Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

Behind the bamboo stands and bushes, behind that rickety
fence, was an exquisite home made of glass and wood,
furnished comfortably and elegantly. There was art on the
walls, statues in niches, books on the low table. It was clear
that Stephen loved his house and that made Josie homesick for
hers.
“So you probably want to know about me,” Stephen
bellowed, making this a statement rather than a question.
When Josie looked up all she saw was his grin. All she
heard was his bark for attention. She missed the kindness and
curiosity behind his eyes.
“Or, perhaps you’d like to say a little something about
yourself. What brings you to Hawaii looking like you have the
weight of the world on your shoulders? It’s not divorce since
you haven’t even tied the knot yet. One last fling, perhaps? If
so, then I am your man, indeed.”
Josie shook her head. “I was looking for someone. I thought
she’d be here in Maui. She isn’t.”
“It’s a small place,” Stephen said. “What’s her name?”
“Hannah Sheraton.”
“Anything more?”
“She just turned seventeen,” Josie answered, reluctant to
give this man too much information. Nice as he appeared to
be, she had no desire to be steamrolled by his good intentions.
Stephen raised his chin. He pursed his lips. Josie took a drink
of her beer and listened to him wax poetic.
“Ah, a runaway. A boy is involved, more than likely.
Romeo and Juliette?” He raised his glass, emptying it in
between inventing his fiction. When he was done, he revised
his story. “No, an older man. That’s it! You’re the mum on the
hunt. I see it, of course. Terrible stuff. Terrible.”
Josie took a handful of nuts and resisted the urge to point
out that he was of a certain age and sharing his house with
three young girls.