The Greatest of These by Greg Wendleton (booksvooks txt) 📕

the trash bin on my way out the door and walked toward the baggage carousel that was starting to dump out a few suitcases. I didn’t have to wait long for my bag to arrive. I set it on the floor in an out of the way location and opened it up. Securely locked within my suitcase sat my gun carrier. I quickly zipped my bag shut, not wanting to create any type of commotion inside the airport.

Having made a rental car reservation before I left home, I looked about the area and spotted the sign for Enterprise Rental Car and walked over to the counter.

“Good evening sir, how can I help you?” the always cheerful Enterprise agent, Paul, on this occasion, asked.

“Hi Paul, I just arrived and I have a car rental reservation. Would you happen to have any full size SUV’s available?”

“Let me check the system. How many days would you be needing the SUV?”

“Until Saturday, I would think.”

“Okay” said Paul, “It looks like I have a GMC Terrain available in gray. The rate would be $88.00 a day, plus taxes of course. Would that work for you Mr…?”

Reaching for my wallet and drivers license, I said “Cooper, Garret Cooper, and yes, that will be great.”

Paul took my drivers license and my credit card as I set them on the counter. He did his magic in the computer terminal and in a few moments the printer behind him started churning out the contract. I signed it where Paul indicated and he folded up my copy and slid it into a green and white Enterprise envelope.

“You will exit through the doors just to my right and then take our courtesy shuttle to the off-site center where we keep all of our vehicles. Just show the envelope to an agent at the facility and they will escort you to your car and show you all the bells and whistles. Do you have any questions?”

“No Paul, I think I can manage that. Thanks for your help.”

I followed Paul’s instructions to the letter and within ten minutes I was at the Enterprise off-site facility. There, I was greeted by Christine, who like Paul, was cheerful and helpful. She walked me over to my gray GMC Terrain and unlocked the doors and pushed the remote to open the tailgate.

Christine asked, “Mr. Cooper, do you need any help understanding the operation of the 2021 GMC Terrain?”

“No, I think I have a good understanding of its features.”

“Well then, just let me confirm the mileage is correct and the tank is full of unleaded gasoline and you’ll be good to go.”

Christine sat behind the wheel and pressed her foot onto the brake and then pushed the start button. The Terrain roared to life showing a full tank of gas and less than 3,000 miles on the odometer. Pleased that everything matched the accompanying paperwork, she slid out of the driver’s seat and smiled.

She handed me the key fob and said, “Enjoy your stay on Maui Mr. Cooper. Oh, and don’t forget to refuel the vehicle before you drop it back off at this lot on Saturday.”

I thanked Christine for her professional courtesy and then grabbed my suitcase and took it to the rear cargo area. I laid the bag down flat, unzipped it and flipped the top back revealing; my underwear, a few shirts, a change of shoes, a clean pair of cargo pants and of course, my gun case. I quickly unlocked the case, opened it and examined the Glock 17 and spare, full, magazine that lay inside. I closed it back up and locked it. I set it on the cargo liner that protected the carpeted backend and then zipped my suitcase shut. Finally, I was ready to close the tailgate, with my gun case and computer backpack in hand. I pushed the remote button and watched the tailgate gently close and then latch in place.

Once I was finally behind the wheel, with my computer pack and gun case resting on the passenger’s seat, I pulled up Google Maps on my iPhone. I figured the best place to start would be Mama’s Fish House. It was only eight miles to Mama’s from my location, yet the travel time was estimated at seventeen minutes! It was 7:15 on a Tuesday evening. I should be at the Inn just after 7:30.

I pushed the GO button and the directions began. Go east on the Hana Highway, or Highway 36, until directed otherwise. I think I can handle those instructions as well. I drove in darkness and left the city of Kahului behind and continued along the highway entering Paia. As I drove through the town, I saw Rock and Brews restaurant. It looked like a viable option for dinner after I checked on the status of Chad and Jamie’s cottage. Shit, I hadn’t made a hotel reservation anywhere. Where was I going to stay?

Following the directions on my iPhone, I turned left off the Hana Highway a few minutes after passing the Rock and Brews location and turned into the property that contained the Mama’s Fish House restaurant as well as the Inn. I parked my vehicle and made my way around to the office for the Inn only to find the door locked. So, I walked back around to the entrance to the restaurant. They had a nice crowd, but it wasn’t packed.

I was greeted by a hostess who asked, “Good evening, are you wanting to dine with us this evening?”

“Well, maybe, but first I need to speak with someone about a couple staying in your cottages. The office was locked, is there someone who can help me?”

“Umm, I think so. Who are you looking for?”

“Chad and Jamie Wilhite. They are my neighbors back in San Antonio and they may be in some sort of danger.”

“Oh! Yes, please wait here and I’ll find a manager that can help you.”

I stood at the hostess station for a few minutes and then saw a gentleman walking toward me.