“It is with great pleasure I meet both of you,” he said, extending his hand to them both.
“We’ve heard such wonderful things about you, Mr. Soo. It is our pleasure to meet you,” said Agnes.
“I hear you like fried foods,” said Ted, grinning. “Me too. You and I are going to have a great time exploring all the wonderful establishments offered in Salt Lake City. There is a drive-through that serves the most wonderful bacon double cheeseburger, simply heaven.”
“Really? That is a delicacy I’ve missed. I am most anxious to try one of those.”
“Oh brother,” said Agnes in a whisper. “These two are going to get along just fine.”
CHAPTER 92
On the way to Paia, Dewey stopped at an office supply store and picked up twenty flat cardboard boxes, masking tape, and two magic markers. Ted and Mr. Soo carried on a foodie conversation the entire trip, which made Agnes declare that just listening to all the fried-food talk had raised her cholesterol level. Dewey helped the ladies carry ten flats into their home, and Mr. Soo and Ted took ten with them.
“Dewey, you go work with Ted and Mr. Soo. Those two will be talking more than sorting and packing. Do you have any newspapers around?”
“Newspapers, why didn’t I think of getting some? Let me call Fiona and see if she can suggest something.”
Dewey dialed Fiona and explained where they were, who was with them, and what they were trying to accomplish. He asked where he could find newspapers for packing.
“I keep a supply here in our garage. Come over and help yourself. You take some to Mr. Soo’s, and I’ll take some over to Layla. I can see how she’s doing and meet Agnes.”
“You’re terrific. I knew you would solve our dilemma. I’m heading out the door right now.”
“I’ll meet you in the garage.”
In the garage, she directed him to a chest-high rack of newspapers.
“How many may I take?”
“Take all you need. I add to it daily. I imagine Mr. Soo will require more than Layla.”
Layla saw Fiona coming her way with an armful of newspapers. She went out to take half the stack and walked back inside with her. She made the introduction and the three ladies went about assessing what was to go and what would be staying.
“Layla, do you intend to take all your charcoals with you or are you leaving some here?”
“Six are already hung, and another three are completed, which I intended to hang. Why do you ask?”
“If there are any you are not taking with you and feel Wade and Herb can live without, please donate them to the Visitors Center. Yours have already sold out.”
“They’re all sold?”
“They went right away, at $200 each. If you have any more to donate, we’ll be asking $300 each. They are very popular and well worth the price.”
“The set of four depicting windsurfers I plan to take and the one of the shops along Baldwin that includes the Visitors Center. All the rest can be donated.”
“That will give the center another four to sell. No hurry, I’ll take them when you’re ready.”
“Might as well take them today. We’re trying to get everything packed and out of here as soon as possible.”
“I’ll call Donnie. He’ll be very happy.”
Donnie was so excited; he said he would be right over to pick up the charcoals.
Shortly, there was knock on the back screen. “Hello, ladies.”
“Come in, Donnie,” said Fiona, opening the screen door.
He went over to Layla and hugged her. “Layla, from the bottom of my heart, I’m so sorry you had to be the one to make that gruesome discovery. I am also personally sorry to see you and Dewey leave Paia, although I fully understand.”
Layla pulled away, tears in her eyes. “Donnie, your friendship means so much to Dewey and me. I am grateful for your financial advice and handling all the things I fling at you. Donnie, this is Agnes. She and her husband look after Dewey and his home. They’re like family. Ted is over with Mr. Soo, helping him pack.”
Donnie shook hands with Agnes. “Agnes, I know you and your husband will take good care of our Layla. She and Dewey are special people to us. They have done so much to make the Visitors Center possible. And donating more of her artwork is a wonderful surprise.”
After a bit more small talk, Fiona helped Donnie pack the charcoals and put them in his car, suggesting the new charcoals be sold at $300 each, to which he readily agreed
After clothes, personal toilet items, and art supplies were boxed, there wasn’t much left to pack. Layla had just begun to set up housekeeping and she had lived at Mr. Soo’s for so long, the things she had accumulated were few.
“Dewey, it’s Layla. We’re done.”
“You’re done? How many boxes do you have?”
“We have eight boxes, packed, taped, and labeled. How are you gentlemen doing?”
“Don’t ask. Those two are spending more talking than doing. They are now replanting the backyard.”
Layla had the phone on speaker, and when Agnes heard that, she said, “Oh lord, I’m on my way. I’ll light a fire under Ted.”
“I’ll join you and help. Between the two of us, we’ll get more accomplished,” said Fiona.
“I’ll come over and begin loading the cartons in the car, then take them to the hangar for storage. Hope they aren’t too heavy.”
“I’ll call Ned and get him here to help. He’s at the club chatting with the boys. Ned, we need you back here. I’m at Layla’s, and you need to help Dewey load up his car with the cartons we’ve packed.”
“On my way, honey.”
When Ned arrived at Dewey’s, he suggested they use his SUV because it held more and was easier to pack. He told Dewey he had an informal meeting with the man that owned the escrow company he would be using to sell their home. He explained what would be happening, and his friend promised to expedite the procedure.
“Thank you, Ned. I knew you would handle things very professionally for us. Well, let’s get these loaded and off to the hangar.”
Returning from the hangar, they spotted an empty parking spot near the sheriff’s office and decided to park and see if there were any new developments.
“Hello, Charlene, is the sheriff in?”
“Hello, Dewey, how’s Layla doing? How are you doing?”
“She’s better each day. I’m good, keeping busy. Can’t say how we’ll be at the funeral.”
“Don’t think any of us will be handling it too well. George and Annie were so kind to me during the storm, letting me stay on the back lanai with the rest of you folks.”
“I know what you mean. Remember back then, I was just more or less a surf bum. Didn’t matter, I was welcomed.”
“Let me tell the sheriff you’re here before I start crying,” Charlene said, blowing her nose.
The sheriff sat them down in his office. “I wish I had good news, but for all the high-tech forensics, nothing has been discovered. I can tell you that a Taser was used, which no doubt was how he was able to get George into a chair. According to the coroner, there was a substantial burn on George’s chest, right above the heart, and two small entry wounds from the Taser. Annie had the same marks but not the burn. It would have taken a lesser jolt to take her down.”
“My god, that’s horrible,” said Ned.
“I hope,” said Dewey, “that neither of them were conscious when they lost their lives.”
“I agree,” said the sheriff.
As they were leaving the sheriff’s office, Fiona called Ned on his cell. “Ned, we’re starving. Mr. Soo suggested Otis’s for lunch. Can you and Dewey meet us there?”
“Don’t see why not, we’ll be there.”
“What’s up?”
“Our packing group is hungry and want to meet at Otis’s for lunch.”
“I’m sure Mr. Soo had something to do with that decision, and Ted happily agreed. They’ve been talking about fried food ever since they met. It’s driving Agnes crazy,” Dewey said, chuckling. “Now they are talking about replanting our backyard, which is over an acre. Those two are going to be good buddies.”
The group met at Otis’s, startling the namesake owner seeing everyone walk into his restaurant. He put several tables together to accommodate the crowd.
“Fiona, I’ve never had the pleasure of serving you before,” Otis said, smiling.
“No, I don’t believe you have. Can I get something that isn’t fried?”
“I recommend our tuna or chicken salad sandwich.”
Layla and Fiona had tuna salad sandwiches; Mr. Soo, Dewey, Ted, and Ned settled on cheeseburgers; and Agnes ordered a hula burger, basically a hamburger with a piece of grilled pineapple. They ordered sides of onion rings and fries. When the food arrived, there wasn’t any talk at the table; everyone was eating in earnest.
“All that packing made us hungrier than we realized. Everything tastes terrific,” said Agnes.
“This is an excellent cheeseburger,” said Ted.
“I’m so damned mad,” declared Fiona. “I’ve lived so close to Otis’s all these years and never ate here before. This is the best tuna salad I’ve ever eaten, certainly better than the one I make.”
Otis returned to the table to refill the iced tea and coffee; he was delighted with all the praise he received on the meal, especially when Fiona raved about his tuna salad.
“How did the packing go at Mr. Soo’s?” asked Dewey.
“We got three boxes packed, taped, and marked, but it was a struggle,” said Agnes.
“Ms. Agnes, I thought Ted and I were doing a very thorough job.”
“Discussing the providence of each item you’re taking means we’ll be at it for a long time.”
Shaking his head, Mr. Soo agreed. “You make a very valid point. We will try and make better progress the next time we pack.”
“We should come back on Monday. We want to be sure when the services are over and we are cleared to leave, the plane is packed and we can take off.”
“Yes, you are correct, Dewey. We shall begin again on Monday.”
Layla told the group about Charlie Boone coming for brunch on Sunday and how sad it was that he was all alone. Fiona said they would host him for an Italian meal next week.
“Dewey, was there any news from the sheriff?”
“Nothing.” Dewey decided he would leave out the information on the Taser. “All the agencies are still investigating.”
“That’s not right. Two sets of horrible murders in this small town, and nobody saw or knows anything. That just doesn’t seem possible,” said Fiona.
“No, it certainly does not,” said Mr. Soo.
CHAPTER 93
The butler answered the door and escorted Charlie through the living area to the lanai. Dewey came through the open lanai door, extending his hand and introducing himself.
“Thank you for inviting me. I’m just sorry it has to be under these circumstances,” said Charlie.
“So am I. We’re glad you were able to join us this afternoon. Come on out, and I’ll introduce you to everyone. I’m being careful what I say around Layla. She still breaks down easily.”
Dewey made the introductions, finishing with Mr. Soo, who gave Charlie a welcoming hug and expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of his parents. Charlie sat down at the table.
The butler came and asked everyone for his or her drink choice. He soon returned with drinks and canapés.
“Charlie, when will your wife be joining you?” asked Layla.
“She and the kids will be here on Wednesday. My folks will be released to the funeral home on Tuesday, and I need her advice on those matters. Our kids are old enough. They can hang out on the beach without getting into trouble. They understand the gravity of this visit. We will hold the services this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the high school gymnasium as Mr. Munson suggested. The interment will be private, just family.”
“When will your sister be arriving?” asked Mr. Soo.
“She and her husband will arrive on Thursday. After a family discussion, they will leave their children at home. They are very young and, frankly, not well disciplined. None of us feel the funeral service would be a good place for them. They will stay with his parents. God help them,” Charlie said, shaking his head.
“Annie was dismayed the way those children were being raised. She felt one day her daughter and son-in-law would regret the lack of teaching them boundaries,” offered Layla.
“Mr. Munson phoned just before I was leaving and told me a group would like to plan a luau in honor of my folks. He said it would start at five Saturday evening with a special program at sunset. A group called the Brothers would roast several pigs, and there are many people ready to prepare food. What do you think of that idea?”
“A luau in their memory is an honor, Charlie. It’s a wonderful Hawaiian tradition, one that your parents would be proud to know was held for them,” said Mr. Soo.
“The Brothers are our friends. They are three Hawaiian gentlemen who move with expertise anything you need moved. I understand their pig roasting is the best,” said Layla.
“I’ll let Donnie know to go ahead and make plans. He said it would be on the bluff, wherever that is.”
“Oh my,” said Layla softly, “the memorial services for the Okamotos were held there. It’s a large area looking out on the ocean, very peaceful. It will be lovely in the evening.”
“After lunch, you and I can talk privately about what I have in mind to say at the services,” Dewey said to Charlie.
The chef prepared a delicious brunch, which was served with quiet efficiency. Charlie told stories about his parents, his children, and his wife. After dessert and coffee, everyone drifted inside, leaving Dewey and Charlie on the lanai.
They spent an hour going over what Dewey thought he might say at the services. He specifically didn’t want to be too maudlin nor did he want to appear too upbeat. Dewey made some rough notes, and finally, they finished their discussion and went back inside.
“Oh, I forgot to mention, I’ve received an invitation from Fiona and Ned Keller to an Italian dinner Tuesday evening. I didn’t realize they were such good friends with Mom and Dad.”
“Funny, they became good friends about six or seven months ago, and both couples realized what a mistake they made not getting to know each other sooner. Fiona and George were more outspoken and Annie and Ned more reserved. I guess there was such an age difference between you and your sister and their children, all the years when you were growing up, you two families didn’t have much in common. They’re going to handle the sale of our home here. They have an outstanding reputation in the real estate market.”
“I’m sure we will sell Mom and Dad’s home, Neither of our families could vacation there or live there. I guess they would be the ones to handle that for us.”
“You can trust them completely.”
“The sheriff has gotten a forensic cleanup team, and they start cleaning the house as soon as the police release it. My wife and sister will handle packing. I know the furniture, etc., will be sold with the home, but we have to take care of the personal items. So many years of accumulation, so many memories.” Again, Charlie’s voice broke.
Layla went over and touched Charlie on the shoulder. “Fiona will help too, and she’ll be a good friend to your family. Charlie, I’m so glad you were able to join us today. Please excuse me. I have to lie down. I’m afraid I’m not back to my old self yet.”
Charlie clasped Layla’s hands in his. “Thank you, Layla, for all you’ve done today. You were special to my folks. Mom said she felt toward you like she would her own daughter. I’m so sorry you had to make the discovery.”
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br /> Tears streaming down both Layla’s and Charlie’s cheeks, Layla smiled, said a weak thank you, and left the room.
“I’m sorry, folks. I guess I’m kind of a downer right now.”
“No need to apologize, Charlie, you have every right to be sad and emotional. Losing both your parents in such a horrible manner is more than anyone should have to go through,” said Mr. Soo.
Charlie left a few minutes later, leaving everyone feeling drained.
“That was rough, Dewey,” said Ted.
“It sure was. He’s a great guy, an excellent reflection on George and Annie. They did a good job raising him.”
Monday morning, Dewey, Agnes, Ted, and Mr. Soo went to Paia and did more packing. Layla stayed in their suite, the emotion of yesterday had left her exhausted.
When they arrived, Fiona came over to help.
They kept packing until after one in the afternoon, when they broke for lunch, again at Otis’s.
At lunch, Dewey mentioned his conversation with Charlie, regarding selling his parents’ home and that he would be asking Fiona and Ned to handle the sale. She said they suspected that would be the case. She also mentioned she planned to offer her services helping them pack the personal things in the Boones’ home.
On the way back to Mr. Soo’s, Fiona said Ned was meeting with Wade today to start the paperwork. He would be at Mr. Soo’s tomorrow and help Dewey load boxes to take to the hangar.
“I want him out of the house as much as possible while I’m cooking.”
“You’ll like Charlie. He has George’s easy personality and gentle manner. He’s a big guy like George but has Annie’s coloring. I’m anxious to meet his sister,” said Dewey.
“From what Annie told me, that girl did a complete turn from how she was raised after she married her husband. What can you do? Love is blind,” said Fiona in her firm manner.
Mr. Soo kept Fiona out on the lanai as everyone else went inside. “I’ve talked with my sons. It is our decision to sell my home. Would you and Ned handle that transaction?”
“Why, of course, Mr. Soo. When do you want a For Sale sign in your yard and notice to go out to the market?”
Maui Murders Page 55
