Poe's First Law: A Murder on Maui Mystery

it? That’s what you’re doing,” Alana said.
“There’s nowhere else to seat them,” Hani said.
“There are several places you could move them. I think you want to see fireworks, that’s all,” Ms. Hu said.
“That’s absurd. Why would I want to encourage some fight at my wedding reception? Everyone should be focused on me,” Hani said.
Her alone but not her and Yuto? I asked myself.
“It’s bad enough they’ll all be in the same room. You’re going to push them over the edge if they’re at the same table. But I’ll repeat what I said before. It’s your wedding. You do what you want,” Ms. Hu said.
“Fine then. It’s settled. I’m not moving them,” Hani said.
Alana shook her head and then turned to me.
“How was your meeting with Mele Akamu?”
“You met with Mele Akamu?” Ms. Hu asked, suddenly interested in what I had to say.
“I did. It went fine,” I said.
“Why did she want to meet with you? That makes no sense,” Ms. Hu said.
“Why doesn’t it make sense?” I asked.
“Never mind,” Ms. Hu said, and she dismissively waved her hand at me as if she were swatting away a pesky insect.
I thought Alana might come to my defense and question why her mother had just been rude to me again for no apparent reason, but she didn’t. I guess we all have to pick and choose our battles.
“What did she want?” Alana asked.
“A body was found near the Jaws surf break. She’s worried it will be tied to her,” I said.
“This is the one that was buried for some time?” Alana asked.
“I believe she said it’s been there for around five years,” I said.
“Who was it?” Hani asked.
“A man named Eric Ellis. He worked for Mele Akamu,” I said.
“She wants you to find out who killed him?” Hani asked.
“Exactly.”
“Or she wants you to come up with some other possible candidates for when the police show up to arrest her,” Alana said.
“Why would they arrest Mele?” Ms. Hu asked.
“Why do you think, Mom?” Alana asked.
“Well I’m sure I don’t know. That’s why I asked,” Ms. Hu said.
“Come on, Mom. Don’t play dumb,” Hani said.
“Watch how you talk to me, young lady. And I’m not playing dumb. Mele Akamu is an upstanding member of our community. The Akamu family has done more for this island than anyone,” Ms. Hu said.
“Oh yeah? Like what?” I asked.
“You mainlanders are all alike. You come to Maui and you have no knowledge of our heritage or anything else for that matter,” Ms. Hu said.
“Mom, don’t be like that,” Alana said.
“Why not? It’s the truth,” Ms. Hu said.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Hu. I’m not offended. And you’re right. I don’t know nearly as much about the island as I want to. I’m also interested in why you think Mele Akamu is such a good person,” I said.
“The Akamu family has donated millions to different charities, from the hospital to the arts community to the environment,” Ms. Hu said.
I turned to Alana.
“Is that true?” I asked.
“I said it. Why wouldn’t it be true?” Ms. Hu shot back.
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t telling the truth,” I said.
“That’s kind of what you just did,” Hani said.
“I know and I’m sorry,” I said.
“To answer your question, Poe, yes, the Akamu family has donated a lot of money over the years. That’s probably the main reason Tavii got elected Mayor,” Alana said.
“I thought you also told me that everyone knew their family business wasn’t exactly on the up and up,” I said.
“That’s true, but no one has ever been able to prove anything,” Alana said.
“People talk about the poor woman like she’s a cold-blooded murderer. Mele Akamu is a philanthropist,” Ms. Hu said.
I was tempted to laugh, but I managed to restrain myself.
Nevertheless, Ms. Hu must have read the look on my face for she asked, “You think that’s funny?”
“I happen to like the dear old woman,” I said.
“Old? She’s not that much older than I am,” Ms. Hu said.
“You walked right into that one, Poe,” Alana said.
“I apologize again, Ms. Hu. Perhaps I should go outside to the pool before the hole I’m digging gets any deeper,” I said.
“Yes, maybe you should go,” Ms. Hu said.
“Before you leave, what did you tell Mele Akamu?” Alana asked.
“I told her I’d give her an answer by tomorrow,” I said.
“I think you should take the case. If the police are out to get her, then you owe it to this island to make sure one of its finest citizens isn’t unjustly arrested,” Ms. Hu said.
“First of all, Mom, the police aren’t out to get anyone. If you get arrested, then it’s because we had good reason,” Alana said.
“And second?” Hani asked, apparently enjoying her sister and mother going at it.
“I don’t deny that Mele Akamu has done some good for Maui,” Alana said.
“Some?” Ms. Hu asked.
“Okay, a lot. But that doesn’t mean she hasn’t also broken the law at some point,” Alana said.
“Everyone breaks the law at some point, Alana. Even you,” Ms. Hu said.
“I’m not talking about speeding and jaywalking. I’m talking about more serious crimes,” Alana said.
“There’s nothing you can prove, which means she’s innocent. We do have a system in this country that says you’re innocent until proven guilty,” Ms. Hu said.
“Why are you defending her like she was your own mother?” Alana asked.
“I consider Mele a friend. I don’t like my friends being criticized,” Ms. Hu said.
“Regardless of what Mrs. Akamu is or isn’t, I’m not sure what I’m going to do with this investigation,” I said.
“I agree with Mom. I think you should take the case, although not for the same reasons she does,” Alana said.
“What reasons are those?” Hani asked, taking the question right out of my mouth.
“I doubt Mele Akamu had anything to do with that dead body. She wouldn’t have wanted to hire you if she did, especially since she has first-hand knowledge of your abilities. If you do take the case, though, I have one piece of advice for you,” Alana said.
“Which is?” I