Dr.Catherine Yoshimura.
Sophie’s pulse quickened.She filtered for emails from the Bishop Museum curator.Dozens appeared, stretching back three years.
“Feirn,” she called softly.“Come look at this.”
The young warrior materialized beside her.He read over her shoulder as she opened the most recent exchange from two weeks ago:
Sam,
I understand your concerns about the lei hulu’s provenance, but I assure you, the documentation from the Kyoto dealer is legitimate.As we discussed, items of this cultural significance deserve proper care.I’m always available if you need authentication or storage advice.
Best,
Catherine
Sophie scrolled to Akamu’s response:
Catherine,
I appreciate your ongoing support.You know how much these pieces mean to me—not just as objects, but as connections to our heritage.BTW, I’ve been meaning to ask: do you know a good security consultant?After those thefts on Oahu, I’m getting paranoid.
Sam
Yoshimura’s reply sent a ripple down Sophie’s spine:
Sam,
I share your concerns.The Bishop Museum has upgraded our security recently.I can’t recommend anyone specific, but I’d suggest someone with experience in art protection.The thieves seem quite sophisticated.
Stay safe,
Catherine
“She’s asking leading questions,” Feirn observed.“Probing his security without seeming to.”
“Seems like,” Sophie said, pointing to Akamu’s reply:I definitely need to do something.We only have a basic burglar alarm.
Sophie opening another email thread from six months earlier.This one discussed authentication for a Fijian war club Akamu was considering:
Sam,
The club is magnificent!Definitely 18th century, possibly connected to Ratu Cakobau’s warriors.If you acquire it, I’d love to document it for our database.As you know, I maintain records of all significant Pacific artifacts in private collections—for research purposes, of course.
Catherine
“For research purposes,” Sophie murmured.“Hmm.”She opened a new search, looking for mentions of the database.
What she found made her lean back in the uncomfortable chair.
Email after email showed Yoshimura systematically cataloging private collections across the Pacific.She was building relationships with every major collector, positioning herself as the helpful expert, a cultural guardian and coordinator who understood their passion.
“She must have a complete inventory built by now,” Sophie said.“Every piece, every security system, every collector’s schedule and habits.”
“So educated and well-positioned.”Feirn’s expression darkened as he scowled.“The perfect inside source.”
Sophie dug deeper, cross-referencing names.Harold Whitmore appeared frequently, as did the other victims.But it was a thread from three months ago that made her pause:
Dear Collectors,
