As discussed at our last gathering, I’m creating a comprehensive digital archive of ali‘i-related artifacts.This is purely for academic purposes—to ensure these treasures are documented for future generations.Please send updated photos and provenance documents at your convenience.
Dr.Catherine Yoshimura
Head Curator, Pacific Collections
Bishop Museum
The recipient list read like a who’s who of their case: Whitmore, Akamu, the collectors from Oahu, and a dozen others who might be future targets.
“She’s been building this for years,” Sophie said.“Gaining collectors’ trust, collecting data.”
“But is she communicating with the splinter group from the Yam Khûmk?n?”Feirn asked.“Or just being used?”
Sophie opened a new search, looking for connections to Southeast Asia: a conference attended in Bangkok five years ago.A visiting professorship at Chulalongkorn University.Published papers on the spiritual significance of warrior artifacts across cultures.“This is not enough,” Sophie muttered.
Then she found it—a single email from an address that made Feirn jerk sharply beside her:[email protected].
Dr.Yoshimura,
Your presentation on the metaphysical properties of ceremonial weapons was enlightening.We share your belief that these items are more than mere artifacts.They carry the mana of their makers, the power of their purpose.Perhaps we could discuss preservation strategies?
A fellow Seeker of the Ancient Ways
Yoshimura’s response was cautious but interested:
Dear Seeker,
I’m always happy to discuss preservation of cultural heritage.However, I must emphasize that my position at the Bishop Museum requires strict ethical standards.Any strategies I share must be legal and appropriate.
Dr.Yoshimura
“She’s covering herself,” Sophie said.“Plausible deniability.”
She pulled up the museum’s staff directory, studying Yoshimura’s bio and trying to remember their brief meeting.An attractive mixed-race woman in her forties, Yoshimura had the polished demeanor of someone comfortable in both academic and social circles.Her curriculum vitae mentioned a PhD from Harvard, numerous publications, and a black belt in karate.
“Martial arts background,” Feirn noted.“That’s not common for curators.”
“Another reason she might be attracted to the Ancient Ways group.”Sophie’s phone buzzed with a message from Marcella:At morgue.ME confirms throat cut with precision.Almost surgical.No other wounds on body or signs of struggle/defensive wounds.How’s the laptop contact search going?
Sophie typed back quickly:Looks like we found our leak.Yoshimura from Bishop Museum has been cataloging private collections for years.All victims were in contact with her.
The response was immediate:WHOA.Can you find any connection to our rogue group?
Working on it.
Sophie returned to the emails, now searching for travel patterns.Yoshimura had been occupied during each theft—conferences, research trips, family visits.Always a rock-solid alibi.
“Too perfect,” she muttered.“She’s establishing distance while feeding them information.”
A new email thread caught her attention, dated just three days ago:
Colleagues,
Due to the recent tragic events, I feel compelled to offer the Bishop Museum’s resources to help secure your collections.We can provide temporary storage in our climate-controlled vaults until this crime wave passes.Several collectors have already taken advantage of this offer.
Please contact me directly if interested.
Dr.Yoshimura
