“Brilliant,” Sophie said.“Create the threat, then offer salvation.I bet the items in the museum’s ‘protection’ are the next targets.”
Feirn stroked his concealed knife.“Or she’s gathering them in one place for Sunan.”
Sophie began documenting everything, taking screenshots, and copying files.The computer lab’s ancient printer wheezed to life, spitting out page after page of evidence for the case file.
“Look at this,” she said, pulling up a spreadsheet hidden in a subfolder labeled “Tax Documents.”It was Akamu’s personal inventory, complete with purchase prices, authentication details, and—crucially—security notes.
One entry made her stomach clench:
Lei Hulu (Kamehameha dynasty) Acquired Kyoto 2019 - $2.8M - Displayed in study.Alarm combination: grandmother’s birthday
“He gave her everything,” Sophie said.“Trusted her completely.”
“And she betrayed that trust,” Feirn’s voice carried an edge; in Thai culture, betrayal was among the worst sins.
Sophie continued digging through the files, building a comprehensive picture of Yoshimura’s network.The curator had been methodical, patient, building relationships over years before the Ancient Ways group recruited her.
A sound in the hallway made Feirn tense and turn toward the door.Footsteps, multiple sets, moving with purpose, were coming their way.
“Sophie,” Feirn hissed.“Company.”
The door burst open.Detective Multon entered, flanked by two uniformed officers.His pugnacious jaw was clenched.
“Ms.Smithson, move away from the computer.”
“What’s going on?”Sophie kept her voice level, even as Feirn shifted into a defensive position beside her.
“Got a call from the Bishop Museum.The curator there, Dr.Yoshimura, reported a cyber intrusion.Someone is hacking into private correspondence connected to an ongoing federal investigation.”Multon’s hand rested on his service weapon.“Funny thing, the IP address traced right back to this room.”
Sophie’s mind raced; Yoshimura had been monitoring her own emails, had seen Sophie’s breach.
“Detective, I’m working with Agent Scott, as you know.Everything I’m doing is part of the investigation and being admitted into evidence ...”
“Agent Scott’s at the morgue.And until I hear different from her, you’re coming with me.”He gestured to the uniforms.“Secure that computer.Everything gets bagged as evidence.”
“Call Marcella,”Sophie told Feirn in rapid Thai.“Tell her Yoshimura knows we’re onto her.”
“English only,” Multon barked.“And your boy there keeps his hands where I can see them.Matter of fact, I haven’t seen ID from either of you.”
Feirn streaked out the door before he could be detained.
As the officers moved in, Sophie glimpsed her phone screen lighting up with messages she couldn’t check as Multon pocketed her phone.The officers bagged the laptop and took her external drive even as Sophie protested about federal jurisdiction.
“Fine, I’m cooperating,” Sophie said, letting apparent defeat color her voice.“But you’re making a mistake, Detective.”
As they cuffed her, “procedure,” Multon insisted—Sophie thought ahead.
Yoshimura had made a critical error.She’d revealed herself, shown she was monitoring the investigation in real time.The curator thought she was protected, untouchable in her position; instead, she’d confirmed she was the key to everything.
“Where are we going?”Sophie asked as the officers led her toward the exit.
“Holding cell until we sort this out,” Multon said.“Your equipment stays here as evidence.”
“Son of an ignorant swineherd,”Sophie swore.
“English only!”Multon barked, and Sophie rolled her eyes.Hopefully Feirn had made it out of the building and got Marcella on his satellite phone, or she was in for an uncomfortable night.
As they walked her down the stark hallway toward booking, she wondered how long Yoshimura had been playing this game.How had the Ancient Ways group gained leverage with her?Could she be a victim too?
