Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “My, my,” said Agnes, tearing up, “I’m honored you would consider us for such an important event in your life. Honestly, I think I can speak for Ted when I say it would be our pleasure to plan this event for you and Layla. Right, dear?” Agnes said, looking at her husband.

  “Yes, and I hope it’s in late summer, early fall, before it gets too cold. We’ll have the back property looking stunning. I’ll draw up plans, and we can go over the details and add or subtract as you see fit. This will be quite a celebration!” said Ted with pride.

  “One other thing I just thought of,” said Dewey. “My Mom, I’ll phone her and tell her I’m engaged. Sure hope she takes it well. She can be so picky sometimes. It will probably upset her that Layla is divorced.”

  “Just tell your mom her social background. That ought to keep her quiet and let her know you aren’t marrying a gold digger, something she has always worried about,” said Agnes with authority.

  “What, my mom actually told you that?”

  “Many times, my dear, many times. It always annoyed me that she shortchanged your ability to judge women, but I guess you being her only child and so darn rich so young, she naturally worried. I told her you were very well grounded in that aspect, but she never really believed me.”

  “That would be a hoot if Layla’s parents show up with your mom here,” said Ted with a grin.

  Agnes banged him on the shoulder. “Now, Ted, none of that. Where do we stand on a date, Dewey?”

  “Well, unfortunately, I can’t give you much of a clue yet. Fiona says one thing, she’s the designer on the house, and Layla says another. I’ll be going back over there in two or three weeks, and I should be able to get a handle on things better at that time.”

  “Going back so soon?” asked Ted.

  “Got too, can’t stay away from my angel for long. I miss her like crazy, and it’s only been a few hours,” said Dewey, shaking his head. “I guess while I’m at it, I should call Mom and break the news to her. Wish me luck.”

  Dewey phoned his mom, and after a lengthy explanation, she seemed to understand that Layla was definitely not marrying her Dewey for his money or status and that they were truly in love. She asked Dewey to send her a photo of Layla, which Dewey did from his cell phone to her. Seeing the photo, she returned to the line and told him Layla was very lovely. Dewey also felt obligated to tell her about Layla’s first marriage, the horrible loss of her baby, and of the tragic circumstances of her divorce.

  Surprisingly, his mother said that he had found himself a very strong woman, someone that would hold up well under the pressure of being married to her genius billionaire son. Dewey hung up the phone, feeling the happiest he had in a long time after talking with his mom.

  He smiled then called his angel.

  CHAPTER 57

  Layla woke Tuesday morning with a sigh, not looking forward to going to the house with all the noise and dust. After a quick breakfast, she sat off across the street, wanting to arrive before Fiona and delivery of the glass tabletop. Upon entering, she saw Chris and Josie wearing white masks. Chris came over and told her the air-conditioning people were providing these to everyone that came into the house because of the high level of dust and particles in the air. He handed her a mask, which she put it on.

  A short while later, Fiona arrived to find Layla in the kitchen.

  “You look weird with that mask on,” Fiona said.

  “I may look weird, but you have to put one on too,” Layla said, handing Fiona a mask.

  “This is going to mess up my hair.”

  “Too bad, air conditioner’s rule. Your hair will snap back. It always looks great.”

  “Thank you, dear,” Fiona said, slipping on her mask. “Once we get the tabletop on, let’s go over to my place. We’re going someplace very special tomorrow, a furniture shopping expedition with Wade.”

  “With Wade, really?”

  “Really, I’ll tell you all about our adventure.”

  “Can’t wait,” Layla said, looking at her watch. “Where is that man with the glass top? I want to get out of here. All this noise and dirt is making me antsy.”

  “He should be here soon. It’s not quite ten yet. I’m going to take a look around and see how the air-conditioning work is coming along. You go out on the lanai and wait for him.”

  “Gladly, I’m curious for your opinion on the air-conditioning work.”

  Layla, glad to get outside, removed her mask, took a breath of clean air, and shook off the dust. Fiona spoke with the air-conditioning foreman and learned that things were going as planned with no problems so far. She went outside to report to Layla.

  “Everything is going along fine with the air-conditioning. It isn’t the fastest process in the world, so be patient. Look,” Fiona said, motioning toward the street, “there comes the glass man.”

  The ladies watched as two men carried the large heavy piece of glass up the lanai stairs and into the house. Fiona took the blanket off the table, and the glass top was carefully lowered into place.

  “Wow,” said Layla, “that’s amazing. The glass has managed to enhance the overall beauty of the table. Terrific job, gentlemen.”

  Fiona showed them out, received the bill, and went back inside to join Layla and Chris. Chris had his cell phone out, taking shots of the table to show Marty. Fiona securely reblanketed the table, then she and Layla left.

  Layla sat at Fiona’s kitchen counter, waiting for her to fix something to drink, and could not contain herself any longer, “Fiona, I’m dying to know about this shopping trip we are going on with Wade.”

  Fiona related Wade’s story about Rebecca Steinmetz and of the furniture they were likely to encounter, emphasizing the Hawaiian-made pieces, feeling they would add to the restoration value of Layla’s home. She told Layla they were to meet Wade at ten tomorrow morning at her home, and he would drive them in his truck. He said sometimes if there had been rain, the going could be tricky, and he wanted to be sure they had the weight of the truck in case they hit any large puddles. He said that Rebecca had insisted they all join her for lunch after their tour, saying she enjoyed hostess duties.

  George placed a call to the sheriff’s office and spoke with Charlene, who connected the call to the sheriff.

  “Sheriff, I would like to invite you to lunch tomorrow. It will be Mr. Soo, Annie, and me. We have some interesting information for you. Nothing special, just cold cuts and salads. Will noon do?”

  “Sounds great to me. I’ll see you folks tomorrow at noon.”

  Charlene stepped into the sheriff’s office after he had hung up, asking if anything was wrong.

  “No, having lunch at the Boones’. They’re being neighborly. I enjoy their company, good people.”

  Charlene left and went back to her desk, satisfied with the sheriff’s answer.

  The sheriff had no intention of telling Charlene about any detective work being done by the Boones’ or Mr. Soo; he would keep that information to himself.

  Ned walked into their bedroom, wondering what Fiona had been doing in there for such a long time.

  “What are you looking for?” he asked as she sorted through her generous wardrobe.

  “I want to find the proper outfit for tomorrow to meet Rebecca Steinmetz. I want to look professional, nonthreatening, and sweet.”

  “Honey, did you say sweet?” Ned asked with a slight laugh.

  “Damn it, I can be pretty sweet if I want to. Need I remind you?”

  “Nope, you’re my sweetheart, but I never thought you were too anxious to portray that image to other people.”

  “Mrs. Steinmetz thinks I’m notorious. I want to change her perspective and let her know I’m a lovely, sweet, lady. Also, give me several of your business cards. She is going to be putting her home on the market, and that would be fun for you to sell.”

  “Oh, Fiona,
now I see your cunning self come shining through. That’s my girl.”

  “Thank you, dear. You always know when to say the right thing,” Fiona said with a wicked smile.

  Dewey had worked like he was possessed Tuesday morning, and by late afternoon, he had made a big dent in items for the rest of the week. Now all he needed was to work on the following week’s schedule and try to shorten things so he could get out on Friday and not be back until Wednesday of the following week.

  He had spoken with all his department heads and told them he would be traveling more often to Maui and expected them to begin making more decisions and assuming more responsibility for the everyday running of the company and also for the long-range projects. He and his secretary worked out a tentative schedule for the department heads to follow, and he would review that at a meeting tomorrow morning. As soon as he was sure he would be able to leave a week from Friday, he would have her make reservations and notify the pilots, then he would call Layla.

  He wondered what his angel was doing right now; how he missed her.

  Layla had one more thing on her list of things to do for the day; she pulled out her computer and e-mailed her parents, telling them about her engagement to Dewey and that it had not been announced to the public yet. Considering who he was, she wanted to advise them prior to a public announcement. Feeling like she had gotten ahead of any problem, she began thinking about her next meeting with Dewey and wishing it was sooner than they had planned.

  CHAPTER 58

  Layla and Fiona were waiting in Layla’s lanai when Wade drove up.

  “Well, ladies, it appears you’re anxious to meet Mrs. Steinmetz.” Wade got out of his truck, walked to the passenger’s side, and opened the door for them.

  They were glad to have taken Wade’s truck because of some late-evening showers, and as Wade had predicted, the road close to the Steinmetz’s home was pitted with water holes.

  “I wouldn’t want to live so isolated. I imagine Mrs. Steinmetz must have been terrified during that tropical storm,” said Fiona.

  “Things are pretty self-sustaining. The house has its own generators, and there is a large supply of food on hand. However, I agree with you. It would have been scary for an older lady all alone,” said Wade. He pulled into the circular stone driveway and stopped in front of the Steinmetz’s door. Fiona and Layla were impressed at the size and beauty of the stone façade.

  “I’m surprised to find such a beautiful home hidden up here off the Hana Highway. It’s quite European,” said Layla.

  “I’m amazed,” said Fiona. “I didn’t know this home even existed.”

  Wade smiled, knowing Fiona was in tune to everything that went on, in, and around Paia. “You have to understand, after their daughter left, the Steinmetzes were happy being alone. They truly enjoyed their home and each other’s company. Years of living on the big ranch, with so many people always around, made them cherish their privacy.”

  He came around to assist the ladies from his truck. The front door opened, and Mrs. Steinmetz came out to greet them, smiling. “I’m so glad to see all of you. Please come in, and welcome to my home.” She stepped aside, and Fiona, Layla, and Wade entered.

  “My god in heaven, this is unbelievable!” exclaimed Fiona.

  “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Layla, eyes wide, taking in what was before her in the foyer.

  Wade had deliberately not told them about the spectacular view once you entered the home. He wanted to see the initial shock that would register on their faces. He was not disappointed.

  Before them was a two-story glass atrium open to the outside from the top and backside; it sat behind five large two-story sheets of glass. The atrium was filled with exotic tropical plants that continued into the backyard. In the center of the atrium was a beautiful three-tiered fountain, with water gently flowing into each tier. The colorful flowers in the atrium radiated both brilliant and soft hues. The various green shades of the plants and trees added to the overall beauty. On either side of the atrium were winding staircases leading to the second-floor balcony.

  “How is this possible? It appears inside, yet I do believe it is totally separate from the outside,” asked Fiona.

  “You’re right. My husband worked with several architects before one young man saw my husband’s vision and the house was built. I’m glad you like it.”

  Rebecca Steinmetz walked toward Fiona and extended her hand. “I’m Rebecca Steinmetz, and you’re, Fiona Keller, right?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry not to have introduced myself sooner, but I was so taken back by this amazing atrium, I forgot the introductions. Let me introduce Layla Richmond, the lady who is restoring the beachfront property Wade has told you about. Thank you so much for inviting us into your wonderful home.”

  “It’s my pleasure to have you both here, and of course, having Wade or Herb here is always a pleasure. Terrific young men.”

  “They are and wonderful craftsmen too,” said Layla, shaking hands with Rebecca.

  “You must have a large gardening staff to work on this amazing atrium,” asked Fiona.

  “When my husband was alive, it was our passion, working with the plants and flowers. I’m afraid we extended it out farther than we intended, but it was all working so well we just kept on going. Now I have one gardener who comes two days a week. He and I do all the work, and it is a chore, however, for me, a labor of love. I hate to sell my home, but I miss my daughter and grandchildren so much that I’ve decided to move to Oahu to be near them. I realize I’m slowing down, and continued upkeep of this property will be more than one gardener and I can do. Except for the backyard, all the rest of the property we let grow wild.”

  “How much more property is there?” asked Fiona, her real-estate sense taking charge.

  “Approximately eight acres, I would have to look at the property deed to know the exact amount.”

  “You will receive a very handsome price for this house with that much land.”

  “Do you think so, Fiona?”

  “Definitely, my husband, Ned Keller, owned the most prominent, high-end real estate company in Oahu up until our retirement. I was his decorator, and I got to know property and prices pretty well over the years. Your wonderful home and all the acreage will probably garner between four or five million, and that might be conservative. Ned is much better than I am at pricing.”

  “Heavens,” said Rebecca, her hand going to her throat, “I never dreamed that much. I thought maybe a million or a million and a half. Let me show you the rest of the house so you can look at furniture.”

  Fiona felt she had just secured Ned as the realtor to sell the Steinmetz house. She would ingrain herself a bit more to Mrs. Steinmetz.

  Rebecca led them up a staircase to the master bedroom. She wanted them to see the view from the balcony but told them none of the rooms’ furniture was for sale, it would be going with her to Oahu. Next she showed them her daughter’s room and adjoining bath. Here again, she told them none of that furniture was for sale; her daughter wanted it for her own home, except for a small secretary desk and chair. Fiona and Layla immediately said they would take it. It was a replica of an old European secretary and just what Layla envisioned for the larger spare bedroom.

  Rebecca then led everyone to the bedrooms on the other side. “These are the rooms I thought you might find something. Everything in these rooms is for sale.”

  The larger of the two rooms was furnished in Hawaiian carved furniture, featuring simple lines but carved in a beautiful dark brown almost black wood. The simplicity of design was stunning. The furniture consisted of a triple dresser, two nightstands, and a large headboard and footboard. Fiona got her tape measure out to ensure a queen-sized bed would fit and found out that was the mattress size already on the bed. Fiona and Layla decided immediately, they would take all the pieces; all was perfect for the larger guestroom. />
  The next bedroom consisted of twin beds with one nightstand between them and a double dresser. What made this furniture stand out was that it was intricately carved with pineapples and various Hawaiian flowers. A bit outrageous and gaudy but Layla fell in love with it immediately.

  “I’ll take it all, and please tell me that pineapple lamp on the nightstand is included.”

  “Heavens, yes, you can have that thing without charge. Never did like it,” Rebecca said.

  On the way out the door, Wade nudged Fiona, who seemed in semishock. He grinned at her and said, “Too much for your taste?”

  “Actually, it’s very authentic, just a lot to take in at once.”

  Downstairs, Rebecca showed them the den where nothing was for sale and the living room, but they didn’t find anything there that was on the list, lastly, the dining room. Both Fiona and Layla let out ohs when they saw a beautiful three-section beveled glass buffet table.

  Fiona walked over to the table. “Please tell us, Rebecca, that this beauty is for sale. Layla has the perfect spot for it in her dining room.”

  “It’s for sale, but once you buy it, I can’t make any guarantees about getting it into your home safely. It’s quite delicate. It was a major project to get it here from Austria. It took us over two years.”

  “I have the utmost faith in Three Brothers Movers. They are very careful. I’ve used them for a number of years, and as long as your delivery date is flexible, you can be sure it will arrive safely.”

  “Who are Three Brothers Movers?” asked Layla.

  “They are three very large Hawaiian brothers who look like big bears but are extremely careful with furniture moving. They are known for their care in moving delicate items. Their only shortcoming is their timetable and your timetable may not coincide. They often get sidetracked with family obligations, like roasting a pig for a luau or cheering a family member in an outrigger race. Everyone who hires them is aware of this, but because of their excellent record, folks are grateful they are moving them,” said Wade.