* This is an account of events leading up to Mackenzie’s departure from Hawaii to Miami, where the men pursuing her were brought to justice.*

Outside the courthouse:
Reporter: We have yet to hear from State Prosecutor Kimo Hanapepe, but rumors from the District Attorney’s office suggest that the defendants will be tried together. (Kimo exit’s the building; following him) Prosecutor Hanapepe, is it true that you’ve decided to bring charges against all four defendants in one trial?
Kimo: (walking briskly) Yes.
Reporter: Why?
Kimo: The District Attorney’s office wants this settled correctly and quickly. We would be remiss in our duties to drag this matter out in court as it would endanger the victim.
Reporter: Where is the victim now?
Kimo: No comment. (turns away)
Reporter: The trial in this matter is slated to begin in three days…

The gallery of the courtroom is silent as the shackled defendants are brought in three days later.

Bailiff: All rise! The honorable Judge Richard Kanahele presiding. Case number 247467, The State of Hawaii vs. Derek `Aihue, Joshua Lawehala, Lucas Nanahuki and Cody Weliweli.

The judge sits and the prosecutor, Kimo Hanapepe, stands. Opening arguments start and soon it’s time for the witnesses to be called. The courtroom goes quiet.
The first witnesses called to the stand are the expected ones- crime scene investigators, first responders, detectives, EMTs. The majority of the case rides on their testimonies and their interpretations of the evidence.
After days of questioning and cross-examinations of these witnesses, it becomes clear that the defense simply doesn’t stand a chance. Then, as if to seal the defendants’ fates, one last witness is called to the stand.
Kimo: I call Mackenzie Davis to the stand, Your Honor.

A battered young woman makes her way to the stand as the gallery members look on in shocked silence.

Bailiff: (as Mackenzie places her left hand on the Bible and raises her right hand) Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Mackenzie: I do. (Bailiff steps away and Mackenzie sits gingerly)
Kimo: Please state your full name for the court.
Mackenzie: Mackenzie Lyn Davis.
Kimo: Ms. Davis, where were you at 9:30 pm on the night of October eighth?
Mackenzie: I was on campus at UH Manoa. My roommate and I were on our way back to our dorm from a study group.
Kimo: Could you please go over the events of the two days prior to that night?
Mackenzie: (nods) Sage and I were woken up by pounding on our door…(flashes back to two days before the attack)
Derek: Kenzie! C’mon, let me in! (continues pounding)
Sage: Kenz, this has to stop. He keeps coming back. (eyeing the door)
Mackenzie: I don’t want to let him in here, not by myself. (pacing)
Sage: I’ll stay with you. We’ll let him in to get his crap, then kick him out. I’ll call Matt if you want.
Mackenzie: We’ll do it tonight after class, so Matt has a chance to get here. (the pounding stops) 6 pm?
Sage: Yeah, and Matt can chill in Kaipo’s room until we call- if we have to call at all.
Mackenzie: Okay. (texts Derek) Done.
Sage: Good. (move forward to that evening; opening the door) Oh. It’s you. Kenz!
Mackenzie: Yeah? (seeing Derek) Oh.
Derek: Babe-
Mackenzie: Don’t call me that. Just get your crap and get out.
Derek: But-
Mackenzie: I don’t wanna hear it!
Derek: Kenz-
Sage: (stepping in) You must be deaf. She said grab your crap and get out. I suggest you do as she says, or I’m callin’ the RA.
Derek: (seething) Fine! (grabs a duffle by the TV and storms out)
Mackenzie: Oh God! (sinking into a chair) Sage?
Sage: Yeah?
Mackenzie: Thanks.
Sage: For what?
Mackenzie: For not saying, ‘I told you so.’
Sage: What are friends for? (end flashback)
Kimo: Why were you attacked, Ms. Davis?
Mackenzie: It was because of what I found the next evening…(flashback to the night before the attack; looking through a container of flash drives and memory cards) Sage, do you remember which memory card I used for the slide shows pics for Mahoney’s class?
Sage: I thought it was the one from conference at BYU. Isn’t it there?
Mackenzie: I knew we should’ve gotten the slotted case for these damn things!
Sage: Let’s just try ‘em all. Besides, we have to clear some for Polulani’s class tomorrow.
Mackenzie: Good idea. (slips a card into the reader) Okay, here’s…What the hell?!

On the screen are several lewd video clips and pictures.

Sage: (looking over Mackenzie’s shoulder) Oh my God! What the hell is…Kenz, that’s Derek.
Mackenzie: No, it can’t be! (watching the vulgarity on the screen) Oh my God! It is him! That son of a *****! He cheated on me?!
Sage: (realizing what they’re seeing) Kenz, that’s not all he did. He’s…He’s a human trafficker! Oh my God, Kenz! You shouldn’t have that!!
Mackenzie: (in horror) I gotta call Dan. He’ll know what to do with it. (end flashback)
Kimo: What did you do with the memory card, Ms. Davis?
Mackenzie: I took it to Lieutenant Dan O’Loughlin with HPD the next morning.
Kimo: The morning of the attack?
Mackenzie: Yes.
Kimo: On your way back to your dorm that night, what happened?
Mackenzie: Four figures dressed in black hoodies came out of the bushes. Sage had gotten a bit ahead of me, so they got me first. She heard the scuffle and started to come back. I yelled for her to run, and started fighting back. She didn’t go very far before campus security heard her screaming for help.
Kimo: When security arrived, were they able to apprehend any of the suspects?
Mackenzie: No, they all got away. But while fighting them off, I managed to scratch their faces and hands, and I elbowed one in the nose.
Kimo: So there was physical evidence from all of your assailants?
Mackenzie: Yes.
Kimo: What happened next?
Mackenzie: Sage caught up with security, and they escorted me to the infirmary.
Kimo: Did the nurse in the infirmary collect the evidence?
Mackenzie: Yes, but only after Lieutenant O’Loughlin and his partner arrived with a crime scene kit.
Kimo: How soon were the suspects caught?
Mackenzie: I received a phone call from the lieutenant the next afternoon, requesting that I go to the police station to file a formal statement. The lieutenant had the assailants in custody by the time my statement was filed.
Kimo: Are the assailants present in the courtroom?
Mackenzie: Yes.
Kimo: Can you point them out, Ms. Davis?
Mackenzie: The four defendants.
Derek: You *****! You wait- the Bishops are gonna get your ass! (courtroom starts murmuring) Judge: Order! ORDER! Bailiff, get this slime out of here! (to the defense attorney) Your clients are being held in contempt of court, Mr. Luapa`u. Court is in recess until noon tomorrow.
Kimo: (to Mackenzie as Derek and the others are hauled out) You okay?
Mackenzie: (standing gingerly) I’ll be glad when this is over.
Sage: (walking up with Matt) Kenz, are you okay?
Mackenzie: I’m fine. Can we just go?
Kimo: Mackenzie, it’s almost over. After that outburst-
Mackenzie: Please don’t jinx it. I know this can still go either way. Don’t sugar coat it.
Kimo: All right. (pats Mackenzie on the shoulder) Go home, get some rest. I’ll see you at noon tomorrow.
Sage: Thanks, Mr. Hanapepe. (flanking Mackenzie with Matt) C’mon Kenz.
The next day, the courtroom fills again as Mackenzie takes the stand to face the defense attorney, Kawika Luapa`u. However, the defense fails to shake her story, and it’s soon time for closing arguments. After only half an hour of deliberation, the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge: Mr. Foreman, please give your verdict to the bailiff. (Bailiff brings the verdict to the judge, who reads it, then hands it back) The defendants will rise. Mr. Foreman, please read the verdict.
Jury Foreman: In the matter of the State of Hawaii vs. Derek `Aihue, Joshua Lawehala, Lucas Nanahuki and Cody Weliweli: On the charge of assault in the first degree, guilty. On the charge of human trafficking, guilty. On the charge of possession of illegal substances with the intent to sell, guilty. On the charge of robbery in the second degree, guilty. On the charge of possession of unlicensed firearms, guilty. On the charge of grand theft auto in the first degree, guilty. On the charge of money laundering, guilty.
Judge: (to the defendants) This court finds you guilty of all charges. Sentencing is set for 10 am tomorrow. The defendants will be held in lock up until sentencing.
All hell breaks loose when some of the other members of the gang yell out their disgust. The bailiffs and guards jump in to do crowd control.

Judge: (banging gavel repeatedly) Order! ORDER! Bailiffs, get them out of here! Court is adjourned!
Gang Member: We gonna get you for this, you little *****! Just you wait!
Kimo, Sage, Matt and the remaining court guards escort Mackenzie out of the courtroom and away from the crowd of hovering reporters. As Matt helps Mackenzie into the car, Kimo pulls Sage aside.

Kimo: Don’t leave her alone tonight.
Sage: I won’t.
Kimo: Sage, I mean it. I want someone with her at all times. Those guys weren’t kidding.
Sage: Matt and I are gonna be with her. And our entire dorm is on alert. The school’s even posted additional security at the entrances. (walking around the car) Kimo: All right. Be careful.
Sage: We will.
In Waikiki, the gang members that went to the trial meet up with Cory and Jerome.

Cory: So?
Gang Member: Guilty of all charges.
Cory: Son of a *****! What the hell did that damn lawyer do- sit on his fat ass?!
Jacob: The DA had a solid case, Cory. Luapa`u couldn’t find a single crack in it.
Cory: What now?
Jacob: Sentencing is at 10am tomorrow.
Cory: Then we get my cousin out now!
Jacob: We can’t! The judge ordered them held in lock up til the sentencing. Then they’ll be moved- probably to Halawa.
Cory: Then we appeal!
Jacob: We can try…you gotta talk to Luapa`u about that.
Cory: Dammit!
At the courthouse the next day, Cory and Jerome hang back in the shadows when Mackenzie is escorted in by Kimo, Sage and Matt. When Luapa`u heads in, Jerome pulls him off to the side.

Cory: You gonna appeal my cousin’s case.
Luapa`u: I don’t know that it would be worth it. The DA’s case is airtight.
Cory: That wasn’t a question.
Luapa`u: But there’s no point. The case against Derek and the others is solid.
Cory: I don’t care about the others- you’re gonna get Derek out of prison!
Luapa`u: I…I…I’ll do my best.
Cory: (grinning maniacally) That’s better.

Inside the courtroom, things are much quieter than they have been for most of the trial. The judge enters and begins the proceedings, and the defendants are given the chance to speak for themselves. Of the four defendants, only Cody speaks up.

Cody: Your Honor, may I speak?
Judge: You may, Mr. Weliweli.
Cody: First, Your Honor, I wanna say that I know what I did was wrong and I am willing to pay for my actions. Ms. Davis didn’t deserve any of what was done to her, and I really regret my involvement. (turning to look at Mackenzie) Second, I wanna apologize to Ms. Davis. I really hope that maybe someday you’ll be able to forgive me and that I’ll deserve your forgiveness.

With this said, Cody sits down, enduring scathing looks from his co-defendants.

Judge: Thank you, Mr. Weliweli. Defendants and counsel will rise. (Derek and the others stand with Luapa`u) This case has been very straight forward from the beginning, credit for which goes to both counsels. As to the defendants, after much thought, your sentences are as follows: Cody Weliweli, with no previous criminal record, this is your first offense. As such, you are hereby sentenced to twelve years in Oahu County Correctional Center, with the possibility of parole after five years. Joshua Lawehala and Lucas Nanahuki, as this is the second offense for both of you, you are hereby sentenced to fifteen years in Halawa State Prison with the possibility of parole after eight years. Derek `Aihue, this is your third strike, your second in the State of Hawaii. Therefore, you are hereby sentenced to twenty years without the possibility of parole, to be served in Halawa State Prison. The defendants are hereby remanded to the custody of the correctional system. (guards step in to take Derek and the others) This court is adjourned. (bangs gavel) Sage: Is it over?
Kimo: For now. (at the look of shock on her face) I have a feeling that they’re gonna try an appeal, at least on Derek’s case.
Mackenzie: How long will that take?
Kimo: An appeal won’t be able to go through for a few months.
Sage: So what do we do until then?
Kimo: I wish I could tell you to let things go back to normal…(nodding to Luapa`u, Cory and Jerome) but I don’t think they’ll let you. (looking Mackenzie in the eye) My suggestion would be to watch your back, but don’t let them rule your life. I’ll be in touch.
Mackenzie: Thanks, Kimo.
Kimo: You’re welcome. Now get outta here.

Four months later:

Things have finally started getting back to normal, in spite of Luapa`u’s two failed attempts at appealing Derek’s sentence. Mackenzie has thrown herself into school, excelling in her studies and quickly rising to the top of her class. Then it hits: the judge has allowed an appeal to pass. Kimo arrives at Mackenzie’s dorm as she returns from her morning classes.

Kimo: Mackenzie.
Mackenzie: Kimo. (studying his face) They got the appeal hearing.
Kimo: Yes. (sitting on a bench) Mackenzie: When? (sitting next to him)
Kimo: The hearing is in a month.
Mackenzie: And what happens if the judge rules in their favor?
Kimo: Derek could get another trial.
Mackenzie: Do they have anything to their advantage?
Kimo: The only thing that could work for them is if…(pauses; takes a deep breath) if you weren’t in the picture.
Mackenzie: Then we have nothing to worry about, right?
Kimo: I’m not so sure.
Mackenzie: What are you talking about?
Kimo: Your absence is the only thing that could get Derek a lesser sentence, and I can guarantee that the Bishops know that. (looking at Mackenzie intently)
Mackenzie: You think they’ll come after me and what, make me miss the hearing?
Kimo: I think…that they’ll do exactly what they threatened to do. They will kill you if it means getting Derek out.
Mackenzie: So…so what am I supposed to do? Where am I supposed to go?
Kimo: Stay with family-
Mackenzie: My parents are in Germany, Kimo! The only family I have here is Sage and Matt- and I won’t put them in danger! I can’t, and won’t, put my life on hold again- I won’t give these bastards the satisfaction!
Kimo: Mackenzie, if you don’t stay safe until the hearing, you won’t have a life!
Mackenzie: So what do you suggest?
Kimo: You have a cousin in Miami…
Mackenzie: Miami? I can’t go to Miami! My life- school, friends- is here!
Kimo: I’ve been working on that- with Dr. Polulani.
Mackenzie: (intrigued) Polulani? What’s she got to do with this?
Kimo: She’s head of the Criminal Justice Program. As such, she can act as advocate in a transfer to the program at another university.
Mackenzie: You mean-
Kimo: Dade University has one of the top Criminal Justice programs in the country. With Polulani facilitating a transfer, you’re a shoo-in for their program. And your class load is remarkable. They’d be idiots not to take you.
Mackenzie: (thoughtfully) You’ve really thought about this.
Kimo: Yes, I have. (looking Mackenzie in the eye) The state has been trying to nail these guys for years, Mackenzie- and your case is our best shot to get them. (pauses) We can’t do it without you, and that means keeping you safe.
Mackenzie: So if I do this…
Kimo: Provided that Dr. Polulani has done her part, you can transfer to Dade University and you’d only have to come back for the hearing in a month. I was heading over to see Dr. Polulani anyway. Why don’t you join me?
Mackenzie: (nodding and absorbing everything) Okay.
Sage: (walking out of the dorm) Hey. (looking between Mackenzie and Kimo) What’s up?
Mackenzie: I’ll explain later. I have to go see Polulani.
Sage: (confused) All right…But you’re okay, right?
Mackenzie: Yeah. Talk to you later. (walks away with Kimo)

Across campus, Dr. Polulani is sitting in her office when her cell phone rings.
Polulani: (answering) This is Shelby.
Carmen Robinson: Hey Shel. It’s Carmen. You would not believe what just came in.
Polulani: You work fast, Car! What’d you get?
Carmen: I’ve discussed the situation with the Dean of Admissions and he’s all for it. He also clued me in to something that sounds perfect for this student of yours.
Polulani: (impatiently) Don’t keep me in suspense! (laughing)
Carmen: The Miami Dade Crime Lab has a paid internship reserved for Dade University CJ students. None of my students are interested, but I think this would fit the bill for your girl.
Polulani: (as Kimo and Mackenzie walk in) That’s fantastic, Car! I’ll get back to you in half an hour.
Carmen: I can send the paperwork through as soon as I hear from you.
Polulani: Thanks, Carmen. (hangs up, looks at Kimo and Mackenzie; to Kimo) Kimo, I suppose you’ve convinced my top student to take us up on our “protection detail”?
Kimo: It took some fast talking, but yes.
Polulani: Fabulous. (to Mackenzie) I’m really sorry to see you go, my dear. But your safety comes first. And I just got more good news from my counterpart at Dade.
Kimo: What kind of news?
Polulani: Well, the Miami Dade Crime Lab has a paid internship for Dade’s CJ students. According to my dear friend Carmen, you’re a prime candidate, Mackenzie.
Mackenzie: Really? I mean, I’m sure there are other students.
Polulani: None of Carmen’s students want it. She’s got the paperwork done, so she’s just waiting for the okay.
Mackenzie: And the transfer?
Polulani: As good as done. You just have to check in when you get to Miami. The only snag, I’m afraid, is housing.
Mackenzie: What kind of snag?
Polulani: There’s only space in the temp dorm at the moment. It’s enough until you can find something else.
Kimo: So the transfer-
Polulani: Is waiting on a phone call. As soon as Ms. Davis-
Mackenzie: I’ll go. Make the call.
Polulani: Terrific. (picks up her cell as Kimo makes a call) Carmen, it’s Shel. Put it through.
Carmen: Great! When can I expect her?
Polulani: You can expect her…(looks at Kimo)
Kimo: Arrival at Miami International at 4am two days from now. (hangs up)
Polulani: In two days. Thanks Carmen.
Mackenzie: So when do I leave?
Kimo: Tomorrow afternoon- 2pm.
Mackenzie: I guess I have some packing to do. (to Polulani) Thank you.
Polulani: You’re welcome, my dear. Stay safe. (to Kimo) You…you owe me dinner.
Kimo: Thanks, Shel. Talk to you soon. (escorts Mackenzie out)

When Mackenzie and Kimo get back to the dorm, Sage and Matt are waiting.
Sage: Kenz? What’s goin’ on?
Mackenzie: I have to leave. (starts packing)
Sage: What do you mean, ‘leave’?
Kimo: The judge granted an appeal hearing. The Bishops know that the only way they get a new trial for Derek is if Mackenzie doesn’t show up at the hearing.
Sage: So you’re telling her to leave?
Kimo: I’ve arranged for her to leave Hawaii until the hearing. (as Sage starts to protest) If she stays here, they’ll try to kill her.
Sage: But-
Mackenzie: Sage, I have to go. It’s the only way to keep you and Matt safe, and I’ll be safe where I’m going.
Sage: Where are you going, Kenz?
Kimo: It’s better if you don’t know that, Sage. I’ll be getting a phone for Mackenzie to use when she leaves. The only people with the number will be the people in this room, and Dr. Polulani. Mackenzie can give you the number when you drop her off at the airport tomorrow. (to Mackenzie as he hands her a slip of paper) This is the confirmation for your ticket. I want you to call me before you board the plane tomorrow and when you arrive at LAX for your first layover.
Mackenzie: (taking the paper) Okay.
Kimo: Everything is gonna be fine.

At the airport the next day, Matt unloads Mackenzie’s bags while she and Sage say goodbye.
Sage: Kenz, I can’t believe this. This is crazy!
Mackenzie: I know. But it’s the only way. (Matt comes over) Thanks Matt.
Matt: No prob, Kenz.
Mackenzie: Okay, so the new number- Kimo got an 808 number so you guys don’t get charged long distance.
Sage: Okay. (with pen in hand) Shoot.
Mackenzie: 808-283-5369. I’ll text you after I talk to Kimo.
Sage: You better. (hugs Mackenzie) Be careful.
Mackenzie: I will. (hugs Matt) Take care of her for me.
Matt: You bet. We’ll see you in a month for the hearing.
Mackenzie: Okay. (grabs bags) Bye guys. (enters the terminal)

Five hours later:

Mackenzie: (in a text) Landed at LAX. Checked in with Kimo. Everything’s fine.

Two days later:

Jacob: (walking into Cory’s “office”) She wasn’t in class again today- she never misses class. Something’s up.
Cory: Then you better find out what’s goin’ on. That b**** is not gonna make it to this hearing. You got that?! (Jacob and Jerome nod and back out of the room)