Death Inside Diamond Head

by Randolph Mase

  “Well, we need to get Keoki and his team lined up for Thursday. But we can do that tomorrow. Today, let’s visit both rooms and get a visual record of the contents. Just in case we need it.”

  “I get it. The more evidence, the better.”

  “Right.”

  * * *

  After lunch they stopped by a house phone and Hogan dialed Room 1452, letting it ring until he was satisfied that nobody was in the room. Then they continued to the Outrigger Hotel manager, who once again greeted them with a friendly smile. “Hello again. What can I help with now?

  “We would like to see Room 1452 after all.”

  “Certainly. Follow me.” She got a key from the front desk clerk and led Hogan and Kathy to the elevator, then up to the 14th floor. A ‘Please Make Up Room’ placard was hanging from the doorknob, but the manager knocked on the door to ensure the room was empty. After several seconds she opened the door and led Hogan and Kathy inside. They both put on gloves and took their cell phones out.

  “Can you get the drawers? I’ll get the closet and bathroom. Take lots of pictures.”

  “Why the pictures?” asked the manager.

  “As it turns out, these two are more than just suspects. Let’s leave it at that.”

  As expected, Kathy found many pieces of men’s and women’s clothing, and Hogan found two large suitcases, one marked William Denison and the other with no tag. And two full toiletry cases were in the bathroom. After ten minutes and dozens of photos, they thanked the manager and left. They then walked next door and repeated the process in Room 1896 of the Moana Surfrider.

  * * *

  Back in their room, Hogan checked his phone. 4:00. “The timing worked great, Kathy.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I wanted to surprise you with something special in Hawaii, so I got two tickets to the Waikiki Starlight Luau. It’s rooftop at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We need to check in at 5:00, so our timing is perfect.”

  “When did you book it?”

  “Back when we first got confirmation of our itinerary from Tracy. I was hoping that this unexpected investigation wouldn’t be a problem. And it’s not.”

  Kathy walked to him and kissed him. “Matt, what a great idea, and a great surprise! Thank you.” She walked to the closet. “What are you going to wear?”

  “Khakis and the Aloha shirt I bought the other day.” He came to the closet and took out a muumuu dress on a hanger. “And this would look great on you.”

  Kathy smiled, shaking her head in disbelief. “When did you get that?”

  “The same time I got my shirt. I just managed to keep it from you.”

  She kissed him again. “You’re too much.” She took her clothes off and put the dress on. “How do I look?”

  “Very Hawaiian. And incredibly beautiful.” He looked at her, shaking his head slowly.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It needs something else.” Hogan walked to the dresser and opened the top drawer, taking a small box out. He turned to Kathy and opened the box, revealing a diamond solitaire pendant on a gold chain. He removed it from the box and clasped it around Kathy’s neck. “Ah, that’s much better.”

  Kathy looked in the mirror. “Matt, it’s beautiful!” She turned and kissed him again, this time for much longer. “This is going to be a wonderful evening.”

  “It already is,” he responded, kissing her.

  Chapter Eight

  The Catch

  At 7:30 the next morning Kathy rolled onto her side in bed and placed her arm across Hogan’s chest. “Matt?”

  “I’m awake.”

  She kissed him. “Last night was just wonderful. I’ve never seen anything like the show or eaten such a variety of good food.”

  “Yeah, I liked it.” He looked at her, gently stroking her brown hair. “And the company.”

  She kissed him, then felt the pendant which she had worn to bed. “But I don’t think I thanked you enough for this.”

  Hogan smiled. “I don’t know. You did a rather good job of thanking me last night.”

  “But I want to do more.”

  * * *

  The next time Hogan looked at the clock it showed 8:15. He kissed Kathy. “Wow. That was some thank you.” She simply smiled and nodded. “Let’s get cleaned up and grab breakfast. We’ve got some things to do.”

  An hour later they were enjoying breakfast in the Hula Grill. “Let’s make sure we cover everything we need to do today and tomorrow,” Hogan said between bites.

  Kathy took a pad and pen from her purse. “Maybe we should work our way backwards from their flight tomorrow.”

  Hogan nodded. “What time does it leave again?”

  “3:15, so I’m guessing they’ll be checking in about 1:00 or so.” She began a timeline on the pad.

  “And Mai Lee at Budget said they’d let me know if Denison turned the car in early.”

  “So that will confirm when they’re at the airport. But maybe we should plan to get to the airport by noon or so, just in case.”

  “Agree. But let’s talk to Keoki this afternoon as well. Maybe he has other ideas.”

  Kathy continued writing. “And we also need to tell him about the flight change and get him ready for tomorrow.”

  Hogan nodded. “In fact, I’ll text him right now.”

  HOGAN: Hi Keoki. We need to see you this afternoon. Suspects are now leaving for JFK tomorrow. When can we stop by?

  “Let’s see how long it takes.”

  Hogan and Kathy had just finished their meals when Hogan’s phone chimed. Hogan looked at the message.

  TANAKA: Interesting. Why don’t we meet for lunch?

  HOGAN: That’ll work. Where?

  TANAKA: Waikiki Brewing Company is only a few blocks from here. I’m not a beer drinker, but they have great sandwiches.

  HOGAN: That sounds good. 12:30?

  TANAKA: See you then.

  * * *

  Hogan and Kathy walked into the restaurant shortly before 12:30 and, not seeing Tanaka, were shown to a table. They both ordered iced tea and began drinking when Kathy saw the detective enter the room. She waved to him.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Tanaka said as he sat down and ordered an ice water. “I got caught up in something.”

  “No problem. We just got here.”

  ”So bring me up to date.”

  “I’m good friends with the travel agent we used to book this trip for us,” Kathy began. “We had her look some information up the other day.” Tanaka nodded. “Well, she called me yesterday to let us know that Lena’s flight had been moved up to tomorrow, but Justin’s hadn’t been changed.”

  Tanaka thought for a few moments. “Hmm. Did she know who made the change?”

  Kathy shook her head. “No, she couldn’t tell. But I did ask her to check for William Denison.”

  Tanaka raised his left eyebrow. “And?”

  “He’s on the same flight. Sitting right next to her.”

  A smile covered Tanaka’s face. “We’ve got them! Nice work, you two!”

  “Thanks,” Kathy and Hogan said at the same time.

  “But now we’ve got to stop them,” Hogan said.

  “That shouldn’t be too difficult,” Tanaka replied. “I’m not sure we can do it today, though. I need to round up a few people. How about tomorrow?”

  “That’ll work. The manager at the car rental company said she’ll notify me when they turn their car in. So that’ll tell us they’re at the airport.”

  “I’ll be near the airline check-counter with a couple of my people. What airline is it?”

  “Hawaiian,” Kathy replied. “It leaves at 3:15.”

  Tanaka typed it in his phone. “It probably won’t hurt to have someone at the hotel to verify when they leave. The Outrigger, right?”

  Hogan nodded. “The one on Kalakaua.”

  Tanaka made note of that.

  I’ll create a text message group with me, you two, and the other detectives. I’ve got y
our number, Matt. Kathy, what’s yours?” Kathy gave her number to Tanaka. “Let’s do this, and I’ll tell the others. When one of us sees or hears something, text the group then head to the Hawaiian Air ticket counter. That’s give us 6 people to take them. Maybe overkill, but just in case.” Both Hogan and Kathy nodded.

  Kathy complained, “I’m starved. Can we eat now?”

  * * *

  Tanaka insisted on picking up the tab, saying it was the least he could do to thank them for their help, and the three walked out of the restaurant shortly before 2:00. Sitting in their car, Hogan said, “Nothing else we need to do today. Anything you want to do?”

  “Hmmm. We haven’t gotten as much pool time as I had hoped. But Tracy recommended we take a drive around the island. In fact, she sent me an e-mail with some details and suggestions.” She checked her phone for a minute. “Here it is. We start on Kalanianaʻole Highway, which leads into some other roads, and then we pick up Kamehameha Highway near Maunawili. That runs up to the north shore and back down in the middle of the island. And she names a few places we should see. Even with stops, she says it can easily be done in five hours or so.”

  “Great. It’s only two o’clock, so we’ve got as long as we want. Where do we start?”

  “Let me see. Haunama Bay is a great place for snorkeling, but it gets very crowded.” She looked at Hogan. “I’m not sure we want to take the time for that today.” He nodded. “The next is the Halona Blowhole. It’s kind of like a natural geyser caused by the ocean.”

  “Let’s go. You can be the navigator.”

  * * *

  Kathy woke up at 7 the next morning and walked onto the lanai, closing the sliding door quietly behind her. She was completely relaxed by the warm morning sun and soft crashing of the small waves, yet tremendously excited at the events of the coming day. A few minutes later, she heard the door open, and Hogan came up behind her, placing his arms around her waist and kissing the side of her head.

  “I thought I heard you get up. Couldn’t sleep?”

  “I’m just thinking a lot about the wonderful time we’ve had here. It seems like we just got here, Matt.”

  Hogan turned her around. “I know. I’m sorry about that. I just couldn’t say no.” He kissed her lips softly.

  “No, I didn’t want you to. It’s been fun working with you on this case. I just wish we could stay here longer, that’s all.” She smiled. “And the drive around the island was every bit as good as Tracy said it would be.”

  “What was your favorite part?”

  She thought for a few moments. “I really like Waimea Falls. It was so peaceful by the falls, and I really enjoyed the demonstrations and crafts. How about you?”

  “Yeah, I liked it there. But I think the highlight for me was the waves at Haleiwa. I had heard they were big, but I never imagined anything like what we saw. Those things were huge.”

  “And powerful.”

  “Yeah. I wouldn’t even think about surfing there. If I knew how to surf.” He looked at his phone. 7:30. “Why don’t we grab a light breakfast? Then we can grab an early lunch on the way to the airport.”

  * * *

  As they were about to leave their room at 11:30 Hogan heard his phone chime a notification. It was a text from Tanaka to the team.

  TANAKA: Here’s the lineup. I’ll be at Hawaiian Air with Kahale and Malloy. We’ll plan to get there about 1:15 but will get there earlier if we hear from any of you. Kim will watch the Outrigger and will come to the airport when they leave the hotel. The car rental company will let Hogan know when they turn their car in, and he and Kathy will come to the check-in area. Kim and Hogan, text the group when something happens. Good luck, and we’ll see everyone at the airport.

  Hogan and Kathy stopped at Nico’s Pier 38 for lunch and enjoyed some great island sandwiches. As they were getting in their car Hogan’s phone chimed another notification.

  KIM: They just left for the airport. I’m headed there now.

  TANAKA: OK. We’ll leave now as well.

  1:00. “Right on schedule. Let’s get to the airport.” Hogan’s phone rang as they parked in the garage at the airport. “Hogan.”

  “Mr. Hogan, this is Mai Lee at Budget. Mr. Dennison just returned his car and got on the shuttle to the terminal.”

  “Is he alone?”

  “No, a woman is with him.”

  “Good to your word. Thanks so much, Mai Lee. Aloha.” Then he sent a text to the group.

  HOGAN: They turned in their rental car and are on the shuttle to the terminal. We’re in the parking garage, will go to terminal and wait outside. We’ll follow them in.

  TANAKA: Good. We’re here now. See you shortly.

  He looked at Kathy. “Ready for the good part?” They walked to the terminal and sat on a bench in front of Hawaiian Air check-in. “It shouldn’t be long now.”

  A few minutes later, Kathy said, “You’re right. Here it is.” A rental car shuttle van stopped at the curb and several people got off. The last two off were the suspects, who got their bags and walked into the terminal. Hogan and Kathy followed a safe distance behind. They immediately spotted Tanaka to the right of the check-in counter; he was talking to a man and a woman. Hogan assumed they were the other cops. The suspect got in line at the counter. A few minutes later they were called to an agent. It took a couple of minutes to check in, then they gave their bags to the agent and started walking toward security. Hogan and Kathy moved toward them, and Tanaka and his partners did as well, and were joined by another man.

  Tanaka blocked their path and showed his badge. “William Denison and Lena Fisher, you are both under arrest for the murder of Justin Fisher. You have the right to remain silent…” As Tanaka finished the Miranda warning, the others placed handcuffs on the suspects. Then three of the cops led them outside while Tanaka stayed to talk with Hogan and Kathy.

  “That was pretty easy. Thanks to you two. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

  “I’m glad we could help,” Hogan replied. “Didn’t get quite the relaxation time we expected, but it was worth.”

  “Yeah, sorry about that. Unfortunately, we never know when something like this is going to happen. You’ve both made a lot of people happy.” He shook their hands and left the terminal.

  “What now?” Kathy asked.

  “It’s our last day. Why don’t we relax and catch up on some good pool time?”

  * * *

  An hour later they were on lounge chairs, Mai Tais in hand. “So why do you think they killed Justin? Just to be with each other?”

  Hogan nodded. “That seems to be the case.”

  “It’s just kind of an extreme measure, at least to me.”

  “Yeah, I’m the same way. But the motive fits. I’ve been told that the three primary motives for murder are love, money, and revenge. With power a close fourth.”

  Kathy let out a simple “Hmmm,” then looked at the pool. “This really is the life,” she said.

  As Hogan was about to say something, his phone rang. He groaned, “What now?” He saw the caller was Tom Walker. “Hogan.”

  “Matt, congratulations! You did it!”

  “Actually, we did it, Tom. But word travels fast.” He put his phone on speaker.

  “I just got off the phone with Tanaka. They’re interrogating both suspects, and she spilled her guts. That, along with the evidence, will put them both away for a long time. How did you figure it out?”

  “They just got pretty sloppy. Leaving fingerprints, being together in public, things like that. Plus help from the travel agent who booked our trip here. But what has Lena been telling them?”

  “Basically that it was all her lover’s idea. Walking into the crater. How to kill him. Planting the drugs on his body both as a distraction and so we’d think he was stoned and climbing the spiral staircase. Climbing out of the crater. Everything.”

  “Yeah, we thought it would be something like that.”

  “Great job, you two! And speaking of your t
rip, I’ve got some good news. The New Rochelle Police Department has arranged for you to extend your vacation for a week. At their expense.”

  “Flights? Hotel?”

  “Both taken care of. So don’t check out until next Friday.”

  Kathy smiled at Hogan, then frowned. “But I’ve got to get back to my job.”

  “That’s taken care of as well. I spoke to one of the partners at your firm.”

  Her smile returned. “Tom, that’s great! Thank you so much.”

  “No, our thanks to both of you. And you’ll find a nice check from NRPD when you get back. Justin was one of the better, and more popular, cops on their force.”

  “Tom, I don’t know what to say except thank you. I’ll think I’ll have another Mai Tai.”

  T H E E N D

  About The Author

  Randolph Mase

  Randolph Mase was born in New York City and lived his earlier years in the metropolitan area, graduating from West Point up the Hudson River. In addition to tracing his family history, he writes fiction. Death Inside Diamond Head is his fifth Matthew Hogan mystery, and he has also written a historical novel of the American Revolution, Nathan Hale. Mase is now busy completing two more novels: the sixth in the Matthew Hogan Mystery series, Death Under Jones Beach, and a contemporary comedy, Unbearable. Mase has two grown children and two young grandchildren who live in the Washington, D.C. area, and he lives with his wife in Pennsylvania. He lived in Hawaii for a few years and has traveled extensively, having visited all 50 of the United States and more than 20 other countries. Visit his website at www.randolphmase.com.

  Books By This Author

  Death on Broadway

  Death Beneath the Streets

  Death in Central Park

  Death at the Cloisters

  Death Inside Diamond Head

  Nathan Hale: A Novel