Veils and Vengeance Read online

  A second later, I realized why she was so angry. The Hyatt must have worked out a way for Malia and Kyle to hold their luau as originally scheduled. I nearly skipped to the security desk, but then remembered I was on my way to report her—I adjusted my facial features accordingly.

  A moment of weakness overcame me just as I reached the front desk. What if crazy lady wasn’t really crazy? The woman had already posed a formidable opponent if I examined what she’d made the resort staff do. I still didn’t know who she was or why it was so important for her to have the luau time on Saturday night, but my competitive nature and hard-nosed upbringing had me rising to the occasion. I didn’t care if the woman was Queen of Persia or some other great thing, I wasn’t backing down.

  First thing first. I had to find out who she was. I marched up to the front desk. “I need to speak with security. I’ve just been threatened.”

  The woman gasped. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” I assured her. “But I would like to report the incident because the woman seemed dangerous.”

  “I’ll get someone right away.” She reached for her phone, but a concierge—my new friend Chelsea, stopped her.

  “That won’t be necessary. I’ll handle this.” She turned to me with what I recognized immediately as a fake expression of apology. She inclined her head and relaxed the creases in her forehead, but her Adam’s apple thumped with nerves. “Adri, I apologize for Mrs. Harper’s behavior. She’s really harmless, but she does go to great lengths to get her way. Could you step over to my desk with me?”

  I tried to think of something smart to say, but I was too shocked to comment. She must have witnessed the entire exchange—pointing fingers and all. I couldn’t believe that she hadn’t interfered. Maybe she knew the woman was all bark, no bite. It was a hopeful thought that was extinguished as soon as I met Chelsea’s serious gaze.

  “I guess that Mrs. Harper has made you aware of her apparent need to have her company luau on Saturday night?”

  “And I’m grateful that you are honoring your commitment to my clients. Thank you.” I was totally bluffing, but when she sighed I knew that the schedule really was holding.

  She pulled out a few pieces of paper. “Here’s what we worked up, but Mrs. Harper is furious about this. She threw an absolute tantrum.” Her nose crinkled as if she smelled something unsavory. “But my manager told her she’d have to deal with it.”

  “Uh-yeah, apparently her way of dealing is a little different than most. She basically threatened me with my life if I didn’t let her have the luau time on Saturday night.”

  “Don’t let her get to you.” Chelsea straightened the page outlining the beach and the seating areas for the luau. “She’ll still have her party, but it will be a bit more crowded than she wanted.”

  I studied the diagrams and nodded. “Thank you. I hope you understand that this is also an inconvenience for my wedding party. We specifically booked a private luau and I’ll expect extra concessions on your part to make up for this.”

  “Of course. We’ve added a few of the specialty items to the buffet that you said were too expensive, we’ll provide leis for all the guests.” She ticked off imaginary items on her fingers. “We’re bringing in some extra fire dancers and we’ll have freshly chopped coconuts to drink available later in the evening.” She paused, waiting for my reaction.

  “I think those are some nice touches. I appreciate that.”

  “Good. I’ve been worried ever since Mrs. Harper’s tantrum. There is one other slight adjustment we’re working on.” She rubbed the palms of her hands on her dress pants.

  Noticing that the tension had suddenly increased, I glanced around us—no psycho woman in sight, so that meant— “Are you kidding? You’re not really asking me to change something else, are you?”

  Her forehead tightened. “It’s a small thing, really. The library—”

  “No. No way. Kyle has some of his friends coming over to play the gig.”

  “Please consider it. The overlap is only an hour. If you could possibly push it back one hour later. I’m so sorry for the inconvenience.”

  I tapped my foot. “This is beyond inconvenient.” Then I could see it. She’d already made the change in her mind and bowed to Mrs. Harper. For a second, I wanted to lash out. My temples throbbed with the heightened emotions, and I mentally stepped back from the situation. This was one place where we could budge.

  The original coordinator had asked that we start the evening’s events at seven and Malia thought it would be pushing it to be there on time. I knew this, but I wasn’t about to volunteer the info. If I didn’t put up a fight, Mrs. Harper would steamroll me, and Chelsea would buckle under the pressure.

  Flipping lightly through the pages of my planner, I double-checked the notes I’d made and saw the window of opportunity. I also saw the dream wish Malia had that all of the guests would enjoy the spa at the Hyatt during their stay—not just the ones who could afford it. Leaning back in my chair, I leveled a flinty gaze at Chelsea.

  “I want free spa services for the guests—give them a wedding package, and I might consider making an adjustment to our already adjusted contract.”

  She opened her mouth to speak, but closed it just as quickly. “We’ll do it.” She thrust a piece of paper into my hand. “Thank you. There shouldn’t be any other problems.”

  I glanced down at the paper as she walked away. It was a revised schedule for our wedding party and I was right—the time for the library reception had already been changed. I hoped I hadn’t given in too easily.

  The hair on the back of my neck tingled, and I turned around. I felt like someone had been watching me. A dozen people walked across the foyer—it could have been any of them. A Polynesian man glanced my way and passed between the pillars. I made eye contact again as he walked across the lobby. Something like a tremor moved through my body. Had he been watching me?

  I was about to go after him when I spotted Malia coming in the glass doors. Sending up a prayer of thanks for the bride with a sunny personality and remarkable forgiveness skills, I embraced her.

  “You look better this morning,” she said. “Maybe a bit flushed—something exciting going on?”

  “You could say that.” I motioned to a chair. “Can we sit for a minute?”

  Malia looked concerned, but eased into the chair, running a hand through her dark brown hair absently.

  “There are a few small changes to our wedding plans that have caused me a bit of stress, but it’s been handled, and I think you’ll be happy.” I pulled out my planner and began crossing out and scribbling notes as I filled her in on the crazy antics of Mrs. Harper.

  “She really threatened you?” Malia narrowed her eyes. “We need to file a formal complaint.”

  “What we need to do is find out who she is, because she has some kind of power over the people here. When I went to notify security, the concierge was there waiting to intercept me and advised me on another change of plans.”

  Malia listened patiently as I outlined the delay in the library reception and squealed when I told her about the finagling I did so her wish could come true. She clapped her hands and hugged me. “Adri, you are the absolute best. I’m sorry you’ve been stressed, but I hope you can enjoy the rest of your day.”

  Her eyes sparkled when she said that and warning bells went off momentarily, until I glanced at my checklist and remembered what I needed to do next. “I still haven’t received the file on the new logo design and templates from Neil’s company that I’m supposed to use on the napkins and stuff at the reception. Do you know anything about that?”

  “Jon and Neil went to the office to check on a few things. I guess Neil’s personal assistant, Charly, is missing and she has all the files on the new logo,” Malia said. “It might be a no-go if they don’t find her soon.”

  “What? I was planning on contacting her today to get the final prints.” Before my blood pressure could fully come down from the first incident,
this new information had it rising again. I hated the feeling of being out of control and at everyone else’s unorganized mercy.

  Malia shrugged. “Obviously I’m not going to cry real tears if the Tri-C company logo doesn’t show up for its V.I.P. seating at my wedding.” She rolled her eyes.

  “But your father-in-law is footing the bill for the luau so he might cry—or something.” That had been foremost on Neil’s requests for the wedding breakfast, and the bill was ginormous, so I couldn’t shrug it off as Malia had.

  “You already have the company lined up waiting to print the image, right?”

  “Yes, but—” I protested.

  “No, buts, you need to take a break.” Malia shook her head and smiled. “I don’t want you to worry about this. Jon said he would let us know as soon as they figure out what to do.”

  I gripped my planner and tried to keep my voice calm. “But if I don’t get it ordered they won’t be here in time.”

  “Call the company and tell them you’re going to need a rush order. Find out when the last possible minute is that you can send them the file.”

  “Good idea.”

  Her phone started playing a calypso tune and she answered it with a cheery, “Aloha!” She held up her finger and walked a few steps from me while she continued her conversation.

  I redirected my attention to the revised wedding schedule and amenities. A few minutes later, Malia returned and patted my hand. “Sorry about that.” She sat back down. “Now I want to say something. You’re in Hawaii. You’re an amazing wedding planner who is so organized that even these setbacks won’t throw you off track. I know everything will be okay.” Malia gave me a thumbs up.

  I sensed that she was working hard to keep up her usual cheerful nature. “Malia, you can be angry—I am.”

  She took a deep breath. “Nothing is going to interfere with the happiness that Kyle and I are celebrating. I decided that if something didn’t work out, it wasn’t meant to be.”

  I started to say something, but she held up her hand. “No, it’s my wedding. Now I know these things are stressing you out, and you can’t do anything about it right now, so I made some other plans for you.”

  “What? When?” Shaking my head, I eyed her phone. “That’s okay. I have plenty to keep me busy.” The ticker tape in my mind ran through all the items I needed to double-check before the wedding. Malia was right—this wedding had been planned down to the tiniest detail long before we ever boarded the flight—but I didn’t want to let go of those carefully laid plans for some company with a larger payroll than mine.

  “Adri, you aren’t listening to me,” Malia interrupted my thoughts. She took my hands and looked me in the eye. “You have two hours, maybe three tops, and then I want you to take a break for the rest of the day. We both know if you don’t, you’ll end up stewing all day over problems you can’t solve.”

  “Why can’t every bride be like you?” I asked, and sincerely meant it.

  Malia gave me a hug. “I know my wedding will be beautiful. Thank you for everything you’ve done.” She stood and pointed at me. “No ditching.”

  “How can I ditch if I don’t know what I’m ditching?”

  She laughed, but didn’t offer any more information. “Kyle and I are going on a sunset catamaran ride, so I probably won’t see you until tomorrow. Text me if you need anything.”

  “Have fun.” I waved. “Take a picture of a dolphin for me.”

  I walked back to my room, wondering what Malia had been scheming—maybe something with the hotel staff. Informing her about Mrs. Harper had gone well. I had a feeling it would, but I still had a bad taste in my mouth every time I thought of the well-pressed, ornery woman. There must be some way to find out who Mrs. Harper was planning her luau for, but so far no one had let that information slip. I had a few tricks up my sleeve when it came to sleuthing. Maybe I’d have to use them.

  Chapter 5

  VEGETARIAN ISLAND SANDWICHES

  Sliced red, yellow, and green peppers; bell, Anaheim, or banana peppers are a favorite

  Gouda cheese

  Mustard and mayonnaise if desired

  Garnish with alfalfa sprouts, baby spinach leaves, and sliced avocado, seasoned with sea salt, pepper, and olive oil infused with coconut

  Serve on Hawaiian sweet rolls, hoagie buns, or your favorite sandwich bread

  Courtesy of www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

  The next couple hours I spent holed up in my room, working at the desk with an ocean view. I made phone calls and double-checked that everything would be ready for the wedding on Saturday. The company printing the new logo on the napkins, place cards, and other paraphernalia could do so as late as Friday. I sat on the balcony feeling oddly relaxed despite the problems with the upcoming nuptials. I decided it was because I was only worrying about one wedding at the moment instead of six or seven as had been the norm lately.

  I was just about to text Lorea to check on the Zeeman/Benson wedding—our next big gig happening in June, when someone rapped on the door.

  I checked my watch, and grabbed the doorknob. It had been two and a half hours since Malia had warned me about relaxing. Maybe this was someone from the spa with a surprise appointment, or room service with fresh pineapple. I opened the door and my smile froze.

  Jon Connelly stood there dressed in blue swim trunks and a black rash guard that accentuated his toned chest muscles. “Aloha.” He flashed me the Hawaiian hang loose sign and grinned. “That look means Malia didn’t tell you I was coming, right?”

  I shook my head slowly from side to side wondering what he wanted, then I remembered. “Oh, did you find the file with the new logo?”

  He frowned. “Sorry, but my dad has some people working on it. Don’t stress—Dad’s doing enough of that for everyone.”

  “Okay, then I won’t stress. So what did you need?”

  He stuck his hands in his pockets and smiled. “I know things have been pretty crazy for you. Malia said I might help prevent a nervous breakdown, so will you go on a date with me?”

  No way. I couldn’t believe that Jon was what Malia had been referring to when she gave me the “no ditching” command. Was she that worried about me? I would have to tell her that I liked being alone, having time to relax. I didn’t need to be entertained. “I don’t do well with pity dates.”

  “This is not a pity date. I didn’t word that right. Adri, I think you’re a talented woman and you have gorgeous brown eyes. I’d like to get to know you better. I want to take you on the bike trail down to Donkey Beach. It’s a relaxing ride, and the scenery is gorgeous.” He tilted his head to the side. “Please?”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “Why did Malia put you up to this? I’m totally fine.”

  He looked confused. “Malia didn’t put me up to anything. I’ve been bugging her since you got here. She called me a couple hours ago and said that you had some free time this afternoon. She wouldn’t give me your phone number, said I had to come take you on a date to get that info.”

  My shoulders tensed with that news, but I softened when I thought about how easy Malia had been to work with. She wanted me to have fun and part of her meddling came from her knowledge of my history—which was still pretty fresh.

  Jon stepped forward. “Please. I know I should have asked you outright, but I figured you’d say you were too busy with the wedding plans.”

  He was right. I wouldn’t have accepted, based purely on how it looked. I came to Hawaii to work, not play with the groom’s brother. “Well, Malia is technically my boss, and she did give me an order before she left today.”

  “What was that?”

  “I think her exact words were, ‘no ditching.’”

  He laughed. “She’s awesome. Kyle’s a lucky guy.”

  “I agree. Malia is solid gold.”

  “So, can I claim your afternoon?” Jon held out both hands. “The bike path is easy—right along the shoreline.”

  “That does sound like fun, and I
need some more pictures for my blog.”

  “Then it’s a date. Can I come back here to pick you up in fifteen minutes?”

  “Sure.” I was just about to say that I needed to grab my suit—it was nice of him to allow me time to get ready. “I can probably be ready in ten—I hate to keep you waiting.”

  “No problem. I have one quick errand to run, so take your time.” He lifted two fingers in a wave and hurried down the hall.

  A jitter of excitement flowed through me as I changed into my red tankini and pulled on a cover-up and another pair of flip-flops from my selection—black with red elastic bands. The plans were most likely a pity date, despite what Jon said, but all the same, I would get to see more of the island. And Jon wasn’t hard to look at.

  I sent a text to Lorea: Going on a date!

  She would be proud of me, and then she couldn’t hassle me so much when I wanted to set her up with someone back home. Her fear of commitment ran deeper than mine, although mine wasn’t necessarily a fear of commitment—I think most people would be a little gun-shy if their last boyfriend had tried to kill them.

  I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and applied raspberry lip gloss. Jon arrived right on time. “You look great,” he said as we walked toward the elevator.

  “Thanks.” I experienced a moment’s hesitation about going out with Jon—just the two of us. I hoped he was truly looking forward to time spent together. The elevator doors slid shut with a soft ping, and I told myself to act natural.

  My morning had been far from natural, though. I thought of the strange incidents from earlier and the conflicts with Malia’s luau. I hadn’t thought about Mrs. Harper, the crazy lady, since I returned to my room. I’d been so busy—first working and then getting ready for my impromptu date—that the encounter had been out of focus. But now her sneer came back to center stage and my eyes tightened as I relived her harassment.