Wings in the Dark by Michael Murphy Read Free Book Online Page B

sound insensitive.”
    The signs suggested the dead man came to talk to Amelia or George, whether or not either was aware of his intentions. “I need to find out why Kalua showed up here tonight.”
    “I have no idea.”
    “Then give me your best guess.”
    “I suppose he must’ve come by to talk to me or Amelia, perhaps both. Now we’ll never know what about.”
    Tanaka signaled to Pete, and the two men chatted quietly.
    “I don’t want you to worry, but you need to be careful. I’d suggest more security…around Amelia.”
    “What are you saying?”
    Reluctantly, I shared my theory that the shooter might have been targeting Amelia.
    Putnam placed his hand on the wall and steadied himself.
    “It’s just a theory. One theory.”
    Putnam ran a hand over his face, straightened his suit coat, and appeared to regain his composure. He looked to the corner and snapped his fingers. “William.”
    The young man hopped off the stool and shuffled toward us like a kid summoned to the principal’s office.
    Putnam made the introduction. “William Thornton, this is Jake Donovan. He’s married to Laura Wilson, the actress.” He pointed to Laura.
    It was obvious the kid hadn’t heard of either of us. The young man with round wire-rimmed glasses couldn’t be more than twenty. He shook my hand. “Nice to meet you.”
    He stood with his back to the body, as if making a big deal of avoiding seeing the dead man. “What can I do for you, Mr. Putnam?”
    Putnam spoke to me. “William is my personal secretary. He’s prelaw at Yale and works for me part time. He’s organized, efficient, and resourceful. He’s learned a great deal about aviation and studied up on Hawaii before we left. I’d like him to go with you to be at your disposal.”
    “What!” Was he joking?
    The kid’s eyes darted between Putnam and me. He didn’t want to come along any more than I wanted him to.
    Having him tag along would only complicate the investigation if things got dicey. “Mr. Putnam…George, Laura, and I don’t need any help. We’ve—”
    He placed a hand on my shoulder and walked me away from Laura and the young man. “You say that now, but if you’ll give William a chance, the kid can help.”
    I suspected Putnam wanted the kid along to fill him in on anything I was reluctant to share. I didn’t like the idea of a spy one bit. “You got me to investigate this case. Don’t make the job any harder.”
    Putnam’s eyes narrowed. He glanced at the kid and lowered his voice. “Jake, in case you hadn’t guessed, until this plays out, you work for me.”
    I’d guessed it, but I didn’t have to like it.
    He led me back to his assistant. “William, go with Mr. Donovan.”
    “Go where, Mr. Putnam?”
    The kid deserved an explanation. “Son, your boss wants you to come with my wife and me while we investigate the murder.” I gestured toward the corpse.
    William gasped. “What? I don’t…I mean…how can I…”
    Putnam didn’t notice, or didn’t care about, his secretary’s concerns. “One more thing, Donovan. In case you’re right and Amelia might’ve been the target, I’d appreciate you taking her back to our hotel.”
    “She’d be safer in a patrol car.”
    Putnam rolled his eyes. “And a nosy reporter gets a front-page picture. No thanks.”
    As if I had any choice. “Come on, kid.”
    I checked my watch again. My time was up, and the investigation into the murder of Hank Kalua was about to begin. Problem was, I had no idea where to start.

Chapter 6
The Giant Fan
    A soft breeze stirred the trees growing beside the hangar as Laura as I stepped outside and waited for William and Amelia.
    Trying to remain calm about Putnam using his influence against my publisher, I took a deep breath and gazed at the bright stars overhead. In the space of two hours, our carefree, romantic honeymoon had come to an end. Now Laura and I were involved in something I never would’ve imagined, investigating the murder of a prominent