Lib Novel Page 61
“I will, Tave.”
She ended the call and handed the phone to Sawyer. He powered it down. Then Sawyer’s cellphone rang.
He pressed it to his ear. “Lane. Hi, Koa. What did you find?” A pause. “That’s perfect. I owe you. And remember, you can’tmention this to anyone.” Another pause, then an eyeroll. “Yes, I’ll get her autograph for your uncle.”
He slipped the phone away. “I put out feelers for somewhere we can stay.”
“And you found something?”
“Koa came through. His uncle’s best friend’s cousin has a cottage in Upcountry.”
“Upcountry?”
“It’s the area in central Maui, on the slopes of Mount Haleakala. We can stay there until I find this hitman, and arrest him.”
Worry nipped at her.
“It’s going to be okay.” He kissed her fingers. “I promise.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sawyer’s hands gripped the wheel of the truck he’d borrowed from Benny. It was old, but his cousin kept the Toyota Tacoma running smoothly.
They made their way up the winding, scenic road. Here, Maui was all rolling hills and lush volcanic soil, where the locals farmed taro and sweet potatoes.
Hollis had been quiet for most of the drive. He reached over and gave her leg a squeeze.
“You okay?”
She turned her head. “Sort of.” She sent him a small smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll shake it off. I’m just having a little pity party.”
“We’re going to sort this out, Hollis. I won’t let you get hurt.”
She covered his hand with hers. “I’m glad you’re with me.”
Before long, they drove into the area of Kula. “The cottage isn’t far from here,” he told her.
“We’re close to the volcano?”
“Yes, on the western slopes of Haleakala. It’s a massive shield volcano that forms seventy-five percent of the island.” He smiled. “Don’t worry, it hasn’t erupted for over five hundred years.”
She pulled a face. “My luck hasn’t been that great lately, so don’t jinx it.”
“You know, this area is also known for its flowers. It’s where most of the cut flowers used in leis come from.”
“It is beautiful up here.”
They drove for a few more minutes. Sawyer spotted the mailbox, and turned onto a gravel driveway.
“Oh, wow.” She leaned forward. “And I thought Archer’s place had a great view.”
The cottage was perched on the side of the hill. The sweeping views were stunning. Mountains and lush, rolling hills lay before them, and there was a clear view all the way to the ocean.
They climbed out and Sawyer got their bags out of the back. Hollis carried the small bag of food they’d brought from his place. He’d scavenged what he could from his fridge and pantry. It would keep them going for a bit.
He found the key under the potted plant by the door, and unlocked it. The place was simple, with a wood floor and sturdy furniture. It was more like his place than Archer’s.
He set the bags in the bedroom. There was a double bed with a simple, white cover on it.