That afternoon, after landing in Honolulu, we took a taxi from the airport to our hotel in Wiki. I pressed my face against the window and stared out at the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Surfers rode waves in the distance. Children built sand castles.
I thought about Robert’s promise made 5 years ago. When I retire, Maggie, the first place we’re going is Hawaii. Just you and me.
He died two months before retirement.
Now I was here with the daughter who wanted me gone.
We checked into a beachfront hotel overlooking Diamond Head Crater. The lobby smelled like fresh orchids and coconut. Tourists in bright Hawaiian shirts laughed and took photos, completely unaware that the woman standing among them was wearing a wire.
The receptionist behind the front desk was in his late 20s with a name tag that read Jason. He processed our reservation efficiently.
“Welcome to Hawaii, Mrs. Thompson,” he said, handing me my room key card.
As he did, he slipped a small folded note beneath the card sleeve. I palmed it discreetly and tucked it into my pocket.
Jessica stepped up beside me. “Mom, let’s get adjoining rooms. That way, we can spend more time together.”
“That sounds perfect, sweetheart,” I said.
Brandon nodded. “We want to make sure you’re comfortable, Mrs. Thompson.”
Once we dropped our luggage in our rooms, Jessica knocked on my door. She wore a yellow sundress and sandals, looking relaxed and happy.
“Mom, I’ve been researching things to do,” she said brightly. “Tomorrow, let’s drive out to Makapu Point Lookout on the east side of the island. The sea cliff views are supposed to be incredible. Dad would have absolutely loved it there.”
My blood turned to ice.
The cliffs. This was plan B.
I forced myself to smile. “That sounds beautiful, honey. I’d love to see it.”
Brandon appeared behind her. “It’s only about 30 minutes from here. The lighthouse trail is an easy walk, and there are amazing photo opportunities at the top.”
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