Ukulele Murder: A Nani Johnson Aloha Lagoon Mystery (Aloha Lagoon Mysteries Book 1)

by Leslie Langtry

  I'm impressed with her lingo. Maybe she's been watching CSI too.

  "We can say we went to Na Pali or Waimea Canyon for fun," Nick says. "Cell service there is pretty spotty."

  "What about the call you just took from Kahoalani? Won't he be suspicious that we disappeared right after you two talked?" Binny asks. "And there'll be witnesses who can put us in the Loco Moco at that time."

  Everything looks like it's in black and white and moving in slow motion. My heart is pounding, and my mouth is dry. Words are spinning around me, and I can't quite grasp them. I picture myself running at Leilani and pushing her off the Overlook. I see the anger in her eyes turn to fear as she falls backward, arms flailing but finding nothing.

  "He didn't tell me all that," Nick says as he turns onto a dirt road. Where are we going? I haven't been paying attention. "I made assumptions based on what he did say. He'll probably just think I'm a moron."

  I start to sit up. "I should turn myself in. This is crazy…"

  Nick and Binny look alarmed. They must think I've gone off the deep end. Maybe I have.

  Slumping back against my seat, I close my eyes. This cannot be happening. It's all a bad dream. Somewhere out there, Kua and Leilani are hating me as much as they ever did. They're alive.

  "Where are we going?" I ask again. I'm not sure about running away. Won't it make me seem more guilty?

  Nick looks at me, which isn't good, because he's driving. "I thought you'd want to get away. Have some time to think."

  I shake my head. "No, I'd rather go in and get this over with."

  Binny agrees. "He can't arrest her, can he? He has no real proof."

  "Except for a witness. And that's enough to arrest her," Nick adds, but he pulls over, as if considering going back.

  "I need to know what I'm up against," I say finally. "I have no idea where to start, but having the details of Leilani's murder might help. And the only way we are going to get that is from the police."

  Nick brightens. "Not necessarily…" He turns the car around. "I have an idea."

  Which is how we end up at the Overlook. Nick called the chaplain who performed the service to meet us there.

  "Don't you get it?" Nick asks as we stand on the breezy, bright-green cliff, waiting for the minister. "If he doesn't recognize you, that discredits the other witnesses!"

  In the distance, a short, heavyset man wearing all black, except for a white collar, approaches. I don't know Reverend Blake. Pastor Dan knows him, but he's never said much about the Presbyterian minister. I have no idea what to expect from him.

  "Thanks for coming, Reverend." Nick offers his hand, and the man frowns but takes it. Nick introduces us to the man, who glances at us with no sense of recognition in his eyes.

  "What's this all about, Woodfield?" the man grumbles. "I don't have a lot of free time today. I missed two meetings with parishioners because of that murder this morning."

  Well, he seems totally charming.

  "I apologize," Nick says solemnly. "It's just that Detective Kahoalani is questioning me later today on the murder, and I wanted to know what happened before I meet him." He shrugs adorably.

  It doesn't work.

  "Look, son," Reverend Blake says. "If it wasn't for the large donation your mother made to my church recently, I wouldn't even be here."

  Wow. I'm secretly happy I don't go to this church. I wouldn't be surprised if this guy makes his congregation feel awful with every sermon.

  Nick nods. "And I'm very grateful for that. In fact, my mother was saying the other day that she loves your plans for an outdoor chapel and is considering donating to that project."

  The little fat man's demeanor changes instantly. Right before my eyes he goes from grumpy to jolly in a second. Maybe he has a split personality?

  "Oh! That would be wonderful! I've always wanted to have an outdoor chapel to hold services in nice weather!" The man nods enthusiastically. "My dream would be an overhead trellis covered with clematis vines to protect people from the sun!"

  "What a great idea!" Nick grins. "You know, I am a botanist and the head of landscaping for the resort. I'd be happy to donate my time to plan that for you."

  It's as if the ill-tempered man we saw moments ago has undergone a complete overhaul in personality. The reverend beams and claps Nick on the back.

  "I can tell you are a godly man, Mr. Woodfield! Godly indeed! What do you want to know?"

  Nick humbly asks the man if he can tell us exactly what happened this morning. He's really good. Too good. Seeing him perform for the minister makes me wonder if he's been 100 percent sincere with me. I shove that thought aside. Nick offered to help. He wouldn't do that unless he liked me.

  Or maybe he's just bored. Maybe I'm just a diversion for him. I stop thinking about that because that would suck.

  "Well." The rotund reverend runs his hand through his thinning hair. "Let's see."

  Reverend Blake walks over to the spot where I'm guessing he stood this morning. He indicates that Binny stand where Leilani stood and for me and Nick to take up positions as the bride and groom. I feel the heat from a serious blush warming my cheeks. Nick seems to go with it easily.

  "We were all in these positions," the reverend says. "Miss O' Flanagan was playing, and I'd just said the last words, husband and wife." He points to the copse of bamboo trees about 20 yards on our left.

  "Then this woman comes out of nowhere." He looks at Nick eagerly—hoping his information is what he wants to hear. I can see him building his garden chapel in his head, measuring out the area.

  "She runs so fast I almost don't see her face. She runs behind the bride and groom." His index finger traces the route behind me and Nick and over to Binny. "And she runs up to the ukulele player and shoves her backward off the cliff!"

  The man is perspiring now with the exertion of merely speaking. "The couple, a Mr. and Mrs. Parker, just saw the last part. They remained where you are now, while I"—the minister runs over to the edge of the cliff behind Binny—“ran to the edge of the cliff and looked downward." He looks downward very dramatically.

  "I didn't see much, because of the overhang, you can't see the exact spot where she landed—before it occurred to me to look for the murderer." He shakes his head sadly. "But she was gone."

  The three of us join him at the edge of the cliff. I feel Nick's hand on my back, as if he's trying to keep me from falling.

  "She was gone?" Binny asks, looking around. "Did she go back into the trees?"

  Reverend Blake shakes his head. "I have no idea."

  "Where were the Parkers?" I ask. "Did they see where she went?"

  The minister thinks for a moment. "I believe they followed me to the edge of the Overlook. They seemed just as confused as I was and also tried to spot the killer. I don't think they really got a good look at her."

  "That's interesting," I say as I look at Nick and Binny. The Parkers were the witnesses who gave the police the description. A description that resembled me.

  "Can you describe the killer?" Binny asks.

  The reverend's demeanor changes, and he eyes us suspiciously. "Why do you need to know that? I thought this was all about young Woodfield here being questioned about the bamboo trees."

  Nick gives an easy smile. "I just wondered about her size and such. The police want to know if anyone hid or could hide in the trees. It really would help me."

  Reverend Blake's face is closed. He's done here. That's abundantly clear.

  "Hey! I have an idea!" Nick gives a look of having a eureka moment. "I've got a great idea for an arbor-like altar for your garden!"

  Whatever concerns the minister has melted away, and he once again becomes very animated and happy. "Inspired! Truly inspired! Keep it all natural." He smacks Nick on the back. "You are a genius, my boy!"

  It's ridiculous that this actually works.

  "I didn't get a very good look at her." The man frowns in concentration. "But she was tall—definitely taller than the musician. She had a
stocky build. And she had long brown hair."

  I let out a sigh. I'm the same height as Leilani. Maybe a little shorter—and I'm certainly not stocky. This is good news.

  "The police interviewed me, but I guess I didn't tell them that. The Parkers told him what they knew. I guess I didn't see the point of getting involved since they had their testimony."

  What? He didn't tell the police what he told us? Why wouldn't he do that? We have to tell the detective what Blake just said. How ridiculous that the minister didn't even try to help.

  "Have you used this musician before?" Binny asks.

  Blake nods. "A few times. I usually have Kua, but it's my understanding that he died recently. Leilani can be difficult. She's a bit hostile, so I don't usually allow her to do much more than play."

  "Really?" Binny feigns dismay.

  "Oh, absolutely. Last month, she practically destroyed the Sharpman wedding. The woman screamed at the groom because he requested a song she didn't think was appropriate. I agree that the theme from Shaft is an odd choice, but it was their wedding. Then she took a swing at the bride because she called Leilani an ‘angry ginger.'"

  Okay—I know it's wrong, but I wish I'd seen that.

  He turns to Nick. "Do you know Ben and Barbara Sharpman? Lovely people. They're in my congregation. Nice folks. They've never upset anyone except that woman. I was worried Leilani would follow them to their car to continue the argument."

  "Did she?" I ask a little too eagerly. Did the Sharpmans kill Leilani? That would be awesome. Well, not for them.

  The reverend shook his head. "No. She did chew me out after they left though. I'm still not sure what the problem was in the first place. I wasn't going to use her again, but circumstances forced it with the Parker wedding. That woman is a menace."

  Reverend Blake opens his mouth like he wants to say something. He closes it.

  “Is there something else?” Nick nudges.

  “It’s just strange, is all.” The Reverend nods his head. “Leilani was dressed oddly.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask a little too eagerly.

  “She had a huge black dress on. And it seemed to me that the woman had put on weight.” He shook his head. “I’m sure it’s nothing. You just don’t usually see a woman wearing black at a wedding.”

  The three of us thank Reverend Blake, and Nick promises to stop by to discuss the outdoor chapel. We watch as the minister waddles back to the parking lot.

  "It's not me," I say finally. “I'm not taller than Leilani."

  Nick nods. "And the Parkers didn't really see the killer."

  "And the minister didn't tell the police what he knows," Binny agrees. "I think it's safe to say that you're in the clear, Nani."

  My friend hugs me as Nick walks over to the copse of bamboo. He disappears into the trees and a few moments later, emerges, shaking his head.

  "What is it?" I ask as we join him.

  "There's nothing in there that would offer up any evidence." He frowns. "What does Detective Ray think I can tell him? That line of inquiry leads nowhere."

  "I don't care," I say. "His calling you gave us a heads-up. Now we know something he doesn't. Now we can prove I wasn't there."

  "And we have more testimony that Leilani wasn't well liked," Binny says as she pats me on the shoulder. "Which means more suspects, right?"

  We agree, but it sounds like the Sharpmans aren’t the kind of people to kill someone, even for ruining their wedding. Back at square one as far as other suspects went.

  "Let's go down to the rocks and check it out," Nick says.

  Binny shudders. "How gruesome. I'm not sure I want to see where she died." She really is such a sweetheart. I could understand that. Like the Sharpmans, Binny wouldn't hurt a fly.

  "You stay here," I say. "Check out the area, and see if you find something the police missed."

  "Perfect!" Binny agrees, and Nick and I make the long trek to where Leilani breathed her last.

  We don't speak. It's strenuous, difficult work. Like most of the trails in Hawaii, this one is muddy, slippery, and steep. Jagged rocks dot the path, which gives way in several places due to erosion. Several times, Nick grabs my hand when I start to slide one direction or another.

  This is the thing about living here: while I was an avid hiker back in Kansas, I find the trails here to be far more dangerous. In fact, I haven't gone hiking in months. Which is ridiculous when you have the perfect, year-round weather we have on Kauai.

  Nick grabs my hand one more time as we both slide on some slick rocks. I smile at him. It's nice to have someone when things are treacherous. And Nick is special. He's not like the other guys I dated in Kansas or in New York City. I can tell that right away.

  Not that I dated many losers. Most of the guys I went out with were great. The problem was there was no spark. None at all. And while they were all considerate and thoughtful, none of them made me feel like Nick does.

  That thought makes me stop, and as I do, I slip on a rock and fall. Aside from a few bruises, there are no injuries except for my pride. I'm losing my touch. Nick helps me up and brushes me off. I get all tingly where he touches me. It's exciting and scary all at once. He makes me feel clever and brilliant. I like feeling that way.

  Am I taking things too fast? Is he? I just met the guy, and already it seems kind of serious. Not like, marriage serious, but like we are a couple. A real couple. I stare at his back as he moves along the trail. He really is quite graceful. I wonder if that's a botanist thing.

  Really? A botanist thing, Nani? Now I feel kind of stupid. I liked it better when I felt smart. What is really making this relationship move so quickly?

  Maybe it's the serious situation I'm in. The fact that I'm a suspect in two murders adds weight to our brand-new coupledom. I don't want to start a relationship based on stress and hardship. Those never work. At least, that's what Sandra Bullock said in Speed.

  Reality starts to set in. I'm a suspect—possibly the lead suspect—in two murder investigations! How did this happen? How did I end up in this position? I barely knew either of the deceased. In fact, I think the last time I ran into both—at that festival—was the first time in months that I'd seen them.

  What makes me a suspect? Detective Kahoalani said that Leilani indicated that not only did I argue with Kua, and not only were we alleged besties, I was also the last person to see him alive. The murder weapon could be my kauwila uke (inconveniently missing), and witnesses described someone like me actually pushing Leilani off a cliff (something I've fantasized about many times—but did not do).

  The evidence is damning. The only thing we can disprove is the witnesses' testimony to the most recent murder. My ukulele was still gone. And Leilani can't be questioned any further to admit her statement about me and Kua was false. In fact, she started the whole thing by pointing the finger at me. Even in death, the psycho can accuse me. Doesn't seem fair, really.

  We hit the beach and look up. It's hard to see the edge of the Overlook, because it hangs out over the rocks. And we aren't able to get too close to where the body landed because there are huge, sharp rocks and the crashing waves.

  "Over there." Nick points. "That must be it."

  The police tried to draw a chalk outline on upright, jagged rocks. It looked more like a blob than a person. Leilani would've hated that, which is why I find it amusing. Police Do Not Enter tape is attached haphazardly to the general area, with one long streamer flapping in the breeze.

  "I don't think we should try to get any closer," I say, wrapping my hands around Nick's arm. I can feel the muscles tensing beneath his skin. There goes that little shiver again.

  "Okay," Nick agrees. "I don't see how the police even got that far."

  The tide washes up over the rocks, taking the last of the police tape with it.

  "Didn't the detective say they hadn't found the body?" I ask.

  Nick nods. "That's what Detective Ray said. See how the water hits those rocks? I'm guessing her body was was
hed out to sea."

  "It'll probably show up on the beach soon," I say with no evidence to support that, but it makes me feel clever again. "If the tide took her out to sea, it should come back."

  "Unless sharks get it," Nick agrees. "Let's head back. You okay?"

  I nod, and we start moving. It's faster going this time because of memory. But it is all uphill, making it impossible to talk. The good news is that he goes first, so I get a first-rate view of his nice body as we climb.

  I'm thinking too much. Whatever Nick and I have going on will just happen. I might give it a shove or two in the right direction…but he doesn't need to know that.

  By the time we rejoin Binny, we are covered in dirt and, in my case, bruises.

  "Did you find anything?" my friend asks.

  "Nothing," I say, trying to brush myself off. I only succeed in making my clothes dirtier.

  "Well, I found something." Binny holds out a piece of paper, pinching it gingerly in one corner between her fingers.

  I very carefully take it from her, holding it in the same spot, same place. "It's resort stationary."

  A message is scrawled on the piece of notepaper, just under the Aloha Lagoon Resort logo, Parker Wedding at 10 a.m. sharp, Overlook.

  "It's a description of Leilani and the time and place she'd be playing the Parker wedding!" I tell Nick.

  Binny agrees. "It looks like there was a hired killer and this was her instructions."

  "Where did you find this?" Nick asks. "The police should've been all over the area."

  "That's the weird part." Binny leads us to the edge of the cliff. She gets down on her stomach looking over, and we do the same.

  "There." She points to a spot of mud just beneath the edge. "It was stuck there. That's why they missed it."

  I move back to where the reverend had been standing. "So the killer runs out of the woods"—I run to the edge—"pushes Leilani over the cliff, and loses the note? So she was carrying the note in her hand when she shoved Leilani? Who does that?"

  "Seems like an amateur move," Nick mumbles. "Carrying the note with her as she does the job."

  "We have to take this to Detective Ray," I say as I gently grip one corner of the note. "I think it's time he and I had a little chat."