Fatal Break

By Beth Prentice

From USA Today bestselling author Beth Prentice comes the next killer beach read in Aloha Lagoon...

Samantha Reynolds' life in Aloha Lagoon feels like it's finally smooth sailing. She’s settled into her job as the resorts' surf instructor for children, things are looking good with her boyfriend Casey, and she has an amazing BFF in the local surf shop owner, Alani.

But when a storm hits Aloha Lagoon, Alani’s past comes back to haunt her, and Sam finds her bestie standing over the dead body of her wayward ex-boyfriend. While Sam knows Alani is innocent, the local
police aren't so easily convinced, and Sam realizes it's up to her to clear Alani's name and find the real killer before her friend ends up behind bars. Why was Alani's ex back in town? What was he doing in Alani’s shop after hours? And who is the mysterious raven-haired woman in his life and what does she have to do with it all? Sam is determined to find out...only can she do it before the real killer catches her? Or will Sam’s time in Aloha Lagoon come to a sticky end?

The Aloha Lagoon Mysteries:
Ukulele Murder (book #1)
Murder on the Aloha Express (book #2)
Deadly Wipeout (book #3)
Deadly Bubbles in the Wine (book #4)
Mele Kalikimaka Murder (book #5)
Death of the Big Kahuna (book #6)
Ukulele Deadly (book #7)
Bikinis & Bloodshed (book #8)
Death of the Kona Man (book #9)
Lethal Tide (book #10)
Beachboy Murder (book #11)
Handbags & Homicide (book #12)
Tiaras & Terror (book #13)
Photo Finished (book #14)
Fatal Break (book #15)

About Aloha Lagoon:
There's trouble in paradise...
Welcome to Aloha Lagoon, one of Hawaii's hidden treasures. A little bit of tropical paradise nestled along the coast of Kauai, this resort town boasts luxurious accommodation, friendly island atmosphere...and only a slightly higher than normal murder rate. While mysterious circumstances may be the norm on our corner of the island, we're certain that our staff and Lagoon natives will make your stay in Aloha Lagoon one you will never forget!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing
• Release date: Aug 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9781947110885

Beth Prentice

USA Today bestselling author Beth Prentice was born in Manchester, England, but after moving backwards and forwards across the world 13 times in 14 years she decided that at the age of 18 that Australia was to be her home. She now lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia where every day is a good one. She is the lucky mother of two grown up children, and, along with er ever-patient husband, she is the proud but sometimes flustered owner of four dogs, a cat, and a canary. She has always had a love of reading, and even though her background is in accounting, she has now discovered her love of writing. Her main wish is to write books you can sit back, relax with, and escape from your everyday life...and ones that you walk away from with a smile! When she's not writing you will usually find her at the beach with a coffee in hand, pursuing her favorite pastime —people watching!

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FATAL BREAK

an Aloha Lagoon Mystery

by

BETH PRENTICE

* * * * *

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2019 by Beth Prentice

Gemma Halliday Publishing

http://www.gemmahallidaypublishing.com

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author's work.

CHAPTER ONE

The atmosphere in The Lava Pot was festive despite the ominous chill that was racing across my skin, causing goose bumps to erupt at its touch. The overhead rattan fan slowly turned, bringing the scent of the tropical storm, and the sound of Benny Hoku and his Ukulele Wahines competed with the torrential rain hitting the roof. I rubbed my arms and listened as Tua recounted the tale, a feeling of dread sitting heavy in my stomach.

Thunder reverberated along the mountainside, and lightning lit the skies, he explained, his milky eyes wide as he leaned in close, his voice low and haunting. Chills break-danced down my arms.

Tua was a native to the island of Kauai. His white beard mingled with his long hair, almost indistinguishable as to which was which. His dark skin was weathered, and his smile was enchanting. Mighty rains roared down the mountainsides, he continued, his hands telling more of the story than his words. The waterfalls turned to blood as the red soil buckled in its wake.

I pushed my back against the chair and sucked in a breath, the feeling of doom hammering in my chest, the sounds of the tiki bar just a distant hum.

This was known as the blood rain, and the locals knew that something rare was occurring in the life of a chief.

Did he die? I croaked, my dark brown eyes huge with concern as the air pressure from the storm pressed against my skin.

Tua's eyes crinkled as his smile broke through my dread. No, Samantha. He laughed, waving his hand dismissively in front of me. "A young chief was born."

Oh. I smiled despite feeling like an idiot. But to be fair, Tua had been telling the tale in a very foreboding tone.

After the storm a beautiful rainbow crossed the skies, showing the people the miraculous powers of the child. Hau-pu was a great warrior who would grow to attack and defeat his enemy, his spear a mighty weapon. Until one night he mistakenly thought that Kauai was under attack from Chief Kaena of Oahu. Kaena had organized a fishing tournament, the canoes filled with lanterns and torches, the noise so loud it drowned out the sounds of the ocean. Hau-pu thought he was being invaded, so he threw rocks and boulders into the ocean, killing Chief Kaena.

Geez, that was a bit harsh.

And that is how the Rock of Kauai became what it is, finished Tua, his tone now light and airy.

Is that true? I whispered to my BFF, Alani, as she stared openmouthed at him. Alani was also native to Kauai. She had the gorgeous skin, shiny black hair, and huge brown eyes to prove it.

He retells the myth correctly, only with much more drama than Dad ever did.

That's intense, I said to Tua.

Well, Hawaiian folklore is not to be taken lightly, he proclaimed, his finger in the air signaling the bartender, as the sounds of the bar once again permeated my mind.

The Lava Pot was the one and only tiki bar in the Aloha Lagoon resort, and their head bartender, Casey, was on duty tonight. He noticed Tua and nodded then moved to the beer taps, knowing what his order was.

I can tell you more… Tua continued, but I cut him off.

Thanks heaps. But I'm not sure I'm going to sleep tonight as it is.

Tua had entertained us for the last hour recounting many myths of Hawaii, some of which were going to give me nightmares. Luckily Casey was my boyfriend, and I'd arranged to stay at his place tonight, which meant sleep may not be something I needed to worry about anyway. Well, at least I hoped not.

Because of the storm, the large timber and glass doors of The Lava Pot that were usually pulled back revealing the boardwalk and the beach had been closed as the wind was pushing the rain inside. The noise of the room echoed within the confines, and I noticed Casey dodge the crowd as he made his way towards us.

Here you go, Tua, he announced, his British accent loud and proud. Casey towered over Tua as he lifted the glass from the tray and placed it on the table before repeating the process with two Lava Flow cocktails. One for me and one for Alani. His electric blue eyes twinkled, and I noticed the bead of perspiration dampening his white shirt as his light brown hair curled at the collar. Casey was born to be a bartender. He had personality, charm, and an extraordinary memory for everyone's names and drinks.

Me, I'd have forgotten even before I handed it over, but then I had been told that I lacked focus.

Thank you, Tua sang, his smile beaming his appreciation.

I too beamed at Casey and then nearly slipped off my chair as he gave me a secret little wink. When it came to boyfriends I was batting well above my average, but I wasn't going to point that out. Even though the girl with the magnificent chestnut-colored hair sitting at the table next to us was obviously thinking the same thing. Her gaze flipped between me, Alani, and Casey, a confused look creasing her brow.

Tua, you've spent more time with Sam tonight than I have all week, Casey jovially pointed out. Casey had been exceptionally busy with work, but tonight was the last of his shifts for a few days, so we had plans to change that.

And I am grateful, Tua responded. She's been such a pleasure. Not everyone gets that enthralled by my stories. At one point I was fearful that she may wet her pants from fright.

He wasn't the only one.

I laughed as my cheeks heated up from embarrassment, but then Casey had just allowed his fingers to brush the back of my neck, so the hot flush could have been caused by that. I grabbed the cocktail and relished the flavors of the strawberry and rum as they spilled across my taste buds, the alcohol settling the jitters I had.

I was looking forward to tonight and had put extra effort into it. I'd chosen my outfit to impress—white jeans (which I was now seriously regretting), a pale pink flowy top that showed just enough cleavage yet stayed classy and elegant, and it was all topped off by my glittery painted toenails.

Alani and I had shared a girls' day at the beauty therapist in town. Her first suggestion was the Moana Spa at the resort, but I may or may not have been banned from there after a previous visit a few months ago. It was best not to try my luck. Anyway, my toenails looked incredible, and for the first time ever, I was wishing Casey had a foot fetish.

I'm finishing my shift a bit early, hopefully no later than ten, Casey said to me as Tua and Alani started a conversation about another myth—the Mujina, the faceless lady. I'd heard that myth before and was more than happy to sit that conversation out. I've got Owen to cover for me.

The Lava Pot closed at 2 a.m., which meant on the nights that Casey worked, he usually crawled into bed only a few hours before I crawled out. To have an early mark was an unexpected treat.

The smile he gave me made my toes curl into my shimmery beaded sandals. I discreetly used my phone screen to check my reflection and groaned. My hair that I had spent ages perfecting was—thanks to the weather—now a frizzy mess. The humidity had caused my makeup to run, and I had sweat stains under the armpits of my shirt. I made a mental note to ask Casey when his next eye exam was, because if he could smile at me the way he just did, he was either blind or desperate.

Just let me know when you're ready. I grinned despite the humiliation I was feeling. I mean, if Casey wasn't deterred by my appearance, then neither was I.

His smile upped to full wattage as he walked away back towards the bar.

* * *

Once Tua had left us with the promise to return tomorrow for more installments in the let's educate Sam project, Alani and I moved to sit at the bar. It gave me a much better view of Casey as he worked. Would I ever get used to looking at him? I hoped not.

The Lava Pot had thinned out once the rain had slowed and the storm had passed, leaving the evening air much cooler than an hour before.

I forgot to tell you, Sam, Alani said, placing her half-empty glass back onto the bar top. The surfboard you ordered came in this morning. Alani owned Lahela's Surf shop, which stocked everything a surfer could need.

Awesome! I was very excited for this board. As the Aloha Lagoon Resorts' children's surf instructor, it was very important to have a good board of my own. So far I'd been using one that the resort supplied, but I'd had my eye on this board for quite some time. My savings account didn't hold enough for me to move out of my mum's house just yet, but it had held enough for the hot pink, hand-painted, custom board. I'll pop by in the morning before my first lesson at 8. You'll be there then, won't you?

Uh-huh. Hani has a few days off this week, so I'm doing extra shifts.

Bummer.

It's not too bad. At least I'll be able to get ready to do the inventory.

How does the board look? I asked anxiously.

Gorgeous. I'm thinking of getting one for myself.

Oh, you should!

What should she do? Casey asked as he sauntered towards us. Born in the UK Casey had adapted very well to life in Kauai. His skin was tanned, his energy was relaxed, and he loved working on island time.

Buy a new surfboard, I replied, admiring his biceps as he wiped the bar top with a towel.

She owns a surf shop. I don't think a new board is something she needs. He laughed.

I sighed, shaking my head. Casey surfed in his spare time, but he wasn't what I would call a surfer, so he would never understand. I guessed no one was perfect.

Excuse me, a man drawled, stepping up alongside me.

I turned my attention towards him, noting his large hairy forearms as he placed them on the bar top. The man looked to be in his midthirties, his beard long and scruffy, contrasting with his Marine-style haircut.

What can I get ya? Casey asked him in full bartender mode.

I was wondering if you've seen this guy around?

He handed Casey a six-by-four color photo. The edges were tattered, and the photo was creased. It looked like he'd been handing it around for a while.

Can't say I have. Sorry, mate, replied Casey, handing him back the photo.

His name's Nathan. Nathan McCauley, the man continued.

Alani choked, spitting her drink halfway across the bar top.

The three of us spun towards her as she grabbed at a napkin and held it to her mouth, her eyes watering.

Are you okay? I asked, gently rubbing her back.

She swallowed hard, regaining her composure.

Do you know him? the stranger asked, handing her the photo. As he did, I took a closer look at it. Nathan McCauley was very good-looking. His blond hair was slicked back, his eyelashes were long, and his eyes were an extraordinary green. And judging by the way his shirt fit him, I figured his body was as chiseled as his jawline.

Alani gulped as she took the photo, and a mixture of emotions danced in her eyes.

I used to, she replied, handing the photo back, her jaw set, her soulful eyes now hard.

Have you seen him recently? the man asked.

He's not someone I want to see anytime soon.

Who is he? I asked.

It took her a moment to respond. My ex-boyfriend, she said before lifting her glass and downing its contents. The relationship obviously hadn't ended well.

Is he still in Aloha Lagoon? the man pushed.

Alani blushed. I certainly hope not.

Care to elaborate? I asked.

She released a very long breath. Nathan's not a nice person.

I gathered that.

He's my ex.

So you said.

I don't want to see him ever again.

Uh-huh. But not many people cause this reaction in you. I pointed to her hunched shoulders and pinched lips.

Can I have another one of these, please? she asked Casey, tapping her empty glass.

The hairy-armed man and I waited patiently for Casey to mix her another cocktail.

Once she'd downed half of it, she explained, Nathan and I were together for almost six months, and if you'd asked me at the time, I would have told you that he was the one I would marry.

How long ago was this?

We broke up about eighteen months ago.

Alani had been dating my twin brother, Luke, for the last nine months. The love they shared was novel-worthy, and it was hard to imagine her with anyone else.

I'd been battling with some health issues and had been struggling to get my life back together, and Nathan suggested that we take a vacation together. My dream had always been to see Europe, but it's expensive. I had some savings, and my family pitched in because they knew how much I needed it. My doctors had given me the all clear, and it was time for me to enjoy life again. So, Nathan organized it. It was going to be amazing, continued Alani, her eyes now lost in a different place. I'd never been anywhere but here, so I can't tell you how excited about it I was. I felt bad that my family had given me money but grateful because it meant a lot to them to see me happy and healthy again. Ohana is family, and family is all that matters.

Amen to that, sister.

It all happened in a whirlwind. Nathan planned it. We were going to Paris, Rome, Florence, and Venice. It was so romantic and magical—I just couldn't wait. I withdrew the money that I had saved, along with the money my family had given me, and I gave it all to him. Her fists balled as she twisted the napkin between her fingers. And that was the last I saw of him.

I sucked in a deep breath. That's awful. I stared into my empty glass for a moment, gathering my thoughts. You've never mentioned any of this before.

I'm sorry. It's a painful memory. I trusted him, and not only did he betray me, he stole from me and my family.

How much did he steal? I asked.

Both Casey and the man were silently listening to Alani's tale.

Twenty thousand dollars.

Casey gave a low whistle. That's a lot of money.

My family isn't rich. That was all they had, and they'd given it to me. Nathan betrayed me, he conned me, but the way I felt after I realized what he'd done made me sick to my stomach. I had to tell my brothers and my parents what had happened, feeling like a fool and an idiot, allowing myself to be conned by him. Anger flashed as her cheeks reddened.

I was sure glad I wasn't Nathan right now.

Maybe he didn't con you, I interjected. Maybe something happened to him.

Rumor around town said he was enjoying a gondola ride with another woman.

The man beside me sighed. I heard he was back in Aloha Lagoon.

For his own sake he'd better go, spat Alani. He caught me at a very vulnerable time in my life, but now I'm back to my old self.

Alani was normally a very amiable person, but the hardness in her eyes told me she meant exactly what she said.

Did he leave anything behind? the man asked her.

A vertical crease formed on her brow as she squinted her eyes. What exactly do you want him for?

The man shrugged. I just want to catch up on old times.

Alani's nostrils flared, and her breathing was ragged as she tore the napkin to shreds. Old times. Huh. That sounds fun. Me? I've got a debt that needs to be settled. One that he needs to pay for.

The man studied her for a moment then shoved the photo into his pocket and spun on his heel, leaving Casey and me