Page 60 of Maliea's Hero
“What are they going to do now that your father’s gone?” Reid asked. “Are they going to find someone else to manage the relocation?”
Maliea’s twisted. “They want someone like my father who has the honesty, integrity and respect for the Hawaiian culture to manage the effort.”
Reid’s lips twitched and then spread into a wide grin. “Why not you?”
She snorted softly, pressing a hand to her chest. “I told him I couldn’t do it alone. A treasure of such great value and the people who would work the relocation would need protection until it is safely placed in the hands of the chosen museum with appropriate security installed in its final resting place.”
Reid frowned. “If word gets out before it makes it to a museum, it might turn into a media circus, bringing all kinds of crazies to Niihau.”
“That’s what the Robinsons are afraid of,” Maliea said. “They want it handled on the down low. Once it’s away from the island and at its final destination, they want the entire world to know the treasure has been found. Then, the people of Niihau can finally live in peace.”
Reid met Maliea’s gaze in the glow of the tiki torches. “You and the people enlisted to move the treasure will need protection.”
She nodded. “I told him about a group of men who were loyal, honest and trustworthy. Men highly trained in combat who fought for our country and are now helping people in need of protection.”
Reid reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. “The Brotherhood Protectors?”
She met his gaze. “Yes.”
“It would be a huge honor to help these people. Hawk will agree wholeheartedly to support the effort. Hank Patterson as well.”
“The elder will need to speak with the Robinsons,” Maliea said. “He thinks they’ll approve.”
The community leader beside Maliea stood.
The music stopped, and people grew silent and rose to their feet.
Maliea and Reid pushed to their feet.
The elder spoke to the gathering, waving hands to the people and then to Maliea and Reid.
“He’s thanking the people for the food and for coming together to celebrate the life of a good man, my father,” Maliea said. “He’s reminding them of how blessed they are to be a part of the Niihau community.”
He spoke again and stepped backward, out of the circle, motioning for Maliea and Reid to follow.
Under the light of the millions of stars overhead, he walked through the village and up a slight hill to a large colonial house with wide porches and tall windows looking out to the sea.
He entered the house without using a key to unlock the door and led them up the stairs to a door along the upper landing. When he pushed it open, he said something to Maliea.
She nodded and spoke, then translated for Reid. “He’s inviting us to stay in the owner’s house and let me know the outhouse can be found out the back door several yards away.”
The man held out his hand to Reid and spoke.
“He’s thanking you for coming to his island, and if the owners are in agreement, he looks forward to working with you on the project to move the treasure.”
Reid gripped the man’s hand. “Tell him it’s an honor, and I appreciate his trust in me and the Brotherhood Protectors. We will respect their people and their privacy. And thank him for their hospitality.”
After Maliea relayed the message, the elder descended the stairs and left them alone in the owner’s house.
Reid’s groin tightened at the thought of sharing the night and the house with Maliea.
Maliea hesitated in front of the bedroom door. “I don’t think he knows we aren’t married. I’m sure it will be all right to use more than one bedroom.”
Reid took her hands in his. “Is that what you want? For me to leave you alone? If it is, I will.”
She stared up into his eyes in the dim light of the stars streaming through the far window. “I told you no strings.”
“Do you want me to leave?” he asked again.