by Neal, Toby
“It’s over now,” Lei said. There was nothing else to say. “The binder really helped solidify the investigation. You tried.”
“I tried. It wasn’t enough. Too many died.” They sat in silence for a long moment.
“I wanted to say—it was good working with you. Might stop by for a smoothie now and again. Wanted you to know . . . I’m sorry.” Lei stood up.
“I know you are. Me too.” He lifted his head and his chambray eyes were shadowed with sorrow. “See you around, Lei.”
Stevens sat beside her on the top step of her back porch in nothing but his boxers. They sipped morning coffee and watched the river. Keiki wriggled on her back in the grass, flailing her paws and grunting with the joy of a good roll. Lei leaned her head on Stevens’s shoulder.
“It’s nice to see that robe again. I’m rather fond of it.” His hand reached into the collar, rubbed her bare neck.
“I love you, you know.”
“You keep saying that.”
“I keep meaning it. But you haven’t said it back.”
“And I won’t.”
“Why?”
“You know why—it makes you freak. So I’ll just do crazy shit like this.” He held out his right arm. The inner muscle of his forearm was tattooed with a tiny purple heart encircling Lei. They’d been too busy doing other things for her to notice it.
“Oh my God. A purple heart.” She laughed. “When did you do that? You must’ve been drunk.”
“As a skunk. I was crying in my beer the day I saw those roses, and J-Boy hauled me down to the tattoo guy before I knew what hit me. He’s been trying to get us back together.”
“I’ll have to get him back. Give Anuhea his home address or something.”
“Or something.”
“You know, Marcella asked me to apply for the Bureau.”
“Aw, shit. Wonder what kind of work they have in Quantico for aging detectives like me.”
Lei punched him in the arm. She was distracted by the purple heart again.
“Cutest little tattoo I’ve ever seen. We’re not going anywhere. It’s ridiculous.” She traced the heart with her forefinger.
“I may add more as necessary—but don’t worry, I won’t tell you I love you.”
“Cross your heart.” She traced an X over the tiny tattoo.
“I won’t ask you to marry me either.”
“Excellent.” She kissed the little tattoo, trailed more kisses up the bulge of his biceps and along his collarbone as she climbed into his lap. His arms wrapped around her and his voice was rough in her ear.
“You know, promises are made to be broken.”
Acknowlegements
I grew up on Kaua`i, and it was a special joy and treat to write about my hometown, Hanalei, where I enjoyed many of the things Lei does and more—surfing, sailing, diving, paddling, and jogging on the beach at Hanalei Bay. In developing Torch Ginger, I made a list of some of my favorite places (such as the Blue Cave) and figured out how to work them into the story. Many of the things that seem far-fetched, like the annual flooding, are true in fact.
That said, a lot of other things are made up. I stayed away from some actual buildings/addresses, instead inventing them entirely—such as the Kapa`a Police Station (which in real life is a sort of kiosk at the beach park.) The estate Mac owns, while based in looks on the Wilcox spread in Hanalei, is imaginary—as is the heiau on the plateau. And while there is a beautiful Princeville Hotel, it DOES NOT have an underwater bar with a disco ball (perhaps they should consider it on their next remodel!)
Special thanks to two women knowledgeable about Hawaiiana who read the manuscript to help me avoid glaring mistakes in the cultural practices mentioned in the book: teacher Josalind Akoi and Hawaiian Immersion teacher Leina`ala Kenolio Vedder both read the manuscript and gave me feedback on language, the character of Esther Ka`awai (entirely fictional, but based on my experience of certain powerful women imbued with mana`o) and other aspects. I apologize in advance for any mistakes—I meant no disrespect. My intention with the Lei Crime Series has been to educate a wider audience about Hawaii (and its culture) through an entertaining read.
I continue to thank my detective reader Jay Allen, without whose law enforcement tips Lei would be lost, and beta readers Linda Lafragiola, Bonny Ponting, Julie Wallace, Noelle Pierce and Holly Robinson. You guys helped me rein in the galloping story, and my amazing editor Kristen Weber helped me forge it into a sequel worthy to follow Blood Orchids.
I also want to acknowledge Dr. Rex Couch, retired Medical Examiner for Kaua`i. Until his death, Dr. Couch provided valuable feedback on the bodies in my books. Dear Dr. Rex, you will always be missed.
I also want to thank my awesome agent, Richard Parks. Even though we didn’t find a deal we’d accept for this book, I want to thank you for your herculean efforts, your support, and your gracious, kind, and frequent communication. I have a true advocate in you in the publishing world, and I’m so grateful.
Thanks also to my artist husband Mike Neal, who did the cover photo and continues to believe in me—putting up with my mood swings, obsessions and wild flights of ideas—and while not a writer (or a reader, LOL!) you are a true creative partner and I love how our projects spark each other.
Ever and always, thanks be to God—who deserves all the glory. Only You could create a place as amazing as Kaua`i.
About the Author
Toby Neal was raised on Kaua`i in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.” Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous multicultural heroine of the Lei Crime Series.
Find Toby online at:
TobyNeal.net
twitter.com/tobywneal
Look For These Titles
In the Lei Crime Series
Blood Orchids
Torch Ginger
Black Jasmine
Broken Ferns
Companion Series Books:
Stolen in Paradise (a Marcella Scott Novel)
Twisted in Paradise (a Dr. Wilson Novel)
Young Adult:
Beosith
Sign up for email updates at TobyNeal.net for upcoming book announcements!
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Acknowlegements
About the Author
Look For These Titles In the Lei Crime Series
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