Mele Mistletoe: Cat Christmas Humor Mystery (Paradise Crime Cozy Mystery) by Toby Neal

Author:Toby Neal [Neal, Toby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Neal Enterprises, INC
Published: 2024-12-20T00:00:00+00:00

The gracious old house the Hales lived in took me by surprise. Unlike most of the small, plantation style homes making up the adjacent towns of Hana and smaller Ohia, theirs was a large, two-story Victorian painted a cheery yellow with white trim, just as Leilani had described. Two varieties of ti plants lined a gracefully curved driveway, their alternating red and green leaves rustling in a gentle night breeze.

“Someone did well for themselves,” I murmured to Keone as we climbed the front steps. The lanai wrapped around three sides of the house, populated with comfortable-looking rattan furniture and hanging orchids. Large, brightly colored bulb style Christmas lights fixed around the border of the ceiling provided plenty of illumination.

Before we could knock, a loud “MRRROWWW!” announced our presence, followed by the appearance of a sleek Siamese cat in the window beside the door. The cat fixed us with brilliant blue eyes and let out another commanding yowl.

The door opened to reveal a tall, distinguished older Hawaiian man, wearing khakis and an aloha shirt. Behind him stood a shorter Japanese woman with silver hair tied back in a neat bun, wiping her hands on a flour-dusted apron. The heavenly scent of baking and vanilla wafted out to surround us.

“May we help you?” Dr. Hale asked, his voice rich and deep.

“Sorry to intrude on your evening. I’m Kat Smith, the new postmaster in Ohia, and this is Keone Kaihale. Leilani Akana suggested we come speak with you about the Queen’s Ornament.”

“Ah, yes. I heard the ornament was donated. I bet that caused a stir,” Dr. Hale said. “And Keone, I recognize you. I taught history at the high school back when and had you as a student one year.”

Keone ducked his head. “I remember. I didn’t put the name together until this moment. I hope I wasn’t too kolohe back then.”

“A little mischievous, but nothing I couldn’t handle,” Dr. Hale said.

Mrs. Hale’s face brightened as she came around from behind her spouse. “Oh, please come in! I’m just taking a batch of shortbread out of the oven. Would you two like some cookies and tea?”

“That would be wonderful,” I answered for both of us.

The Siamese cat wound between our legs as we entered, still vocalizing. “That’s Pumpernickel,” Dr. Hale explained with an indulgent smile. “He runs the household.”

“MRRROWW!” Pumpernickel agreed.

We followed the couple into a formal living room furnished with antique koa wood furniture and family photos. The Christmas tree in the corner sparkled with vintage ornaments, and more family photos lined the walls, including one that caught my eye: a much younger Dr. Hale standing between two groups of Hawaiians who appeared to be in the midst of a heated discussion.

“That was the day of the compromise,” Dr. Hale said, following my gaze and pointing to the photo. “1980. Hot day, hot tempers.” He settled into a leather armchair while Mrs. Hale disappeared toward the kitchen, Pumpernickel trotting after her. “Have a seat.”

We took a couch across from him.

“Can you tell us more?” Keone asked.

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