Page 19 of Forgotten Promise

“I’d hoped it was just an accident.” Kailani smiled grimly at John. “An accident and a coincidence.”

“What’s next?” John asked, determined to help her.

“I…” She considered his question, then shrugged. “I have to go. I should stay because there are a lot of things happening at once. But I don’t have time—” Kailani stopped talking, her attention drawn toward the walkway behind him.

John turned and saw a man, who had to be Kailani’s brother, approaching them. Well, he was walking toward the kitchen. He hadn’t spotted Kailani yet.

The resemblance between the two siblings was remarkable considering the fact they were actually half brother and sister. Makani had a dark tan that seemed to indicate that while his sister spent most of her time in the office, his work tasks allowed him to spend more time outside.

Either that or he spent his off-hours surfing, his twill board shorts and graphic button-down definitely giving that impression. All he needed to do was flash them the “hang loose” sign to confirm John’s suspicion.

Makani shared the same shiny straight black hair as his sister, the stylish short cut brushed back away from his forehead, though his eyes were lighter than Kailani’s, his a pale brown compared to her black. They both had thick lashes highlighting the delicate almond shape.

Makani was muscular, but not in a bulky way. He was medium-build and height, a few inches shorter than he and Benjamin. Of course, John suspected there weren’t many people taller than Benjamin. John, accustomed to typically being one of the tallest guys in the room, wasn’t used to looking up at others.

Makani wasn’t alone. Two other men, who gave off law-enforcement or military vibes, walked with him, breaking off to go speak with the firefighters.

Makani frowned as he took in the chaos. Then his eyes landed on Kailani and his expression cleared.

Walking over, he reached out to tug her into his arms. “Kailani,” he said, pressing his cheek against the top of his sister’s head. Kailani had spoken about the closeness of her family, and it was apparent now in the way Makani held his sister. It was an affectionate, protective embrace, and John realized he didn’t know which sibling was the elder. They looked to be very close in age, which was entirely possible considering they had different mothers.

Kailani was the first to break the embrace. “I’m fine, i hawawa.”

“It’s not silly to be worried about you. We are in the middle of—” He stopped talking, his gaze traveling from John to Benjamin and back again. It appeared Kailani had filled her brother in on more than just the fire when she called him, which meant the Iona family knew at least something about Kailani’s role as keyholder. John studied the man’s face, wondering if he could press him for the answers Kailani refused to give.

“Makani, this is John Wilson,” Kailani said, introducing him. “John, this is my brother.”

“Aloha.” Makani reached out to shake his hand. “My sister tells me you’re a homicide detective in L.A. It’s an admirable profession, but I can’t imagine it’s easy. Figure you’ve seen some shit in your time.”

“I have,” John replied simply. He couldn’t help but wonder if Kailani had told her family the truth behind their binding ceremony, that she was rejecting the match, and that they’d lodged a request to dissolve it.

Makani turned his attention to Benjamin and scowled. “Dara. I didn’t think you were stupid enough to show up here, so I didn’t put you on the ‘banned from property’ list. My mistake.”

“Iona,” Benjamin fired back, making no attempt to be friendly. “I see you’re carrying on the tradition of welcoming hospitality.”

Jesus. John closed his eyes briefly, praying for patience. The Trinity Masters were in danger. Now was not the time for a pissing contest.

“Who are those men you arrived with?” Kailani asked, glancing across the grounds. The two men were talking to one of the firemen.

“Private security. I placed a call right after I hung up with you,” Makani explained.

“Good to see you’re following my suggestion,” Benjamin said smoothly.

John mentally willed Benjamin to shut up.

Makani’s smile was more a baring of teeth, but he ignored Benjamin’s words, continuing to talk to his sister. “I asked them to meet me here. I’m going to set them up in rooms here in the hotel, and they’re going to pretend to be guests.”

John frowned, concerned that the Iona siblings weren’t taking this matter seriously enough. “You aren’t evacuating the hotel?”

Makani shook his head. “I got a preliminary report as I came in. There’s no structural damage, or smoke or fire damage to the upper floors. Even the kitchen isn’t too bad. Plus…the guests provide another level of security because, at any given time, there are countless people exploring the grounds, enjoying the gardens. There is enough activity in and around the hotel that it would make foul play difficult. Too many witnesses.”

“Which is cold,” Benjamin interrupted.

Makani didn’t acknowledge Benjamin’s comment. “I believe the reason the fire was started here is because this kitchen was closed. Easy access because none of the guests would be hanging out around here.”

John agreed…with both men. Using the guests as an added layer of protection was smart…and indeed cold. “Are there cameras on the grounds that we could check?”

Makani nodded. “There are. That was actually going to be my next stop after checking out the damage and making sure this one was okay.” As he spoke, Makani wrapped his arm around Kailani’s shoulders, ruffling her hair as she tried to swat him away.

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