Preachers' Sons 2: The Nineties - 2. Ohana

I did what I said. I recorded where our house was and what surrounded it. I also recorded a tour of the house Elias, and I shared. J.J. changed many of our traditions. Such as our daily run. We would begin our preparations before sun-up. Most of the time J.J. didn’t wake up but did as the sun shone on his face. The road to our house in Paukaa was sort of off the Hawai’ian Belt Road that circled the entire island. It was paved and easier to run. At the early hour there was little traffic. That road was three hundred miles long! There are other roads that will cut the time. Elias and I had biked the full length of it with our bikes gotten our first Christmas here. There were other roads he and I had gone down to see much of the island. There were plenty of transports to “hop” around the islands. Ferries and several airlines would do it, but you had to plan your day. We biked to several of the islands using the ferries. We had used island hoppers going to the few University Christmas parties and events.

I put a few extra diapers in the baby carrier. “We should look into a carrier with the big balloon tires. We’re right on the beach. We could run on the sand.”

Elias put the wipes in the carrier. He tugged on the expandable cover that would fold down to shade J.J. when needed. It also would protect J.J. from the sudden rain showers that would spring up as the season of Ho’oilo that was coming.

“I may take him to the beach today,” I grinned at Elias’ startled face. “Sure, I’m just going to throw him in the first wave.” I smirked. “Really, Eli!? You think I’m like that?” I waved in the direction of our house. “We live on the beach! He needs to get used to it. I will never let him go out alone! When he’s forty, maybe, until then...”

Elias smiled kissing me. “I know.”

Things were all about J.J. for now. My mother loved the video files I sent of our house and the surroundings. I recorded the beach behind our house showing its beauty and distance. I recorded a lot about J.J.. He was now smiling at me at Elias. I recorded Elias reading to J.J. and rocking him in the big wooden rocking chair we got just for that. I recorded Brandi and Mike when they came over to give Elias and I a break to go out to eat. I recorded them with Breanna.

“I love this computer!” Mom said happily. I save what you send and set it up so your father can see it.” She gave a knowing smile, “And your father is watching them. I know because he doesn’t know how to exit them, but he’s watching.”

“Good,” I smiled. “I’m not hiding anything.”

“No,” Mom agreed. “You aren’t.” She smiled, “It will go a long way to having him come with me. Maybe not this Spring, but the next time. I want to see that island! I wasn’t there long enough the last time, and I was there to tell you about your sister.”

“We know,” I nodded sadly. “Is she getting the files I send? The pictures?”

“She is,” Mom nodded. “I talk to her once a week and she loves the pictures and files.”

“Good,” I said. “What she did was not smart, but J.J. is breaking the rules. He’s hitting all the milestones just fine.”

Then it happened. He was almost three months old when he was smiling at Elias and he laughed!

Elias’ eyes widened and he was smiling more as he picked J.J. up. “That’s a big boy!”

I had sympathy for women who felt trapped with a baby and the feeling of loss when leaving the baby when we went out that time! I felt the loss and separation! Who knew that gorgeous woman at our door that first night in Hawai’i would be so important to Elias and I. To me. I even recorded Mike in uniform, just to show he was a real cop.

It was a Saturday afternoon when we got a doorbell ring! We had a doorbell, but it was hardly used. Salesmen were not welcome to the neighborhood. Scouts and other groups were fine, but no one just came by. Going to the door I opened it to Thao. We hadn’t really seen the Island native recently, but he looked preoccupied and worried.

“Hi, Thao!” I greeted him by opening the door to let him in. Elias came carrying J.J..

Thao looked horrified and stepped back, “No. I don’t want to contaminate the baby!”

“Contaminate?” Elias asked. “How?”

“I was tested,” Thao began to explain, “I’m HIV positive!”

My heart sunk, ”Oh, Thao. I’m so sorry. You are positive for the virus, but you don’t have AIDS.” I said to be sure.

“No,” Thao was almost crying. “I can still infect the baby! That’s why I haven’t been around.”

Elias and I knew the history of HIV in the world and Hawai’i. It hit Hawai’i like any state. It was the mid-eighties when it arrived in Hawai’i.

“You could,” Elias nodded clutching J.J. tighter. “If you gave J.J. a blood transfer or had sex with him. You aren’t doing either.”

I opened the door again, “Come in, Thao...please?”

Thao came in hesitantly, “I just don’t want to take a risk...”

I hugged him, “We are family, Thao. You are not going to be shunned or rejected by us.”

Elias nodded, “The virus cannot be transmitted through touch or even a kiss.” He smiled, “I’ve had HIV positive students, and we know how scary it is. It’s not necessarily a death sentence.”

Thao was still very wary, “It could be.”

“No,” Elias shook his head. “I have a student that has lived for years HIV positive. You will, too. There are medical breakthroughs every day.”

“Thank you for telling us,” I said sincerely. “We’ll have a cookout, and you are staying.”

“It will be grilled fish with papaya relish,” Elias cautioned. “You know Eric is a great cook.”

Thao smiled and waved at me, “He’s never cooked anything I didn’t love.”

Elias jostled J.J. and pointed at Thao, “This is your Uncle Thao. The island son and very dear friend, J.J.. You’ll be seeing him a lot.” He looked at Thao. “I mean a lot.”

Thao nodded and smiled a bit sheepishly, “I’ve gotten many reactions to telling people. Positive and negative. I’m going through my mind about who I’ve been with...”

“We’ve read about it,” I said. “We’re not scared of you. You aren’t plagued or unclean.” I pulled him in further. “You just need to take some precautions.”

There was a chime from the computer. Elias looked at his watch, “That’s your grandmother!” Elias said to J.J.. “We’ll introduce you, Thao!”

That Thao was sick was scary and it put a chill in both our hearts. We weren’t ignorant and not going to go on hype or fear. We were informed. I needed to be informed. As my future patients were gay, I needed to know to counsel them. Thao could help me understand better and deal with them.

Elias sat at our computer and answered the chime on the computer. Mom’s happy face appeared. “How are my boys?”

“We’re fine,” Elias answered and got J.J. to wave as he was holding Elias’ fingers. “J.J. is growing like a weed!”

I brought Thao into the computer’s camera, “This is Thao Hau. A native here in Hawai’i and a great friend to Elias and me for the past decade.” I smiled at Thao, “As a matter of fact, he is the reason my business is a success!”

Thao was not expecting this, “No, I didn’t...I just helped...”

“Nonsense,” I interrupted. “You welcomed us the first day!”

“He helped us get our great apartment,” Elias said.

“And got me the job with his Aunt Tessa,” I added. “Which helped me get the tea sodas going!”

Thao was looking very embarrassed, “You two needed help! Who better than me to do that?”

I looked at my mother, “I don’t think you met Aunt Tessa last time...” I looked at Thao, “I’m introducing the Hawai’ian Tea Sodas soon. Pineapple, papaya, and banana! Very Hawai’ian!”

“I met some of your employees,” Mom said. “I look forward to meeting more of them.”

“Brandi’s doing the next commercial soon,” I said. “I sent you the first commercial, didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did,” Mom nodded.

“You’ll meet her, too,” I said.

“You two are doing so well,” Mom smiled and said. “Now, about my grandson.”

J.J. was awake and he knew his grandmother’s voice. He was smiling almost immediately. Mom talked to J.J. and sang, even read a book I knew that was worn and showed age. My favorite when I was a child. Dr. Seuss’ Are You My Mother? She did as she did with me showing each page as the baby bird tried to find his mother. Green Eggs and Ham! Mom had not liked that book, the thought of green eggs? She found that revolting. That made me like it more! She did the voices for each as I remembered. J.J. watched making noises as she went.

Elias grinned, “Dr. Seuss is great!” He pulled a book out, “I read him Ohana Means Family and A is for Aloha. J.J. will not be Haole.”

Mom’s face was a little confused, “I’ve heard that word, but I don’t understand.”

I grinned, “J.J. will be raised Hawai’ian..”

We stayed online for two hours. I saw my father come to the door of the room Mom had the computer. He wouldn’t come in but he could see what we recorded and sent later.

In the end, I turned to Thao who was not comfortable touching J.J. but looked happily at him.

“How’s your t-cells?” I asked Thao.

Thao’s eyes grew, “Fine. I have them checked once a month.”

I nodded, “Those lymphocytes are important for your immunities. The white blood cells fight germs.”

Thao smiled, “Right now I’m fine.”

“Good,” Elias said still holding J.J. who had decided to go to sleep. “You swear to us,” he said firmly, “you will be absolutely honest about your condition!” He pointed at Thao. “You say it. Good or bad. I’m sure Aunt Tessa has a treatment, but you listen to your doctor. Say it!”

Thao raised his right hand, “I will tell you everything my doctor tells me, good and bad. I swear!”

For the first few months, it was all about J.J.. I tried to make him feel secure...as much as you can with a newborn. His cries were responded to instantly. He needed to know that someone would always be there and respond. Many thought that was wrong. Let them cry they said. No way! The result was less crying for shorter periods. He knew we would take care of whatever. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t wake the neighborhood, but he did less. I was no expert. Elias and I were the parents, and we knew our son,

I took J.J. tp the new Hawai’ian Coffee Shoppe on campus that opened. It had the coffee and tea sodas right there in the Student Union. I took J.J. to where the new tea soda was being perfected. It was very good...at least I felt. It was Brandi who drove it over the top in her commercial! We held another party at our house to see the commercial.

We were all there, Mike, Brandi, Breanna, Thao, Marcus (Thao’s date), Aunt Tessa...we had gotten a projection screen television to see it on.

Brandi, still beautiful with long blonde hair cascading below her shoulders and she smiled at the camera, “By now you know how I love Hawai’i. It’s my home.” She still had the figure to cause men to drool over. Now, she was in jeans and a white shirt, the collar pulled up, unbuttoned at the collar. Simple jewelry, but her presence was powerful. “I am Hawai’ian. My child is Hawai’ian. As a mother I look for healthy, nutritious beverages.” She was walking through bushes. “I told you about Eric’s Tea Sodas. Pure, no additives, organic, no added sugar and no preservatives, just tea and sweetened by fruit juices. You’ve tried them...” she stopped and looked irritated at the camera, “If you haven’t, why not? If the store you go to doesn’t have it, demand they do. Supply and demand, that’s their job!” She resumed her walking touching some fruits, “He’s starting a new soda that shames sports drinks. Hawai’ian Tea Sodas and here’s what’s in them!” She touched the yellow bananas, the rounded papayas, mangos, the pineapple and touched the bush of tea, “Bananas, papayas, mangos and tea grown here in Hawai’i. Grown in Hawai’ian soil and brewed here!” She picked up a bottle of the new tea. “You know now how to mix it.” She did the slow dip to mix the tea. She opened the bottle and there was the “pop” from the suction breaking and drank. “It’s delicious!” She lowered the bottle. “Crisp and refreshing! All Hawai’ian!” She moved to show other bottles, “There is also peach, raspberry, grape, pineapple...there’s one you will love, I promise. Eric’s Tea Sodas and his new Hawai’ian Tea Sodas in your stores now!” She drank again, “Umm” She purred and smiled at the camera. “Delicious.”

Again, Thao was the first to speak, “Tell me you have that new tea here.”

I chuckled, “I certainly do!”

“I had supplies,” Aunt Tessa said, “Him go crazy!”

“It’s vacuum sealed,” I explained. “The problem is you can’t stockpile the supply, or it will go bad on the shelf.”

Elias was sitting with J.J. in his lap, “The farthest away is Kauai,” Elias reasoned. “It only takes a day or two to get the teas there.”

“Now, he knock hole in wall!” Aunt Tessa moaned.

“For the drive through,” I chuckled. “Hilo is growing, and people are driving more. They can drive up and order the coffee, latte or tea from their car.”

“People not take time to come in and order,” Aunt Tessa shook her head. “No, they stay in car and order.”

“They’re busy!” I explained again. “The fast-food restaurants all have them.”

“You serve fast coffee!?” Aunt Tessa said sourly.

“No,” I smiled. “We serve coffee quicker.” I hugged her. “We could stand with some of those...” I looked at Thao, “What were those things? Those cheesecake thingys?”

Thao nodded, “They are so good!” He agreed. “And fast and easy to make.”

I shrugged, “I need to have more than coffee and donuts available. Something unique. Aunt Tessa’s treats on the go!”

Aunt Tessa grudged a nod, “I give recipes but I no make. You have employees ?”

I nodded, “If not, I’ll hire some!”

“He like my husband Kaholo,” Aunt Tessa muttered. “Big dreams. Always planning.” She smiled, “You become success.”

“I intend to make a section of the Coffee Shoppe named for you,” I said. “Hilo knows you and will love it.”

“How much are you making?” Thao asked. He shrugged, “My degree is in Marketing. You have to be making a million by now.”

“We’re just in Hilo,” I explained. “The money now is going back into the business for now.” I smiled at him, “Do you want a job as the manager?” I waved at Elias and J.J.. “I’m sort of busy now.”

“I can take a look at it,” Thao nodded. “You’re doing a great job. Running a business, getting your doctorates and raising your son.” He smiled, “Give me a year and see if I can do the job.”

I shook his hand, “Deal. You know what I insist.” I grinned, “I trust you.” I looked at the people in our home. “Any success is because of you! Who knew the people I first met here would mean so much? This gorgeous blonde bombshell,” I waved at Brandi, “Thao, who welcomed us so quickly.” I waved at Aunt Tessa, “This dynamo who had the goods.” I waved at Mike, “Our dear friend Mike. All of you have done so much for Elias and me. Thank you.”

“The preacher’s son lies,” Brandi grinned. “You would be a success anyway. Thank you for making us part of it.”

We did a group hug. It was Aunt Tessa that said, “I knew first day you were Ohana. Pele wants you here. I tell you, you and Elias no leave.”

I had been in Hawai’i and knew many words now and Pele, the goddess of fire, lightening and volcanoes. Ohana was the word for family. We were Hawai’ian!

The truth was we were making good money. Elias with his being Head of the Philosophy Department and my Coffee Shoppe were doing just fine. We added a garage to the house. Just before David and Leia came for Thanksgiving, Elias brought up a subject.

“We need to let the Ford Escort go,” He said during dinner. “It was great when it was just you and me, but...”

“You think we need a bigger car,” I nodded. Then I shrugged, “We have your brother, sister-in-law and nephew coming. My mother soon...we need something bigger for all of them. It makes sense.” I saw his eyes. He was holding something back. “This is more than just a bigger vehicle.” I grinned.

Elias lowered his head in defeat, “After almost a decade, I should know you can read me.” He shook his head and looked at J.J. who was between us, “Your daddy can read me so well.” J.J. smiled and laughed. Elias looked at me, “It’s dumb, but I want to show David, Dad and your Dad we’re doing just fine. I want to show off a little.” He reasoned, “By word of mouth they will see we’re doing well!”

I nodded smiling at Elias, “That’s Human, Eli. You have something in mind.”

Elias suddenly brightened, “We got this house from the University board. There is an SUV, one year old...” he was getting excited now. “I’d never buy brand new from a dealership, the depreciation just plummets from there...”

“What?” I asked harder. “What SUV?”

“It’s a Land Rover...” Elias said.

“A Land Rover!?” I balked.

“We got the house and those bikes from there,” Elias defended. “The Land Rover is just one more. It’s big enough for the three of us. My family and their luggage...it’s a Range Rover.” He grinned, “It’s at the campus in Honolulu.”

The University had several campuses covering the islands, “And we have to go there.” I nodded.

“Yes,” Elias said happily. “I’ve seen the photos and information sent. We all go on Saturday. Okay?”

“Fine,” I smiled.

Elias looked at J.J., “That includes you.” J.J. let out a squeal and laughed.

“We’ll have to tell Mom,” I said. “She calls on Saturday.”

We took a hopper to Honolulu. If it checked out, we’d drive back taking a ferry. We ended up taking the ferry. It was a nice SUV. It was a private sale. No dealership involved. The Range Rover was nice! Very nice. Dark blue. I was “allowed” to drive it on the ferry. It was on that ferry I spoke with my husband.

“You did this because David’s coming,” I said knowingly. I touched his arm, “That’s okay. People usually do. This house...the vehicles tell how we’re doing.”

Elias grudged a nod, “Sure. David’s a doctor! Dad disowned me. Why? To force me back to being straight!? To punish me? It won’t work.” He got angry. “He will see that in spite of his condemnation I’m fine without any help from him!”

“You’re still hurt and angry,” I offered. I went on quickly, “I’m still hurt and angry at my father. You’re right. I send the recordings to Mom knowing Dad will see them. He will know he’s wrong. We have a beautiful house, friends that love us...” My head nodded grudgingly, “Dad never considered buying a Cadilac because of what others would say. He didn’t want anyone to see he was better than they were.” I frowned. “It’s false humility. He knew he was better.”

Elias chuckled, “We had three. In Peru.”

“You had Cadillacs,” I said. “In Peru?”

“Yep,” Elias smiled. “Not at the same time, of course. We lived in a mansion, had maids and the Bilagana, the whites, had fancy cars.” He chuckled with no humor. “I said I didn’t respect my parents.” His look of distaste was on his face. “We had ourselves set apart from the locals.”

“David is not like that,” I said. “He’s going back to Peru as a doctor.”

Elias nodded, “He sees them as people. So, do I.”

It was then J.J. woke after he pooped and started whining. I had him in the sling carrier I wore. Keeping him close he felt secure.

“What are you feeding him?” Elias smiled waving a hand in front of his face to get rid of the smell.

“The usual baby formula,” I answered pulling J.J. from the sling and handed him to Elias. “Just for that...and because he loves you more, you can change him!”

Elias grinned taking our son, “I’ll be glad to.”

I gave Elias the diaper bag, “There is the plastic bag for the diaper and wipes he used...for the incinerator.” Any diaper change I didn’t have to take was welcomed.

Thao! I hired him as manager...or financial controller and he hit the ground running! Plans for the Coffee Shoppe on the opposite side of the island, Kailua-Kona and on the south side in Waikoloa Village were going through. My Tea Sodas were going to be there, too. The demand for them skyrocketed! That was because of Brandi’s commercial. I renamed the Coffee Shoppe to be the Hawai’ian Coffee Shoppe. My Tea Sodas were still Eric’s Tea Sodas. Demand was such that we hired more people to get them out. I had to. I worried that we had enough supplies! The tea sodas cost just a little more than your regular soda. People were buying them! My Hawai’ian Coffee Shoppe on the Hilo Campus was booming! Thao had my plans going forward to having the Coffee Shoppe on all ten campuses. Hawai’ian coffee and tea was no problem. It was imports from the Middle East and from Asia! South America! Those I worried about. Elias loved I remembered his Inca Cola!

J.J. was growing! He was sociable and alert longer. We did get him immunized as quickly as we could. I was scared he might contract something. Brandi’s daughter and soon his cousin Chogan could bring...anything!

Then, it happened. I was feeding J.J.. Our phone rang and I saw the caller ID. Charleston, but not my mother’s number. I knew the number.

“Eli,” I called as he was getting ready to go to the University. “It’s your mother or father.”

He looked up cautiously, “They only called when Tina died.” He said about Steve’s wife. He picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Do you have a child?” It was his father who demanded. No hello or how are you. Just the demand.

Elias sighed, “You don’t care about me. Why are you wanting an answer now?”

“Are you raising a Jonas in that farce of a marriage?” His father asked.

“Call it whatever! We’re committed!” Elias shouted. “I don’t give a shit!”

Babies are sensitive to adult emotions and started to cry.

“I guess that confirms a baby is here,” Elias said angrily. “Whether it is a Jonas or Mitchell, I will neither confirm nor deny.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I will say, if this is a Jonas or Mitchell I am raising him as we see fit. You disown me? I’m not your son? I disown you! You are not my father. I will never turn my back on any child because of who they love!” He discontinued the call. He slammed down the phone and sighed as I picked up J.J. and held him. Elias looked at me and walked to me. “I’m sorry.” He bent in kissing J.J. on the head, “Papa was just angry, J.J.. It’s fine.”

I shook my head, “But understandable.” I kissed Elias gently, “You are not fine. You have to lecture this morning. You need to calm down.”

Elias nodded, “I know. I will.” He smiled at me, “I love you.”

“I know,” I grinned. “I love you. J.J. loves you. We gave your parents our number and email addresses. Can I check yours? We need to know who and what we’re fighting.”

Elias shrugged, “We have no secrets. Check away. I’ll look at them at work.” He took J.J. from me kissing him and held him close, “I would die for you.”

I patted J.J.’s back, “That’s nice, but live for J.J. and me. Don’t die. We weren’t keeping J.J. a secret. We knew they’d find out eventually.”

Elias nodded, “They haven’t kept up with us. I don’t believe Jonathan or David told them.”

“Mom doesn’t go to that church anymore.” I snorted a laugh, “My father sure as Hell isn’t going. Looking at the father of my boyfriend!? He’s too embarrassed. I can’t believe they said anything.” I shrugged, “We’ll just have to see.”

Elias handed J.J. back to me. “We’re going to Jonathan’s and Heather’s wedding in June. They’d see J.J. then.” He kissed me and then J.J.. “Sorry, J.J.. Papa’s gotta go. You two have a good day.”

“You’re taking the Rover,” I grinned.

“I can take the Toyota,” Elias said weakly.

“Or the Escort,” I pointed out. “It’s still ours until we sell it.”

Elias looked at me, “And where is the best place to put it so it can be seen by everyone?”

We had discussed this before. On campus would be okay, but the one place students, faculty and the general public would come was the Coffee Shoppe. “You need to list it on the board first.”

“I will,” Elias held the paperwork for the Landrover up, “And you need to take this to the County Office to have it registered. The insurance...”

I turned him toward the door, “I got it. Go teach.”

I did come home and check our email. Nothing so far. I came home to get our guest room ready for David, Leia and another room for Chogan. He was a year old, and I didn’t know how they would want him. Brandi was very popular and now on television often. My commercial and for Honolulu Ford. She was also facing her birthday. She would be thirty! Her birthday was Monday before Thanksgiving which Mike and she were celebrating on the Sunday before. David, Leia and Chogan would be here then. Being Ho’oilo, or Winter, it was pouring rain. Their plane landed on Friday night before Thanksgiving. The new garage kept us dry as I loaded J.J. and his needs in the Rover. Elias was very excited to see his brother. He wanted to show off all we’d done, and I let him.

Flights had changed with the addition of TSA. Transportation Security Administration. The airport was not open anymore. There were walls that enclosed the airport now. People unloading disembarked through the tunnel thing from the plane to the airport. David and Leia were allowed in the first group because of Chogan. David was a clean-shaven version of Elias...and the reddish-brown hair. Three years younger but had the Jonas’ face. Whatever drama with the parents, three of the sons were close.

David saw Elias and brightened instantly, “’Lias!!” He greeted Elias happily using the familiar name and body slammed his brother. Leia grinned as she held their son.

I chuckled and hugged Leia, “It’s great to see you!”

Leia nodded and looked at what I carried in the sling-carrier, “It’s wonderful to see you again.” She reached for J.J..
Can I see him?”

“Of course,” I said pulling the flap down to reveal a sleeping J.J.. “He’s your nephew.” I maneuvered J.J. so she could see his face. “This is Justin Jonas Mitchell. Elias’s and my son.”

Elias and David looked and Elias added, “We call him J.J..” He shrugged, “The nickname was going to happen.”

“He’s beautiful!” Leia said. “I’ll love to hold him...” she looked at Chogan, “When I have some free arms.”

I hugged David, “It’s good to see you again.”

Elias looked at David, “Did you tell Mom and Dad about J.J.?”

David looked shocked, “Did I? No way.” He waved at Leia, “I didn’t tell about us until she was expecting Chogan.” He grudged a nod, “Mom and Dad would ask about you and I’d say, pick up the phone and ask him. You have the number and email address.”

Elias nodded, “He did. Demanding to know about J.J.. I got upset and J.J. began crying and he knows something.”

“Jonathan doesn’t live with them now,” David reasoned. “I doubt he told them.”

“We aren’t keeping J.J. a secret,” I said. “We just never talk.”

David frowned, “The only son his has left is Steve.” He shrugged. “Dad still has me and Jonathan...sort of. He doesn’t rule me or Jonathan.” He grinned, “He still is uncomfortable with having a native grandson.” He pulled Chogan to him, taking him from Leia. He kissed his son’s head.

I pulled J.J. from the sling and gave him to Leia. He woke and was looking around...at Leia. “This is your Aunt Leia, J.J..”

“He is beautiful!” Leia claimed again.

“How is Steve?” Elias asked.

David frowned again, “Engaged.” But he didn’t sound happy.

“So soon? I gather that’s not good?” Elias asked.

“He’s still grieving Tina,” David grumbled.

“She looks just like Tina!” Leia explained. “A brunette Tina.”

“From Toronto, Canada,” David added. “She’s just wanting to work in the United States.”

“You’re just assuming, David,” Leia said. “We know she’s after something. We don’t know what. We only met her once.”

I frowned, “Let’s get you home. Prepare yourselves for a Hawai’ian Thanksgiving. We’re having friends join us, so a full house.”

“You don’t have turkey?” David smiled.

“Yes,” I nodded. “The turkey is roasted with a pineapple glaze and macadamia nut stuffing. Sweet potatoes sprinkled with coconut flakes.”

“Very Hawai’ian,” Elias said and grinned at me. “He’s a great cook. Let’s get your luggage.”

We got their luggage and waited for Elias to bring the car around. There was a large overhang to keep people dry as they got into cars. I knew what Elias was doing and said nothing until the dark blue Range Rover drove up, “Here he is.”

David’s mouth dropped open but said nothing until Elias got out, “This isn’t a rental?”

Elias smiled grandly, “No. It’s ours.”