The Divine Devils: Mystery Suspense Crime Thriller: Book 1

by R Weir

  “Don’t get thrown in jail because of this idiot,” declared Hunter, staring at the furious Keoki.

  Keoki, looked at Hunter, wondering why he interceded.

  “What business is it of yours?”

  Hunter pulled out his US Marshal badge, flashing it at both men.

  “You’re going to arrest me if I slug this asshole?” wondered Keoki.

  “I wouldn’t be the one arresting you, but I’d have to give a sworn statement about what happened. There are better ways to get this guy.”

  Keoki was still mad, pacing around, punching his fist into his hand, but he was listening. He looked at Hunter, who pointed at where he had been seated before the fight, telling him to have a seat at the bar to cool off, which he did reluctantly.

  The tall man smiled. “Thanks. I owe you a drink.”

  Hunter knew he’d never have a drink with this man, even if someone paid him to.

  “Don’t thank me,” remarked Hunter, turning to face him. “If it had been my sister you screwed over, I’d have punched you as well. Probably more than once.”

  The man laughed. “You think you’re tough enough, go ahead.”

  Hunter went nose to nose with him. “In my dreams I can put your lights out. But it’s not worth the energy. But I will do this.” Hunter turned to the two ladies he was sitting with. “If you have any intention of sleeping with this pig, I’d suggest walking away right now and finding a real gentleman to make your knees weak. I don’t think this man is husband or father material if that is what you’re looking for.”

  The two women looked at Hunter and then back at the man. Both nodded, got up and walked away, much to the man’s anger. A feeling of satisfaction filled Hunter’s heart.

  “How dare you call me a pig, you pig,” he said with a spiteful tone.

  The man reached into his back pocket, pulling out a switchblade. Hunter saw the movement and before the man could expose the blade, the US Marshal grabbed him by the wrist, twisting it back. Then Hunter pulled the arm up and back over the man’s shoulder, the elbow bent, with pressure to bring him to his knees, pain etched on his face until he dropped the knife. Hunter released the wrist after grabbing the blade and placed it in his back pocket, before stepping away.

  “It’s time for you to leave,” Hunter proclaimed. “And don’t hang around outside waiting for me or Keoki. I plan on having our nice bartender call the Hawaii police to stop by so I can file a report about a dangerous man with a concealed weapon. And don’t forgot to pay your bill with a nice tip.”

  The man got up to his knees, holding his wrist in pain, before dropping a hundred-dollar bill on the table and then slowly walked out. Hunter made it back to his seat, telling the bartender to make the call.

  “I’m Hunter Divine,” he said, putting out his hand to Keoki.

  Keoki had finally settled down and shook Hunter’s hand firmly.

  “I guess thanks are in order,” replied Keoki.

  “No need. Like I said I’d have kicked his ass as well if I was you. But jerks like that aren’t worth the bruised knuckles, jailtime or a court date.”

  Keoki smiled, before turning serious. “Someone has to protect her. She’s the only family I have left.”

  Hunter nodded. “Are you in the military?”

  “I was in the Navy. I got out a few months ago—how did you know?”

  “Haircut was a clue.”

  Keoki rubbed his buzzcut scalp. “I’ll grow it back some day. Right now, these hot, humid days encourage me to keep it short. What were the other options you were talking about using against that slick piece of shit?”

  “Paternity suit. Get a lawyer and sue the idiot for child support. Maybe it will encourage him to get a vasectomy. That is, if you don’t cut his dick off first!”

  Keoki laughed. “I was tempted. You’re damn cool for a cop.”

  “I’m a US Marshal.” Hunter grinned. Many didn’t understand what a US Marshal did, but it didn’t bother him.

  “That would make you a federal cop then. Do you live here?”

  “No. Flew in today. I can’t say why I’m here, but I’m just acclimating myself to the different time zone, before calling it a night. I have an early day tomorrow, if I’m able to sleep. What are you doing now that you’re out of the service?”

  “Not much. I’ve been enjoying my free days, spending time with my girlfriend and looking for the right job. I have an offer to work for an investigation security company, I’m considering. It’s the type of work I enjoy. Maybe you can put in a good word for me with the US Marshal’s if this job doesn’t work out.”

  Hunter smiled, wishing he had that type of clout at work. It was enough for him to keep his own job.

  “I don’t think my word carries much weight. And I’d doubt you’d like the politics that come with the employment. Still if I hear of a position open in that line of work, I can always reach out. Do you have a card?”

  Keoki grabbed a napkin and asked the bartender for a pen.

  “No. But here is a number you can reach me at. It’s my girlfriends, as I don’t like cellphones or technology. But I’m at her place most of the time.”

  Hunter nodded, tucking the napkin into his wallet. He then turned around and took another look at the two sisters, who seemed more interested in him now more than ever. Apparently, his show of authority pleased them.

  “What do you think those two sisters are drinking?” asked Hunter.

  Keoki turned, seeing the two women, then turned back. “Oh my. Looks like I can help you in return.”

  Hunter leaned into Keoki. “What do you mean?”

  “I hate to tell you, but they aren’t sisters and you don’t want to bring them back to your room.”

  Hunter wasn’t sure what he meant.

  “They will get you upstairs, all hot and bothered, put on a little peep show with some tawdry talk, tie or cuff you to the bed and then rob you blind.”

  Hunter glanced over again, surprised at what he’d heard. “Those two? How do you know?”

  “Happened to a friend of mine. They stripped him down, whispered porno laced words of what they were going to do to each other while he watched. But he needed to be tied down as part of the show. Once he agreed they took his money, credit cards, watch, phone and his clothes. They then took lots of pictures and said if he called the police, they’d post them for everyone to view on the web, including his girlfriend.”

  Hunter took another glance their way, their tempting stares still pointed in his direction.

  “Such a shame,” he commented. “Looks like another night of sleeping alone.”

  “Better than the alternative,” laughed Keoki.

  Hunter frowned, while finishing his drink. Though he was happy not to get embarrassed by them and have his naked junk plastered all over social media, he was disappointed that he would not get any sexual relief tonight.

  ***

  The private Cessna Citation X flew in for a landing at Kahului Airport on Maui. Hunter had rested during much of the flight, thinking about how he’d met Keoki all those years ago. A fortuitous moment in time. They had worked on a couple of jobs together, after Hunter had been forced to resign from the US Marshal employ several years later. Keoki was tough, resourceful, good in a fight with a gun or a knife and someone reliable those around him could count on. A person you’d want on your team.

  The biggest issue was getting a hold of him. He hated technology, mainly because he didn’t trust corporations and big brother not to be watching him during his every move. He chose living off the grid, even convincing his then girlfriend, now wife, to dump her phone. Their home these days was situated in the dense trees on the edge of the Koolau Forest Reserve in Maui, his paranoia born from his covert work in the military. In the past Hunter would have to take a car, then have a driver take him in a Land Rover to find the residence, but because of the time issue, Hunter needed to track him down and see if he was available to join him on the job now. With the amount of cas
h the Hawkins’ were offering, it shouldn’t have been a hard sell.

  With a rental car, Hunter drove from the airport east, about thirteen miles to Makawao. He’d been there a couple times, the town firmly rooted in their plantation past, yet it was still one of the top art destinations in the US. Along with the Hawaiian cowboys and a yearly rodeo, there was a bakery to die for, though Hunter never arrived early enough to purchase anything, since they often sold out within a few hours each day. Today he was to meet with his contact in town, a glassblower who sculpted each of his works one at a time, from time to time giving live demonstrations. It was an amazing skill, which he made a profitable living from, like many of the other artists in town.

  Parking was difficult along Baldwin Avenue, Hunter walking a couple of blocks to the shop. Strolling in he was greeted by a smiling woman who remembered him, even though it had been several years since he’d been back. She stepped around the counter to give him a hug, moving slowly with her cane, her nearly sixty-year-old body having had a hip replacement several years back.

  “Wonderful to see you again, Hunter,” she said, embracing him as he stooped down to her 5’1” frame.

  “Happy to see you too. Ekualo should be expecting me.”

  “You know where he is. Working away in the back right now creating some masterpiece. Those lips are on those pipes more than on mine.”

  Hunter laughed “With all that hot air it’s nice to see him doing constructive work with it. Hell, he could have been a politician instead.”

  The laughter continued, as she led him to the backroom, where the artist was at work. Ekualo and Ani Hekekia, were the parents of Malina Palakiko, Keoki’s wife, and were Hawaiian natives who had lived in Makawao all their lives. Ekualo would be his tour guide, driving Hunter to the house in the forest. A route one would easily get lost on if they didn’t know the area.

  Walking in, Hunter saw Ekualo hard at work, creating a swirl of color in a glass sphere. Using air pressure—he was providing, and heat from a torch, he twirled the glass creating the shape he wanted. It took about five minutes when he reached a place he could stop, killing the flame and placing everything on his workbench.

  “I’m amazed at what you do each time I come here and see you work,” stated Hunter, as he stepped over to shake Ekualo’s hand.

  “Each one is unique, like a fingerprint,” replied Ekualo while slowly standing from his work stool.

  “Is now a good time to take a drive?”

  “As good a time as any. I’m sure we’ll run into rain along the way. Did you bring a poncho?”

  Hunter patted his back pocket. “I’ve been here enough times to come prepared.”

  Ekualo nodded then led the way. After kissing Ani on the cheek goodbye, he walked outside towards his fifteen-year-old blue Land Rover, the fender rusting away above all four wheels. Both men got in and it took three tries before the engine turned over.

  “When will you splurge for a new vehicle?” wondered Hunter.

  “When this one dies,” Ekualo answered, while putting the Land Rover in gear and pulling out.

  “Sounds like it’s terminal to me,” joked Hunter. “There appears to be more rust than steel showing. If I had a gun, I’d step out and shoot it.” He took his finger and pointed at the dash bang coming off his lips.

  Ekualo smiled. “I call it character. Besides there’s no way I want one of those modern computer laden, GPS tracking machines. Damn things are going to rise up and take over the world if we aren’t careful.”

  “You sound like your son-in-law,” Hunter stated with a grin.

  “For good reason. He told me stories about the shit he did while in the military. You can’t take a crap these days without the government knowing it. Our work computer isn’t connected to the internet and is only used for money exchange and inventory tracking. We accept cash only on purchases. We don’t have satellite, or cell phones, just a good old-fashioned land line.”

  “I’m guessing it’s a rotary dial powder blue princess one to boot.”

  “Well it sure as hell isn’t a cordless one. They can listen in on all your calls as they transmit across unsecure frequencies.”

  Hunter laughed. He knew it was no use arguing with Ekualo. He’d seen enough in his time in the US Marshal’s office to know the old man wasn’t far off the truth. Much of Hunter’s private life had come out during the investigation that led to his firing. Private details that shouldn’t have been common knowledge or exposed, for it wasn’t anyone’s business and it was stuff Hunter never would have shared with anyone. He knew the idea that Big Brother watching wasn’t only a work of fiction anymore.

  The winding, two-lane paved road eventually became dirt and from there it really wasn’t a road at all—only matted down grass, dirt and rocks. The Land Rover handled the surface changes with no issues, Ekualo having traversed the route an untold amount of times. Rain started to fall, the foliage providing a limited amount of shielding, the dirt soon turning to mud. Well into the forest, a gated, locked fence blocked their path. Ekualo handed Hunter the key, leaving him to deal with the steady fall of moisture, his body now covered with his poncho. Once through the gate, Hunter closed and relocked it, before getting back in out of the weather.

  “Our daily shower,” commented Ekualo. “It will pass in time.”

  Hunter nodded, knowing moisture in this climate was normal. The price you pay for living in the tropics, where the temperature during the day was rarely less than seventy.

  After driving about seven hundred feet, they came upon a single-story house. Undeterred by the rain, two pit bulls came running up to the vehicle, barking. Ekualo stepped out, covered with a rain slicker and called out their names, each happy to see him.

  “Ebony and Ivory,” Ekualo said, while petting them, their names matching their coat colorings. “They’re the sweetest animals. Though heaven help anyone who came here for trouble.”

  Hunter walked over, letting each of them smell his hand, before he petted them. He was a huge fan of dogs, and wished his life afforded him to have one. But that didn’t work when you roamed the country as he did.

  From the covered porch door came the call of a woman. Malina Palakiko stood there in her Sarong Hawaiian white dress, with pink petals and green stems. Her straight long blonde hair was swept to one side, lying over her left shoulder, her skin darkly tanned as one would expect of a person who had lived her life in Hawaii. Her bright smile cut through the rain, as the two dogs run to her, Ekualo and Hunter right behind them.

  “If it isn’t Hunter Divine come to visit,” said Malina gleefully, while crushing him with a hug. “How long has it been?”

  “Two, maybe three years,” replied Hunter, squeezing her back. “You’re looking lovely as ever.”

  “You’re not looking bad either.” She gazed into his eyes, reading him. “Though I sense your spirit remains conflicted as it was when last we saw each other. The demons are still playing with your soul, it would seem.”

  Hunter smiled, knowing she spoke the truth. Malina could always sense a person’s aura within an instant. She could tell what was happening in their life, both good and bad. It was her gift, and rarely was she wrong when reading someone, even a stranger.

  “I’m doing fine,” he replied, though it was a lie. “My life isn’t perfect, but I’m getting by.”

  She twisted her head to one side. “Oh, that’s bull, and you know it. We can delve deeper if we have time, but I’m certain you aren’t here only to seek my wisdom?”

  “You’re correct. I came to see Keoki. I have a job for him. One which will pay quite handsomely.”

  Malina’s eyes lit up at the prospect. “We can always use the money. How long will you be keeping him away from his loving wife?”

  “I’m not certain. He will be providing protection for a family in Colorado until I can figure out who is trying to kidnap the children. Might be several weeks. Is he around?”

  She pointed off in the distance. “Off fishing.
Come in where it’s dry. You can hang your rain ponchos on the wall.”

  “No hello for your father?” quipped Ekualo.

  “Dad I see you several times a week,” said Malina while hugging him. “Besides Hunter is a looker who doesn’t come ‘round often. Next to Keoki, he is the hottest man I’ve known.”

  Both men laughed, as she led them into the dwelling. Even though it had been a few years since he had last visited, Hunter noticed the inside hadn’t changed much. Hardwood oak floors graced the entire length of the structure, oak floorboards meeting the beige walls. A pair of brass ceiling fans doing their best circulating the moist air. Pillow soft matching brown leather sofa and loveseat, a coffee table and two end tables filled the living area. In the background music was playing from a surround sound stereo with relaxing native tunes which massaged the ears. Ekualo sat on the sofa that was nearest to them, while Hunter took the loveseat, as Malina squeezed in next to him, curling the bottom of the long dress and her bare feet under her, her gaze straight on him.

  “How is your love life?” she asked after a few minutes of them staring at each other.

  “About the same,” Hunter replied, enjoying the view of his friend.

  “Then you’re still screwing whoever will sleep with you?” she uttered with a sly smile.

  Hunter laughed. “Maybe…”

  “You need to settle down. Find a woman who will love you and not just fuck you!”

  Ekualo grunted, not caring for her use of foul language. “Malina I don’t think Hunter came all this way for your sage wisdom and advice on his love life.”

  “Dad I rarely see the man,” Malina replied with a curt grin. “I must expound my guidance when the opportunity arises. My counsel could turn his life around. Give him new purpose.” She stopped to look deeply into Hunter’s eyes. “His tawdry days and nights are leaving him soulless.”

  “Ouch,” uttered Hunter. She was getting down to the barebones of what his life was like. It stung to hear, but hard to argue against.

  “Leave the man alone,” remarked Ekualo. “It’s his life—his choice. All of us have made bad decisions a time or two. If he wants to bed every woman who will have him, so be it. Unless you plan on setting him up with someone, let him talk with Keoki and spare him the mystical soothsaying.” As soon as Ekualo said “setting him up” Hunter regretted it, as he saw the shine in Malina’s eyes.