Early morning sun cast streaks of gold over the steep walls of Waimalia Valley, lighting its dark green depths. A white egret flew by the cab of the truck, close enough to touch. Kent’s vehicle, in four wheel low, crawled down the rugged track, its engine whining rough. Kent, with Mahuiki beside him and a Department of Land and Natural Resources agent named Bill Chin, were headed down to find Koa for questioning. Pipi and Inu shifted about in their cage in the truck bed, whimpering with excitement as they scented a familiar hunting ground.

Kent shifted in his seat, the weight of the day already heavy on his shoulders. He’d barely slept, his mind running scenarios, his heart conflicted. He hoped Koa had just run from the overwhelm of his disclosure to her; but no amount of wishing could erase the reality of what he’d found at the Abalos’ cottage. He had to ask her about what she knew.

Mahuiki broke the silence first. "So. You think she's still down here?"

Kent kept his eyes on the road, hands gripping the wheel. "She’s gotta be. This is the only place she knows. Her home."

Chin’s dry voice came from over his shoulder. “Your suspect might consider this her home, but squatting in the Valley is unauthorized, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

“It’s not that simple. Koa was stolen as a baby by a woman who was mentally ill. She was raised out there with no schooling or resources. Her situation is no fault of her own.” Kent’s neck felt hot as he spoke forcefully. “And Koa’s not a ‘suspect.’ Just someone we are interested in interviewing.”

The other men were silent.

Finally he said, “She knows every inch of this land. If she’s hiding, it’ll be hard to find her. This whole trip could be a waste of time.”

“If she’s innocent, why would she hide from a few questions?” Mahuiki said.

“And it won’t be a waste of time if we locate and identify her illegal dwelling for tear down,” Chin added. “That’s what I’m here for.”

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