Trevor took a long swig of soda and leaned back in his seat, trying to relax. He’d flown into Oahu a few hours earlier, where he picked up his rental car and drove straight to the Ocean Breeze Hotel. Considering the four-hour time difference it was now after midnight in Texas, and he should be sleeping right now. But he was restless and hungry, so he went to the restaurant of the state-of-the-art hotel instead. The Ocean Breeze in Waikiki was the last known whereabouts of his little sister Lacey. It had been a week ago today when he received her last text. After that, she’d posted a few photos of her and her boyfriend Milo on the beach. And that was the last anyone had heard from her. Milo was shot to death in a room in this very hotel the following day, but Lacey was nowhere to be found, though her phone had been recovered from a trash bin in Waikiki. Was she somewhere on the island? Or was she dead? He sloughed off the dark thought, clutching his napkin. She’s alive. She has to be! Maybe she’d just gone off the grid for a while. She’d done that before about a year ago. She left work and took off to the beach in Galveston, Texas with some friends. She didn’t respond to texts, calls, nothing. He’d gone out of his mind with worry. And when he finally reached her, she laughed it off like it was nothing. He wouldn’t have been too concerned about her lack of communication this go-around, except for the fact that her boyfriend was killed. And Lacey normally didn’t get far from her phone. Trevor couldn’t imagine a world without his spunky, free-spirited little sister. Things had been rocky between them ever since she graduated from high school a couple of years prior. Partly because Lacey was trying to spread her wings and partly due to Trevor’s demanding film schedule.
A day after Lacey stopped responding to texts, it occurred to Trevor that he didn’t have a clue where Lacey was living or who she was hanging out with (other than Milo). His only recourse was to call the Honolulu Police Department and report her missing. In the days that followed, Trevor made repeated calls to the HPD and was assured they were doing everything in their power to find her. Also, he’d called the manager of the Ocean Breeze Hotel, asking for the video footage taken outside the room where Milo was shot. But the hotel refused to release it to him due to liability issues. Finally, not knowing what else to do, Trevor hopped a plane and came here to search for Lacey himself. He was scheduled to meet with the hotel manager the following Tuesday at nine a.m., and he was meeting with the detective over Lacey’s case on Tuesday afternoon. He’d tried to schedule appointments for Monday, but it was a holiday—Martin Luther King Day. In her attempt to keep him at arm’s length, Lacey had been cryptic about her life on the island. All he had to go on were the pictures he’d seen of Lacey and Milo, where she tagged him on Facebook. Had he not seen those, he wouldn’t have even known who Lacey’s boyfriend was. When he couldn’t get a response from Lacey, Trevor Googled Milo’s name and came across a news report, detailing his death. The whole situation was so frustrating! It was Friday evening of a holiday weekend. All Trevor could do was cool his heels until Tuesday. Any other time, he would be elated to spend a weekend in Hawaii, but in this situation, it was grueling. Holiday weekend or not, maybe he should visit the police department in the morning, let them know he was on the island. That might speed up the process. Yes, that’s what he would do. Having decided that, he felt a little better.
His eye caught on a little girl around six or seven. She was Polynesian with hair the color of midnight. It was pulled up in high pigtails with pink ribbons. He might not have noticed her had she not cast a furtive glance in his direction. Even though she was much younger than Lacey and looked nothing like her, something about her reminded him of his sister. The girl gave Trevor a fleeting smile, which he returned with a nod, then watched her go stealthily to three empty tables, grabbing fistfuls of money and shoving it in her pocket. She was stealing tips from the tables. Was that what had reminded him of Lacey? The crafty look in the girl’s eyes?
A waitress charged up to the girl, grabbing her arm. “What’re you doing?”
Tears sprang to the girl’s eyes.
“Those are my tips that I’ve worked hard to earn,” the waitress seethed.
The little girl went wide-eyed. Then her face crumbled and she began to cry.
It was none of Trevor’s business, and he had enough to deal with without adding to it. Still, it wasn’t in his DNA to sit by and do nothing. Before he had time to fully process what he was doing, Trevor jumped to his feet and rushed to the little girl’s side. He reached for his wallet. “How much did she take? I’ll cover it.”
The fifty-something-year-old waitress looked him up and down, a disapproving expression on her lined face. “Thank you. But that won’t be necessary.”
He held out a twenty.
She shook her head, her hand perched on her hip as she looked at the girl. “See what you’ve done? Now you have this cowboy feeling sorry for you.” She made a tsking sound with her tongue.
Cowboy? It took Trevor a second to realize the waitress was referring to him. He looked down. He was wearing Levis and boots, and he had a southern accent. He supposed that qualified him as a cowboy in Hawaii.
“Put your money away,” the waitress said, her features softening. “Where’re you from?”
“Texas.”
She cocked her head, studying him. “Have we met? You look familiar.”
Trevor smiled politely. He was used to this song and dance. His show was gaining popularity, to the point where people were starting to recognize him. But most people reacted like the waitress—they knew they’d seen him before but couldn’t place where. “No, I don’t think so.”
Her face lit with recognition as a smile broke over her lips. She pointed. “Trevor Spencer from Fix It Up. My daughter loves your show.”
“Thank you.”
“I like it too,” she added, then grabbed a napkin from a nearby table. “Can I get your autograph?”
“Of course.” Trevor signed the napkin and handed it back.
“Sadie, now you should really be embarrassed. This man’s a TV star, and he saw you stealing tips off tables.” She cut her eyes at the little girl whose lower lip was quivering.
Irritation crawled up Trevor’s neck. The poor girl had suffered enough for her misdeed. There was no sense in rubbing her nose in it. He stopped, catching something the waitress had said. “Sadie? You know this girl?”
“Yeah, she’s—”
A woman rushed up to them in a flurry. “Sadie, I’ve been looking all over the hotel for you.”
Sadie let out a cry and rushed into the woman’s arms, burying her head in her waist.
Trevor’s pulse revved up a notch. To say the woman was attractive would’ve been a gross understatement. She was exotically gorgeous with long, wavy, dark hair streaked with highlights. Her features were defined, reminding him of the Disney character Pocahontas. No, that couldn’t be right Pocahontas was Native American, not Hawaiian. Still that’s how this woman looked to him. She was tall and thin but not too skinny, her red pantsuit hitting in all the right places. It was hard to tell for sure in the dim lighting, but her eyes looked dark blue, almost violet. Very striking. Like bluebonnets, the Texas State flower. Maybe she was part Hawaiian and part something else.
The woman put her arms around Sadie. “What’s wrong?”
“I caught her stealing tips from off the tables,” the waitress explained, giving Sadie a stern look.
The woman’s face went slack. “Sadie, how could you?”
“I’m sorry, Mommy,” Sadie uttered in a soft, pleading voice.
The woman extricated herself from Sadie’s grasp and held her at arm’s length to see her face. “Did you give the money back?”
Sadie slowly shook her head.
“You know it’s not right to steal,” the woman said, searching Sadie’s eyes.
Even though she was scolding the child, Trevor noticed there was more disappointment than angst in her rich, husky tone. There was something mesmerizing about her melodic voice that drew Trevor in, giving him the impression it would take a lifetime to get to know the complexity of this woman. He chuckled inwardly. Really? He’d only just met her. For all he knew, she could be the biggest airhead on the planet.
“Give the money back to Ellie,” the woman said, nodding toward the waitress.
“Okay.” Sadie sighed and pulled the money from her pockets, handing it to Ellie.
“Now apologize,” the woman prompted.
“I’m sorry,” Sadie said softly.
“Thank you.” Ellie tucked it in the front pocket of her apron.
It was at that moment the woman seemed to notice Trevor was there. There was the slightest hint of a smile on her full lips as she tilted her head, giving him a questioning look that said Why’re you standing here?
Ellie motioned. “Oh, this is Trevor Spencer, star of the TV show Fix It up.” Her eyes sparkled with adoration. “He saw me scolding Sadie and tried to give me money for the tips. Wasn’t that nice?”
“Yes,” the woman said, but Trevor got the impression from the way her eyes flickered over him she wasn’t all that impressed. For some reason, this knocked him down a rung on the ladder. Funny he would care so much about what this woman thought. He glanced at her ring finger, relieved to see that it was bare. He halfway expected her to say something in the way of acknowledging his show, but she didn’t.
“Thank you.” She extended her hand. “I’m Kat. It’s nice to meet you.”
Trevor clasped her hand, noticing how soft and warm it felt in his. Still, her grasp was firm, determined—the handshake of a power player. When she pulled away, he instantly felt the loss of her.
Kat’s eyes connected with his, sending a burst of energy rippling through him. There seemed to be some hidden mirth behind her fascinating eyes. “It was nice of you to offer to help.” She looked down. “Wasn’t it, Sadie?”
Sadie nodded.
“What do you say to Trevor?” Kat prompted.
“Thank you,” Sadie chimed, taking her mother’s hand and swinging it back and forth.
Trevor nodded. “You’re welcome.”
Ellie sighed. “Well, I’d better get back to work.” A wide smile split her lips. “It was so nice to meet you, Trevor. Are you staying at the hotel?”
“Yes.” He turned to Kat. “Are you and Sadie staying here … at the hotel?”
“No.”
“Do you work at the hotel?” he asked.
Ellie let out a combination laugh and snort. “You could say that.”
Kat’s expression never changed. “I’m came in tonight to help management prepare for a seminar being held next week,” she said smoothly.
Ellie gave Kat a funny look. Was it Trevor’s imagination or had some sort of silent communication passed between them?
“So, you conduct seminars?” Trevor said, “for the hotel?”
“For a few hotels,” Kat said.
“Oh.” Definitely not an airhead. Trevor could feel the conversation coming to a close. He scrambled to find a way to keep Kat and Sadie here longer. He didn’t relish spending the evening alone, brooding over his dark thoughts. And there was something about Kat that was compelling, intriguing. Sure she was beautiful. But Trevor had been around many beautiful women. Now that he was an upcoming star, there seemed no shortage of female company. So, it had to be more than her looks. “I haven’t had dessert yet,” he blurted. “Would you and Sadie care to join me?”
Sadie’s eyes lit up. “Can we, Mommy? Please!”
Kat’s eyes widened. “Oh, I don’t think so. We need to get home.” She offered a polite smile. “Thank you, though.”
Trevor nodded, swallowing his disappointment. It was probably for the best. He was here to find Lacey. He didn’t need any distractions. “Well, it was nice meeting you both.”
“Of course you have time for dessert,” Ellie interjected. “I promised Sadie I would make her a sundae earlier, and didn’t get the chance.”
Trevor thought he might’ve seen Kat’s eyes narrow slightly like she was displeased with Ellie’s interference, but couldn’t be sure.
“Please, Mommy?” Sadie said, looking at Kat with puppy-dog eyes.
“Okay,” Kat relented. “But only for a little while.”
“Splendid,” Ellie said, looking back and forth at Trevor and Kat, a coy smile forming over her lips. “I’ll whip up three sundaes and bring them right out.”
Kat motioned. “Is that your table?”
“Yes.”
The minute they sat down, Kat picked up the conversation. “I love your accent. Are you from Texas?”
“New York,” Trevor said with a deadpan expression.
Uncertainty clouded Kat’s features a second before a laugh broke from her lips. “Good one.”
Her compliment was immensely gratifying. “Yes, I’m from Texas. Fort Worth.”
She nodded. “So, you have your own TV show?”
“Yes. Fix It Up. We remodel houses,” Trevor said, feeling like he was explaining the obvious.
“I feel honored, having dessert with a star.” She faked a shiver. “Exciting.”
He winked. “Yeah, about as exciting as watching paint dry.”
Her eyes went big, then she laughed. “You’re good.”
He liked that Kat wasn’t bumbling over herself, trying to impress him, like most women did when they realized he was a TV star. She exuded a quiet confidence that gave the impression he was the privileged one to be here with her.
Kat looked thoughtful. “I believe I’ve seen your show on HGTV. Is that the one with Peyton Kelly?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Didn’t I read somewhere that she’s leaving the show?”
Sadie tugged on Kat’s arm. “Can I have a pen and pad to draw?”
Trevor looked around. He’d used all the napkins for his meal. “Would you like for me to see if I can find you something to draw on?”
“Yeah,” Sadie said, offering him a shy smile that revealed a missing front tooth.
“No need. I have something in my purse.” Kat pulled out a pad and pen, handing it to Sadie who commenced happily drawing. She smiled at Trevor. “I came prepared.”
“Impressive,” he murmured, leaning forward. “What else you got in that purse?”
Color seeped into Kat’s cheeks as she gave him a nervous laugh. He’d have to think of something else clever to say to make her blush again.
“So, is Peyton really leaving the show?” Kat said.
“Yes, I’m afraid so. She got married and is living in Sonoma Valley now.”
Kat gave him a probing look. “That must be hard to lose your partner after so long.”
“Yes,” he admitted, “a little.” Discussing Peyton was not something Trevor wanted to do. It had nearly killed him when Peyton married Carter Webster her high school sweetheart. Even though he and Peyton hadn’t been romantically involved, he’d been in love with her. The only reason he didn’t pursue the relationship was because he could sense she’d been wounded deeply and needed space. Maybe if he’d tried harder, been more aggressive, he wouldn’t have lost her. Then again, Peyton and Carter had so much history together that he couldn’t compete against that. Even if he could do it over again, he’d probably lose her all the same. At any rate, it was in the past. He was just about to ask Kat about herself when she turned the conversation back to Peyton.
“Is the show going to continue without her?”
He shifted. Kat was certainly a straight shooter. So was he, but he wasn’t used to having the tables turned. “A lot of things are up in the air right now. My producer’s looking for a new co-star, but we’ll see what happens. We’ve got two successful seasons under our belt, which is a good position to be in.”
“Peyton’s got a great eye for design. A hard act to follow.”
“Yes, she is,” he admitted. He leaned back in his seat. “Enough about me. Tell me about yourself. Do you have any other children?”
“Nope, Sadie’s my only one.” She ruffled Sadie’s hair. “You’re enough to handle, aren’t you Toots?” She leaned over to kiss Sadie lightly on the head.
There was no sense beating around the bush. “So, are you married?”
“Nope. My husband left when Sadie was a baby. It’s been just the two of us ever since.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, surprised at the relief that pelted through him.
She shrugged. “Small kine. It’s life. It was hard at first, but we’re used to it now.” She pushed her hair behind her ear, adjusting her dress jacket.
“Small kine? I haven’t heard that term before.”
“It’s Hawaiian Pidgin for no worries.”
His eyes caught hers. “Oh, you’re a local girl, huh?”
A smile tugged at her lips. “Yep. Born and bred. I grew up on the North Shore in a little town called Laie.”
His interest was piqued. Lacey’s boyfriend Milo was from the North Shore. It would be nice to get the inside track from someone who was from here. “How far is that from Hauula?”
“About four miles. Why?”
“My sister’s boyfriend lives—lived in Hauula.”
“You have a sister here?”
“Yes.” Oh, how he hoped she was still here. Then again, he was worrying himself sick, and Lacey was probably living it up on a beach somewhere.
“Where does she live?”
“Even though she didn’t want me to know it, I suspect Lacey was living with her boyfriend in Hauula until he was killed. Unfortunately, I don’t know where because things have been tense between us for the past few months.” He expected to see a shocked expression on Kat’s face but saw only compassion.
She shook her head. “Oh, wow. I’m sorry.”
Trevor plunged ahead, needing to get it all out in the open. “Her boyfriend Milo Kahele was shot in this very hotel. The killer’s still at large, and Lacey’s missing. I came to Hawaii to find her.”
Before Kat could respond, Ellie stepped up with the sundaes. “Here you go,” she said cheerily, handing them each one. She winked at Sadie. “I added extra whipped cream to yours.”
“Thank you,” Sadie beamed.
Ellie winked. “Sure thing.” She looked around the table. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I’m good,” Trevor said, “this looks great.”
“Me too,” Kat added, smiling appreciatively at Ellie. “Thanks.”
Ellie nodded, walking away.
Sadie eagerly dug into her sundae, relishing every bite. Trevor grinned. “Is that good?”
“Yes.”
“What grade are you in?”
“First.”
Trevor took a bite of ice cream before steering the conversation back to Kat. “So do you live close by?”
“No, we live in Sunset on the North Shore,” Kat said.
“Our house is beside the beach,” Sadie added. “But I can’t go by myself. I have to wait and go with Uncle and Jordan.”
“My brother and his stepson,” Kat explained.
Sadie wrinkled her nose. “I like Jordan. He’s funny.” She giggled.
When they’d finished their sundaes, Kat leaned back in her seat. “Tell me more about Lacey and her boyfriend.”
Kat listened intently as Trevor outlined all the events that took place, leading him to this point. After he finished, a thoughtful expression came over her face. “What sort of person is Lacey?”
“What do you mean?”
“You said earlier that she didn’t want you to know she was living with her boyfriend. And that you don’t know the address. Does she go long periods of time without contacting you?”
He rubbed a hand across his forehead. “Yeah, she has.” He told her about the last time Lacey went off the grid. “Lacey thinks I’m overly protective.” He let out a self-deprecating chuckle. “And I suppose I am.”
“She’s your sister. It’s only natural that you want to protect her.”
“Try telling her that,” he said dryly. “Lacey resents my attempts to look after her. And while Lacey may go days without answering my calls or texts, she’s very attached to her phone. And she regularly posts pictures. That’s how I found her last time, through pictures on her Instagram. Lacey’s boyfriend was killed and her phone found in a garbage can. No one has seen hide nor hair of her. That points to foul play.”
“It certainly sounds like it.”
“I’m meeting with the detective over the case Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully, he can give me more information. If I could just get the hotel to release the video footage from the day Milo was shot, it might help me find a lead. I’m meeting with the hotel manager on Tuesday as well. We’ll see what happens.”
“Have you thought about going to Hauula? Talking to the locals? It’s a small town. Too bad you don’t have Milo’s address.”
“I know.” Trevor was kicking himself for not insisting that Lacey tell him where she was living. “The only reason I knew he was from Hauula was because the news report said so. I was planning on going there tomorrow morning to check it out. All I have to go on is Milo’s name. You don’t happen to know any Kaheles, do you?”
She thought for a minute. “Sorry, I don’t. Sunset’s about fifteen miles from Hauula. I grew up in Laie but haven’t lived there for many years.” Her eyes held Trevor’s. “I really am sorry for all of your troubles.”
He could tell she meant it. She was so glamorous, yet down to earth and easy to talk to. “Thanks. I appreciate you listening to me.”
Sadie yawned. “Mommy, I’m sleepy.”
Kat draped an arm around her. “I know, honey. We need to get you home.” She gathered the pad and pen and placed them in her purse.
As mentally and physically exhausted as Trevor was, being with Kat had kindled something inside him. In another time and place, he would’ve enjoyed getting to know her … see if this attraction between them could lead to something more. But there was no time. And he was here to find Lacey. Even so, that tiny voice in his head said if he let Kat walk out the door without some sort of plan to meet up, he’d never see her again. And his gut told him that would be a real shame. Kat slid out of the booth and stood. Sadie climbed out behind her.
Trevor moved out quickly and stood.
“It was so nice to meet you,” Kat flashed a dazzling smile, causing him to lose his train of thought for a split second.
He thrust out his hand to shake, but she moved in and air-kissed him on both cheeks. His skin tingled in response, and he caught a whiff of her light floral perfume. “It was great to meet you too.” Then a thought struck him. Kat was a local girl. It would be great to get a lay of the land from someone who knew it well.
She took Sadie’s hand. “Let’s go, Toots.”
“Bye,” Sadie chimed, waving.
Trevor grinned. “Bye. It was nice to meet you, Sadie.”
They’d walked a few steps away when he called after them. “Hey.”
Kat turned. “Yes?”
He rocked on the balls of his feet, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I really could use some help with getting to know the island. I’m planning on going to the police department first thing in the morning, then I’ll head to Hauula.” He swallowed hard. “Um, maybe I could mosey on up the road to Sunset and you could show me a few places. And afterwards, Sadie could show me her beach?” Geez. Why had he added that last part? He had no time for that. Then again, there wasn’t a whole lot he could do until Tuesday rolled around.
Kat lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “Only Sadie?”
A slight smile tipped his lips as his eyes locked with Kat’s. “You could join us … if you want.”
Kat laughed. “That’s mighty kind of you, but I’m afraid that won’t work. Sadie’s spending the day with my brother and his family.”
“Oh … okay.” Maybe it was for the best. The fewer distractions the better.
“But I’m free.”
His spirits lifted. “That’s great.”
She gave him the once-over. “How are you at boogie boarding?”
Boogie boarding? How had they switched from showing him the island to that? He didn’t even know what a boogie board was, but he wasn’t about to admit as much. He shrugged. “I’m a fast learner.”
She quirked a smile. “We’ll see. We’ll go boogie boarding first, then I’ll give you a tour of the North Shore.”
They exchanged phone numbers and she promised to text her address.
Anticipation prickled over him as he watched Kat and Sadie walk away. It wasn’t until later that night, when he was in his hotel room getting ready for bed, that reality set in. He’d come here to find Lacey, not to hang out with some woman who lived a world away. He had to remain focused. That was his only hope of finding Lacey. Still, as he climbed in bed and closed his eyes, Kat’s face was the last thing he saw before he drifted off to sleep.
