Diagnosis Murder: The Death Merchant Read Free

in the trash can, on which he'd thoughtfully taped a bright yellow-and-black DANGER: BIOHAZARD placard.
    "Not all the pleasures of Kauai are in the water." Mark exchanged the damp towel on Buddy's chaise lounge for a fresh one from the stack he kept near his supp1ies "You can enjoy the spectacular views from Waimea Canyon, which Mark Twain called 'the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.' Or you can take a boat ride up Wailua River. Or you can go horseback riding to Kalihiwai Falls. Or do some shopping at the—"
    The kid interrupted Mark midlist, thanked him for his help, then shuffled away sadly, idly scratching his red shoulders. Mark shrugged and tossed Buddy's towel in the hamper in front of the activities hut.
    "How would you know what there is to do?" asked Moki Kaohi, the young Hawaiian man behind the counter. He wore the hotel's uniform floral shirt and shorts and spent his days making sure guests had all the fun he wished he was having. "You've been sitting here for three days handing out Band-Aids and ice packs."
    "I've heard about it from my son," Mark replied. "He's been all over the island, waterskiing, surfing, hiking, and snorkeling."
    "Have you considered going with him?" Moki asked
    "I wish I could," Mark said, "but my patients have been keeping me pretty busy."
    "Your patients ?"
    "It's been one thing after another with them," Mark sighed wearily, motioning with a wave of his hand at the vacationers splashing in the massive pool and frolicking in the crashing surf. "Sunstroke, coral scrapes, stubbed toes, twisted ankles; even a lady who stepped on a sea urchin. Frankly, I'm a little understaffed."
    Moki looked at him in astonishment for a moment, then said, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave Dr. Sloan."
    Mark was shocked. "You're throwing me out of the hotel?"
    "No, of course not. We're pleased to have you as our guest," Moki stepped out of the hut with a big smile on his face. "I just need you to move. This is where we do the barbeque buffet and salad bar every Saturday."
    Moki tilted his head toward a half-dozen kitchen staffers standing off to one side, looking at Mark impatiently as they waited with their barbeques, chafing dishes, tables, and ice boxes.
    Mark hadn't noticed them before, and now that he did, he was terribly embarrassed.
    "Oh, I'm so sorry, Moki. I didn't mean to hold up the barbeque," Mark scrambled to his feet and quickly started gathering up his supplies. "Where would you like me to set up my triage?"
    "Actually, I think we can manage without one for an hour or two," Moki picked up Mark's grocery bags. "Why don't you let me take your things back to your room, while you enjoy a nice long walk?"
    Mark looked over the scene around him. People bodysurfing and boogie boarding in the mild waves. Children building sand castles on the pristine beach. Couples strolling hand in hand in the frothy surf. Kids charging down the water slides, squealing with delight. Bartenders mixing tropical drinks at the swim-up bar in one of the pool's rocky grottos. Afternoon nappers sprawled lazily in hammocks strung between the palms. Sunbathers lying side by side on row after row of chaise lounges, each reading one of the same ten best-selling paperbacks.
    "Things do seem to be under control for the moment," Mark said, handing over his stethoscope. "I suppose I could take a short break."
    "Take your time," Moki said. "Please."
    Mark sighed, slipped on his sunglasses, and reluctantly strolled down to the clean white sand. As soon as the doctor was out of sight, Moki tossed Mark's things in the hut, tore the DANGER: BIOHAZARD warning off the trash can and quickly carried the receptacle away, holding it from his body at arm's length.
    As Mark walked on the beach, soaking his feet in the warm surf, it occurred to him that he hadn't seen much of Steve since they arrived. His son was off early every morning, eagerly looking forward to some adventure or another. Not the behavior Mark expected from someone