Maui Mysteries - The Characters - Scooter Morales and Batu
Today, I’m going to introduce you to a motorized drug dealer named Scooter, whose vehicle matches his name. When Keone first met him in school Scooter was already a businessman, but the product then was pakalolo, marijuana. Now he’s graduated to batu. Known as crystal meth or ice on the mainland, on Maui this substance is known by the Tagalog word that means rock or stone. When Keone catches up to Scooter, he is in a bit of a mood. Not a good thing for Scooter.
Keone’s beater, a rusted Corolla, drew little to no attention as he checked every lot from Kahana north. After a fruitless hour, he extended his search past Napili into the posh environs of Kapalua and finally struck gold. Scooter was holding court in the lot behind the Kapalua General Store. Scooter’s chosen ride for the day was a powder blue version of his name. Keone drove past without slowing down, then swung back along a side road, sliding into the parking lot at just the proper angle to block Scooter’s egress.
Scooter still hadn’t spotted him when Keone placed a very larger, very strong hand on the tiny man’s shoulder. “You’re slowing down, Scooter. You were much harder to catch in the old days.”
Scooter stiffened, then he must have recognized Keone’s voice because he shifted into pure schmoozer mode. “Howzit, Mistah Defective? To what do I owe this unexpected visit? You didn’t get demoted did you?”
“No, Scoot man…But I would like to have a little talk.”
“You know I’d love to talk story with you. But time is money in my business. I think I could fit you in next week, Wednesday.”
Keone squeezed hard enough to pinch a nerve.
“Or now. Now would be good, Detective Sergeant Boyd, sir.”
Still squeezing Scooter’s shoulder, Keone guided him to the Corolla, stuffed him in the passenger seat, and started driving…Keone didn’t say a word until they reached an unmarked path that led down to a hidden location.
Scooter knew this place and what MPD officers occasionally used it for. “We don’t need to go down there Keone. That shit’s worse than waterboarding.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Scoot. There’s a lovely view of the ocean from that blowhole…”
“Just ask your damn questions.”
“Okay. It’s simple, really. One name—Dave Walden.”
“Who?”
“Wrong answer.” He grabbed Scooters shoulder again with enormous force and started him down the hill.
“Please Keone. You and me we go school to-gedah. That guy’s crazy. He kill me.”
“And I won’t?” Keone asked in his gentlest voice.
“All right…He’s a converter. He gets the powder from important men on the mainland and cooks it himself.”
“Where?”
“He doesn’t tell me…Two guys between him and me.”
“I need names.”
“Look. I’ll give you the guy next to Walden, but not my direct supplier. You gotta give me that much.”
“You know, I was really angry when I came out here. I’ve had a shitty week. But this lovely scenery must be getting to me. Okay, give me the middle guy. But he’d better check out or we might get to take another pleasant drive together.
About the pictures:
The pictures of Kapalua across Honolua Bay above were taken at different times of the year. But they both show the beauty of this exclusive resort area.