Dying for a Daiquiri (17 page)

When we walked in, they stood to make room for us.

“Please don’t leave on our account,” I said to the women.

“No, it is time to go. Walea, we will see you at the restaurant at five.” As the dancers sashayed out the door, I marveled again at their sexy walk. It looked so natural that I cocked my hips to the left and right to replicate the swiveling movements they made.

Ouch. I hoped I’d packed some extra Advil.

“Are you performing tonight?” I asked Walea.

She narrowed her eyes. “Yes, money doesn’t grow on coconut trees, you know. We are not all rich Californians here on this island.”

We are not all rich back in California either, but that wasn’t a topic worth quibbling over.

The older woman gracefully pointed to the sofa. We sat down, thigh to thigh, looking as guilty as kids whispering during a church service.

The woman’s voice possessed a lilting quality that soothed as she welcomed us. “My name is Kiana. I am Keiki’s mother. It is kind of you to come here. You show the true aloha spirit.”

I smiled. Demonstrating aloha spirit sounded far better than ferreting out who killed her daughter.

My mother demonstrated her own aloha spirit. “We feel terrible about what happened to Keiki. I wanted to assure you that despite his arrest, my son had nothing to do with your daughter’s tragic death.”

A flicker of something darkened Kiana’s face, but it disappeared, and her countenance regained its former placid demeanor. It made me wonder if she agreed with our assumption that Dave did not kill her daughter. Was there something Keiki’s mother was hiding?

Kiana chose to discuss a less confrontational topic than her daughter’s murder. “Have you been able to enjoy our beautiful island?”

“We haven’t had time for much sightseeing although we’re taking the ATV ride at Waipi’o Valley tomorrow,” I replied. “Unfortunately, we only have two more days to investigate the murder before we fly home.”

“It won’t be easy finding Keiki’s killer in that amount of time,” Stan said.

Kiana placed long elegant fingers against her slender throat. “You are detectives in California?”

I exchanged looks with Mother and Stan.

“We’ve assisted the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department on several occasions,” I mumbled. Fortunately, no sheriff’s department representatives were present to debate that fact.

“You are helping the detectives here?” Kiana appeared confused, which was not at all surprising since we were equally confused at this point.

“Yes, we are.” The Hawaii police didn’t know we were assisting them, but that was a mere technicality. My brother’s freedom was at stake here. “We have some excellent leads so far, but we thought it would help to interview Keiki’s current boyfriend. Unfortunately we didn’t have a contact number for him.”

We didn’t have a contact name either, but this was no time to split hairs.

Kiana’s eyes clouded over. “My daughter used to date a fine young man named Joey. We hoped they would settle down and get married some day. Unfortunately, he died in an accident about a month ago. It was so sad for a young man to have his life cut short that way.”

Kiana addressed her husband who’d returned to the living room. “Victor has dealt with so much tragedy lately––at work and at home.”

Victor’s heavily lined face corroborated her statement. I tried to recall what work-related tragedy she referred to. “There was that horrible accident at Koffee Land when they were building the zip-line. Did you know the young man who died?”

“That was Joey,” Walea chimed in, “my sister’s former boyfriend.”

Aha! The plot thickens. In fact, this plot was becoming thicker than poi.

“Oh, I missed the connection.” I looked at Victor. “So Keiki’s boyfriend worked for you?”

“No, no.” He shook his gray head vehemently. “I have nothing to do with the zip-line construction. That is Ritz’s crazy––,” he paused then started again. “I manage the coffee processing only.”

“Walea’s husband, Henry, is the contractor for the zip-line.” Kiana shifted her gaze to her stepdaughter. Her full lips tightened as she glanced at Walea.

Walea fidgeted as she met Kiana’s accusing stare. “It’s not Henry’s fault that Joey died. I am sure he jumped from the tower because Keiki broke his heart.”

“Are you saying your poor dead sister caused Joey’s death?” Kiana’s voice caught as she wrung her hands together.

“Heh, some sister,” Walea muttered.

Victor jumped up and stood in front of Walea. “You must not talk badly about your younger sister.”

“Are you kidding?” Walea leapt out of her chair. “That slut of a sister humiliated our entire family.” She stormed out of the room and down a hallway that appeared to lead to the rear of the house. Seconds later Walea emerged, purse in hand. Without another word, she left the house, the screen door banging shut behind her.

Victor’s hands and voice shook as he stared out the door. “I apologize for my daughter. Keiki’s death, following so quickly after Joey’s accident, has been a trying experience for our entire family. Henry blames himself for Joey’s fall. He feels he should have made the boy wait until the morning to fix the cabling.”

“Are you certain it was an accident?” I asked, “Is it possible Joey intentionally jumped?”

The lines around Victor’s eyes etched deeper as he shrugged. “At this point does it really matter?”

I thought it might but decided to let that line of questioning die for now. “Do you know who Keiki started dating after she broke up with Joey?”

Kiana, eyes downcast, plucked at the fabric of her dark skirt. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. I didn’t want to miss the name of the new boyfriend so I leaned forward.

“My daughter had big dreams. But she didn’t always share everything with me.”

“Unfortunately,” Victor muttered under his breath.

Kiana patted his arm. “Keiki is, was an…an adventurous girl. Sometimes her dreams created trouble. Not too long ago, she mentioned there was a man interested in her. Someone she found intriguing.”

“Was it someone she’d met recently?” Mother asked. If the answer was yes, that should eliminate Dave as Keiki’s potential lover.

Kiana shook her head. “No, it was someone she had known awhile. Recently he’d taken an interest in her.”

My mother’s perfect posture wilted and her shoulders slumped. “Someone who might be married?”

Kiana’s eyes, darker than French-roasted coffee beans, gazed wistfully at us. “Possibly. I was afraid to ask. All she said was he had money and a nice car.”

She lifted her arms in a supplicating manner. “Who he was, I do not know. I’m afraid Keiki has taken his name to the grave with her.”

Sadly, whoever it was, may have been the person to send the beautiful dancer to
her
grave.

After promising Kiana and Victor we would stop by their house for Keiki’s memorial reception on Sunday, we left their home, pondering the implications of Kiana’s revelations. The description of Keiki’s new boyfriend could fit many men. It also described my brother.

“Should we attend the reception?” Mother asked. “Maybe her parents only invited us to be polite.”

I thought it over for a few seconds. “No, I think they were sincere. Our plane doesn’t leave until the evening, so we have time.”

“Are you kidding?” Stan said. “This is the perfect opportunity to find the killer. Remember all those clues we picked up last time?”

As far as I recalled, my Mother and Liz had each picked up several new clients, but nary a worthwhile clue.

“I bet they’ll have a hula tribute to Keiki.” Stan’s eyes sparkled and he started swaying to the music that must be playing in his head. “I heard they do that in these situations, especially if the deceased was a dancer. Do you think I should offer––?”

“No,” Mother and I shouted simultaneously.

Stan looked hurt so I attempted to mollify him “Hey, pal, you wouldn’t catch McGarrett dancing when he should be detecting.”

He cocked his head. “Good point. Dancing might be a distraction.”

Yeah. For everyone else as well.

I glanced at my watch. “Do you want to stop by Koffee Land and check in with Regan? It’s almost noon and it’s only a ten-minute drive.”

“I could use a cup of java.” Stan yawned.

“It’s probably too soon,” Mother said. “But maybe Regan will have an update on Dave’s status.” The fine lines she tried to conceal with luxury cosmetics were now evident, proclaiming her baby boomer status.

We piled in the car and drove toward Honaunau. Dark clouds crisscrossed the sky, indicating afternoon showers were in the forecast. My ears popped once we reached 2,000 feet in altitude. The higher we climbed, the more exotic the landscaping became. Looking at the large, abundant red blossoms entwined around tall Ohia trees reminded me of a local legend.

Ohia, a Hawaiian chief, supposedly fell in love with Pele’s sister, Lehua. Pele, who wanted him for herself, was so furious with Ohia that she turned him into a tree. The other gods tried but were unable to change Ohia back into a man. When Lehua refused to leave his side, they transformed her into a beautiful red flower instead. That way the two could be united forever.

Needless to say, Pele was pissed.

Whether you’re a goddess or a mere mortal, true love does not always run smooth. Now if we could only determine who was pissed off enough to kill Keiki.

We drove through the imposing entrance to Koffee Land and followed the long curving drive to the visitor’s center. The parking lot seemed more crowded than on our last visit. The center, however, was empty except for Tiffany who stood behind the counter.

“Your parking lot is packed.” I said. “What did you do with everyone? Are they all on tour?”

Tiffany shook her head, the ebony strands of her glossy hair flying in every direction. “The television people are here today. They’re hosting some kind of reception for the contestants in the gazebo.”

Stan’s eyes lit up. “Could we take a peek?”

She smiled and shrugged. “I’m not sure. You can ask Regan if it’s okay.”

“Is she around?” I asked.

“She should be in her office.” Tiffany picked up her phone and dialed an extension. While we waited, I perused the goodies in the Donkey Ball aisle. Some folks take Xanax for anxiety. I find that chocolate is cheaper and tastier. With my brother in jail, I could use a pound or two of the over-the-counter medication.

I heard noises and glanced up, expecting to see Regan. Her handsome boss approached, dressed in an off-white suit and Panama hat, looking the picture of a nineteenth-century plantation owner.

Regan followed behind Ritz. I couldn’t imagine concentrating on work while my husband languished in jail, but she possessed an amazing loyalty to her employer.

“Ritz, you remember Dave’s family.” Regan reintroduced all of us to her boss.

He latched on to my mother’s hands. “Regan has told me about your son’s difficulties. Please let me know if I can do anything to help. The police here are not so experienced in the murder cases. I’m sure it is a big mistake.”

Mother gently released her hands from his grasp. “Thank you. I appreciate your offer. This has been a trying vacation. First Regan was in custody and now Dave.”

Ritz smiled at my sister-in-law. “I’m most relieved to have Regan back here at Koffee Land. She is the backbone of our enterprise.”

Regan’s face glowed with the compliment. The owner had definitely mastered the art of positive reinforcement.

“In the brief time that I met her, Keiki seemed like a nice girl,” Stan said, “but she’s been kind of a vacation wrecker.”

I could see Regan mouthing the words “home wrecker” under her breath.

“Ah yes, the young victim. Such a tragedy,” Ritz replied.

“Did you know her?” I asked.

He nodded. “She stopped by on occasion to see her stepfather. Keiki seemed to be a source of much frustration to Victor and his wife. A beautiful but confused young woman, I would say. She made Henry crazy, too. Have you met her brother-in-law?”

“Yes, we’ve met both Walea and Henry. How did Keiki upset him?”

“Henry mentioned she had a drug problem, but I don’t know the details. I know he was nervous when she was selected as one of the contestants for the reality show. I think he was afraid she might do something to embarrass the family.”

“Keiki was supposed to be on
The Bride and the Bachelor?
” I asked.

“Such a tragedy to have her young life cut short,” Ritz said. “This show might have been the impetus to turn her life around. But moving on to happier topics, have you had the opportunity to explore our beautiful island?”

“We’re going on an ATV tour in the Waipi’o Valley tomorrow,” I said.

“Ah, the Valley of the Kings. Waipi’o is indeed a special place. Make sure you don’t miss the view from the rim.” Ritz glanced at his watch. “I’m sorry. I have a meeting in Hilo. Again, please let me know if I can be of service.” We thanked him and he headed out of the center.

“Have you heard from Dave or his attorney?” I asked Regan.

“Not yet. But it’s probably too soon.” Regan chewed on her thumbnail. “I need to get back to work. Can I get you anything else?”

Mother looked ready to burst in tears. “This waiting is killing me.”

“Could we walk around the grounds?” I asked, hoping that might calm my mother while we waited to hear from the lawyer.

Regan looked relieved to get rid of us. “Sure, just don’t disturb the TV crew. They have something going on with the contestants over in the pavilion.”

We said goodbye to Regan and Tiffany then walked out of the center. A series of gold arrows pointed to various locations on the property, all of which seemed to lead in the same direction. Even without the arrows, we would have been able to locate the TV crew from the noise.

“Your sister-in-law seems to place far more importance on her career than her husband,” Mother confided as we walked side by side down the graded path.