Death by Tradition: Fiji Islands Mysteries 2

by B. M. Allsopp

  They stepped inside. The super gave a card to the waiter. ‘We won’t disturb Ratu Osea’s guests. We’ll wait here while you deliver my card and my request to speak with him.’

  The room overlooked subtly lit gardens extending to the inky sea. Lights far off revealed the deep curve of Suva Bay.

  Ratu Osea, his five foreign guests, Adi Ana, and another Fijian woman were dining at a window table. When the waiter delivered the super’s card, the chief looked around. The two officers nodded to him.

  The waiter returned, looking apologetic. ‘Superintendent, Ratu Osea will speak to you soon. He requests that you be seated.’ The waiter placed them at a small table near the door, then reappeared a minute later with coffee and dainty hors d’oevres. Singh, who was very hungry, thanked him and tried not to scoff the hors d’oevres too fast. The super didn’t take his eyes off the chief’s table.

  After fifteen minutes, by which time the chief probably felt he had made his point, Ratu Osea rose, bowed to his guests, and made his dignified way across the room to the officers. Navala and Singh rose. The chief did not offer his hand. He nodded, sat, and gestured to them to sit down again.

  ‘Good evening, Superintendent, I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting you before. Detective Sergeant Singh, I trust you are well. What brings you here? Progress on your investigation, I hope.’

  Singh willed the super not to incur the chief’s anger and, above all, not to make them look like bumbling fools. She smiled politely. ‘Ratu Osea, I’m sorry to tell you that Kelera is still missing. After you left Tanoa this afternoon, we continued a systematic search with no result. I visited two of her friends in Nausori on my way here, and two officers are now following up with her friends and relatives around Suva. We have no results yet. Tomorrow I will widen the search at Tanoa.’

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Sergeant. Kelera’s disappearance on the day of Vili’s funeral is disturbing to all our community. I believe this week has all been too much for her and she felt the need to escape. A failure to cope, perhaps. I trust God will restore her to us very soon.’

  Singh bridled at his implication that Kelera’s behaviour was somehow below standard.

  The super simply said, ‘I do too, sir. We will do everything we can.’

  Singh looked at Navala, willing him to make his farewells and not charge into the dangerous territory of the NLTB files.

  Navala sat awkwardly in his chair, slumping his back and hunching his shoulders so that his head would not be higher than the chief’s. ‘Ratu Osea, our investigation of Viliame’s murder has uncovered irregularities in Tanoa district land registrations. As it is Friday evening and we cannot follow through on this until Monday, I thought it best to ask you to cut through the red tape and clear up a few questions we have.’

  ‘It seems an unusual course of action, but why not? I always wish to help the police in any way I can.’

  ‘In 1971, the area of mahogany leases registered to your family doubled. This seems to be because a clan was declared extinct, and the leases attached to the lands of that clan reverted to your chiefly family. Is this correct?’

  The chief frowned and appeared to be thinking. ‘I don’t know, this was in my father’s tenure. It might just be possible, Superintendent, but how is this relevant to your investigation?’

  ‘I can’t be certain yet, Ratu. Viliame was working on this file, among others. Did he ever ask you about these leases?’

  ‘No, he did not. He had a bee in his bonnet about mahogany. He felt the prospect of the mahogany harvest after fifty years of growth had become a cult for some people. That’s a valid point of view. Once the saplings were established, there was not much work for the holders of mahogany leases to do. If the processing and marketing of the timber is handled well, we should all do very nicely. However, a lot of landholders may well blow it, at the mercy of greedy foreigners and of their own ignorance. Whereas my approach, which you see coming to fruition this evening, is to put ourselves right with God, as a community. It’s hard to look at those good people, my guests, and realise they are Mr Weston’s flesh and blood. Don’t you agree? But I run on.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘Will that be all, officers?’

  ‘Almost, Ratu. I believe it would help us to examine your own records relating to the Tanoa lands and associated transactions. I have no desire to seize them under warrant, but I would be grateful if you would allow my officers to examine them. This could be done at your premises—there would be no need to take them away.’

  Singh looked down at her notebook. No way was this going to work.

  The chief was still for some moments, then smiled slightly at Navala. ‘Superintendent, I can assure you I have no papers or records that have the slightest bearing on Viliame’s death. Therefore there is no need for your officers to waste their time examining them. Now, if you will excuse me, I have neglected my VIPs for too long. Good night and God bless you.’

  Ratu Osea rose and returned to his table as dessert was being served. The detectives left without speaking. Singh wondered what Horseman would have done if he’d been with Navala this evening. She could see no point in flagging their line of enquiry to the chief when he had no obligation to cooperate. Yes, she wanted to discuss this evening with Horseman, but even more, she was determined not to intrude on his privacy. She only hoped Melissa was good enough for him.

  SATURDAY

  31

  Horseman woke beside Melissa as morning dawned. For a few moments he basked in happiness. Then the crisis of the case knotted his guts. He’d abandoned Singh in a dangerous situation in Tanoa. Everyone had assured him otherwise, but this was how he felt. He knew she was more than capable of shouldering field responsibility. Navala agreed, and managed to acquire the additional resources. So what was he worried about? Did he really think his presence would make the difference and crack the case? That would be ridiculous, egotistical, and he kicked that idea right out of field.

  He got up and stood under the shower, enjoying the hot water washing over him as he stretched.

  So as not to disturb Melissa, he did his floor exercises in the living room. The knee was pretty good this morning. He was grateful for that. Melissa had threatened to test it out today, and she’d be tough.

  He cut up one of the small, sweet pineapples they’d bought at the market the day before, diced a red pawpaw, and stirred in passionfruit pulp and lime juice. Just as he put the bowl on the kitchen table, he heard the shower going again. By the time Melissa walked in, the coffee was ready too. They kissed and embraced contentedly.

  She yawned. ‘I lay awake for hours listening to barking dogs, honey. What’s that about? It was like a barking competition. Howling, too. I never heard anything like it. Are they strays?’

  ‘Some, maybe. I think most of the barkers are owned. They’re on guard duty.’

  ‘How can people let them bark like that at home? Nobody could get a wink of sleep!’ She yawned again.

  ‘I think one dog starts barking and they set each other off. As you say, it’s a competition. It bothered me when I first came to Suva, but now I just don’t register the din.’

  ‘No, you slept right through it!’

  ‘Here, what you need is coffee.’

  After they both settled with seconds of coffee and toast, Melissa said, ‘What’s bothering you, honey? Is it your case?’

  Horseman thought he’d successfully hidden his anxiety. He shrugged. ‘I can’t shake the feeling I could be doing more. But the super insists I coordinate from the station today.’

  ‘Tell me about it, Joe. From the beginning. You never know, it might help.’

  ‘Okay, you’re in for a very strange story…’

  Horseman was explaining their ideas about the Triple C when Melissa interrupted.

  ‘I just don’t get that, Joe. I understand the chief may feel that club is really his, or his clan’s. But why would he need to steal the club from the museum? Couldn’t he talk to them and come to some arrangement? Given the h
istory, couldn’t they make a loan to him, for ceremonies? Or, they could agree to restore legal ownership to the clan, who would then appoint the museum as caretakers? Happens in the States all the time.’

  Horseman shrugged. ‘Possibly, he might do that if he just wanted to use it for special ceremonies. But not if his purpose was murder.’

  The puzzled frown made her face even cuter. ‘I guess not. How sure can you be that the chief stole it?’

  ‘Not sure at all. A chief probably wouldn’t steal in person. He’d ask someone to do it for him, or maybe just express his wish for the object in others’ hearing.’

  ‘Wow. You don’t give credence to the international theft-to-order theory?’

  ‘Not much. It is a theft-to-order, but I think the motive’s personal, and that means someone in Tanoa. My boss thinks the chief’s involved, but I’m not so sure. We’ve got to find who actually lifted the club to get any evidence.’

  Melissa looked thoughtful. ‘Have you got a short list, Joe?’

  ‘If I consider means and opportunity, there are only two villagers who could qualify, that I know about anyway. There’s Ilai, the chief’s headman, also chiefly and ex-army. If the chief’s pulling the strings, Ilai would be the first in Tanoa he’d turn to. But the chief spends a lot of time in Suva, there’d be people here he could ask.’

  ‘And the second village suspect?’

  ‘Tomasi, the retired constable who’s always so keen to help us when we’ve been there. Good cop or bad cop, any cop knows robbers. He could easily arrange the theft. Knowing this, the chief might well have delegated to him. As a retired policeman, he’s a respected elder. He could be relied on to be loyal, keep his mouth shut.’

  ‘Honey, have I been invited into a lion’s den tomorrow! I felt so privileged to witness authentic Fiji customs, but you got me having second thoughts now.’ She laughed merrily.

  ‘Melissa, don’t worry. The ceremony will be very public, and you’ll be among the VIP guests, the descendants of Mr Weston. But you’re under no obligation to go to Tanoa. I’m afraid I must go, my team too. Stay home and rest, go downtown, watch rugby at Albert Park.’ He leant over and kissed her. ‘I want you to do whatever you please.’

  ‘I want my first rugby match to be with you, honey. And sure, I’ll go to the ceremony at Tanoa tomorrow. I couldn’t miss that chance. What about your day at the station?’

  ‘First, I’ll be renewing my acquaintances among the thieves of Suva. I’ve got to track down whoever stole that club before the day is out.’

  ‘Great, go for it, honey!’

  ‘As for your program today, you have absolutely no choice. You cannot wriggle out of a picnic with my sister Eva today!’

  ‘Joe, I’m keen to go. It’s lovely of Eva to take me.’

  ‘You’ll like her and her husband. The kids are fun, too. Colo-i-Suva’s beautiful—it’s the only nature reserve near Suva. Wear your swimming costume under your clothes. There aren’t many places to change, but you don’t want to miss a dip in the forest pools.’

  Melissa smiled happily. ‘It sounds wonderful. I’ll go get ready now.’

  Horseman quickly cleared up the breakfast things. He woke up a mess, but now he accepted what he couldn’t change, and he had a plan quite likely to succeed. Most important, he was in an optimistic mood that he knew would transfer to his team. How had that happened? Melissa. Talking things through with Melissa.

  32

  While the super sifted through the remaining NLTB files, Horseman met with the constables following up Kelera’s family and friends. So far, nothing.

  The radio technician transmitted at regular intervals to Singh in the upgraded vehicle. ‘It’s the ideal test run for us,’ he said when Horseman thanked him for his efforts. ‘This part of the eastern highlands has always been out of range.’

  Now the tech ran into the CID room. ‘It works, sir. They’ve arrived at Tanoa and Singh’s come through clear as a bell!’

  ‘Oi lei! Thank God, what a relief. You’ve solved a major problem for us, Constable. Can I talk to her from the set here?’

  ‘Not quite yet, sir. We’ve only got the test receivers to work with now. Come to the radio room and you can call her. She’ll have left the vehicle now, but her personal set relays through the vehicle transmitter. Should reach us fine.’

  Horseman followed the technician, who took him through the operating procedures for the new digital equipment.

  ‘Sergeant Singh, this is HQ. Over.’

  ‘HQ, this is Singh. Sir, great to hear from you. Over.’

  ‘Bula, Susie! I’m so relieved this works. Any news?’

  ‘Afraid not, sir. Kelera hasn’t turned up. Everyone here is worried now. Yesterday they thought I was overreacting. Some did, anyway.’

  ‘The more time that passes, the worse her prospects look.’

  ‘Yes, sir. I’ll contact you as soon as there’s anything to report.’

  ‘Please do. Anything we can do at this end, just ask. If I can, I will. I need a reason to play with this new toy. Over.’

  ‘Great toy, isn’t it? Talk later. Out.’

  Horseman returned to the super’s office elated. Even though the case had not advanced, he no longer felt he’d abandoned Singh. He’d just taken up the Chatterjee files again when a constable knocked on the open door.

  ‘Sir, you’re wanted downstairs. A visitor insists on seeing you. Reckons he’s on your team.’ The constable smirked. ‘Want me to get rid of him, sir?’

  ‘No, I’ll come.’ He shrugged at Navala, and replaced the file in the box. ‘These top secret files of Chatterjee’s may be worthless so far, but if I don’t read every page I just might miss the clue we need.’

  The super smiled. ‘Dina. I’ll help you when we’re through with this lot from the NLTB.’

  Horseman spotted Tevita immediately. The boy was trying to make himself inconspicuous by squeezing the left half of his body into the gap between the open door and the wall. Horseman grinned, and Tevita rushed to the public counter.

  ‘Bula, bula, Joe! I need to see you. But ovisa, he not let me.’

  Horseman extended his hand politely. Disapproving uniforms indulged in head shakes and smirks. ‘Bula, Tevita. It’s okay. Visitors must stop here at the counter. What can I do for you?’

  ‘Nothing Joe. I can do for you!’ A wide smile cracked his face. ‘You gonna be happy, Joe. You know!’

  ‘True, Tevita? So soon? Come in and tell me all about it. Through here.’ He raised the flap at the end of the counter and waved Tevita in.

  The boy recoiled, backing away. ‘No. Outside, Joe, please.’

  Horseman followed Tevita down the front steps and through the gate. ‘What’s going on, Tevita?’ Then he saw another teenager hunkered down beside the fence. He bounced up as Horseman approached. It was Pita, another Junior Shiner.

  Pita took Horseman’s hand, pumping it up and down. ‘Bula, Pita, have you got some news for me?’

  Pita looked at his feet and nodded. ‘Io, Josefa Horseman.’

  Tevita butted in. ‘Pita, he no like police station. We talk some other place, Joe.’

  ‘Pita, no one else can hear you here. I can’t leave the station for long today.’

  ‘I made a big mistake, sir. Maybe you don’t want me to play for Shiners no more.’

  ‘Man, I can’t decide that until I hear what you’ve got to say.’

  Pita drew in a long breath, still staring at his feet. ‘I went with the boys to rob the Fiji Museum, sir.’

  Horseman tingled. A breakthrough or bullshit? ‘You’d better tell me all about it. Remember, this is no good to me if you don’t tell me the truth, Pita.’

  ‘Io, sir. I go with two boys. They had a key to the side door. I keep watch. I don’t go in, sir.’

  ‘Okay, did the boys come out the same door?’

  ‘Io, sir. They had a big club. He stretched his arms wide. ‘Even longer! They say a man was waiting for it. They want me to come with them to be
lookout again.’

  ‘Did you see the club up close? Can you describe it to me?’

  Pita seemed to weigh his options on this one. ‘It had carvings, patterns. Because it was dark, I didn’t see all the details.

  ‘Did you handle it?’

  The boy shifted his weight from foot to foot. Then he shook his head slowly.

  ‘Think carefully about this, Pita. You know we check all stolen items for fingerprints, don’t you? When I get this club back for our Fiji Museum, I will soon know who has touched it.’ If he was lucky. He hoped Pita was not acquainted with the iffy nature of fingerprints.

  Pita stared at his feet some more, then said, ‘I did touch the club, sir. But the boys don’t let me hold it by myself. They said they must take it to the true owner right away.’

  ‘Stay here, boys. I have to go back to my office now. I’ll return in five minutes and take you for lunch in Hari Krishna’s. We need to talk some more. Pita, if you tell me everything you know, I’ll consider letting you stay on the team. No promises, mind you.’ He put on a stern face.

  He grabbed what he needed from the Triple C files. The boys were still waiting when he returned. That was a start.

  Horseman let Tevita and Pita fill up on naan bread, curries, and rice at the Hare Krishna before getting down to business.

  ‘Pita, did you go with the boys to deliver the club?’

  Again, the boy considered his reply. ‘One of the thieves went off somewhere, so I go with the other boy to deliver it. Just the two of us.’

  ‘Where?’

  ‘Behind the post office, sir. That’s where we meet the owner. He was grateful.’

  ‘Who is this owner?’

  ‘I don’t know his name, sir. I never see him before.’

  ‘Did he pay you?’

  Pita smiled. ‘Io, sir. He paid my friend forty dollars and me ten dollars, because I was just the lookout.’