Poe's First Law: A Murder on Maui Mystery

I said, referring to Tavii Akamu, a man I’d met in my last major investigation.
“That’s certainly a possibility. Is there a specific time that works best for you?”
Had I actually agreed to the meeting? Apparently.
“How about eleven this morning?”
“That’s good for me. I’ll phone Mrs. Akamu and suggest that time. I’ll text you to confirm everything.”
“Thanks, Mara. I guess I’ll be seeing you shortly.”
I ended the call with Mara. Things were about to get interesting. By the time I got out of the shower and had put on fresh clothes, I saw that Mara had texted to confirm the meeting.
Although I’d lived on Maui for several years, I hadn’t heard of Mele Akamu until recently. As I mentioned before, I’d met her grandson Tavii during my last case. Tavii is the Mayor of Maui County. His term was up soon, and I’d heard that he didn’t intend to run again for reasons that are obvious if you’ve read my tale Rich and Dead.
When I’d asked Alana if she knew who Mele Akamu was, she’d responded with shock that I’d never heard of the “godmother” of Maui. I’d driven to Mrs. Akamu’s home during that case, expecting to find an intimidating woman. I don’t mean to imply that she doesn’t instill fear in many people. She apparently does, but she reminded me of my grandmother on my mother’s side.
I couldn’t help but take a liking to the woman, and for some unknown reason, she seemed to like me as well. She’d ended our last encounter by informing me that she believed, “You and I will be friends.” Perhaps she’d decided to cash in on that friendship already.
Mrs. Akamu lives in Kula, which is one of the areas in Maui’s upcountry. Her house sits on the slopes of the famous Mount Haleakala, and it has breathtaking views of the valley and the ocean beyond that.
I stuck with Oscar Peterson for the long drive from Kaanapali and got through his songs, “Georgia On My Mind,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” “I Was Doing All Right,” and “There Will Never Be Another You.”
I spotted Mara’s car as I pulled onto the turnaround in front of Mrs. Akamu’s house. She climbed out of her vehicle and walked over to me as I turned off the ignition. Mara is a tall woman with dark red hair that is almost always pulled back. Even the attorneys in Maui dress casually but not Mara. She was wearing her customary business suit.
“Hello, Mara.”
“Was that Oscar Peterson I heard?”
“It certainly was,” I said, and I got out of the roadster.
“Excellent choice.”
“I thought so. Ready for our meeting?” I asked.
“As ready as one can be.”
We walked toward the house and a moment later, Mrs. Akamu’s elderly butler opened the door. I’d met Samson on my previous visits. I’d also learned the man had a vicious streak and sometimes worked as Mrs. Akamu’s muscle. The lesson? Don’t underestimate the elderly.
“Good morning, Samson. How are you today?” I asked.
“I’m well, sir. And you?” Samson asked in a low tone that was barely above a whisper.
“Couldn’t be better.”
“Mrs. Akamu is expecting you both. Please follow me.”
Samson led us through the house and out the sliding glass doors in the back. They opened to reveal that spectacular view I mentioned a while back. As in our previous meetings, Mrs. Akamu was seated beside a large fire pit that was in the center of a patio. There was a tall pot on each corner that was filled with the gorgeous Birds of Paradise flowers.
Also, as before, Mele Akamu didn’t stand to greet us.
“Mrs. Akamu,” I said, and I nodded.
“Hello, Mr. Rutherford, Ms. Winters. Please have a seat.”
“Thank you,” Mara said.
We both sat down.
“Is there anything you need, Mrs. Akamu?” Samson asked.
“No, Samson. That will be all.”
I know what you’re thinking. Did I find it odd that Mrs. Akamu didn’t offer us a drink or some other refreshment? Not at all, mainly since she’d never done that before.
“So, Mrs. Akamu, how may we be of service?” Mara asked.
“As you know, Ms. Winters, the Akamu family already has an attorney. However, it’s my understanding that you have a good relationship with the police department. I’ve also been told that if I want the services of Mr. Rutherford, then I would hire him through you.”
“I don’t have an exclusive agreement with Mr. Rutherford, but many of his cases have come through me. As far as my relationship with the police department, I don’t know that I have one that’s any more positive than any other attorney on the island. We often find ourselves on opposite sides,” Mara said.
“I understand, but it’s certainly better than the relationship my attorney has with them. I’d like to hire you and Mr. Rutherford to look into a matter for me. It’s rather sensitive. May I assume that attorney-client privilege applies here?” Mrs. Akamu asked.
“Of course,” Mara said without hesitation.
For me, that wasn’t so easy of a response. My marriage to Alana has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to my investigations. The advantages are obvious. She often provides me with vital information.
The disadvantage comes into play during moments like this one. I’m bound to keep things I hear in client meetings with Mara a secret. In full disclosure, I’ve not always followed that rule. Each time I’ve broken that oath, though, it was to bring a murderer to justice. Does that make me less honorable in your eyes? I guess that’s your decision to make.
“I have a source who informed me of a recent discovery that could have a significant impact on me and my business,” Mrs. Akamu said.
How’s that for vagueness? I thought.
“What is the nature of this discovery?” Mara asked.
“A body was found in north Maui in the old pineapple fields near the Jaws surf break. I don’t know who found it.”
“Do you know the identity of this person?” I asked.
“I was told it’s Eric Ellis. He was an employee of mine,” Mrs. Akamu said.
“What did Mr. Ellis do for