Too Hot Four Hula: 4 (The Tiki Goddess Mystery Series) by Jill Marie Landis Page A

When we left the suite it had smeared complimentary shampoo and conditioner all over the bathroom and was guzzling mouthwash.”
    “You’re not thinking of paying the ransom, are you?”
    “Louie is. I’ve talked him out of it for now. I’m not paying any extortionist, but we have to do something. He gave us twenty-four hours. You’re a mystery writer. Any ideas?”
    “If I’d written a treatment of this scenario no one would approve it.”
    Em sighed and gazed around the open air lobby. Four young women, obviously out for the evening, were checking out Nat, and Em realized, not for the first time, that he was good looking. Not only that, but he was available, a great conversationalist, and level-headed. He had a successful career in a business where most people never made it, not to mention he owned homes in LA, Honolulu, and on Kauai.
    “Ask about the video playback in the reception area when you get back. Maybe they’re working. In fact, I’ll go with you if you want,” he offered.
    “I’m a big girl. I can handle it,” she assured him. “I’ll ask on my own.”
    She hated to admit that hotel security staff might think she was just another ditzy blonde considering the company she kept.
    “It’s almost four thirty.” He checked his watch and signaled the waitress.
    They walked back into the hotel grounds together.
    “Looks like the Maidens have finished without any mishaps,” Em told Nat.
    “Either that, or they’ve been rounded up again.”
    “Please.” Em held up her hand. “Don’t even go there.”
    They spotted the women seated with musicians at tables at the Tapa Bar and skirted behind some high-end stores without being noticed as they headed for the main lobby area. Louie must have been chosen to be featured at the Shake Off press conference. He and the conference organizers were seated behind microphones at a long table answering questions and talking about the event.
    “Louie looks pretty calm,” Nat said.
    “He’s always at ease behind a mic. The free Mai Tais help, too. He’s worried sick about his notebook and afraid to mention the theft to anyone.”
    “For good reason. His Booze Bible is being held hostage. The thief might rip out another page for spite.”
    Em sighed. “Dismantling it bit by bit seems pretty sadistic.”
    “I’m glad it’s just a notebook and not a person,” Nat said. “Otherwise you’d be getting packages with fingers in them.”
    “That’s a visual I don’t want to think about.” She watched Louie for a moment and then said, “Listen, I can check in at security on my own. You don’t need to stay.”
    “You’re sure? I really don’t mind.”
    “I’m sure.” She smiled. “Thanks for getting me out of here for a while. I really appreciate it.”
    He leaned close and kissed the corner of her lips. “Always a pleasure.”
    Em watched him walk away before she headed over to security again.
    Mr. Kim wasn’t there. An older man was in charge of the desk.
    When she asked if the reception area video playback was fixed and if so, could she view it, he said no.
    “The tech team is in there right now. Even if it was fixed, we’re short-handed tonight. Can’t take the time to help you. With the press conference for the Shake Off thing going on, the Miracle Cream ladies leaving, and the Shriners set to check in tomorrow, not to mention those pupule hula dancers that were arrested Tuesday night, most of our officers are out patrolling the grounds. We’ve got twenty-two acres and thirty-five hundred rooms here, you know.”
    He studied Em for a moment.
    She sensed the moment he recognized her.
    “Aren’t you with that bunch? The old ladies who dance on the television?” he asked.
    “The pupule dancers? I am. I’m also here with my uncle. He’s in the Shake Off. It’s very important that I find out who dropped off an envelope for him earlier today.”
    The security office remained adamant. “The equipment’s still not working right now. The