Page 14 of Mai Tais and Murder

Something about their comfortable togetherness made Helen smile. “I’m Martha,” the woman said, noticing Helen’s attention. “And this is George. We’re celebrating our fiftieth anniversary today.”

“Congratulations,” Helen replied warmly. “I’m Helen, and this is Mel. We’re celebrating too, though it’s only because we are together on vacation.”

Martha’s eyes twinkled as she looked between them. “Sometimes just being together is worth celebrating,” she said. “George and I learned that early on, didn’t we, dear?”

George nodded, patting his wife’s hand where it sat on the boat’s railing. “Best lesson we ever learned.”

The ship’s engines rumbled to life as the crew prepared to cast off. Helen felt Mel’s arm slip around her waist, and she leaned into the embrace. “Fifty years,” Helen murmured. “Can you imagine?”

“With the right person?” Mel replied softly. “Yes.”

The simple words made Helen’s heart ache a little. She couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to meet Mel when they were younger. Turning to look at her partner, Helen found such depth of feeling in Mel’s eyes that it took her breath away. The mystery of their neighbor, the pale man in the suit, all of it faded away in that moment.

As they pulled away from the dock, the captain’s voice came over the speakers, welcoming them aboard and pointing out various landmarks. The afternoon sun sparkled on the water, and a fresh breeze carried the salty ocean air. “Look,” Martha said, pointing at the water near the boat. “Spinner dolphins.”

Helen watched in delight as sleek forms cut through the waves, occasionally leaping and spinning in graceful arcs. “They are beautiful.”

“Yes indeed,” George said. “Life gets complicated enough without missing the simple joys.”

Helen nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. It had been easy to get caught up in mysteries and concerns, forgetting to appreciate the beauty right in front of them. She thought about their neighbor, about all the questions still unanswered, but for once, those thoughts didn’t take hold. Instead, she focused on the warmth of Mel’s arm around her waist, the sound of waves against the hull, and the way the afternoon light sparkled on the water. Today’s experience was why they had come to Hawaii. Not to solve mysteries or right wrongs, but to be together, to make memories.

“You’re thinking deep thoughts,” Mel said quietly.

“Just appreciating the moment,” Helen said, resting her head on Mel’s shoulder. “And the company.” The boat rounded a point, revealing the full majesty of Diamond Head rising against the sky, making everything even more magical. Helen’s heart felt full. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Mel said. “Thank you for making me take this break.”

Helen smiled, knowing that tomorrow they would probably be back to their amateur sleuthing, trying to understand what was going on with their neighbor. But for now, on this perfect Hawaiian afternoon, they were just two people in love, sharing a moment on the sea.

* * *

Mel foundherself relaxing into the gentle rhythm of the boat. The salt spray occasionally misted her face, and the warmth of Helen against her side grounded her in the present moment. She watched a frigate bird soar overhead, its forked tail adjusting to the wind currents with effortless grace.

“The whales often come through that channel,” George was saying, pointing toward a deeper blue stretch of water. “Something about the currents there attracts them.”

Martha leaned forward suddenly. “There! Did you see that splash?”

Everyone turned to look where she pointed. At first, Mel saw nothing but endless blue, but then a distant spout of water shot into the air. “Oh,” Helen gasped beside her as a massive dark form breached the surface, water cascading off its body as it crashed back into the sea. The sight was magnificent, raw power and grace combined in a way that made Mel’s heart race. The entire boat erupted in excited chatter.

“That was a big one,” George said. “Probably a male, based on the size.”

Mel felt Helen’s hand touch her shoulder. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Helen whispered, her voice filled with wonder. “Thank you for coming with me today.”

The simple gratitude in Helen’s voice made Mel’s throat tight with emotion, and she knew how lucky she was. After decades of putting her job first, of keeping people at arm’s length, she had found someone who not only accepted her peculiarities but seemed to cherish them. The whale breached again, closer this time, and Mel took in all the details—the distinctive pattern on its fluke, the barnacles clinging to its massive form. She found herself wanting to document everything, to preserve this perfect moment forever.

“You’re doing that thing with your jaw,” Helen said softly, and there was a playfulness in her voice.

“What thing?”

“That thing when you’re mentally taking notes,” Helen replied, covering Mel’s hand on the railing with her own. “Just watch, dear. No need to catalog everything.”

Mel laughed quietly, appreciating Helen’s perception. “Sorry. Force of habit.”

“Don’t apologize,” Helen said. “It’s endearing.”

The boat’s engines had been cut to idle, allowing them to drift quietly in the whale’s vicinity. “You know,” Martha said from where the couple stood nearby. “George and I met on a boat not unlike this one. Though it was off the coast of Maine, and we were looking for seals, not whales.”

“How lovely,” Helen replied. “Was it love at first sight?”

---