These men were labeled revolutionaries, terrorists, martyrs, or heroes, depending on your point of view.
And somehow it seems that one significant entity has been excluded from this ongoing saga of mankind.
That entity is Lady Justice.
There is no greater paradox than the history of our own United States.
The brave settlers of the New World fought to free themselves from the tyranny of the British Empire, yet these same revolutionaries took the land and freedom from the Native Americans, who were branded as “vicious savages” for fighting to protect their way of life.
Heroes or savages?
And as if to validate the old saying, “History repeats itself,” men sailed across the Pacific to a small chain of islands and in the course of a hundred years took the land, the government, the religion, and the way of life from the indigenous population.
Where was the justice in all of that?
That is the question being asked still today by some who seek the return of their land and the restoration of their government.
Heroes or terrorists?
I guess it depends on your point of view.
There is an old saying, “Never judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes.”
With that in mind, I find it difficult to condemn those who seek justice and restitution, but at the same time, there is truth to the wise words of my old friend
Nathan: “You can’t un-ring a bell.”
What’s done is done, and sometimes the best that that can be done is to get the lady with the blindfold involved and hope that justice prevails for the generations to come.
We were thankful that our remaining days in paradise were free from murder, mayhem, and evil deeds.
We did all the wonderful stuff that tourists do. We spent a day at the Maui Ocean Center, explored the beautiful Iao Valley, and soaked up the warm tropical sun on the sandy beach.
One evening, as we strolled along Front Street in Lahaina, I was drawn into one of the little souvenir shops. There were both T-shirts and bumper stickers proudly proclaiming, “I got lei’d in Maui.”
I bought two of each.
Later that evening I asked Noelani about the history of the Hawaiian lei. She told me that the lei had been a part of the Polynesian culture beginning with the first voyagers who sailed to the islands. Leis were symbols of love, of a spiritual meaning or connection, of healing, and of respect. The maile lei was perhaps the most significant. Among other sacred uses, it was used to signify a peace agreement between opposing chiefs.
Reflecting later on our conversation, I thought how wonderful it would be if somehow Lady Justice could bring the lei of peace to the leaders of the Hawaiian people, to ensure that the history and culture of their people would be preserved and passed on to future generations.
The significance of the double entendre in the bumper sticker was certainly not lost on me.
Maggie and I had chosen this place out of all of the beautiful places in the world to exchange our wedding vows, and we were not disappointed. In years to come, as we go about our life back on the mainland, we will remember these weeks in paradise.
We will remember standing on the bridge over the lagoon at the Coco Palms, where our two lives became one.
We will remember all of the beautiful beaches and mountains.
But most of all, we will remember the beautiful people who will always remain our friends: Jimmy on Oahu; Sammy and Uncle Larry on Kauai; Liho, Noelani, Nathan, and even Detective Chinn on Maui.
Noelani told me that over the years, as the tourist industry blossomed, “Boat Day” became a tradition on Oahu. Lei vendors would line the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome visitors to the island and locals back home.
It is said that departing visitors would throw their lei into the sea as the ship passed Diamond Head, in hopes that, like the lei, they would return to the islands again someday.
As our plane taxied down the runway and lifted into the sky, I saw the great dormant volcano Haleakala standing like a sentinel, a silent witness, to both the past and the future of this beautiful island, and I felt the connection that Maggie and I would always have with this magnificent mountain.
In my mind’s eye, I removed the flower lei from around my neck and cast it onto the craggy peaks of the summit, knowing that someday we too would return.
The author and his wife, Peg, lived on the island of Maui for five years in the little village of Pukalani on the slopes of the dormant volcano, Haleakala.
Like Elvis and Maile in Blue Hawaii, and Maggie and Walt, Bob and Peg recreated the beautiful wedding ceremony from the movie.
The beautiful lagoon at the Coco Palms Resort, the site of the wedding ceremony in Blue Hawaii.
The ‘real’ Uncle Larry Rivera, our good friend on Kauai.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author, Robert Thornhill, began writing at the age of sixty-six and in five short years has penned seventeen novels in the Lady Justice mystery/comedy series, the seven volume Rainbow Road series of chapter books for children, a c ookbook and a mini-autobiography.
Lady Justice and the Sting, Lady Justice and Dr. Death, Lady Justice and the Vigilante, Lady Justice and the Candidate, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, Lady Justice and the Cruise Ship Murders and Lady Justice and the Vet won the Pinnacle Award for the best new mystery novels of Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Summer 2012, Fall 2012, Spring of 2013 and Summer 2014 from the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs.
Many of Walt’s adventures in the Lady Justice series are anecdotal and based on Robert’s real life.
Although Robert holds a master’s in psychology, he has never taken a course in writing and has never learned to type. All 28 of his published books were typed with one finger and a thumb!
His wit and insight come from his varied occupations, including thirty-three years as a real estate broker. He lives with his wife, Peg, in Independence, Missouri.
Visit him on the Web at: http://BooksByBob.com
LADY JUSTICE TAKES A C.R.A.P.
City Retiree Action Patrol
Third Edition
This is where it all began.
See how sixty-five year old Walt Williams became a cop and started the City Retiree Action Patrol.
Meet Maggie, Willie, Mary and the Professor, Walt’s sidekicks in all of the Lady Justice novels.
Laugh out loud as Walt and his band of Senior Scrappers capture the Realtor Rapist and take down the Russian Mob.
http://amzn.to/16lfjnY
LADY JUSTICE AND THE LOST TAPES
Second Edition
When corrupt politicians, the Italian mob and a dirty cop collude to take over a Northeast neighborhood, Walt is recruited for the most bizarre undercover assignments of his new career.
When conventional police work fails to solve the case, once again his band of scrappy seniors come to the rescue.
In the process, the amazing discovery of a previously unknown session by a deceased rock ‘n’ roll idol stuns the music industry. What should be a joyous occasion soon turns dark as lives are threatened.
All of your favorite characters, along with two lovable additions are back to help Walt in his quest for justice.
Their adventures and misadventures are sure to keep you captivated – and splitting your sides!
amzn.to/1twzOfq
LADY JUSTICE
AND THE
AVENGING ANGELS
Lady Justice has unwittingly entered a religious war.
Who better to fight for her than Walt Williams?
The Avenging Angels believe that it’s their job to rain fire and brimstone on Kansas City, their Sodom and Gomorrah.
In this compelling addition to the Lady Justice series, Robert Thornhill brings back all the characters readers have come to love for more hilarity and higher stakes.
You’ll laugh and be on the edge of your seat until the big finish.
Don’t miss Lady Justice and the Avenging
Angels!
http://amzn.to/1xXrYdY
LADY JUSTICE AND THE STING
BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL ---WINTER 2012
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
In Lady Justice and the Sting, a holistic physician is murdered and Walt becomes entangled in the high-powered world of pharmaceutical giants and corrupt politicians.
Maggie, Ox Willie, Mary and all your favorite characters are back to help Walt bring the criminals to justice in the most unorthodox ways.
A dead-serious mystery with hilarious twists
http://amzn.to/1gS4JMA
LADY JUSTICE AND DR. DEATH
BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL --- FALL 2011
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
In Lady Justice and Dr. Death, a series of terminally ill patients are found dead under circumstances that point to a new Dr. Death practicing euthanasia in the Kansas City area.
Walt and his entourage of scrappy seniors are dragged into the ‘right-to-die-with-dignity’ controversy.
The mystery provides a light-hearted look at this explosive topic and death in general.
You may see end-of-life issues in a whole new light after reading Lady Justice and Dr. Death!
http://amzn.to/H20Erx
LADY JUSTICE AND THE VIGILANTE
BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – SUMMER 2012
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
A vigilante is stalking the streets of Kansas City administering his own brand of justice when the justice system fails.
Criminals are being executed right under the noses of the police department.
A new recruit to the City Retiree Action Patrol steps up to help Walt and Ox bring an end to his reign of terror.
But not everyone wants the vigilante stopped. His bold reprisals against the criminal element have inspired the average citizen to take up arms and defend themselves.
As the body count mounts, public opinion is split.
Is it justice or is it murder?
A moral dilemma that will leave you laughing and weeping!
http://amzn.to/1d3FLK6
LADY JUSTICE AND THE WATCHERS
Suzanne Collins wrote The Hunger Games, Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World and George Orwell wrote 1984.
All three novels were about dystopian societies of the future.
In Lady Justice and the Watchers, Walt sees the world we live in today through the eyes of a group who call themselves ‘The Watchers’.
Oscar Levant said that there’s a fine line between genius and insanity.
After reading Lady Justice and the Watchers, you may realize as Walt did that there’s also a fine line separating the life of freedom that we enjoy today and the totalitarian society envisioned in these classic novels.
Quietly and without fanfare, powerful interests have instituted policies that have eroded our privacy, health and individual freedoms.
Is the dystopian society still a thing of the distant future or is it with us now disguised as a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
http://amzn.to/15P5LEE
LADY JUSTICE AND THE CANDIDATE
BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – FALL 2012
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
Will American politics always be dominated by the two major political parties or are voters longing for an Independent candidate to challenge the establishment? Everyone thought that the slate of candidates for the presidential election had been set until Benjamin Franklin Foster came on the scene capturing the hearts of American voters with his message of change and reform.
Powerful interests intent on preserving the status quo with their bought-and-paid-for politicians were determined to take Ben Foster out of the race.
The Secret Service comes up with a quirky plan to protect the Candidate and strike a blow for Lady Justice.
Join Walt on the campaign trail for an adventure full of surprises, mystery, intrigue and laughs!
http://amzn.to/19f3XVZ
LADY JUSTICE
AND THE
BOOK CLUB MURDERS
BEST NEW MYSTERY NOVEL – SPRING 2013
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
Members of the Midtown Book Club are found murdered.
It is just the beginning of a series of deaths that lead Walt and Ox into the twisted world of a serial killer.
In the late 1960's, the Zodiac Killer claimed to have killed 37 people and was never caught --- the perfect crime.
Oscar Roach, dreamed of being the next serial killer to commit the perfect crime.
He left a calling card with each of his victims --- a mystery novel, resting in their blood-soaked hands.
The media dubbed him 'The Librarian'.
Walt and the Kansas City Police are baffled by the cunning of this vicious killer and fear that he has indeed committed the perfect crime. Or did he?
Walt and his wacky senior cohorts prove, once again, that life goes on in spite of the carnage around them.
The perfect blend of murder, mayhem and merriment.
http://amzn.to/1aWGg3K
LADY JUSTICE
AND THE
CRUISE SHIP MURDERS
Best New Mystery Novel – Summer 2013
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
Ox and Judy are off to Alaska on a honeymoon cruise and invite Walt and Maggie to tag along.
Their peaceful plans are soon shipwrecked by the murder of two fellow passengers.
The murders appear to be linked to a century-old legend involving a cache of gold stolen from a prospector and buried by two thieves.
Their seven-day cruise is spent hunting for the gold and eluding the modern day thieves intent on possessing it at any cost.
Another nail-biting mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and laughing out loud the next.
http://amzn.to/16VjURw
LADY JUSTICE
AND THE
CLASS REUNION
For most people, a 50th class reunion is a time to party and renew old acquaintances, but Walt Williams isn't an ordinary guy --- he's a cop, and trouble seems to follow him everywhere he goes.
The Mexican drug cartel is recruiting young Latino girls as drug mules and the Kansas City Police have hit a brick wall until Walt is given a lead by an old classmate.
Even then, it takes three unlikely heroes from the Whispering Hills Retirement Village to help Walt and Ox end the cartel's reign of terror.
Join Walt in a class reunion filled with mystery, intrigue, jealousy and a belly-full of laughs
http://amzn.to/17S9YE0
LADY JUSTICE AND THE ASSASSIN
Two radical groups have joined together for a common purpose --- to kill the President of the United States, and they're looking for the perfect person to do the job.
Not a cold-blooded killer or a vicious assassin, but a model citizen, far removed from the watchful eyes of Homeland Security.
When the president comes to Kansas City, the unlikely trio of Walt, Willie and Louie the Lip find themselves knee-deep in the planned assassination.
Join our heroes for another suspenseful mystery and lots of laughs!
http://amzn.to/1bDdrKJ
LADY JUSTICE AND THE LOTTERY
Two septuagenarians win the lottery's biggest prize, dragging Walt and Ox into the most bizarre cases of their career.
The two 'oldies' are determined to use their new found wealth to re-create the past but instead propel Walt into the future where he must use drones and Star Trek phasers to balance the scales of justice.
When an extortion plot turns into kidnapping, Walt must boldly go where no cop has gone before to save himself and the millionaire.
Come along for another hilarious ride with the world's oldest and most lovable cop!
http://amzn.to/1exhji6
LADY JUSTICE AND THE VET
Best New Mystery Novel – Spring 2014
National Association of Book Entrepreneurs
Fate, coincidence, or something else thrust him right into the heart of some of Walt and Ox’s most difficult cases.
Our heroes find themselves knee-deep in trouble as they go undercover in a nursing home to smoke out practitioners of Medicaid fraud, meanwhile, Islamic terrorists with ties to the Taliban are plotting to attack one of Kansas City’s most cherished institutions.
Join Walt and his band of senior sidekicks on another emotional roller coaster ride that will have you shedding tears of laughter one minute and sorrow the next.
http://amzn.to/17GyE3n
LADY JUSTICE
AND THE
ORGAN TRADERS
A badly burned body with a fresh incision and a missing kidney leads Walt into the clandestine world of an organ trader ring that has set up shop in Kansas City.
Walt is determined to bring to justice the bootleggers, who purchase body parts from the disadvantaged and sell them to people with means, until a relative from Maggie’s past turns up needing a kidney to survive.
[Lady Justice 03] - Lady Justice Gets Lei'd Page 21
