“This is supposed to be a happy occasion, but here I am crying,” said Fiona, motioning Ned for his handkerchief.
“We have some Dom at home, saving it for something special, and this qualifies,” said Ned, going down the stairs toward their home.
“Afterward, Fiona, will you join Layla and me as we tour her home? She’s anxious for me to see what’s been done.”
“Make that our home, honey,” Layla said, smiling.
“Wonderful, perhaps you can get a sense when it will be ready. Layla and I differ about two months, but I believe we can get a great deal done quickly. Things are now moving along rapidly. The air-conditioning folks started today, Wade is there taking measurements, and Chris and Josie are working on the floors. Has Layla told you what all we purchased so far and what all is purposed?”
“Yes, she explained in detail where everything stands and what has to be done. I think she is more overwhelmed with her part than with what the contractors have to accomplish,” said Dewey.
“Honey, I have a whole house to outfit, so many things to buy. It’s not the big purchases, so much as the small items that worry me,” said Layla, concern in her voice.
“Fiona and I will be here to help you with everything, from linens to toilet paper,” said Annie.
“Do not underestimate a couple of senior women shopping. We are experienced shoppers, and we know how to outfit a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room. We’ve had lots of personal experience, right, Annie?”
“Absolutely, we’ll have things done very quickly!”
“I wouldn’t think of tackling these purchases without your guidance. I have to be honest. That type of buying is a new experience. You know the poor little rich girl cliché, well, it’s certainly true in my case.”
“Here we are, folks,” said Ned, producing a couple of chilled bottles of champagne.
George brought flutes, Ned uncorked and poured, and Mr. Soo made the first toast. “Two people truly in love, may your years together be long, may your happiness be forever, and may your union be blessed with children.”
Everyone clicked their glasses and drank to Mr. Soo’s toast.
They continued discussing various subjects when Dewey looked at his watch. “Where has the time gone? Ladies, we have to go and look at the house now.”
Dewey said farewell to everyone on the lanai, then he, Fiona, and Layla proceeded over to the house. Walking up the back lanai steps, they could hear the buzz of workmen. Fiona opened the screen and walked into the kitchen, followed by Dewey and Layla. She explained how hard Layla had worked on clearing out the cabinets and cleaning the wood. She then walked to the dining room and took the protective mover’s blanket off Marty’s coffee table.
“This is amazing. Layla described it to me, but until you see it for yourself, you have no idea of how wonderful this is. I’m overwhelmed.”
“Marty did a wonderful job. He’s an artist,” said Fiona.
They moved to the living room where Fiona and Layla explained Wade’s concept of floating shelves. Dewey marveled at the expansive ocean view from the front windows, even better than that afforded from the Boones’. They found Wade measuring in the large bathroom that connected to the larger of the spare bedrooms.
“Wade, let me introduce Dewey McMaster. He and Layla are engaged and will make this their vacation home, and they also plan to honeymoon here.”
Wade and Dewey shook hands, and Wade proceeded to explain what he and Herb would be doing in both bathrooms. When he finished, Dewey thanked him and turned to Fiona. “The people you have assembled to work on this place seem so professional and artistic. Layla said you were amazing. Now I see what she means.”
“Thank you, Dewey, and flattery will get you everywhere.”
They moved to the master bedroom where Chris and Josie were sanding the floors. Chris turned off the sander the minute he saw Dewey. They embraced, then Josie came over and gave Dewey a big hug. “Bro, how you been?”
“Fine, Josie, glad to see you and Chris have found something that you enjoy doing.”
“I love this type of work. Restoring this beautiful wood is gratifying for Chris and me both. How about joining us for the next high tide?”
“Thanks, but I have a plane to catch in less than an hour. I just came by to see how things were coming along. Layla and I are engaged, and we will be making this our vacation home, and believe me, we will be vacationing a lot.”
“Cool, bro,” said Josie, “we’ll be seeing you back on the waves.”
“I imagine so, providing the missus will let me.”
“Of course, dear, as long as your will is in order,” said Layla.
“Ouch, that hurts,” said Dewey, putting his arm around Layla and kissing her on the cheek.
They toured the remainder of the house; Dewey lingered in the master bedroom, once again admiring the view. He looked at his watch and hustled Layla out. Fiona stayed on, Wade saying he needed to speak with her about an opportunity she might want to avail herself and Layla of.
As Layla and Dewey walked to the car, they waved to those left on the Boones’ lanai, Dewey shouting he would be back soon.
Back in the car, Layla turned to Dewey and asked, “What did you think of our Paia home?”
“Honey, I’m overwhelmed. I never imagined such magnificent wood. I know what you told me, but it is much better than I thought. And that ocean view is fabulous. We will have the most beautiful home in Paia, maybe all of Maui, no, all of Hawaii.”
“I take it you approve,” Layla asked, laughing. “I can’t wait for us to honeymoon there. We’ll be so happy. I just know it.”
As they continued to the airport, a quiet sadness seemed to envelop both of them. Their happiness would become memories, and the torment of missing one another would begin.
“Layla, I’m returning in two or three weeks, hopefully for three or four days. How about we stay locally? I can check that out and make reservations as soon as I get back and review my schedule.”
“That would make me very happy. I loved the Four Seasons, but I like being near our friends. Just promise me it won’t be longer than three weeks. I’ve never been so happy as when I’m with you.”
“I promise.”
They arrived at the airfield where the pilots loaded his luggage. Dewey and Layla kissed for the last time. Layla waved as the plane taxied toward the runway.
“Fiona, I want to run something by you that might be of interest to both you and Layla,” said Wade. “Do you know Rebecca Steinmetz? She’s the widow of the former manager of the cattle ranch on the big island. They lived a semiprivate life off one of the side roads from the Hana Highway. Mr. Steinmetz spend ten years building their home, and when he retired about twelve years ago, it was ready for him and Rebecca to move into along with their eldest daughter, who was going to college at that time. All their children are now married, one lives in Texas and one in Oahu. Mr. Steinmetz died about three years ago, and Rebecca now wants to move to Oahu to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She needed some work done on her home about a year ago, and I went to see her. Fiona, have you heard anything about that home?”
“Sort of, I heard it was built of imported stone and filled with beautiful European pieces and furniture made on the islands specifically for that home. I have never met anyone that has seen the inside of the home. I can only go on speculation.”
“Well, you have now, and it is quite an array of European style and hand-carved Hawaiian furniture. Rebecca and I have become good friends, and she has let me select several items to purchase before she puts her home up for sale. I was out there last week and told her about the work I was doing for Layla, and she suggested she come out and see if there is anything she could use in her home since it’s being restored. I told her Layla was working with you, and she said that was fine. She had always wanted to meet the notorious Fiona.”
“Did she say notorious?”
“Yes, but she meant it in a kindly way. She really is a sweetheart.”
“She can call me anything she wants as long as I get to see what’s inside that home. When can we go?”
“How about Wednesday? Will that work for you and Layla?”
“It certainly will. We have no other projects planned for that day. Thank you, Wade. This will be quite exciting!”
Fiona walked back to the Boone’s lanai and told everyone about the upcoming trip to see Mrs. Steinmetz’s home and furniture. She and Ned left so he could get to his tee time, and Fiona wanted to work on the list of things Layla still needed.
Mr. Soo got up from the lounge chair, moving to the table with George and Annie. “I wanted to tell you both about a conversation I had yesterday. I was at an outdoor table enjoying a cup of tea when one of my old friends sat down. I told him about the close cased tag on the Okamoto murders and how sad I was about that. He then said the thing he could never understand was how neither of the Okamotos didn’t hear an intruder enter because, as he put it, that damned bell always clanged loudly when the screen door was opened.”
“My god, I just realized something,” said Annie with a startled look on her face. “The bell did not clang when I entered that morning. I noticed it at the time and decided the Okamotos had not put it back in place since returning from Oahu. Do you think this important?”
Mr. Soo said, “I think we should ask Dewey if he can remember if the bell was there when he went into the shop when the Okamotos returned from Oahu. If it was there, it meant someone took it down after they left the store. That could be a clue for the sheriff. I’m pretty certain Dewey will phone Layla when he gets to Salt Lake City. I will ask to speak to him at that time. This is something we must definitely determine. Who knows this might be one of those things everyone overlooked that will provide an insight to the authorities. I’m going to go to Otis’s now for lunch, then take a short walk. I don’t want to miss Dewey’s call. I will advise you both of the outcome of our conversation.”
“George, I feel stupid that I didn’t think about that bell before now. Had I thought about it sooner, it might have had an impact on finding out who committed the murders.”
“Honey, you sustained a horrible shock. I’m in awe at how you cope,” said George, putting his arm around Annie and kissing her gently on the forehead.
Layla returned from the airport and lugged her suitcase upstairs. Beginning to unpack, she noticed she hadn’t given Annie or Fiona the items she had purchased for them. She decided to wait until another day, her mood not being good enough to want to be around anyone. She got her clothes unpacked, hung up, and sorted. She sat her cell phone on the nightstand and lay down on her bed. Startled, she woke about an hour later when she heard the front door open and called out, “Mr. Soo, is that you?”
“Yes, back from lunch and my walk. May I come into your room and speak with you about something?”
“Certainly, I’m was just resting and thinking of Dewey. I miss him. Why does life have to be so complicated sometimes?”
“Perhaps complications arise to make us appreciate those times when everything goes perfectly.”
“You make an excellent point. What did you want to speak with me about?”
“I’m assuming Dewey will be calling you when he arrives in Salt Lake City to let you know he is home safely. When he does, would it be possible for me to speak with him a moment? I must ask him an important question regarding the Okamoto murders.”
“Of course, I’m sure he will help you in any way possible.”
“Excellent, and I want you to know I’m happy for you both, but it’s nice to have you back. I missed your company and your cooking.”
“Thank you. Maybe I should teach you how to make some of your favorite dishes.”
Mr. Soo looked astonished. “Me cook, oh no, that’s way beyond my abilities. Making tea is the extent of my cooking accomplishments, and that’s just the way I want to keep it. Thank you anyway.”
Several more hours passed, but finally, Layla received her call from Dewey. He told her of an uneventful flight and of his thoughts of their time together.
“Dewey, Mr. Soo wants to speak with you. He needs to ask you something about the Okamoto murders.”
“Sure, but I can’t imagine how he thinks I can help.”
Layla walked into the living room and handed the phone to Mr. Soo. “Dewey, I am pleased you have arrived safely at your home. I must ask you something that has come up in my discussions with Annie and George. When you went into the market upon the Okamotos’ return that fateful evening, do you remember if the screen bell rang?”
“Funny because I distinctly remember that darn bell clanging. I was in the beginning of a hangover, and it vibrated inside my head. Why do you ask?”
“Annie recalls when she went into the store that terrible morning, there was no bell on the screen door. This leads one to believe someone took the bell down, perhaps the intruder, perhaps someone knowing in advance the bell would make its usual loud sound.”
“Annie is sure there was no bell?”
“Yes, she’s emphatic about that recollection.”
“Has anyone said anything to the sheriff?” asked Dewey.
“No, we decided to wait until I spoke with you to see if you had a recollection of the bell being there, and now that you do, we will meet with the sheriff and advise him of our findings. Thank you, Dewey, and don’t be surprised if the sheriff calls you to confirm your memory.”
“I will be glad to help in any manner possible.”
Dewey and Layla spoke a bit longer. After she hung up, she asked Mr. Soo if he were going over to speak with Annie and George.
“Yes, I think I will after dinner. Do you want to go with me?”
“I have a small gift I picked out for Annie while we were at the Four Seasons, so I’ll go with you and give that to her.”
CHAPTER 56
Mr. Soo and Layla made their way to the Boones later that evening. Layla presented her gift to Annie, who assured her it wasn’t necessary but loved what she had selected.
“I spoke with Dewey when he called Layla. He distinctly remembers the bell ringing when he went into the store. He was beginning to suffer the effects of overindulging and said the bell rang inside his head. I believe we should tell the sheriff of our findings right away. What do you think?”
“George, why don’t you get in touch with the sheriff tomorrow morning and invite him for lunch, nothing fancy, just cold cuts and salad? Mr. Soo, you’ll join us? How about you, Layla?”
“Yes, an excellent idea,” Mr. Soo said, smiling, always being available for a meal at the Boones’.
“Count me out. I’ve got too much going on over at the house,” said Layla.
“I’ll call the sheriff first thing tomorrow morning. Then we can get together here at noon for lunch. If there is any problem, I’ll let you know, Mr. Soo,” said George.
“Excellent, excellent,” said Mr. Soo.
Dewey helped the pilot load his luggage into his SUV, then drove out of the DewMaster hangar, and headed home. He was anxious to tell Agnes and Ted about the wedding plans. He wanted to get back to her as soon as possible; now that she was officially his, as he thought of it, he couldn’t stand not having her by his side.
He opened the front door, yelling, “Agnes, Ted, it’s me, and Layla and I are officially engaged!”
They came out of the kitchen. “Honey, I’m so happy for you both. Ted and I were just talking about you two, hoping all had gone well.”
“It went perfectly, and I know we will be a happily married couple forever. I do have some what I think will be good news. I just hope you both feel the same way,” Dewey said hesitantly.
“Oh,” said Agnes, giving Dewey a quizzical look, “let’s hear your news.”
> “Layla understands our wedding will be here to accommodate the people at work and others that will want to attend. We will be sending a company plane to Maui to pick up Annie and George, Mr. Soo, and Ned and Fiona Keller. I proposed they stay in the other house. Agnes, perhaps you can find a housekeeper/cook that can stay there and provide for them. We will all fly back to Maui together where Layla and I will spend our honeymoon in our new refurbished home, formerly Mr. Soo’s old home. How is this sounding so far?”
“So far, sounds great, only why do I feel there is more to come?” said Agnes.
“I don’t know if Layla told you about her parents. They are a piece of work. But they are her parents, and she feels obligated to invite them. If they are able to attend, they will stay here in the main house.”
“Why in the world would they not want to attend?” asked Ted.
“If we have the ceremony between Memorial Day and Labor Day, they will be busy entertaining their usual European guests at their Hamptons estate. After that, they are off to Europe to be guests at the homes of their European friends.”
“Ye gods!” exclaimed Agnes. “Frankly, I hope they don’t show up. Can’t imagine they would fit in too well around here.”
“Honestly, I can’t either, but we will invite them. When I discussed the wedding plans with Layla, she told me her marriage to Kyle had been the event of the year in the Hamptons, and it was very trying and stressful. She said she would provide a small list of people she wanted to invite. Other than that, she said hire a wedding planner to handle everything. She thought it would be fun to have Annie and Fiona as her attendants, and she will take care of dresses for them and her. She would leave everything else to the planner.”
“Go on,” Agnes said.
“I would like the ceremony and reception to be held here on the property. Depending on the weather, we can use a big tent, have it outside, or whatever will work best.” Dewey looked at Agnes and Ted for any type of disagreement. Seeing none, he continued, “I told Layla that a wedding planner would work, but I first wanted to give the opportunity to you folks and see if you wanted to handle things, with the help of my secretary, caterers, and florists, of course.” Dewey took a deep breath and looked expectedly at the couple for an answer.
Maui Murders Page 35
