Torch Ginger (32 page)
Authors: Toby Neal
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, #Police Procedurals, #Women Sleuths, #Mystery, #Hawaii
“Tell me about Cal Haddock. No one’s told me much about the case since I shot him.” Lei shouldn’t be asking, but she couldn’t help it.
“He wouldn’t say much. He’d come in, bring me water, empty the slop bucket. I tried to get him to talk to me, see me as a person, but he hardly wanted to look at me. I made a run for it one time.” Jay rubbed his head ruefully. “He was pretty quick, took me down and dragged me back in. No water for two days, no light, and this.” He turned his head so Lei could see the lobe of his ear was gone, a scab marking its location. “That was my punishment.”
“Unbelievable,” Lei said. “It’s amazing you’re sane.”
“Thinking of Kelly. That’s what kept me sane.” Jay kissed the girl’s hand, looking into Kelly’s changeable brown eyes. “I found what I was looking for when I went on my walkabout—and she was right in front of me the whole time. I’m just lucky enough to have a second chance. Thank you, Detective, for that.”
“You’re welcome,” Lei murmured. The young couple barely noticed as she slipped out.
Lei pulled in to the Health Guardian on her way home. The store enfolded her with now-familiar scents, and she pushed aside the clashing curtain of beads to look into the back office.
“Jazz?”
Jazz Haddock looked up from his desk. His chambray eyes were sunk deep in folds of shadow, his mouth a pursed line. “What are you doing here?”
“I probably shouldn’t be talking to you.” Lei closed the inner door, sat down on the couch, rubbed the black stone as she looked at him. “But I had to. Are they done interviewing?”
“Those FBI assholes all but stuck bamboo shoots under my fingernails, but I couldn’t tell them what I didn’t know.”
“That it was your brother. I know.”
“And you shot him.”
“I had to. He was going to kill us, kill Bennett, if I didn’t. I’m sorry it went down that way, believe me.”
He put his head back against the seat, closed his eyes. She noticed he hadn’t braided his long gray hair, and it straggled over his shoulders.
“He went off the deep end after our mother and sister died—had a schizophrenic break. I brought him here to heal, thought he’d find peace in manual labor out in nature. Took him to TruthWay to help him find some spiritual comfort. Can’t believe it all ended this way.”
“Did you ever suspect?”
“I knew he wasn’t well. I knew he wasn’t taking his meds. What I can’t forgive myself for is the stones—I should have put it together. Jasper. Chalcedony. Opal.” He hung his head into his hands. “I think on some level he wanted me to figure it out and stop him. But I never did. I won’t tell anyone but you, but I think on some level I must have known. That’s why I made the binder.”
“It’s over now,” Lei said. There was nothing else to say. “The binder really helped solidify the investigation. You tried.”
“I tried. It wasn’t enough. Too many died.” They sat in silence for a long moment.
“I wanted to say—it was good working with you. Might stop by for a smoothie now and again. Wanted you to know . . . I’m sorry.” Lei stood up.
“I know you are. Me too.” He lifted his head and his chambray eyes were shadowed with sorrow. “See you around, Lei.”
Stevens sat beside her on the top step of her back porch in nothing but his boxers. They sipped morning coffee and watched the river. Keiki wriggled on her back in the grass, flailing her paws and grunting with the joy of a good roll. Lei leaned her head on Stevens’s shoulder.
“It’s nice to see that robe again. I’m rather fond of it.” His hand reached into the collar, rubbed her bare neck.
“I love you, you know.”
“You keep saying that.”
“I keep meaning it. But you haven’t said it back.”
“And I won’t.”
“Why?”
“You know why—it makes you freak. So I’ll just do crazy shit like this.” He held out his right arm. The inner muscle of his forearm was tattooed with a tiny purple heart encircling
Lei
. They’d been too busy doing other things for her to notice it.
“Oh my God. A purple heart.” She laughed. “When did you do that? You must’ve been drunk.”
“As a skunk. I was crying in my beer the day I saw those roses, and J-Boy hauled me down to the tattoo guy before I knew what hit me. He’s been trying to get us back together.”
“I’ll have to get him back. Give Anuhea his home address or something.”
“Or something.”
“You know, Marcella asked me to apply for the Bureau.”
“Aw, shit. Wonder what kind of work they have in Quantico for aging detectives like me.”
Lei punched him in the arm. She was distracted by the purple heart again.
“Cutest little tattoo I’ve ever seen. We’re not going anywhere. It’s ridiculous.” She traced the heart with her forefinger.
“I may add more as necessary—but don’t worry, I won’t tell you I love you.”
“Cross your heart.” She traced an X over the tiny tattoo.
“I won’t ask you to marry me either.”
“Excellent.” She kissed the little tattoo, trailed more kisses up the bulge of his biceps and along his collarbone as she climbed into his lap. His arms wrapped around her and his voice was rough in her ear.
“You know, promises are made to be broken.”
Acknowlegements
I grew up on Kaua`i, and it was a special joy and treat to write about my hometown, Hanalei, where I enjoyed many of the things Lei does and more—surfing, sailing, diving, paddling, and jogging on the beach at Hanalei Bay. In developing Torch Ginger, I made a list of some of my favorite places (such as the Blue Cave) and figured out how to work them into the story. Many of the things that seem far-fetched, like the annual flooding, are true in fact.
That said, a lot of other things are made up. I stayed away from some actual buildings/addresses, instead inventing them entirely—such as the Kapa`a Police Station (which in real life is a sort of kiosk at the beach park.) The estate Mac owns, while based in looks on the Wilcox spread in Hanalei, is imaginary—as is the heiau on the plateau. And while there is a beautiful Princeville Hotel, it DOES NOT have an underwater bar with a disco ball (perhaps they should consider it on their next remodel!)
Special thanks to two women knowledgeable about Hawaiiana who read the manuscript to help me avoid glaring mistakes in the cultural practices mentioned in the book: teacher Josalind Akoi and Hawaiian Immersion teacher Leina`ala Kenolio Vedder both read the manuscript and gave me feedback on language, the character of Esther Ka`awai (entirely fictional, but based on my experience of certain powerful women imbued with mana`o) and other aspects. I apologize in advance for any mistakes—I meant no disrespect. My intention with the Lei Crime Series has been to educate a wider audience about Hawaii (and its culture) through an entertaining read.
I continue to thank my detective reader Jay Allen, without whose law enforcement tips Lei would be lost, and beta readers Linda Lafragiola, Bonny Ponting, Julie Wallace, Noelle Pierce and Holly Robinson. You guys helped me rein in the galloping story, and my amazing editor Kristen Weber helped me forge it into a sequel worthy to follow Blood Orchids.
I also want to acknowledge Dr. Rex Couch, retired Medical Examiner for Kaua`i. Until his death, Dr. Couch provided valuable feedback on the bodies in my books. Dear Dr. Rex, you will always be missed.
I also want to thank my awesome agent, Richard Parks. Even though we didn’t find a deal we’d accept for this book, I want to thank you for your herculean efforts, your support, and your gracious, kind, and frequent communication. I have a true advocate in you in the publishing world, and I’m so grateful.
Thanks also to my artist husband Mike Neal, who did the cover photo and continues to believe in me—putting up with my mood swings, obsessions and wild flights of ideas—and while not a writer (or a reader, LOL!) you are a true creative partner and I love how our projects spark each other.
Ever and always, thanks be to God—who deserves all the glory. Only You could create a place as amazing as Kaua`i.
About the Author
Toby Neal was raised on Kaua`i in Hawaii. She wrote and illustrated her first story at age 5. After initially majoring in journalism, she settled on mental health as a career and loves her work, saying, “I’m endlessly fascinated with people’s stories.” Toby credits her counseling background in adding depth to her characters–from the villains to Lei Texeira, the courageous multicultural heroine of the Lei Crime Series.
Find Toby online at:
Look For These Titles
In the Lei Crime Series
Blood Orchids
Torch Ginger
Black Jasmine
Broken Ferns
Companion Series Books:
Stolen in Paradise (a Marcella Scott Novel)
Twisted in Paradise (a Dr. Wilson Novel)
Young Adult:
Beosith
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