Paradise Wild

  It had been such an enjoyable time away. Jared was not the charmer she had known in Boston, nor the enraged hus­band she had known recently. He was himself—relaxed, easygoing, a pleasure to be with. And what pleasure she had had last night, when he made love to her, slowly, sensually, prolonging the ultimate until neither of them could bear it anymore. He was a magnificent lover, this husband of hers.

  "Hello, ma'am."

  Corinne looked up to see a tall, barrel-chested man waving a white straw hat at her from about ten yards away. He started to approach her. She watched him warily, realizing she had walked a good distance away from Jared's property.

  'The name's John Pierce," he said, stopping a few feet from her and flashing a smile. "You must be the new Mrs. Burkett."

  "Yes, but how did you know that?"

  "Heard tell that Jared found him a beautiful little woman in Boston, a real society girl. That must be you, cause I ain't seen anyone as pretty in a long time."

  "Well—thank you, Mr. Pierce," Corinne said hesitantly, wondering what else he had heard about her. Probably everything. Would she ever live down the sordid reputation she had built for herself?

  "Call me John, my dear. I'm your nearest neighbor of any consequence. Been meaning to pay Jared a visit, but just can't seem to find the time." He paused, wiping his brow with a checkered handkerchief. "I expect he's in the city?"

  "No. He came home just the other day. He's over check­ing out his vegetable fields right now."

  "You don't say," he returned thoughtfully. "It's not like the boy to get out this way in the winter season."

  Corinne smiled. The "boy," indeed! John Pierce looked to be in his late forties, with brown hair and long brown side-whiskers that were graying. He seemed a nice enough man, and certainly friendly.

  "Perhaps you would like to come back to the house with me?" Corinne offered. "Jared should be back for lunch by now."

  He looked thoughtful, almost wary. "No—no, but per­haps another time."

  "Well, I had better be getting back before Jared misses me."

  "He keeps a close eye on you, does he? Well, who can blame him, with such a pretty wife."

  "Good day to you."

  Corinne turned and started back. She felt his eyes on her as she trudged through the warm sand. Her face flushed as she realized the double meaning in his last remark. Of course he knew about her. Everyone did.

  "Hold up a minute, Mrs. Burkett."

  Corinne started, for he had come up behind her silently. "Yes."

  "You wouldn't happen to know anyone might like a little spaniel pup, would you? One of my dogs whelped four a couple weeks ago and they're ready to be given away. I got me five dogs running about the place already."

  "I don't think so."

  "You're the first one I asked. You could have the pick of the litter."

  She hesitated, picturing Michael playing with a little long-eared spaniel. He was a bit young right now, but he could grow up with the dog.

  "As a matter of fact, I do know someone who would adore a little puppy."

  "Good! My house is just right over there, behind those palms. The pups are in a shed out back. It would just take you a minute to come and pick one out."

  Corinne nodded and followed behind him. Through the trees she was soon able to make out an old, peeling, ram­shackle house. The yard leading down to the beach was hardly a yard at all, with very little grass, but an abundance of sand and dirt. It wasn't exactly a homey place, and Corinne wondered if there was a Mrs. Pierce.

  "Right in here." He held open the door to a storage shed and waited for Corinne to step inside.

  Sunlight filtered in through cracks in the ceiling and walls and dust motes swirled riotously, as if the shed had not been entered for months. There was the rank smell of mold and mildew and Corinne held her breath.

  "Where are the puppies?" She turned around, but the door slammed shut in her face. She stared at it stupidly for a moment. "Mr. Pierce?"

  No one answered. It took another few seconds for the confusion to wear off and uneasiness to set in. Corinne stepped over to the door, but there was no handle on the inside. She pushed gently, and when it didn't budge, she used more force. At last she threw her shoulder into it, but it still remained firmly shut.

  Fear was beginning to take hold now. "Mr. Pierce! Where are you?"

  There was no answer, and she started pounding on the door with her fists. "Let me out of here! Do you hear me?"

  John Pierce must be crazy, she thought wildly. She turned back to look around the shack for something to use to get the door open. All she could see were old crates, two wheelbarrows, and a pile of wet dirt. She searched in and around the empty crates, but could find no tools. She did discover one thing though. There were no puppies in this shed. What the devil had she gotten herself into?

  Malia turned back from following Corinne after she left the beach with John Pierce. Her lips curled smugly as she hurried home. She had been prepared to provoke another scene with Jared's wife, and now she had something to tell him. Corinne and John Pierce—ha! Jared would be livid. He would not be so quick to forgive his erring wife this time.

  She found Jared in the back yard, rinsing off under the pump their father had made so that the sand would not be tracked into the house. It was hooked up to a huge rain barrel on the other side of the trees.

  "Did you go swimming?" Malia called, wondering whether he had seen Corinne.

  "Just a quick dip to wash off. The storm gave the fields a good soaking. It's quite muddy over there."

  Malia waited until he released the water pump and grabbed a towel hanging over a branch on the lichee tree. He was wearing only a pair of shorts and she saw that he had lost a good deal of his bronze tan. Too long away from the beach, away from home, ever since their father died. Malia resented that. She missed the swims and rides they used to take together, and the attention her brother had given her.

  "Did you want something, Malia?"

  "I was wondering if you knew where your wife is," she said in a tone that made Jared go tense.

  "Isn't she in the house?"

  "No, she's with John Pierce."

  "Oh?"

  Jared's calm response infuriated her. "She met him on the beach and went with him to his house. Doesn't that bother you?"

  "Why should it? I may not like John very much, con­sidering his obnoxious determination to get our land, but he is our closest neighbor." Jared looked at his sister. "It's time Corinne met our neighbors."

  Malia's eyes flashed angrily. "You talk as if she will live here permanently."

  "Maybe she will. Who knows?"

  "I don't understand you, Jared. How could you forgive her after she made a cuckold of you?"

  His eyes narrowed. "Where the devil did you learn such a Word?"

  "I read a lot," she said defensively. "With no one my age out here, there is nothing else to do. Naneki was the only friend I had, but your wife drove her away!"

  "Naneki chose to go back to Kahuku," Jared said, un­perturbed. "It was her decision. And as for my forgiving my wife, that is none of your business, Malia. I will thank you to not mention it again."

  "You don't care, then, if she still consorts with other men?" she demanded. He was treating her like a child.

  "John Pierce?" Jared laughed at the absurdity of it "Don't be ridiculous, Malia."

  She chafed. "I saw them together! I saw her flirt with him and entice him. If you think they're sipping tea right now, then you are a bigger fool than she made of you in Honolulu!"

  Jared's eyes turned a stormy gray as he watched Malia run into the house. He looked down the beach, but there was no sign of Corinne. Damn Malia for planting suspicions in his mind.

  Jared waited only an hour before he couldn't stand it anymore. He saddled a horse, preparing to ride up the beach road to Pierce's. He had worked up a fine head of steam during that hour, imagining the very worst, yet furious with himself for doing so. He was not prepared to find Johe
n Pierce trotting up to the stable just as he was mounting his horse. Jared eyed the older man suspiciously.

  "What are you doing here, John?"

  "I've come about your wife."

  "Has something happened to Corinne?" Jared asked in alarm.

  "No, no, nothing like that," John Pierce assured him, looking ill at ease.

  "Where is she, then?" he demanded. "I understand she paid you a visit today."

  "You know, it's not a very nice thing you've done to that poor girl."

  "What the hell are you talking about?"

  "It's well-known why you brought her here, Jared. The rumor is that you keep her under lock and key. I was surprised when I met her out walking earlier, but not so surprised when she asked my help."

  "Your help?"

  John hesitated a moment. "She wants me to take her to Honolulu."

  "What?"

  "Your wife seemed terribly upset," John said quickly. "She—she said she couldn't stand the restrictions you placed on her. For that matter, she said she could not bear living with you."

  Jared's eyes narrowed. "What else did she say?" he asked, with deadly control.

  John looked at Jared nervously. The idea of holding Mrs. Burkett had come to him on the beach. He had acted impulsively. Now it was too late to do anything but see it all through.

  John cleared his throat. "Your wife promised me a good deal of money if I would take her to the city."

  "And did you agree?"

  "Not yet," John replied. "I told her I would have to think about it first."

  "What is there to think about? The woman is my wife. She married me of her own free will." Jared took a step closer. "I'll tell you now that if you interfere, you will regret it."

  John moved his horse back. He was sweating profusely, but not from the heat.

  "Now see here, Jared." John tried to sound indignant. "There's no need for threats. I see your side of this."

  "Then what are you doing here?"

  "Well now, I also see your wife's side. I mean, the little lady seemed quite desperate, desperate enough to pay what­ever I asked. It would be downright ungentlemanly of me to ignore such a plea."

  "You mean it wouldn't be to your advantage," Jared said sarcastically. "Just what are you getting at?"

  The time was at hand. "I thought you and I might make a deal. Although I would like to help the little lady, she is your wife."

  "And you would like to help yourself as well, is that it?" Jared asked coldly.

  "I didn't create this situation, it was dumped in my lap," John said defensively.

  "What do you want, Pierce?" Jared demanded, his pa­tience growing thin.

  "Well, you know I've always wanted this little piece of land you have here, my boy. And I'm still willing to pay you double what it's worth if you will consider parting with it now."

  "Let me get this straight," Jared said softly. "You will return my wife to me if I sell you my land?"

  "That's right."

  "And if I don't sell the land, then you'll take Corinne away where I can't find her?"

  "Right again," John beamed.

  It was such a good plan! Why hadn't he thought of it sooner? Of course, once the wife was returned, she would explain that he had locked her up, that she hadn't asked his help at all. But it would be her word against his, and he would own the land by then, so what did it matter?

  "Where is my wife?"

  "Come now, you don't think I would be fodl enough to divulge that information, do you?" Then John added quickly, "She's not at my place, if that's what you're thinking. We're Wasting time. What's your answer?"

  "You amaze me, Pierce. Did you think I would agree to this blackmail?"

  "Don't you want your wife back?" John asked, his con­fidence ebbing.

  "Not particularly," Jared replied in a deceptively casual tone. "Not if she is so desperate to get away from me."

  "But—but—" John stammered, unprepared for this .turn.

  Jared laughed, though the humor didn't reach his cold gray eyes. "You seem confused, Pierce. Didn't my wife tell you she was only here on a temporary basis?"

  "No, she didn't," John said sourly.

  "Well, she's welcome to leave, since that's what she wants to do. And if she will pay you to take her to Honolulu, that's fine too. You might as well get something for your trouble. And, that way, I won't have to take her."

  "You really don't care, do you?" John asked incred­ulously, shaking his head.

  "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but no, I don't give a damn anymore what she does. I wash my hands of her."

  "But she's your wife! Tell you what, I'll give you a day or two to think it over."

  "Suit yourself, but I won't change my mind. And by the way, my wife has a servant here. You're welcome to come get her before you leave for the city."

  Jared turned to ride his horse back into the stable. Only when he heard John Pierce riding away did he let his true feelings surface. In the quiet of the stable he let out a bellow of rage that shook the rafters and frightened the horses into bucking against their stalls.

  Chapter 34

  LEONAKA sat across the kitchen table from Jared, clasping a cool glass of rum punch between his large brown hands. It was late afternoon, and he had only just arrived from the city. His welcome was not what he had expected. The only one to show him any warmth was Malia, who alone was cheerful in a household of gloom. Even Akela, Leonaka's great-aunt, had only said a few words to him before she went back to banging pots and pans.

  "It didn't take you very long to get here," Jared com­mented.

  Leonaka smiled now, encouraged that his friend had finally said something. "When I am offered a week's vaca­tion with pay, I'm not going to sit around and think about whether to take it."

  Leonaka expected a rejoinder, but none was forthcoming. Finally he could stand it no more.

  "What in damnation is going on here?"

  Jared couldn't meet Leonaka's imploring gaze. He get up and stalked from the room without another word. Leonaka turned to Akela for explanation.

  "His wife gone," Akela said, showing her own anger and disappointment.

  "What you mean, gone?" Leonaka asked, slipping into pidgin English, «s he always did with Akela. "Where she wen' go?"

  "That John Pierce come herethis morning, say Kolina ask him take her to Honolulu, say she pay him plenty money. He hide Kolina so Ialeka no can find her."

  "What?"

  Akela grunted. "You ask me, I say that no-good haole lie!"

  "Who? Pierce?"

  She nodded. "Kolina happy since Ialeka come home this time. They no fight. I watch them. I say to myself, is good, they will have good marriage. They just stubborn, no yet ready admit they love each other."

  Leonaka looked skeptical. "Maybe you just see what you hope to see, huh, Aunty?"

  "You ask Ialeka!" she snapped. "You ask him if things not better between him and his wife these last days." Then she paused. "No, mo'better you no ask him now. Right now he mad like hell."

  "And what if Pierce's story is true?"

  Akela shook her head stubbornly. "Kolina not run away without her keiki."

  Now Leonaka was truly surprised—and hurt as well. "Ialeka and me used to tell everything about each other. Now he keep everything to himself. He no tell me about his wife, he no tell me she give him keiki."

  "He no tell you about the keiki because she tell him the keiki not hers, but belong to her wahine servant."

  "So you only suspect—"

  "I know!" she cut him off emphatically. "I tell Ialeka, but he no believe."

  "This is too complicated." Leonaka sighed. He got up and walked to the door. "Is Ialeka just going let her go?"

  Akela finally let a grin cross her lips. "He say he no care, but I know better. That's why he so mad."

  Corinne sat on the wet earth with her back propped against a crate. She was exhausted and her hands were blistered and filled with splinters from trying to pry open the boards in
the wall that had cracks wide enough to get her fingers through. She had failed. Though the shed was old, it was sturdily built and she didn't have any tools at all.

  She had wracked her brain all afternoon trying to figure out why she was here. The only conclusion she had reached was that John Pierce was a madman. If that was true, then she had more to fear than just being locked up. Her life might be in danger.

  All matter of horrors came to mind. Her imagination went wild over the different ways We might try to kill her.

  Each murder she envisioned was more gruesome and terri­fying than the last.

  When the door to the shed finally opened, Corinne was a nervous wreck.

  Rigid with fear, she stared up at the man. She was utterly unprepared when he said, "There's no point in keeping you locked up. You've no place to go anymore."

  She had to struggle for the courage to ask, "What—what do you mean?"

  "Your husband doesn't want you back, madam."

  The anger in his voice frightened her more than Ms words did. "You spoke to Jared?"

  "I went to make a deal with him. I told him I'd bring you hack if he'd sell me his land. But his land means more to him than you do."

  What he was saying sank in slowly, and finally Corinne realized that she wasn't facing a madman after all. She was facing a plain greedy crook who had held her for ransom.

  But that ransom wasn't going to be paid. Her fear was gone instantly, replaced with hot anger. She got to her feet,

  "I’ll have you put in jail for this!"

  "No, you won't," he said harshly. "No one's going to be­lieve I kept you here by force. It's your word against mine. And your reputation is no good, Mrs. Burkett."

  "Jared knows you kidnapped me!"

  He laughed. "Don't be absurd. You came to me to help you get back to the city."

  "That's a lie!"

  "Yes, but it doesn't matter because your husband be­lieved it."

  Why would Jared be so quick to believe that?

  "Now what?" she asked herself softly. And suddenly she knew the answer. Pierce had left the door open, and Corinne simply dashed through it and, picking up her skirts, ran as fast as she could run.