Haole Wood (27 page)

“A folded or unfolded napkin would not stand up in court as evidence for murder,” Detective Morgan said.

“I know. But it’s another major clue that my grandmother did not do this. Go ahead, give her tea, give her food, give her napkins, a basket of towels. She’ll fold them all up, each and every time, the exact same way. She wouldn’t be so sloppy. I just happened to notice that Lois twists her napkins just like the towel was twisted in the photo of Mike Hokama’s crime scene.”

“First things first. Lois, do you want to press charges against Jaswinder for breaking in?”

I couldn’t believe it. I shouldn’t have done it, it was stupid and dangerous, but someone had to do some detective work around here.

Lois squinted at me. “I guess not, seeing how she’s my boss and all. Right?”

I nodded, wondering if I would ever be able to work with Lois again.

“Jaswinder.” Detective Morgan said, “Why don’t you get going?”

“But, don’t you want to interrogate her?”

“Jaswinder. Trust us. Go.”

“Sorry, Lois,” I mumbled, heading out the door.

“Wait. Haole Wood. Take Shayna with you, would you?”

“Ma?”

“Since you missed your piano lessons go see if the Mary’s need any help finishing up. Go on.”

Shayna followed me.

The drive back to Halmoni’s was quiet. Shayna’s cheek was pressed on the window and I pretended not to see her tears. I had no idea what the police would or would not ask Lois. O’Boyle called me a little while later and said grandmother’s arraignment was postponed while the court reviewed new information. I guess the detectives had called in. I was so happy for my grandmother, I could have cried. My stomach just hadn’t gotten the news yet.

An afternoon downpour manifested what we all felt. Shayna didn’t say a word to me the rest of the day and ended up going home with the Mary’s.

I kept busy returning phone calls and emails and worked on a production schedule to try to keep up with orders. If I could get more workers, we could do even more business. I felt bad about Lois, but I was also pissed. She was a natural born leader, and had been a godsend. I didn’t know what was going to happen if Lois was arrested. In my heart, I knew she was guilty. I threw down my papers.

The call came in around eight o’clock that evening. “Halmoni,” I hollered for her. I found her in the kitchen. “Lois has just been arrested for the murder of Mike Hokama.” I hugged her. I was so relieved. “You’re free and clear. All charges against you have been dropped. I just got off the phone with O’Boyle. The police questioned Lois and she admitted that she was there at Mike’s house, after you already left. He owed her money that she needed for Shayna’s school tuition. She says she made him some tea, and most likely did use the towel to wipe up and probably did twist it, to wring it dry. She says she doesn’t really remember. She says she didn’t kill him, but the police think she did.”

I waited for my grandmother’s slow smile.

“Not that,” she said, shaking her head.

“What? You don’t think Lois did it? I know, I find it hard to believe, too, but you’re free. I feel so bad for Shayna. And our business. I don’t know what we’ll do.” I leaned against the kitchen counter. In a real company, Lois could have been the CEO and operations manager. “We’ll get through this, Halmoni. You’re free. That’s the most important thing.” I waited for Halmoni to make me a cup of tea, but instead, she went to her bedroom.

I thought I’d be on top of the world.

I called Jac first thing in the morning, but he already heard.

“I was just going to call,” he said. “Lois’s arrest is all over the island. I just can’t believe it. Congratulations to you and your grandmother. How is she doing?”

“I guess good. I can understand how she feels. We’re both relieved she’s free and clear, but it is so sad about Lois. I’m really worried about Shayna.”

“What happened?” Jac asked.

“Hang on,” I told him, turning the TV up. “They’re doing a story.”

A gorgeous Hawaiian reporter wearing a teal, sleeveless sundress clung to her microphone in front Mike Hokama’s house. Bitch stole my look. “Police say the suspect admitted she had been with Mike Hokama, but denies giving him kukui nut oil, which is what the coroner says is the cause of death,” she reported. “Sources say the fact that she initially lied about being at the scene looks suspicious. As Detective Imada from the Maui PD explains, the suspect returned to the victim’s house later that same evening, demanding money he owed her.” The report cut to an interview with Detective Imada, sweating and looking very uncomfortable.

“The suspect claims she surprised the victim at his house around nine o’clock, while he worked on his computer. They had a confrontation, in which eventually Mr. Hokama gave the suspect two hundred dollars in cash that she said he owed her. She said that while the victim appeared distracted, he was physically doing well and they parted on good terms.”

The story cut back to the reporter. “We’ll keep you up to date as details are revealed. For KHON2 TV News, this is Anela Higuchi reporting.” I clicked the TV off.

“Wow,” I said to Jac. “Did you hear that? That timing would have been after he left me at the bar, and after he got that phone call. The police said the call was from the tourist who bought my sunshminas, Diane Clary. She says they were working up figures on some contract for their real estate deal.”

“Yes,” Jac said. “But, it doesn’t really sound like the police have a strong case against Lois, either,” Jac said.

“I agree,” I said. “O’Boyle told me that Lois did know how to use most of the herbs, and, also said she knew Mike had gotten really sick as a little kid from kukui nut oil.”

“Hmm.” Jac said. “So, Lois left . . .”

“Yes,” I said. “O’Boyle said the police think she gave him something with kukui nut oil either on accident, or on purpose.”

“But why would she kill him?” Jac asked.

“Who knows? O’Boyle is representing her, since he knows this case.”

“And he’s doing it pro bono, too,” Jack interrupted me.

“That’s so great of him,” I said. I wasn’t even that surprised. He was one of the good guys. “I do wish Lois well, especially for Shayna’s sake.”

“Jaswinder. Do you think she did it?”

“I don’t know what to think, Jac. I wish I could be a bigger person, but I am so glad my grandmother is clear. I’m sure she is too, but she’s pretty unhappy about Lois’s arrest. It is a hollow victory. That’s my other line, I better go.”

“Take care of yourself. I’ll call you tonight.”

“I’d love that.” Love, love, love that.

I clicked my phone over to talk to the last person I ever expected to call me. “Lana?”

“Hello, Jaswinder. Congratulations. Please tell your grandmother how happy I am for her. Too bad about Lois,” she purred.

“There really are no secrets on this island, are there?”

“Not really,” Lana said. “And congratulations on your little clothing line. I hear good things are happening.”

“Thank you,” I said, wondering why Lana was calling me. Was she trying to get info about me and Jac? I hear that, honey. I cannot imagine what he is doing with me after dating you, either.

“Listen,” Lana interrupted my thoughts. “With Lois out of the picture right now, I know some women who could help you out if you are looking for seamstresses.”

I am always such a Negative Nelly. “Lana, that would be great. I have been wondering where I could get a few more people. You called at the perfect time. Thank you so much, you are a lifesaver.”

“My pleasure. I hear you have been very busy.”

“It’s a good sign that we can use extra help,” I said. “We cleaned out my grandmother’s garage and are using it as our new workspace. It’s rustic, but really pretty. You should stop by and see it sometime. I think even my grandmother approves.”

Lana laughed. “Thank you, Jaswinder. I appreciate the invitation. I could swing by tomorrow with a couple of my aunties, if that works for you.”

“Sure. Great.” I couldn’t believe my luck. I had been worrying about completing the latest batch of orders. Lana and I got off on the wrong foot, she misjudged me, but maybe I misjudged her, too. In any event, I would have accepted help from Satan’s foot soldiers if they could sew a straight seam. Sorry, guardian angel.

True to her word, Lovely Lana showed up the next day with two Hawaiian women who knew the Marys and Maria. Lana so admired our renovated workspace in the garage, and was so charming about my new business I felt pretty shady for not liking her just because she was drop dead gorgeous.

“Thanks, Lana,” I told her. “It’s nice that you brought your aunties. And thanks for being so positive about Haole Wood. I’ve got a confession though.”

“What?” Lana wrinkled her impossibly small nose that I used to wonder how exactly she got enough oxygen to breathe.

“You’re always so perfect, I was intimidated by you.”

She laughed. “Jaswinder. In Hawaii, we have a saying, ‘
A ‘ohe kanaka i ‘eha ‘ole I ke aloha.
That means ‘no one can escape feeling the pangs of love’—we all have to face our own hurts.”

I smiled. Like a cat sniffing out the intentions of a stranger, I began to like Lana.

Halmoni bustled around, happy to see Lana. She made us tea while I explained how the business was doing. “We’ve ordered more fabric and we have a ton of orders coming in on the internet. We’re trying to keep it all as simple as we can. Halmoni helps me with packing and mailing, and of course, mixing the kukui nut oil concoction.”

“I’m really impressed.”

“I do have a favor to ask you, though, Lana.”

“What’s that?”

“KHNL, Channel 8, wants to do a story on the sunshminas and you’d be a great part of the story. Even Maui’s favorite girl, Lana Ho, wears the sunshmina. You know? Something like that?”

“I’d love to, it would be my pleasure,” Lana said. “When are they doing the story?”

“In a few days. I’ll let you know.”

“Great. I won’t be lying, you know. I really do love my sunshmina.”

“Thanks. We’re pretty excited.”

I was, too. I jumped out of bed every morning, ready to tackle the computer orders, do my PR with the customers, and make sure the production line was rolling along. The only fly in the ointment was the shadow cast by Lois, and my worry about her and Shayna.

Lana nodded and looked at me through her impossibly long thick black eyelashes. “Haven’t you forgotten something?”

“What?”

“Dr. Jac?” Lana teased. “How is Jac these days? I haven’t seen him lately, but I hear you have.” Lana laughed at my blush.

“Dang my haole skin,” I said. “He’s good. He really is a great guy.”

“Yes, he is. You do know we used to date?”

I nodded as the jealousy turtle twisted in my stomach. If she wanted him back I might as well say aloha right now.

“We make better friends than lovers,” she said. “He is a good guy, just not my type. He didn’t grow up here, so I think it’s hard for outsiders to understand our culture. I always felt I would end up with a Hawaiian.”

“What about Mike?” I asked softly. “I really am so sorry about everything that happened.”

“Mike. Where to begin?” Lana sipped her tea, her brown eyes misting with memories. “He was the most confident man I have ever known. He had plans to rule the world . . . well, at least Maui. Even though a lot of people thought he was pompous, the one thing they can’t deny is that he loved this island.” She shook her head, rippling her dark waves of hair.

“I really regret the bad times we had, the times we fought. We had some crazy arguments,
mokomoko
. Who knows? He could have been the one. It’s just such a shame.” Her face twisted.

Whoa, I would not want to cross Lana.

“I hate Lois for what she did,” she said.

“I know,” I said. “I just can’t figure out why she would have killed him. Maybe it was just an accident.”

Lana shook her head again. “I don’t think so. There are no accidents. Lois knew exactly what she was doing.”

“I’m not so sure.”

Lana leaned forward.

“Lois told me there are clues that may help prove someone was there after she left,” I told her.

Lana reached out and squeezed my hand. “Lois would say anything to pin it on someone else. What did they find?”

“I’m not supposed to say anything.”

Lana waited me out. She didn’t have to wait very long.

“Well, Lois couldn’t tell me much.” I promised Lois I wouldn’t tell anyone what they had found, but what could it hurt? I lowered my voice. “They found a crushed flower petal.”

Lana laughed. “Really? A flower petal. In Maui. The police are going to have to do better than that.”

I smiled with her. “That’s what I thought, but Lois said it didn’t seem to be from an orchid or lei or from any of the plants that grew at Mike’s place. They’re checking it out.” I needed to stop talking, but I couldn’t help myself. “They found a toe print on the flower petal.”

Lana stood up slowly. “How would the police even go about finding someone based on a toe print?”

“I have no idea. I keep picturing some sort of Cinderella sting.” I laughed. “Good thing we both have alibis, right?”

Lana’s face froze.

“I’m so sorry, Lana. I was just kidding. I say such stupid things. I didn’t mean anything by it.” Could I be more insensitive? “I didn’t mean to make light of Mike’s murder.” I kept talking, trying to charm my way back into her good graces. “I’m just glad it helps raise some questions in the case against Lois.”

“This all has been incredibly difficult,” Lana said. “You are a good friend. Keep me posted.”

“I will,” I said, grateful she was smiling at me again. “You know, talking about flowers, I just remembered something Mike said that night in the bar.”

“What?” Lana asked, tilting her head.

“Something about Maui’s flowers having thorns.” I shrugged. “We didn’t talk all that long, besides we were drinking. I doubt it means much of anything.”

“Hmm. You’re probably right. Mike was a huge flirt.” I felt so sad for Lana as she breathed a delicate sigh.