“I think I hear voices.” He hopped down beside her. “We need to get closer.”
“We used to play out here when we were kids. There’s a side door, if it’s unlocked. It opens into a small room.” She led him to the west side. He peered around the corner then motioned for her to join him in the enclosure that jutted from the side of the building.
Out of reach of the trade winds, the air here seemed still and oppressive. Jesse tried the door. “It’s unlocked,” he mouthed.
He turned the knob in small increments, and Kaia waited for the door to creak as it opened, but it made no sound. He opened it just far enough to get his head in. “No one’s in there.” He stepped through first and held it open for her.
She joined him in the ten-foot-square room. The door into the milling room was partially ajar. One loud noise, and they’d be discovered. Jesse tiptoed to the door and peered out. Kaia looked around his shoulder.
Two women stood near some machinery. Kaia leaned forward to hear, and her weak ankle gave way. She tumbled into a group of boxes.
The women looked around at the clatter. They rushed toward the door, and Kaia scrambled to her feet and moved to intercept them. “Stay hidden,” she mouthed urgently to Jesse.
The women paused when they saw her. “We’re just looking around,” the oldest woman said. About fifty, she wore alohawear shorts and a matching top. Her short black hair held a trace of gray at the temples. She was Hawaiian. The other woman hung behind. She looked like a younger version of the older woman.
Kaia thought they’d be more inclined to talk to her than a navy officer. “Aloha,” she said, smiling. “I was just looking around myself. Are you members of Pele Hawai′i?”
“I know you,” the woman said. “You’re Kaia Oana. I’m Lei Kanahele. I was a friend of your mother’s once upon a time. You look just like her.”
Kaia had heard that before, and though it was intended as a compliment, it never failed to irritate her. “Thanks,” she said shortly. “What are you doing here?”
“I forgot my picnic basket the other day. What are you doing here?” The woman’s sharp look of suspicion increased.
“I came to a meeting here with my brother recently. I was hoping to ask someone a few more questions. It was very interesting.”
Lei’s frown eased a bit. “Isn’t Nahele amazing?”
“He’s a riveting speaker,” Kaia agreed. She decided to take a wild stab in the dark. “I was wondering how quickly Nahele thinks we’ll be able to get rid of the navy. They’ve been interrupting my research.”
Lei’s expression softened. “You won’t have long to wait. Hasn’t Mano told you about the plan?”
“What plan? We haven’t had a chance to talk lately.”
“I probably shouldn’t say anything then,” Lei said. “I’m sure Mano will tell you what he wants you to do.” She tugged on her daughter’s arm. “We’d better go.”
“Does it have anything to do with my dolphins?” Kaia asked.
“I’ve said too much already. Talk to your brother.” Lei edged past Kaia, and the women rushed for the door.
Fourteen
Jesse knew better than to try to comfort Kaia. He kept glancing at her as he drove down to the dock. Any words he might offer would be hollow now that they’d confirmed the extent of Mano’s treachery. He obviously intended to drag her into the situation, or at the very least, pump her for information.
Jesse helped Kaia aboard the boat. Nani chattered in the waves just off the bow, and Kaia leaned over the side and talked to the dolphin. At least Kaia was beginning to lose that sick green color she’d taken on when she realized Mano planned to use her.
“Well look who’s here.” He nodded toward Kaia’s brother, who approached the dock.
Kaia frowned and kept her voice low. “What does he think he’s doing?”
“Picking the right time to unveil his plan? We should make the most of it. Tell him he’s welcome to join us.”
She turned to look. “I don’t know if I can.” Her mouth trembled, and she bit down on her lower lip. “He knows me too well.”
“You’ve got to.” He gripped her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I’m praying for you to be strong.” The sweet scent of her hair drifted to his nose, and he had to suppress the urge to pull her close. She was too young for him. He’d seen too much of life, and she’d seen too little.
She shut her eyes for a moment. A shudder passed through her, then she raised her head. “I’ll try.”
“Good girl.” He squeezed her shoulders gently and released her, though he really wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. The thought shocked him. He hadn’t had an impulse like that since Christy died.
“Hey, wait up!” Mano jogged toward the boat. His broad face wore a smile. “I thought I’d go out with you guys tonight.” His glance cut to his sister. “You cool with that?”
“Sure.” Kaia didn’t look him in the face.