Page 27 of Shark Cove

The man looked to be in his late twenties, with thinning blond hair, pale blue eyes, and the kind of tan and muscles that came from spending his days outdoors in the ocean. “I’m not sure what this is all about,” the man said, extending a hand to Lei. “I’m Chuck Beemer.”

Lei smiled big, and so did Harry. He seemed a bit dazzled and blinked at their combined effect. “Is there anywhere private inside the terminal building where we can talk?” Lei asked.

“I can take you to the pilot’s lounge,” Beemer said. “It’s currently empty.”

“So you’re a pilot then?” Harry flirted. “Ilovepilots.”

“Yep. Been flying since I was legal to do so.”

Beemer led them into the corrugated metal building via a side door markedPilots’ Lounge: Authorized Personnel Only.

Inside, a battered Formica table with folding metal chairs, a refrigerator, a hot plate, a couch, and a coffee pot made up unpretentious furnishings.

Beemer pulled out a chair for Harry, and she seated herself with a smile. “A gentleman too. This is my lucky day.”

Lei noticed Beemer checking out the lack of a wedding ring on Harry’s slim hand. She almost hated bursting the bubble of his interest as she sat down across from him and Nisake. “Full disclosure. We’re police officers.”

The high color in Chuck Beemer’s face faded. He glanced accusingly at Nisake, who shrugged.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t still enjoy a gentleman pilot on occasion,” Harry purred. She reached for the ashtray in the center of the table. “I hope you don’t mind if I smoke.”

She lit up in a rehearsed and sexy way. Lei smirked as the men watched. There was no doubt that smoking, while a terrible habit, could also be a nice performance enhancer.

Lei cleared her throat to get things started. “I’m sure you’re wondering what this is about, Chuck. Keone has helped Maui Police Department several times in the past with information related to the trafficking of women here on Maui.”

Beemer frowned. “I don’t know how I could help you with something like that.”

“I asked Keone if he knew anyone who was a pilot who might be able to help us figure out how a victim could be smuggled off the island. We would be grateful for any way that you could help. We’re concerned about a number of missing teen girls.” Lei outlined what she could tell him about the case.

Beemer shook his head violently, but he was still watching Harry’s lips, wrapped around her cigarette. “I don’t know anything. I’ve only been on the island for six months. I fly for a company called Hawaii VIP Charters. We cater to celebrities, musicians, athletes. We shuttle them to and from the airport in limos and island-hop them within the state. We don’t do long mainland runs.”

“Perhaps you know something you don’t realize you know,” Lei said. “Have you observed any suspicious or odd activity at the airport? Cargoes that looked strange, comings and goings late at night . . . I’m not sure what this would look like, so that’s why we’re talking to you.”

“Are you sure the girls are being trafficked? Maybe . . . there’s something worse happening.” Beemer’s changeable complexion flushed. “I hate to suggest this, but maybe somebody is doing away with them.”

“We haven’t ruled out that possibility,” Lei said. “But we suspect the trafficking because we found a victim who looked as if she’d tried to escape. She was in the water.”

“So why aren’t you focusing on ships?” Nisake asked.

“We are,” Lei said, suppressing irritation. “Keone, maybe you can give me a few minutes to talk privately outside while Harry and Chuck get to know each other better.”

Nisake nodded. “Sure.”

The two of them got up and went outside of the lounge. The wall of the terminal building reduced the gusty wind that usually cut across the airport, and Lei turned to the young man. “Thanks for bringing Beemer on board. It’s good for us to have a contact with someone inside the industry. Maybe Harry can motivate him to dig more deeply into what he’s seen over the past six months of movement in this terminal.”

“Chuck’s going to know I snitch for you now.” Nisake cast down his eyes. “I don’t know who he might tell. I’m walking a fine line ever since I got out and have been giving you information.”

“If it’s the Changs you’re worried about, I have a contact within the family. I’ll let him know to keep an eye out for you.” Over Lei’s years of dealing with the Chang crime syndicate, she had found an unexpected asset in Terence Chang, the young heir apparent on the Big Island of Hawaii who had decided to go straight. “My source can tell me if there’s any Chang activity going on related to your involvement and manage any threats.”

Keone looked up, relief evident in his sallow face. “Good. I’m trying to keep my nose clean. I’ve got a new job detailing cars at one of the rental companies. It’s hard work, but the pay isn’t bad.”

Lei unslung her backpack, reaching in for her wallet. She pulled out a crisp hundred-dollar bill. “Just a little token of my appreciation and thanks for your help.”

Her CI nodded his head. “Thanks, I need all I can get.”

“Now, let’s go rescue your friend Chuck from my friend Harry,” Lei said.

Nisake smiled for the first time. “I think it might already be too late.”

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