George and Annie rose early on Wednesday, anxious to see Rebecca and tell her what George had learned yesterday. George had regaled Annie about his time with the producer and his son and told her Ned hinted if the property sold like they thought, he would be in for a bonus since both Ned and Mr. Tomoko felt George had practically sold the estate without their help.
When George came into the kitchen, he found Annie going through her stack of Panama Canal cruise brochures.
“This time we’re finally going to take that cruise,” George said as he swung her into him and waltzed her around the kitchen to an oldie on the radio.
When they arrived at Rebecca’s, she was outside, waiting anxiously for news about yesterday. George filled her in on everything, including their exciting ride over her property. He told her he was sure they were going to buy the estate but that the producer’s wife was handling the financial end and she made killer deals. Rebecca told them anything over a couple of million was fine with her.
Annie said she had dropped the donations off at the Goodwill yesterday and received a donation slip for tax records, which she handed to Rebecca. “They were happy to receive the items, especially all the men’s clothing. I told them there is more coming.”
“After everyone left yesterday, I was antsy, so the gardener and I worked like crazy in the yard. I’ve also hired him to work an extra day for the next couple of weeks to clean out the storage and garage areas. I told him to sort through things and take what he wanted, then we could see what would be left for a new buyer. Any odds and ends we can give the Goodwill, if you think they might want them. George, you sort through too and take what you like.”
“I’m sure Ned will be happy you’ve started on those areas,” said Annie. Then she whispered to Rebecca, “We don’t want to work George as hard as we did Monday. Poor dear could hardly get out of bed yesterday.”
The phone rang; it was Ned who explained to Rebecca that everyone was in negotiations with the producer’s wife on the sale of the estate. He told Rebecca he would not consider selling the estate for less than fifteen million and had started at twenty-three million. She told him she was leaving the decision in his hands, as she trusted him totally, then told him about the garage and shed cleanout that she and the gardener were working on and asked his opinion.
He said that was a splendid idea and told her that the negotiations also included all unmarked furniture and her Jeep. After ending her call, she told Annie and George about her conversation and how happy she was that things were moving along so swiftly.
Fiona knocked on Marty’s door, and when he answered, she presented him with an expensive bottle of Italian wine.
“My lovely Fiona, how happy I am to see you. Welcome to my home.” He stepped back from the door and motioned her inside.
She felt the warmth of an Italian home, simple furnishings, mostly handmade, with fresh flowers and fruit in bowls. The smells coming from the kitchen were making her mouth water.
“I hope this wine will go with our meal. I picked this up the last time we were in Italy and was saving it for a special occasion.”
“Fiona, this is perfect. Thank you. I love this variety but cannot find it in the islands.”
Chris was correct; after three hours, Fiona pulled back from the table, totally sated but happy. She didn’t know how she had finished off the last bite of tiramisu, but she had managed. She had given Marty all the measurements prior to eating, so after lunch, they chatted. Much to Fiona’s dismay, she found herself speaking in Italian. She had started rusty, but by the time she was ready to leave, her native tongue had returned to her with ease.
When she returned home, Fiona lay on the couch and moaned softly. Ned came out from his office and asked her what was wrong.
“I ate too much. God, it was wonderful. I’m miserable but happy. How’s the sale going?”
“On our second round of negotiations. George did a damn good job. He mentioned that Rebecca was including the Jeep, something we didn’t know. He would have made a good real estate agent. The wife is doing the negotiations. She’s a real bear. You should be dealing with her. She’s overwhelming Mr. Tomoko. He’s not used to high-powered women like you two.”
“It would be my pleasure, dear, if you two need my help. Anytime you want me to jump in, just let me know.”
“I’m thinking about it. Believe me.”
Annie and Rebecca spent the morning finishing up the kitchen, then moved onto the guest bedrooms. They checked out drawers and closets and packed small items Rebecca was keeping and other items going to the Goodwill. George spent most of his morning happily in the garage and shed with the gardener, going through all types of tools. By day’s end, he had a good-sized box of things he was keeping. The ladies told George he could take Thursday off, Annie afraid he would simply add to the items he was bringing into their garage. Rebecca said she and Annie would leave boxes for him to tote on Friday, but a great deal of the heavy lifting was complete.
Thursday morning, the phone rang; Annie answered and was surprised to hear Layla’s voice. She was told she was being put on speakerphone and wondered if George was available. Annie called George to the phone, then put their phone on speaker.
“We called early so we could catch you both before you went off on errands or jogging. We have something to ask of you.”
“Sure, how can we help?” said George.
“We are planning our wedding, and although a date won’t be set until our Paia home is finished, we wanted everything finalized in advance. What we wanted to ask if you would be our wedding party. We each want one attendant, and Layla and I said it could only be George and Annie.”
Annie caught her breath and said it would mean so much to her since she felt like both of them were family.
“I don’t have to wear a tux, do I?” asked George.
Dewey laughed. “No way, just a dark suit for both of us. If you don’t have a dark suit, I’ll order you one.”
“I have a great black suit, perfect for weddings and funerals.”
“That’s no way to talk, George,” scolded Annie.
“Dewey knows what I mean, honey. We guys understand.”
“I do. I have one of those myself. That’s what I’ll be wearing.”
“Dewey!” exclaimed Layla.
“What should I wear?” asked Annie, trying to change the subject.
“I’m going to the bridal salon tomorrow, and hopefully, I’ll find something simple for both of us. Send me your measurements, and I can have your dress prefitted. When you get here a couple of days before the wedding, we can have a final fitting.”
“I’m a size 6, but I’ll take exact measurements for you and give you a call. Don’t forget the shoes. I’m a size 7, medium, and I’m no good in those real high heels.”
“Don’t worry about high heels. I’ll be too nervous to even attempt them. I want to be comfortable and enjoy the day.”
They talked a while longer, then Annie said she had to leave for Rebecca’s and left George to bring them up-to-date on the producer and the events of the last few days.
Fiona went over to Layla’s to let Chris know what a wonderful afternoon she had with Marty and the feast he had served. When she walked into Layla’s, she could hardly believe her eyes. Over half of the unstained area was stained and shining. It looked beautiful.
“Chris, are you here?” she called out.
Chris came out from the hallway, smiling.
“Is it OK to walk on the kitchen floor? It looks so shiny.”
“Fine, it’s dry. We finished the living room and kitchen yesterday. Everything went quickly and dried easily. We’ve had a nice sea breeze blowing through the house, and the humidity has been low. The floor seemed to dry in an instant.”
“I’m so impressed, it’s amazing. I knew it was going to look great, and this dark color is so imp
ressive. You and Josie have done a marvelous job.”
“Thank you. We have the dining room and the hallway left, then we’re done. Josie is finishing her cleaning of the hallway, then we stain it and we should actually finish the dining room this afternoon.”
“You are three or four days ahead of the schedule I had planned. I must get other things in motion. Be sure you come and see me with your final bill. I don’t want to keep either of you waiting for your payment. I owe it to you both for this excellent work.”
“We’ll see you later this afternoon.”
At home, Fiona phoned the warehouse in Oahu, which was storing all of Layla’s purchases, making arrangements to have them ship the items as soon as possible. They would let her know the arrival time. She then phoned the brothers and arranged to treat them to lunch tomorrow, then show them Layla’s home. This was what Fiona was afraid of, everything hitting at once. Layla’s home being finished, the Visitors Center needing her attention, Rebecca’s property being sold, and Layla and Dewey’s upcoming wedding.
CHAPTER 72
Layla and Agnes arrived at the bridal salon and were greeted by the wedding planner and the shop’s owner. The planner had selected three gowns she felt might be suitable. Layla and Agnes followed the ladies to a viewing area where the gowns were displayed.
One was an ankle-length pale blue sheath, strapless with a matching shrug covered in small seed pearls. Another was a light sea-green, also ankle length with a tight bodice and a full skirt with underslips to make it bouncy. The third was medium beige, floor length with side slits to midcalf. It had a square neckline with sleeves that ended just above the elbow; what made this dress stand out was it was covered in a white organdy with abstract leaves in the same medium beige as the dress. Layla asked to try the dress on and was ushered into a fitting room, the owner hovering as she slipped into the gown.
She stepped out into the viewing room, and Agnes gasped, “You look beautiful with your tan and sun-faded hair. The effect is amazing.”
Layla went to the full-length mirror, studied herself, and smiled. “I feel right in this dress. What about my matron of honor?”
The owner brought out a book provided by the designer that displayed matching wedding party ensembles. She found the match to Layla’s gown and showed them a medium brown dress, ankle length, with side slits to midcalf, also covered in white organdy with light brown abstract leaves.
“Agnes, don’t you think, with Annie’s coloring, this will look lovely on her?”
“Yes, but maybe we should let her decide.” She turned and asked the owner if they could get a color copy of the page to send to Mrs. Boone via e-mail.
The copy was made, and Layla wrote a deposit check and profusely thanked the wedding planner. The planner said she would be meeting with Agnes on menu and decoration options. Layla told her she and Dewey would likely be leaving in the middle or end of next week and she would be available until then if needed, and she would get back to her as soon as she heard from Mrs. Boone.
On the way home, Layla was ecstatic about her dress. “Agnes, it is such a comfortable dress and yet so lovely. I felt beautiful just trying it on, and I know Dewey will like it. What do you think about wearing brushed gold sandal heels for Annie and me both, maybe two to two and a half inches? I want total comfort this time around.”
“I like that idea, and let’s hope we can have an early September wedding, much nicer weather.”
“I’ll call Fiona when we get home and see how things are coming along in Paia. I’m anxious to hear what all has been accomplished since we’ve been in Salt Lake City.”
When they got back to Dewey’s, Layla went into the den and scanned the photo of the matron-of-honor dress, then e-mailed it to Annie along with a description of her own dress. Next, she phoned Fiona. “Hi, Fiona, it’s Layla. How are things coming along?”
“Faster than I anticipated. We had three days of very dry weather while Chris and Josie were doing the staining, and the floors dried almost instantly. They are beautiful. You will be astounded. Anyway, I’ve phoned the warehouse and told them to send the items they were storing. I’m meeting with the three brothers in about ten minutes to show them each room setup, then I’m taking them to lunch. Always an interesting event, we go to their favorite lunch truck and they get a Spam, rice, and gravy dish. A heart attack ready to happen just so the attacks hold off until all your furniture is delivered. I’m anticipating that within the next couple of weeks, the sale on Rebecca’s estate will be finalized, and once that is done, we can have the items you selected also moved. When the furniture gets here from the mainland, I’ll arrange to have the mattresses delivered and the oriental rugs. Marty is working, from his home, on the end table to go alongside your living room chair. I think that’s all, at least all I can think of at the moment.”
“Fiona, I’m amazed. I had no idea things would go this fast. You’re doing a wonderful job. Where would I ever be without your knowledge and guidance?”
“Thank you, dear, I love doing this. I only wish the Visitors Center wasn’t also coming to a grand opening date so soon. You know how it goes, everything at once!”
“They’re getting close to finishing the Visitors Center too?”
“Yes, in fact, I’m meeting with my crafters this Sunday to set up their times and get their routine established. Annie and George are going to help me set up a schedule and presentation.”
“I can tell you are very busy, and I don’t want to take any more of your time. I’ve e-mailed Annie the details of my dress and asked her to be my matron of honor. I’ve also sent a color photo of the dress that matches my dress. See what you think. Enjoy your lunch with the brothers. Goodbye.”
Once she had hung up from her conversation with Fiona, Layla found Agnes and relayed all the information to her and said how anxious she was to tell Dewey what all was happening. She thought it might be wise not to fly back to Maui until the end of next week because she wanted to stay out of Fiona’s way, especially if the brothers were moving furniture.
When Annie and George got to Rebecca’s, they found six boxes to be stored in the garage and three boxes to go to the Goodwill store. Rebecca and Annie worked two hours, then Rebecca announced they were free to leave. What she had left was mostly personal items she had to go through and felt she could do that quicker alone. Annie and George were happy to be on their way by one thirty. They stopped off at the Goodwill store before going home and made their deposit, much to the delight of the staff.
After receiving crushing hugs from each of the three brothers, Fiona took them inside, pointing out what would go where and how important it was to be very careful with the floors. As they were going through the house, Wade arrived and said he was planning on installing the shelves on Monday, if that met with Fiona’s approval.
Fiona said that would be perfect. Wade and the brothers conferred on pieces of furniture from Rebecca’s he was purchasing that they would bring down from her estate along with Layla’s and deliver to his home.
After the brothers got their furniture instructions from Fiona, they all set off for the lunch truck, the brothers always knowing its position throughout the island. The brothers had their usual bowl of heart attack, and Fiona had a beef enchilada with beans and rice, enjoying every nonhealthy bite, including the triple order of nachos with avocado dip she and the brothers shared.
Back home, she noticed Annie and George were home and went over to enlist their help with her crafter scheduling and presentation. She relayed all her information on Layla’s and how everything seemed to be happening at once and asked Annie about the e-mail photo of the dress. Annie said she hadn’t looked at her e-mail, then went to the computer to see what Layla had sent.
Fiona asked George for his help in making a planning calendar for the crafters; he said it would be easy since he had the format already in the computer for the docents.
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bsp; “Fiona, look at this photo,” said Annie, rushing in with a copy of the gown Layla had sent along with the information on her gown.
Fiona looked at the gown and read the information from Layla. “This is very classy. Annie, you will look wonderful in this gown. You should think about wearing your hair up for the ceremony.”
“Annie with her hair up drives me crazy,” said George, grinning.
“For heaven’s sakes, George, you shouldn’t say such things with others around. What will Fiona think?”
“She’ll think my sexy wife still has the ability to drive me crazy,” George said, gently tapping Annie’s backside.
Fiona smiled. “I love it when you two tease around like that. It makes our age group look good. Which we are, of course,”
“Of course,” George and Annie said in unison.
“Annie, can you help me with my presentation? I wrote up some notes last night, but I want your opinion if I have covered everything I need to cover.”
“Sure, let me see what you’ve got there.” An hour later, Fiona was back home with a work sheet for her scheduling and typed-out notes for her presentation for the crafters. She found Ned setting at the counter and showed him what Annie and George helped her prepare.
Ned read through everything and thought it was excellent. He then asked, “Fiona, what’s your schedule like for next week, specifically Wednesday?”
“Ned, is something wrong? I can tell by the tone of your voice something is up.”
“Mr. Tomoko and I need your help. You offered to help, and now we are going to take you up on your offer.”
“Let me see if I can surmise what is needed here. The producer’s wife is flying in on Wednesday to see the estate, and you two gentlemen want me to be her guide. I assume by myself. Is that about the gist of what is going on here?”
“Yep, you’re so clever. You caught on right away.”
“Cut the bull, do you have any idea how bad next week is for me? I’ll have the crafters to contend with working through their scheduling. Everything is coming to a head at Layla’s house, and you and Mr. Tomoko want me to put on a dog-and-pony show?”
Maui Murders Page 44
