Death on a Cliff

By Rosalie Spielman

From author Rosalie Spielman comes the perfect summer getaway...

Former socialite Kiki Hepburn is happily settling into life with her new found-family in Aloha Lagoon, Hawaii—working at Aloha Lagoon Dive Shop, living in a cottage in Auntie Akamai’s back yard, and getting to know the hot dive guy Dex a whole lot better.

But all that changes when Dex’s longtime friend and former football teammate, “Tiny” Anelo, comes home to Aloha Lagoon, celebrating being an NFL draft pick. Tiny is surrounded by an entourage, but not all of his hangers-on are admirers—most notably Tiny's ex-girlfriend, Delany. While no one seems happy to see her, Kiki is still shocked when Delany's body is found lifeless in the meadow at the top of a jagged cliff.

It's clear someone has murdered the young woman. And when Kiki unwittingly provides the police with evidence that points to Tiny as the killer, Dex begs her to try to help his friend. It's a request she can't ignore, even if the list of people who wanted Delany dead is longer than a late night luau. Between a smarmy sports agent, an obsessed fan-slash-“best friend,” and a former college professor, Kiki finds no shortage of motives. And the plot only thickens when a second dead body shows up, along with a mysterious clue in the form of a Hermes handbag. With the clock ticking and the police closing in, Kiki finds herself in deep water... can she tread water long enough to catch the killer?

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)
Death Under the Sea (book #16)
Tidal Wave (book #17)
Death on a Cliff (book #18)

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 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005340575

Rosalie Spielman

Rosalie Spielman is an author, mother, veteran, and retired military spouse. She was thrilled to discover that she could make people laugh with her writing and finds joy in giving people a humorous escape from the real world. In addition to her cozy mysteries for the Aloha Lagoon and Hometown mystery series, she has several published short stories. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Private Eye Writers of America, and the Military Writers Society of America.She lives in Maryland with her husband in a rapidly emptying nest. For more information on her books or to subscribe to her newsletter, go to www.rosalie-spielman-author.com, follow her author Facebook page (Rosalie Spielman author), or join her Facebook readers' group (You Know The Spiel). Providing an escape...one page at a time.

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DEATH ON A CLIFF

an Aloha Lagoon Mystery

by

ROSALIE SPIELMAN

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Copyright © 2022 by Rosalie Spielman

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.

Mahalo!

Thank you to my friends and family for all their love and support since I started this journey. I could not have done it without you!

Thank you to my agent, Dawn Dowdle, my editor, Susie Halliday, and my publisher, Gemma Halliday, for your guidance and trust.

Last but not least, thank you to the Aloha Lagoon readers for accepting Kiki and I into the fold. We are happy to be here!

~ Rosalie Spielman

CHAPTER ONE

A dainty bead of sweat rolled down my back as I stared up at the face of the hulking monster of a man. The dancing flames of the nearby tiki lamps made his face alternate between terrifyingly scary and humorous, though laughing was the last thing on my mind. I fought the urge to scream as I shrunk away from him, his massive size and maniacal laugh making my stomach tighten.

Well, that and they were talking about football. Still.

Ugh.

But what should I have expected? I mean, my boyfriend, Dex Kokoa, and his best friend from high school, Maleko Anelo, played football together. It was their common thread. That and attending the same college. Tiny had redshirted as a freshman and had just graduated, unlike Dex and I who both graduated the year before.

I had attended the same college and as a not-exactly-rabid football fan, was only vaguely aware of the oddly nicknamed Tiny Anelo, but had never met him until now. But I hadn't met Dex until a few months ago either, and not at school. The University of Washington was a big school.

My eyes traveled from his long, wavy hair and easy smile down to his thick calves and massive flip-flop clad feet and remembered how frustrated I used to get when walking behind the big linebackers on the way to class. Many of the huge men were Polynesian, and now, I recognized the easy-going gait as being on island time. Back then, I just felt like they were blocking the sidewalks to infuriate anyone trying to get to class in a timely manner.

Earth to Kiki, Dex put a hand to the small of my back and rubbed gently.

I felt the familiar flush in my face at his touch. I mean, how could I not? Dex was six-foot-something with shoulder length hair, was lean but muscular, and had some very appealing traditional Hawaiian tattoos gracing his brown skin. He was, in a word, yummy. I smiled up at him. Hmm? Sorry.

Dex chuckled and pulled me closer to him. I put my head on his shoulder and smiled up at him, then returned my gaze to Tiny.

Tiny was watching with a broad smile, but I saw a hint of something behind it. Wistfulness, maybe?

There's a table open on the deck now. Tiny's brother Pika arrived, a round of beers in his beefy hands. Pika was a pretty big guy too, but nowhere near the size of his brother. Pika's bulk also looked a bit softer than Tiny's, and it was obvious he didn't put as much time in at the gym as his brother did.

Yet another huge, Viking-like man trailed behind Pika, carrying more bottles. They had rather unenthusiastically introduced him as Wade, a teammate from school. I wasn't sure what the deal there was, but the other men seemed to be holding him at an arm's length.

I followed the men to the outdoor table and sat in the chair Dex pulled out for me. I noticed how Pika deferred to his brother, taking the last seat available instead of the one closest. Wade had possessively plonked himself down next to Tiny.

So, Kiki, Tiny nodded to me, Dex says you went to UW as well.

I nodded. I did. Small world, isn't it?

Small world, big school.

I nodded. And I heard there's congratulations in order.

Dex laughed and lifted his beer to toast his friend. Yes! Congratulations to Tiny, for making round two of the NFL draft!

The four of us raised our bottles to Tiny and cheered. He blushed and ducked his head. Thank you, thank you.

Are you looking forward to moving to Nashville? Dex wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. That's gonna be a big change.

Yeah. Maybe too big. He paused to take a sip from his bottle. I'm still holding out hope I'll be traded to Seattle, but beggars can't be choosers.

Beggars, hilarious. Pika smirked at his brother.

Wade pointed at Tiny with his beer. More like them begging, not you.

Tiny looked down at the table, the flush rising in his neck again.

And then there was suddenly something else on his neck.

I'd love Nashville, a woman crooned, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Tiny's shoulders drew back, his posture stiffening. Delaney.

The woman slithered around him to sit on his lap, pausing to set her shiny black faux crocodile purse on the table. Did you miss me, baby?

Tiny stared stubbornly ahead. Can't say I did, to be honest.

I stared at her gorgeous dark hair and sun-kissed skin that was generously on view around her tiny peach-colored sundress. She was beautiful, a Hawaiian woman about our age, and throwing herself, literally, at Tiny. I turned my head to look at Dex and was pleased to see his scowl. He seemed to know who she was and wasn't thrilled to see her. I glanced at Pika, and unlike Dex, his eyes were glued to the woman's curves. Perv. Wade on the other hand, just looked confused.

Dex must have noticed my swiveling head. Kiki, this is Delaney Turner. Delaney, this is my girlfriend, Kiki.

My cheeks warmed again at him calling me his girlfriend.

Delaney ignored our introduction and instead, suctioned herself to Tiny's neck like he was a chicken wing and she was starved for some poultry.

Dex scowled again and turned to me. "Delaney is Tiny's ex-girlfriend."

At that, Delaney detached herself from Tiny's neck to turn and glare at Dex. She huffed out a breath and returned her attention to Tiny. Can we go somewhere more private? she purred, rubbing her hand on his chest.

Tiny sighed. No, Delaney. We have nothing to discuss.

Delaney giggled. I'm not interested in talking.

Pika snorted. Obviously, since you ghosted Tiny after your breakup.

Shut up, Pika, Delaney sniped at him. Who made you brother of the year?

You did, he laughed. I was there for him when you ignored his calls, texts and emails, and disappeared from his social media.

If looks could kill, Pika would have been dead in his chair.

I was just in so much pain, she sighed into Tiny's face, her hands now running through his long hair. I've missed you so much, baby.

What are you doing here, Delaney? I thought you had your island and I had mine. Tiny pulled her hands out of his hair and tried to push her off of him.

Tried. The woman was like a barnacle stuck on a boat hull. It was fascinating, really, that the tiny woman couldn't be detached from an NFL linebacker.

Come on, Delaney. Off.

Only if you promise to come talk to me privately.

Tiny's eyes rolled skyward, then he nodded. Fine, but we aren't leaving.

Delaney grinned triumphantly, grabbed her purse, and dragged Tiny as far as he'd allow her to pull him. They stopped at the edge of the deck, about twenty feet from our table.

Dex glanced at Pika. Where did she come from?

Pika shook his head. She crawled out from under her rock the moment Tiny made the draft. He blew air out of his nose and muttered something that sounded remarkably like gold digger.

Dex's lips curled in a smile. But doesn't she live on Oahu? What's she doing over here?

Pika shrugged. Not exactly a secret that Tiny's around.

True. There had been a newspaper article a few days ago on the hometown boy making it big. People were proud of their homegrown football hero going pro.

Raised voices quelled further conversation.

Dex craned his neck, as did pretty much everyone else on the deck, to witness the argument that was erupting from the ex-couple. Delaney had Tiny backed up against a palm tree and was reading him the riot act, stabbing him in the chest with her finger. Tiny had his hands clasped behind his back, but the stance didn't come across as nonchalant at all. The color in his face belied his mood.

Wade slid back his chair like he was going to intervene.

Look how he's holding his arms, I whispered to Dex.

Dex nodded.

I noticed cell phones started to pop up and pointed in their area.

Tiny noticed too.

We are not discussing this any further, he said loudly, and sidestepped around her. Leave me alone. He returned to our table and lowered himself heavily into the chair, glancing left and right. He was clearly embarrassed by Delaney's outburst.

As for Delaney, she harrumphed and stormed away, pushing a girl who wasn't even in her way as she passed. The man with that girl shouted Hey! and stared after her, but the pushed woman clung to his arm and kept him from doing anything else.

Tiny sat, bouncing one of his knees, which made our whole table shake. The tension was evident. He focused on his beer, draining the bottle, then abruptly set it down and stood. I can't stay. I'll see you tomorrow, Dex. Okay? He paused and looked at me. It was nice to meet you, Kiki. Sorry you had to see all that. He glanced at Pika, who had started to stand as well. Stay.

Pika glared but sat back down. Jerk, he muttered after Tiny was out of earshot. He turned to Dex. He probably doesn't want me to see him go running after Delaney.

Dex frowned. I sure hope that's not what he's doing.

I didn't know the couple, or their history, but I had to agree.

Our evening fizzled like the tiki torches that usually looked so festive. Now they held a sinister feeling of foreboding.

CHAPTER TWO

Dex and I used the excuse of our night out with Tiny being ruined by spending some extra quality time, one on one. We zipped around on Dex's motorcycle, the rush of air cooling my hot skin. This was my first summer in Hawaii, and it was a bit warm for me.

When I entered Auntie Akamai's after he dropped me off, Paulie, her often foul-mouthed parrot, wolf-whistled me. Auntie Akamai, my matronly landlady looked up from her late night comedian on the TV. Her always warm smile, almost more bright than her clothes, beamed up at me. How's the ironically-nicknamed Tiny doing?

We didn't spend much time with him, but he seemed fine. Not wanting to get my unladylike sweat on her palm frond–printed couch, I perched on the edge and gave her a I've got a scoop look. At least until some ex-girlfriend showed up.

No! Really? Auntie Akamai sat forward, putting her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands. Don't tell me they're back together!

I shrugged. I didn't get that vibe at all. She obviously wants to be, but he seems uninterested.

She nodded eagerly. Yeah, she really did a number on him a year or two ago. From what his mother told me, she was, well, a little free with her affections, if you catch my drift. She raised her eyebrows meaningfully, so I nodded.

So they ended badly? Pika said she ghosted him.

I'm not sure what that means, but she just suddenly stopped calling or texting, responding to his messages…she even quit him from her social things. She sat back and crossed her arms. Cold.

I smiled. Yeah, that's exactly what ghosting is. But what happened?

It was Auntie Akamai's turn to shrug. Dunno. She left school and came back to Hawaii.

Paulie let loose an indelicate—but completely situationally appropriate—curse word that Dex had surely taught him, but Auntie Akamai ignored him. Her new tactic to combat his foul beak was to ignore the sailor-worthy words, hoping that no reaction would lead to an end of his swearing career. So far, I wouldn't say it was working. But it didn't help that I couldn't keep a straight face.

Straining to not laugh, I recalled Tiny's posture when Delaney was jabbing him in the chest with her finger. Was there ever any abuse or anything?

Auntie Akamai looked horrified. Tiny would never hurt a fly. He's a good boy!

I tipped my head. Well, I meant her. She was poking him in the chest, and he just stood there with his hands behind his back, taking it. And when he was trying to get her off his lap, he couldn't. I mean, he's huge and strong, there's no way he couldn't have gotten her off if he had really tried. I gazed across the room, recalling the scene. Actually, he seemed to be very conscious of being gentle.

Auntie Akamai looked at me like I had turned green and sprouted another head. "You think she could have abused him?"

"I've seen crazier. We've seen crazier, remember?" I paused, thinking about the murder investigation I'd got caught up in a few months ago. Old acquaintances from my former social circles had gone from dysfunctional family to thievery, addiction, affairs—and murder. So yeah, the thought of a petite woman abusing her much larger and stronger boyfriend wasn't too farfetched in my mind.

Auntie Akamai frowned. Well, I hope that's not the case. He's such a sweet boy. He deserves to be happy.

Pika was there, too.

Hmm. Auntie Akamai sat back in her chair and turned her gaze back to the television, her body language clear. How's he doing?

Okay, I guess. He seemed glad to be around Tiny but wasn't happy to see Delaney.

Hmm, Auntie Akamai grunted again. Thought it might be the other way around.

Oh? I tipped my head to look at her. What do you mean?

Auntie Akamai shrugged. That boy has always been jealous of Tiny, whining about why he couldn't get what his older brother had achieved, though he didn't put in the effort. Just immature, I guess.

But he'd be happy to see Delaney? I asked.

Auntie Akamai waved a hand. Oh, just rumors. That he wanted his big brother's castoffs. Probably nothing to the gossip. People like to talk.

* * *

Early the next morning, I carried a box of lunches for the day's dive excursion out to the waiting Jeep. Even though the clock said only six-thirty in the morning, it was already hot. I was looking forward to getting in the water. In the meantime, I could at least get my long hair up and off of me. I wound it around and around until a knot was formed on top of my head. With this quick updo though, most of what showed was the blonde highlights that I used to have down the whole length. I was letting it grow out to my natural chestnut. So a brown base with a blonde knob…my mother would not be impressed.

Dex was standing with the back door open, waiting for me. Good morning, beautiful.

I couldn't help grinning as I slid the box into the back of the vehicle. Good morning, yourself. I turned and snuggled into his arms, receiving a very warm kiss. I reached up and wiped my lip gloss off his mouth. Let's go before you get any ideas.

While on