The following morning Angleton found a quiet corner on the ferry and warded the space to discourage others from approaching. Although it was still early, the sun's intensity was already beginning to heat the enclosed cabin. Esther handed over a telegram which had been waiting for them at the ticket office; Angleton glanced at it and handed it to her.

"Translated, it says Please take charge of this hot potato and don't drop it," he commented dryly.

"I assumed it would." Esther wiped her forehead. "I'll be glad to get out of here, though. It's a little too warm for me."

"Hawaii has a tropical climate as well."

Esther sighed. "I'll have to buy something cooler then."

Angleton glanced around to make sure they were not being observed, then leaned forward. "We don't have much time. I need to let you know what I learned last night. This is going to be a tricky situation. According to Agent Taylor there is a heiau, or temple, on the island which appears to be the source of the disturbances. It is located on land which is privately owned by a mainlander who moved to the island four years ago. The land holds spiritual meaning for the native Hawaiians and the owner wants to turn it into a tourist site. They are understandably quite upset by his plans.

"One or more of the Hawaiians apparently tried to defend the heiau by invoking a native goddess, Pele, the spirit of volcanoes and fire. Since the island of Hawaii has active volcanoes she is believed to have a strong presence there. Judging by the results, including at least one case of possession, they likely have been communicating with something else. Agent Summers was killed when he tried to interfere with a ritual targeting the owner of the land. This naturally has brought the state government, who don't know what they're dealing with, onto the scene."

Esther summed up: "So now we have a conflict between the Hawaiians and the American government, who will likely back the landowner. Plus the OPA representative will be clashing with the Hawaiians…"

"…and the OPA isn't going to be too happy with us." Angleton briefly explained the history of the Occult Texts Division and the OPA. "Not only are we on foreign territory but we are there under the auspices of the OPA's main competitor. A delicate balance will be required. We will function here as diplomats as much as operatives."

"But how did the OTD wind up investigating in the first place, sir? Instead of the OPA?"

This earned her a nod of approval. "Agent Summers was stationed on the island during the war and stayed on afterward. He worked for the County of Hawaii in his cover identity. This made him first on the scene. I believe he was a highly respected agent. Now," as he handed Esther a sheaf of papers, "our cover is that we are visiting from the University of Exeter anthropology department. I am a professor, you are my secretary and we are there to tour the heiau. has made arrangements for us to rent rooms in the same home where Agent Summers was staying."

36 hours later…

Esther, tired and crumpled, followed her boss across the airport tarmac. "Sir, have you ever read Around the World in 80 Days?" she asked.

Angleton raised an eyebrow. "As a matter of fact I have. Why do you ask?"

"You remind me of Phileas Fogg, that's all. No matter what happened, nothing ever upset him and he never seemed to get tired."

Angleton looked momentarily surprised. "I rather admired the character. 'The unforeseen does not exist.' Of course, he was a bit of an exaggeration…" He gave a brief laugh. "If he were real, no doubt the Laundry would have hired him." He gestured to an attendant lurking in a corner of the terminal and Esther blinked with surprise as a lei was placed around her neck. "Welcome to Hawaii, my dear."

A Jeep and driver appeared courtesy of the OTD and 30 minutes later the two agents arrived at their guesthouse. "Meet us back here in half an hour," Angleton ordered the driver. "We will need transportation to the heiau this afternoon." Leading the way into the house, he strode into the front hallway – and stopped so suddenly that Esther nearly ran into him.

"Good afternoon. I am Kai Kapule, and you must be my guests from the University of Exeter." The man standing in the hallway met Angleton's suspicious gaze with a calm smile. "I am sure you must have many questions, but let me show you to your rooms first."

"Thank you!" said Esther, who was eager to put down her suitcase and change clothes. At this Angleton stood aside. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kapule," he said unenthusiastically. "I am sure we will find a great deal to talk about, but for the moment I would like a chance to see the heiau before the sun sets."

"You should indeed see it before the sun sets," their host answered with a grim undertone. "I recommend you return by 6:30, no later, and I will have a meal ready for you. There are no other guests in the house at present, which means we can have a private conversation over dinner," he added. "I am happy to tell you anything I can about the events that have been taking place. My family and neighbors would doubtless disapprove of my telling you about the heiau's history, as they do not trust outsiders. However, I think you will find this information quite helpful in your endeavors."

It was Esther's turn to look suspicious; she was rubbing her wrist where her ward had activated. She was surprised to see that her boss was now looking more relaxed. "That sounds like an excellent plan. We will see you at half past six."