Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “Are you kidding? That would be great. Could we leave Sunday morning?”

  “Perfect, although I’m afraid I will have to leave the plane in Salt Lake City. I have a big meeting upcoming, and I need to get up-to-speed. The plane has a bedroom, and you will be able to sleep and be rested when you get to Washington.”

  “Dewey, I can’t believe you are willing to withstand the expense of flying me all the way from Salt Lake City to Washington. I’ll catch a commercial flight.”

  “I found out this morning I’m no longer a millionaire after talking to my head accountant. I’ve now made it into the billionaire category. I think I can afford to give you a lift to Washington,” Dewey said.

  “I guess you can. I accept with gratitude.”

  Annie and George returned to the table, and George said, “Annie and I will be on our way home. Layla, are you going to stay? Dewey will drive you back, and Annie can give you her key to the door next to the kitchen window.”

  “Stay awhile, Layla. I’ll even try a dance if you’ll stay,” Dewey pleaded.

  “Oh, all right, but just a while longer.”

  Dewey walked behind George and Annie as they were leaving. “Thank you both for coming tonight, and guess what? Layla is flying back with me on Sunday. Isn’t that terrific?”

  “Dewey, I must admit you are moving in the right direction, but go slow.”

  “Unfortunately, I have to leave the plane in Salt Lake City, but the crew will fly her on to Washington. Between Maui and Salt Lake, I will do my best to endear myself to her.”

  Dewey got up enough courage to ask his angel to dance a couple of slow songs. He saw Layla back to the Boone’s and made sure she was safely locked inside their home. He wasn’t sure if he had walked back to his car or floated, he was so happy.

  CHAPTER 17

  The next day Layla went to talk with Kyle and let him know she was leaving on Sunday but decided there wasn’t any need to tell him she would be traveling on Dewey’s jet.

  Kyle had seen Layla approaching and slid the screen open for her.

  “Layla!” boomed Donald Munson. “Good seeing you again. Lovely evening last night. I think everyone had a good time.”

  Layla was caught off guard by the sight of Donald and his reference to last night at Bird’s. “Yes, I think everything went well. Kemo must be thrilled with his new board?”

  “My goodness, yes, very kind of Dewey to make him the benefactor of such an expensive board. Well, folks, I must be leaving, still plenty of work to be done before the services. You will be there, Layla?”

  “Yes, I’ll be attending with George, Annie, Mr. Soo, and Dewey. Then I’ll be going back to Washington the next day.” Layla stepped aside from the screen in what she hoped was an obvious gesture for Donald to leave.

  Donald left, and Kyle looked at Layla with a quizzical expression on his face, which she decided to ignore. “Kim, how are you doing?”

  “Thank you for asking. I’m doing better. I spoke with Donald about the market, and he has a wonderful idea for a memorial to my parents that will benefit the entire city. I don’t need the large sum of money the sale of the property would generate. My main concern is to honor my parents’ memory. Donald understood and suggested I deed the property to the city, and with fund-raising, the market would be turned into the Okamoto Visitors Center. Donald said the city had been trying for years to find a suitable property for such a center, but none ever came on the market the city could afford.”

  Kim continued, “He suggested, once the center is completed, a grand opening be held with notice going to all the islands. He anticipates everything can be completed in eighteen to twenty-four months, depending how fast donations needed for an architect, contractor, etc., are forthcoming. But once completed, he would like all of us back here for the dedication. Isn’t that a wonderful idea?”

  Layla could not help herself; her eyes got moist, and she went over and hugged Kim. “Kim, that’s a wonderful memorial to your parents. What do you think, Kyle?”

  “Frankly, I was overwhelmed. I think it’s great and would make Mr. and Mrs. Okamoto proud to know their market will live on and be visited by so many.”

  “I’ll be leaving now. I’ll see you both on Saturday.” Layla hugged Kim again and nodded at Kyle who walked her out to the lanai.

  “Layla, are you mad or angry at me?”

  “No, Kyle, but over these last few days, I realized that I have to live again. I’m not sure exactly what I want out of life, only that I won’t find it in Washington, DC. I don’t want to sound harsh, but I’m moving on.” Layla went down the lanai steps back to the Boone home.

  Layla told George and Annie about the proposal for the market.

  Annie asked George, “Honey, can we afford to donate $500 to the fund? I feel very connected to this whole situation. Plus, I adored those two.”

  “No problem. Take our checkbook with you to the services tomorrow. I’ll see if Donald has a fund set up yet for checks, and knowing Donald, he will have one ready.”

  “George, can we call the bank and see if Donald is there to be sure he has a fund set up by tomorrow, then he can make an announcement about the proposed plans for the Visitors Center and show that he has already received donations. I will also write a check, and I’m sure Dewey will.” Layla was excited and wanted to be sure the project got off successfully.

  George placed the call and explained the donation idea. Donnie thought it was a wise plan, and he immediately deemed it the Okamoto Visitors Center Fund, saying he would set up the account right away and make provisions to receive checks tomorrow.

  Layla, raised among the rich, had no problem asking for donations; she asked George for Mr. Soo’s and Dewey’s phone number. Once she had them on the line, she explained the memorial fund and asked if she could count on them to bring a check tomorrow. Both agreed to bring a sizable check. Since Mr. Soo would be riding with their group, they would present Donald with all the checks at once. Layla knew it would be a good start for the memorial fund.

  Dewey pulled into the driveway behind the Boone home, and his group of riders assembled on the lanai. His good clothes arrived with his jet, and he had gotten a proper haircut. His beige gabardine trousers, pale blue cotton shirt, medium brown Italian loafers, and matching trouser belt portrayed a sleek and successful businessman. Adding an air of casualness, he had rolled up his sleeves to the elbow, exposing a gold Rolex watch.

  “My god!” exclaimed Annie. She was the first to see Dewey as he came up the stairs. “Who’s that great-looking guy that resembles our Dewey?”

  “Holy cow, you are one handsome dude. Looks like lots of money too.” Only Mr. Soo could state the obvious in such a charming manner.

  Layla had her mouth halfway open. “Dewey, is that really you?”

  A big grin spread over Dewey’s face. “Yes, it’s me. This is what the right clothes, a haircut, and shave can do for you.”

  Dewey looked at Layla, and once again, he was in awe of his angel. She wore a simple pale yellow gauze sundress with a short jacket that would keep her shoulders and arms from the burn of the sun. Her shoes were gold sandals, and she carried a matching small purse. She wore her hair pulled back in a ponytail. He had no idea what anyone else wore.

  “We should be going. There will be lots of people attending the services, and parking will be at a premium. I’ll drop everyone off at the entrance, find a place to park, then walk back. Layla, here’s my check. I imagine you want to give Donnie the checks prior to the services, and if I don’t get back in time, hand him mine with the others and save me a seat.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Layla, Mr. Soo, Annie, and George got in line with those going to the services. Approaching the entrance, they noticed the sheriff sitting on a folding chair, greeting everyone that entered. He had given up trying to hide his pillow. Word had gotten around quickly, an
d he took the good-natured ribbing.

  When he saw the group heading his way, he got up from the chair and shook hands with Mr. Soo, George, and Layla. He held Annie by the arm and said, “Annie, I’ve been worried about you. How are you doing? You had a terrible shock, and I should have called, but between the investigation and my injury, I’m sorry to say I neglected checking on you.”

  “Layla staying with us has been a godsent. It has kept my mind off the discovery. I’m worried that it will hit me hard today. I’m just hoping I don’t fall apart at the services.”

  “Hell, Annie, no one could blame you. You made a gruesome discovery that would haunt anybody.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff,” Annie said, patting his hand.

  Making their way into the seating area, Layla pulled Annie aside. “Annie, I’m about to do something not very nice. Want to join me?”

  “I can’t imagine you doing anything like that, and yes, I’ll join you. George, hold it a minute. Layla and I have to talk about something.”

  Everyone stopped, and Layla turned her back to George and Mr. Soo, talking to Annie, “This is a terrible breach of etiquette, but I’ve just got to see the amount of Dewey’s check. Look with me, OK?”

  Layla unfolded the check, and both women caught their breath. “My god, it’s for $50,000! With all our checks and this one, that means the fund will start with $100,500. Isn’t that wonderful? We’ve got to get Donald’s attention and let him announce how much is already in the fund. That ought to spur more donations.”

  “Honey, will you please get Donnie’s attention? You’re taller than most, and you should be able to spot him and get him over here.”

  George spotted Donnie in front talking with a local minister; he caught his attention and motioned to him. Donnie waved the group forward, indicating they would be sitting in the front row.

  “Oh great, now if I get hysterical, I can do it in the front row for everyone to see,” Annie quipped.

  “Sweetie, after all the publicity in the papers, everyone knows that you found the bodies, and no one is going to deny that you might break down at the services, so don’t worry.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  The group made their way down to the front-row seats. Donnie came up to them and, in a somber tone, asked how he could help.

  Layla offered the four checks to him, saying, “Donnie, these four checks represent $100,500, making a good start to the fund. I hope you will announce this amount, and maybe it will inspire others to make a donation today.”

  “Layla, thank you for getting the center off the ground. I know you are responsible for getting these beginning donations.”

  Layla smiled and let Donnie lead her and the others to their seats. Donnie had the seating set up in rows of folding chairs on the left and right of a wide aisle in the middle. He told them Kim would be sitting on the end and Kyle next to him, followed by Layla and the rest of the group. Donnie, his wife, and Kemo would take the three remaining chairs on the end. The other front side would sit those speaking, City of Paia officials, etc.

  “Mr. Soo, when Dewey gets here, be sure you scoot over next to George and let him sit next to Layla,” Annie said, winking at Mr. Soo.

  A long table was in front covered in a white cloth. On it sat a tabletop dais equipped with a microphone. To the right sat two urns holding the ashes surrounded by an arrangement of orchids. Behind the table was a large projection screen. At five minutes before ten, Donnie and Kemo got up from their chairs, and each went to one side of the screen, pulling a hidden cord. Unfolding from the top of the screen was a large blown-up copy of the Okamotos’ anniversary portrait. Donnie and Kemo secured the portrait at the bottom of the screen and took their seats.

  When the portrait was unfolded, there was an audible gasp from the crowd. Tears streamed down Kim’s cheeks. Annie removed her sunglasses and lowered her head. George put his arm around her, drawing her into his shoulder.

  Dewey found his seat next to Layla a minute before the services began. “Hard to find a parking space. I believe the entire island has turned out for the services.” He looked at Layla. “Are you feeling all right?”

  “Yes, but I think Annie is in trouble. We’ve all been afraid the services would hit her hard. I’m glad she has George to hold on to.”

  The services got under way, and one by one, the speakers came forward, some offering prayers, some told stories of the warmhearted Okamotos, some speaking about the loss to the city, and then Kyle came to the microphone. He began telling how he and Kim had become friends going through medical school together, their specialized training in anesthesiology, their internship at Georgetown Hospital, and as he continued on, Dewey noted Layla’s shoulders become tense; she sat forward, gripping the chair seat tightly.

  Dewey grabbed her hand, releasing it from the chair, and whispered into her ear, “What’s the matter? You look upset.”

  “That bastard, he’s said more at this service than he did at the service for our baby. In fact, I believe he has said more here than he’s said to me in the last six months.”

  Dewey heard the anger in her voice, and he put her hand in both of his. “Mad is good. It helps to heal.”

  Layla slowly turned her head and looked at Dewey, the beginnings of a smile on her face. “You’re right. Sometimes, mad can be good.”

  Kim was next to speak; he was shaky and wiped his eyes more than once. When Kim finished, Kemo and Kyle walked up and removed the urns, carrying them to Donnie’s car parked nearby. When the car was out of sight, Donnie walked to the microphone and began telling everyone about Kim’s donation of the Okamoto’s market and the large sum already received to the Okamoto Paia Visitors Center Fund. He hoped everyone would give what he or she was able to in memory of this wonderful couple.

  Donnie and his wife went to the screen and pulled the portrait up, then brought the screen down, giving everyone a clear view of the ocean. Soft music played in the background as everyone waited for the boat to be visible.

  Within ten minutes, the boat came into view; visible from the hill perch, everyone could see a bevy of leis filled a large section of the boat. As everyone followed the progress of the boat, a large Norwegian cruise ship went by on its journey to a neighboring island. The small boat slowed down and circled a particular area several times before dropping anchor. Once done, Kim went to the side of the vessel and began releasing the ashes of his parents into the waters of the Pacific. Kyle and one of the deckhands began tossing the leis into the water. When everything was complete, the boat slowly left the area, and as it did, several hundred leis lay floating in the water; it was an impressive sight. Donnie had made sure all floral shops on the island knew only to send leis to the services, resulting in the floating flower garden.

  Donnie went back to the microphone, thanking everyone for attending on behalf of Kim and reminding them of the donations needed to open the Visitors Center. He motioned to a back-area setup with buffet tables full of food.

  Donnie stayed at the dais, accepting donations; there was a line of people waiting to present checks and bills. George leaned into the group, saying, “Annie needs to get out of here. You folks ready to leave, or do you want to stay and have something to eat?”

  “No, let’s leave,” Layla said.

  “Lunch will be my treat at Mama’s Fish House,” Mr. Soo insisted.

  “Now we just have to get out with as little fuss as possible. I’ll leave and bring the car to the front. You folks can make your way to the exit.”

  “OK, Dewey, you go,” said George. “We’ll sit here for a bit and give you time, then figure out the best way to get away from all the well-meaning people. I’m afraid too many of them will try and approach Annie and say how sorry they are she had to make the discovery. That’s just the kind of thing she doesn’t need right now.”

  Dewey left the group, and in less than fifteen minutes
, he was back with the car. The group had made their way through the throng, and because most were interested in the buffet table, few noticed them. A couple of Annie’s teacher friends hugged her and said anything she needed just call, but they were the only ones to approach. All jumped in the Escalade, and Dewey drove away.

  At the restaurant, Annie asked Layla if she too had been upset at the services.

  “You’re damn right. I was upset. That bastard Kyle spoke for about six minutes, which was three more minutes than he gave to our baby when she was buried. His six minutes was about five minutes more than he has spoken to me at one time since we lost her. I can’t wait to get back to Washington to get the hell out of there before he returns.”

  “Oh,” Annie said quietly.

  Their waiter came to the table, asking if anyone would like a cocktail.

  “Yes, I need one,” replied Annie. “I’ll have a vodka martini with olives.”

  “That sounds good. I’ll have the same,” Layla said.

  Both men ordered Heinekens.

  The waiter looked at Mr. Soo, who was looking pensive.

  “I’ll have a Shirley Temple.”

  Everyone at the table looked at each other and burst out laughing. Suddenly, the gloomy and angry moods were gone.

  “Mr. Soo, why a Shirley Temple and not a Roy Rogers?” asked Dewey.

  “Shirley Temple, cute little curly-headed tot, happy, singing, and dancing. Roy Rogers is a gun-toting, rough-riding cowboy. Happy little girl much better.”

  Everyone enjoyed their lunch; realizing that Dewey and Layla would be gone by this time tomorrow seemed to bring the group of five even closer.

  On the way back to the Boone’s, George said to meet back at their place close to seven, and he would grill something for a light dinner. Although everyone currently felt stuffed, he said they would be hungry again by then. All agreed to enjoy one final meal together on the Boone’s lanai.

  Annie brought beers for Dewey and George and iced tea for everyone else. They were seated on the front lanai, eating veggies, chips, and dip, watching the sunset.