by Nella Tyler
“Well, we’ll be there in about five hours,” he said.
“Thank you so much for helping me,” Beni said sincerely.
“I’m always willing to help a lady in need,” he smiled. “Do you like country western music?”
“Yes.”
“That’s a good thing,” he grinned.
He pumped up the radio and country music blasted through the speakers. Beni laughed. He pulled out of the parking lot and soon they were on the highway heading toward Honolulu.
*****
Meg stayed in her suite with Ashlee. She didn’t want to leave her alone. She’d tossed and turned for hours then finally got up. Sleep was eluding her and she knew why. She was too upset about Beni to sleep. She put on her robe then went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of papaya iced tea. She then went out onto the patio. She wasn’t surprised to see Ashlee sitting there.
“You couldn’t sleep either,” Meg said as she sat on the couch beside Ashlee.
“No. I’m just too worried about Beni to sleep,” Ashlee mumbled. “I keep going over in my head what happen when they took Beni and wondering if I could have done anything to save her. Maybe I could have pulled her out. Maybe I could have saved her. It’s my fault that she is missing.”
Meg turned to face Ashlee and rubbed her arm comfortingly.
“No, Ash. You couldn’t have prevented them from taking her. You did everything right in calling the police,” Meg said softly. “You gave a detailed description of the van as well as the partial plate number. You even described the man that pulled Beni into the van. You’ve done a lot to help her.”
“But it wasn’t enough,” Ash said bitterly.
“I think it was enough. We will get Beni back. I know we will.”
“Then why does it feel like it was my fault?” Ashlee questioned.
“Because you love her. And you never want to see her hurt. I love her too. That’s why I choosing to believe that she will be fine and back with us very soon,” Meg declared. “You must do the same. It wasn’t your fault, Ash and you can’t blame yourself.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
“But you can do it, Ash. Beni would not want you to blame yourself,” Meg responded.
Ash leaned on Meg’s shoulder. Meg wrapped her arm about her shoulders.
“I just want her back. Safe and well,” Ashlee mumbled.
“She’s coming back, Ash. As bubbly and gregarious as ever,” Meg comforted.
Meg didn’t know how long they had sat there, huddled together, praying for Beni’s safe return. They must have fallen asleep at some point for when she opened her eyes the sun was high over the ocean. People were out on the beach sunning and swimming. Everyone looked like they were having a good time. Meg yearned to feel that way again. She looked over at Ashlee who was beginning to wake up.
“What time is it?” Ash asked groggily.
“I’m not sure. Probably mid-morning. I’ll put on some coffee.”
“No word from Drake yet?” Ash inquired.
Meg shook her head as she stood and stretched her cramped limbs.
“Not yet.” She then went inside to make the coffee.
Ashlee followed.
“I’ll be in my room washing up.”
“All right,” Meg said.
Meg put the coffee on to perk then moved into her own bedroom. She went through her usual routine, showered and put on a blue shirt and white shorts. After running a brush through her straight hair, she pushed it behind her shoulders and left the bedroom. Ashlee was already in the kitchen pouring a cup of coffee when she entered. She moved to do the same when a knock sounded on the door.
“I’ll get it,” Ashlee said. She walked through the suite and opened the door. Kai, Noah, and Drake stood there. “Hi, guys. Come in.” She backed away from the door and they moved into the suite. “Do you have any news? Do the police have a lead on Beni?”
Kai shook his head negatively.
“I’m sorry, Ash. They haven’t found her yet. But they did find the white van ditched in a ravine,” Kai said. “They’re combing that area for additional clues.”
“What a strange thing to do. Why would they ditch the van?” Meg questioned.
They all moved into the patio and sat.
“Maybe to make it harder to be found,” Drake said. “If they secured another vehicle, the police would have a harder time finding them.”
“Great!” Meg said dejectedly.
“But the police will find them,” Noah said encouragingly.
“Time is not our friend. The longer she’s gone, the less likely it will be of locating her,” Ashlee complained. “We have to find her soon.”
“Remember, Ashlee, they are not going to harm if before they can cut a deal,” Kai said.
“What do they think that we have?” Ashlee asked.
“The only thing that we do have—the key,” Drake answered. “Remember how you felt that someone was watching us?” Ashlee nodded. “Well, they probably saw us find the key.”
“Those thugs were the ones staying at the shack. They’ve probably have been looking for the key and couldn’t find it,” Meg said.
“They didn’t have our inside information,” Noah smiled wryly.
“Exactly. They weren’t so lucky. And without that information, they would never find it,” Ashlee surmised.
“But once they knew we had it they were determined to take it from us. And they won’t stop until they get it,” Drake added.
“Why is the key so valuable? What does it open?” Meg asked.
“That’s the million dollar question.” Kai said.
“Or maybe it open a chest worth a million dollars,” Noah suggested.
“Wouldn’t that be nice,” Meg smiled. “Would you like some coffee? I just made some.”
“Sure,” Drake answered.
“We’ll have some too,” Noah said for him and Kai.
“I’ll be right back,” Meg said and exited the patio.
“I hope your logic is correct, Drake. That they won’t harm Beni before making the deal.”
“They won’t harm Beni before or after making the deal because Beni isn’t there.”
Everyone spun around to see Beni standing at the side patio railing.
“Beni!” Ashlee exclaimed. She hopped over the railing and practically squeezed the breath out of her friend.
“I can’t breathe,” Beni squeaked.
Ashlee pulled back to allow the men to hug Beni. Noah kissed Beni soundly.
“I’m very happy you are back,” Noah said.
“We are so glad to see you. What happened? How did you get away?” Ashlee asked.
“Come sit down, Beni, and tell us the story,” Noah said.
“What’s going on?” Meg asked as she stepped onto the patio. Then she saw Beni. Dropping the tray she carried onto the table she ran to Beni. “My God, you’re back!”
Meg hugged Beni tightly.
“I can’t breathe,” Beni croaked.
Everyone laughed and Meg pulled back and cupped her face. “Are you all right? You’re not hurt, are you?”
“No. They knocked me out with a chemical, but I’m fine,” Beni said.
“No lingering after effects?” Noah asked in concern.
“None. I’m perfectly all right,” she smiled.
“Tell us how you got away,” Noah prompted. He guided her to the sofa to seat her. Then he sat beside her.
Everyone sat and Meg poured the coffee and handed out the hot cups. Beni told her story.
“They’re pretty dumb. The one name Moe only glanced back to see if I was still unconscious,” Beni said. “But that was fortunate for me. I didn’t have to suffer being shaken and not open my eyes.”
“Thank God the trucker was kind enough to give you a ride,” Ashlee sighed gratefully.
“His name is Ben and he’s a great guy and loves country western music. We talked and sang all the way into Honolulu. He took me to the police
first. I told them what I overheard. Officer Honi brought me back to the hotel. He said he would be calling Drake soon,” Beni related.
“What a harrowing experience. I’m so sorry you had to go through that, Beni” Meg said.
“So am I,” Beni laughed. “But at least we know that we’re not dealing with any Einsteins. Oh! They have a boss. Some guy named Mister West,” Beni recalled. “And by the way they spoke, I don’t believe this West dude knows that they kidnapped me. Larry seemed to think that West would have been pleased about it. Moe had his doubts.”
“Since they didn’t pull off the kidnapping, I doubt they will tell West that they tried. It would only make them look like idiots,” Kai said.
“They’re the Three Stooges without Curly,” Beni giggled.
Everyone laughed.
“We’re so happy that you’re with us again. I should have known you would find a way to get back to us,” Ashlee said. “You’re too sharp and determined not to.”
“Thanks, Ash. You don’t know how happy I was to be riding in that truck and singing country western songs. I was coming back home and it felt so good,” Beni replied.
“The two stooges may be bumbling, but it was a still very dangerous situation. You were courageous and quick thinking, Beni. You did really well,” Drake smiled. He stood and bent to kiss her cheek. “I’m going inside to call Officer Honi.” He moved into the suite.
Meg lifted her coffee mug. “Welcome back, Beni.”
Everyone toasted and began talking amiably.
*****
Meg sat in Drake’s bed and sketched the scheme for the Kids’ Zone. Drake was in the shower and she could hear his off tune humming. She smiled as she thought about Beni who was tucked into bed probably snoring. She and Ashlee left Beni in the suite in Noah’s care. They decided to give her some privacy. Ashlee was with Kai at his place. The shower water stopped and Meg knew that Drake was exiting. She tossed her iPad aside and daringly went into the bathroom. Drake was in the process of draping a towel about his hips. He stopped when he saw her and allowed the towel to drop to the floor. Meg leaned against the doorjamb and perused him appreciatively.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” he arched a brow.
She pushed away from the doorjamb and walked slowly toward him.
“Quite a bit.”
She moved behind him to embrace him. She kissed his back and trailed the tip of her tongue on his wet skin. It was a thrilling sensation. Her fingers began to trail downward and he sucked in his breath.
“Lady, you’d better be ready for what you’re asking for,” he rasped.
“I am so ready,” she murmured.
He turned quickly and scooped her into his arms. He dropped her onto the bed and she laughed delightedly. She opened her arms and he went into them eagerly. He couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have her in his life and in his bed. He’d always been content to date a woman a few times then be on his way. There had never been any commitments between them and there had only been a few nasty break ups when the woman had thought that she could change his mind about their arrangement. But since he’d been with Meg, there had been no thoughts of wanting to leave the courtship. If truth be told, he preferred to think of their dating as a real relationship. He wanted to be with her all the time.
And he didn’t want to imagine a time when she wouldn’t be there with him. She made no demands on his time or attention. But ironically, she held his interest without even trying. He woke up thinking of her and only wanted to fall asleep holding her in his arms. Was he falling in love with her? Is this what it was like to do so? He wasn’t sure. But he wouldn’t run from whatever was happening. He wanted her in his life too much.
He pulled her nightgown over her head and stared at her private core. He slowly lowered his head to trail kissed down her flat belly until he reached the center of her desire. He mouthed her until she yelled with passion. She arched her hips and he dove deeper into her core. He adored going down on her and apparently she loved it too. After a while, he rose above her and she grasped his penis to guide him inside her. She wanted him and was bold enough to show it. He liked that about her. It drove him to give her the pleasure she craved. He began pumping rapidly and didn’t stop until they were careening to the ceiling. He dropped his head in the nook of her neck and howled his satisfaction as she stiffened with carnal gratification. They both were panting fast, struggling to catch their breath.
“It gets better and better with you,” she breathed heavily.
“And it will only get even better,” he grinned.
He rolled to his side and threw his bare leg over her thighs. He was soon asleep. Meg loved the feel of his weight on her. She caressed his thigh and fell into a contented sleep.
*****
The girls decided to go back to the dress shop they had visited before. They thought about staying close to the hotel for safety, but then decided against it. They refused to allow those two bumpkins to ruin their time on Oahu. They arrived at the crowded market and pushed their way through the throng to reach the dress shop. The proprietor was hanging garments on a rack in the back of the shop.
“Hello, Ola!” the girls chorused.
Ola turned to grin broadly at them.
“Welcome! I knew you would come back today. I set some dresses for you to try.”
The women looked at each other in surprise.
“You couldn’t have really known we would come here today,” Ashlee said doubtfully.
“Of course I did,” Ola smiled.
“But how?” Meg asked incredibly.
Ola shrugged.
“I had a feeling and they are never wrong,” she said. She turned to Beni. “Have you recovered from your recent horrible experience? It must have been a nightmare in reality.” Ola shuddered.
“Yes. But how do you know about that?” Beni questioned.
“I’m not sure now. Someone must have told me,” she said evasively. “Many people saw the incident. It has been quite the story.”
“I imagine it has,” Beni said. She was unconvinced with Ola’s explanation but could not think of a rational reason why.
“Come. Let’s not think of such an awful experience. Try these dresses on. You will love them,” Ola said gaily. She gave them the clothes and directed them to the changing rooms.
The girls soon forgot about Ola’s knowledge of the incident. They became caught up in the fabulous clothes.
“Look at this. It’s lovely,” Meg exclaimed about the red, maxi halter sundress. “It can’t wait to wear with Drake.”
“He will drool all night,” Ash giggled.
Beni came out of the dressing room and twirled in short, white peasant dress. She had pushed the ruffled neckline off her shoulders and looked utterly charming.
“You’re gorgeous, Beni. Noah will be in the same state as Drake,” Meg teased.
It was then Ashlee’s turn to model for them. She came out in a blue, form fitting, knee length sheath that cupped her hips provocatively. The neckline was deep and Ashlee’s full breasts looked luscious.
“Wow! That is sexy. You will not be leaving Kai’s house when he sees you in that dress,” Beni cooed. “You are one hot, hot mama!”
“It’s not too much?” Ashlee asked uncertainly.
“No!” Meg and Beni said together.
“How do you feel in it?” Meg asked.
“Like a trillion bucks,” Ashlee giggled.
“Have Kai take you somewhere special and wear that dress. It will knock him flat,” Beni encouraged.
“Perhaps a walk through the Pua Maze,” Ola suggested.
“What is the Pua Maze?” Ashlee asked.
“It is an amazing maze constructed of flowers. It is truly stunning. An evening walk through the winding paths is always romantic,” Ola smiled.
“It sounds like a place we should visit,” Ashlee grinned.
“Your male friends will know of it. So do you want the dresses?” Ola asked with a smi
le.
“Oh yes! We will take them,” Meg answered.
They changed out of the dresses and bought some hair accessories and perfume.
“Thank you, Ola,” Beni said gaily as they were leaving.
“Have fun in your new dresses,” Ola smiled.
The waved happily and set off.
“How about an ice cream. It’s so hot today,” Ashlee suggested.
“I can go for that,” Meg said.
“Me too,” Beni agreed.
They walked down the street and found an ice cream parlor.
“Let’s go in here,” Meg said.
They went inside and sighed at the feel of the cool air. They went to the counter and selected their favorite ice cream. The attendant scooped it up and after paying for it they sat at a table by the window. It was fun to see locals and tourist alike shopping in the market.
“So where do we go from here, guys?” Beni asked.
“Are you talking about now or the mystery?” Meg clarified.
“The mystery. After what I endured, I want to solve it more than ever,” Beni answered.
“Well, we have to figure out the significance of the key. Why is it so important,” Meg said.
“I think the real question is: What does it open? I think that is the key to this whole mystery. Pardon the pun,” Ashlee grinned.
“It could open a box or a door. But where would we find the right lock, be it box or door, that fits the key,” Beni asked. “It could be anywhere on this island.”
“There’s got to be a way of narrowing the options,” Meg murmured thoughtfully.
“We need another clue,” Beni said.
“Maybe we were given one,” Meg replied.
“What are you talking about?” Ashlee asked.
“Pua Maze,” Meg said.
“What about it?” Beni frowned.
“I think Ola was giving us a clue. When I think about it, although we bought great dresses, our entire visit there was a little strange,” Meg observed.
“Ola was a little weird,” Ashlee piped up. “And how did she know about our male friends? We’ve never been to the shop with them.”
“Probably the way she knew about Beni’s kidnapping. There is more to her than meets the eye,” Meg said. “But I think she wants us to go to Pua Maze for a specific reason.”
