Aloha, Candy Hearts (2 page)

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Aloha,

Candy Hearts

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Also by the author

Amuse Bouche

Flight of Aquavit

Stain of the Berry

Sundowner Ubuntu

Tapas on the Ramblas

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Aloha,

Candy Hearts

A Russell Quant Mystery

Anthony Bidulka

INSOMNIAC PRESS

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Copyright © 2009 by Anthony Bidulka

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher or, in case of photocopy-ing or other reprographic copying, a license from Access Copyright, 1

Yonge Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5E 1E5.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Bidulka, Anthony, 1962-Aloha, candy hearts / Anthony Bidulka.

ISBN 978-1-897415-38-2

CIP data on file with Library and Archieves Canada The publisher gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council, the Ontario Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program.

Printed and bound in Canada

Insomniac Press

192 Spadina Avenue, Suite 403

Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 2C2

www.insomniacpress.com

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In the middle of the North Pacific Ocean is an island nicknamed

“The Gathering Place.” Its population sits at under a million, the area code is 808, and the average temperature is 25˚–30˚ C (75˚–85˚

F). This island is Oahu, Hawaii.

The people of Hawaii are known throughout the world for their spirit of Aloha. This spirit can only be described as an inner warmth: a feeling of love, respect, and hospitality. This spirit comes from the very soul of this ancient people.

This book is dedicated to my longtime ku’uipo and brand new pilikua, Herb, who would spend every vacation, weekend off, and special occasion in Hawaii if he could (and with dozens of trips already logged, he has given it a good try), and to his lovely oasis that, because of his presence there, has become mine as well.

Herb’s love affair with the islands—Oahu in particular—began in childhood and has deepened with time and maturity. Although the experience has recreated itself many times and in many ways, some favourites (and favourite memories) endure: the Surf Club on Kuhio, Waikiki Shore with its perfect slice of Waikiki Beach and view of Friday night fireworks, the scent of plumeria, POG & vodka on the beach, ahi tuna poke, La Mer and Orchids at the Halekulani, sunset hula by Kanoe Miller, Starbucks and oat bars, Holly’s cottage in the hills, Evil Jungle Prince at Keos, music radio and newspaper on the beach, perfect Mai Tais at the Royal Hawaiian, swimming with dolphins, jogging down the Ali Wai, watching videos at Hulas, climbing up Diamond Head, grocery trips to Daiei, walking Kalakaua, spotting the green flash at sunset, towels from ABC, the juiciest fruit from Henry’s, Pat and Jack Brattus, long afternoon walks down the beach, finding perspective, the first breath of moist, tropical air as we step off the aircraft, the many family and friends we’ve laughed with there, and anticipating years and years and years of the same.

Much Aloha.

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Early on, when I was first settling on a concept for this sixth Quant book, I had Russell investigating a rather dark case surrounding a suicide club and a nasty character who preyed on terminally ill people who’d come to believe that taking their own lives (or having someone do it for them) was a better way out. Although I ultimately decided the storyline wasn’t what I was looking for, I’ve stored it away for potential use in the future. That being said, I owe a debt of gratitude to the people who helped develop the concept and flesh it out with wonderful detail, including Jo-Anne, Brian, my sister Hope, Ted, my niece Kim, and Della. Your willingness to share your special talents and brainpower is much appreciated.

In the summer of 2005, I had the opportunity to speak at the annual Association of Canadian Archivists conference. I knew little about the process of archiving, but found the subject fascinating and thought it might make good fodder for a book one day. That day has arrived. I never forgot the many fine professionals I met that evening, and called upon two of them, Tim Hutchinson and Cheryl Avery, of the University of Saskatchewan Archives, for help when I was developing this story. Tim and Cheryl provided invaluable insight. Thank you for your generous donation of time and information. Any errors I’ve made in this regard are solely my creation.

I also want to say a special hello to Louis Volz who won his place in Russell Quant lore at the 2008 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in Washington, DC.

I need to thank: James Fuester who, upon hearing the title of this book, immediately sent theme and décor suggestions for the launch party (…sandy beaches of turbinado brown sugar and meringue froth…) and both Jim and his very “cool” mom for my very own Bidulka Michigan football sweatshirt, T-shirt, and PEZ –

awesome!; once again the EY alumni group led off by Shelley B—

I can’t think of a better crowd to celebrate with; everyone who came to the Sundowner Ubuntu book launch to share in the fantastic food and drink prepared by the pros at Prairie Ink, and African rhythmic dancing of Kahmaria Pingue, Kirsty, Kristen and drum-mer Marnie—each launch just gets better and better thanks to all of you—the spirit of ubuntu is truly in abundance in Saskatoon; DD6AA2AB8

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Aloha, Candy Hearts

Karen for the way cool telegram; JorDan for the special African feast (Kelly, Rhonda, Jan, Paul, Dori, Rob, Jill, Shelley, David for sharing it with us, and Nigel {as Russell Quant}, Catherine {as Jane Cross} and Herb {as narrator} for the awesome dramatic re-enact-ment from Flight of Aquavit); all the entrants of the World of Russell Quant Wine Gift Basket Contests—special thanks to Book & Brier, Little Sister ’s wine and cheese afternoon attendees, and Chronicles of Crime; my fellow “Men of Mystery” Neil Plakcy and Mark R.

Zubro; the Bloody Words gang for laughing at the right spots and the opportunity to MC a spectacular gala; Caro Soles for your wonderful “Touring Texas with Tony” article; only my hairdresser knows for sure—thanks Shelley for keeping my poster up all year long – Salon Pure rocks!; Kevin Hogarth and Clipper for marathon photo session with great results; Wayne Gunn and Raymond-Jean Frontain for your especially kind words; Dori for the cool black golf shirts; Sheila for all you do for Acreage Life; Robert and Ted for a great evening in New Orleans; Ward for Ubuntu in a frame; Carrie S—terrific to finally meet in DC—you’re my cemetery god-dess; My Facebook Fan Club—special thanks to Shawn, and officers Mark, Bonnie and Dyl!; Vicki for inviting me to TypeM4Murder; Bev J for our office parties for two!; newlyweds Graham and Randall for suggesting a title for a Hawaiian-themed Russell Quant—Poison in the Poke—before I’d even written it—

sadly there was no poison in the poke…this time; David Rimmer of After Stonewall Books for all you do; and to the absolute best circle of family and friends that any guy could have…much love.

Special affection and appreciation is reserved for my talented colleague and friend from Florida, author Neil Plakcy, whose own detective, Kimo Kanapa’aka, appears on these pages. As a great fan of TV series crossovers (remember when The Six Million Dollar Man showed up on The Bionic Woman?), I was thrilled with the idea of our two detectives appearing together. Neil and I have attended conferences and toured together many times, so it only made sense that our characters should finally meet. I’m sure their adventures are only just beginning.

To all the people in the industry—booksellers, reviewers, inter-viewers, distributors, events coordinators—thanks for paying DD6AA2AB8

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Anthony Bidulka

attention to Russell Quant and for keeping reading alive.

Insomniac Press continues to believe in the world according to Russell Quant—thanks Mike and Gillian. And Gillian, thanks for being my date to the Arthur Ellis Awards dinner!

This book was pulled into production six months earlier than originally planned, and editor Catherine Lake jumped on board with no notice, having to make room for it in her busy life. Thank you for the willingness to do so and grace under pressure.

Truly, the best part of what I do is the people who read these books. I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of you over the past half dozen books at readings, on tour, at conferences, or just on the street or in a grocery store. And if that’s not enough, I wake up every morning to find wonderfully inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting emails and messages sent to me from places across the street to the other side of the world. I cannot thank you enough for this. It is that extra bit of special that I never anticipated when I first began to write, and have come to treasure.

For dear, sweet, cousin Lorraine. Forever unforgettable.

And Herb.

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“Russell Quant, will you marry me?”

I gulped.

The old, vine-fortified banyuls I’d been blissfully sipping, along with our shared Grand Marnier and lilikoi soufflé, suddenly turned sticky in my throat. I wished for a draft to cool my rapidly crimsoning cheeks. Although only seconds passed before I responded to the unexpected question, it seemed as if the world around me had slowed to half speed. Visions of my life passed before my eyes.