Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “Well, it probably isn’t cheesecake,” said Fiona.

  Byrd brought a large salad bowl filled with scoops of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream over bananas and topped with hot fudge then whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. He handed out six spoons and told them to enjoy their banana split.

  “Oh my god,” said Fiona, “this is terrific!”

  The salad bowl was empty when Byrd brought out a large fresh pot of Kona coffee and six mugs. He came back with sugar and cream and whisked away the dessert bowl.

  “Thank heavens for the coffee. This will help me settle all the food I’ve just eaten. We devoured that dessert,” said Annie.

  “It was so good. It’s been years since I had a banana split. I had forgotten what a treat they can be,” said Layla.

  Everyone sat outside, having coffee and talking about the upcoming opening of the Visitors Center and the completion of Layla’s house. When they felt they could move again, they went inside to their reserved table.

  Sixties, seventies, and eighties rock music played, but no one had the energy to dance. A slow romantic ballad began, and all three couples decided they could handle dancing slowly. After that, a faster number was played, and Fiona convinced Dewey to stay on the dance floor with her while everyone else gladly went back to the booth.

  “Has she always been a dancer?” asked Annie with a laugh.

  “Lord yes, she used to have me on the dance floor all the time. I’m like you, George, I’m good with the slow stuff, but the fast ones I prefer to sit out. When we were younger, I never wanted her out there without me, now I let her go. Tonight, she should wear down quickly.”

  “Well, I’m worn down,” said Annie, looking up at George, smiling.

  “You had a busy day, why don’t we call it a night?” said George.

  “I think after that meal, we’re all ready for home,” said Layla, stifling a yawn.

  Fiona and Dewey returned to the table. “That does it for me tonight,” declared Dewey.

  “I hate to admit it, me too,” said Fiona. “What time shall we meet tomorrow?” she asked.

  “Originally, I thought early, but after tonight, how about ten in the morning? That should give us time to recover,” said Layla.

  “Perfect,” said Fiona.

  “We’re going to leave now,” said George. “We certainly have a good time when we get together. Next time, I’ll grill for us.”

  As they were leaving, Fiona whispered to Annie, “I’ll call you in the morning, and we’ll arrange everything.”

  Annie smiled and nodded.

  Outside, George said to Annie, “You seemed anxious to leave. Anything wrong?”

  “No, nothing’s wrong. I just wanted to get home be kissed, hugged, and made love to.”

  “Well, in that case, let’s get you in the car and get home right away,” George said with a grin, ushering Annie swiftly into Pearl’s passenger seat.

  CHAPTER 81

  George woke the next morning finding Annie looking at him. Startled, he asked, “Is something wrong? You’re looking at me funny.”

  Annie reached her hand up and laid it on George’s cheek. “No, sweetheart, I was just thinking how much I love you, and I couldn’t imagine my life without you.”

  “I hate to ask, especially after last night, is something wrong?”

  “I’m having a bout of anxiety over the opening of the Visitors Center. I know I’ve been to the center several times, but the opening ceremonies, with references to the Okamotos, is making me remember that horrible morning. I thought I had it pushed back in the recess of my mind, but it’s managed to creep forward again.”

  “Oh, honey,” said George, drawing her closer into him. “I’ll be by your side, holding your hand. You can lean on me, and don’t worry, you’ll get through it—no, we’ll get through it together.”

  A tear ran down Annie’s cheek as her head lay on George’s chest. She knew he would be there for her, but she was still worried about keeping her composure.

  Fiona phoned Annie at eight thirty. “Good morning. I hope everyone slept well.”

  “After all that food, we slept quite well. What’s the plan for this morning?”

  “Ned and I were discussing things, and those baskets are so heavy. I’m sure Dewey and Layla wouldn’t suspect anything if they saw my car in their driveway. So let’s load the baskets into my SUV and drive over there. Then George and Ned can carry them inside to the counter. It took both of us to get one basket upstairs into your dining room. I think trying to carry them over there is silly. We’ll be over at nine thirty, if that’s OK with you folks?”

  “George will be pleased he doesn’t have to lug that heavy basket over to Layla’s. We’ll be ready when you get here.”

  Layla and Dewey walked up the stairs to the back lanai door; Fiona came to the screen and opened it for them.

  “Goodness, everyone is here. What a surprise,” said Layla.

  Annie stepped forward from the group that was shielding the counter from view. “Kids, we seriously doubted that either of you has any experience setting up a house. Instead of the usual housewarming plant, we got something useful and practical.”

  With that said, everyone stepped away from the counter, revealing the two gift baskets.

  “Dewey, look what they’ve done for us!”

  “I don’t know what to say. This is so thoughtful. Layla and I need all the help we can get in making this house a home.”

  “This will give you a good start,” said Fiona. “Now look through things and start putting items away and crossing them off your list.”

  Ned and George were assigned to bathroom duty. They distributed toilet paper, soaps, and tissues to each of the bathrooms. Annie and Fiona helped Layla put the other items away where she would be able to find them. Dewey crossed items off the list he and Layla had made earlier.

  Halfway through the distribution process, Ned’s cell phone rang; it was Donnie calling. He wanted to know if Ned and Fiona would be available for a Tuesday evening meeting. Fiona shook her head no, reminding everyone that was the day the movers would be bringing Rebecca’s items to Layla’s. She doubted if she or Layla and Dewey would feel much like a meeting Tuesday evening.

  Ned told Donnie that both George and Annie and Dewey and Layla were all present, and he was putting him on speakerphone to see if they could get them in agreement. After several minutes, Thursday at 7:00 p.m. was a good time for all those assembled. Donnie said he would continue making his calls and get back to everyone.

  “I must place a call to Kim and let him know where things stand. I want to be sure he and probably Kyle will be able to attend in the near future.”

  “Why don’t you do that now before Donnie calls back? You’ve been fretting about making that call,” said Dewey.

  “You’re right, honey. I’ve been putting this off,” Layla said, stepping outside; sitting on the back steps, she placed a call to Kim’s number in Washington, DC. Kyle picked up the ringing phone.

  “Layla, good to hear your voice.”

  Layla seriously doubted it, but she kept a light tone to her voice. “Kyle, I was calling to update Kim on the Visitors Center. We will be meeting one night this week to set a date for the opening ceremonies. Naturally, Kim should be at those ceremonies. I wanted to know if there is any date within the foreseeable future that wouldn’t work. Also, our new home will be completed shortly, and Dewey and I insist that you both stay here.”

  “Really? Layla, that’s is very kind of you and Dewey. I’ll check with Kim. I’m pretty sure his schedule will allow him the freedom to attend the ceremonies. I would be honored to attend with him. Like you, I only met his parents briefly, but I know what a sacrifice they made for his education, and I would like to honor them on his behalf.”

  “If either you or Kim will get back to me as soon a
s possible, I can let Donnie know if there are any conflicting dates when Kim wouldn’t be available.”

  “Will do. I want to congratulate you and Dewey on your upcoming wedding. My mother sent me the announcement your parents put in the local Hamptons paper. Naturally, their daughter marrying one of the world’s richest men was a coup for them.”

  “I had no idea they did such a thing. They haven’t even met Dewey,” said Layla, laughing.

  “You know your folks,” said Kyle. “I’m sure after our breakup, they wanted to tell the world their daughter snared such a catch.”

  “Yes, that would be their attitude. Dewey and I are very much in love. This sounds like an old cliché, but we were truly meant for each other. We make each other complete.”

  “I can’t tell you how glad I am for you. You deserve every happiness.”

  “Thank you. I have to be going. I’ll be expecting a return call.” Layla went back inside. “That’s over and it went well. What a load off my mind. How’s our list coming along, Dewey?”

  “It’s getting a lot shorter as more and more items are put away. We still have so much to purchase, especially fresh food items. We may not be able to move in as soon as we wanted. But when we do, it will be livable,” said Dewey with determination.

  When Fiona got to Rebecca’s Tuesday morning, Wade came out, directing her to a side drive that led behind the home. She parked next to Wade’s truck in a carport area.

  “Fiona, I have coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls in the kitchen,” said Rebecca.

  “You do not want to miss these cinnamon rolls,” Wade said, popping the last of one into his mouth, licking his fingers.

  Fiona sat at the small kitchen table, soon to be at Layla’s, eating the most delicious cinnamon roll she had ever had. Her praise did not go wasted on Rebecca, who beamed with pride. As Fiona was finishing, the brothers’ truck pulled into the driveway. Rebecca directed them to the cinnamon rolls, each brother enjoying several.

  After washing their sticky fingers, they got busy loading the van. Wade showed them his purchases, which would be loaded first, followed by those going to Layla’s. When the van was almost loaded, Fiona called Layla, advising they would be on their way soon.

  Great care had been given to the glass cabinet. The brothers wrapped it in padding, carried it carefully to the van, and added even more padding, then secured it by straps to the side and bottom of the truck. Everything was loaded with added padding, the brothers giving the care they were known for.

  Wade and Fiona left first; Wade going home to wait for his delivery and Fiona going home to park her car and walk to Layla’s.

  Fiona was anxious to tell Layla and Dewey about the morning call she received from Georgia. “When I answered the phone there, was this lovely soft Southern drawl telling me that the semi carrying your table and chairs left Georgia yesterday and should be at the Port of Long Beach, at the latest in five days. They will be using a cargo ship coming into Oahu. She will get back to me on the container number and estimated date of arrival. When I have that information, I’ll let Gus Schwartz know, and he will receive it, then ship it to Marvin here in Maui. We can then arrange to have the brothers deliver it, and this should take no more than four weeks. Isn’t that wonderful?”

  “It would be terrific if we had that before Kim and Kyle arrived. If not, we can live without it. I’m glad to know it’s on the way.”

  “That will complete everything except your empty room,” said Dewey.

  “The empty room is still a work in progress in my mind.”

  “I’m going on the lanai and watch for the brothers,” said Fiona.

  “I’ll keep you company,” said Dewey. Outside, Dewey turned to Fiona, “Fiona, I need your help. Can we go shopping for furniture for both the front and back lanais? I realized this morning, when I went outside to have a cup of coffee, there was nothing to sit on. So I was hoping you could set up an account in my name, and we could shop for furniture soon. I would like to try and surprise Layla.”

  “Friday would be a good day for me. Do you think you can get away without telling Layla where you’re going?”

  “I’ll use Mr. Soo as an excuse. He’ll play along and enjoy it.”

  “I know just the place to find everything you’ll need.”

  “We’ll come over to your home, and we can go from there. Maybe Layla and Annie can go shopping. We’ll plan something.”

  The furniture arrived and was unloaded without mishap.

  That evening, Donnie called, confirming the meeting for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. George contacted everyone, saying he would grill, and they could walk up the hill to the center after dinner.

  CHAPTER 82

  Donnie started the meeting promptly at seven. The mayor and city council members were present, the various restaurant operation managers, the contractor, the sheriff, and other major players. After nearly an hour of discussion, a Sunday afternoon at two was the designated day and time, but a specific date was needed. Enduring a litany of other Sunday events that were happening, a date of six weeks from the coming Sunday was scheduled. Donnie got assurances from the restaurant managers that all would be ready to go, from Fiona that her crafters would have their items ready for display and sale, and from the Boones that all the docents had their shirts and were scheduled.

  The final discussion item was who would be speaking. Donnie would host the ceremonies and acknowledge the major donors and contributors to the building project. The mayor would welcome the addition to the city. Fiona would introduce her crafters and give a very brief summary of the items on display, George would explain the role of a docent, and the ceremonies would wrap up with Kim Okamoto thanking everyone for honoring his parents. Donnie ended the meeting, mentioning the sheriff and Danny Kimo would handle traffic and direct parking with the aid of two Boy Scout troops. Mercifully, three hours after the meeting began, it was over.

  Fiona turned to Ned and said, “My bum is numb.” Then she got up and began massaging her bum, much to the delight of several gentlemen sitting behind her. George leaned back and smiled, shaking his head.

  Ned saw what she was doing and whispered, “Fiona, you’re causing a scene.”

  “Well, how am I supposed to walk if I have a numb bum?”

  Annie, sitting next to her, said, a slight distress in her voice, “I’m off to the ladies’ room.”

  “I’m with you,” said Layla.

  “We’ll be outside waiting for you, ladies,” said Ned.

  “I’m getting a piece of cheesecake to go. I need a treat for enduring that meeting.”

  Fiona came outside with a small plate of cheesecake covered with a napkin. Layla and Annie made it out shortly, Annie asking her what she had under the napkin. “I got a piece of cheesecake to go.”

  “I’m for that. I’m going back in and getting some.”

  “Me too,” echoed Layla.

  “Count me in,” said Mr. Soo.

  “We’re going to make our way home and get a beer,” said Ned. “I don’t know about you guys, but I sure could use a cold Heineken.

  “Amen,” said Dewey. “George, I was a little surprised that you were going to be talking about the docents rather than Annie. I thought that was originally her idea.”

  “It was, but she told me this morning her anxiety was coming back. She’ll never get over discovering those bodies, and she said being in the old market and hearing speeches about the Okamotos made her anxious about keeping her composure. I told her I would be by her side, holding her hand the whole time. I knew when Donnie mentioned a speech on the docents, she wouldn’t be able to give one, and so I spoke up. While I’m there talking, I’m counting on one of you to watch over Annie.”

  “I’ll do that, George. Annie and I shared those awful moments, something neither of us will ever get over.”

  When they got to Ned’s, he brough
t cold beers for everyone. They settled on the lanai, waiting for the ladies and Mr. Soo to join them. “Thanks, Ned, I needed a cold one. I swear our city fathers can be long-winded. I thought Donnie did a good job, keeping them as brief as possible.”

  “The mayor is in one of my weekly golf groups. He’s so different in person, quite a normal guy. When he gets a microphone in hand, his mouth takes over his mind.” This statement elicited a hearty laugh from everyone.

  The cheesecake brigade came up the stairs. “What’s all the laughter about?”

  “We were discussing how our mayor can be so long-winded behind a microphone.”

  “That ass,” said Fiona. “I know he’s one of your golf buddies, but he’s so pompous.”

  Everyone ate their cheesecake, and the guys had a second beer, discussing the upcoming event at the Visitors Center.

  Annie stood up. “George, we better be going. Tomorrow is our once every three month’s trip to Sam’s Club to buy the few big-box items we use. I like to browse and check out the books at discount prices.”

  “Layla, have you ever been to a Sam’s Club?” asked Dewey.

  “No, have you?”

  “Sure, I went with my folks all the time. I checked out the video games and computer equipment.”

  “Well, since you and Mr. Soo are off together tomorrow, maybe I could hitch a ride with Annie and George.”

  “We’ll be leaving at ten, so come on over,” said George.

  Fiona caught Dewey’s eye and nodded.

  Layla left with George and Annie, Ned was on the golf course, Dewey, Mr. Soo, and Fiona were off to purchase patio furniture. When they arrived at the store, Fiona ushered Dewey to the large section of outdoor furniture. She gave her pros and cons on several of the options available. There was one large ensemble of patio furniture that would take care of both lanais. While the salesperson, Dewey, and Fiona were discussing the purchase, Mr. Soo wandered over to patio grills. He was in awe of a huge stainless grilling center with a triple-size grill, a small refrigerator, two stovetop burners, and plenty of workspace. He imagined all the fine meals one could prepare.