“Certainly, everyone reacts differently to the use of firearms. You know I never really liked the sheriff. He just hits me the wrong way. However, I agree with him that some drug crazies driving through town did not do the murders. I believe they were committed by someone local.”
“I know. I’ve heard that from George more than once. That’s why we are so diligent about keeping things locked up. Oh, before I forget, we want to invite you and Ned over tomorrow evening. We’ve invited Mr. Soo, and George is grilling some fresh salmon steaks we just received from our friends in Washington State. We hosted them a couple of years ago when they visited Maui, and he told us the next time he went salmon fishing, he would ice-ship us some. We got this shipment of salmon steaks yesterday afternoon and thought all of you would enjoy sharing them with us.”
“Count us in. That sounds good. I’ve been dying for one of those fattening cheesecakes from the bakery. I’ll bring one for dessert.”
“I love those. Please do. I salivate every time I go by the bakery. Come over at five-ish for drinks before dinner. I’m looking forward to all of us being together again.”
“Thanks, Annie. Wait until I tell Ned. He loves salmon.”
* * *
Fiona was at the counter, enjoying an iced tea and sandwich, when Ned tapped on the lanai screen. She went to let him in. “Ned, I’ve accepted a dinner invitation for tomorrow from Annie. George is grilling fresh salmon steaks sent to them from Washington State. Mr. Soo is also invited.”
“Great, I love fresh salmon. Did everything go OK at Layla’s?”
“Yes, the brothers are terrific movers. For big men, they are so very careful. How did things go at the Visitors Center?”
“You are going to be amazed how much has been accomplished in the past week. The food people were there training staff and setting up utensils, and their inspection should be around the middle of next week. There are still a few items to finish up, but it will be done pretty soon now. Donnie asked me to be sure to have Layla see him when she and Dewey get back to Maui. I believe it has something to do with the opening of the center, but he didn’t elaborate and I didn’t ask.”
“Heard any more from Mr. Tomoko?” Fiona asked.
“No, and I don’t expect to until Monday.”
“You’re probably right. I hope that’s settled soon. I would like to get everything moved into Layla’s as soon as possible. The only thing missing is the dining room table and chairs coming from the mainland.”
“Like you, honey, I’ll be glad when everything is settled,” said Ned with a sigh.
CHAPTER 77
Ned carried the cheesecake as he and Fiona went to George and Annie’s for grilled salmon. Mr. Soo was already there, and everyone greeted one another warmly. Annie and Fiona went inside to place the cake in the refrigerator. Annie asked, “How was your day target shooting?”
“Wonderful. I feel much better. It relieves the stress in my shoulders. I’m in a better frame of mind to deal with the crafters tomorrow for our second scheduling meeting. Ned was at the Visitors Center yesterday and said things are going to wrap up there before too long. Your docents and my crafters will have to be ready to go soon. I don’t know about you and George, but Ned and I will be glad when the center is opened and we will have that off our minds.”
“George and I feel the same way. Although it has been a labor of love, we will be glad to see it come to fruition.”
“Ladies, what are you drinking?” asked George, coming inside to fix drinks.
He prepared drinks, and soon everyone was sitting around outside, discussing a myriad of subjects. After dinner of rich salmon steaks, Annie’s special coleslaw, and grilled asparagus spears, everyone said they were too full for cheesecake. Annie brought it out anyway, along with hot coffee, and half the cake managed to disappear.
Fiona and Annie carried things inside, and when they returned, Mr. Soo announced it was getting close to his bedtime and excused himself to go home. George and Ned said they needed the exercise and walked with him.
On the way, Mr. Soo said, “I sure miss Layla. Having her around has been a joy, and she makes wonderful casseroles. When she moves out, I might consider getting a dog. They are wonderful companions and could join me on my walks.”
“You could go to the pound and get an older dog that is trained and needs a good home,” suggested George.
“I never thought of training a dog. Your idea is a better plan for me than a puppy. An older dog for an older guy. Two bachelors,” Mr. Soo said, laughing.
When George and Ned got back, they found Annie and Fiona making a list of items for Layla’s housewarming gifts.
Sunday morning, Ned was having trouble getting Fiona out of bed. “Honey, you’ve got to get up and get ready to go to the Visitors Center.”
“I don’t want to go. I’ll just sleep through the day.”
“I was going to suggest that for breakfast, you have coffee and a piece of cheesecake that Annie sent home with us last night.”
“Cheesecake? That does sound yummy. You sold me. I’ll take a shower and eat before I get made-up and dressed. All that sugar should get me in fast gear.”
Three hours later, they were up the hill to the center. Ned was going to a local deli to get sandwiches; they decided after their feast last night, sandwiches would do for dinner.
Fiona took a deep breath and went inside the center. All the crafters were sitting in a semicircle, having coffee and sweet rolls provided by Donnie.
“Good afternoon. Ready to get the time schedule worked out?”
“Not only are we ready, it’s finished! We phoned each other and got it ironed out among ourselves. We all realized after our first meeting how silly we seemed, and we didn’t want to put you through any more of that type of behavior, so we worked it out ourselves over the phone,” reported one of the crafters.
Fiona sat down in an empty chair, a stunned look on her face. “I’m so very happy you have accomplished this on your own. It tells me you will be able to work through any obstacle that may come your way, and usually in an endeavor like this, something will. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. It means a great deal to me personally.”
Fiona went over procedures, thanked them again, and went back down the hill. When Ned let her in, he couldn’t believe she had returned so swiftly.
“Honey, you’re back so soon. Did it go horribly?”
“No, they worked everything out among themselves and handed me a complete schedule when I walked into the meeting. I reviewed procedures, and we were on our way. Do you believe it? All my worry and dreading for nothing, I’m so relieved.”
Late Monday morning, Fiona was sitting at the counter, working on a crossword in the paper when George called from the lanai. “Fiona, Ned told me to come on up. He’s puttering in the garage.”
Fiona got up and let George in. “Welcome, neighbor.”
“Here’s our bill for helping Rebecca last week. We don’t believe she will be needing our assistance any longer, so this is probably our last bill.”
“Wait right here. I’ll get our company checkbook.”
Ned came in as Fiona was coming back with the checkbook. “Done deal, for eighteen million. Can’t wait to tell Rebecca. There’s only one possible problem. They want a forty-five-day escrow.”
“That’s a short escrow. Did they say why?”
“Seems our producer friend wants to shoot some scenes on the back acreage for a movie he’s making.”
“Wow, I bet Rebecca will be thrilled knowing how much she got for her estate. How much do you think she will actually see once commissions, fees, etc., are paid?” asked George.
“I’m not sure on the taxes,” said Ned, “but I feel sure she will come out with a clean thirteen million. She should be able to purchase a nice piece of property on Oahu for about five million, and that will still leave he
r with a very nice legacy for her family.”
“I believe the only problem might be to find something she likes in what is really a short period, plus obtain her own short escrow. What do you think, Ned?” asked Fiona.
“First, we talk to Rebecca, then we suggest she work with Mr. Tomoko. I’ve already discussed this with him, and he’ll send the company plane and put her up in a hotel for a few days if necessary. He has a couple of listings that might work for her, and Mr. Tomoko feels he can get a quick escrow on them.”
“Let’s call Rebecca right away and get the ball rolling. I’ll also need to schedule a furniture pickup for Layla and Wade. George, here’s your check with our grateful appreciation. We could not have wrapped all this up as quickly without you and Annie.”
“Thank you, Fiona. I can deposit this while I’m at the bank dropping off our final scheduling sheet to Donnie. Then Annie has me going on a grocery run,” George said, grinning.
“George, can I ride along with you? I need to drop my crafters’ scheduling off with Donnie, and I also need to pick up a few things at the market,” asked Fiona.
“Sure, glad for the company. We’ll scare the hell out of Donnie walking in together.”
“You’re right. He’s become a nervous wreck. That man is actually getting skinny.”
“Ned, while I’m gone, can you phone Rebecca, but before you hang up, tell her I’ll be getting back with her sometime this week about a pickup date for the furniture.”
“Sure, happy to break the good news to her.”
Fiona and George walked into the bank and asked to speak with Donnie. He came out of his office, a worried look on his face.
“Donnie, don’t look so glum. We come bearing good news,” said Fiona, walking back to his office.
“Oh, I hope so. Every time I see somebody associated with the center, I fear something has gone wrong.”
“Donnie, you’ve got to think more positive. You’re going to waste away. You’ve lost a lot of weight,” said George, caution in his voice.
“I’ve never been like this before. I worry about every little detail, and I have no appetite. Years of dieting and all I needed to do was become a nervous wreck,” Donnie said with a weak smile.
George and Fiona presented their scheduling lists to Donnie, each containing names, work times, home addresses, phone numbers, and emergency contacts.
Leaving the bank and walking back to Pearl, they ran into Mr. Soo, who decided he would go along with them to the grocery store. All three neighbors set off to, as Fiona put it, “Storm the market.”
CHAPTER 78
Fiona was at Layla’s to receive the mattresses. The delivery people set up the bed in the master bedroom and main guest bedroom, then placed the two twin mattresses in Layla’s spare room. Fiona would ask the brothers to place those when that pineapple furniture arrived from Rebecca’s.
Back home, she phoned Wade, updating him on the sale of Rebecca’s. They agreed to go to Rebecca’s together; Wade wanted to pay Rebecca for the items he was taking, and Fiona wanted to get a detailed price list for Layla. She also wanted to determine a time to try and schedule the brothers for pickup and delivery. Fiona said she would call Rebecca to see if this coming Thursday would be a good day for them to come out, then get back to Wade.
After making her calls to both Rebecca and Wade, it was determined they would be at Rebecca’s at ten on Thursday morning. Next, Fiona phoned the brothers. She told them about the situation at Rebecca’s and asked what would be good for them. After checking their schedule, they opted for the next Tuesday morning, provided it was not raining. Fiona approved the date, then phoned Rebecca and Wade, verifying it with them.
Fiona phoned Annie. “We’ve got to get shopping for our housewarming gift baskets. Things are moving very rapidly, and I honestly expect Dewey and Layla might move in by this weekend.”
“My gosh, things sure do happen all at once, don’t they?”
“They sure do. How is Friday for you?”
“Friday is fine. I’ll drive the Jeep because it can carry a ton of stuff. This is going to turn out to be fun.”
“I agree. It will be a girls’ day out. Plus, it’s fun buying things we won’t have to put away,” said Fiona.
Wednesday morning, both Fiona and Ned were at Layla’s. Fiona had asked Ned to help place the oriental rugs and move the coffee and end tables. Ned agreed, skeptical the two of them could handle the big coffee table.
The small end table arrived first, and even that was heavier than Fiona had anticipated. She and Ned put it where Fiona had envisioned and were waiting for the rugs to arrive when Fiona’s cell rang. It was Layla saying she and Dewey had arrived in Maui and were on their way to Paia. It was a while before check-in, and she wondered if it would be a good time to see her home.
“Actually, it’s a terrific time. We could use the extra manpower. Ned and I are here now, and the oriental rugs will be delivered shortly. The two of us will be unable to lift the coffee table onto the rug and could use Dewey’s muscle.”
“We’ll be there shortly.”
Fifteen minutes later, their car pulled into the drive, and they came up the stairs to the back lanai screen door. Fiona ushered them inside, and once hugs and handshakes were completed, Dewey and Layla began the tour of their Paia home.
Layla loved her kitchen, especially her large refrigerator. When they got to the living room entrance, they were stopped dead by the furniture and wall unit.
“This is so much more than I imagined. It looks perfect,” said Layla.
“I’m not sure I want to bother returning to Salt Lake City,” said Dewey. “This is like a dream home. Fiona, you do wondrous work.”
“Thank you, Dewey, but Layla, with her sharp artistic eye, picked out a lot of the furniture. Wade’s shelving adds a designer touch that sets the room off.”
“It’s wonderful, and the television fits just right. Plus, I have all these lovely shelves for added items, especially books. I am so happy with this room, and just think we have the rugs yet to lay.”
“Layla, I have some very exciting news for you. This coming Tuesday, the brothers will be going to Rebecca’s to pick up those items and deliver them. Once that is finished, all you will be missing is the dining room table and chairs.”
“I can’t believe this is all happening at once. This is so exciting.”
There was a knock on the screen, and the cleaners that had stored the oriental rugs arrived. The rugs were rolled in brown wrapping paper and delivered in that manner. Ned and Dewey unwrapped the rugs and were directed where to place each rug. Dewey and Ned grunted and groaned but managed to get the coffee table in front of the sofa.
“Dewey, maybe we should just move in here and forget staying at the Paia Inn. All we have to do is make the bed up, and we’re home!” Layla said happily.
“Actually, Layla, I’ve scheduled a cleaning crew in for Friday morning. As you can see, with all the furniture moving, there is quite a layer of dust around. I think your best bet would be to move in this weekend,” encouraged Fiona.
“Honey, I’m sure Fiona knows what she’s talking about. Besides, we’ll have to get food and other supplies,” Dewey said.
“You’re right. I got excited about how great everything looks. Maybe we should shop on Saturday and get everything ready here, then move in on Sunday.”
“Excellent. Call me Saturday morning, and I’ll meet you here before you go shopping. That way, I can give you some advice on what you will need to get started,” Fiona said, breathing a sigh of relief. She and Annie would surprise them Saturday morning with their baskets of housewarming gifts.
“Tomorrow, Wade and I are going to Rebecca’s to get things priced. Layla, why don’t you and Dewey join us? Dewey, I would like for you to see her home before it’s sold.”
“Thank you. Layla has told me so much
about her home, but I still can’t quite imagine it, and I’m pretty talented at imagining things.”
Fiona turned to Layla. “Layla, stop by the bank and see Donnie. He asked that we make sure you see him. Also, while you’re there, I’m going to need more money. Come back to the house with us. I’ve got a current balance sheet, and we’re about down to zero. That doesn’t take into account the bill for the items delivered today. We’ll also need money for the items you are purchasing from Rebecca, the table from the mainland, paying the brothers for the Rebecca move, and my fee.”
“How big of a check would you like?”
“Let’s go and come up with a figure.”
They all helped close up the house and walked back to the Kellers’. Ned asked Dewey if he would like to join him on his Friday tour of the Visitors Center, telling him they were close to opening day.
Dewey accepted eagerly. Layla asked Fiona if she was busy on Friday, and Fiona hurriedly said she was booked elsewhere the whole day. Layla said she would go sketch windsurfers for a final piece for their home, something she had never gotten around to doing, and would visit the bank in the morning.
CHAPTER 79
Wade pulled into Layla’s driveway and noticed Fiona, Layla, and Dewey standing across at Mr. Soo’s. “Hi, folks. I hope I’m not late.”
“No, we were trying to figure out what car to take,” said Fiona. “Wade, have you met Dewey?”
“We met when he was that windsurfer guy but never formally introduced as Dewey McMaster,” said Wade, smiling.
Dewey strode across the street and shook hands. “Wade, it’s a pleasure to meet the creator of the shelving in our living room and those terrific cabinets in the bathrooms.”
“Thank you. Your home is a masterpiece. All that wonderful wood is priceless. I’ve told Layla if you folks decide to sell, I’ll pay any price.”
“Right now, Wade, I can’t imagine us selling, but you never know what the future will bring, so we’ll definitely keep your offer in mind, and I’ll be sure and tell Fiona.”
Maui Murders Page 47