Why Did He Die?

Chapter 1

The skyline stretched spread before me as I sat alone in the lobby of Hong Kong’s Regent Hotel before sunrise. My body was not responding quickly to jetting across the Pacific. My circadian rhythms were off. The United States mainland was seven time zones and an entire day behind.

In my corner of this massive space I found a place to contemplate the morning without speaking or writing. I watched as the sun’s rays lightened first the mountain tops and softly brightened the mirrored glass faces of the cityscape. After the plane ride the quiet was welcome.

Lobby of Regent Hotel

Lobby of Regent Hotel

The elegance of the hotel lobby was enhanced by the one hundred eighty degree panorama of Hong Kong harbor view. I thought back on last evening when the Rolls Royce, BMWs and Mercedes glided to a stop in front of the sculpted hotel entrance. Uniformed doormen snapped to attention as the occupants disembarked. The massive doors were opened by the gloved hands of the handsome young men dressed in white and capped like the old Phillip Morris cigarette commercials. They were always smiling as they greeted the occupants with a courteous “Good Evening.”

Young women adorned in Hong Kong made French designer fashions and handsome young gentlemen dressed in custom-made tuxedos were attending the annual alumni ball of the University of California at Los Angeles. Their brown skin tones and smooth complexions perfectly complemented the black and white silks and satins of their fashions.

The alumni and guests ascended from the lobby up sweeping white marble stairs to the grand ballroom. Their ascent was enhanced by the sprays of white lobbies, petite purple and turquoise orchids and carnations spaced along each banister. The flames from the white candle sparkled creating a fairy tale atmosphere

I rose from my soft leather sofa and watched a man speaking to the doorman as his silver BMW 735 was pulled away by the valet. He walked across the empty lobby to reception. His arrival so late would be unusual in the United States but not unusual in Asia because airplanes from all over the world arrive day and night. His lack of luggage save a small tote bag perhaps with toiletries was noticeable. His silk shirt with exaggerated Polynesian flowers and tailored trousers were accented by the soft brown shoes. His face seemed familiar but my head was cloudy. He disappeared behind the wall of elevators.

Hoping to return to sleep I took an elevator to my tenth floor room. Once inside I leaned my head back in the recliner. I shook my head as I reflected on the events of the past two weeks. That was when United Airlines flight #17 pushed off gate at Seattle’s SeaTac Airport headed for Hawaii. As the Boeing 747 inched away from its mooring it abruptly jerked to a stop. The shock absorbers under the first class section moaned. The direction of the plane reversed. We moved back to the gate. There was no explanation as the accordion tentacle corridor reattached to the plane with a gentle nudge. With a sucking sound of a bathroom plunger being pulled from a wet wall the door reopened. The airline gate agent stepped aboard followed by a well-dressed Asian man. He stepped around her and walked to the empty first class seat next to me.

First class has privileges but never had a plane returned for me after leaving the gate. There was no explanation or apology for the delay. The plane moaned and groaned as it lined up on the takeoff runway. Smoothly and silently the plane lifted off into the western sky headed for Honolulu. The flight attendants efficiently and courteously did their jobs. I wondered why United puts the oldest flight attendants on these flights. Thai and Singapore Airlines far surpass United in the attractiveness of the flight attendants.

Few words were spoken by the man next to me until dinner was served when it is easy to read or occupy oneself. Putting a plate of food in front of someone requires that they stare at it or speak. I said, “You almost missed the plane!” Nothing particularly profound but indicated my surprise at the remarkable service he was afforded.

He replied, “Yes, that was closer than I usually cut it.” His accent free English surprised me. I assumed by his appearance in his tailored silk suit with custom-made initialed white shirt, Gucci tie and stylish Italian shoes that he was Chinese. The gold nuggets for cuff links complimented his shiny gold Maple Leaf belt buckle. After our opening comments we started a conversation about news events, the service on the flight, and the current merger talks between airlines. Late in the conversation he asked, “What work do you do?”

I hesitated a moment, “I’m a CPA and work in Chicago.”

“Are you an auditor or a consultant?”

“I have done both but principally do audits for our international clients. Unfortunately, most of them are desk audits. I don’t travel as much as I would like.”

I inquired as to his line of business. His vague response was, “Export business,” followed by, “I make the trip from Hong Kong to San Francisco about once every three months.” He gave no explanation why he boarded the flight in Seattle and turned back to his reading. Silence returned until the plane was on approach for Honolulu. He said, “I’m happy to be getting off and spending a few days on the beach.” The doors opened and he was the first person out of the first class door.

People are drawn to these volcanic islands with their towering cliffs and white sand beaches for a myriad of reasons. Those that love crowds flock to Oahu and the ever crammed Waikiki Beach. The Midwesterners as well as Japanese and other affluent Asians find their pleasure on Maui. The golf courses and tennis courts like those they left at home.

Hiking the Na Pali Coast

Hiking the Na Pali Coast

My objective was to trek up the Na Pali coast to camp on the island of Kauai. Hundred of inches of rain fall annually on the garden island. With hiking boots, shorts and a broad-brimmed Aussie hat I began a steep incline with my provisions to the one mile marker where most tourists turn back. The rocks were slippery; the mud oozed above my boot soles and the rainfall was driving and unpleasant. I forged on in anticipation of beauty hidden in the valley beyond. The late afternoon sun slipped off the tops of the peaks and the shadows were gone by the time my twelve mile trek was completed. The evening blackness was punctuated with flickering campfires. Except for the occasional, distant whisper of recorded music the thundering surf and the rustling palm fronds were the only audible sounds.

After eating a slightly crushed sandwich and drinking a warm Coca-Cola I unrolled my blanket, undressed, and lay down to marvel at the myriad of stars overhead. Sleep came quickly. Light appeared almost as suddenly as night had fallen. Over a small fire made I boiled water for instant coffee. The coffee plus an orange and a slightly smashed donut was my breakfast.

I looked for a more suitable place for camp before beginning to explore. Pictures in the magazines and brochures did not come close to capturing the magnificence of Kauai. At 10:30 am giant rubber rafts dumped overweight tennis shoe clad people on the pristine beaches. I saw a Mr. Tennis Shoe eyeing a totally tanned flower child. Mrs. Tennis Shoe’s voice squeaked, “Bobby, I think its time we go back to the boat.” With a firm grip on her husband’s arm she led him back to a picnic on the beach. I smiled and wondered if he ever saw her naked at home. I stripped off my shorts.

In hitching boots and my red bandana I started walking. Smiling but not speaking to those I met was less disruptive and intrusive. I was absorbed in myself when I heard, “Welcome, I really didn’t expect to see you here.” I looked toward the voice thinking I had been caught with my pants off. Turning in the direction of the voice I recognized my seatmate from the plane. He stood naked with a lovely Polynesian lady. His torso was solid but not muscled, his face was shiny with sweat and he was as alluringly handsome. His light brown body was without marks or scares. His short cut black head of hair looked like he had just left the stylist’s chair. His jet black pubic hair was the only hair visible on his flawless body. His Asian cock was small against his substantial body.

A heavy gold chain with a maple leaf sparkled against his pectorals. His female companion was beautiful in her perfection. She had soft round breasts, gently curved hips and a minuscule waist. She appeared to have been carved from milk chocolate.

“How are you doing?” he said.

“I think I have stumbled into heaven,” I answered as he smiled. “I’m glad to see a familiar face.”

He said, “Yes, want to come along. We are walking up to the falls.” The three of us walked and talked about the beauty of the valley. I found myself totally comfortable being naked with my fellow trekkers. After a while he said, “I never thought I would see a businessman like you out in nature. Most American men seem to be ashamed of their bodies, never exposing them outside of the locker room.”

“I am usually naked at home.”

“Why are you here?” I questioned.

“As I told you on the plane I came here to focus. My normal pace doesn’t let that happen so I make time for me. There’s no cell phone service. The more I come the more I want to come back.” We came to a pool that was fed by a sparkling waterfall. He and the girl slipped into the crystal clear pool. He encouraged me to join them, but I said, “No.” He and I agreed to get together for a drink about sunset.

I climbed higher into the jungle. My mind contemplated the openness of this oriental man whose name was a mystery. He comes from a society that protects privacy. His silk suit, gold cuff links, his coiffeur and manicure are contradictions to his nakedness in this paradise. His accent free English was still a puzzle.

I marveled at the vegetation and multiple brooks rushing toward the ocean. I walked the lava lined paths toward another falls marked on the map. My reward was finding a crystalline pool fed by a showering one hundred fifty foot falls. Swimming and lounging exposed my naked body to plenty of sun but I thought to cover myself with #30 sun block. I hoped to avoid the lobster red inflicted on the uninitiated in paradise.

The pool was occupied by a middle aged couple from New Mexico who hiked in on Thursday. The naked man was finally able to persuade his wife to take off her swimming suit which she did underwater. The man and I conversed about the place and freedom while his wife floated around. Thoughts of the oriental fellow kept sneaking into my mind.

As the shadows began to lengthen I hiked back to my campsite. I was concerned that I might be robbed by the hippy residents so I had carefully buried my money and other valuables and return airplane ticket near the edge of my camp. Four women in their early twenties had set up their camp about twenty yards away. I approached them and introduced myself. They seemed uninterested in me. They were flying high on some substance. Their response to each other suggested that they are partnered.

Cocktail time arrived. With warm beer and broken pretzels in hand I went in search of my friend and his partner. As I approached he solved a dilemma. He said “Good to see you. I forget your name.”

“John,” I said knowing we had never introduced ourselves.

“I’m Lee.” With formalities concluded we began discussing the meal. Each of us opened a beer. His girlfriend was not around. I inquired about her and Lee said, “She’ll be back. She went to get dinner.”

“Where?” I quizzed.

“She and some friends rented a rubber raft. They went back to Princeville, I believe. She said she’d be back. I guess she’ll be back.” His response to my question suggested that he met the Polynesian princess on the beach. He wooed her, excited her libido, played with her in the pool and then parted ways. I stared at him because he was one of the sexiest men that I had ever met. He got up to put wood on the fire. As he bent over his short penis appeared gracefully between his muscular legs as he poked at the fire. Looking away I could feel my manhood slightly stiffen. He turned.

“Well. See something that interests you?”

“You are a handsome man,” I said. That statement could have ended our friendship but being in paradise I spoke the truth. “God gives only a few of us perfect proportions and you happen to be one of the lucky ones.” My candor seemed to startle him as he continued to stand directly in front of me.

After an awkward moment he said, “Thanks. Men usually don’t say such honest things to other men.” We both sat silently breathing in the warm sultry air; listening to the rush of the surf and the rustle of the palm fronds. He said, “Looks like she isn’t coming back. What food and drink do you have?”

“My provisions are pretty basic. What about you?” He stood up and began to unpack supplies including a gallon jug of red wine. He had the stuff for a luxury campout — a cooler of ice, packed deli meats, fruits and chips. “Surely you didn’t pack all this in?”

“No, no, I confess I rode over in a raft. The hike is too rugged and takes too long.”

Conversation ended as we ate, drank and watched the fire die down. Occasionally one of us got up to stir it. The evening of comradeship was fading with the embers. Lee became increasingly fidgety. He blurted out, “Let’s go to the ocean for a swim. It’s only a few yards away.”

“OK.”

We walked quietly along the path with the full moon clearly showing the way. We didn’t talk. Near the beach the waves pulsated but not with the vigor of the daytime. The surf surged up our legs as we walked. Lee suddenly rushed toward the water. I followed him. The undertow pulled at my feet as I fought the pull of the evening tide which was burying my feet with each successive retreat. Slowly I walked into the surf watching Lee. He swam out about twenty-five yards and stood up in the water that was up to his thighs. He waved for me to join him.

We stood together as the waves moved up and down our legs occasionally knocking one of us over. Once we both fell hard. He extended his hand to me. I shivered thinking, “I can’t let him touch me; it will ruin our friendship” He moved closer to me and put his arms around me. My cock was sticking straight out which I know he saw. He kissed my cheek, placed both his hands on my shoulders and pulled me toward the shore. Once on shore he slapped my butt and said, “I’m going to my camp want to join me? I’ll get my things tomorrow.” He stepped onto the moon-lighted path but I didn’t follow him. He quickly walked away. I stood watching him so tempted to follow him but I didn’t.

Beach on Na Pali Coast

Beach on Na Pali Coast

Sleep was fitful. My mind was spinning with questions:”Why did he have that effect on me? Why did I react the way I did? Why didn’t I follow him?” The moisture of morning lay on my cheeks as I soaked up the morning sun. I stared into the tall grass. I thought about having in the surf experience with Lee. He’s a beautiful male specimen. His Asian skin is soft and buttery smooth. The tone of his skin was luminescent. I wondered if he was gay. Seeing him with the Polynesian girl I guess that answered my question. I had never been affected by a man like I yesterday. I have always loved looking at athletic men but never let myself consider that I might be gay. He acted like he wanted more from me. I asked myself: Do I want to be with this man, or any man? Do I want to ave sex with a man? I never have.

Summoning my courage I walked toward his camp. His “Good Morning” was friendly and unconcerned. His gear was packed. He rose and walked toward the beach where he was going to catch a ride on a raft. After a warm hug he handed me his wine and food to add to my meager rations. Separating without further words, he left me. He tossed me aside like the used cork from a wine bottle. I surmised that if he couldn’t have me he would toss me away. He walked toward the surf and didn’t look back.

I turned and walked up the path to a spectacular overlook. A stumble woke me from my malaise. With Lee gone the aroma of the flowers reached my olfactory. Covered with morning dew the waxy vegetation glistened in multiple shades of green and yellow. The path back to the falls was busy with birdwatchers on tour with the Philadelphia Zoo. I followed them. They didn’t seem to notice the Robinson Crusoe types who were lounging around and swimming naked in the pool. Birdwatchers looked like the birds they were watching.

At lunchtime my camp was visited by a little girl as brown as a berry and her little brother equally tanned. They scampered away as I approached. He left behind a painted plastic soldier. “You forgot something,” I called. She grabbed her brother’s arm and pushed him back toward me. He sheepishly approached me to retrieve his toy. The moment his hand attached to the item he sprang away. I thought, “How lucky they are to have parents that treat nudity as normal. Being from a Midwestern family my mantras were “Clean your plate; wash your hands after going to the bathroom; work hard in school, go to college and get a good job. And above all keep your privates covered.” I followed them religiously.

I sat in the shade sipping the last of the red wine Lee left. I wondered why I never questioned any of those rules. After graduating from the University of Illinois I served my apprenticeship at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Chicago. After a year I took the CPA exam with only one failed section which I easily passed the second try. The firm sponsored my MBA in international finance at the University of Chicago. The degree did not lead to world travel, only an occasional audit of a division or subsidiary of an international company. Most of my work was in Chicago. At age 28 without a wife or any interest in finding one I find myself in the outback of Kawai wondering if my attraction to Lee meant anything. He was a beautiful man. I never gave myself permission to acknowledge that I might be gay.

Like most things in my life this trip was carefully planned and scheduled. After Hawaii my trip included Hong Kong and Tokyo, neither of which I had visited before. My life was scheduled and regimented by the firm or my clients. I wondered whether anyone would care if I came back. Someone would quickly take my place on the ladder to partnership. Nothing was stopping me from becoming a Bohemian for a year. There was money in the bank. With my degree and CPA returning to the work would be easy. I smiled knowing I would return as scheduled.

As my rationalization churned in my mind I busied myself straightening up the camp; collecting wood for a campfire; airing out my sleeping bag. While pulling Lee’s wine bottle out to pour a tumbler I spied a slip of paper at the bottom of the bag. I settled back into the warm sand as the shadows of afternoon lengthened. Unfolding the paper I read “John, I want you to do something for me. Meet me in Hong Kong on August 29 for a drink at the Regent Hotel. Lee.”

Initial surprise quickly turned into disdain for his arrogant presumption. I was not changing my plans for him. Reading Lee’s note again I knew there is no way I would change my plans. I was scheduled to fly to Tokyo that day.

NEXT CHAPTER