CHAPTER 89
He heard noise coming from the bathroom and knew one of the Boones was taking a shower, hoping it was George. Approaching the Boones’ back lanai steps, he checked to make sure no lights were visible at the Kellers’, and then he knocked softly on the screen, glad to see it was Annie in the kitchen.
“My goodness, surprised to see you this late. Come in.” Annie opened the screen, stepping back to let him enter.
Reaching behind his back, he pulled one of the two Tasers he was carrying, the one powered with less voltage. He quickly aimed it at Annie’s heart and released the button, sending voltage wires into her body. Her eyes widened in shock, and she slowly went down to her knees. Jumping in quickly, he grabbed her and maneuvered her into a recliner. Going back to the lanai, he turned the light off, closed the door, and pulled the drapes.
Opening the drapes and slider to the front lanai, he quietly pulled the recliner with Annie to the center of the window, sitting her upright and making sure she was still unconscious. He hurriedly pulled the other recliner in place beside her just as he heard the shower noise dissipate. He pulled the other Taser out and verified it was set for large voltage, wanting to make sure it brought the big man down. Standing at the hallway entrance, he waited; he heard the bathroom ceiling fan cease and saw the light go out. George stepped out into the hallway, pulling a T-shirt over his head.
“I feel better. I got all the charcoal smoke off me.”
George looked up just as the Taser shot out the extreme voltage that coursed through his chest. For an instant, a look of shock and then sadness registered on George’s face before he crumpled to the floor.
Quickly and with difficulty, his body was dragged, then lifted into the other recliner and posed in the same position as Annie’s, their hands intertwined, their heads tilted toward each other.
The intruder then put on a plastic rain cape, surgical gloves, and paper booties. He rushed to the kitchen and got one of Annie’s sharp knives. As he went back to the scene he had staged, a sorrowful look came on his face.
“This was not supposed to happen. It was supposed to be that bitch Fiona and her ever-so-proper husband, but their darling little Fredrico popped into town, and you can understand, you were my only other option.”
That said, he first went to Annie and gently slit her throat. Walking over to George, once again giving his apologies, he slit his throat. He dropped the knife behind them, picked up his trophy, and going down the front lanai steps, he slipped off the booties and walked to the carport at Joe Wong’s home, currently not being rented. He started his engine and went up the hill without his lights on and turned onto Baldwin, away from his home.
Never can be too careful, he thought. He had put the bloodstained gloves, booties, and rain cape in a large plastic bag to be burned once he was home.
Layla went to the front lanai where Kyle and Kim waited, shoes in hand, pants legs rolled up slightly, and grinning.
“Let’s go over to the Boones’ the front way. We looked at the beach and realized we had to feel the sand in our toes,” said Kim.
“Sure, why not? I can shake it out of my sandals. Besides, I noticed their back lanai is still closed up. Dewey, we’re going over to the Boones’ the front way. Can you please lock up and get Mr. Soo?”
“No problem. We’ll be right behind you.”
The three laughed as Kyle and Kim scrunched their toes in the warm sand. Layla theorized that Kim was trying to relieve tension he was feeling about entering his former home and giving his speech. “Kim, did you bring your speech?”
“Are you kidding?” asked Kyle. “He’s had that speech memorized for a couple of weeks. I think he rehearses it in his sleep. He does not need notes.”
“Kyle, you are embarrassing me, but yes, I know my speech by heart. It’s the least I could do.”
Dewey locked up the house and went to collect Mr. Soo, who was waiting on his lanai. “Do I look proper for this occasion?”
“Mr. Soo, you look super. You are quite the natty dresser.”
“Thank you. I’ve always been a fan of Armani suits. When I was doing business on Oahu, one or two days a week, it was important I presented myself as a well-off businessman, and I made sure I had the wardrobe to fulfill this image.”
“You had better be careful. Those older ladies from the senior facilities will see you and go wild. You are definitely good material for husband hunting.”
“I have no intention of finding another wife. I’m a happy bachelor, doing my own thing as you young people say.”
“Fiona, your display is wonderful, and I can tell by the people already looking and picking out pieces, it will do quite well for the center,” said Donnie.
“Thank you. This is a talented group of crafters, and their work displays a wide array of finer island products. I wonder where the rest of our neighbors are. They should be here by now.”
“You know how that goes, getting a group of people somewhere all at once always finds someone running behind. Don’t worry, everyone will be here for the opening ceremonies.”
“You’re right. I’m going to go sit with Ned and Fredrico.”
Laughing, making their way in front of the Boones’ lanai, Layla said, “What’s that smell?”
“Maybe it’s one of the algae odors the tide brings in occasionally,” offered Kim.
“What’s the buzzing sound? Sounds like a beehive or something?” questioned Kyle.
As Layla made her way up the stairs, she turned back and said to them, “It smells even worse up here.”
Layla turned and took a couple of steps farther up onto the lanai. She saw the two bodies of her beloved friends sitting with blood congealed over them spilling onto the lanai and saw flies all around; dropping to her knees, she let out a bloodcurdling scream.
Kyle and Kim hurried up the stairs. Kim caught his breath; walking to the backside of the lanai, he dropped down, wide-eyed, mouth gaping. Kyle rushed to his side, trying to get his attention, without success.
Dewey heard Layla scream, “Something is wrong, Mr. Soo!” He rushed to the Boones’, noticing the back lanai locked up and went around to the front. He hurried up the stairs and saw Layla kneeling, something red soaking into the bottom of her skirt. He looked up and saw the bodies of his friends. “My god, my god. Not these people. Come, Layla, let me get you out of here.”
Dewey grabbed Layla, lifting her to her feet, then leading her down the stairs and around the outside of the Boone home. They reached the back lanai stairs where she sat down on a step. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed the sheriff’s office.
“Charlene, this is Dewey McMaster, and this is an emergency. Get in touch with the sheriff and Danny immediately and get them to the Boones’ home. I’ll meet them here.”
“What’s the matter, Dewey?”
“Just get them here, Charlene,” Dewey said and ended the call.
“Mr. Soo, do you have your cell phone?”
“Yes, right here.”
“Call Fiona and tell her she and Ned need to get down here immediately. It’s an emergency, and tell them not to say anything to anyone, just leave.”
Mr. Soo did as he was asked. When Fiona questioned him, he didn’t lie, saying he had no idea, but Layla was in bad shape; something was very wrong.
Danny came running down the hill with the sheriff closely following. Ned was a short way behind the sheriff, and Fiona was making her way down the stairs. Halfway down, she took off her high heels and continued on bare feet.
When they got to where Layla was sitting, Dewey directed them around to the front of the house. When Fiona arrived, Dewey asked her to stay with Layla while he followed the others to the front lanai.
Mr. Soo came to the stairs and softly asked Layla, “Can you help Fiona and me try to understand what is happening?”
Layla grabbed their hands, her eye
s pleading, tears flowing. “They’re gone. They’re gone. How could they be gone?”
Fiona looked at Mr. Soo and shook her head. “Look at the bottom of Layla’s skirt. I believe that’s blood,” she said in a whisper.
“Oh no, could this have happened again to our good friends?”
“Please, God, no,” Fiona said, looking upward.
Danny came running up from the front lanai, phone in hand, calling for an ambulance. As directed by the sheriff, he was going back to the Visitors Center to tell Donnie there had been an accident at the Boones’ and to take over for everyone that was missing and end the ceremonies as quickly as possible. After that, he was to put crime-scene tape up to the entrance to the side street and only let the ambulance, local police, CSI, the Five-O people, and the coroner into the crime scene, no exceptions.
Dewey and Ned came back to the stairs where everyone was assembled. Ned went over to Fiona, the color drained from his face and tears in his eyes. He grabbed Fiona and hugged her to him. “They’re both gone, murdered just like the Okamotos.”
“No!” wailed Fiona.
“Mom, what’s the matter?” said Fred, making his way toward the crowd. “Mr. Soo, what’s going on? Do you know?”
“No, not for sure, but I know it’s bad.”
Dewey walked over to both men and took a deep breath. “Someone has murdered George and Annie, just like the Okamotos were killed. It was horrible. Layla, Kim, and Kyle discovered the bodies. Kim is in bad shape. He’s just sitting on the lanai, staring ahead, and Kyle doesn’t seem to be able to get him to move. He’ll need an ambulance. I’m not sure about Layla. She’s also in shock but not like Kim. I can’t believe they’re gone.” As Dewey said this, he broke down and began sobbing. Mr. Soo patted him on the arm, trying to soothe his friend.
“I wish I hadn’t gone back there. I wish I had never seen what I saw,” Ned said, visibly shaken.
The sheriff made his way to them, and he motioned Dewey aside. “Dewey, take Layla home and have her change her clothes. Her skirt and shoes need to be placed in a paper bag, and we’ll need your shoes too. There may be trace evidence on those items.”
“I understand, Sheriff, we’ll do that right now. What’s going to happen next?”
“The local detectives, CSI, and Five-O will come and ask questions. They will want to know what you saw and anything else you might be able to contribute. I’m going around to the front and into the house to open up the back to keep people off the front lanai. Ned, while I’m gone, if anyone comes, make them wait until I get the back opened. We don’t need any more people tromping on the front lanai.”
In a few moments, the sound of sirens could be heard as the sheriff opened up the back lanai. Dewey walked past Layla and up the stairs to speak with him. “Sheriff, when everyone is through with the questions, I would like to take Layla, Fiona, Ned, and Mr. Soo over to the Four Seasons. I don’t think anyone should stay here for a few days.”
“That’s an excellent idea, Dewey. I’ll make it as easy for you as possible.”
“Thank you, Sheriff.” As Dewey was talking with the sheriff, his vision was directed inside to the Boones’ home, and he noticed something but could not figure out what. He would come back to the notion when things settled down a little.
He still had the phone number to the Four Seasons on his cell phone and asked to speak directly to the hotel manager after identifying himself. After confirming they had a three-bedroom suite available, he told them he would be taking the suite for at least a week and would be arriving later this evening.
Returning to the group, he asked Fiona for assistance getting Layla changed, then he told them about staying at the hotel and how the sheriff would see to it that they would be free to leave as soon as possible. Ned and Fiona were happy to leave the area; Ned said he would take their car. He was also going to talk with the sheriff about letting Fred leave so he could catch his flight out of Maui.
Mr. Soo was eager to leave the area and went home to pack.
Dewey and Fiona helped Layla home and then removed her skirt and shoes as instructed by the sheriff. Dewey took his shoes off, bagged them, and took everything over to the sheriff while Fiona packed several bags for Layla. Dewey returned and began packing bags for himself. He threw the luggage in their car, along with Mr. Soo’s who had joined them. They returned to the Boones’ back lanai where the sheriff had everyone gathered.
Fiona packed for herself and Ned. They said sad goodbyes to Fred who arranged with a friend for a lift to the airport, the sheriff allowing him to walk up to Baldwin to meet his friend. Ned and Fiona joined everyone on the lanai.
Donnie and the mayor were there when the sheriff came to speak with everyone. The ambulance came and took Kim away, Kyle riding with him. The sheriff told Donnie and the mayor about the tragic situation and asked them to leave the area since they were not involved in the initial finding. It would save time when the official investigation began.
Within twenty minutes, the detectives and CSI techs arrived, and thirty minutes later, the Five-O group arrived. Once they all assessed the scene on the front lanai, the coroner was allowed to make his initial determinations.
Someone was kind enough to bring bottled water for those waiting on the back lanai; the group sat in silence, each deep in their own sorrow. Dewey sat with his arm protectively around Layla, who was still numb. She refused to go in an ambulance, saying she would be more comfortable with Dewey and surrounded by her friends.
In less than an hour, both groups of detectives began their questioning. After almost two hours of answering the same questions several times, the group was allowed to depart for the Four Seasons. The detectives made an appointment to meet with everyone the next afternoon.
* * *
Now on the periphery of the excitement, he enjoyed the chaos he had created. The opening of the Visitors Center paled compared to this, and to think, he really was responsible for both. What fun!
CHAPTER 90
When they got to their suite, the bellman, with a trolley loaded with luggage, had the lights on and the windows opened. A gentle evening tropical breeze drifted into the living and dining areas. Mr. Soo opted for the upstairs loft bedroom, saying he would enjoy walking up and down the stairs for exercise. Dewey decided he and Layla would take the master bedroom that offered a view of tropical gardens and a partial ocean view. Ned and Fiona had the master bedroom that had a full ocean view. When the luggage was sorted out, Dewey called room service and had sandwiches, salads, and dessert sent up; although the suite came with a chef, they decided not to use his services for the evening.
After making the call, Dewey and Fiona went to the well-appointed kitchen to make coffee and tea. Two coffee makers were sitting on the counter: one a drop-in with a tree of various selections and the other a brew pot with a canister of Kona coffee.
“Which type shall I use?” asked Fiona.
“How about a brew pot? It’s easier to get refills,’” suggested Dewey.
Fiona was pouring water into the chamber and said, “Annie loved her coffee.” She sat the water down, held on to the counter, and cried.
Ned, hearing Fiona, came into the kitchen and held on to her.
“Take her into the living room. I’ll finish up here,” said Dewey.
Mr. Soo entered the kitchen. “Don’t worry about me. When I feel for tea, I’ll put the kettle on. Is beer in the refrigerator?”
A surprised looked crossed Dewey’s face, never knowing Mr. Soo to drink; he opened the refrigerator door. “There are several varieties, Mr. Soo, make a selection. I’ll have one myself.”
Dewey and Mr. Soo walked back through the dining area that opened to the living area.
“Would anyone like a beer or something else to drink?” asked Dewey.
“I would like a vodka on the rocks. A double, please,” said Fiona.
“I’ll get that for you, honey, and a beer for me,” said Ned.
“Layla, you should drink something,” said Dewey.
“I’ll wait for the coffee,” she said softly.
The massive living area had three large sofas in a U-shape pattern. The center sofa taking in the ocean view, the suite featured a wraparound lanai that covered the living area and both master bedrooms. The loft had a small balcony that opened to an ocean view. A full moon cast a silvery glow on the ocean, presenting a magnificent picture from their suite. No one noticed, grief was all consuming.
That night, when Layla and Dewey went to bed, Dewey found Layla curled up on her side, wearing a T-shirt and lightweight jogging shorts, a uniform she would continue to wear for some time to come.
The next morning their chef arrived and prepared breakfast. By then, the whole island had the news of yesterday’s events, and some of the hotel staff realized the residents in the suite were directly involved. When the butler arrived, he told Dewey it would be wise for him to answer all phone calls then direct them, saying that as hard as the hotel tried to keep their suite number private, often, unthinking people managed to get the correct extension.
The first call was from the local police. The butler asked for a name and badge number before passing the call to Dewey. Dewey was told two detectives from the local police along with two from Five-O would come by at one that afternoon. He asked that all parties be available. Dewey thanked him and relayed the request to everyone.
The next call was from Donnie asking to speak with Fiona.
“Yes, Donnie, is something the matter with the crafters?”
“No, Fiona. However, a strange event happened this morning. Before the center opened, there was a line outside of about ten people. The restaurant manager phoned me at home and told me about it, saying he recognized the folks as local residents. I went to the center and opened up. They all rushed over to the craft counter. Within minutes, all of Layla’s charcoals were sold. I wanted to tell you. I thought it was eerily interesting.”
“Donnie, that is weird, but at least it’s a good thing for the center. I’m not sure I’ll tell Layla right now. She’s not up for too much.”
Maui Murders Page 53