Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “Sounds like they are the ones we’ll need to hire. I can picture this marvelous buffet table in my dining room now,” said Layla.

  “It will be perfect,” said Wade.

  “The only item you haven’t seen is a silly little table I have in the kitchen that my husband just had to have. I never liked the thing as the color was a little too bright for me, but he saw it in Norway and I couldn’t talk him out of it.” Rebecca led the way through to the kitchen where they saw a very bright leaf green table with three matching chairs made from a heavy-duty wood.

  “This is perfect for the small kitchen table you wanted, Layla, and I like this green. It will brighten up that side of the kitchen, don’t you think?” asked Fiona.

  “Another item sold. We’ve done extremely well today,” said Layla.

  “We certainly have. This is an amazing home you have, Rebecca, and some extremely wonderful furniture.”

  “It is my pleasure to have you here, and I can tell I am selling my things to someone who will appreciate and enjoy them. I have set a table on a side lanai, so let’s proceed there and have some lunch.”

  After lunch, they discussed when it would be possible to get the furniture, Layla explaining where the restoration was on her home. Rebecca said she still had much packing and sorting to do and did not anticipate any type of move for the next three months. Layla and Rebecca discussed pricing of the items selected and agreed that Rebecca would make a list with what she felt was a fair price. Layla, Fiona, and Rebecca would review the list later on.

  Before leaving, Fiona gave Rebecca one of Ned’s business cards and told her she could check with anyone in real estate to verify his ability and even suggested the local or Oahu real estate board. She emphasized his background with high-end clientele; he would have knowledge of potential buyers for her estate, as Fiona now referred to the Steinmetz home. She asked Rebecca if she could set up an appointment with her for Ned to come and see her estate sometime within the next couple of weeks. Whether she used Ned or not, he would be able to give her an honest estimate of the property’s worth. Rebecca said that would be fine, and Fiona said she would get back to her as soon as she could verify a time with Ned.

  Wade held the truck door for the ladies, and Layla reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “That’s for thinking of us. I’m so grateful you brought us here. I love everything I’ve selected, and it will look terrific once here.”

  “Thank you, ladies. I know this will help Rebecca too. Fiona, I think you’ve sold her on Ned handling the property. I’m happy about that. She is a lovely lady, and I know Ned will make an honest sale for her, where some others might take advantage of her lack of real estate knowledge.”

  “I’m anxious for Ned to see this property, and he’ll probably know someone, somewhere that will buy it right away. He’s uncanny that way.”

  They drove back toward the Hana Highway, trying to beat an afternoon shower that was looming.

  CHAPTER 59

  After his morning walk, Mr. Soo showered and put on fresh clothes. He checked his watch and left for the Boones at exactly 11:45 a.m. When he arrived, George told him they were eating on the front lanai and went outside where Annie had the table set and ready to begin bringing food out once the sheriff arrived.

  The sheriff didn’t arrive until 12:15 p.m., making apologies for being late. “A couple of Canadian students thought, with the assistance of some Maui Wowie, it was perfectly legal to go topless on our public beach. They managed to draw a large crowd. It took Danny and me several minutes to get them to put their tops back on, disperse the crowd, and take them to the station. We put them in a cell until their high could wear off and find out where they bought the weed.”

  “Got to love our tourists,” said George with a grin.

  “Sheriff, you and George go out front, and I’ll bring the food.”

  “Thanks, Annie, I appreciate the invitation.”

  George and the sheriff went outside where Mr. Soo greeted the sheriff. “So glad you were able to have lunch with us today, Sheriff. I feel certain we all will enjoy one of Annie’s meals.”

  Lunch consisted of three different types of lunchmeats, two salads, deviled eggs, two types of cheese, a table of full of condiments, and was topped off with fresh strawberry shortcake. After dessert, Annie cleared the table, and Mr. Soo began with the discussion he had with his friend who brought up the subject of the screen doorbell. Annie confirmed that it was not there when she walked into the store. Mr. Soo told the sheriff that he had spoken with Dewey and ascertained that the bell was there when he went into the store when the Okamotos first got home from Oahu.

  “We summarized that the murderer was familiar enough with the store to make sure the bell was silenced when they entered the store. What do you think of our detective work, Sheriff?” asked George.

  “Very commendable, folks, very commendable. However, I’m going to do my own follow-up on this information and not share with the other authorities until I can get a better handle on it. Damn shame that old door has been replaced. I would like to have checked it out, maybe even get some fingerprints.”

  “Sheriff, I feel terrible that I waited so long to remember the absence of that bell. You might have been able to find the murderer if I had my wits about me that terrible night,” said Annie, almost in tears.

  “Annie, no one could fault you for not remembering something so trivial. You had a horrible shock. Frankly, I was worried sick about you that night. You might not remember this, but you hugged that big old can of coffee like it was a sack of gold. I tried to help you with it, and if looks would have killed, I would have been dead.”

  “Sheriff, I don’t remember that happening, I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I think it represented some type of safety net for you.” The sheriff stayed a while longer, thanked Annie for a wonderful lunch, and told George and Mr. Soo to continue their subtle inquiries.

  Back in his truck, the sheriff shook his head. He marveled at how sincere these people were but wondered where the hell they thought this new revolution would lead. He laughed softly to himself.

  Wade dropped Fiona off at her house, then parked in Layla’s driveway. He and Layla went to speak with Herb.

  “How was your shopping trip?”

  “Herb, Rebecca Steinmetz is a remarkable lady, and I bought a ton of her items. Remember that beautiful beveled glass buffet table? I’m getting that for the dining room. Won’t it be spectacular?”

  “Sure thing, Fiona will arrange to have the Three Brothers move things for you. They are probably the only ones that could get it here in one piece.”

  “Wade filled me in on the brothers, and Fiona has a great working relationship with them. Do you need me for anything, Herb?”

  “No, just adding to the dust bowl by tearing things up here.”

  “I want to call Dewey and tell him about our visit to Rebecca’s. I’m curious if he even knew about the home.” Layla said goodbye to Herb and thanked Wade again for taking them to meet Rebecca Steinmetz.

  After she left, Herb turned to Wade, smiling at his handsome partner. “That lady is going to have your home furnished just perfectly. I’ll give her and Dewey three years or until the kids start coming, then it’s yours or should I say ours.”

  Fiona rushed into her home, calling out, “Ned, where are you?”

  “In the den, honey, what’s the matter?”

  “Ned, did you know about the Steinmetz home? I didn’t, and it’s wonderful. I mean, you won’t believe it until you see it. Plus, there are almost eight acres included. I think I have the listing sewed up for you. I thought I would call her next week and arrange for us to take her to brunch at the country club a week from this Sunday, then she can show you the place at that time. I’m telling you, sweetie, you won’t believe your eyes.”

  “Slow down, Fiona, you’re rattling. I
’ve heard of the property, but there aren’t too many folks around anymore that actually worked on the building of the home, and the Steinmetzes were not that social.”

  Fiona went to where Ned was sitting at his desk and plopped down on his lap. “You won’t believe this home inside, and I’m not telling you about it because you must see it yourself to understand the uniqueness of what Mr. Steinmetz and the architect accomplished.”

  Ned put his arms around Fiona’s waist and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Now you have me intrigued, so make the arrangements with Mrs. Steinmetz for a week from this Sunday. I’ll prepare myself to be shocked,” Ned said, laughing.

  “You will be shocked, trust me. If I was speechless, then you know, it must really be something.”

  “Good god, Fiona Keller speechless, I’ve got to see this home!”

  CHAPTER 60

  When Mr. Soo returned home, Layla told him all about her visit with Mrs. Steinmetz and the items she purchased. He told her about the meeting with the sheriff and asked when she phoned Dewey later in the evening, tell him they had spoken with the sheriff and he was now aware of the missing bell.

  An hour later, Layla phoned Dewey, wanting to be sure he was home and able to talk. She told him all about the Steinmetz home and the items she had agreed to purchase. He knew of the Three Brother movers and assured her they were the best on any of the islands. He told her things were going well, and he should be on his way a week from this coming Friday, and the way it looked now, he would be able to stay through Tuesday.

  Layla was overjoyed and told him how much she missed him. She also relayed Mr. Soo’s message. They talked for about an hour, and then he said he would call her Saturday when he had everything firmed up for the following week.

  Friday afternoon and Paia was overcast and humid. Ned, Fiona, Annie, and George made their way up the hill to the Visitors Center. Annie had assured everyone she would be fine. George had called Donnie Munson earlier in the week and told them he and Annie would be accompanying Ned on Friday, knowing Donnie wanted to speak with them about recruiting docents. Fiona had developed several ad copies for the recruitment of local artists, and she wanted to run them by Donnie.

  Everyone walked up the driveway to the Visitors Center where Donnie greeted and ushered them inside to the welcome air-conditioning.

  “If we don’t get a thunderstorm by tonight, I’ll be surprised.”

  “Got to agree with you there, Ned,” said Donnie. “You can cut the air with a knife. Well, Annie, what do you think of our Visitors Center?”

  “I’m so impressed. I was apprehensive about coming here, afraid I would be reminded of the old market. This no way resembles the market. Your architect has done a wonderful job.”

  “You know, your husband made suggestions that were incorporated into the final product. You should be very proud of George.”

  “I’ve always been proud of George, but when he told me you were going to put his name on the plaque outside the door, I realized what an impact he must have had on the center,” Annie said, lacing her arm through George’s and smiling up at him.

  “George, why don’t you show Annie around, and I’ll talk with you folks later. I need a few minutes with Fiona.”

  “Sure, Donnie,” George said, and he and Annie went about touring the center.

  Donnie spoke with Ned who told him he and the contractor were meeting with yet another inspector in about thirty minutes; there were a few plans to go over, but nothing that he couldn’t handle.

  “Well, Fiona, let’s see how the ad looks,” Donnie said, walking over to the craft sales area.

  Fiona showed Donnie two ads she had put together, and they combined phrases from both to make one ad. They agreed it said everything intended, and Donnie said he would take the script back to the bank, have it retyped, and get it off to the local papers. Fiona said to let her know when the product packets began to arrive at the bank so she could start screening them. She showed him two letters she had drafted: one rejection letter and one setting up an appointment for further consideration. Donnie thought the letters were well done.

  Fiona thanked him and decided she would go back home, accomplishing all she had intended.

  Annie and George completed their tour, meeting Donnie at the large counter where the docents would greet the visitors.

  “Well, folks, I’m sure you know what I’m going to ask of you, especially you, Annie, with your knowledge and contacts in the senior community.”

  “You want us to recruit and train the docents. I hope you plan on intergrading age groups. I think it is important we have all ages involved in the center. Somehow, with the impressive photos of the past, I don’t think we’ll have any problems getting recruits,” said Annie.

  “I was thinking of having a younger person working alongside a senior when possible. What do you folks think of that?”

  “I like that idea,” said Annie. “A number of our seniors miss their grandchildren, and this will give them an opportunity to connect with teens and those in their early twenties.”

  “I like the pairing too. It’s a good way to educate the younger folks of Paia about the city’s heritage,” said George.

  “George, I thought you might be able to recruit some of the younger windsurfers.”

  “I’ll try. Those with Paia roots will be glad to assist a couple of hours a week. Are there going to be brochures or some type of handouts visitors to the center can take with them?”

  “I hired a company that specializes in brochures and maps that focus on a specific town and the surrounding area. They are in the process of getting their draft ready, and I’m hoping to run it by you both and the Kellers to see what you think about the work they have done.”

  “Let us know, and we’ll be glad to give our opinion. It’s vital for the docents to have good literature to hand to tourists,” said Annie.

  “The draft will be ready in a couple of weeks. All is coming together nicely. Fiona and I are working on getting craftspeople, and I’ve gotten a bid written up for the food concession. I’ll be placing that in the local papers in a week or two. Right now, we are waiting for toilet fixtures to arrive, then we’ll need to have that work signed off once it is completed, but I know Ned is on top of that. He’s been my savior. Without him, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we are now.”

  “You know, Donnie, Annie and I have become good friends with Ned and Fiona. They both are intelligent, hardworking, and caring people. Fiona is a hoot too,” said George laughing.

  “She still scares me,” said Donnie quietly.

  “George and I will get working on the docent recruits and get back with you when we have a good list. MayLee said she wanted to be counted as a docent. Do you think she still feels that way?”

  “Most definitely, I’ll tell her you are putting her on your list.”

  Annie and George went back to their home after hearing a distant clap of thunder.

  Saturday morning, George and Annie were having coffee on the lanai when George suggested they go to Bird’s for dinner. It would give him a chance to speak with some of the windsurfers about docent work, and Byrd might be able to suggest others he could recruit. Annie thought she would be able to get Jessie, Byrd’s wife, as a docent.

  “Let’s ask Ned and Fiona if they want to join us. I think a place like Bird’s will fascinate Fiona, and Ned will have a good time.”

  “George, you’re just trying to see how Fiona will react to Bird’s. That’s ornery, but let’s ask them anyway,” Annie said, grinning.

  Ten minutes later, Ned walked out on their lanai with coffee and the morning paper. He waved across at Annie and George.

  “OK if I come over for a second?” George yelled across to Ned.

  “Sure thing,” Ned replied.

  George refilled his mug and walked over to the Kellers’ lanai. He greeted Ned,
and they chatted about his and Annie trip to the Visitors Center yesterday. Ned was curious how Annie reacted to the center, if she handled everything without a problem. George said he was proud of how Annie had done and said it didn’t seem to have caused her any added anxiety.

  “Annie and I are going to Bird’s for dinner tonight. I need to talk with some of the windsurfers and do some recruiting among them for docents. Donnie wants to pair a senior with a younger person. Maybe you and Fiona might enjoy going along,” George asked.

  “I’ve always wanted to go there, so count me in. Fiona can be a bit snobbish at times, but I’ll talk her into going.”

  “I heard that, Ned Keller, I had to be snobbish to work with some of the clientele you stuck me with,” said Fiona, opening the screen door and joining them on the lanai with her own mug of coffee. “Where have you always wanted to go?”

  “Annie and I are going to Bird’s for dinner. I want to do some docent recruiting, and we thought you and Ned might care to come along with us. Ned said he always wanted to go there.”

  “They serve food?” Fiona asked with a slightly huffy tone.

  “See what I mean?” asked Ned with a smug grin.

  “Great meals, Fiona, the only catch is you have to place you order before noon. Byrd buys his meat fresh daily and only buys enough for orders already placed. You either can have steak, chicken, or fish. What would you folks like me to order?”

  “Steak for me,” Ned said.

  “Does he serve prime cuts of meat?” asked Fiona.

  “He serves terrific steaks, usually T-bone, porterhouse, or filet mignon, and they are prime.”

  “Well, in that case, I’ll try a steak too. What does one wear?”

  “Annie and I usually wear Levi’s, T-shirts, and comfortable shoes. Nothing fancy, it isn’t that type of place. We’ll leave here at seven, have a couple of drinks before dinner, and plan on eating at eight. Does that suit you, folks?”