“Not until I leave Paia. It is important that I say goodbye in person to all my friends. I do not want them to find out I’m leaving by seeing a sign or a notice in the paper.”
“I understand. That will not be a problem. Do you have an idea of the price you will want?”
“I will leave that to you and Ned. Considering what has happened, it might reduce the selling price.”
“That is a possibility, but we won’t start out with that attitude.”
“Thank you, Fiona. I feel confident you and Ned will handle things for me properly. I’ll tell everyone tonight at dinner.”
After lunch, Fiona went back to her home to begin cooking for the coming evening. The remainder of the group continued packing. When everything was completed, they sat all the boxes in the living room, ready to take to the hangar.
“Well, Mr. Soo, we finally got it all packed,” declared Dewey.
“I’m sorry, Dewey, but this is not everything. We still have the garage.”
“What? Is there a lot to pack in there?”
“Possibly, I will have to go through things. A lot of items of memory are kept there.”
“In that case, let’s leave for today and pick up more cartons on the way back to the hotel. That way, we’ll be ready to start tomorrow morning.”
“I have an announcement to make,” declared Mr. Soo, when they were sitting on the lanai after dinner. “This afternoon, I spoke to Fiona about her and Ned selling my home. My sons are not interested in keeping it in the family,” said Mr. Soo.
No one was surprised by the news, and shortly, everyone went to bed, except Layla and Dewey who stayed on the lanai.
“I’m going to start work on what I want to say at the services. Do you want to help?”
“I wouldn’t be much help, I’m too emotional. You’ll do a great job.” Layla kissed Dewey on the cheek and went to bed.
Dewey spent several hours making a rough draft of his thoughts. He decided he would place them in more coherent order on the computer in the next couple of days.
CHAPTER 94
“Dewey, you aren’t mad that I’m not joining everyone again today? Being on that street is difficult for me. The memories are too fresh.”
“I understand completely. You stay here and rest. Hopefully, we’ll be home early.”
Dewey kissed Layla on the cheek, left their bedroom, and rounded up the remainder of the packing crew. He told the butler to make sure Layla ate lunch.
When he turned onto their street, Dewey saw Ned wave at them from his lanai. He got in his SUV and drove to Mr. Soo’s. He and Dewey loaded up the boxes as the other three tackled the garage. Everything was nicely arranged in plastic storage boxes; however, there were quite a few, so sorting would take time. Dewey and Ned went to the hangar and began unloading the cartons, stacking them neatly in a corner. Dewey had arranged to meet one of the pilots to ascertain how much more weight they could get on board. After using a handheld weighing device, the pilot said they would be able to get another nine hundred pounds on board, at the maximum.
Dewey got in Ned’s SUV that was parked in the shade of the hangar. Ned started to turn on the ignition, stopped, and turned to Dewey. “You’re not looking too good. You have dark circles under your eyes, that’s a couple of days’ growth of beard, and when you walk, you look exhausted.”
“Ned, I am exhausted. I’m trying to take care of Layla, and I worry about her, then getting everything packed in both houses and ready to ship. Having Agnes and Ted here was my idea, and things could never have been this far along without them. However, I still feel responsible for them while they’re here. I worry about Mr. Soo selling everything and moving to a much colder climate. I’m not tending to company business. I know I have a wonderful staff, and things appear to be running smoothly. I’ve been away too long. I need to check on things firsthand. Maybe I shouldn’t have added the extra burden of speaking at the services for George and Annie, but in my heart, I truly wanted to profess what a blessing they were to Layla and me. But what bothers me more than anything else is I can’t get the scene on the Boones’ front lanai out of my mind. That will haunt me the rest of my life. You saw what I saw. Will you ever forget?”
“When I’m in the shower and I know Fiona can’t hear me for the sound of the water, I break down. Each day I think I’ll make it through, but I keeping seeing them like that, and I lose it once again. Let’s hope it will fade some from our minds, but I don’t think we will ever be able to forget what we saw. I can imagine what Layla must be trying to process. She’s had too much in her young life, with the tragic loss of her child, her marriage, and now this. She’s strong, Dewey, or you would have lost her by now.”
“I never thought of it that way, but you’re right. She’s very strong.”
Ned started the SUV, and they drove back to Mr. Soo’s. Ned dropped Dewey off and drove home. Inside, he was handed a small list of items to pick up at the grocery store. Fiona suggested he take everyone to lunch at one of the beach shacks to give Ted and Agnes another Maui experience.
When Ned returned from the grocery, he went to Mr. Soo’s and offered to take everyone to lunch. The hungry group piled into his SUV. After they arrived and placed their orders, they sat at one of the picnic tables, enjoying the sights and sounds of the beach.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen the ocean. Ted was in the navy and says he’s had enough of the sea to last a lifetime. For me, this is an exciting new experience.”
“Agnes, I didn’t know you had never seen the ocean before. I feel bad. You and Ted could have come with me to Maui before this.”
“Dewey, you were busy courting Layla, we would not have intruded for the world. We talked that when you two were married and settled, about bumming a ride when you came to Maui.”
“This may not be the best of circumstances, but I’m pleased you finally got to see the ocean. It is a wonder. Growing up in Southern California, I’ve always been near the water. I enjoy the sound of the waves and the smell of the salt air.”
“Spending six years in the navy, I enjoy the smell of the pines and the scent of mountain air,” said Ted resolutely.
When they returned to Mr. Soo’s, everyone thanked Ned for a wonderful lunch. He returned home to see if he could help Fiona.
“Folks, let’s call it quits for today. Frankly, I’m pooped, and I need to spend more time with Layla. I also need to begin work on what I’m going to say at the services.”
“Dewey, I was going to suggest that you stay at the hotel tomorrow, and Agnes, Mr. Soo, and I will come over and resume the sorting and packing. I’ve paid close attention to the route. This is, after all, a small island, and I know exactly how to get here.”
“Ted, if you are sure that wouldn’t be a problem, I would truly appreciate you handling the rest of the packing. When everything is ready to go, you and I can take it to the hangar. Layla will be pleased I will be able to spend more time with her.”
When they were alone that evening, Dewey told Layla of the plan for tomorrow and possibly the following day. She cried softly and thanked him for being with her. “You are my reason for being. You are my strength.”
“Honey, I’m sorry I’ve had to leave you alone. I had so much to attend to. Forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive. You are a wonder with all you’ve accomplished. I’m just glad I can have you all to myself tomorrow.” With that, she hugged him to her.
When Dewey woke, he was astonished to find it was past ten in the morning. He showered and shaved, then found Layla on the lanai having coffee.
“Hi, you sure look better this morning. I tried to be quiet and not disturb you when I got up. I had breakfast with everyone before they left, and I’m on my third cup of coffee. Let’s get you some breakfast.”
“Good, I’m starved. I really needed the rest. I’m looking forward
to a quiet day, just the two of us,” he said, kissing her on the cheek.
Later that morning, the butler announced Mrs. Keller was calling. Dewey took the phone.
“Fiona, how did things go last night?”
“That’s why I’m calling. What a lovely young man. You were right, he reminded us of George. I’m so glad his wife will be here today. I can tell he really misses his family. We enjoyed one of my outstanding Italian dinners, and he told us after conferring with his sister yesterday, he wanted Ned and me to sell the house once they have everything cleaned up and cleared out. I told him it would be our honor. I also told him I would be there for his wife and sister to help with cleaning out the house. How are you doing? Ned said you were looking terrible.”
“I only got up about an hour ago. A long night’s sleep has helped me considerably. Layla and I plan to spend the day together, just the two of us.”
“Good, you both need that time together. I’ll let you go. We’ll be talking before Saturday. Love you both, goodbye.”
Dewey relayed what Fiona had told him to Layla. They spent a couple of hours sitting together in one of the large chaise lounges. Dewey hugged Layla to him; a few words were said, the closeness was what they both needed.
When the others returned, they were pleased to report all was packed and ready to go to the hangar. Fiona arranged to have someone pick up other items for the local charity bank.
“Dewey, I’m going to drive back to Paia tomorrow. Mr. Soo and I are going to walk through the town so he can say goodbye to all his many friends. I’m really proud that he has asked me to join him,” said Ted, beaming.
“Mr. Soo, this will be difficult for you, but you will make new friends in Salt Lake City. You’re so charming, you will be on everyone’s guest list,” said Layla, smiling at her dear friend.
“Thank you, Layla. One should always look forward to new adventures and new friends.”
The next morning after breakfast, Mr. Soo and Ted left for Paia. Agnes was finally free to explore the shops, select post cards, write notes, and have lunch on her own.
“Think you can stand another day with just me?”
“I’m looking forward to the rest of my life with you, and right now, any day is special to me. I know you need to work on your speech and I want you to spend some time doing that, but for right now, let’s sit on the lanai again like we did yesterday.”
Layla went in for a nap. Dewey took his laptop to the lanai and began to sort through the notes he previously made and composed them into something coherent. After a couple of hours, he went inside, got a beer, and checked on Layla.
“Honey, are you awake? How about lunch? I’m starving again.”
“Give me a minute to freshen up, and tell someone we’re hungry.”
Sitting on the lanai waiting for lunch, Layla asked, “How is your speech coming?”
“I’ve got a rough draft and I’ll have to shorten and refine it some, but I like what I’ve written. May I read it to you after lunch?”
“I should hear it first. If I hear it for the first time at the services, I may become too distraught. So after lunch, read to me what you’ve written.”
As Dewey read his speech to Layla, she broke down several times. “It’s beautiful. You have expressed how much both of us loved George and Annie. I’m so proud of you.” Layla went over and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going to lie down again. I get tired so easily, especially after an emotional outburst.”
“You rest. I’m glad you like what I’ve written.”
CHAPTER 95
Thursday afternoon, Ned phoned to speak with Dewey. “Dewey, if possible, we would like to meet with you, Layla, and Mr. Soo tomorrow regarding the sale of your homes, and you’ll need to bring sets of keys. Afterward, I’ll help you get the remainder of Mr. Soo’s boxes to the hangar.”
“Let me talk with Layla and Mr. Soo, and I’ll get back with you.” Dewey phoned Ned back fifteen minutes later. “Ned, we’ll meet you at your house, say 10:00 a.m. Will that be satisfactory?”
“Perfect. Don’t forget to bring the keys.”
“No problem.”
Friday morning, everyone sat in Fiona and Ned’s living room as Ned discussed the papers needing to be signed. He told Layla how things were progressing with the sale to Wade and the price he offered. Layla agreed to the price and to anything Ned recommended to expedite the proceedings. He got Mr. Soo’s signature on an agreement for his representation on the sale of his home, and they agreed on a tentative price. Ned told Mr. Soo if there was no interest at that price after a month, he would lower it to reflect the area where so much had happened. Mr. Soo said he had no problem with that approach.
Dewey and Ned loaded up the SUV and toted the remainder of Mr. Soo’s boxes to the hangar. Once back, they all decided for a final lunch at Otis’s.
Otis was pleased to see everyone come in for lunch. He told them his business had been cut in half, thanks to the Visitors Center opening, for which he was grateful. He enjoyed just serving the locals. He sat at their table and chatted while the cook prepared their lunch. When they were leaving, Otis hugged Mr. Soo, both men teary-eyed.
As they walked back down the hill, Fiona said, “Damn, that was a sad scene. Mr. Soo, you have so many friends that will miss you, which certainly include Ned and I.”
“Thank you, Fiona, the people of Paia are good, honest, warm folks. I have enjoyed my time among all of you. I will enjoy Salt Lake City too. A place is as warm and friendly as you make it.”
“Fiona, Layla and I have decided to leave her car to some organization in Annie or George’s name. Do you or Ned know any group that could use her station wagon? It has some miles on it. Layla bought it from the rent-a-car agency because she got so used to driving it. It’s still a darn good car.”
“Annie was involved with two retirement homes. The large one caters to the more affluent retiree. The other is smaller, only has ten residents and much less costly. I don’t believe they have their own vehicle and could use one for taking residents to appointments, picking items up for them, etc. Let me check on that for you, and if they could use the car, Ned and I can handle that for you through Donnie. How does that sound?”
“Fiona, that would be wonderful, thank you. I would like to see an organization like the retirement home get the car, especially in Annie’s name,” said Layla.
“I’ll look into it and get back with you this evening.”
When they were ready to go back to the Four Seasons, there was a lull in the conversation. Finally, Mr. Soo said, “The next time we see each other will be tomorrow at the funeral. It will be a sad and emotional time, but we need to be strong for Annie and George’s children and grandchildren.”
“I’m glad we’re back home. I would hate to be in that hotel suite tonight. I’ll get these papers over to the escrow company. Are you going to call the retirement home?” Ned asked once they were alone.
“Yes, I’ll call them right away. I’m confident they will be pleased to get the station wagon and even more pleased it will be given in Annie’s name. Hurry home, honey.”
“I’ll be back as soon as we finish with the paperwork. I want to call Wade and tell him the progress we’ve made. Everything will go easily from here on out. I’m going to suggest to Layla that she keep her account with Donnie until the sale is final. Then she can have her funds transferred to Salt Lake City.”
“Do you think we should suggest the same thing to Mr. Soo?”
“Absolutely, hopefully, we can sell his home without too much difficulty.”
Fiona phoned the retirement home and spoke with the director. He was thrilled to learn about the donation of a station wagon. Fiona said she would be in contact with Donnie Munson to finalize the procedure, which she said would take place sometime next week. She stressed the donation would be made in the name of Annie Boone.
> Several hours later, Ned returned. When he came in from the garage, Fiona hugged him. “I’m so glad you’re home safely. I’ve become paranoid about our safety lately. I guess that’s silly, but when you’re not here, I worry about losing you, my love.”
“We’ll be fine, honey. After all, I have my gun-toting wife to protect me, and I expect you to keep that little pistol handy at all times,” Ned said in Fiona’s ear.
“You can count on it. Ever since the Okamotos were murdered, I’ve kept it on me somewhere. Now I keep it on even in the house.”
“Wow, should I be scared?”
“You, my love, should always be scared of me,” Fiona said, giving Ned a very long and loving kiss.
Later that evening, Fiona called and told Dewey how happy the retirement home would be to get the station wagon. She and Ned would follow them to the airport, and one of them would drive the car to the bank where Donnie would finalize the necessary work. Dewey told her Layla would be very happy and thanked her.
Ned took the phone and asked Dewey to speak with Layla about leaving her account in Paia until the sale of her home was final. He also spoke with Mr. Soo and suggested the same thing to him. Mr. Soo saw the advantage and agreed to leave his account at the bank.
After speaking to Fiona and Ned, Dewey went into their bedroom and spoke with Layla, who was getting her clothes ready for tomorrow. “Honey, I just spoke with Fiona. The retirement center was thrilled to be the recipient of your station wagon in Annie’s name. Donnie will handle the transaction. Ned and Fiona will follow us to the airport, and one of them will drive the wagon to the bank.”
“I’m so pleased Fiona was able to get all this done so swiftly.”
“I spoke with Ned, and he suggested you leave your account here in Paia until the sale of your house is finalized, saying it would make the transaction so much easier. Wade also banks with Donnie.”
“I’ll do that. Once all is settled, my trust fund manager can arrange for funds to be transferred.”
Maui Murders Page 56