KOA ARRIVED HOME early one August afternoon to find Nālani at the door with a smile on her face. They kissed. “Sit down right here on the steps, where you can look out over the forest. I’ve got something wonderful to show you,” she beamed.
He sat and leaned back against the railing, wonderfully free of the pinched nerve that had dogged him for years. The surgeon had been true to his word, and Koa was as good as new—well, almost.
Nālani disappeared into the house briefly before returning with a letter in her hand. Addressed to Detective Koa Kāne and Nālani Kahumana, it bore a California return address. Koa slipped the letter from its envelope and unfolded a single sheet of paper, covered on both sides with tiny, but legible, handwriting.
August 30
Dear Koa and Nālani:
I write with exciting news. Keneke Kawelo Nakano came into this world at dawn a week ago. Eight pounds, four ounces. He looks just like his father, black eyes, black hair, face as brown and round as his father’s. And already he has eyes for the stars. He’s a precious miracle. I’m not exactly sure how he happened. Maybe the Hawaiian gods worked their ancient magic.
Dr. Maples, the new head of the Alice Telescope Project, has extended an invitation to join the Alice staff. I have accepted, and we’re returning to the Big Island. I want Keneke Kawelo to grow up in the land of his father and his great-grandfather, to know the Humu‘ula Saddle and the trails of Mauna Kea. I want him to know he, like his father, is a descendant of a great chief, the chief of the land of the hafted adze and the ‘ua‘u bird.
Prince Kamehameha has convinced the state of Hawai‘i and the Defense Department to create the Keneke Nakano National Historical Site at Pōhakuloa. Many treasures that Gunter stole will be returned to their rightful place, and the adze makers’ cavern will be open to the public. Keneke Kawelo will one day see his heritage, so long hidden where only Pele knows the way.
Love,
Soo Lin
Only when Koa finished reading did Nālani hand him the photograph of little Keneke Kawelo Nakano. Soo Lin was right—he did look just like his father.