Poe's First Law: A Murder on Maui Mystery

I hear anything.”
Yuto walked me back to the lobby and I got my car out of valet. I thought about driving to Harry’s to get something to eat, but then I decided to go home instead. The truth was that I wanted to be alone. It wasn’t even night yet, but I was already feeling wiped out.
The alone time was not to be, though. I saw Alana’s car in the garage when I got back to the house. I found her sitting on the sofa and watching some trashy reality TV show.
“I was surprised you weren’t here when I got home. I was just about to call you,” she said.
I sat beside her on the sofa.
“I had a couple of meetings today.”
“With who?”
I told Alana about my meeting with Guy Livingston and his attorney. I also broke the news that I’d agreed to look into his case, which was embarrassing to admit. My decision seemed even more ridiculous when I told someone else about it.
“Why are you helping him? I thought you were convinced he was guilty,” Alana said.
“No one is more surprised by my actions than I am. I guess I just wanted to keep myself preoccupied.”
“And one murder investigation isn’t enough?”
“Good point.”
“Sorry, I’m not trying to criticize. I’m doing the same thing. I cancelled the rest of my vacation. I go back to work tomorrow.”
“Does that mean what I think it does?”
“I’m not sure yet. Hani’s still trying to decide what to do about the wedding. What was your second meeting about?” Alana asked, changing the subject.
“I met with Yuto.”
“He called you?”
“Yes, right as I was leaving the jailhouse. I drove by the hotel and we talked in his office.”
“Let me guess. He wants you to solve his problems and get Hani to take him back.”
“Not at all. First, he said Hani won’t communicate with him, so he’s in the dark as to what she wants to do. Second, he asked me to let you know that he’s sorry for any pain he caused you. He says he intends to apologize in person, but he knows you don’t want to see him now,” I said.
“Well, that’s one thing he got right.”
“I’m not interested in defending Yuto’s actions.”
“Then don’t.”
“But there are two sides to every story.”
“I already know his side. He wanted to make Hani happy. That doesn’t excuse his stupidity.”
“Yes, but did you know that Hani expressed to him many times that she wanted to be reunited with your father? She also told him that it was her wish for your father to walk her down the aisle.”
Alana said nothing.
“I figured Hani didn’t tell you guys that,” I continued.
“So now you’re on Yuto’s side?”
“No, I just thought you should know that little piece of information. Did you three come to any kind of conclusion today?”
“No, other than the fact that we’re going to do everything we can to avoid my father.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that. Yuto said he’s probably going back to Japan early. For all we know, he could be at the airport now.”
“Wouldn’t that be nice.”
I stood.
“I think I’m going to prep for my interview with Eric Ellis’ former girlfriend. Foxx and I are going to try to meet with her tomorrow.”
“Do me a favor, Poe. Don’t try to fix this.”
“I’m not. Yuto needed someone to talk to. That’s all. He doesn’t have family on this island, and I wanted to lend an ear. I didn’t commit to anything but listening. As far as your father goes, I recognize that’s up to you, Hani, and your mother to work out. I’m here, though, if you need someone to talk to. I’m even available if you need someone to yell at,” I said.
“Thank you. I’ll do my best not to yell.”
“Don’t hold back. Sometimes we need to let it out.”
Before Alana could respond, Maui walked up to the sofa. He sat by her feet and looked up at her.
“See, even Maui wants to help,” I continued.
Alana bent over and scratched him on his head.
“Thanks, Maui.”
Alana turned back to me.
“My father is staying at Yuto’s hotel, isn’t he?”
“I found that out today,” I said.
“Did you see him while you were there?”
“No, I didn’t. Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.”
“I understand.”
And I did. Alana was saying more than she realized. She might have told me that she had no interest in seeing Sora, but I didn’t believe that. There was still a part of her, somewhere deep inside, that wanted to see him again. Did that mean that I was going to try to create another meeting between them? No. There was no way I was going to do that. Alana would need to make that move on her own.

11


The Girlfriend
Alana was gone by the time I woke the next morning. I doubted she was really anxious to get back to work. Rather, it was obvious that she wanted to throw herself into something that would help her mind escape the mess we were all in.
Foxx and I had arranged to meet at Harry’s around eleven since Gracie Ito lived in Lahaina. That left me plenty of time to do my morning exercise and take Maui on a walk. I realized during this time that I had a big decision to make.
If Gracie implicated Mele Akamu and offered no other possible suspects, I needed to decide whether to continue with the investigation. I had no desire to work for another guilty client. Yes, I know that makes me a hypocrite since I’d agreed the day before to look into Guy Livingston’s case. What can I say? I was possibly off my game as much as Yuto was. Okay, I wasn’t that bad.
I drove to Harry’s a little early so I could get lunch, which was another ridiculous move on my part since our refrigerator was overflowing with the leftover food from the party. Sometimes, though, you just want a change of scenery, and I was anxious to be around people once again.
Kiana was behind the bar. I said