Even to this day, Sophia Brill, Hunters mother, kept tabs on the woman who should have been her daughter-in-law. Kiki didnt know how her mother put up with the Brill family.
Shaking off the unanswerable question, Kiki turned to Nik. My father will be calling you aboutsomething else. She didnt want to reveal anything more in front of Ryan.
Interest gleamed in Niks gaze. Ill look forward to hearing from him.
Glad he didnt press, she asked, Youll let us know if you find out who did this?
He nodded. Yes, as soon as I know, Ill let you know.
Good. She surveyed the mess. Not much to be done other than pick up the metal and sweep the paths and porch. The fertilizer wasnt going to hurt anything.
The phone rang. Kiki sprinted back inside.
Hello?
Its me. Hunter said. This McClain fellow is who he says.
Relief spread through her. At least Ryan wouldnt be trying to kill her. Thanks, Daddy.
Are you sure you wont come home?
Kiki closed her eyes. She missed her mother and father, but not the stress of not being good enough for the rest of the Brills. Why dont you and Mom come here?
You know we cant. The judge needs me here.
Of course. Kiki tried not to be bitter, but for her whole life, everything always revolved around the judge and what he needed. Tell Mom I love her.
I will, dear. Im also going to fax a photo of Tolar to the local police there and will send one to your e-mail. Promise me youll be careful.
Of course. Dont worry, nothing is going to happen to me.
I love you, Kiki. Hunters voice softened.
Kiki smiled. I love you, too, Daddy.
After they hung up, Kiki went to the front window of the house. Her gaze landed briefly on her island family as they still talked in the front yard, then her gaze moved on to where the forensic people were doing whatever they did at a crime scene.
A crime scene. Here on the farm.
The idea was so surreal, yet someone had blown up the fertilizer truck. Why? What could anyone possibly gain by doing such a thing?
She shook her head at the futileness of the question. Nik would uncover the truth. Shed trust him to do that.
She focused her gaze on the lush green fields of flowersthe striking bird-of-paradise, the rich reds of the ruellias and the pink ginger which she loved so muchthat extended all the way to the rugged cliffs that dropped to a beautiful cove below. The Pacific Oceans soothing song could be heard crashing against the shore. A slight trade wind sent the colorful blossoms dancing in a bright display of pinks, reds and whites. A sight that never failed to bring a smile to Kikis heart.
The years of hard work and love that each flower represented filled Kiki with a fierce determination. This farm was her heritage, her birthright, and she would do anything to protect it, no matter how much money was offered. She couldnt allow anyone to stand in her way.
Especially, not Ryan McClain.
The next morning, Ryan sat in a tall metal chair on the small lanai of his rented condo, contemplating his view of Keawakapus sandy beach. The churning surf beyond was breathtaking in the morning light. The happy sounds of children already enjoying the day drifted on the slight trade winds that didnt cool the already humid temperatures.
Closer in, the lush grassy lawn which stretched from the back entry of the building to meet the sandy beach was filling with people claiming their lawn chairs with towels and other fun-in-the sun paraphernalia. The oval-shaped pool with its beautiful rock waterfall looked inviting as people who preferred the less harsh water of the pool to the ocean began splashing around.
Last night before turning in for the night, Ryan had taken a swim in the pool and found the non-chlorinated, nonsalty water very refreshing. He could get used to this lifestyle. Back home in Boston, the leaves would be turning and the air temperature falling.
He didnt miss the cold. But since he had no intention of staying in Hawaii until it was summer again in Boston, hed just as soon take advantage of the warmth of the tropical island now.
A knock at the condo door brought him to his water-sandal-clad feet. Hed dressed in board shorts and a body-hugging shirt called a rashguard to keep both the sun and the rough sand from doing damage to his very underexposed skin. He tugged at the high collar as he approached the door.
Expecting to see Pano, he was pleasantly surprised to open the door and find Kiki on his doorstep, looking very lovely in her bright pink shorts, matching tank top and flip-flops with little white daisys attached to the straps. Once again her dark hair was gathered in a braid falling over one shoulder.
He grinned. Hi. This is unexpected. But nice.
She gave him a stiff smile. Pano called and asked if Id bring you out. He had to work on the other side of the island early this morning and will meet us there.
Great. Leaving the door open, he went to gather his belongings, including a small cooler filled with water bottles and snacks hed bought at the grocery store last night.
Youre prepared, Kiki said as he joined her in the hallway.
He shrugged. Always. Growing up, I never knew what my brothers were going to throw at me, so being prepared became a habit.
They rode the elevator in silence, but Ryan couldnt help but notice in the mirrored reflection of the walls how long and shapely Kikis legs were, or how defined the muscles in her arms were. She not only had a strong personality, but she was physically fit. He liked that about her.
Once outside the building, Kiki led him to a red Volkswagen Rabbit with the top down. Kiki climbed behind the wheel and put on a pair of sunglasses. Putting the cooler on the backseat next to another small cooler, Ryan climbed into the passenger seat. You came prepared, as well.
One side of her mouth quirked up. Always.
Ryan laughed and settled back to enjoy the ride. Kiki maneuvered the car through the Saturday-morning traffic of Kihei and soon they were buzzing along the Piilani Highway and past neighborhoods filled with older homes, past newer developments and stretches of undeveloped parcels of land dotted with swaying palms and other tropical flora. They seemed to be heading away from the coast and up a small incline.
What does Pano do that hed have to work so early?
He works for the state on a construction crew for the roads. Everyone complains when the work is done during high-traffic times.
Ah. Makes sense.
The terrain shifted as they headed back toward the coast. More condominium complexes with manicured lawns dotted one side of the road while the other side had big, fancy hotels with pristine landscaping. Ryan caught brief glimpses of the ocean beyond. Jogging paths and bicycle lanes were full of people.
The condos eventually gave way to a sprawling golf course and an upscale-looking shopping center. A place he would have to visit before returning home.
Then the road curved and narrowed to a more residential area. They passed makeshift roadside restaurants and a woman sitting under an umbrella with a large display of jewelry for sale.
Ryans gaze took in the rooflines of the houses along the ocean side of the road behind tall brick walls and formidable hedges. These are some big homes.
Most are second homes for mainlanders with money to burn, she said with just the slightest trace of bitterness.
Most are second homes for mainlanders with money to burn, she said with just the slightest trace of bitterness.
Did most islanders feel as though theyd been invaded by the wealthy mainlanders?
You know, if you sell the land, you and Tutu could afford a house like one of these, right on the beach, he stated, not sure Kiki would be the type to want to live in such an opulent place. She seemed quite content in the little run-down home of her ancestors.
What will it hurt for you and your grandmother to at least see the newest offer? And accept it, he hoped.
Her shoulders tensed. Nothing, I guess. But dont get your hopes up.
Why is the farm so important to you?
She glanced at him, her eyes imploring him to understand. Its home for me.
I thought you grew up in Pennsylvania?
I did. But the mainland has never felt like home.
There are morecomfortable places to live on the island.
The dark sunglasses obscured her eyes, but the quirk of her mouth showed her disdain. You dont get it. Youre a mainlander. The islands are more than just pretty beaches.
But business is business whether in Boston, Philadelphia or Hawaii. Progress cant be stopped. And quality of life has to be a factor in the decision process.
She blew out a frustrated breath. I can turn the farm around. I just need time.
Time isnt your friend here, Kiki. The investors are getting anxious. If they cant get what they want here, theyll move on and the offer will be rescinded.
Her chin jutted out in a stubborn gesture that reminded him of his sister when shed set her mind to something. Then thats just too bad.
There was no point in arguing with her at this point. Lana Kaapa would be the deciding factor. Hed have to wait until she looked at the proposal before he really got down to the business of convincing the women of Kaapa Flower Farm to sell.
And, yes, he would convince them to sell. He was known for closing the dealthat was why Horatio Lewis had hired him. Ryan would do what it took to make the sale go through; his reputation was on the line.
Will you at least look at the offer?
For a moment he didnt think shed answer. Finally she said, Yes.
Thank you.
Her only response was a tightening of her lips. Ryan decided not to push right now. He had to gain her trust before he pressed her to give in to his way of thinking.
The road narrowed even more and then Kiki turned on to a dirt road. The convertible bounced along until Ryan thought his teeth would rattle out of his mouth. Kiki brought the car to a halt next to Panos yellow Jeep. After the cloud of dust cleared, Ryan noted there were several he-man type vehicles parked in the makeshift parking lot.
He and Kiki made their way through tall grass and swaying palms to a wide expanse of white sandy beach and blue-green waves. Overhead, white puffy clouds formed interesting shapes in the stunning blue sky.
Kiki kicked off her shoes and left them where they landed, heading toward a group of six people clustered on the beach. Ryan left his sandals on, the soft sand sinking with each step as he followed Kiki.
Hey, cousin, thanks for picking up the Haole, Pano called as they approached. He wore a short-sleeved, knee-length body-hugging yellow wet suit. It made a statement, like his Jeep.
Two of the men and one of the women wore the same sort of neoprene gear, only in more subdued black or blue. Ryan shook hands with Pano, his girlfriend, Carol, and the others as Pano introduced his coworkers and their girlfriends.
Ryan was careful to keep his eye contact, which could be mistaken as a sign of aggression, to a minimum so as not to breach the cultural barrier. He didnt want any trouble with these men or the women, who giggled as they were introduced.
Pano picked up a black wet suit from a pile of towels resting on a boulder. Here. He held it out to Ryan. Youll need to wear this.
Okay. Ryan set his belongings down and took the suit. Conscious of all eyes watching him, he stepped into the clinging, stiff material.
Pano clapped him on the back as some of the others, ready to surf, headed to the water. Come on, haumana. Lets rock and roll.
Im ready. Whats haumana? He hoped it didnt mean shark bait.
Pano grinned, his white, even teeth gleaming in the warm sunlight. Student.
Ryan saluted Kiki before she turned away to talk with the two women whod not gone in the water. Ryan jogged down to the waters edge where the surf turned over with a tremendous amount of force.
He hoped he didnt drown, or worse yet, make a fool of himself in front of Kiki. She already had held him in enough disdain without adding some embarrassing mishap to his credit.
He was going to drown.
It was all Kiki could do not to run into the water and grab Ryan by the back of his wet suit and drag his sorry hide out of the water.
Why hadnt he said he wasnt a strong swimmer?
She winced as the surf rolled him over and pounded him into the sand. He gamely wobbled back to his feet, listened intently to Panos instructions and headed back out.
The man really had a determined spirit about him that Kiki admired. And feared. If he put this much energy and tenacity into trying to convince her and Tutu to sell, Kiki wasnt sure he wouldnt wear her down.
But she had to stay strong. Her future depended on it.
On the blanket next to Kiki, Ginger Tao yelled as she posed her bikini-clad body to advantage, Good job, Ryan. Keep at it, youll get it.
Kiki shot Ginger a sidelong glance and resisted the urge to clamp a hand over Gingers mouth to stop her encouragement. Ryan needed to get out of the water before he got hurt, not be egged on to keep beating himself up in the waves.
Ginger shielded her eyes with a hand over her brow. Hes single, right?
I dont know, Kiki answered, willing the spurt ofof somethingthat she didnt want to feel to die a quick death.
I hope he is, remarked Carol Gagtan as she lifted her thick brown hair off her neck.
Kiki snorted. What about Pano?
Carol shrugged, clearly not as committed to Kikis cousin as Pano thought. Do either of you have a scrunchie?
In my car, Kiki said, and rose. Ill go grab one for you.
It beat watching Ryan torture himself in the surf. She personally had never understood the allure of bodysurfing. Board surfing, yeah. It was a rush. That she liked. Be back in a second.
When she reached her car, she went to the passenger side to open the glove box where she kept extra hair bands. A white envelope lay on the drivers seat. What was this?
There was no writing on the outside. She flipped the envelope over. It hadnt been sealed. Curious, she lifted the flap. A folded sheet of paper was inside. Using her fingernails, she pulled the paper out and unfolded it.
She blinked in surprise. In letters cut from what looked like a newspaper or magazine was a message.
You sell farm or you regret.
Kiki sucked in a sharp breath and jerked her gaze up to scan the parking area. There were no new cars parked in the lot. No one visibly lurked around.
Someone must have followed her here and waited until shed gone to the beach to leave the note. Unlessunless Ryan left the envelope on the seat when he got out and was going to pretend the threat was from someone else.