Something's Rotten in Paradise (Maui Mayhem Cozy Mystery Book 1) Read online

  “You would’ve figured it out on the next question or two.”

  He was probably right about that. But Pako deserved the kudos on this one.

  “Just take your bow,” I said.

  “Well, if you insist.” He got up from his seat.

  “But don’t expect a standing ovation,” I added as he put one arm in front and the other behind him, and bent at his slightly protruding waist.

  My lips curved a smile. I clapped like Curly Joe would as I watched the man, who had been one of my closest friends for many years, reap his glory.

  Our eyes met, and I smiled.

  My duty was done here. Pako would contact the Lanai department with our findings, and they would follow up with their investigation based on our leads. They’d end up closing the case with the same conclusion—Regina’s story would clinch that for them.

  Fiona would be thoroughly investigated for her part in her husband’s death. My testimony and Regina’s were sure to sink her, along with the other witnesses who could attest to Fiona’s denial about the eel.

  Just as I was about to get up off the sofa, Maile appeared again. I smiled at her and lip-synced a ‘thank you.’

  My sister had helped me solve mysteries on so many occasions, yet she couldn’t do the same with her own.

  My heart felt like a lemon squeezed dry of its juices at the thought I’d never be able to help her move on. Why was she unable to give me the clues I needed to help her, to find the truth about what happened, and bring to justice a murderer—a monster—if that’s what occurred?

  She didn’t deserve to be where she was, and I longed to save her from her state of limbo and unrest. But I couldn’t do it alone; I needed her to help me. Why was she holding back?

  Maile looked at me in the same way Lester did a moment ago. She must be feeling my sorrow and anguish too. Tears welled in my eyes as I stared into hers, and she stared into mine. I didn’t want to break the connection—I didn’t want her to break the connection—because every time she did so, a sharp pain stabbed my heart, and I felt drowned in a sea of nothingness, overwhelmed by a sense of loss.

  Her small hands reached out to me as though she wanted a hug. I got up and went over to where she stood, but of course, all my arms could embrace was the emptiness of air.

  “I love you,” I said aloud, yet in a hushed voice.

  And before I could watch her lips move in response, she vanished.

  Pako’s supportive face greeted me when I looked back over to him. He didn’t say a word. He knew me well.

  I wiped the tears that had dribbled down my cheeks and sucked in a deep breath.

  “You ready to head home?” I asked my dear friend.

  He rubbed his hands over his belly and said, “You know it.”

  : The End (for now) :

  I hope you enjoyed this story in my cozy mystery series. Stay tuned for more rotten, stinkin’ murder mayhem in paradise with this quirky cast of characters and more. And if you’re ever in Maui, and I cater your party, please don’t be surprised if I start talking to the air. I’m not crazy—I promise!

  More from Aysia

  Amazon Author Page

  Get New Release Notifications

  Table of Contents

  Author’s Note

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  More from Aysia