Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  Mr. Soo returned to find Fiona, Dewey, and the salesperson busy on paperwork. He pulled Fiona aside and said, “I wish to purchase that large grill,” nodding toward the largest grill in the store. “I want it to be a secret housewarming gift for Dewey and Layla. Can you arrange to have it delivered with Dewey’s furniture without him knowing?”

  “Sure, no problem. I’ll work with the salesperson and explain your intent. You and Dewey go next door and get a coffee or cold drink and wait for me there.”

  “I like that coffee shop next door. I’m fond of their pastries.”

  After Dewey and Mr. Soo left, Fiona made the salesperson ecstatic with the addition of Mr. Soo’s grill; they arranged to have all items delivered on Tuesday before noon.

  Fiona joined the group at the coffee shop, giving a sly wink to Mr. Soo. She said everything would be delivered next Tuesday before noon. She asked Dewey to keep Layla away from their home until after noon Monday because she had phoned an electrician to come and inspect the wattage to make sure they could support the patio lights Dewey had selected. She didn’t mention to either of the men, but she was more worried about the usage on the new grilling unit. The electrician, one of Fiona’s key subcontractors, whom she had phoned while still in the store, said he would be able to check everything out in the morning and make any changes necessary.

  Dewey told Fiona he and Layla planned to check out on Tuesday and begin living in their home. Fiona suggest Dewey stall until around one in the afternoon. Take her to lunch, go grocery shopping, so she could get everything set up with the patio furniture to surprise Layla.

  Later in the day, Fiona called Mr. Soo and explained how the purchase would work and how thoughtful his gift was. She was going to call George and Annie and tell them, knowing Dewey would call on George for barbecue assistance.

  After three hours in Sam’s Club, Annie, George, and Layla made it through checkout. George was pushing one full cart and pulling another. Both Annie and Layla pushed well-laden shopping carts.

  “We’re going to have to work to get everything in Pearl. Annie, you’re a good packer. I’m counting on your help here,” George said, a bewildered tone to his voice.

  “I might have gotten a bit carried away. The bargains were fabulous, and I saw so many things we needed, some we didn’t even know we needed!”

  “That happens to me every time I go to Sam’s,” said Annie.

  It took almost thirty minutes to unload and situate the four shopping carts of items into Pearl. George got in the car and told the ladies he needed food or he wouldn’t have the strength to unload. They stopped at a café, and George suggested Layla give Dewey a call to see if he would be home to assist in the unloading.

  “Dewey, it’s Layla. Are you home?”

  “Got back about an hour ago. Where are you?”

  “I got so many good bargains at Sam’s Club, it took us forever to go through the store and we didn’t even stop at the food section, probably a good thing. Anyway, we’ve stopped to eat, then we’ll be home. We’re going to need your help in unloading. There are quite a few large items. George was smart, he had me get a dolly, and you’ll need that to take the trash cans out for weekly pickup. We also bought the three different types of trash cans needed.”

  “My god, you got all that in Pearl?”

  “Yes, plus so much more. You simply won’t believe all the items I found that we’ll need. Got to go! Lunch is here. See you shortly.”

  Dewey was out on the back lanai, waiting for the shoppers to arrive. He saw them turn into the street and pull up to the stairs. He was astounded with the load of items he could see through the windows and wondered how they could possibly need so much.

  “Hi, honey,” said Layla, squeezing out the car door. “We have a lot to unload, and we owe George and Annie a big check. Since I don’t have a Sam’s card, they wrote a check for everything.”

  “I’ll go over the bill and subtract all our items from the total, then let you know how much you folks owe,” said Annie. “Right now, let’s get started getting these things upstairs or in the garage.”

  George unloaded the dolly, and he and Dewey took the three trash cans into the garage. Next, they put a file cabinet on the dolly and hauled it upstairs where Layla sent them to the empty room.

  “That’s all we’ll need the dolly for. I’ll store it in the garage,” said George.

  “I bought us a large paper shredder, something important for every household to have.”

  “That’s a good idea. I never thought about it. Those things are always taken care of for me,” Dewey said with a weak smile.

  Layla and Dewey toted three stacks of books to the living room for placement on the shelves.

  Pearl was finally unloaded, except for the few items that George and Annie had originally gone for. “It was a lot easier unloading than loading. Glad you enjoyed your shopping trip, Layla. You ought to look into getting a Sam’s card, but we’re happy to have you join us.”

  “Thank you both. I had a grand time. I picked up an application for Sam’s. I can’t wait to get a card. Dewey and I will be doing a lot of shopping there. I imagine there is one in Salt Lake City. What do you think, Dewey?”

  “Wouldn’t surprise me. Come on, honey, let’s get busy putting all these things away and let Annie and George go home. They’re probably tired from all this shopping.”

  Early in the evening, Fiona phoned Annie. “I heard you and George got the pleasure of Layla’s first experience at a big-box store.”

  “That girl bought over three carts full of items!”

  “Dewey called and filled me in. I have to thank you both. Our shopping day turned out well too. Dewey bought enough patio furniture and light fixtures for both lanais as a surprise for Layla. Then, as a surprise housewarming gift for them, Mr. Soo bought the biggest grill unit in the store. It has everything except the kitchen sink!”

  “George is going to have grill envy.”

  “I’m sure Dewey will seek his grilling expertise. It’s a monster unit. Why I called is to discuss an idea I had with you and George about your docents and my crafters. I thought a week from this Sunday, we could get everyone together for a dry run. Your docents could use it as a dress rehearsal and look over the brochure setup. My crafters could get their items placed on the shelves. We could call Donnie and have him arrange to open up the center.”

  “Let me talk it over with George, but it sounds like a good idea. Will you call Donnie and let me know as soon as you can? We both have a lot of folks to round up.”

  “I’ll call you back later this evening.”

  Annie spoke with George, who agreed it was a sound idea. Fiona phoned Annie, setting the date for a week from the coming Sunday.

  CHAPTER 83

  Annie arranged to visit the two resident facilities where the majority of her senior docents resided; George insisted on going with her to make sure she was coping. The docents were ready for a dry run, many eager to have something to take up their Sunday afternoon. Vans from the facilities would handle transport to and from the center. Before leaving for the afternoon, Annie had called her other docents, and all would be there, anxious to see the completed center.

  Fiona had the same luck, although some of her crafters would have to arrange to have someone man their sales at local sites throughout the island, all agreed to be there. Most would bring their display items, but several did not want them there until opening day.

  When Annie called Fiona that evening, both ladies were happy with the results. Fiona said Donnie thought it was a wise thing to do and would supply snacks and drinks for everyone.

  Fiona told Annie her electrical contractor was out to check Dewey’s lanais to verify he had adequate voltage for the lights and grill. He had to do some work but was finished and ready for delivery.

  “I told George about the grill unit, and he made m
e promise if we had any money left over from our Panama Canal trip, he could have a new grill too.”

  “Wait until he see this one. It was the biggest unit in the store and was it ever expensive.”

  “That’ll spoil him. I’m afraid.”

  Fiona waved to George who was standing by the rail on his back lanai, waiting for the furniture store delivery at Layla’s.

  “I bet you’re waiting to see that grill.”

  “Sure am. As soon as the delivery folks leave, I’m coming over to check it out.”

  “Huge unit, George, you’ll want one.”

  Twenty minutes later, the furniture truck pulled into Layla’s, and the furniture began to be unloaded. George was using binoculars, not wanting to miss the coveted grill unit delivery.

  “George, what are you doing with those binoculars?”

  “Hi, honey, checking on the grill delivery. I told Fiona as soon as the movers were gone, we’re going over. I’ve got to see that grill.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sakes, George. You’re becoming a grill fanatic.”

  “Yep.”

  After the movers left, George and Annie went over to check out the new items, Mr. Soo closely behind them.

  “My god, she’s a beauty,” George said admiringly.

  “Good cooking will come from this grill. George, you’ll have to teach Dewey your secrets.”

  “Fiona, is there anything I can help you with?” asked Annie.

  “No, I think I’ve gotten everything set up properly. How do you think it looks?”

  “Perfect, as your work always is.” Annie whispered, “How much did that grill cost?”

  Fiona whispered the cost to Annie who grabbed her throat and uttered, “My god!”

  “Dewey, we’d better check out, no sense paying for another day.”

  “Be right there, honey. I’m starving. Let’s eat before we go to the store. You wore me out this morning.”

  “I wore you out? Every time I started to get things ready to go, you had me back in bed, but I did enjoy it,” Layla said with a smile.

  At ten minutes to one, Dewey was at the front desk checking out and Layla was figuring out where they would eat lunch. “How about we eat at that nice café up the street?”

  “You know what I’m dying for? Some fish and chips at one of the beach shacks.”

  “That will take us out of our way, but it sounds good. Let’s go.”

  Dewey made sure they enjoyed a leisurely lunch, and he lingered at the grocery store. It was almost four in the afternoon before they drove into their driveway. Each carried grocery bags up the stairs.

  “My god, Dewey, we have furniture on our lanai!”

  “Surprise! My contribution to our home. There is also furniture on the front lanai. Do you like it? What the hell is this?” Dewey asked, walking toward the grill unit.

  “Didn’t you buy that too?”

  “I did not. They made a delivery mistake. Let’s get the groceries inside, and I’ll phone Fiona.”

  After putting away groceries and bringing in their luggage, Dewey placed his call. “Fiona, the store made a terrible mistake. A huge grill unit was delivered with the furniture.”

  “I’ll be right over.”

  Fiona called Mr. Soo, and both walked over to Layla and Dewey’s.

  They walked out to the lanai to greet them. “Some grill unit, isn’t it, Mr. Soo?”

  “Certainly is, Dewey. Do you like it?”

  “Heck yes, but it was delivered in error. I didn’t order it.”

  “No, you did not. I ordered it for you both as my housewarming gift. Imagine all the great meals you can prepare.”

  “This is ours?”

  Layla hugged Mr. Soo, thanking him; Dewey stared at the grill like it was a foreign object.

  “Dewey, I suggest you have George get you started on grilling. He’s been over to check out the unit and is excited about your tutoring,” said Fiona, trying to be serious.

  “Definitely, we’ll plan something for this coming Saturday evening. Layla, this will be the first event in our new home.”

  “Fiona, will Saturday evening be fine with you and Ned?”

  “Sure, we have nothing planned.”

  “Mr. Soo?”

  “I can’t wait to partake of your first dinner party.”

  “I’ll call George and Annie. Without them, this dinner is not happening,” said Dewey.

  Dewey called and George answered. He was elated they had planned a Saturday event, anxious to try out the new grill and asked if there was propane in the tanks. Dewey laughed. “I have no idea. You better come over and help me with that before Saturday.”

  George came right over and told Dewey they would get the twin tanks filled with propane before Saturday. Everyone headed back to his or her respective homes. George took the grill instructions with him to make sure he knew about all the features.

  That evening, Layla and Dewey sat outside on their new patio furniture, under their new patio lighting, enjoying salad and sandwiches from the deli section of the market, Layla promising to fix a proper meal the next night.

  The sheriff drove by slowly and pulled into their driveway. “Good evening. Are you folks officially living in your home?”

  “We sure are, Sheriff, our first night and our first meal. Come on up and look at our housewarming gift from Mr. Soo.”

  “My goodness, I didn’t know they made units this big.”

  “We’re having a group over Saturday evening for its inauguration. Will you join us?”

  “Thank you, Layla. I would be honored. Can I bring anything?”

  “Yes, bring a big appetite. We’re grilling steaks. George is giving me grilling lessons.”

  “You’ll be learning from an expert, best steak griller I’ve ever met. I’ll be here, what time?”

  “Any time after five, but we won’t eat until seven.”

  “Thanks for the invitation. I’ll see you folks on Saturday. Your patio furniture looks terrific.”

  “See you on Saturday,” Layla said as the sheriff descended the stairs, got in his car, and drove off.

  “That was thoughtful of you to invite him,” said Dewey.

  “It’s always good to be friendly to local law enforcement. We all formed some type of bond during the storm at George and Annie’s. Which reminds me, are you looking after Annie when George gives his docent talk at the opening ceremonies? Annie is experiencing some anxiety about the day.”

  “Yes, Annie and I have a connection to that horrible morning, and I’ll be there for her.”

  Before Saturday, George and Dewey filled the tanks with propane. Then they stopped at the market and bought top-quality steaks, a couple of cases of Heinekens, plus liquor to make the ladies fu-fu drinks as George called them.

  When they returned and had the grill set up and the steaks in the refrigerator, Layla said she had received a call from Kim, and he and Kyle would arrive on the Friday afternoon flight to Maui and pick up a rental. Kim said they would leave for Oahu on Tuesday morning, as family members too elderly to travel to the ceremonies must hear of the honors to the Okamoto family.

  “So we’ll have them four nights. I hope they enjoy the pineapple room,” said Dewey.

  She also mentioned she had phoned Donnie with the news of Kim’s arrival and that he was prepared to give a proper speech.

  CHAPTER 84

  Everyone was seated on new furniture at Layla and Dewey’s back lanai, having drinks and enjoying chips, dips, and veggies. George brought his secret grilling spices and sprinkled both sides of the steaks, then put them back in the refrigerator. Dewey questioned him about the spices, and he admitted it was pepper, garlic, salt, and whatever else looked promising in Annie’s spice cabinet. Dewey laughed, saying he hoped Layla was amassing a spice cabinet.

&n
bsp; Layla had made two macaroni-and-cheese casseroles, Annie made her pineapple coleslaw, and Fiona brought her infamous Italian Bundt cake, a yellow cake filled with a white cream generously laced with Amaretto, drizzled with dark chocolate sauce, and topped with sifted powdered sugar.

  George and Dewey huddled over the grill unit: George enjoying cooking on the massive unit while Dewey was trying to master when to remove the steaks from the grill to match the doneness order. George served up the massive steaks with Dewey delivering. In no time, talking had ceased, and everyone was in serious eating mode; they decided to defer dessert for a couple of hours.

  The conversation drifted to the tourist invasion now in full swing and how the sheriff and Danny were trying to keep the illegal sale of marijuana out of Paia and how the windsurfers were trying to keep the amateurs out of the large waves. The visiting boogie boarders and surfers felt they could windsurf without a problem, causing endless water rescues. Posted warnings were ignored.

  Layla told everyone that Kim and Kyle would be staying with her and Dewey for several days before going to Oahu. The sheriff seemed slightly shocked by the news and complimented Layla and Dewey on their open-mindedness, although it was obvious he was uncomfortable talking about the arrangement.

  Layla, Fiona, and Annie brought coffee, dessert, and plates out to the lanai along with Fiona’s cake. Everyone seemed tentative at the first bite, but once they tasted the sweetness with the liqueur flavor of the Amaretto, smiles were seen all around the table.

  It was after eleven when the sheriff and Mr. Soo left, thanking Layla and Dewey for a delicious meal and lovely evening. Ned and Fiona soon followed. George explained to Dewey how to clean the grill, and then he and Annie went home.

  Dewey turned out the lanai lights, and Layla took a tray of plates back into the kitchen. “I thought our first dinner party went well.”