Earthcrack: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  More significantly for the present, Neal still seemed her best bet for finding out what Cullen was doing in the park when he died. In spite of all the information that had come out about Raymond Tso and his connections to Michael, Teddy, and yes, Darren Steele, there was still nothing conclusive to connect all that was going on now back to Cullen.

  At this point Lin had reached her car. She placed her files on the back seat and made a decision. She was going to try to find Neal and try, one more time, to get him to talk to her about his connection with Cullen. It might be useless, and it would certainly end any chance of their friendship moving forward, but she had to do it. This was really her only link left to explore. More information might come from this current case—if any of the parties involved shared what they might have known—but she couldn’t be certain of this. She had already exhausted her efforts with John Sessions and that had produced plenty of suspicions about the stolen art trade but no viable information about Cullen. Picking up her phone, she dialed Sue Gray’s cell number. She reached her quickly.

  “Hello,” Sue whispered, “I’m in the library. Let me go outside where I can talk.”

  In a few moments she returned to the line. “ I’m up to my ears in news articles about stolen art in the southwest. This is really a big story,” the reporter was talking now. “I can’t wait to share with you tonight but I’m going to be working another hour or maybe more. I exhausted the files at the Arizona Daily Sun so now I am researching other regional papers. I may not be home before seven or so.”

  “That’s ok,” Lin said, “ I’m not ready to go home yet either. I did want to tell you however, that Sessions’ young assistant spoke to me today and he says that stolen art does pass through the gallery. I doubt he would come forward though, and his word might not be sufficient for the authorities, but it does say you are on track with your search. Keep it up! Maybe you could call Sophie later so she won’t worry about us.” Lin then proceeded to tell Sue what she intended. She was going to try to reach Neal Smith and, if she could talk to him, was going to press him for whatever he knew. “ I have a lot more information to share with you but that can wait until we talk tonight.”

  “Please be careful,” Sue said, “and I do not mean that I think Smith would do you physical harm—I’m not so sure about your heart though.”

  “I know,” Lin confessed, “I am fond of him and I’m aware that pressing him on this subject will probably end our friendship for good, but I have to know what happened to Cullen and I think Neal is really my only link left to explore at this point—at least it seems so to me. Unless more information is revealed when this murder case is resolved fully, we may be left still not knowing what Cullen was doing in the park. I owe it to Sophie and her family to try—and to myself,” Lin added, “ I really have nothing to lose. Neal hasn’t called me since our last discussion ended so badly—maybe…” she did not finish her thought. “I’ll call you before I start back to your apartment later. We can talk then.” Lin ended the connection.

  Lin noted that it was past four-thirty. Perhaps Neal would have already left campus. She located his name in her contact list and tapped the button to place the call before she could change her mind.

  “ Neal Smith,” his deep, baritone voice sent a small shiver up Lin’s spine. “How can I help you?”

  “ Hello Neal, this is Lin. I’m in town for a few days taking care of some business and I thought perhaps we could get together,” Lin took a deep breath, “ I’m sorry about how our last evening together ended. I’ve missed you,” Lin realized as she spoke just how true this was.

  There was a long silence on the other end of the call. Finally, Neal spoke and Lin thought she detected a catch in his voice, “ Me too,” he said, “by all means we should get together. What are you doing now?”

  “Nothing really, I just finished some business but I’m free now,” Lin responded.

  “Then come to the university,” Neal sounded happy, “You can leave your car here and we can go somewhere for a drink—maybe dinner—if you have time.”

  “Sounds terrific,” Lin eagerly responded. She listened carefully as Neal described how to locate his office on campus and where to park. Soon she was navigating the crowded streets toward the university campus.

  She parked her car in a visitor’s spot Neal had told her about and entered the old sandstone building that housed the archeology department. It was a lovely old building—one of the original parts of the Northern Arizona campus. She was nervous as entered the elevator. She really did care for Neal—she was beginning to realize this more and more—but she was afraid that she was about to end any chances their friendship might have had, permanently. At the same time, she could not bring herself to pursue any relationship with someone she couldn’t trust. Taking a deep breath as she exited the elevator on the second floor, she determined to press on and take her chances.

  Neal greeted her in the reception area and introduced her to the department secretary and to two student assistants who were working there.

  “I’m glad to meet you,” Lin smiled as Neal took her elbow.

  “Let’s go into my office to talk for a few moments,” He smiled at her, “then we can decide where to go for drinks and dinner.” He led her down a short corridor to the last office on the right.

  As she followed Neal into his small but well-appointed office, he turned and trapped her against the closed door—placing his arms on either side of the door so that she could not pass by. His sparkling blue eyes seemed to burn as he beamed a warm smile.

  “I have missed you Lin Hanna,” he whispered, “I’m sorry our last evening ended as it did.” Before Lin could respond, Neal placed his warm hands on her shoulders and brought his lips down to hers. This time he did not hesitate—he kissed her hard and deeply and she found herself responding—answering with warmth of her own as she slipped her arms about his waist and allowed herself to enjoy his embrace. It had been so long since she had experienced the warm feeling that now raced through her body. Lin had dated other men since she lost Ben but she had never felt like she did at this moment. She felt elation and fear—knowing that there were still questions to be asked and answered and realizing that these might mean the end—not the beginning of this relationship.

  Neal gently pulled himself back—breaking their embrace—but he continued to lavish her with looks of affection.

  “Do sit down,” he indicated a small sofa at the side of his office and sat down beside her as she seated herself.

  “Lin, I’m sorry that I left things as I did at our last meeting,” Neal was serious, he took her hand in his and gently stroked it. “ I wasn’t being fair to you.”

  Lin nodded, “and I was probably not fair to you either.” She looked into his eyes trying to determine if she could sense more trust there—more readiness to build an open and honest relationship. She still couldn’t be sure, but she knew she had to try.

  “I guess we need to talk more—about us.” She desperately wanted to add “and about what happened to Cullen,” but she was still afraid. She hoped that maybe he would bring it up himself—if she gave him the chance.

  “We do,” Neal responded, “but not here. I know just the place.” He rose and went to his desk where he began to straighten things up and place papers in his briefcase, “ I hope you have time for drinks and dinner—the Jackson Grill is a special place and I want to take you there.”

  “I have plenty of time,” Lin smiled. “I’m staying with Sue Gray at Walnut Canyon but I called her so she won’t be expecting me home early.”

  Neal’s look clearly said that he wished Sue were not expecting her home at all that evening but Lin quickly added, “ We have some things to talk about tonight, but it is early yet so there is plenty of time for us to enjoy a good dinner—and a talk of our own.” She gave Neal a warm smile that she hoped showed she was serious and was genuinely happy to be with him—but she couldn’t promise more just yet—not until she knew where he stood—no
t until she was sure she could trust him.

  The drive south of Flagstaff led them through the tall ponderosa pines. The forest fairly glowed in warm late-afternoon sunlight. The Jackson Grill was housed in a rustic lodge amid beautiful grounds. Inside was a beautiful dining room with views of the forest from large windows. Linen draped tables and soft lighting indicated a certain sophistication amid the rustic setting.

  Neal spoke to the hostess and they were directed to a small table next to a window in an intimate corner of the dining room. Here the other guests couldn’t easily overhear them. It was still early but there were a few diners already seated.

  Lin ordered a glass of red wine and Neal asked for dark ale. Their drinks arrived with a crock of sharp cheddar cheese and a basket of whole grain crackers. A relish tray of raw vegetables soon followed.

  “Enjoy, but save room for dinner,” Neal winked at her as she hungrily dipped a celery stalk into the tangy cheese, “the food here is terrific.”

  “Lunch was a long time ago,” Lin only vaguely remembered the soup and salad from Coyote Cafe, “and I have had a busy afternoon,” she added.

  “What have you been up to,” Neal asked—spreading a cracker for himself.

  Lin decided to be truthful. She would share what she could about her activities, but she wasn’t ready to bring up the Cullen connection just yet. She started to update Neal on happenings since the recent park deaths—those he knew about already, of course. Lin was not sure how much he knew of subsequent activities so, at the risk of repeating what he might already know, she discussed the arrest of Michael and Teddy, the attack on Sophie, the involvement of Raymond Tso, and the connections to Henry Piestewa and Darren Steele.

  Lin carefully omitted any information about John Sessions and his possible art theft involvements—after all they might not be connected to the present case anyway. Neal listened thoughtfully, without interrupting her. As she concluded her story, Lin indicated that she felt the authorities were on the right track to solve these most recent murders.

  “I’m hopeful that Michael and Teddy may be released tomorrow, after they talk to Billy Taylor and tell him what they were doing for Raymond Tso. It looks like Tso—or someone connected to him—may be responsible for these killings. He certainly has used violence to get his way in the past and seems to be continuing to do so now.” Lin paused as the waiter had come to take their order for dinner.

  Her wine glass refilled and her order taken, Lin sat back to enjoy Neal’s company. He seemed thoughtful since she had told him what had happened thus far, as if he were considering what to say about all these events. He took a drink from his frosty mug of ale and sat back, looking at her across the dimly lit table. The sun was beginning to set and it was growing gradually darker outside but the dining room basked in a lovely golden glow.

  Neal looked deeply into her eyes, “You are a very special woman Lin Hanna. You are smart and most attractive,” his look was one of caring and affection, “but, most importantly, you care for others—truly care—and you act accordingly. You don’t just offer sympathy or empathy; you try to help try to make things right. Not many people will go the extra mile for others. It takes a special person to do so.” He paused thoughtfully as if considering what to say next.

  “Thank you,” Lin responded. “I doubt if I truly live up to such high standards but I do try to help when I think that I can do some good—especially when I see those who do not seem to have the power that others do.”

  Neal reached across the table and took her hand in his, “And I have been very unfair to you. I know that now. I’ve had time to think about my own behavior over the past few weeks—not just where you are concerned—but about a lot of things. I’m not particularly proud of what I’ve discovered about myself but I intend to make things right with you. I’ll try to help you find out what happened to Cullen, if I can. In fact, I want to know for myself also.”

  “Then you did know him?” Lin asked cautiously.

  “I did,” Neal said, “and I’ll tell you about that.”

  Just as Lin started to speak, their meals arrived. All talk ceased for a few moments as the waiter placed perfectly prepared filet mignon in front of Lin along with steamed asparagus and garlic seasoned potatoes. It looked wonderful, as did Neal’s grilled salmon and wild rice.

  When the waiter had completed serving and they were once again alone, Neal leaned forward. “I want to tell you what was going on with Cullen, but I must ask that you keep it under your hat so to speak. I could be in serious trouble with my superiors at the university if some of this information became known to them.”

  Lin smiled at Neal reassuringly, “My only interest is in finding out what happened to Cullen for the sake of his family. You already know that his death has been ruled an accident. I have shared information that I think is important for the current case with Michael’s lawyer and with Deputy Taylor—but they are no longer investigating anything that pertains to Cullen.” Lin wanted to know what Neal had to say but, in all fairness, she had to add to what she had just told him.

  “ I have to tell you though that, depending upon what happens in this case, Cullen’s death could be open to further investigation and, if that happens, I would feel that I had to share what I knew so…if you do not wish to tell me, I will understand.” Lin held her breath as Neal considered what she had just said.

  Once again, Neal reached out to touch her hand, “I do understand what you are saying and, if the case of Cullen’s death is reopened, I ‘d understand your need to speak up. I will say that I don’t know how Cullen died—whether it was an accident or not. I wasn’t present at that time and I had nothing to do with what happened to him in the park. I hope you believe me when I say that. If they reopen that case well—I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it—but I would not expect you to keep silent.”

  Lin squeezed Neal’s hand, “I do understand and I do believe you.” Some innate inner sense told her that Neal was being truthful. She smiled and released his hand, “ Now I ‘m going to enjoy this steak before it gets cold and you should not let that salmon be wasted either. We can finish our talk over coffee later.”

  For the next moments they both enjoyed the wonderful meal. The only conversation was small talk about each other’s interests and things Lin hoped to see and do before she left Arizona at the end of the upcoming summer.

  “And I sincerely hope that I can share some of those adventures with you,” Neal smiled as he finished his meal and pushed his plate away, “if only you will let me be part of your life,” he added softly.

  “I think I’d like to share those things with you as well,” Lin smiled.

  They were both too full for dessert so they asked only for coffee. When the waiter had placed steaming mugs of rich dark brew in front of them, Neal sat back, “Now for the rest of my story.”

  “Cullen Honeyestewa was a fine man and a true leader in his tribe,” Neal began his tale. “He was a good friend. Sometimes he worked with me on digs near the park and reservation. Other times he came to my classes to speak to my students about Hopi culture and history.” He stared out the window as he spoke.

  Turning back to Lin, he continued, “ About a year ago, I made perhaps the most serious mistake of my career. Cullen came to me with pictures of some pottery he had found while exploring some of the backcountry areas near Lomaki. I never saw the actual pots but from the photos I could tell that they were very old, in excellent condition, and probably very valuable. Cullen’s nephew was in some trouble on the reservation. He owed money to a loan shark—I expect it was this fellow Tso who has caused so much trouble recently—and Cullen wanted to help him get back on track. He wanted to sell those pots. He knew it was wrong but he felt driven to help his family. He asked me to help him.” Neal slowly stirred some sugar into his coffee as he talked. His eyes found Lin’s, searching to learn her reaction to all this.

  Lin said nothing but tried to remain calm and reassuring. She reached across the table and
took Neal’s hand briefly in her own.

  “I decided to help him. I put him in touch with a friend of mine whom I knew could and would market these things for him—and share the money with me—that was my mistake and I still regret it,” Neal’s eyes revealed his true anguish.

  “Was that friend John Sessions?” Lin was almost afraid to ask but felt she had to.

  Neal nodded. He continued his story. “The arrangements were all made. John was sending someone to meet with Cullen—neither he nor I were to be directly involved in the exchange. I believe Darren Steele, one of the victims in this most recent case, was the man John was sending. Well, the exchange never happened. Darren reported that Cullen never showed up and then he ran off somewhere. That was a year ago.”

  The waiter came by to refill their coffees. Then Neal resumed his tale. “ For a while I thought, perhaps, my students and I could find these pots—in fact that was part of what I was doing with them in the park—although they were learning good field techniques too. Then Cullen’s body was found and then the other men died. I realized what a huge mistake I’d made to even think of getting involved in the stolen art trade. I must have been crazy—crazy for money I guess! Anyway, I’ve sworn never to even think of getting into something like that again. I’ve told John to count me out of anything else and I will not try to find that pottery anymore! I’m done. But I could still get into a lot of trouble—just for what I’ve already done—and I know that. I wish I could make it right somehow but…how can I? It could cost me my career.”