Theres a haze clouding the moon, she said. Its like youre viewing the moon through gauze. In Hawaii, the moon and stars are clear and bright.
Adam squinted up through the windshield. Used to be southern harvest moons were fantastic. But gas refineries have sprung up along the river. They pollute the air and belch smoke and carbons into the river and sky. Cane farmers and residents alike complain, but the powers-that-be look the other way. They want the tax revenues.
Is there a possibility pollution will drive cane growers out altogether? Her thoughts were on the declining Hawaiian cane industry as Adam found a place to park.
Youd have to ask Jackson or Casey. I know Jacksons working with lobbyists. Adam held the door as she got out, and then locked his pickup.
I heard Jackson tell Casey he had lunch planned with some lobbyists today, she said. Itd be a shame if the cane fields wither away as they are in Hawaii. I intend to see Shillers become what it was in my mothers day. If I envy Dukes kids anything, itswell, never mind. You dont want me going on about that, Im sure.
Duke didnt play square with any of you.
You wont hear objections from me on that score.
Adam placed a hand on her waist as they navigated the first of a series of ramps leading to the White Golda replica of a paddle wheeler. The walkway was crowded with jovial people all headed into the boat.
Noelani moved closer to Adam. Are all these people here to listen to the band? By now the catchy beat of a familiar tune spilled from the gently rocking boat.
Theyre here to gamble. Music and liquor are perks to keep patrons on the boat spending money.
Do you gamble?
I have better things to do with my hard-earned cash. But feel free to throw some of yours in the slots, sugar pie.
Ive never been to a casino. I wouldnt know what to do. I have better things to do with my money, too, she said as they entered the dimly lit interior. The noise intensified; music and laughter now competed with the spin of slots and the clank of falling coins. Someone jostled Noelani, knocking her into Adam. She pressed both hands against his chest to remain balanced, and felt his heart pick up its tempo. Usually she shied away from closeness. Not this time. She maintained contact, liking the feel of his muscles under her hands.
Adam slid his arms protectively around her back. Boy, its packed tonight. There must be some big convention in town. Lets see if we can work our way upstairs to where the band is.
She nodded but was reluctant to leave Adams armscertainly much more so than she ought to be. In marked contrast to the smoke, whiskey fumes and cloying perfumes rising from a row of women at the slots, Adams shirt smelled of crisp, clean starch. His aftershave was a subtle mix of lime and some nice scent Noelani couldnt name. She liked it, though. A lot.
Whew! Adam stumbled with her out onto the upper deck, where the crowd was thinner. In place of slots, this deck offered roulette, craps and other game tables. A polished wood bar curved in a large horseshoe around a compact dance floor. Off to their right was a raised stage on which five musicians sat, belting out lively tunes.
Theres Nick and Casey. I wonder what theyre doing here. Adam clamped a hand on Noelanis upper arm and literally dragged her across the room.
The men shook hands. Casey, who leaned against the bar, tightened her hold on her shoulder purse and stepped well to their right. Are you about finished, Nick? You said this wouldnt take a minute.
Whats your hurry? Adam asked, smiling at her.
Casually looping an arm around Caseys waist, Nick continued talking to a snazzily dressed older gentleman. A shrug was Caseys only response to Adams question.
Noelani propped a foot on the rung of an adjacent bar stool. Every time I see you, youre in a rush to take off. I have a question about your harvester.
Caseys head snapped around. What about our harvester? Im paying Len Forsen extra to keep an eye on it night and day.
Adam mentioned youd had one stolen. Thats terrible. But Im interested in learning the make, model and where I can get a brochure. Ive been so concerned with increasing production on the mill end of harvest, Ive paid no attention to the cutting process. In Hawaii, if it rains, cutting comes to a standstill. According to Adam, you cut the day I arrived, and it rained cats and dogs.
Casey looked her half sister up and down. You really do work in cane?
At the mill. Noelani felt her temper flare. The islandsMaui, in particularwere once the worlds leading sugar producer. Didnt your father ever tell you about the month he spent on Maui studying Bruce Shillers operation?
Leave my father out of this.
Like he conveniently left me out of his life, you mean?
Ladies, ladies. Adam stepped between the two bristling women.
Nick interrupted his conversation to glance their way. The bands taking a break, I see. Noelani, heres their card. I assume youve come to talk to them about performing. Youll want the guy with the accordion. He books all their gigs.
Whats she want with a band? Casey peered around Adam.
Short memory, Noelani said sarcastically. Have you forgotten that at breakfast, Jackson put me in charge of your annual puaa?
Our what?
Sorry. Your pigfest.
Oh. I did forget. Nick, heres Viv, Luc and Murray. Lets go. You said you wanted Mr. Dardenne to meet Luc. Dismissing the others, Casey spoke to the man with whom Nick chatted. Linking her arm through his, the two of them left.
Noelani watched Casey flag down a handsome couple and a third party. She recognized Murray Dewalt as the extra male, the friend and neighbor shed met that morning in the kitchen. The man she didnt know had midnight-dark eyes, killer good looks and carried a worn instrument case. His companion, a smartly dressed, racehorse-thin blonde, enveloped Casey in an effusive hug.
Viv is Caseys best friend, Nick said for Noelanis benefit. To Adam, he said, Henry Dardenne is considering picking up the casino contract Guy Moreau reneged on. Henry requested a meeting with Luc Renault, because he wants some reassurance that Luc will continue performing if he buys the casino.
Um, excuse me. Noelani ducked away from the men and made a beeline for the band leader, now packing up his equipment.
Adams gaze followed her. Nick, I understand that Caseys suffering from the loss of her folks. But shes got to face facts. Noelani didnt write Dukes will.
Dont push, Adam. For years Caseys poured her heart and soul into growing the best cane in the statemostly to please her dad. Duke did more than die. He fell from his pedestal. Andthis isnt for publication, but Casey had a miscarriage. The day before the property settlement meeting. Emotionally, shes going through hell.
God, Nick. Im sorry. For your sake, too. But maybe shed benefit from having a sister at a time like this. Dont women connect over babies?
Casey needs time. I wish she and Jackson would let me help them come up with the money to get rid of Noelani.
I hope you mean buy her out, rather than get rid of her. That soundssinister.
You know what I mean. If Dardenne signs tonight, I could give them a loan. But my question iswhy are you involving yourself, Adam?