Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “That’s about it, sugar,” Ned said, smiling at his wife. “Honey, you know you can pull this off with greater success than either Mr. Tomoko or I could, and I have an idea for you to find out what type of lady she is. We’ll have George call and talk to the producer, and once he’s on the line, you ask him about his wife. You know, is she the plain type, the classy type so that you can play the appropriate guide. After all, besides the commission, we are doing this for Rebecca.”

  “Damn it, Ned, you know I’ll do it. Quit pulling on my heartstrings. You get a hold of George and set up a call as soon as possible, hopefully by tomorrow.”

  “That’s my gal,” Ned said, hugging Fiona who rolled her eyes skyward.

  CHAPTER 73

  Layla walked into the kitchen to found Agnes conferring with the catering staff, making sure all was in order.

  “Agnes, do I pass the DewMaster muster?” Layla said, laughing.

  Agnes stepped from behind the counter and looked at Layla wearing a lightweight pale blue cardigan, ecru slacks, British tan loafers, and pearl earrings. “Just right, my dear, classy but not too chic, rather Town & Country. I like it.”

  “That would please Mother. She was so happy when I made an issue of T&C. I don’t want to stand out but be perfect to stand beside Dewey.”

  “Did someone call my name?” asked Dewey, striding into the kitchen.

  “Dewey, are you in Levi’s?”

  “Hey, these are very expensive Levi’s. I got these on sale at Penny’s for $29.99. I would harbor a guess that 75 percent or more of the guys will come in Levi’s. It’s sort of our dress code. You look lovely as usual. You’re not nervous, are you?”

  “No, I was for a bit, but after you assured me I wouldn’t feel like a dunce among all you geniuses, I was fine. Remember my background, the family had me meeting and greeting when very young? It’s all a part of what was expected,” Layla said.

  Within the half hour, guests began arriving. Dewey was right; most of the men arrived in Levi’s and about half of the ladies too. One lady in her midthirties hugged Layla, saying in her ear, “I’m so glad you two are getting married. I’ve been worried about that boy. He never seemed truly happy. Now he beams.”

  Throughout the afternoon, people helped themselves at the buffet and gathered in groups to talk about the latest projects, the weather, and how happy Dewey and Layla seemed. One of the ladies, hearing that Layla was an artist, suggested, once she was settled, she could join a local artist group that included painters, sculptors, writers, and photographers. She told her they took trips to the mountains during the snow season and when the mountains were covered in lush greenery. She said it was very inspiring for the painters and photographers, which she was. She went on to say they sold their works at local craft fairs with some or all the proceeds going to charities. Layla got her name and phone number and assured her she would be in touch once she was settled.

  After everyone left, Layla and Dewey went upstairs to relax.

  “Well, honey, what did you think of my group of geniuses?”

  “They were great. I never felt like the dumb one in the crowd, and I met some lovely people.” She proceeded to tell him about the offer to join the artist group.

  “That would be terrific. You are an excellent artist, and you should develop your talent even more.”

  “You’re a bit prejudiced as an art critic, and I love you for it.”

  Ned picked up his cell and phoned the Boones. George answered, “Hi, George, it’s Ned.” Fiona took the phone from Ned.

  “George, we once again have to ask a favor of you. Do you want us to come over there, or do you want to come over here?”

  “I’ll come over there. Annie is lying down, she has a headache. She’s overthinking our Panama Canal trip, trying to fit everything in before the end of the year.”

  “Great, and, George, if you have two separate bills ready for you and Annie for work at Rebecca’s, I’ll write checks.”

  “Did that last night. I thought you might be needing them. When do you want me to come over?”

  “Now is fine. Ned has a cold beer waiting for you.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  “Ned, get a beer opened for George. He’s on his way. We should be able to get this over with quickly. I need to get our company checkbook. Do you have the producer’s phone number?”

  “Yes on the beer and yes on the phone number.”

  Within five minutes, George was enjoying a cold beer, and Fiona was writing checks for the work George and Annie had done for Rebecca. When she finished writing the checks and George had finished half his beer, she got to the favor. “George, would you please phone the producer and make sure he can talk privately, then I’ll talk to him. I need to ascertain what type of woman his wife is. You see, I’m going to be her official guide this Wednesday when she flies over to tour Rebecca’s estate. For me to do my best selling job, I need to know how to approach her.”

  “You folks are clever. I never realized so much went into selling a property.”

  “When talking property worth millions, we explore all options.”

  “Sure, I’ll be glad to help. Do you have his phone number?”

  Ned handed George the phone number, and Fiona supplied Ned’s cell phone.

  “Well, here goes,” said George, dialing the producer’s number.

  After talking to someone other than the producer and announcing it was George Boone calling from Maui, he was put through to the producer. They exchanged pleasantries; George asked if he was alone. The producer said he was alone in his study, reading a script that might make a good next project. George nodded to Fiona, and she took the phone.

  After explaining what she needed and why, the producer laughed and said, “I’ll help you any way I can, I really want that property. My wife is a loving wife and mother and a killer businesswoman, but I already told you that. I’m guessing you want to know her likes and dislikes. You’ve heard of a safe room, I’m sure. We have two in our home. One for us if we ever need it, probably after a bad review, and the other is actually my wife’s closet. She has some lovely jewelry and over a million dollars in Hermes shoes and purses and so many designer dresses, etc. I can’t even begin to tell you everything. Is that what you needed?”

  “Perfect!” exclaimed Fiona. “I know just how to approach her. Thank you for your time, and let’s hope she and I can close this deal on Wednesday.” Fiona said her goodbye and disconnected.

  “How are you going to handle our Wednesday visitor?”

  “It will be a designer meet. George, I need another favor. Can I borrow Pearl? There is nothing more chic than wearing designer clothes stepping out of an Escalade, ready to give someone a tour of an estate in a remote area.”

  “Sure, if that will help. The producer’s wife won’t have anything on you. I believe she has met her match.”

  “Probably, I’m older, wiser, and have been down this type of selling road before. Besides, I’m confident Rebecca’s property will almost sell itself. I’ll be sure and fill the tank when I’m finished with the tour. Now, I’ll have to phone Rebecca and make sure she’s dressed properly.” Fiona walked into the living room to call Rebecca.

  Ned shook his head. “She’s something. I never underestimate her. I used to kid her that she could sell ice cubes to Eskimos and damned if I don’t believe she could.”

  CHAPTER 74

  George rinsed out his coffee cup, peered out the window, and noticed Fiona going toward Layla’s.

  “Fiona must be going to open up Layla’s. She said Wade was coming today to install the living room shelving.”

  “I wonder how things went yesterday with her crafters’ meeting. Here, George, I’ve got a deposit slip ready, and if you will run to the bank and deposit these three lovely checks, adding $1,900 to the Canal Fund. We’re getting so close. Would you con
sider a cruise during the holidays? It’s more money but very festive. We would end the cruise in Los Angeles, and we could visit the kids in the New Year.”

  “That would be fun. I’d enjoy just the two of us celebrating the holidays together with a couple of thousand others aboard ship.”

  “I’m going to check out those trips later today. Hopefully, Fiona will be successful in her assault on Wednesday.”

  “Perfect word. After being there when she talked with the producer, I’m confident in Fiona’s take on the situation. I imagine Rebecca will be heading for Oahu in a couple of months.”

  “From the gist of the conversation I had with her earlier this morning, I think she’s packed quite a few more boxes for the Goodwill. She plans to focus on the library next.”

  “I knew that room would be coming. I know I’m going to be checking out all the top shelves.”

  “I’m afraid so, darling. I don’t think she plans to get rid of many books. Those she isn’t taking with her, she’s leaving with the house.”

  “That’s good news. Packing all those books and toting them somewhere would be quite a task.”

  Fiona opened up the living room and dining room sliders so fresh air could circulate through Wade’s working area. She noticed Wade driving into Layla’s driveway and begin to unload his truck.

  “Good morning, everything ready to install?”

  “Yes, should have everything finished today. When does the furniture arrive?”

  “My best guess is Thursday or Friday. I’m still waiting to hear from my Oahu shipper. If it gets here on Thursday, I can have it stored overnight and get the brothers to deliver on Friday. Otherwise, we will have to wait until next Monday.”

  “Don’t take this the wrong way, Fiona, but you look a bit tired.”

  “Tired? I aged ten years overnight. Yesterday was my meeting with the crafters to tell them how the operation would work and to have them schedule their hours. Wade, I love artistic people, and with my degree in interior design, I consider myself an artist. But these folks drove me crazy. We spent three hours on the scheduling, and nothing is settled yet. We’re having another meeting this coming Sunday afternoon to see if they have reached a decision once they have discussed things with their spouses, parents, grandparents, hairdressers, barbers, and God knows who else.”

  “Yikes, that sounds painful. I’ll phone you when I’m finished so you can see how it looks and lock up. Go home and take a nap, you’ll feel better.”

  “Excellent suggestion. I think I will. See you later this afternoon.”

  Fiona was waking up from her hour’s nap when her cell phone rang. “Fiona Keller here.”

  “Mrs. Keller, hello, this is Gus Schwartz. Your shipment for Ms. Richfield will arrive in Maui on Thursday. Give my brother, Marvin, a call and let him know if you want to store it after it’s unloaded or if your movers will be picking it up on Thursday. You have his number?”

  “I do, Gus, thank you for calling. I’ll phone your brother and let him know the brothers will pick up no earlier than Friday. Be sure and send me your bill. Gus, it’s always a pleasure dealing with you and your brother.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Keller, likewise and be sure and let Marvin know the brothers will be doing the pickup. He works with them frequently and knows how they, shall we say, operate. I put my bill in the mail this morning.”

  “I intend to. If they weren’t the best movers on the island, I would use someone else, but those boys are so strong and so very careful, everyone puts up with their schedule,” she said, laughing.

  Fiona’s next call was to the brothers; she didn’t reach them but left a message. She thought it might be wise to call Marty to see how the end table was coming along. She used the landline to keep her cell open for the brothers’ return call.

  Marty answered on the third ring. “Hello, Marty, dear, it’s Fiona. I was wondering how your work on the end table is coming along.”

  “I’ll have it finished by Wednesday. This was so much easier than the larger one, and I had the luxury of working out of my own workshop. Would you like me to deliver it to your glass man for the top? I can just leave it there, and he can deliver it to Ms. Layla’s when it’s ready?”

  “Marty, if you could do that, it would be wonderful. Layla’s furniture is arriving this week, and I have to show an estate to a possible buyer from Los Angeles. My week is packed. Send me your bill, and I’ll get a check out immediately.”

  “Thank you, Fiona. Anytime I can be of service, let me know. When you feel for an Italian meal again, give me a call, and we’ll do another long lunch.”

  “I’m going to take you up on that offer in a couple of months. I can’t do it too often, or I wouldn’t be able to fit in any of my clothes.”

  Fiona’s cell phone rang; she said goodbye to Marty and answered. It was the brothers. After discussing the arrival time, they agreed to do the pickup and delivery on Friday. Fiona did her best to get their assurance they would make it on Friday, but she knew it was always an iffy situation.

  Next, she phoned Marvin Schwartz and let him know the arrival date and hopeful pickup the following day by the brothers. He understood the brothers’ habits and said there would be no problem in holding the shipment over until their schedule permitted pickup. Fiona ended the conversation by thanking him for his understanding.

  Her next call was to the mattress factory to arrange delivery on Tuesday of the following week. She called the cleaners and arranged to have the oriental rugs delivered on Wednesday of next week. Fiona phoned the glass shop, telling them to expect a table delivery from Marty and what she wanted for the top glass shelf. She checked her notes, deciding all her bases were covered, and then fixed lunch.

  Fiona was almost finished with lunch when Ned walked in from his round of golf.

  “Have you had lunch, honey? I’d be glad to fix you something.”

  Ned went to the counter and kissed Fiona on the cheek. “Thanks, sugar, but I ate at the club with the boys. Old Fred Kramer had a date this past weekend. His wife has been gone for almost two years, and he thought it would be proper to take a lady friend he met at the club out to dinner. He said she was too fast for him. When I asked him what that meant, he said she kissed him when he saw her to her door, and he believed she might have had even more in mind. Said it scared him right out of there.”

  “I can’t believe that. When his wife was alive, he was always flirting with all the ladies, young and old. We gals called him Fast Freddie. I guess he was a figment of his own imagination,” said Fiona, laughing. “How was your golf game?”

  “I was so busy listening and laughing at Fred’s tale, I missed half the greens and I’m not discussing my putting. How was your day?”

  “I let Wade in so he could do the shelving, then I came home and took a nap. I needed to recover from yesterday. After I woke up, I was on the phone most of the time arranging pickup, deliveries, and I got an invitation from Marty for another Italian lunch. I would like to have him over for dinner one evening when I fix one of my Italian meals. I believe you would enjoy meeting him.”

  “Sounds great. I would enjoy hearing you two talk about Italy. What’s your tomorrow like?”

  “So far, it’s blank. My week really picks up on Wednesday when I do my grand tour.”

  “How about we sleep in, go out for a late breakfast, then hang out together for the rest of the day?”

  “Sounds terrific. I miss our quiet times together. Between Layla’s, the Visitors Center, and Rebecca’s, we’ve neglected each other.”

  The moment was interrupted by Fiona’s cell phone ringing. “Fiona Keller here.”

  “Hi, Fiona, it’s Layla. I’m calling because we were wondering how things are coming along and when we should plan on flying back to Maui.”

  “Plan on coming back a week from this Tuesday or Wednesday.”

 
“Really? That long?”

  “Yes, the brothers will pick up and deliver your furniture from Oahu on Friday, Tuesday the mattresses arrive, and Wednesday, the oriental rugs will be delivered. I would say fly in over this weekend, but I want to be sure the brothers get your furniture delivered on Friday, if not, it will be delivered on Monday.”

  “I’ll tell Dewey and see which days work best for him and his crew. Things are really happening fast, just like you predicted. How did your crafters’ meeting go?”

  Fiona told her about the meeting and said how she wished she had never agreed to get in involved with the Visitors Center. It had turned into a real headache, literally.

  “Fiona, you can pull it off, if anyone can. That’s probably why Donnie tapped you for the job.”

  “You’re right. I’m just not used to working with local craftspeople. Designer craftspeople are easier. They know what’s expected.”

  “I’ll let you go and speak with Dewey, then get back with you when we have an arrival date. Good luck with all your endeavors, and I miss all of you in Paia,” said Layla softly.

  Fiona relayed Layla’s final words to Ned and wondered how she would do living in Salt Lake City full time. Her phone rang again, and it was Wade saying he had finished. Fiona said she would be right over. “Ned, why don’t you come over with me and take a look at how things have progressed since your last visit? You will be amazed.”

  Ned and Fiona walked into Layla’s and were greeted by Wade who was cleaning up his installation gear.

  “Wade, this is something. Fiona explained to me what you were doing, but seeing the finished product really brings this wall to life. Excellent job!”

  “This is better than I envisioned. These are truly floating shelves. Are you sure Layla’s big-screen TV will be safe on that shelf?” asked Fiona.

  “Yes, as you can see, that shelf is thicker than the others, and I have used extra bolts to hold the weight of the TV.”