“When I get home, I want a hot shower, and then I’m going to have George rub my back, arms, and legs with rubbing alcohol and pray my body will be able to move again. I’m glad we’re not getting there until noon tomorrow. It will give us more time to heal.”
When Fiona pulled into her driveway, George and Ned were on the Kellers’ lanai, enjoying a cold beer. They took one look at their ladies and rushed to assist them up the stairs or across the street.
“Ladies, you look like you put in a day of hard labor,” said Ned.
“Just get this tired butt of mine up these stairs and into a hot shower before I pass out from pain,” said Fiona.
“George, after a shower, I want an alcohol rubdown, and get that silly grin off your face because believe me, buster, a rubdown is all I have in mind.”
“Yes, dear,” said George duly chastised.
Annie opened Fiona’s car door, got in, and found a large manila folder and Scotch tape on the dash. “What’s this?”
“Here’s the plan for today,” Fiona said. Driving to Rebecca’s, Fiona explained, “As you know, Mr. Tomoko and the prospective buyer arrive on Tuesday. By the way, you get the day off. Anyway, at that time, Ned will discuss the possibility of selling the estate with any furniture, etc. not being sold or taken by Mrs. Steinmetz. To determine what is available, today we are going to mark items either with a Sold or Goes sign. Everything that is unmarked is available to stay with the estate. Yesterday, Ned went to the print store and had fifty of each made for us. I phoned Rebecca and told her what had to be done today. Hopefully, she has gone through and decided on some of the furnishings.”
“Well, that sounds easier than all we did yesterday.”
“I’m sure it will be, as long as Rebecca is focused. Annie, I hope you won’t be mad at me, but you are going to be on your own with Rebecca from now on. Things are really happening at Layla’s, and I don’t feel comfortable being so far away in case I’m needed. Plus, everything is getting critical with the crafters at the Visitors Center.”
“That will be fine. We’ll be packing and sorting, like we did yesterday. If you don’t mind, I would like to bring George with me. He can do the heavy lifting, no charge. I think that’s what did us both in.”
“That will be great, and he will be paid the same $200 a day as you. After all, Rebecca will be getting millions, and she can afford the cost. Do you think he will agree to assisting?”
“I’ll see to it. There should be no problem.”
Dewey, Layla, Agnes, and Ted were planning a luncheon Dewey decided on for the following Saturday. He would be inviting his right-hand people and department heads, along with their spouses or girl- or boyfriends. He and Layla had made an invitation on the computer, which Dewey would send to his staff via e-mail on Monday. Dewey told them to make arrangements for any extra staff they would need.
“It’s important for these people to meet Layla and feel comfortable around her before the wedding. We can make a formal announcement to reach the papers next Sunday, but I want this gathering before the public announcement. I want to keep the family atmosphere that has worked so well for DewMaster.”
“It’s a wonderful idea, and I’m anxious to meet everyone. Dewey has been updating me on some of the individuals, and they all sound so brilliant. I hope, since I’m not genius caliber, I’ll fit in.”
“Layla, you needn’t worry about that. As brilliant as they may be, some of them are a bit lax in the personality department. You will dazzle them, believe me,” said Agnes proudly.
“I agree 100 percent,” said Dewey, giving Layla a hug.
“Agnes, when we see the wedding planner on Tuesday, let’s ask her to point out places where I can shop for something suitable to wear. I would like to purchase something here. Plus, it will give me an opportunity to visit the local stores. You’ll come with me, won’t you?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for anything!”
“Today went extremely well,” said Annie. “We accomplished a lot promptly. Rebecca pretty much decided what went, what was sold, and what stayed. Rebecca and I discussed it, and next, we will work on the kitchen. This is one of her biggest concerns. She knows she has pushed things into the rear of shelves and cabinets, ignoring them for years. I told her what she doesn’t want to keep for the new buyer but doesn’t want to take with her, we’ll pack up, and George and I will take it to the Goodwill Center for her. She has boxes of Mr. Steinmetz’s clothes that we’ll also take. After she gets the kitchen in order, I think she will feel a lot better. Even if this prospective sale doesn’t go through, she will have things cleaned out.”
“We’re all guilty of that. I keep telling Ned we have to go through the house and clean things out, but we never get around to doing it. Something always comes up.”
“When we retired, I got the kitchen in order, and George got the garage in order. However, since then, he’s added more than he got rid of, and I have no idea what he plans on doing with all that junk.”
“Men are such cute little pack rats. Ned does that too, but if it hasn’t moved into some type of storage within three months, I trash it. I think he just brings stuff in to keep me on my toes,” said Fiona.
“I’ve learned a lesson from Rebecca’s situation. When we’re done at Rebecca’s, I’m finishing the rest of our home. I know there are things in drawers, closets, and cabinets that I can trash, and I’m packing all the children’s things they don’t want me to throw away and sending it unannounced to them. That will clean out about 75 percent of their old bedrooms,” said Annie.
“What time are you and George getting there tomorrow?”
“We’ll leave our place at nine. That should give Rebecca time to get up, eat, and get ready.”
“I hope George is agreeable to helping.”
“He is. I told him how we needed a strong man, and the extra $200 a day sealed the deal.”
“I’m so glad. I was trying to figure out how I could make sure all was going well at Layla’s, handle the crafters, and still get out to Rebecca’s. Now you have George, and he’ll be more help than I could ever be.”
CHAPTER 71
Fiona went over to Layla’s early Monday morning to open up the house for Chris and Josie. She opened the slider on the front lanai and immediately remembered what had been nagging at her for some time. Damn, she thought, I forgot about having Marty make the side table.
When they arrived, she said, “Chris, while opening up the front lanai, I discovered that I neglected to have Marty make the small side table from the remaining Shoji screens. I don’t want to have him start now when you’re staining the floors because dust might fly in. Do you have any suggestions?”
Chris walked to the lanai and looked at the covered framework. “Let me put these in my truck, and I’ll take them over to Granddad’s after work, give him a call and ask if he can build the table at his home, which, of course, he can, then arrange to stop by and give him the proper measurements. He will be happy to have you visit. Here’s my cell phone. He’s under Gramps,” said Chris.
She phoned Marty, and as Chris predicted, he was thrilled to work at home and even happier Fiona would be coming by with the measurements. They arranged to meet Wednesday, with Marty insisting Fiona come for an Italian lunch.
Fiona thanked Chris and told him she would be seeing Marty on Wednesday, and he was going to fix an Italian lunch for her.
“If he said he was going to fix an Italian lunch, be ready for a nine-course meal. His Italian lunches last for about three hours, and everyone leaves the table stuffed but happy.”
“I’ll probably be jogging like crazy for several days afterward.”
Herb came at nine to meet the silestone man that would be measuring the countertops. He took measurements, Fiona made the approval on the color, and he left. She told Herb the cabinets in the large bathroom were wonderful and let Wade know how
pleased she was. Fiona walked Herb out and went back home, wondering how Annie and George were doing at Rebecca’s.
Focusing on the kitchen and because George was so tall, he got ladder duty for work on the top shelves. He reached into the cabinets and brought things down for the ladies to inspect and sort. When he had the top two shelves of all cleared out, they started work on packing, with George toting boxes to the garage for storage or to their car for drop-off.
While in the garage, George noticed Rebecca’s Jeep and asked if that was going with the house too.
“Yes, if I’m going to have lots of money, I want a luxury car for a change. I’m so tired of bumping along and shifting, I could scream. These old bones need a softer ride. That’s the only car for this area, however. When it rains, you really need the four-wheel drive to maneuver the access road.”
“Be sure and let Ned or Fiona know the Jeep is part of the package. That will be an added incentive,” said George.
“I will, and thank you for reminding me.”
They continued packing and sorting throughout the day, calling it quits at five. Annie told Rebecca she would see her on Wednesday and that George would be with the group arriving tomorrow.
When they were ready to leave, George turned to Annie and asked, “Honey, could you drive us home? If I needed to brake hard, I’m not sure I would have the strength in my legs to hit the brake.”
“I didn’t realize we were working you so hard. Why didn’t you say something?”
“I didn’t want to sound like a wimp, at least not until we were alone. I need a hot shower, and it’s my turn for a rubdown and don’t ply your feminine wiles on me. I’m not able to do any more tonight than sleep.”
“I wouldn’t think it. Give me the keys and let me get you home.”
At seven Tuesday morning, Annie walked into their bedroom and sat down next to George, who was sprawled out on his stomach. She kissed him on the cheek, saying, “Honey, it’s time to get up. I’m fixing you a hardy breakfast. Then you need to shower and get ready to meet the Hollywood producer.”
“I hear you. That means I’m still alive and survived yesterday.”
“You did and you worked so hard.” Annie frowned, looking at George, still not moving, “Dear, can you move?”
“Probably, I’m just not sure I want to try.” He turned over and threw his long legs over the side of the bed, sighing. “Yep, I can move and I’m starved. You’re right, I want a big breakfast.”
“I’m on my way back to the kitchen. Now you’re sure you’re up, you won’t fall back in bed once I’m gone, will you?”
“Nope, need to get up and get alert. Want to sound like an engineer who knows what he’s talking about.”
Agnes drove as she and Layla went to their appointment with the wedding planner. Layla sat quietly. Agnes asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s just my previous experiences with these types, for my own wedding and being in my friends’ weddings, I find them pretentious and they think they are some sort of wondrous all-knowing wedding sage. If I wasn’t in Maui most of the time, we would not be needing this person.”
“I spoke to several of my friends that run households like we do, they all say this lady is excellent, humble, and attends to every detail with dignity and charm.”
“I find that description for a wedding planner incredible. I’m anxious to meet her.”
After discussing the details with the wedding planner, she insisted they stay for lunch to sample some items she would like to serve for the reception dinner.
“Agnes, she’s terrific. She could make millions in New York.”
“She’s a devoted Mormon, an active family woman that only takes on three or four weddings a year. Working for Dewey is a star on her resume.”
“I feel lucky, and wasn’t that lovely of her to call ahead to the dress shop to let them know we will be arriving this afternoon. I’m looking forward to working with her at the bridal salon on Friday. Thank your friends for me. She’s terrific.”
* * *
Ned phoned George, asking him to drive his car, because they didn’t know how many would be coming and wanted to make sure there was ample transportation.
When the plane arrived, Mr. Tomoko introduced them to the producer and his eldest son, aged twenty-five. As they were getting in the cars, the producer opted to ride with George, saying, “I want to get an educated opinion on the helicopter pad and see just how far it is from the airport to the estate.”
He and George sat off in the Escalade, the others following. George pointed out initial facts that might be of interest regarding the Maui airport. He told the producer it would be more reasonable to lease a helicopter when he was going to be on the island, that way he wouldn’t have to pay a hangar fee or salary for pilots on standby. George said there were excellent helo pilots from the Desert Storm era that were familiar with the Maui interior. He easily kept up a tourist guide conversation, displaying his pride of the island and Paia. Before they reached Rebecca’s, he said, “I don’t know what you’ve been told about this foyer, but from an engineering standpoint, it’s fabulous. I can’t wait to hear your opinion.”
George was taken back when he saw who followed Mr. Tomoko off the plane. Then surprised at the easy rapport that quickly developed between him and the producer and was anxious to tell Annie whom he was spending the day with.
Rebecca made her usual gracious greeting, then led the newcomers into the foyer with the others following.
The producer looked at George, who had a big grin on his face, and asked, “Is this for real?”
“Young man,” said Rebecca a slight edge to her voice, “I can assure you this is real. My late husband and I worked quite a few years to create the visual beauty, and a very talented engineer and my husband designed this atrium.”
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before or, for that matter, even imagined and I’m supposed to be damned good at imagining things. What do you think, son?”
“Buy the estate for this alone, it’s worth it. You will knock your friends dead with this atrium. Plus, you should be able to feature it in a movie or two.”
“Brilliant, son, this would make an outstanding location. Rebecca, show us more, please.”
Mr. Tomoko, Fiona, and Ned followed the lead group around, but the estate seemed to be selling itself without their input. Once outside, George pointed out the degree of clearing necessary, required for FAA approval for the helicopter pad, and the producer and his son quietly talked among themselves.
“George, can we take a helicopter ride over the property?”
“I don’t see why not. I can get in touch with a couple of pilots I know and see if they are available for this afternoon. Perhaps we all could have lunch in town?”
On the way back to their autos, Fiona said to Ned, “I don’t believe any of us were needed for the sale. Between George and Rebecca, I think it’s a done deal.”
“I agree with you, dear. I’m giving George a bonus, I think he has that man’s man image the producer is partial to. He probably sees us realtors as necessary evils.”
During lunch at Mama’s, George received a call from a pilot friend, saying he and his helicopter could be ready in an hour for three to tour the property. The producer, his son, and George were the chosen three. George relayed the coordinates of Rebecca’s property to the pilot. He also checked with Mr. Tomoko on who was going to pay the tab for the flight. Mr. Tomoko said his company would pay.
Speaking into the headphone to the pilot, the producer said, “I heard there are pot growers down there somewhere, is that true?”
“Oh sure, so we will not be flying too close. They have been at it for a numbers of years and have gotten quite high-tech with their monitoring devices. The post-Vietnam era brought a lot of those guys, who got hooked over there, back to Hawaii where they had don
e their R&R. Some moved into the interior of Maui and started growing for themselves and later for illegal sales. A few oversee million-dollar businesses.”
“Seriously, I had no idea my future property was being used for such a high-profit enterprise. Very interesting,” he said, grinning at his son, who just shook his head.
En route back to the airfield, George mentioned that the four-wheel Jeep came with the property, and it was vital to have a four-wheel drive for the road to the estate during wet weather.
“Maybe we should think of fixing the road,” his son said.
“I don’t think so,” said the producer, “that would lose the wild-outback feeling.”
“Oh lord,” said his son.
“Looks like you’ve decided on buying the property,” said George.
“I was hooked the minute we walked into the foyer,” said the producer. “Now it’s down to the negotiating, and I wish them luck with my wife. She handles all our financial dealings, and frankly, she scares the hell out of me when it comes to money. I’m crazy in love with the woman. We’ve been married since our first year of college. I could never think of a divorce, I would be homeless in a flash.”
“Mom’s a whiz with money. Without her, Dad could never have done the type of movies he’s done. He financed his last three films, thanks to her diligence in investments, and now we’re all worth a disgusting amount. Don’t get me wrong, I love what it provides, but it isn’t easy following in either of their footsteps. I’m a techie, I’m into the special effects side of the movie business.”
“In that case, you should meet my next-door neighbor and her fiancé. Layla is engaged to Dewey McMaster, the DewMaster.”
“Your next-door neighbor? I thought you lived in Paia.”
“We do. She’s remodeling the house next door, and that will be their home-away-from-home once they’re married. They are in Salt Lake City now but will be back in Paia in a couple of weeks.”
“Well, son, this place just keeps getting better and better.”
Maui Murders Page 43
