“You’re trust fund can sit and grow forever. We have more money than you or me and all our grandchildren will ever need. The royalties just keeping pouring in,” Dewey said with a slight laugh.
“Dewey, did you think you would have so much money?”
“Seriously, I never cared too much about money. I just wanted to create things. However, I now realize all the good things money can buy and all the good work money can do for others.”
“Once we’ve been married for a couple of years and settled, we should set up a foundation, like Bill and Melinda Gates have done.”
“I actually have been thinking about that for some time now. We’ll do it together.”
“Are you going to lay out your things for tomorrow morning? We should leave here no later than nine.”
“You’re right. I’ll go remind the others and tell our butler to have breakfast served at eight. Honey, it’s going to be a very difficult morning. If for any reason you feel like you’re in trouble, let me know. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ve been telling myself how important it is to be respectful to Annie and George. I don’t want to cause any type of scene that will distract from their moment when we express our sorrow in losing them.”
Dewey went over and hugged Layla to him, whispering in her ear, “I love you so much.”
He left their bedroom and went to speak with the others.
CHAPTER 96
He stood on the periphery as the crowd made their way into the high school auditorium. Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best; everyone was so solemn. As it should be, he thought.
He followed a group inside and stood to the side of some bleachers, observing and nodding at those who he recognized or that recognized him. The first two rows were roped off, probably for family and pallbearers. Both caskets were closed and covered in massive floral blankets of tropical flowers. The whole front of the auditorium was a sea of flower baskets or stands with floral offerings, making the place smell sickening sweet. Slight overkill in his opinion; local florists were making a sweet penny off this funeral, thank you very much.
He saw Dewey enter with Layla hanging on his arm. Damn, she looked ghastly. Her light gray dress washed her out until she looked like a shadow. Dewey was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt, and an expensive-looking tie. Didn’t he look smart. Following on their heels were his help. He was in a Western-looking dark suit, and she was wearing a dowdy dark dress, probably just the thing for funerals in Salt Lake City. Walking with them down the center aisle was Mr. Soo. He looked splendid in an expensive suit with all the right trimmings; rich folks knew how to dress up. Most of the locals were in light-colored clothes, suitable for island funerals. They took their place in one of the front rows.
Next came Donnie Munson and family. Donnie was also wearing a dark suit. Well, of course, they were the pallbearers. How come no one asked me? They took seats behind Dewey’s entourage. Guess he had better take a seat. As he started to move forward, he stopped short. Well, here they were. La-di-da, wasn’t she making an entrance in a tight black dress with a big batch of pearls around her neck and Ned in his perfectly fitting dark suit. Bitch, bitch, bitch, he thought as Fiona and Ned made their way to sit next to Dewey and Layla. Because you two were out late is why we’re here today having a funeral for my good friends, George and Annie. You’re next!
The services started ten minutes late, which, considering the huge crowd, was amazing. First to the podium was a couple dressed in choir robes. Their voices rose throughout the auditorium in a haunting rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Some fools even started to clap until they were duly chastened.
Next, the Boones’ minister came to the podium and droned on for way too long a time, blah, blah, blah. Next, one of the men from the local volleyball teams that George mentored spoke how George gave so much of his experience and knowledge to the kids and how much both he and the kids enjoyed their time together. It was a short and well-received tribute.
The principal from the school that Annie retired from spoke next. He did fine for a minute or two, and then he seemed to take a cue from the minister and blah, blah, blah. Next came George’s boss from the airlines. He told of George’s contributions to the airport and also some cute stories about George’s height that affected how he perceived many things that ultimately affected the whole industry, a nice, light speech. Then came the director of one of the retirement homes where Annie volunteered. He told how much she meant to the residents and what a blessing it was that a donation of a station wagon in her name was being made to the home.
Finally, Dewey got up to speak. Well, this was a surprise. He told everyone how even as Dewey, the surf bum, George saw through him and knew he was more than he let on. He told how a group had spent several days on the Boones’ back lanai, how kind both Annie and George had been, and how it was the first time he saw Layla and fell in love with her instantly. He went on briefly, thank God, to tell of the developing bond between the two couples and the impact they had on both their lives. How deeply they would be missed and how much they were loved.
After his speech, the minister came back and asked everyone to refer to the handout of the song “Softly and Tenderly” that they received when entering the auditorium. He explained this was the Boones’ favorite hymn and asked that everyone sing it in their honor. We all stood, and I can tell you, I sang loud and with feeling. I’ll miss those folks.
After the throng had passed by the caskets, the pallbearers assembled in a back room while the immediate family said their farewells. There were six pallbearers for George’s casket, it being extra long and weighty to accommodate his height and four for the much smaller Annie. Ned was with the group tending to George and Dewey with Annie.
After the caskets were placed in the hearse, it slowly began Annie and George’s final trip through their beloved Paia. Once at the cemetery, the family took their place above the gravesite under a canopy. The pallbearers began carrying the caskets toward the site. Layla and Mr. Soo got out of their car, with Fiona joining them.
“Layla, are you sure you are going to be able to hold up at the gravesite?”
“Yes, I must see George and Annie safely placed.”
Fiona gently hooked Layla’s arm into hers and proceeded to the graveside ceremony. It was very brief, lasting less than ten minutes. Dewey came to Layla’s side and drew into him so she was leaning on his shoulder. Ned held Fiona closely too. No one spoke after the service as they made their way to the cars. When they arrived, Dewey turned toward Ned and Fiona, saying, “We’ll see you at the luau tonight. Take care going home.”
Layla huddled next to Dewey in the back seat along with Mr. Soo. Ted drove them back to the hotel. They had a light lunch, then everyone went to their rooms to rest, the emotions of the past few hours casting weariness over all of them.
Mr. Soo and Ted sat on the lanai, gazing out onto the ocean. Mr. Soo was dressed in his usual long cargo shorts, tropical shirt, and tennis shoes. Ted was in faded dark denim Levi’s, short-sleeved Western shirt, and cowboy boots, and Agnes joined them in white Capri pants, a Hawaiian blouse, and sandals.
Dewey walked to the lanai and said, “Well, folks, looks like we’re ready to go. Ted, I’ll drive since I know a back way to the bluff.”
Dewey wore white denim pants and a pastel Hawaiian shirt. Layla joined the group and wore a halter dress that fell to just about her knees in greens and blues. The middle was all-elastic, which still fit even though she had lost weight.
They drove silently to the bluff, Dewey circling around the back way to avoid the large crowd going to the luau. Luckily, they found a parking place not too far from the bluff.
They were surprised to find Charlie Boone, his wife, and family greeting everyone as they entered. He introduced his wife and children, then introduced them to his sister, Jennie, and her family.
Jennie embraced both Dewey and Layla. “I want you both to know how much you meant to my parents. Every time we talked, they told us about something one or both of you were doing and how excited they were that your Paia home was next to theirs. I cannot begin to imagine the devastation you must be feeling about making the discovery. If there is ever anything my husband or I can do, please let us know.”
“Thank you, Jennie, that is very kind of you to offer. Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your parents.”
They spoke awhile, then went over to the bar where they got a cold beer. As they were walking away, Fiona and Ned joined them.
“Did you meet Jennie and her husband?”
“Yes, and she was quite nice to both of us.”
“I was surprised myself,” said Fiona, “how charming she and her husband were. Of course, that doesn’t reflect their parenting skills, which was what irked Annie and George.”
Mrs. Steinmetz came up to Fiona and Ned, tears in her eyes. “This is the last thing I ever thought I would be returning to Paia for, the funeral of those lovely people. What a horrible thing to have happened. I wish you two were moving out of that area.”
Ned and Fiona both hugged her, then Fiona said quietly, “We will be. Don’t tell anyone. We are trying to keep it quiet for the time being. The gentleman that purchased Layla’s home is selling his beach cottage, and we are moving there. It’s in Paia but more out of town.”
“Please don’t dawdle, my dears. I don’t like you two living so close to where the murders of both of those couples occurred.”
“We won’t, Mrs. Steinmetz, but we have so much to pack and now we have Mr. Soo’s home to sell and will no doubt be asked to sell the Boones’ home. We’ll be fine. Please don’t worry,” said Ned.
After chatting for a while, Fiona and Ned drifted over to a table where Layla, Dewey, Mr. Soo, Agnes, and Ted sat.
“So far, this is turning into a tearful event,” said Fiona. “They need to bring the food out or something. This is supposed to be a celebration of their lives.”
“Honey, people are still streaming in. They will probably bring the food out shortly.”
“We went over to the pit where those three big men were roasting the pigs. My, it was quite a sight, all covered in big palm leaves and steaming,” said Agnes.
“They should be taking them out and pulling the pork,” said Ned.
“Hope it’s tender. Pork needs to be cooked well,” said Ted.
“Don’t worry about that. The brothers are the best pig roasters in Hawaii. Their roasted pigs are always done perfectly and tender.”
“Mind if I join you?” asked the sheriff, pulling out a chair.
“Please do. We’re glad to have your company,” said Dewey.
“Smart of Donnie to have the foresight to have people park at the high school and bus them over. The street is really crowded with parked cars, clogging the town up. God forbid there’s a fire. This bluff is getting packed. I noticed a bus coming over that was only half full, so maybe the crowd is letting up. This is all new to me. They don’t do things like this where I’m from.”
“It should be a lovely tribute to the Boones,” said Mr. Soo.
“I wanted to speak with you folks to let you know that you are cleared to leave Maui as of Tuesday. We have your contact information in Salt Lake City, and if there are any more inquiries, we trust we can reach you there.”
“No problem, Sheriff,” said Layla. “We’re glad to help.”
“There is one interesting development. The other agencies have finally come around to my way of thinking that these crimes have been committed by a local.”
“That’s so troubling,” said Mr. Soo.
“I agree with you, Mr. Soo, but it doesn’t mean they have to live in Paia. It could mean they live in any one of the small neighboring towns or outlying areas.”
“I like that scenario better,” said Fiona.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get something to eat. I want to be able to keep an eye on traffic once the ceremony is over. Should be quite a traffic tie-up,” said the sheriff, shaking his head. “If I don’t see you again before you leave, I want you to know I’ll miss your visits, Mr. Soo. Layla, you added beautiful art to our community. And, Dewey, you were an excellent host. It’s been my pleasure to know all of you.” The sheriff shook hands with everyone and left to join the food line.
“I’m going find a quiet area, phone my pilot, and tell him we’ll leave Tuesday morning,” Dewey said, getting up from the table.
“I’m both happy and sad we’re leaving,” said Layla. “I can’t stay here anymore. Too many painful memories, but I’m going to miss my home, the Visitors Center, and most of all, I’m going to miss you and Ned,” Layla said, grabbing Fiona’s hand.
“We’ll come and visit, and there’s a wedding in the near future.”
“Yes, but it won’t be as large as planned. Somehow, with Annie and George gone, the idea of a big wedding is gone. Something very small is all I want now but definitely with you and Ned attending.”
“We’ll be there. Just let us know the date.”
“Maybe we should follow the sheriff’s lead and get in the food line. Something is smelling mighty good,” said Ted.
The group made their way to the food line, making room for Dewey when he returned.
“The pilot said leaving Tuesday morning would be fine. He’s hiring a crew from the airport to load the boxes. It will be crowded, but we’ll still have plenty of room in the main cabin. He will also see we have food brought on board. He’s going to file a flight plan to leave at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. We’ll want to be sure we have an early breakfast, check out, and get to the airfield in plenty of time to get us and our luggage loaded on time. Gosh, this spread looks good. All contributed by the locals, what a lovely thing to do.”
Ted pushed back from his plate, which he had loaded with pulled pork. “Man, that was the best pork I’ve ever eaten.”
A group of Hawaiian musicians began playing. The program celebrated life and the Hawaiian tradition of giving back to others. George and Annie’s life was briefly reviewed, focusing on their community outreach. The program lasted for almost an hour, and true to the sheriff’s concern, a massive traffic jam occurred.
Dewey used the back roads to return to the hotel.
CHAPTER 97
The DewMaster jet soared away from Maui as Dewey looked out a window and saw the island drop from view. Layla sat in a lounge chair next to him, crying softly. Mr. Soo sat across on a sofa, his head bowed, hands clasped in his lap. Agnes and Ted sat side by side, each deep in their own thoughts.
When the pilot announced seat belts were no longer necessary, Dewey lifted the armrest between them and drew Layla to him.
“I’m going to make us something to drink,” said Agnes, going forward to the galley.
She brought Mr. Soo a cup of hot tea, sat a tray a sweet rolls on a side table, and served coffee to the crew and everyone else in the cabin. Three hours out of Maui, Agnes readied the pre-prepared lunch the crew had brought on board. Everyone ate, then Mr. Soo, Agnes, and Ted played a card game to pass the time. Layla and Dewey sat holding on to each other.
When they landed in Salt Lake City, Ted went to the hangar and retrieved their SUV, helped to load luggage, then drove to the compound. Dewey had the pilots arrange to have the other items stored in the hangar where he would have Ted work with movers to bring them to his home.
Prior to arriving, Agnes had arranged to have the wing Mr. Soo would occupy opened, cleaned, and aired out. Ted and Dewey escorted him to his new home.
“My goodness, this is so big. This is like a home within a home.”
“That’s exactly what it was intended to be. I had this built for my parents, but my mom didn’t like it, so Dad and I built the other house down the road. Unfortunately, w
e lost Dad before they could move in. It just sits empty. If you’re not comfortable here, you are welcome to move into that house.”
“I believe I will be very happy here,” said Mr. Soo as he walked through the rooms. There was a large master bedroom with an en suite bath and a balcony that looked out over the backyard. There was a nice-sized kitchenette, another bedroom with bath, and a large living room with a walkout balcony.
“Ted will arrange to have everything you packed delivered tomorrow or the next day, if that is all right with you.”
“That will be fine. I am very appreciative of your efforts to make me feel welcome. This is a lovely home and that backyard, I will enjoy working with Ted on it.”
Ted had things delivered the following day, keeping both Layla and Mr. Soo busy sorting and putting things away. Dewey went to his office on the second day back and was relieved to find things in good shape, only several things needing his attention.
By the end of the first week, Agnes had hired two full-time ladies to help her with the cleaning and some of the cooking. Ted and Mr. Soo were busy making drawings of what the backyard’s first acre would look like once they began their remodeling. Dewey suggested they go to Ted’s favorite nursery and hire a landscape architect to make sure they didn’t dig into underground pipes and verify anything done was up to code. Ted and Mr. Soo interviewed five different landscape architects and decided on a young lady originally from Japan who loved the outline Mr. Soo and Ted had drawn.
Layla kept busy fussing with all her things in her and Dewey’s rooms. She finally began to eat a little more and help Agnes with the cooking. Toward the end of the week, she opened the carton with her drawing supplies and set them up on the sun porch, saying they would be ready when she decided to sketch again.
On his fourth day back at work, there was a slight problem in manufacturing that kept Dewey at the plant well into the night. Close to midnight, he arrived home, showered, and crawled into bed.
Maui Murders Page 57
