Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

“Pity you’re spoken for. He should have bought you a big
diamond so the rest of us know you’re taken.”
“I’ll wait for the gold band.”
“Are you a darling angel from heaven? No diamonds and
you’re still faithful to the bloke? I hope he knows how lucky
he is.”
One of the girls stuck her head out from the hall and asked
Stephen if they were working with the fire sticks that night. He
answered in the negative and she disappeared once more.
“Do you let all your employees live with you?” Josie asked.
“I’d never let an employee live here! Those are my
protégées who also happen to work for me. They are amazing
girls and each of them needed just a little leg up.” He spoke
fondly of the twins. “Their father worked for me. Fine man.
When he passed away, he asked me to watch over them. No
hardship since they are good girls and lovely as you can see.
And Malia, my tough little bird? She had a sad life, but a great
heart. I can afford to help out, so why not? Sadly, each will be
off in their own good time.” He grinned at Josie. “Ah, I’m
going on. What was it I had my mind set to do?”
“A cab?” Josie reminded him.
“Nonsense,” he answered. “We’ll drop you on the way.
Where are you staying?”
“The Grand Wailea.”
“Perfect. We’re showing at the Four Seasons and that’s right
next door. Meanwhile, Shall I entertain you with a little
Keoloko hospitality?”
“I doubt I have a choice,” she laughed.
“Right you are,” Stephen answered.
Josie didn’t mind. There were worse places to be. When she
had first stepped out of the truck and seen the overgrowth and
the rickety fence, she had assumed she would find a modestly
livable place but Stephen Kyle’s house was an island palace.