When she arrived at the center for work, Toby greeted her. “You have a message from Sue Gray—she wants you to call her at Walnut Canyon as soon as you can.”
“Thanks, I’ll do it now before we get too busy,” Lin responded. She noted that the shared workroom at the back of the office area was vacant. Toby was on the desk and Danielle was in her office. She could speak to Sue with some degree of privacy.
When she reached her friend, she greeted her, “ I have a lot to talk to you about, Sue. My Saturday was pretty interesting.”
“Mine too, that’s why I was calling. I wanted to call yesterday but I was too busy here at the park all day,” Sue said.
“Same here,” Lin responded, “ but I only have to work a few hours this morning and then I am off here.” She lowered her voice, “ I’m meeting Michael’s mother at the jail. I hope to be able to visit him. He’s not talking—not even to his attorney. Sophie is worried that he’s not trying to help himself so I offered to go with her.”
“ I see,” Sue responded, “ I get off at three today. Maybe we could meet somewhere after your visit. I learned a lot myself this weekend. We need to discuss what to do next—this situation is getting complicated.”
“Meet me at Heritage Square about three-thirty, if you can make it,” Lin said. “ We can talk and then maybe have an early dinner somewhere.”
“It’s a date,” Sue responded, “I’ll be there.”
Lin observed that the visitor center was still quiet and Danielle was still closed up in her office so she decided to take a few minutes to try to phone Michael’s attorney.
She dialed the number for David Cameron’s office. A pleasant female voice answered. When Lin introduced herself and asked to speak to Mr. Cameron she was told that he was in court and probably would be there all morning.
“ Would he have a few moments to see me this afternoon,” Lin asked, “ I have some information regarding the young man he is defending in these recent killings—the victims found out at Wupatki—and I really need to share this with him.”
“Let’s see,” the receptionist responded. “It looks like he has some time between two and three this afternoon.”
“Put me down for two-thirty,” Lin decided. She should be finished with the jail visit before then—they were probably limited to an hour there anyway. She concluded her call and headed down the hall toward the front desk.
As she passed Danielle’s office, she noted that the door was open and Danielle was examining some papers on her desk. Lin decided to take a chance…
“I saw that someone from the sheriff’s department was here early today, I was out walking on the mesa and saw the car pull in—any news?” she queried.
Danielle gave her a smile—“Always curious, aren’t you?”
Lin felt a bit embarrassed but it was too late to withdraw her question now.
Danielle gestured for her to sit down, “ That’s ok, I’m curious myself about all that has been going on.” She indicated the papers on her desk, “ this is a copy of the police report on the case of those two men found last week—at least what they have so far. Billy—that is Deputy Taylor—brought it out this morning.”
Danielle handed some of the first pages to Lin and continued reading herself.
Lin couldn’t believe her good fortune—she had felt forced to sneak a copy of the report on Cullen’s death.
The two women read in silence for a while, Danielle handing Lin pages as she finished them. Some of the information they already knew but there were some new facts as well. Finally, they had both completed the report.
“ The medical report is rather strange,” Lin commented. “One victim was hit on the head with something big and heavy and he also had stab wounds, while the other was shot. No weapons recovered as yet.”
“Yes,” Danielle responded. “Deputy Taylor has concluded that the same person may not be responsible for both deaths”
“ That would seem to raise even more questions about the arrest of those boys from the reservation,” Lin added.
“Maybe, maybe not,” Danielle reflected. “There were two boys remember. Billy said that they may have worked together—one had a knife, the other a gun.”
Lin noted with interest that Danielle had slipped back to referring to Deputy Taylor as Billy—perhaps they were friends?
“In any case—no weapons have been found, right?”
“That’s true—at least not thus far.” Danielle looked back at the report.
“They did find Darren Steele’s truck across the main road near a forest service road and hidden behind some junipers. He had a lot of tools and a topographical map of the park, but no weapons were found. They also found lots of footprints in the area where the bodies were found. They could match the victims and ours and they also found tracks they believe belonged to the boys. They found others also—probably from back country hikers,” Danielle sighed, “ it seems we can never keep folks from entering the back country without permission.”
“ Yes, I knew that the truck had been found but I didn’t know about the tools or the map,” Lin said thoughtfully, “ I guess back country hiking is always a problem with our limited personnel situation here. Since we have had no rain recently it would be almost impossible to know when footprints were made—unless they belong to someone we know was there—like us.”
Danielle smiled, “ That’s true. Those other prints could have been made by almost anyone at any time—some of them probably belong to Neal’s students—and there certainly could be others.”
Lin wondered why Danielle seemed to be so willing to share this report and to discuss it. Her attitude seemed quite different than it had been when Lin talked to her earlier about looking into what happened to Cullen. She wondered at the change—as well as her seeming familiarity with Deputy Taylor. Well, the latter was simply personal business but she felt she could address the change in attitude and decided to go ahead.
“ I know that I told you I wouldn’t try to find out anything about this current police investigation. I certainly don’t want to cause any problems there at all—but since you have shared this information with me—I’m beginning to really feel that there is some connection between Cullen’s death and these more recent killings. Too many things seem connected—the place, the belt buckle, and—most especially—the arrest of Michael Honeyestewa and his friend. I seem to see connections everywhere I look.” Lin said.
Danielle sat back in her chair and stared thoughtfully at the report on her desk. Finally she spoke, “I’m afraid that you’re right. I hate to think that the park has been the focus of criminal activity at any time but I must agree with you. There has to be some sort of connection here. Billy, still doesn’t think so, but I can’t ignore it either.”
Noting, once again, the familiar reference to Deputy Taylor, Lin responded. “ I appreciate your candor and your willingness to keep an open mind. I want to be honest with you and I can’t seem to avoid these connections. I’m trying to help the Honeyestewa family and that is what my focus will continue to be. I can promise that, should I uncover any information related to this most recent case, I ‘ll take it to Deputy Taylor right away.”
“I think that is all you can do,” Danielle responded, “but please be careful.”
Lin turned to the remaining pages of the report. She had found some interesting background information there regarding the victims and she wanted to explore this further but she had already taken up a lot of time and she knew Danielle had a busy schedule.
“Would you mind if I made a copy of some of these pages?” Lin asked. “I know you are busy and I have to get out front and help Toby, but there is some background information regarding these victims which I would like to read in more detail. I wonder about possible connections between Henry Piestewa and Cullen and how the other man fit into everything.”
“Sure, go ahead,” Danielle responded, “ In fact, I think most of the background information has been made public already. Billy
didn’t tell me not to share any of this,” she added. “Cullen and Henry certainly had connections—they both shared responsibility for collecting eaglets and feathers for their clan. I don’t know how the other man fit in though.”
Lin gathered the pages and headed for the copier. She made her copy and placed it in a closed envelope that she left in her desk drawer in the shared office. She would have time to read it more carefully later.
The remainder of the morning passed quickly even though things were a bit slower in the visitor center since it was Monday. Lin was working on a new presentation regarding the early rangers who lived in the ruin and who were the first occupants of the house Danielle now occupied. Civilian Conservation Corps workers had built the house—a lovely stone dwelling that reflected the architecture of the ruins themselves. It had been completed in 1941. Lin had found a nice collection of photos that showed the home through the years. It was now on the National Register of Historic Sites. Perhaps, when the presentation was complete, she could prepare a small display on the home for the center.
Noon arrived before Lin realized it. Putting her work away and hastily retrieving the envelope containing the police report, Lin hurried to her apartment to change. She didn’t take time for lunch, as she didn’t want to be late meeting Sophie. She could grab a bite later when she met Sue.
Chapter 21
Lin pulled into the parking lot at the Coconino County Jail just at one o’clock. Scanning the parked vehicles, she spotted the truck which belonged to Sophie’s father; Cullen’s truck was probably still in police hands, Lin surmised. Leaving the police report in her car to be reviewed later, Lin got out and walked to meet Michael’s mom who was now waiting on the sidewalk near the jail entrance.
Lin noticed that Sophie was carrying a large basket, presumably loaded with food for Michael. At least, the aromas were enticing.
“Can I help you carry anything?” Lin offered.
“ No thanks, it’s all here,” Sophie managed a small smile, “I brought enough for us too. Maybe, we can eat outside with Michael. I hope so anyway.”
The two women entered the building and Sophie spoke to the officer at the desk. Lin held back, hoping that she would be allowed to visit with Sophie. She noticed that the officer looked at her with some recognition; it was the same person who had been on reception when she came to see Deputy Taylor
“You will need to sign in,” the officer nodded in Lin’s direction, “ and you must stay with Sophie. You must both leave in one hour but Michael can meet you outside. You can eat at one of the picnic tables.”
“ Thank you,” Lin and Sophie spoke together. The officer directed them to a side door and they exited to the patio area. They entered what could have been a pleasant sitting area had it not been for the high walls topped with barbed wire. There were several tables and some other patio chairs even a few potted plants about.
Sophie chose a table and began to unpack her basket. She had brought a picnic cloth that she placed on the table. Soon she had a generous lunch spread out—mutton stew, beans, fry bread, and several bottles of water. As she finished she looked up. Michael was approaching with a guard.
The guard spoke to Michael softly, indicating that he would be waiting just inside the door, but he did remove the handcuffs from the boy. “Enjoy your lunch,” he offered as he stepped just inside and took a chair.
Michael hugged his Mother and nodded at Lin. “I remember you. You came to visit a couple of weeks ago,” the boy said.
“Yes,” Lin responded, “I’ve been trying to find out more about what happened to your uncle Cullen. I know you and your family still have a lot of questions.”
Michael’s expression did not reveal any feelings and he did not respond. The boy sat down and began to fill his plate with the good food his Mother had brought. Sophie handed Lin a plate also so she joined them. She had, after all, not eaten lunch and this stuff smelled great. Soon she was enjoying a generous helping of mutton stew and some fry bread that was simply out of this world—light and puffy. She wondered how it had managed to remain so considering the long ride in from the reservation.
Sophie and Michael engaged in some small talk about family and friends as they ate but neither raised the issue of what Michael and his friend Teddy were facing. Lin desperately wanted to talk to the boy but she knew he would simply shut her down if she were not careful so she waited. Finally, the lunch complete, Sophie turned to her son.
“Michael, I brought Ms. Hanna with me because she wants to tell you something. Something that might help your case—please listen,” there was pleading in Sophie’s voice.
Michael said nothing but he did turn to look at Lin. Encouraged that he was, at least, listening, Lin proceeded to tell him about the medical examiner reporting that the two men died during the weekend, most likely Saturday.
“I know that your grandmother still had that belt buckle on Sunday when I was at your home. She didn’t give it to you until later. That means that you couldn’t have been at the crime scene during the weekend. You were there on Monday like you said earlier. I’ve already told that to Deputy Taylor.”
Michael spoke slowly and softly, “Yes, but Deputy Taylor doesn’t believe me. He will never believe me and he thinks my family is lying to protect me.”
“ Maybe he could believe you, if you would talk about when you were there and why,” Lin ventured. “The belt buckle was yours and you evidently dropped it there at some time but, if you will not talk about what you were doing, the authorities can believe anything they want.” Lin wanted to be encouraging but it was hard under the circumstances. She felt that she couldn’t avoid the obvious facts of the case and only Michael could explain these.
“ It is no use. If I talk I will just make things worse for everyone—including Teddy and my family. The deputies never believe natives tell the truth anyway,” Michael was sullen as he spoke.
“What about your lawyer?” Lin asked, “ At least talk to him. Tell him what happened. He can’t help you if he does not know the facts.” She went on to explain to Michael about client confidentiality. “Your lawyer can’t reveal anything to others that you tell him, unless you say it is ok, but with no information he can’t help you. He needs to know the truth—even if you do not want to tell anyone else.”
The guard had returned to the patio, indicating that the time allotted for the visit was over. Sophie rose and grabbed Michael in a big bear hug, “ You are a good son Michael—you have made some bad choices but you are young and you have your whole life ahead of you, if you can get this mess cleared up. I do not believe you are a killer—neither do your grandparents and,” she looked at Lin, “ neither does Ms. Hanna and she is trying to help you by telling the authorities whatever she can find that might help out.” A desperate tone entered Sophie’s voice, “ but Michael, it is up to you. If you do not help yourself nothing good can happen. You have to take a chance and talk to your lawyer—please.”
Michael shuffled his feet and looked at the ground. The guard moved to place him back in cuffs. As the guard began to pull him away, Michael looked at his mother, “I’ll try he said. I ‘ll talk to the lawyer.” The guard led him away.
Lin helped Sophie to clear up the remains of their lunch and pack up the basket
“Maybe our visit has helped him,” Lin said hopefully, “Maybe he will share information with Mr. Cameron he is not willing to share even with you at this point”
“I hope so,” Sophie said. “I have no idea why he was at that crime scene but I do believe him that it was on Monday when he and Teddy were there. He will not say anything more to me but maybe…” tears began to well in her eyes.
As they walked back through the jail reception area to the parking lot, Lin spoke. “Please try to have faith and hang in there,” she said, “ I’m going right now to see David Cameron. I’ll tell him what I know and what you have told me. I’ll tell him that Michael may talk, if he understands that information will only be shared with his permiss
ion and to help his case. We can hope that the truth will soon be known by everyone.”
Sophie tried to smile but her sadness was still quite evident. “Thank you for coming and thank you for what you are trying to do for my family. I have already lost my brother and I don’t want to lose my son. Something very bad is happening here and it must stop before any of us can have any peace.” Sophie placed her basket in the truck and turned to go. “ Again, I thank you—and my family thanks you.”
“And I thank you for letting me come with you today—and for the wonderful lunch,” Lin clasped Sophie’s hand as she got into the truck.
After Sophie had pulled out, Lin returned to her car. It was almost two-thirty and she had to hurry to make her appointment with David Cameron. She had to admit to some misgivings concerning the public defender. She knew that such offices were sometimes staffed mostly with young attorneys fresh out of law school. She also wondered just how seriously the defense of young Native Americans might be addressed in such circumstances—especially if the defendants appeared uncooperative and there was strong evidence against them.
As she was ushered into David Cameron’s office a few minutes later, she was pleasantly surprised. As Cameron rose and extended his hand in greeting she saw a young but very poised professional—young, but not fresh out of law school—she placed him in his mid-thirties.
“I’m happy to see you Ms. Hanna,” Cameron offered her a comfortable chair near the window and sat down opposite, “I understand you have some information about my clients. I would welcome anything you can share. My instincts tell me these boys are innocent but I’m not getting any cooperation from them.” His earnestness revealed a man who clearly took his work seriously and wanted to help his clients.
“I’m happy to help, if I can, “ Lin offered, “I agree with you—I don’t think these boys killed these men but I’m afraid I do not know what they were doing at the scene of the crime.” Lin proceeded to bring Cameron up to date on what she did know. She told him about the discovery of Cullen’s body earlier and of his connection to Michael. She also explained the connection of the eagle-head belt buckle. She observed that David Cameron was taking her information very seriously—making notes as she talked. After she had told him about her visit to the reservation and seeing the belt buckle still with Michael’s grandmother on Sunday, she saw him pause…
Earthcrack: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 22