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“Have him do some digging on Makai Kealoha.”
“Any relation to the client?” Hawk asked.
“He’s her cousin,” Teller responded.
“Could be some jealousy over inheritance involved,” Angel explained. “Also, look for a broker named Peter Brentwood. Find out who he represents. He’s been badgering Ms. Kealoha to sell her property in Lahaina. Then have Swede look up Buddy Akina, a Maui resident who’s been actively campaigning against the return of tourism to the island.”
“I’ll pass these names on to Swede,” Hawk said. “Again, if you need anything, I can get people or equipment to you ASAP.”
“Thanks,” Angel said. “Each of us has a handgun should we need a firearm. If we need more, I’ll take you up on delivering some things. For now, we’re all right.”
“Okay, then,” Hawk nodded. “Welcome to the Brotherhood Protectors.”
CHAPTER6
Leilani had stoodwith her back against the door long after she’d closed it, straining to hear the sound of his knock, hoping he’d come after her to claim the kiss he’d lost to a child’s nightmare. When he didn’t knock, she kicked herself for running away instead of initiating a kiss he could return.
She’d gone to bed frustrated at first. But after reminding herself of how wonderful it had been to share a meal with the man and then dance in his arms under the stars, she closed her eyes with a smile.
Not long after she fell asleep, she dreamed of lifting a paintbrush and touching it to the canvas she’d been painting for the governor’s mansion. It was so close to being finished she didn’t want to stop until it was done.
A clock ticked loudly on the wall, and shouts sounded in the street, drawing her to the window. When she looked out, the bright blue Maui sky was gone. In its place were black, billowing clouds of smoke.
Olina called out from downstairs in the gallery, “Lani, we have to go.”
“I can’t leave until I finish the painting,” Leilani said.
“We have to save the children,” Olina shouted. “Help me.”
“But—” Leilani stared at the most beautiful painting she’d ever created. Deep in her heart, she knew she’d never paint anything quite as perfect again. How could she leave it?
“Please,” Olina begged. “My babies need you.”
Leilani picked up the painting and threw it out the window. It burst into flames before it hit the ground and was carried off in the wind, one giant, burning ember, landing on the roof of the next building. The one that Windsong Tours operated out of. Immediately, the entire roof exploded in flames.
Leilani ran down the stairs and out into the street. Olina was there with her three children. Mamo held Noa; Palili held her mother’s hand. They followed others trudging along Front Street.
“Where are you going?” Leilani yelled.
“We have to get out of town,” a police officer said as he walked by. “Must evacuate.”
“But you’re heading into the firestorm,” Leilani said. “Stop them.”
“Must evacuate,” the officer said, his face already gray with ash.
“No!” Leilani cried. “Don’t go that way. Head for the water.”
Olina and the kids didn’t listen or couldn’t hear her screaming. They kept walking like zombies, vacant-eyed, disappearing into the black cloud of smoke.
Leilani ran after them, scooped Palili up in her arms, took Mamo’s hand and dragged her toward the harbor. “Olina! Get to the water!” she cried over her shoulder.
Leilani dragged the children toward the harbor, her feet moving as if anchored in quicksand. When she finally reached the water, she pushed the kids in and told Palili to hold onto her sister’s hand. “I’m going back for your mother.”
Leilani raced into the smoke, eyes and lungs burning. She couldn’t see any more than a foot in front of her. Holding her arms out, she felt her way, praying she was heading in the right direction. When she finally bumped into someone, she sobbed with relief. It was Olina.
“I can’t find my kids,” Olina said, tears streaming down her face. “I can’t save them.”
“They’re in the water,” Leilani said. “Come with me. I’ll take you to them.”
