Maui Murders

by Kathy Callahan

  “It was perfect. The food, the company, the easy manner we all fit in makes me feel like I’ve always been a part of this community. Yet everyone is relatively new friends.”

  “I don’t understand how Annie and George and Ned and Fiona could live across the street all those years and not become friends,” commented Dewey.

  “I asked Annie the same question, and she said it was because there was such an age difference in the age of their children that they didn’t have too much in common. Plus, she and George were working all the time. For some years, Ned was occupied with the real estate market and Fiona focused on the design aspect. It wasn’t until this past year they realized what a great friendship they had missed out on and began spending time together. Dewey, we’re not going to make that mistake. We’re going to have friends in Salt Lake City, right?”

  “There were several couples from our gathering in Salt Lake City that you felt comfortable with, and I expect once you start working in the art community, we’ll add more friends. However, we’ll make our best friends when we start having children and meeting fellow school parents, dance class parents, you know that type of thing.”

  “This is when I realize I’m marrying someone with extraordinary brainpower. Your logic comes so easy, and it makes perfect sense. I, on the other hand, was worried about having friends. Silly me.”

  * * *

  On Monday morning, Dewey was woke up with a call from the McMaster offices, detailing a problem they were having that needed his input. He told them he would contact the pilots and plan on flying back on Tuesday. He would phone back and verify his plans.

  Dewey turned and gently began kissing Layla’s neck.

  “Goodness, is this an early morning romantic moment?”

  “Well, I had planned on telling you something else, but that can wait till a bit later,” Dewey said, continuing his caressing.

  Later, Layla lay cuddled into Dewey’s side. “What did you want to talk with me about?”

  “I got a call from Salt Lake City this morning. There is a problem at the site that needs my attention. I’m going to call and see if the plane can be ready to leave tomorrow morning. Of course, I want you to join me, but I’ll understand perfectly if you want to stay here.”

  “Don’t even consider that. Get used to me being with you wherever you have to be. I always want us near to each other.”

  After checking with the pilots, Dewey and Layla would leave the next day around ten in the morning. Dewey phoned his office and told his secretary to inform everyone he would be there Wednesday morning. He then called Ted and Agnes and told them of their return.

  Layla notified their neighbors and also Donnie and the sheriff. Not knowing how long they would be gone, she loaded up perishables in a couple of tote bags and took them over to Annie and George.

  “Hate to see you two go so soon after you moved in. We’ll miss you,” said Annie.

  “This is how our life will probably always be, and as long as we have this wonderful home and terrific neighbors to return to, we will be back as soon as possible.”

  The week flew by and Sunday afternoon brought the crafters and docents to the Visitors Center. The docents wore their shirts and blouses and those crafters bringing their merchandise sat up their display cases. The cases were secured, and Donnie held on to the keys, which would be locked in the restaurant safe nightly once the center was opened.

  Donnie set out drinks and snacks, then spoke with Fiona about Layla’s charcoals. They would be displayed on the wall behind the crafters’ counter, and Donnie showed Fiona a sign that read: “Charcoals by Layla, $200 each.” The sign was rimmed in ocean-blue waves with matching colored writing on a stark white background. Fiona thought it was done quite tastefully and gave her suggestion where the sign should be placed.

  George and Annie worked with their docents, answering their questions and making sure they fully understood the photo blowups placed around the center. They also wanted to verify all the docents were comfortable with the information on the brochures and would be able to direct visitors to various sites.

  The vans were called at five, and the groups broke up. Donnie closed and locked the center, and Annie, George, and Fiona walked back down the hill toward their homes.

  “I’m certainly glad you had the idea for that meeting. It was definitely needed and took longer than I planned,” said Annie.

  “I agree. It was a good thing. My crafters were very precise in setting up their display areas. They are quite proud of being part of the Visitors Center. It seems to be quite a prestigious honor.”

  “That’s the same impression I got from the docents,” said George. “One of the seniors couldn’t wait to get back to tell her friends about today. She was anxious to gloat about being a docent.”

  “George!” said Annie. “That’s not nice but possibly true.” Then Annie laughed at herself and asked Fiona to get Ned and come over for a drink.

  “I like the sound of that. After a drink or two, let’s all go out to dinner. I’m too worn out to cook, and I imagine you are too, Annie.”

  “Is that OK with you, George?”

  “Yes, but I can’t wait too long for dinner, I’m hungry.”

  Annie shook her head. “My husband has a wonderful appetite and never gains an ounce. I gain weight watching him eat.”

  George stopped, grabbed Annie, and pulled her into him, laughing. “You’re perfect. I love you no matter what.”

  “Goodness, George, sometimes you’re so dramatic,” Annie said, loving every minute of his attention.

  The two couples had their drinks, then continued out to dinner. The main topic of conversation was the opening of the Visitors Center. George told them Donnie said the sign would be going up very soon. Everyone was getting excited about the opening, except Annie, who only grew more anxious.

  CHAPTER 85

  Layla looked out the window of the DewMaster Gulfstream watching Maui slip away. She sighed and looked at Dewey sitting behind his onboard desk, already working on his computer. Dewey was worried this problem could be one of those that would take the team a concerted effort to solve. He had told her about one such programming problem that had taken their eight-man team three days of working straight through to figure out and repair. When someone got too tired to work, they went into a room where cots were set up and slept a few hours then back to work.

  Layla decided to get a map and learn the area, then take one of the cars in the compound and drive around to make herself familiar with her surroundings. Expanding until she felt comfortable driving in Salt Lake City, she did not like Ted chauffeuring her around; she had enough of that growing up.

  Layla got up, checked with Dewey and the pilots to see if they wanted anything to drink, got herself a cup of coffee, pulled a book from her tote, and settled in to do some reading.

  Dewey came over and shook her gently. “Honey, wake up. We’ll be landing shortly.”

  “I can’t believe we’re here already. Did I fall asleep?”

  “You sure did about half an hour after you started reading. I was going to wake you for lunch, but you looked so peaceful, I let you sleep.”

  “Did you get any rest?”

  “No, I’ve been working on our problem. Without any success, I might add. This little quirk has turned into a big problem,” Dewey said, shaking his head.

  “I’m sorry. If there is any way I can help, let me know.”

  “Having you here is a great help,” Dewey said, sitting down next to her, strapping in for the landing.

  Ted was waiting to help with the luggage and take them home. Layla admitted she had slept through lunch and was starving; Agnes fixed her a sandwich. Layla shared her driving ambitions with Agnes, who was a little surprised that she didn’t want to be chauffeured, but once Layla explained, Agnes saw her logic.

  At three on Friday aft
ernoon, Dewey dragged himself through the door, found Layla, hugged her, saying he was off to bed, asking not be woke up unless it was an emergency.

  At ten the next morning, Dewey strolled into the kitchen where Layla and Agnes were having coffee. He looked rested but disheveled. “I’m starving. I need one of your big breakfasts, Agnes.”

  “Of course, I’ll get it started.”

  Dewey walked over and kissed Layla lightly on the lips. “God, I missed you. What a chore we had finding the problem, and it turned out to be such a simple programming error, in fact, so simple, it was continually overlooked by all of us supposedly geniuses.”

  “I missed you too, honey. You’ve lost weight. Didn’t you eat anything?”

  “Had slices of cold pizza, but once I get into something like this, I have trouble tearing myself away for anything. Get a bad case of tunnel vision.”

  “I’m glad you’re home. I kept busy learning my way around the city. I got pretty far along these last few days.”

  “I knew you would catch on quickly. Anyone that can drive around Washington, DC, can drive anywhere.”

  Agnes served Dewey a large breakfast, which he devoured. Afterward, he and Layla retired to their rooms and made love, with Dewey falling fast asleep, a happy grin on his face. Layla smiled down at the man she was so in love with, tucked into his side, and laid next to him, awake and enjoying the closeness.

  In Paia, the Kellers and Boones set about their normal routines. George and Annie had everyone over for fresh grilled fish topped off with Annie’s mango salsa. Mr. Soo said it was the best fish he ever ate, a true compliment coming from a man who preferred red meat or fried foods. The Boones and Kellers had dinner one night at Bird’s where Fiona conferred with her feathery Bird.

  Everyone admitted they missed Layla and Dewey. The Kellers heard from their eldest son, saying he would be flying home to attend the opening of the Visitors Center and tribute to the Okamotos. He thought the world of Mrs. Okamoto, who always extended him credit when he ran out of his allowance. Fiona spent a couple of days getting things ready for his visit. George and Annie planned to have a barbecue for him, and Mr. Soo insisted he join him at Otis’s for lunch one day after Fiona mentioned he loved Otis’s malts.

  Layla phoned her Paia group, as she lovingly called them, and let everyone know they would be returning in a couple of days and Dewey couldn’t wait to fire up the grill. When Fiona mentioned her son was flying in to attend the opening of the Visitors Center, Layla said they would do a big cookout one night that also included Kim and Kyle.

  Sunday, the sheriff arranged with the two Boy Scout troops to do a mock parking exercise, using their parents driving into the center as test subjects. After the third try, everything was down to a well-patterned drill. The sheriff, Danny, and Donnie were glad they had the dry run; at first, some of the scouts had been directionally challenged.

  Donnie was taking pride in how everything was falling into place for opening day. The sign installation was a major triumph, receiving many compliments from members of the community. Donnie hoped he had planned for all contingencies; his list of to-dos and worries was becoming shorter and shorter.

  Dewey, Layla, the Boones, and Kellers sat at Mama’s, enjoying dinner together. It was their first night back in Paia; missing the company of the older couples, they invited them to dinner to catch up on the latest island news.

  The ladies took the opportunity to confer on what they would be wearing to the opening ceremonies. Layla said she had a white gauze full skirt and matching top with strands of light blue ribbon running through it. Annie said she and George felt obligated to wear their docent shirts; she was going to pair it with a slim white skirt and George was going to wear an off-white pair of trousers. Fiona said she had a peach skirt and would pair it with a turquoise blouse, wanting an artsy appearance.

  Fiona turned to Dewey, saying, “Dewey, make sure Mr. Soo dresses up for the ceremonies. I’m sure he has proper clothes. We can’t have a major donor wearing cargo shorts.”

  “I’ll take care of that, Fiona, but I know Mr. Soo will be respectful of the circumstances.”

  “I’ve been wondering if Otis is concerned about the loss of business with the Visitors Center opening right next door and offering meals,” asked Layla.

  “Mr. Soo told me Otis was thrilled. He said it will cut down on his tourist trade, and he can concentrate on the locals. He is not tourist friendly,” said George.

  “Good for him. We need someone who concentrates on us,” declared Fiona.

  “Fiona, I don’t remember you ever eating at Otis’s,” said Ned.

  “Well, I’m going to start.”

  The next morning Fiona received call from Gus Schultz, advising shipment from the mainland had arrived. He had already talked to Marvin, and it would be on its way to Maui the following day. Fiona immediately phoned the brothers, who were able to pick up and deliver to Layla the next day. Fiona was happy for Layla; now, her furnishings would be complete in time for the arrival of her guests.

  Layla rushed out to the front lanai where Dewey was drinking coffee, enjoying the morning. “Dewey, Fiona just phoned, our dining room furniture should be here, at the latest in four days and possibly three. Isn’t that wonderful!”

  Dewey drew Layla onto his lap. “Except for your empty room, our home is complete. You and Fiona have done a wonderful job buying furniture and decorating. Our home looks fabulous.”

  “Thank you, darling. I’m so proud of this project. Our home has such a beautiful ring to it,” Layla said as she gave Dewey a loving kiss.

  The simplicity of the dining room table and chairs set off the dramatic effect of the glass cabinet. Layla ordered a simple arrangement of tropical green plants that sat low and long on the table. When Fiona and Annie came over to see the table, they shared Layla’s sentiment that the room was perfect for the rest of the house. Layla placed a long oriental rug in front of the table between the living room and dining room with muted greens and gold that reflected well in the glass cabinet.

  “Your home is ready to receive guests,” declared Fiona.

  “Can you believe the opening is almost here? Kyle and Kim will be here Thursday, and, Fiona, didn’t you say your son is also arriving on Thursday?”

  “Yes, he arrives on the afternoon flight to Maui. I believe you said Kyle and Kim arrive on the morning flight.”

  “George and I are planning on having everyone over for a cookout on Friday evening, and Dewey said he wants to cook on Saturday. We should all be fat and happy for the opening ceremonies,” said Annie, laughing.

  CHAPTER 86

  Dewey and Layla sat on their back lanai, waiting for Kyle and Kim. Their plane arrived about an hour ago, and they thought their guests should be there any minute.

  “Any concerns about our house guests?” asked Layla.

  “None at all, honey. I’m fine with the situation. Just hope they like their authentic Hawaiian bedroom,” Dewey said with a smile.

  Layla grinned back at him. “I just couldn’t resist, and I guess it’s horrible of me, but a bit of innocent payback never hurt anyone.”

  “I think this is them coming down the hill now,” Dewey said, nodding toward a car turning slowly onto their street.

  “I guess we should pull into their driveway and unload our luggage. They can tell us where they want us to park the car,” Kyle said, turning into the driveway.

  Layla and Dewey came down the stairs as Kyle and Kim got out of their rental.

  “Kyle, Kim, welcome. Hope you had a good trip, although a long one,” Dewey said, extending his hand to both men.

  “Thank you. We’re glad to be here, and we appreciate your hospitality. It’s a long trip from Washington, DC, to Maui,” said Kyle.

  “Thank you both. I only wish it were under different circumstances,” said Kim.

  Luggage was taken
upstairs, and Layla opened the garage door for Kyle to park, then she and Dewey escorted Kyle and Kim inside.

  “This is fabulous. I’ve been inside before, and you have refurbished it wonderfully. I can’t believe it’s the same place,” said Kim.

  “Most of it was the work of Fiona Keller and her various crews, although I did have an input on the furniture. Your room is down the hall. Right this way,” said Layla.

  Layla stepped inside the doorway, and Kyle and Kim walked into the room. “This furniture is authentic Hawaiian furniture, made many years ago on the island by Hawaiian craftsmen. Although a few things are modern-day, all the pieces of furniture are the real deal.”

  “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Kyle.

  “Nor have I and I’ve lived here all my life. This is really something,” said Kim.

  “Layla hoped you would be impressed with this room, so steeped in tradition,” said Dewey, trying hard to keep a straight face.

  “We’ll leave you to get settled. I’m serving a light lunch on the lanai in an hour,” said Layla as she and Dewey left and walked back down the hall.

  In the kitchen, Dewey turned to Layla. “I think they were duly taken back by your Hawaiian Room.”

  “Me too. Did you see the look on Kyle’s face? Priceless,” said Layla, laughing softly.

  Everyone sat on the back lanai having lunch. Kyle and Kim caught Layla up on people in Washington and the latest at the hospital. Layla and Dewey told them they planned a small wedding a couple months after the opening of the center.

  They planned to spend a lot more time in Maui, Dewey saying he would be cutting back on his hands-on work at the DewMaster Corporation. “Time to enjoy the fruits of my labors and enjoy being married to this wonderful woman,” Dewey said, smiling at Layla.

  “We wish you both every happiness,” said Kyle. “Layla is a wonderful woman and deserves all the best life has to offer.”

  “Thank you, Kyle. Dewey and I are very happy together.”

  “I can tell that by seeing you together. I’m very happy for you both,” said Kim.