Judgment in Paradise, page 1
Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Chapter One - A quiet Saturday evening
Chapter Two - Honeymoon
Chapter Three - New Years Eve
Chapter Four - Arrivals
Chapter Five - Searching
Chapter Six - Suspicions
Chapter Seven - Anger brewing
Chapter Eight - Meetup with death
Chapter Nine - The clock has started
Chapter Ten - Monday 9am-11am HST
Chapter Eleven - Monday 11am-1pm HST
Chapter Twelve - Monday 1pm-4pm HST
Chapter Thirteen - Monday 4pm-6pm HST
Chapter Fourteen - Monday 6pm-8pm HST
Chapter Fifteen - Monday 8pm-11pm HST
Chapter Sixteen - Monday 11pm - Tuesday 1am HST
Chapter Seventeen - Tuesday 1am - 4am HST
Chapter Eighteen - Tuesday 1am-4am HST
Chapter Nineteen - Tuesday 4am-6am HST
Chapter Twenty - Tuesday 4am-5am HST
Chapter Twenty-One - Tuesday 6am-8am
Chapter Twenty-Two - Tuesday 7am-9am HST
Chapter Twenty-Three - Tuesday 9am-11am HST
Chapter Twenty-Four - Out of time
Chapter Twenty-Five - Hunting a killer
Chapter Twenty-Six - The hunt continues
Chapter Twenty-Seven - Aftermath
JUDGMENT IN PARADISE
Copyright © 2022 Jeff D. Ellis
All rights reserved.
Published by Dragon Sight Publishing
ISBN: 9798849062549
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
This is a work of fiction.
Any resemblance it bears to reality is entirely coincidental.
First Edition: 2022
CHAPTER ONE
A quiet Saturday evening
The resort was finally quiet after a long day of work, but something felt off. The normally warm island breeze felt unnaturally cold on his skin and the scent of rain was in the air. Only a few guests remained in the resort after last weekend’s New Year’s Eve party. Those who were left had a strange energy about them. Pele had warned him to be on the lookout for trouble. Interesting.
On nights like this, Ali’i liked to walk along the beach before turning in. The full moon was calling him. He was a Kaupe, not a Werewolf, but the moon called him through the clouds all the same. Seeing the moonlight shine across the ocean usually warmed his heart. But not tonight. He felt a strange sense of foreboding. Suddenly lightning flashed off in the distance, drawing his eye to the Heiau, a sacred place of worship. He noticed torches burning around the Heiau platform. Ali’i bolted towards it, heart pounding in his chest. He hadn’t seen anything like this in a hundred years.
He approached the stone covered area. Years ago, it held a small wooden temple called the luakina, or house of sacrifice, and at its entrance was the lele, a sacrificial altar, where offerings were placed for the gods. Today, the wood was long gone but the stone beneath remained. At the center of the altar, he saw a body. Ali’i felt a short of hot anger. How could anyone violate kapu and commit such sacrilege? Human sacrifices haven’t been done in centuries, and were forbidden in modern times.
The torchlight danced across the body, revealing that this was no Human but a Werewolf in partial transformation. Ali’i recognized him. He was one of the resort’s guests, Rolf Lucas. Who could have done this? No one had ever dared to break Pele’s peace and the treaties in place until now.
The look of pain and anguish was too much for him. Turning away, Ali‘i let the illusion of his humanity drop and howled at the moon as only a dog can do. His howl would be heard for miles and all the way to the gods, but none of that mattered.
He couldn’t let his feelings keep him from his duty. Holding his hands wide, he drew on his connection to the island and the fiery goddess Pele. His Kaupe energy body filled with fire, extending out of his body and enveloping the whole resort, casting a magical dome. The surge of power flowing through his body forced him to his knees, but he held on until the dome was formed. It drained his body. He would only be strong enough to maintain it for a week before the strain killed him. But at least it would trap the killer inside, if he hadn’t already escaped the grounds. Ali’i couldn’t let himself think like that. The killer must still be here!
Ali‘i felt like a failure for not seeing this was going to happen. He prided himself on reading people and anticipating their actions. This resort was his full responsibility. When Pele sent him to create and run a resort for Veiled, initially it felt like a blow to his honor. He went from being chief to serving rich Veiled on holiday. But Pele slapped that feeling from his head, explaining this was an important role and he should be honored to serve and be her eyes and ears. But it still felt like a crap job and now he failed in this simple task!
He shook his head and looked at the ground. What made his failure worse was that Pele had brought in haoles, foreigners, in anticipation of his failure. All she would tell him was something would soon happen that could have a major impact on Her island. Arrangements had been made to bring two acclaimed U.S. Marshals to investigate and maybe take the blame if needed. They seemed like nice people and had experience, but it felt like a vote of no confidence in him. If Pele knew this wolf was going to die, why not just tell him who was going to commit this atrocity and let Ali’i prevent it?
Why did Rolf Lucas have to die in such a horrific way? He should have had a chance to face his foe in a fair fight and die with honor. There was no honor in this death.
CHAPTER TWO
Honeymoon
On the Saturday before the murder …
After a five hour flight, David and Abby made it to the big island of Hawaii and took a rental car to The Paradise resort. It was situated on the beach with amazing views of the water. Hammocks were stretched between palm trees that invited lounging in the breeze that was carrying the scent of the ocean. The moisture in the air felt like home in Seattle.
They came upon a sign along the path that gave directions to a Heiau which was listed as an ancient place of worship. The sign wasn’t meant to invite tourists to the location, but more of warning to stay away from the place. Abby felt an involuntary shudder. Something about that Heiau gave her the shivers.
Another sign indicated a path that went between the ocean and the resort’s fresh water pool was for guests to enjoy, if they didn’t want to brave the ocean.
“Abby, why do you think people would come all this way and prefer a pool to a warm ocean?”
“Maybe it’s for those afraid of what might live in that ocean.”
David laughed and started down the path to the reception desk. In the center of the reception area was a large outrigger canoe. It had been hand-carved hundreds of years ago. On the walls were paddles used for such a vessel. Behind the reception desk was a display depicting a grouping of turtles carved from koa. The spirit of Aloha filled them. He grabbed her hand and she smiled that gorgeous smile.
Someone with a deep voice greeted them. “Welcome to Paradise. I’m Ali‘i and this is Tāne. Let me get you checked in.”
Ali‘i pointed to names on a list. “David and Abby Seymour.”
David winced a little at the powerful voice. Ali’i was a large man who could have been a Polynesian warrior in a former life, standing six-foot five with a muscular build and a scar that ran through his left eyebrow. This was a man you wanted at your side in a fight, not facing you in anger. Next to him was another large man who could have been his twin. David imagined them fighting shoulder to shoulder, holding off an invading tribe.
David smiled a little nervously. “Pleased to meet you both! How did you know who we are?”
The large man nodded without smiling. “I make it my mission to know every dignitary that comes to our shore.”
David felt a little naked. “We’re not that special.”
“Are you not the Champion of Coyote and the Daughter of Raven?” That booming voice made him wince again.
“That is true …” Abby squeezed his hand and he noticed she was grinning at him.
The large man nodded again. “You belong here. Everyone here is blessed by the gods and one of The Veiled. You are free to be yourself in our house. This is a place of peace under the treaties and everyone is safe from harm. A place for diplomacy between peoples.” He looked down at his paperwork. “I see Queen Greta of the Seattle Vampires has booked you into the Royal Suite. I expect you will find it fit for your needs. Here are your keys.”
David projected his thoughts to Abby. Queen Greta? I wonder if everyone that comes here puts on a mask of being elite?
Abby coughed. I guess we play along for now. I’m not so sure I’m the daughter of Raven though. Maybe he knows something I don’t.
Abby tilted her head. “I thought the honeymoon suite was booked for us. We were just married and it was supposed to be a honeymoon gift.”
Ali’i laughed like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard, with dark eyes that didn’t seem to be laughing. “It’s no mistake. Even the blind can see you’ve been joined together for many lifetimes. Let me show you to your room on the third floor.”
Ali’i came around to the front of the desk and bowed to them ceremoniously. He turned to the desk. “Tāne, take their ba
“Paradise is my resort and if there is anything I can do for you let me know, or give a call down to the front desk and Tāne will take care of you. This way, please.”
Ali‘i strode with a proud confidence towards the next room. David and Abby had to rush to keep up with him.
“This is our dining area and bar. Here you can watch the Honu, sea turtles, sunning themselves before going back to the ocean. You will also find many cats and mongoose playing on the rocks.”
“Interesting that you said playing, not hunting.”
Ali’i paused to consider David’s words, and smiled. “The mongoose are interesting. They were imported from Jamaica in 1883 to control the rats in the sugar cane fields. Offspring from the original 72 were raised and shipped to plantations on other islands and now number in the thousands. But the rats only come out at night and the mongoose are only active during the day. So you see, it was not a good plan.”
“Huh! But they must feed off something.”
“The problem is they hunt the native birds, lizards, turtle eggs and such. Again, it was not a good plan.” His deep voice sounded pained and angry.
Ali‘i looked out to the ocean. “Try not to stare at the mermaids who sometimes join the Honu, not that I expect you would do that, but we have been instructed to let our guests know. They get cross when they think they are being objectified and you don’t want to see them bad-tempered. Speaking of bad-tempered, do you have Menehume where you come from? Our cleaning and maintenance staff is made up of Menehume.”
David, he sure has your number… no gawking at the mermaids.
Who me?
Abby nudged David. “Do you mean little people? We’re friends with the Dogwood People. The sister of their chief, Flower is our housekeeper. She has become a big part of our family.”
Ali’i nodded. “Very good, they are distant cousins. Then you understand not getting on their bad side.”
The large man turned the other way and motioned. “If you continue down this hallway, you will come to our health club. My apologies but the day spa is not open. I need to find new staff to run it. This way to the elevator.”
They followed him into the elevator and went to the third floor. Ali‘i turned right on leaving the elevator. Everything seemed a little nicer than on the first floor.
Ali‘i led them to a door with the sign “The Royal Suite”.
The Royal Suite? I’m guessing this is going to be too grand for my tastes.
Ali’i opened the door for them and bowed again. “This is your room. The kitchen and the servant’s room are on the right and your bedroom and study are to the left. You will find your bags waiting there. Through the far doors you’ll see the lanai with an ocean view. If you need anything, please let me know.”
David reached into his pocket for some cash to tip Ali’i, but was waved off. “No need David, we are all well provided for. You are our guests. Don’t trust anyone saying otherwise at The Paradise.”
“Mahalo, Ali’i.”
Ali’i gave David a big smile.
He walked back to the front door and paused. “One last thing. You should visit Kilauea once you’re settled in. It’s a magical place here on the big island.”
Ali’i waved and left, closing the door behind him.
Abby opened the drapes and looked out on the ocean. “David, this place is amazing! I never imagined we could stay at a place like this. Did you see that king size bed?”
David nodded. “It’s all first-class. I wonder how many actual royalty have stayed in this room.”
David looked out to the ocean and laughed. “If it wasn’t for Queen Greta, we could never afford to come here. We sure are being treated like royalty.”
“I wonder what the daughter of Raven stuff was all about and how did they knew you are connected to Coyote. None of this is anything Greta could have known.”
“There may be a lot we aren’t being told.”
“David, this suite is bigger than many apartments I’ve lived in. Were we supposed to bring Flower to stay in the servant’s room?”
“I don’t think we’re part of the real world any more. Can you imagine a place where Veiled royalty come to get away from it all and make deals with each other? It’s like everything in this resort has a magical aura. Ali’i isn’t at all Human.”
“I can’t see magic like you can, but I can feel this is sacred space. It must be why it’s considered neutral territory with its own rules and we haven’t seen the rule book.”
“I don’t think our badges will hold much weight here.”
“David, I think we need to visit Kilauea sooner than later. I don’t think Ali’i’s remark should be taken lightly. There is something waiting for us there.”
“I wonder if they have big plans for New Year’s Eve tonight? The dining area had a good group of people in it. I bet it was something to see Mermaids and Turtles sunning themselves on the rocks.”
“That’s sure something we don’t see at home. I expect the water here is much warmer then Lake Union or along the coast in Washington.”
“I expected Mermaids to have some clothes on, sea shells or something.”
Abby smirked. “I see nothing gets past you.”
“I’m a semi-trained investigator.”
Abby giggled and pinched him. “Don’t let them catch you gawking. We don’t need an incident while on our honeymoon.”
“I only have eyes for you.”
“Going forward, see that you do.”
“Any ideas on what you want to do today?”
“Let’s go get some lunch and maybe visit Kilauea.”
***
The Kilauea volcano seemed strangely quiet. It felt like they were walking on the moon. All they could see was dark volcanic mounds with smoke raising from them. David and Abby walked across the arid surface to try and get a look at the caldera. A billow of gray smoke rose up in into the sky ten feet away.
Abby opened her senses to feel it all.
“David, I think this really is the home of a goddess. I am happy we came here. Maybe we should go look at where the lava flows out to meet the sea. The raw powers coming together must be a sight to take in.”
“I don’t want to be burned by a gust of steam.”
Off in the distance, an old lady with a cane was stumbling around the rocky ground. “Help! Can you help me?”
Abby and David rushed as quickly as they dared over the uneven ground to her side.
Abby looked concerned. “Grandmother, are you all right? How can we help?”
The frail woman looked as old as the ground they walked on. “Please help me. I have lost my dog. Have you seen my white dog?”
Abby shook her head. “David, why don’t you look for her dog while I take her back to the car to rest.”
David patted the old lady’s arm. “Don’t worry, I’ll look for your dog.”
Abby offered the woman her arm and helped her walk. When David saw no one was looking in his direction, he changed into a falcon and took flight.
Abby and the woman soon reached the car. “Grandmother, please sit here and rest. Would you like some water? I also have some bread and cheese if you are hungry.”
“Thank you dear, you are so kind. I could use something to drink.”
Abby opened a bottle of water and handed it to the old woman. She placed some bread and cheese on a napkin off to the woman's side so she could have it when she was ready. “Don’t worry about your dog. David is excellent at finding things.”
Just then, David flew over the car on his search. The old woman looked up at the falcon and smiled.
“Abby, I keep expanding my search radius but I’m not finding anything out here other than rock and steam. The thermals are hard to fly in and I am worried about the dog. How long has it been missing?”
