Murder at the Luau Read online

  Murder at the Luau

  A Pet Portraits Cozy Mystery

  Book #10

  Sandi Scott

  Copyright © 2019 Sandi Scott and Gratice Press

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at [email protected]

  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction

  Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  Dedication

  To My Darling Bailey,

  Without you being a source of constant joy and amusement as well as my best friend when times have been tough, I want to thank you for being a big part of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing. I love you my little man️.

  Love Your Human, Cheryl

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Letter from the Author

  About the Book Cover

  PREVIEW: Murder at the Wizard-Hero Con

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  PREVIEW: Cream Puff Murder

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  RECIPES

  Luau Bread

  Haupia

  Pineapple Coconut Cupcakes

  Crazy Smoothie Cocktail

  MORE BOOKS BY SANDI SCOTT

  Chapter 1

  “I asked you if you packed some gum.” The male voice in the seat behind Georgie muttered.

  “I thought I did,” his female companion replied.

  “Well, did you or didn’t you?”

  “Jeez, it’s not a federal case, Herb. It’s gum.”

  “Dottie, I specifically asked you if you packed gum. You said, yes. Now, I need a piece of gum and you don’t have it. So you lied.”

  “Here. Have a cough drop.”

  “How is a cough drop going to open my ears up? Only gum will do that,” Herb continued.

  Georgie Kaye, who had been engrossed in a gory true-crime story, looked at her sister Aleta sitting next to her. The couple behind them on the eight-hour flight from Chicago to Hawaii had been bickering on and off the entire trip.

  “I’d offer him a piece myself but I accidentally stuffed it in the bag in the overhead compartment,” Aleta whispered. “It’s not worth pulling all that down.”

  “No,” Georgie shook her head and frowned.

  “Dottie, where is my pen?”

  “I don’t know, Herb. Did you check your pockets?”

  “It’s an ink pen. I wouldn’t put it in my pocket. The pressure would make it explode,” Herb snapped.

  “Maybe you did it out of habit,” Dottie offered.

  Georgie couldn’t understand why she even bothered offering solutions when it was obvious Herb wouldn’t listen. However, as she listened to the two arguing, Dottie’s laughter indicated she had achieved one point on her side.

  “Oh, you wouldn’t put it in your pocket? And where was your pen? In your pocket.” It was a small victory being savored by a woman who, like her partner, didn’t know when to stop.

  “You didn’t find that pack of gum, did you?” Herb spat back.

  “Here you go, pal.” The man sitting across the aisle from Georgie stood up and extended his hand to Herb. He was offering him a stick of gum. Herb took it, mumbling a thank you.

  “Ladies?” He looked at Georgie and Aleta with a smirk, holding out the pack of gum. “I brought enough for everyone.”

  Georgie smiled, said thank you and took a stick. Aleta did the same. It was hard to say no to the man. He was an older gentleman who looked like a drill sergeant, with a gray crew-cut and intense blue eyes. His shoulders were broad and it was obvious by his bulging biceps that he still worked out.

  “Have you ever been to Hawaii?” Mr. Drill Sergeant asked Georgie, after he pocketed his gum and took his seat.

  “No. This is a gift from our children for our birthday,” Georgie replied. I’m Georgie Kaye. This is my twin sister, Aleta.” She reached her hand out to shake.

  “Norman Heidenkamp. This is my son, Luke.” Norman’s grip was firm but gentle. Luke waved from behind his father. He was just as big except his hair was dark. “My wife sent us away for a little male bonding.”

  “That was sweet of her.” Georgie chuckled.

  “Yeah. We just got back from a trip to Iceland. I think my wife likes being home alone with the dogs and eating ice cream in bed.”

  “You can’t begrudge her that,” Georgie joked. “Iceland. How was that?”

  “It was amazing. Except it was daylight for almost twenty-four hours a day. That was brutal. It took us about a month to recover from jetlag.”

  “Still, what an experience.” Georgie smiled warmly him. “I’ve heard Iceland has magnificent scenery, Norman.”

  “You’re part of the Midhostel Travel and Tours group, aren’t you?” Norman asked, still leaning across the aisle.

  “Yes, we are,” Georgie nodded. “Our kids thought it would be better and probably safer for us to travel with a group. Based on the itinerary, I thought it was a great idea.”

  “Yeah,” Norman replied. “Although, Midhostel sounds too aggressive to me. Like there is light-hostile, mid-hostile and then caveman-hostile. Scary.”

  “We’ve been called worse,” Aleta muttered, before going back to sleep.

  Norman laughed and eased back into his seat. “Since we’re travelling companions, feel free to call me Norm.”

  The rest of the trip was uneventful. Herb had his gum and was placated for the moment. Georgie nearly finished her book as Aleta slept. Norman and Luke played a game of cards.

  The stewardess made the announcement over the intercom, “Ladies and gentleman, the Captain is putting on the fasten seatbelts sign. Please return to your seats and...”

  Tuning out the familiar message, they began to stir. Finally, they were arriving in the Rainbow State.

  As the plane began its descent, a pocket of turbulence made Georgie gasp and drop her book. Norman stretched his long arm out to pick it up for her.

  “Hmmm, Tainted Honeymoon: A story of Deceit, Corruption and Murder.” He looked at Georgie, his right eyebrow arching. “Just a little light reading?”

  “I can’t help it. I love true crime stories,” Georgie smirked. “Aleta says I’m morbid.”

  “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’m a retired FBI agent. I saw my fair share of true crimes. Even caught the bad guy a time or two.” Norman winked as he held his chin up with pride.

  “Oh, no. He’s isn’t telling you stories about being in the FBI, is he?” Luke asked. “He’s like a dog getting his belly scratched. He’ll never get tired of it and pester you until you listen some more.”

  “Be quiet, boy,” Norman huffed over his shoulder. “He thinks because he’s in his twenties I won’t put him over my knee.”

  “I’ve got a son like that,” Georgie laughed. “Two actually.”
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  “Where are my glasses?” Herb was back at it. “Did you see my glasses? Don’t start stomping around as soon as the plane lands. If they fell on the floor I don’t want you to step on them.”

  “I won’t step on them,” Dottie replied.

  “Just stay in your seat,” Herb ordered.

  Georgie looked at Norman who eyeballed the couple and then let out a deep sigh.

  “They are with our group,” he muttered. “I’m going to strangle both of them by the time we get to the hotel. I just know it.”

  “I think you might have to stand in line. From the looks of our fellow travelers, they all have the same idea,” Georgie replied.

  After the sisters felt a few more belly flips, the plane approached the shockingly blue Pacific Ocean only to touch down on the runway seconds before impact. The tires rumbled on the solid ground giving the passengers the familiar feeling of driving. It was a complete contrast to the smooth sensation of being up in the air, but for many, including Aleta, it was a welcome sensation.

  The plane had left Chicago at six o’clock at night. They arrived on The Big Island at ten o’clock Hawaii time. Disembarking was a slow process, especially with Herb and Dottie continually bickering and ordering each other around. But as they all exited the plane into the airport, they were greeted by a row of Polynesian beauties wearing grass skirts and flowery blouses, each draped with dozens of flower leis.

  “Oh my,” Georgie gushed, as she stepped out lugging her giant carry-on purse. “Smell that?”

  “It’s wonderful,” Aleta inhaled deeply.

  “Aloha,” The locals said, smiling as they draped the flower necklaces around each passenger’s neck.

  “Aloha,” Georgie replied. “These smell so good,” she said, smiling at the woman who gave her the lei.

  The Midhostel group was corralled just inside the exit doors as other passengers left, heading toward the cab stand, the hotel shuttles, and airport garage.

  “Ladies and gentleman,” the tour guide employed by the Midhostel Travel and Tours group tried to get their attention. He was a young man named Daniel who had a slight southern twang. “If y’all could listen up for just a second.”

  Georgie and Aleta, saw that in addition to Norman and Luke, and Dottie and Herb, there were two couples in their late forties included in the group.

  “We’ve got a shuttle on the way to take us to the Halekulani Hotel. I just got a text from the driver saying they’ll be pulling up in about fifteen minutes. So, there is time for anyone who needs to use the bathroom, stop at the gift shop or grab a little snack. We’ll all meet at the southern exit in fifteen, ‘kay?” Daniel pointed down the corridor behind him and smiled pleasantly.

  People did as he suggested except for Dottie and Herb who marched over to stand at the doors marked ‘Southern Exit’ in order to be the first in line.

  Once everyone was back at the rendezvous point and the shuttle showed up, Daniel had one more piece of advice.

  “Okay, now when we get outside, everyone inhale deep.”

  “What did he say?” Luke said, looking at his dad.

  “I know it sounds weird but trust me. This is my third time to Hawaii and it shocks me every time.” Daniel’s eyes lit up.

  Georgie looked at Aleta and shrugged. But as soon as the sliding doors parted and everyone was outside in the fresh air they understood what Daniel was talking about.

  It was as if they had just stepped into a flower shop. The air was moist and smelled like flowers. Not just a subtle hint of flowers but like they’d buried their noses in a bouquet of cool, fresh orchids.

  “Wow.” Aleta breathed deeply. “How wonderful.”

  “I’m already relaxed. I think we will be moving here, Aleta,” Georgie said. “We’ll send for Bodhi and Freckles and find two matching straw huts next to each other to live in.”

  “What about the kids?” Aleta chuckled. “They’d never be able to visit.”

  “Your point?” Georgie quirked an eyebrow and smirked at her twin.

  The comment made Norman and Luke laugh as the group made their way to the shuttle. It was a compact black bus that held twelve people. The windows were tinted and the seats were the same black and gold checkered pattern as the logo for the Halekulani Hotel.

  Dottie and Herb did not listen to Daniel, who had asked that whoever got on first go to the back of the bus. Instead, they both plopped themselves down in the front seat where Daniel would have sat while giving the group a quick tour and a little history lesson.

  “Maybe they didn’t hear him,” Aleta whispered to her sister.

  “They heard him. They just ignored him,” Georgie said. “They just wanted to make sure we could all see them argue.”

  Daniel ended up standing awkwardly next to the bus driver, holding the microphone with its wire drooping between Dottie and Herb.

  By the time they arrived at the hotel, the entire bus had introduced themselves and learned a few things about each other. Daniel was full of entertaining stories about King Akahi Nui, Diamond Head, and the worldwide demand for orchids, all while making sure that each traveler had a small plastic glass of wine. All except Herb who let everyone know he was a recovering alcoholic. That didn’t seem to slow his wife down though. She enjoyed her glass of wine but didn’t share any information other than that she and Herb were nearing their twentieth wedding anniversary.

  The journey from the airport to the hotel was a little over half an hour. When the bus finally pulled up and everyone had their luggage they were treated to another awe-inspiring moment.

  The group strolled across white marble floors of the open-air lobby, gazing around in wonder. There were fresh flowers everywhere and a breath-taking ocean view across the from the check-in counter. The staff members present were beautiful Hawaiian natives, black haired, golden skinned and wearing flowery shirts, not unlike the folks at the airport.

  “Aloha,” they said, as the group approached the desk.

  Aleta, being the more the organized of the Kaye sisters, checked in, getting two keys, and two complimentary bottles of water.

  “I think we are all on the same floor,” Aleta said, as she handed Georgie a key.

  “I feel bad for whoever has to be next to Herb and Dottie,” Georgie said, as she watched Herb fussing with the clerk behind the counter.

  “I feel bad for his wife,” Aleta said, shaking her head.

  “He didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a perpetual jerk. She knew exactly what he was like when she said ‘I do’ if you ask me,” Georgie yawned.

  “Okay, Miss Grumpy-pants.”

  “I’m sorry. I am tired. Even though we were just sitting on the plane I still feel exhausted.” Georgie covered her mouth as she yawned again.

  “Well, Phil and Barbara are going to have a nightcap in the bar,” Aleta said.

  “You go ahead. I brought bail money,” Georgie shrugged as she yawned again.

  The entire group piled into one elevator with the exception of Herb and Dottie, since Herb was still haggling with the staff.

  Aleta was correct about everyone being on the same floor. But the only neighbors were Georgie and Aleta who were next door to Norman and his son. After bidding good night they slipped the key into the door lock, waited for the green light to blink, then turned the handle and stepped inside.

  Chapter 2

  “How lovely,” Aleta sighed. “It even smells like fresh flowers in here.”

  It was a simple room featuring two king sized beds with white on white comforters, curtains, carpet, and walls. The only splashes of color were the beautiful paintings of sea shells, orchids and sea turtles hanging on the walls.

  The bathroom had a tub with massage jets and a separate shower. Also, on the counter were two pink fizzy bath bombs with a note from the staff welcoming the Kaye sisters and their Midhostel friends to the Halekulani and wishing them an enjoyable stay.

  “I’ll be using one of these,” Georgie said, inhaling the sweet frag
rance of the bath bomb. “Aleta, call the kids and tell them we aren’t coming home. Just send the pets and we’ll be sure to call them on Christmas and Easter.”

  “I can’t believe we are actually in Hawaii,” Aleta mused. “It bears repeating. We’ve got some great kids. To think of us and send us on this trip really means a lot.”

  “I still can’t believe how exhausted I am,” Georgie yawned. “All I did was sit and read. Normally, I’m much more energetic.”

  “I don’t know how anyone could rest with Herb and Dottie at each other the entire trip. Although I did sleep through most of their bickering,” Aleta said, as she wheeled in her suitcase. “I was chatting with the other two couples in our group when you were in the gift shop and the four of them have travelled together before.”

  “That’s nice,” Georgie said, absently. “Hey, we have a balcony,” she said, as she wheeled her own suitcase to the other side of the room. “I think I’m going to take a bath then sit on the balcony. Care to order room service for some dessert and then hit the hay?”

  “I think I’m going to go exploring. I’ll find where the ice machine is, the ATM, the restaurant. You know, all the important stuff,” Aleta said, as she opened her suitcase and quickly started to put things away.

  “Okay, but don’t think you can bring any fire walking natives back to the hotel room,” Georgie teased. “Here, maybe you’d like to change your clothes.”

  Georgie pulled out of her suitcase a long, flower printed dress with a slit up the side and plunge down the front.

  “Where on earth did you get that? Fredrick’s of Hollywood?”

  “Of course not. Fredrick’s never had anything so nice.”

  “No thanks. I’ll just stay in what I’m wearing, thanks.” Aleta tugged at the hem of her button down blouse and smoothed the front of her navy blue pants.

  Once Aleta was off exploring, Georgie took a hot bath with the pink bath bomb and soaked for almost twenty minutes. When she got out she smelled just as good as the flower lei that she’d set on her nightstand. Without hesitating, she wrapped herself in one of the white terrycloth robes that was conveniently hanging on the back of the bathroom door and decided to sip her complimentary water out on the balcony. After wrapping her wet hair into a bright green turban she brought from home, Georgie pulled the sliding door open.