by Aimée
“I’ll have to pass that along. Maybe all the attention the carjackings have been getting has hurt their image.” Ella turned around, hearing a vehicle coming up the road at high speed.
“Here they come again,” Ford said. “Whatever happened to low, slow riding?”
The green truck with the young men inside pulled up on the other side of Ella’s department unit, sliding to a halt in the gravel.
“Hey, guys, slow it down in the parking lot, will you?” Ella said, tired and not in the mood to babysit nineteen-year-old hoods.
“Hey, Clah. We need to talk. Wanna go for a ride?” Tony yelled out.
Ella didn’t move, but she waved. “I’m too hungry for a road trip. How about here?”
The young men exchanged glances, then got out of the pickup and walked over.
“What’s up, guys?” Ella asked.
“Not in front of the Rev, okay, Clah? And not in public. What about taking a walk with us down toward the river if you’re not in the mood for a drive?” Tony reached for her arm.
Ella remained still.
“Boys, don’t worry about me. You can talk here, or inside. I’ll give you some privacy,” Ford said.
“Butt out, Rev. We’ve got it covered,” Tony said, motioning to Winston, who stepped around to the other side of Ella.
“What’s your problem, Tony?” Ella demanded. “You can trust Reverend Tome not to put your business on the street.”
“We need to talk to you alone,” Winston answered. “Maybe you can get in the truck and the Rev can go inside a while. We’ll stay in the lot.”
Ella considered the strategy that would work best without a fight, but she wasn’t going anywhere with these guys alone, and once she got in the truck, she’d be cornered. As she was trying to figure out her next move, Tony grabbed her arm.
Ford reacted instantly, executing a painful nerve pinch that sent Tony to the ground, squealing like a pig on a hot wire. Winston stepped up with a roundhouse punch, but before Ella could run interference, Ford spun around ninety degrees and landed a solid kick into Winston’s groin.
Ella quickly handcuffed both disoriented teens to the door handles of their own pickup. “Hey, guys, now your reputation is clean. Nobody will accuse you of sucking up to the cop.”
Looking over at Ford, she smiled and said, “Let me guess—you took personal defense at divinity school.”
He shrugged, saying nothing, which didn’t come as a great shock.
After frisking the two frustrated gangbangers, removing two knives and a set of handmade brass knuckles, then calling in for backup, Ella glanced at Ford. “These boys aren’t going anywhere, Reverend, and I doubt they’re going to be vandalizing their own pickup while waiting for a ride to jail. So why don’t we grab a quick breakfast?”
The boys began yelling at her in unison, and Ella gave a thought to the patrons inside the restaurant, who were probably hoping to eat breakfast in peace. But just then, a patrol unit with Officer Michael Cloud arrived. “Book them for assault on a police officer,” Ella told him. “I’ll be in later this morning to do the paperwork.”
Ella helped him transfer the suspects, then went inside the Totah with Ford. They’d just sat down and had reached for their menus when Lila Curtis came rushing over.
“I saw what happened!” said the middle-aged Navajo woman. Ella knew Lila was an incurable gossip, and that the story would be all over the Four Corners by noon. If the M.D.’s were looking for publicity, they’d get it now.
Remembering that this was also the person who’d kept fixing Ford up, and the one he’d hoped to convince that she and he were an item, Ella gave Ford an extra sweet smile, then reached over and patted him innocently on the hand. “The Reverend certainly moves fast in a crisis.”
Lila gave her a curious look, then shifted her gaze back to Ford. “But Reverend, resorting to violence?” she asked. “Is that the Christian thing to do?”
“I prayed first, of course, and that was what I was led to do. The boys were attempting to use force and intimidate two innocent people, maybe even kidnap someone. I couldn’t allow that and remain true to my faith. I won’t attack someone, but when someone else begins an attack I am allowed to defend others to the best of my abilities.”
“Of course.” Lila looked at Ella, then back at him and smiled. “So I guess I won’t have to find you a date anymore?” Wordlessly, Ford reached for Ella’s hand, and Lila gave him a sad smile. “Too bad. I have a niece who’s visiting from Gallup, and I would have loved to have you over for dinner. Maybe some other time.”
As she moved away, Ford sighed with relief. “I just dodged a seriously large bullet. Lila is a good woman, but her mutton stew is just plain awful and that’s all she ever fixes.”
Ella laughed softly. “Actually this works for me, too. Mom will hear about us in an hour or so, if Lila’s communication skills are up to par. Of course Mom’ll be convinced that there’s something going on—particularly if I deny it,” she added, laughing. As their eyes met, Ella felt the powerful current of attraction between them. It was almost a physical pull—the electric rush that happened between the right man and woman. But there was more at play now than a physical attraction. She actually enjoyed Ford’s company a great deal.
They kept their topic neutral until Lila left the Totah, knowing how sharp her hearing was reputed to be. Breathing a sigh of relief as she strode out the door, Ella gave Ford a nod. “Now we can talk freely, so tell me what you’ve learned about the code.”
“I haven’t broken it, but I think I’ve got the key. Our Navajo Codetalkers made up their own terms for objects such as fighters, bombers, machine guns, and tanks, because there was no Navajo equivalent. I think that’s what Jimmy did with the nails, umbrellas, and such. We already suspect that the animals represent real people. So we need to find out who within his Army section or platoon, or associates, might have Trickster’s attributes—someone who appears to be one thing but is another. Unless Jimmy picked some less obvious link between real person and animal. The story has a pattern—maybe more than one. In my opinion, he’s used more than one code to conceal the message from the casual reader.”
“A modernist who searches for the pattern,” she teased. “You and my brother have more in common than you think.”
He shook his head. “Patterns are in every discipline—math, physics, politics. What separates your brother and me is rooted in incompatible ideologies and theologies. Common ground is not possible, not even at the most basic level. The most we can hope for is respect and tolerance.”
She remembered her father, and how he’d felt about her mom’s beliefs. In some ways, Ford and her father were cut from the same cloth. The thought disturbed her on some deep, visceral level. She wasn’t about to repeat the mistakes of the past, especially not those of her own parents.
They ate breakfast slowly and, by the time they finished, Ella was aware of the intense weariness creeping over her. It was always that way after a night of action. When the adrenaline stopped flowing, total exhaustion set in. “I’m going to have to go home and get some sleep. I’m winding down fast.”
“You look beat,” he agreed with a nod.
“Gee, thanks so much for the flattery. I’ll try not to let it go to my head,” she teased.
He laughed, then, after insisting on paying for breakfast, walked her to her cruiser.
“You’ll need to give a statement about what happened here,” Ella told him.
“My pleasure. I’ll go to the station next. It’s on my way, so it’s no problem.”
“Justine should be there. Ask her to help you,” Ella said.
Ella got underway soon, driving a bit slower than usual because she knew her responses and senses were reduced. It took her an extra five minutes to make the journey south from Shiprock and by the time she got home, she found Rose cleaning up in the kitchen.
Rose glanced up and saw Ella walk wearily toward the fridge and pour herself a glass of juice. “I�
�ve been so worried about you!” Rose said. “I was about to send out a search party. Why didn’t you call?”
“Mom, it’s been one thing after another,” she said, giving her the general highlights, but no details. “Where’s my daughter?” she asked, looking around. “Wasn’t there a teacher in-service today? No school for the kids.”
“Yes, but your daughter wanted to spend the day with her father, so she called him last night and he came over to pick her up.”
Ella rubbed the back of her neck with one hand. “Was there a special reason she was so eager to go over there?”
“He has a very fancy computer and a color printer. She wanted to use it to make up a chart she needs for her science class.” Rose took a deep breath. “That’s the bad news. But there’s good news. It seems she’s doing a paper on Navajo medicine plants. She even asked me for a medicine bundle she can carry with her.”
Ella smiled. Dawn was interested in almost everything these days, and her moods fluctuated as often as the weather. Despite that, she could understand why Rose was pleased. Her mother had great hopes that Dawn would become a member of the Plant Watchers someday. But, in her gut, Ella knew that Dawn would never follow in anyone’s footsteps. She’d be blazing her own trail. Watching her daughter grow up was like seeing a beautiful, unique flower develop and blossom. Ella hated to miss even one day of her daughter’s path to adulthood. She looked around the room, missing Dawn’s presence.
“You’re worried she’ll continue drifting more toward her father and less toward you,” Rose observed.
“I’m a little worried,” she admitted. “Kevin’s legal hold on her is tenuous. Since we never married, he can’t claim the rights of fatherhood in a court of law without making a big, public noise and I don’t think it’s in him to do that. But I’m sure he’s hoping that Dawn will decide on her own that she wants to live with him at least part time. If that happens, my trying to stop her is only going to make an already impossible situation even worse.”
“So what’s your plan?” Rose asked.
“I can be flexible. He could take her for a few days here and there when I’m working a case, particularly once you’re not here, and longer times during the summer. But I want her the rest of the time. I’m prepared to fight for that.”
“Your daughter’s father has always thought in terms of black and white. Mine or not mine. Legal or illegal. Convincing him to do what’s best for all—to adapt and flow with the rhythms of life—is going to be a tough sell. He’s just not that flexible.”
“Yeah, Mom, I know.” Ella yawned. She couldn’t think straight anymore. She had to go to bed, or she’d fall asleep standing up.
“Go get some rest, daughter. Then, when you wake up, you can tell me all about Reverend Tome.”
Ella’s eyes popped wide open. To think she’d believed that it would take hours for her mom to find out. She’d vastly underestimated Lila’s broadcasting system.
THIRTEEN
Ella woke up a little after 2 P.M. even though the house was quiet. Truly sound, restful sleep wouldn’t come until a day or so after the case was over and all the questions still roaming through her mind were settled.
After washing up, she went into the kitchen in search of something to eat, and saw her mother working at the table. “What’s that?” Ella asked, peering over her shoulder.
“My wedding list, but the more I think about it, the less I like the idea of making this into a big event—or an event at all. Bizaadii and I are both on limited incomes, and we’re not young people embarking on a new life. The end of our life’s walk is nearer now than the beginning, so one looks at things differently, I suppose. To spend truckloads of money on a wedding . . . well, it doesn’t seem right. We’re too old for all that nonsense.”
“So what’s on your mind? Do you want to elope?”
“You almost did.” Rose smiled.
“And you and Dad waited until the last moment to decide to come, remember? He was offended because I didn’t get married in his church, and you were annoyed that my husband and I chose to have the ceremony at his cousin’s house with the military chaplain.”
Rose was still smiling. “A Navajo wedding would have been nice. But you were still a vision of beauty in that white Irish lace dress.”
Ella couldn’t help but blush. “A borrowed dress, actually. I never told you, did I? You were just pleased that Dad said it was hard to decide which of us looked the most beautiful that day.”
Rose grinned even wider. “All true.”
Ella sighed. “Well, if you do decide to elope, at least give me a heads-up so I’ll know it’s coming.”
“The only thing holding me back is your daughter and my son’s son. I know I already have the blessing of you and your brother no matter what I choose to do, but I’m thinking that my two grandchildren should see a ceremony. It’ll help them accept Bizaadii as their grandfather.” She paused. “And I’d like you and your brother there, too.” Rose stood and went to the refrigerator.
“Mom, if you want a small ceremony, go for it. You’re calling the shots. It’s your wedding.”
“Do you really feel that way?” Rose asked, holding her gaze and searching her daughter’s heart.
“Sure, Mom. This is your day. But as long you’re asking me what I want . . . I sure wish Bizaadii would just move in with us. This house is large enough to accommodate one more person. And, best of all, we’d still be together. My daughter’s lived with you all her life. She’s really going to miss you.”
“I know. I’ve already spoken to her about this. And it’ll be hard on me, too, you know. Having her around keeps me feeling young.”
“Then stay,” Ella said.
Rose, filling a tortilla with food taken from the fridge, shook her head. “Bizaadii doesn’t feel comfortable being here since your father lived here with me once.” She paused, then added, “I wouldn’t feel comfortable either.”
Ella nodded slowly. “I understand, Mom. I just wish . . .”
“I know.”
While Rose sipped herbal tea, Ella ate the burrito her mom had prepared for her. Once finished, Ella took her plate to the sink and washed it off. “I have to go back to work now, but if my daughter returns, give me a call. I need to have a talk with her.”
“About staying with her father?” Seeing Ella nod, Rose added, “Would you like me to explain that she should get our permission first before calling her father and asking him to pick her up?”
Ella considered it for a moment then shook her head. “No, let me talk to her about this myself. I want to make sure she understands that last-minute plans only put added pressure on all the adults in her life.”
“The problem is that she’s learned her father will buy her whatever she wants. She goes over there in search of things. There are feelings involved all around, mind you, but I don’t think she looks that deeply into the consequences. She just goes with the moment.”
“I’ll handle it,” Ella said.
“Oh, one more thing. Remember that Boots will be leaving for a two-week vacation in a day or so. She’s decided to go to Albuquerque instead of Denver. But we’ll still keep the schedule we worked out earlier. I’ll be able to take care of my granddaughter.”
“I know we discussed this, but are you sure, I mean with the wedding and all . . .”
“It’ll be fine.”
In transit to the station, Ella called in and Justine answered and updated her. “Reverend Tome came in and gave us his statement. But Winston and Tony are still insisting on talking to you—and you alone.”
“What about?”
“I don’t know. Joe questioned them, but could only get scraps of information before they shut down completely. All I can tell you for sure is that they want you to get in contact with the leaders of the Many Devils. We’re not sure if that’s because they have information about carjackings or if they’re making a move to assert themselves in the community. Joe followed up by trying to question Joey Neska
hi, his nephew, but the kid has taken off. Joe’s sister told him that he’d called, telling her he wouldn’t be home for another day or so.”
“What are the gangs up to now?” Ella said thoughtfully, not expecting an answer.
“Hopefully, we’ll know more after you get here. I’ve already got the guys staring at the walls in the interview rooms.”
Ella arrived at the station less than ten minutes later. As she walked in, she saw Justine slapping the side of the vending machine.
“Give me my candy bar!” Justine roared, and then kicked the machine on the side. A second later, the candy bar fell down with a thud. “That’s better.”
“Talking to machines now, partner?”
Justine gave her a sheepish smile. “It always takes my money, but after that it gets snarky about giving me what I paid for. A good, swift kick works wonders.”
“How do you eat so many candy bars and not gain an ounce?” Ella asked, wishing the same could have been said about her. Gaining weight was becoming too easy these days, probably because she hadn’t been out jogging in forever.
“I burn it up in our weight room and by running the high school track at night. Well, that, and I’ve switched over to the lowcal bars.”
Ella pointed to the chocolate-and-almond bar Justine was unwrapping. “In what planet is that considered low cal?”
“I’m not a fanatic, Ella. Everyone needs a perk once in a while,” she answered with a sheepish grin.
“You’re hopeless,” Ella said, then walked with her to the interrogation rooms. Standing by the one-way glass, she looked in on each and made her choice. “This one first, Tony. He looks like he’s crawling out of his skin.”
“We put him in there an hour ago.”
“Good.” Ella was reaching for the doorknob when Blalock came down the hall.
“I heard about the incident and picked up some vibes from Sergeant Neskahi. Mind if I go in with you? You never know what these kids have managed to uncover by way of information. With luck, we may get a lead or two about either the carjackings or the case involving Jimmy Blacksheep.”