by Lakes, Lynde
At the phone’s loud jangle, she let out a deep breath. At last. But it was only Bev. Hearing the excitement in her friend’s voice, Lani hid her disappointment. “What’s up?” she asked, trying for an upbeat tone.
“David proposed,” Bev blurted.
“Way to go, kiddo!” Lani squealed. “When’s the wedding?”
“In about three months.” Bev sounded breathless. “Need time to do it up big.” The line went silent for a moment, then she asked in an uncertain voice, “Will you be a bride’s maid? I mean, I didn’t know how you’d feel.”
“I’d have been furious if you hadn’t asked.”
They discussed Bev’s plans, then signed off with promises to talk again soon.
This wedding was just the excuse Lani needed to go back for a visit. She missed everyone, especially her parents. Everything was working out perfectly in San Diego and looked promising here, especially after Cort called and told her the time of the meeting.
Finding the relics was a major breakthrough. If things went well this afternoon, she could move on and center all of her energies on solving the mystery surrounding her birth. After the meeting, she was going to the Big Island. She packed a bag and tucked the wrappings from the lava stone necklace inside.
****
Lani glanced at her watch. She’d make the 2:30 meeting with ten minutes to spare. She slowed as she approached the beach property, surprised to see a news van and cars parked all along the highway. Police barricades held back the milling crowd. Some people carried picket signs with the words: Let Hawaiians rest in peace. Trying to ignore her pounding heart, Lani boldly swung into the driveway.
A policeman stepped into her path and stood in a wide stance, blocking her way. “Sorry, Miss,” he called. “Can’t let you pass.”
“They’re waiting for me.”
He tucked his thumb in his belt near the holster, then ambled over to the car and frowned down at her.
Lani glanced at his nametag. “Sgt. Okumoto, I’m Lani Ward.” She shaded her eyes from the sunlight and the glint of his badge. “I have an appointment with the property owner.” He took a small notepad from his pocket, checked the names on it, and asked to see some identification. After she showed him her license, he waved her in and closed the gate behind her. She parked by the trailer and headed for the diggings. Cort and Mr. Kohea stood at the edge of one of the holes surrounded by news reporters. Cameramen aimed their cameras at the two men, and a reporter held a microphone in Mr. Kohea’s face.
Cort looked in her direction and waved. God, he was handsome. He wore jeans and a white cotton shirt, collar open, long sleeves rolled to his forearms. He left Kohea and hurried toward her in a confident stride. Did he really have things under control, or was it for show?
She gestured with her head toward the reporters. “What’s going on?”
“When Kohea filed his report, the news media got wind of it. Now the whole world knows relics and bones are buried here. This isn’t going to help our cause. If we could’ve settled all this without the public becoming involved, it would’ve been less explosive.”
“Maybe I can help. Let me talk to them.” She turned toward the road.
Cort clamped his hand on her arm and spun her around. “That’s the worst thing you could do. We can’t let the media find out about you and your visions. They’d have a field day with that. And if Wang sees you out there, he might think you’re stirring up the crowd, and then we won’t have a prayer of convincing him of anything. As it is, I can only guess how upset he’ll be when he sees the signs.”
“We’ll know soon enough.” Lani nodded toward the black limousine turning onto the site.
Cort drew her along as he hurried to greet them.
“What’s going on?” Wang growled.
“Everything’s under control,” Cort said. “Come inside and I’ll explain.”
Inside the trailer, Kohea sat down on the couch alone. Chinn took a chair by the door. Wang remained standing, leaning stiffly against the filing cabinets. Wanting to sit where she could see everyone’s faces, Lani eased into Cort’s desk chair. She positioned it where she could see Cort’s face as well. He plunged into the presentation with firm, hard facts. No one argued with his logic. His deep voice and persuasive words sent a tremor of excitement through her. He must have felt her gaze on him because he looked down at her. His eyes softened and for a moment she felt as though no one else existed but the two of them.
Wang cleared his throat, then spoke loudly in precise English. “Your plan sounds solid, Cort. I’m willing to work with the state if Kohea assures me that I’ll get the variance.”
Before Cort could respond, Kohea said, “Everything has to be directed through normal channels. But, from Cort’s presentation, I’m optimistic about the outcome.”
“I need guarantees!” Wang’s face flushed. “Delays are lost money.”
Lani nibbled on her lower lip. Cort had told her not to say a word, but everything bubbled to the surface. She shot to her feet. “Mr. Wang, sir,” she said fighting a tremor in her voice. “What’s your alternative? You’re shut down.”
He glared at her. “And whose fault is that?”
Her face burned. “Guilty. But this is your chance to turn things around.” Cort might not forgive her for this, but once she had the floor she couldn’t give it up. “Mr. Kohea, couldn’t you hand-carry everything through the departments rather than letting the matter get lost on someone’s desk?”
Her knees felt like Jell-O. She hesitantly glanced at Cort. The warm glint in his eyes eased her mind and gave her new strength.
“I’d be willing to do that,” Kohea said. “After I verify that the relics and bones are limited to this area.” He pointed to the rectangle on the map that Cort had marked in red.
Lani felt a coolness at her neck. A shiver slipped down her spine. She lost track of the conversation, absorbed by an eerie feeling that someone was standing behind her. At the faint smell of sulfur, she turned around. No one was there. When she turned back, she saw Chinn holding a match to Wang’s cigar.
Mesmerized by the flickering blue flame, Lani vaguely heard Wang say his lighter had run out of fluid. Events happened in slow motion. Sneering faces in the flame—moaning coming from the walls—drumbeats in the distance. She had a hunch nothing was as it appeared and the worst was yet to come. Taking a deep breath, she willed herself to stay calm.
Cort’s words penetrated her consciousness and she realized she’d missed some of the discussion. Apparently they had come to some sort of agreement.
“My men are at your disposal,” Cort told Kohea.
Her feeling of foreboding added a new urgency. “Mr. Kohea, once you’re assured I’m right, how long will it take to get the variance and approval?” Her knees shook, but her voice sounded confident.
“You cut right through the chaff, Miss Ward, but the state doesn’t operate that fast. We need approvals, appraisals, and funds allocated. These things take time.”
“Can you get a verbal go-ahead for the random spot borings so that part is firmly established?” Lani clenched her hands, aware of her moist palms.
He laughed. “Yes, that can be done.”
Lani felt driven to push a little more. “Once you have the proof you need, can you give a verbal promise of a variance?” She knew it wouldn’t hold any weight, but, at this point, any commitment was better than none.
“That’s a board decision,” Kohea said, “but if things go well, I’ll recommend it.
That was what she wanted. Kohea in their corner. She felt Cort’s gaze on her, met it, and was warmed by the admiration in his eyes.
Everyone shook hands. Cort’s eyes, masked like those of a skilled poker player, gave away nothing, but she knew his preceding breath had been one of relief, as was hers.
The others filed out, leaving them alone. Lani folded her arms and leaned against Cort’s desk. “Now that we’ve settled things here, I’m going to the Big Island to find my mother,”
she said abruptly before she lost her nerve.
A tendon in Cort’s jaw twitched. “How? You’ve nothing to go on.”
“I have some ideas.”
“Based on what happened to my chopper controls when we flew over Kilauea, going anywhere near it could be dangerous.”
“Don’t try to talk me out of this.” She went to the telephone and dialed for flight information.
He took the receiver from her. “You won’t need flight info. We can hitchhike over with Tom.”
“We?”
“You’re not going alone.”
She smiled inwardly—that was what she’d hoped for. “Tom’s a pilot, too?”
“Yeah. He’s flying over in his Cessna this evening to be on hand early tomorrow morning to give blood for his brother’s operation. I’d already promised to tag along and give a pint or two myself. My bag’s all packed.”
“What’s wrong with his brother?”
“Colon cancer.”
The horrible words hung in the air. Lani touched Cort’s arm. “I’d like to give blood too, if I’m his type.”
“You don’t even know the guy.”
“Is that a requirement?”
“Of course not.”
“Well, then?”
“Thanks. Tom will appreciate that.”
As they talked, Lani learned Cort didn’t know Tom’s brother either, only that his name was Leroy Sinclair and he had a wife and four children.
“On the positive side,” Cort said. “Tom said they caught it early.”
Lani sighed in relief. “Let’s send flowers.”
“Good idea.”
They called a florist and ordered a mixed bouquet. Ordering the flowers together made Lani feel closer to Cort. The long hug he gave her revealed he felt the special connection too.
After Cort made room reservations at a small hotel on the outskirts of Hilo, he turned to Lani. “How long’ll it take you to pack?”
“Suitcase is in the trunk, all set to go.”
He shook his head. “You’d already decided to do this.”
Lani nodded.
“A man has to be a marathon runner to keep up with you.” An unidentifiable look flickered in his eyes. “Well, you’re packed, I’m packed, so that leaves us plenty of time for a swim before we meet Tom at the airport. You did bring a swimsuit, right?”
“In Hawai’i? Wouldn’t leave home without one.”
“Good. I need to unwind after that meeting.”
Lani thought of the milling protesters outside the gate, and the police barricade. But it should be okay. The slope of the land and the remaining shrubs would give them the privacy they needed to enjoy a swim. She smiled. “We did a good job, didn’t we?”
“We’re a powerful team.” He winked. “Now get your suit on. Meet you outside.”
Minutes later, Lani stepped onto the beach wearing her bikini. Cort had changed into hip and thigh-hugging black shorts that left little to the imagination and set her heart to racing.
Holding hands and laughing like children, they ran into the water. They stayed in the surf swimming and playing until an early moon bathed them in silvery light. Then they walked in from the sea, their skin luminous and cool, salt water clinging to their bodies.
“Let’s walk down the beach to dry off,” Cort said, linking their fingers, drawing her away from the construction site.
A gentle sea breeze blew Lani’s damp hair. She detected the sweet scent of plumeria on the breeze. Soft music came from one of the condos in the distance. Cort’s body gently jostled hers as they strolled along. Her pulse beat with the untamed rhythm of the surf as it pounded the shore.
Cort stopped and drew her behind a sheltering wall covered with tangled bougainvillea. Their bodies met. Mere wet swimsuits couldn’t deter the heat and electricity that surged between them. He kissed her palm, then each finger. She trembled with delight.
Cort’s lips barely brushed hers. “All last night,” he murmured, “and all day, I’ve wanted to kiss you, hold you.”
His loving touch brought tears to Lani’s eyes. “It’s been the same for me.”
Their kiss deepened and Lani arched her body to meet his, longing for more of him. Her blood was liquid fire.
He crushed her to his chest and let out a groan. “You have the softest body.”
“And you have the hardest.” She laughed, surprised she’d said something so corny, surprised she could speak at all. Her body tingled from being pressed to Cort’s. His heat mingled with her own, sending tiny flames surging to her core.
Lani trailed her hand from Cort’s shoulder to the back of his neck. Her fingers threaded through the shaggy golden-blond hair that lay at the base of his neck. He drew her closer, so close she felt every contour of his powerful body. Her nipples hardened. Cort buried his face in her hair, nuzzled her neck. His breath on her skin was warm, wonderful.
“You smell so good, feel so good,” he whispered.
His mouth was so close she felt his breath on her lips.
“Kiss me again,” she said.
When he didn’t, she pulled his head down and opened her mouth beneath his, imploring his tongue to enter. His body tensed, then his tongue plundered her mouth with a desperation that surprised her. His heat seared through their skimpy swimsuits, fusing their bodies.
“Let me love you, here, now,” he whispered, drawing her down to the cool gritty sand, away from the glow of moonlight, beneath the shadow of the wall.
“Yes, yes,” she cried breathlessly. He slid a strap from her shoulder. The damp swimsuit bra lost substance and slithered to rest on her breast. He gently eased the fabric lower. She tossed her head back, and he claimed one breast then the other with a hungry, devouring mouth.
Wanting no barriers between them, they hastily slipped out of their swimsuits.
Cort paused to look at her, then buried his fingers in her hair. “Lani,” he murmured.
The husky way he said her name heightened her desire, her impatience. She drew him closer. He rolled over, capturing her beneath him, hands above her head. The sand shifted to accommodate their bodies. She wrapped her legs around him, wanting to feel this man she loved inside her. She arched against him, drew him in, met his thrusts, craving them deeper, faster. All of her energy centered on their undulating bodies, the intensity of feeling, the heat. She writhed wildly, seeking release. Her sensations intensified. Then her world exploded in a blaze of fireworks, and she took Cort with her as she plummeted over the brink.
Afterwards, they lay in each other’s arms. Lani sighed in contentment. “I wish I could stay this happy forever.”
Cort kissed her forehead. “I’ll do my part.”
She stroked his chest hair. “You have from the beginning.” Cort had been patient through all the craziness, but even a man in love could take only so much. She feared until she sought out and confronted the truth about her birth, there would always be this haunting uncertainty between them, blocking their peace and lasting happiness. “We’d better go back now,” she said softly. “We don’t want Tom to leave without us.”
****
The early morning surf rolled and crashed against the shore outside the sliding-glass door of their hotel, setting a romantic rhythm. Lani felt good, invigorated. Although barely light outside, she and Cort had already accomplished something important. Before dawn, they’d gone to the hospital to give blood for Tom’s brother. It didn’t take long, and when they returned they had a strong need to celebrate life.
The bed creaked as they met in the center. She traced the line of Cort’s strong jaw with the tips of her fingers. When Cort looked down into her eyes, she brushed soft strands of blond hair from his forehead. The strands fell forward naturally again when his mouth descended on hers. Joy filled her. She wanted to whisper I love you, but he didn’t give her a chance. She eagerly matched his insistent kisses.
Later, as she lay contented in his arms with sweat and sex perfuming the room, she remembered what
he’d said on their second meeting—something about fate bringing them together. Maybe it had, but no matter what brought them together, she hoped what they had would last. Please, don’t let my obsession drive him away.
After breakfast in bed, feeding each other, joking and laughing, they dressed to take on their hunt for the woman who called herself Pele.
As they were leaving the hotel room, Cort got a phone call on his cell. His smile faded and his eyes darkened. The line must have been bad because he kept asking the caller to repeat things.
“It’s Kohea,” he said as he hung up. “Trouble with the boring. I need about an hour to clear this up.”
“I’ll drive while you talk.”
“The cell’s breaking up, and this is important. It’ll be less frustrating to use the room phone. That’ll keep my cell free for call backs.”
“Is this something I should be concerned about?” she asked. “Is it privacy you want?”
“Not from you. Stay, if you like. I just need some quiet and a little time.”
She glanced at the clock. “I have to get started. Lots of ground to cover.”
“Come back in an hour, and I’ll go with you,” Cort said.
“I’ll try. If I don’t get tied up.” Lani grabbed her bag and hustled out the door.
Lani looked up at the gray, overcast sky. If one of Hilo’s frequent summer storms was brewing, it could slow her search. With an average rainfall of 126 inches, a sudden downpour was certainly possible. Maybe she’d get lucky—usually most of the rain fell in the early morning hours and at night. She smiled at the lush landscaping. Were it not for the rain, Hilo wouldn’t be the home of such magnificent anthuriums and orchids.
She parked her rental car in a lot near the center of old downtown Hilo where blocks of wood-frame and stucco shops lined the streets. The air was pungent with the fragrance of pikake and tuberoses coming from flower stalls. She hurried by fruit stalls sagging with the weight of oranges, mangos and bananas. Later, she would talk to the vendors and shopkeepers after she hit the more likely information sources.