Page 27 of Deadly Sacrifice

“It’s been a hobby for years. Kinda goes with hiking and SUP, which I did in California before I moved here. Ever since I moved to Maui, I’ve been trying to get to know all the aspects of my new home," Jeff said. “Photography gives me a great way to really see and experience the place and meet new people, too.”

“Yeah, even when that happens to be a dead body," Randy chimed in.

"Yeah, even then,” Jeff said. “You never told us why you need those photos from La Perouse. Is there something going on out there, too?”

"I’m sorry, but I can’t discuss an active investigation,” Katie said. “Let’s just say your photos might be important.”

Soon Randy dropped them off at the Pukalani Superette parking lot. Katie promised to call him if they needed any more information, and she and Jeff got into his Jeep as the older man drove off.

The red Jeep was comfortable but utilitarian, the interior worn from sand and sun. Katie noted the well-used camera bag on the back seat beside a Pelican case just for Jeff’s lenses.

"You know this vehicle screams ‘brand new to Maui,’” Katie said. "These Jeeps used to be rentals, and they will always look like rentals."

"Oh no! What can I do?" Jeff threw up his hands in mock horror. “I was beginning to suspect something was wrong when no one would let me in to make a left turn.”

“Ha! Yep, that’s a telltale sign,” Katie grinned. "I recommend plastering your bumpers with coolMaui Builtstickers. That, and getting yourself a Toyota pickup as soon as you can afford it.”

“I’ve seen a lot of those around." Jeff indicated his backpack on the floor near Katie’s feet. "Need something to eat? I stocked up on some lunch items from the Superette before we went up to Haleakala."

"Don’t mind if I do." Katie unzipped the backpack and pulled out an insulated bag holding a plastic container filled with teriyaki chicken, rice, and stir-fried vegetables. "Sure you don’t mind sharing?"

"Randy and I each had a sandwich back at the visitor center," Jeff said. "The rangers took good care of us.”

Katie popped the plastic lid off the deli selection, unwrapped a pair of chopsticks, and helped herself to the food as Jeff drove down Haleakala Highway into Kahului, where he made a left toward Kihei.

"I hope you won’t mind giving me a ride back to the station after I get the photos,” Katie said. "If it’s a problem, I could call for a rideshare or something. Or I might just take the photos home to work on them there. I don’t live far from Kihei."

"Oh yeah?" Jeff’s glance was flirty. "So far, you’re the perfect woman, and you even live nearby.”

Katie focused on her teriyaki chicken. Or rather,histeriyaki chicken. She tried to ignore the flutter of nerves; she couldn’t quite remember what the protocol was, but Katie was pretty sure she shouldn’t date a witness on an active murder case. She would have to ask Lei.

Jeff’s little condo reminded Katie of her own in that it was tidy and utilitarian; but with a tiny balcony and a sliver of ocean view, the place was an upgrade over her backyard duplex. Once inside, Jeff dropped his backpack and headed immediately for his computer. As he sat down and Katie followed him in hesitantly, she noticed the condo was quiet except for the soft hum of the computer and the distant sound of traffic and surf—reminders of Maui's restless spirit.

Jeff’s rig was a state-of-the-art setup with a jumbo-sized monitor. His fingers flitted over the keyboard as he pulled up the file directory containing the photographs from La Perouse Bay. Light filtered through the blinds, casting lines across Jeff's focused face.

Katie watched him work, her mind racing with the possibilities of what those images might reveal.

“These RAW files hold a lot more data than the standard JPEGs, which might help your analysis,” Jeff said, glancing back at Katie. “You can adjust exposure, balance, and shadows without losing quality.”

“That’s essential for forensic detail, especially in low-light conditions like you described,” Katie said. "Every bit of metadata could be crucial, too. Time stamps, geotags—if the camera was set up correctly, they could tell us exactly when and where you encountered . . . whatever you saw."

Jeff inserted a thumb drive and began transferring the files. "I’m giving you everything from the morning’s shoot. Maybe the techs can enhance them further."

“Iam‘the techs.’” Katie smiled.

“Like I said. The perfect woman.” Jeff slanted a grin up at Katie as the computer beeped and the transfer completed. He pulled out the drive and handed it to her. "All set. I hope it helps."

"Thank you, Jeff. This could be a big piece of the puzzle." Katie pocketed the drive, feeling the weight of responsibility land on her shoulders. The evidence contained on that small piece of technology could potentially solve a murder.

Jeff shut off his monitor and grabbed his keys. "I’ll drive you back to the station now. We can discuss more about your interest in stars and photography along the way.”

They stepped outside into the sun and got back into the Jeep. The drive to the station in Kahului was filled with talk of photography techniques, astronomy, and favorite SUP spots on the island.

As they pulled into the police station parking lot, the gravity of their earlier conversation at the crater settled between them. "I hope those photos provide the answers you need," Jeff said as he braked the Jeep outside the building.

"Me too, Jeff. Thanks for the ride—and the help." Katie stepped out of the vehicle, clutching the thumb drive in her pocket.

“Can I get your number? In case—I remember something. A detail or . . .”

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