My Kind of Town
>> Makiki Popsicle prose
Well, maybe Serena just went for a walk, Sen. Donovan Matsuda-Yee-Dela Cruz-Bishop-Kamaka thought. She certainly isn't anywhere in the hillside hideaway he kept for her, paid for with the help of campaign funds. His unofficial campaign headquarters.
After he showered until the water ran cold, the Democrats' best hope of maintaining their leasehold on Washington Place beyond next year's election thought about calling Grace at his Capitol office. He'd been out of touch for a few days now. He ought to check in with Grace. But the pipe on the coffee table was beckoning. And after a few puffs, he sort of forgot about that other world down there.
Must be the full moon.
>> State Capitol
"Of course, I know Donovan very well from serving on the Commerce Committee with him," Sen. Bob Hogue was telling Star-Bulletin writer Cruz MacKenzie.
"When he's here, I hate to say it, him being a Democrat and me being a Republican, but Donovan is a very skilled legislator. But the issue is, 'when he's here.' He's been out of touch for days, missed the closing of the session."
Sen. Hogue paused to consider the writer's next question.
"Well, I can't speak for everyone at the Capitol, but yes it is accurate to say that many of my colleagues are concerned. I certainly am."
>> Kapiolani Boulevard
Just as she turned into the Honolulu Iron Works lot, Lily's cell phone rang.
"Oh, hi, Rosalita. How's Elizabeth?"
"She's wants to say hello."
"How are you, sweetie?"
"Hot." The 6-year-old sounded weak, tired. "Mama says I have a 102 tempature. And I'm getting a sore throat."
"I'm sorry to hear that. But do you know what? I know just the thing to make you feel better."
"What?"
"Popsicles!"
"Really?"
"You bet. They make your sore throat feel better and cool your fever down. Plus they taste good! I'll bring some home with me later."
"Thank you, Auntie Lily. And Momma needs to talk to you."
"Mum, I just got a call from my cousin. The one who arranged for my work visa? Actually, my late husband's cousin. Muhammed. He is going to visit Honolulu and would like to stay with me for a few days."
Lily knew about long-lost cousins. Boy, did she. "Of course, I remember. If you feel comfortable, Rosalita, it's fine with me."
>>Tomorrow: Warming up
Don Chapman is editor of MidWeek.
His serialized novel runs daily in the Star-Bulletin.
He can be emailed at dchapman@midweek.com