Death Walker

by Aimée

  “Where will you be?”

  “I’m going back to talk to Duncan James.”

  Justine nodded. “I remember he was at Haske’s lecture. I know he was a wannabe Singer who never really followed through with it. Have you learned something more about him?”

  “I haven’t got a thing on him, not even a gut feeling. All I know is that he’s interested in the past, and he attends the free lectures. What interests me is why he never pursued being a Singer. I’m also wondering if he’s thinking about going into it now because of the gossip about skinwalkers and things getting out of balance. It’s only a fishing expedition, but who knows? It might lead someplace.”

  “Then I hope it turns out better than my visit with Betty Lott.”

  “Did you manage to find her?”

  “Oh yeah, for all the good it did me. Seems Betty disagrees with everything her mother has to say about any given subject. I think she’s interested in our traditional ways mostly because Anna hates them. There’s such animosity between those two!”

  “It happens that way sometimes between mothers and daughters. They can be too alike, or not alike enough. Either of those can cause trouble.”

  Justine nodded. “Bottom line though was that I came up empty. I just don’t think Betty knows anything we can use. I certainly hope you have better luck than I’ve had when you talk to James. We’re running out of leads.”

  “No, not really. I still have to check back with Bruce Cohen. Yazzie may have decided to trade. Plan on being here at the post office all day if I get hung up, okay? If you need someone to relieve you, call me. I’ll pass the request on to Big Ed myself.”

  “I won’t need anyone. I’ve been on stakeouts before. I can handle this.”

  Ella nodded. “Just don’t let boredom make you complacent. And stay in touch with me.”

  “Will do, boss.”

  As Ella drove back to the Rez, she speculated on the best way to approach Duncan James. There was no way to tell how he felt about her family. She’d have to sound him out, and go slowly. There were so few leads in this case, she had to stir up the waters whenever possible to see what came to the surface.

  Forty minutes later, she arrived at James’s garage, just outside Shiprock. James did good business here, catering to travelers going through the Four Corners area in every direction. She parked where she wouldn’t block any of his service bays and walked inside.

  The high-pitched sound of an air hammer seemed to echo back at her with incredible intensity. She went to the man crouched in front of a tire he’d just lifted down from a car on a rack. “I’m a police officer. My name is Ella Clah. Are you the owner?”

  “That’s me, Duncan James,” he answered, and turned around. “What can I do for you?” His eyes narrowed as they settled on her. “I know who you are. You let Tony shoot himself right in front of his little girl. What brings you here?”

  The unexpected backlash from the hostage situation struck her like a slap in the face. With effort, she decided to let the vicious remark pass. “At the moment, I’m tracking down anyone who ever attended the lectures our recent murder victim gave.” Since Ella wasn’t really sure if James had attended those or not, she waited without elaborating.

  “Yeah, I went to a few. So what?”

  “No problem. I’ve heard about you, that’s all. Since you’ve got a little more life experience than the students who normally go to them, I was hoping you could help us.”

  “What do you need?” James regarded her thoughtfully.

  “You’ve been to some of the lectures. Did anyone there ever strike you as a troublemaker or seem clearly out of place?”

  James considered it. “The kids, for the most part, never seem to belong at those lectures, if you want the truth. They just don’t show the right attitude. They wear their new jeans, and shirts with somebody else’s name on them. They listen to country music before class, after class, and sometimes during it. They want to learn, but they don’t really want to commit to anything.”

  “What about you? This is a pretty modern, high-tech operation,” she said waving around at the garage and its collection of hydraulic tools and computerized analyzers. “Yet I heard there was a time you wanted to be a Singer.”

  “I did, then I realized it would take years and years, and I had to find a way to make a living to support my kids.”

  “Do you regret your decision now?”

  He considered it in silence for a long time. “I’m not sure. Sometimes I’d say yes but, you know, the most you can do is master some Songs. And even that takes a long time. Being a mechanic is more practical.” James shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe it’s like looking back and thinking of the girl you left behind. There’s always a little bit of regret for what might have been.”

  “As a gas station owner, you see almost everyone sooner or later. You hear a lot of talk most of us never would. Do you know if the victim had any enemies?”

  He rubbed his jaw. “I know about Steven Nez. He was going out with the dead man’s daughter, and he already has a wife.”

  “Do you think he could have been the killer?”

  “No, but that’s the closest the old man ever got to having an enemy, as far as I know.” James wiped his oily hands on a rag. “Now I have a question for you. I’ve heard the rumors that skinwalkers are active again,” he said, his voice barely audible. “Many think the Dineh are in for some rough times. I’ve given it some thought, too, but there’s something that doesn’t add up to me. If skinwalkers are becoming active, wouldn’t you and your brother be the logical targets? Why pick on an old man like the historian?” He looked at her thoughtfully. “The only answer that makes sense to me is that the murder was carried out to incite you, and the choice of a victim was more or less random.”

  Ella considered the implications. James had brought up a good point that hadn’t occurred to her. Up to now, she hadn’t considered the possibility that the murder had been a way to get her involved, knowing her position in the tribal police. “Call me, anytime, day or night, if you hear anything,” she said, handing him her card.

  “No answer to my question?”

  “I don’t have one. I’ll have to think about it.”

  “You do that,” he muttered.

  As Ella walked back to her vehicle, her mind was racing. She’d suspected that the elaborate staging at the murder scene had been done to divert her from the true motive of the crime. But maybe her theory had been too simplistic. Perhaps it was a little bit of both. The killer had wanted to confuse and distract her, but at the same time, he’d wanted to make sure she was involved. Maybe the staging had been the killer’s way of challenging her. That sounded like Peterson Yazzie again. As an ex-cop he certainly would have all the knowledge needed to direct and misdirect at the same time.

  As she drove back to Farmington, intending to relieve Justine, Ella received a radio call. The dispatcher informed her that Peterson Yazzie was asking for a visit. “He won’t talk to anyone but you,” the dispatcher added, “Dr. Kring wants to know how soon you can get there. He needs to speak with you too.”

  “Concerning what?”

  “The doctor wouldn’t say.”

  “Okay, I’m on my way. Tell him to expect me. ‘Four?”

  “Ten-four.”

  Ella racked the mike. To assume that Peterson was about to hand over the name of the person behind the bomb incident just didn’t sound right. Something more was going on. That would also explain Kring’s eagerness to see her.

  Ella felt tension coiling all through her body. She had no desire to meet Peterson face-to-face again, but her fear was ridiculous under the circumstances. Although Peterson had tried to kill her before with a shotgun, at the psychiatric hospital he was unarmed. She’d handled tougher men hand-to-hand while making arrests, and there’d be plenty of orderlies around if things got rough. She’d be in no danger whatsoever.

  Despite the logic of it, Ella felt her hands grow clammy with sweat. She picke
d up the mike and radioed Justine. A moment later, the line secure, she got an update on the stakeout.

  “If you need me there, I can delay this meeting,” Ella said.

  “No. Nothing’s happening here. In fact, the parking lot is almost empty right now. Business won’t pick up again until the work crowd starts heading home.”

  “All right. I’ll come and relieve you as soon as possible.”

  “No rush. If one of us has to pay Yazzie a visit, then I’m glad it’s you. You have far more experience with him than I do, and I have a feeling I’d be hopelessly outmatched. He scares the bejeezus out of me, to be honest.”

  Ella bit back the obvious reply. He scared the bejeezus out of her too. Crazy people had a way of doing that. Normal rules and constraints didn’t apply to them, so their behavior was always unpredictable. With Yazzie it was all that and more. “He’s not an easy one to deal with. But he’s just a man,” she replied staunchly. “Of course, he does have a few more tricks up his sleeve than an ordinary crook.”

  There was a pause at the other end. “He’s dangerous. Don’t kid yourself.”

  There was something so sobering about Justine’s tone. Ella felt her stomach clench. “Yeah, well, I’ll keep it in mind. Ten-four.”

  As she drove toward the hospital, she tried to psych herself up for that meeting. The last time Peterson had spoken to her was the day she’d taken him into custody. He’d given her a brief warning. She could still see him in her mind’s eye mouthing the words “we’re not finished with you.” As time had gone by, Ella had viewed it as just another threat from a disturbed felon. Now she wasn’t so sure.

  A short time later, Ella was escorted through the last security door in the hospital lobby, and up to Dr. Kring’s office.

  The tall Anglo was pacing behind his desk as she walked in. His gray eyes were framed by lines of tension. “I’m glad you’re here. We’re having major problems with Yazzie. He’s increasingly hostile, and is making the lives of my staff miserable. None of the methods I use on my other patients work with him. I was hoping you could give me some insights on how to deal with him. I don’t believe in this skinwalker stuff, but I’m willing to use his own beliefs to control him. Is there any way to neutralize his supposed powers?”

  “No, not really. I mean there are complex ceremonies, but they’re meant to restore harmony and undo any harm the skinwalker has caused. Peterson wouldn’t be touched by it. Even if you brought in a Singer, Peterson would be up to his old tricks the second he left.”

  Kring’s hands clenched into fists, then slowly unclenched. “He’s undermining the morale of my staff, and I’ve only got the best, most professional people around.”

  “What’s going on now?”

  “He’s insisting on having his personal radio. He wants to listen to the Navajo station. Initially I said no. Then, from what I understand, he asked his lawyer to contact you.”

  “Cohen did, but when I spoke to him, I agreed to put in a good word with you only if Peterson gave me the name of someone I’m looking for.”

  Kring nodded slowly. “Okay. I understand what’s happening. Either he doesn’t want to give you the name or he doesn’t have one. But he’s determined to get me to agree to the damn radio, and he’s hedging his bets.”

  “How?”

  “He’s playing tricks. If I find his accomplice, I’ll barbecue his butt, then make sure he never gets a job like this again.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “When I confined Yazzie to his room, he promised to make things difficult for everyone else too.” He gestured toward the wall. “Then the electric power in this institution started going off and on at random. I’ve had two electricians out here, and nobody can explain it. It isn’t happening anywhere else in the area, just at this institution. They’ve checked the wiring, but so far they’ve found nothing.”

  Ella shrugged. “He’s definitely using this problem of yours, but he may not be responsible for it.”

  “You think that hadn’t occurred to me? But let me tell you what happened last night. The electricians had been here and the lights were on again. I was about to go home when I learned that Yazzie had asked to telephone his lawyer. I went to talk to him myself. I told him he’d have to wait until morning. His behavior didn’t warrant any special favors.”

  “What happened then?”

  “He was furious with me. I could see it on his face. Then he went to the light switch. Two orderlies stepped toward him and he stopped. He stared and stared at the switch. I finally got up to leave. By the time I stepped into the hall, we were in total darkness again. I could hear him laughing inside his room.”

  “He wants you to think his powers can even affect electricity. The timing was pure luck.”

  “Yes, but he knows how to milk it, and he’s got half of my staff ready to quit. I want things back to normal. I’m sick and tired of all his games. I’m ready to give Yazzie a battery-powered radio just as long as he behaves. We don’t allow electrical cords in a patient’s room because they could use them to hang themselves or choke someone. Do you have any objections?”

  “To a radio, yes. A tape player would be much better. But don’t give him anything yet. Let me talk to him first.”

  “I’ll have him brought to one of the secure conference rooms. And I’ll have two of our orderlies standing by just outside, watching through the glass.”

  “Good.”

  Ten minutes later, after leaving both her handguns locked in Kring’s desk, Ella was face-to-face with her worst nightmare. Peterson’s eyes were flint hard, but his expression was amicable. “Oh, I’m so pleased to see you again, cousin!”

  Ella nodded once. “Seems you’ve been creating quite a ruckus around here.”

  He opened his palms in a self-deprecating gesture. “In my own small way, I do try to keep things from getting too boring.”

  “You’re doing an admirable job. I commend you.”

  “High praise from a worthy adversary. So how is your life nowadays? I understand that you have my old office. Does it remind you of me?”

  “No. I’ve changed everything except the desk. It’s almost as if you were never there, really,” she said casually.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I would have liked to think that you missed me. I do miss you and your family. We used to be so close.”

  Ella knew that she must not lose her temper. Although it was taking every shred of will power she possessed, she forced a smile. “They were fond of you too. But then again, that’s what made you such an effective criminal. Of course your moments of success are over for good, now. The victory was clearly ours.”

  Peterson’s eyes flashed with anger, but in a heartbeat his poise returned and there was only calm reflected there. “There are many battles yet to be fought,” he answered simply. “I understand, in fact, that you’ve requested my help. A name?”

  Ella felt her heart drumming against her ribs. Maybe to keep her off balance, he would go ahead and give her a name. “An even trade. Something useful for something useful.”

  Peterson gave her a slow, easy smile. “I’m very surprised that you didn’t find what you needed long before now. The key to your success was there within your reach for quite some time.”

  Ella remembered the break-in at her office, and knew he was referring to the missing key. “Speak plainly,” she snapped, determined not to reveal what she knew.

  “You don’t really expect me to just hand you a name, do you? My, shall we say, associates, wouldn’t exactly approve of such a thing. Besides, where’s the sport? Instead of a name, how about if I give you a color? Think blue.” He smiled as if inordinately pleased with himself. “Now, about my radio. Please, nothing with earphones. They give me a headache. I’ll need a supply of new batteries too. Any good brand will do. Use your own judgment there.”

  “What radio? You haven’t given me anything.”

  “I’ve given you everything you need to know,” Yazzie said indignantly. �
�Don’t tell me you’re going to welch on our deal. Don’t you think you can figure it out?”

  “When I do, you’ll get a tape player, but no radio.”

  “What is it with you, L.A. Woman? Do you lose your nerve around me? Or was it after that man ate a bullet in front of you in Farmington?”

  She stood up slowly, resisting the urge to reach across the table and rip out his jugular with her thumbnail. “If you hadn’t spoken in riddles, then you wouldn’t have as long to wait.”

  “How about giving me a radio with only one set of batteries? If, by the time they wear out, you still haven’t got what you want, then we’ll both have nothing.”

  Ella held his eyes, refusing to look away. He was taunting her. To not give him something was to de facto admit that she lacked the confidence to match wits with him. “You’ll get a tape player with old batteries, and whatever music the people here can dig up.”

  He chuckled softly. “Once you puzzle it out, I’m sure you’ll see just how wonderfully helpful I’ve been. Perhaps then you’ll come back and pay me another visit. I get lonely without my old friends.”

  “We’ll see.”

  She saw him gazing at some spot behind her, and turning slightly, she followed his gaze to the wall switch. She glanced back at him, and he smiled benignly. She forced herself not to flinch. He had the look one would expect to see from someone who enjoyed pulling the legs off lizards.

  “All my love to your mom, Ella,” he said as she left the room.

  Ella stopped by Kring’s office and gave him a brief report. “Make sure he gets something with batteries that have been used for a while. I don’t trust him.”

  Ella strode out to her vehicle, lost in thought. Mind games. Peterson Yazzie excelled at those. The clue he’d given her about the color blue could mean almost anything. It was the type of clue that would only mean something after she found her own answers. Damn him.

  Ella tried to tell herself that it was just police work, that it had nothing to do with pride. But the game had changed. She not only had to deal with skinwalkers who had singled her family out for their revenge, but with the People’s strong belief that more harm would befall the tribe until the balance was restored. And there was a killer to bring to justice. Was it all connected? She hoped no more would die before she made the final move.