s someone from out of town that could never be found, but you know from the beginning, I never succumbed to that theory, I always felt it was local.”

  They talked for a bit longer; Dewey excused himself and rejoined Layla, updating her on the status of the case.

  Tuesday snuck up on Dewey and Layla. After breakfast, Layla packed everything she would be leaving in Paia, and they loaded it into the car and drove to Mr. Soo’s. She left that luggage there and put her Salt Lake City luggage in the car. They said their farewells to Mr. Soo, then went to say goodbye to Annie and George.

  George told them he would be earning extra money, helping Ned with an engineering project at Mrs. Steinmetz’s tomorrow, which would go into Annie’s Panama Canal Cruise fund.

  Next, they stopped at Ned and Fiona’s; Layla got Fiona’s promise to call if anything major happened at her home. Fiona felt all would be fine and not to worry.

  They had a quiet supper, went back to their room, and got as much packed as possible for their departure early Wednesday morning. At nine on Wednesday, they drove to the private jet area and were surprised to find Ned, Fiona, and George waiting in Ned’s car for the arrival of the realtor from Oahu. Again, they bid farewell to everyone, loaded luggage, drove the car into the DewMaster hangar, boarded the jet, and left for Utah.

  Within minutes after the DewMaster departed, Mr. Tomoko’s jet landed, and Ned drove his SUV onto the tarmac. The stairs lowered, and Mr. Tomoko strode out and walked toward the SUV. Ned, Fiona, and George stood outside the car, ready to great him.

  George said softly under his breath, “You all are dressed really well. I feel like the country bumpkin.”

  “No, George, you are dressed perfectly for an engineer hired to do surveying work. Ned and I are dressed like this because Larry is always dressed like he just stepped out of a fashion shoot. His wardrobe must cost a fortune,” Fiona lamented.

  Ned walked toward Larry, hand extended. “Larry, so good to see you again. It’s been a year since we met at the realtor’s luncheon in Oahu. You’re looking well.”

  “So are you, my friend. Ah, the life of a retiree who only dabbles in real estate when he chooses. Soon I hope to join those ranks. Fiona, a pleasure as always to see you and lovely as ever,” Larry said, planting air kisses on the side of each of her cheeks.

  “Thank you, Larry, I’m so glad you might be involved in this transaction. Trust me, you will be amazed at this property.”

  “I’m looking forward to it. From Ned’s outline on this property, it’s what my client is looking for. Almost sounds too good to be true.”

  “Larry, I would like to introduce you to George Boone. He’s a retired engineer from the airlines and did the initial engineering work for the new helicopter facility here at the airport,” said Ned.

  George stepped forward, extending his hand to Mr. Tomoko. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. I’m glad to be of service.”

  “Mr. Boone, it’s my pleasure. Shall we get to the property? I’m anxious to view this estate.”

  “Larry, you sit up front with Ned. That way, you can see exactly the route from the airport to Mrs. Steinmetz’s property. I’ll sit back here with George,” said Fiona.

  In less than twenty minutes, they were at Rebecca’s, and she was out front greeting them. After introductions were made, she ushered them inside; George and Larry gawked.

  “My god,” said George, “this is an engineering marvel.”

  “Dear lady, I never imagined anything this spectacular. These plants, trees, bushes, and flowers are all real?”

  “Yes, Mr. Tomoko, my late husband and I started this as a small project, and it kept getting bigger and bigger. I work two days a week with my gardener to keep it up to this level. I’m glad you can appreciate the beauty,” said Rebecca, pride showing in her voice.

  “Rebecca, why don’t you and Fiona show Mr. Tomoko the inside of your home, and I’ll take George outside so he can start his surveying work,” said Ned.

  George and Ned collected the surveying gear, then went to the back area that Ned felt might be turned into a helicopter landing pad.

  “Ned, I can’t begin to explain, from an engineering standpoint, the complicated and imaginative design work necessary to create that atrium. Whoever came up with the design was a genius.”

  “Believe it or not, Mr. Steinmetz had the vision, and it was actually a university student that made the design work. Like you, I am in awe of the design. So what do you think, is a helicopter pad doable?”

  “Offhand, yes, it’s possible but with costly modifications.”

  George and Ned set up the surveying equipment, and George took a series of measurements, then moved the equipment to different areas for more measurements.

  When Mr. Tomoko joined them, he asked George what his opinion was of the possibility of a helicopter site. “Yes, it’s possible, and building the pad with the required lighting and water should not be a problem. The problem is the FAA requires more open space than what we have here. Trees would have to be removed all around the site, and that will be costly. I have measurements of how much clearing would be required, and I will write everything up and e-mail you my report. To get an estimate of the cost, you will need the exact measurements.”

  “Thank you, George. I’m pleased that it will be possible with modifications. I have a feeling once my client hears about this property, he will want to fly over and see it for himself, and I imagine the price of putting in the landing pad will not be a hindrance to him purchasing the property. I have your business card, and as soon as I get your report, I’ll mail you the fee agreed upon.”

  “I should get the report to you by tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll need your card for an e-mail address.”

  While the men were outside, Fiona had Ned’s contract with her, and she and Rebecca went over the details, with Rebecca gladly signing the contract for Ned’s representation. Fiona then told her about Mr. Tomoko’s client, and she thought Ned would start the price out at twenty-two million, causing Rebecca to pull out a chair and sit down quickly. Fiona told her not to discuss the price in front of the guys or with anyone else; it was just between “us girls.”

  When the DewMaster jet landed in Salt Lake City, Ted and Agnes greeted Dewey and Layla. Agnes hugged Layla, and both ladies went to the SUV as the men unloaded the luggage.

  “I had to come and meet the plane. I’ve been so anxious for you to visit. We have so many things to discuss about your wedding. I’m so excited for both of you, a perfect match!” exclaimed Agnes.

  CHAPTER 68

  Annie and George were going over final preparations for the docents’ meeting before they went to the Visitors Center. There had been no cancellations, and the Hilo Hattie lady was on schedule to begin her measurements one hour after the start of the meeting; at which time, George and Annie felt confident they would have the docents indoctrinated. While measurements were being taken, the docents would be scheduling their time slots and asking any questions. Donnie made arrangements for a light lunch to be eaten on the patio.

  “Today at church, during our silent prayer, I prayed to God fo
r guidance in the task before us,” said Annie, smiling up at George.

  “Me too. I asked him not to let us screw up.”

  Annie looked up at George, shook her head, and began to gather their props for the presentation.

  After their presentation, Annie and George received hearty applause from the docents. The Hilo Hattie lady was ready to take measurements, and Annie and George set up their scheduling. As measurements were taken and scheduling was finished, the docents were ushered to the vending area where there was a selection of sandwiches and hot or cold drinks, then directed to the patio area. Donnie was there, helping move things along, greeting everyone with his usual charm.

  When there were only a handful of docents left for scheduling and measurements, Fiona walked in and motioned to Donnie. “Donnie, I need some of George’s engineering skills. I’ve got to find out exactly how much space I can allot to each vendor. I met with a wonderful vendor on Friday who does metal sculpturing, especially of windsurfers. He brought samples, and they are outstanding, but I’m concerned about how much space would be available for him. I’ve brought along a measuring tape and yardstick.”

  Donnie went and spoke with George about Fiona’s dilemma, then returned to Fiona, telling her, “He will be glad to help and should be finished in about ten minutes. Let’s get a cold drink and go out on the patio to wait for him.”

  Fifteen minutes later, George and Annie came out each with a sandwich and something to drink.

  “That took longer than anticipated, and we’ve got to eat, we’re starving!” said Annie.

  “Please go ahead. I’ll be grateful for any help I can get. We’ve done a lot of advertising, and I’m still short two vendors. Seems like things are too klutzy or too expensive. Anybody got an idea?”

  “Fiona, have you ever noticed those place mats I use?”

  “Yes, where did you get those? I would like a set in red.”