“Am I a suspect?” Lorraine challenged.
Ella met her gaze. “Yes.”
SEVENTEEN
By the time Ella got home she was exhausted, but as she walked through the door her daughter let out a shriek.
“Mommy!”
That one word energized her instantly. Although up to now Dawn had only used the Navajo word for mother, hours watching a children’s educational show each morning had obviously taught her more Anglo words.
Rose gave Dawn a mild disapproving look, but Ella scooped up her child in her arms, and sat down on the couch, holding Dawn in her lap as Jennifer said goodbye, put on her coat, and left.
“So tell me what you did today!” Ella said, giving Dawn her full attention.
Her little girl was a bundle of squirming energy tonight. She gestured with her arms and spoke about Jennifer and playing ball, and all the little things that attested to an active day.
As Ella held her daughter, the job and all her worries about the investigation faded away. Being with her daughter soothed her soul. It was the best part of any day.
Ella got on the floor to play with Dawn’s blocks and, distracted, forgot to tell Rose that Kevin was planning to drop by later on. At a quarter to nine they heard a car drive up and Ella quickly told Rose.
A moment later, he was at the door holding a huge present for Dawn. Seeing him, Dawn ran up to Kevin, arms open.
Kevin scooped her up with one hand and held her, shutting the door behind him. “Hey, little pumpkin!”
“For me?” Dawn said, reaching for the box.
“It’s a present. Do you want to see what’s inside?” Kevin teased, holding it out of her grasp.
“Yes!”
Kevin set her down and gave her the box. Inside was a large set of interlocking Lego blocks with a barnyard theme. Ella studied the label, which said the pieces were for children from toddler to preschool age. She was glad to see that they were large and nothing her daughter could put in her mouth easily. “You really shouldn’t bring her expensive presents so often. She has to accept you as her father, not as a Navajo Santa Claus.”
“It makes me happy to buy her things.” Kevin shrugged.
Ella sat down on the floor with Dawn, showing her how to fit the pieces together to make a corral for the pigs and cows, and a cart pulled by a pony.
Kevin sat on the couch, watching and offering encouragement and advice from a distance, like the county extension agent. Ella knew that children made him nervous, and when Dawn was active and happy as she was now, he didn’t seem to know what to do with her. She wondered if maybe he considered child’s play beneath his dignity.
Rose ambled off to the kitchen, annoyed that Kevin had showed up so close to Dawn’s bedtime and mumbling about having all those pieces underfoot to trip on.
After she left, Kevin looked at Ella and exhaled softly. “Your mother doesn’t think much of me, does she?”
“Do you want the truth?” Ella asked with a half grin.
“Never mind.”
Dawn spent some time taking some of the smaller animals in and out of a red wagon pulled by a tractor, then started putting the pieces back into the storage box, one at a time, with a thunk. It was evident that Dawn was sleepy, and she knew she was supposed to pick up her toys before bed.
“I’m going to put her to bed,” Ella said softly, lifting Dawn into her arms. The little girl fussed a little as Ella carried her to the room, but settled down when Ella brought over the stuffed dinosaur Dawn liked to sleep with.
Kevin had followed Ella to Dawn’s room and seeing the mattress on the floor, scowled with disapproval. “I can’t believe you haven’t bought her a small bed of her own.”
“Mother is a traditionalist. She didn’t believe in cribs, either, and in this case she and I are in agreement. And Dawn is so active, I worry about her trying to climb out of bed in the morning when she wakes up before I do. Here she’s safe. We have a childproof gate for her so she’ll stay put at night. The rest of the room is safe as well,” she said softly.
“She’s going to live in a modern world, for heaven’s sake, Ella, not sleep on the dirt floor of a hogan.”
Ella shot him a cold look. “I know what’s best for my daughter.”
Kevin shook his head and watched as she tucked Dawn in and gave her a good-night kiss.
Ella glanced back, thinking Kevin would want to give his daughter a good-night kiss, too, but he remained at the doorway. Although she said nothing to him, it bothered her to think that he wasn’t comfortable around his own child. Yet, what surprised her most was Dawn’s quiet acceptance of her father’s attitude. She hadn’t expected nor asked for a kiss from him.
Ella led Kevin back down the hall. “She’s a pretty cool kid, Kevin. You’d feel less awkward if you gave yourself and her a chance and lightened up a little.”
“I’ve never been around kids much, even those of my relatives. I was the youngest in my family and even my cousins were older than me. But I’m getting better. Dawn and I get along fine.”
Kevin followed her back into the living room, then sat on the sofa. “I need to talk to you about something else for a few minutes.”
“I’m listening,” she said, sitting across from him in a comfortable stuffed chair. All the furniture was comfortable in her family’s house, it occurred to her.
“I heard about the murder Councilman Talk’s been implicated in,” he said. “Word was going around after you visited his wife.”
“And?”
“He’s a key player in the gaming issue, Ella. So far he’s straddled the fence, but the way things are shaping up it’s possible he could end up with the swing vote. It’s going to be close, and nobody knows if he’s going to vote for or against tribal gaming.”
“I don’t understand what you’re worried about. Are you afraid he’ll get arrested and lose his place on the council before the vote comes up?” she asked.
“No, that’s not it.” He paused for a very long time. “The truth is that I don’t think he had anything to do with what happened to Betty Nez,” he said softly. “I think that they tried to blackmail him, and then killed his girlfriend when he wouldn’t knuckle under. And what’s even worse is that I have this feeling that the murder may have been committed by the same people who’ve been trying to intimidate me. I’ve been getting some veiled threats over E-mail and the phone.”
“Who’s threatening you, and why?” Ella asked, surprised that Kevin was opening up to her now.
He took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. “I’ve made some enemies, Ella, powerful ones. The progaming people are really angry with me because I’m suggesting one more referendum to let the entire tribe decide the fate of gaming on the Rez.”
“You accepted financial support from the progaming people to help get elected. They expected your loyalty and your vote. Politics works that way, I’m told.”
“They didn’t buy me, Ella. They made a contribution because I was listening to their concerns and proposals. But I have the right—the responsibility—to change my mind if I see fit.”
He paused. “But in trying to evaluate all sides of this question fairly, I’ve created some major trouble for myself. The pressure is really coming down on me. Even my aide, Jefferson Blueeyes, is trying to get me to return to my original position on the issue.”
“If you want a tribal referendum, and think it’s best for the tribe, then stick to your guns,” Ella concluded.
“The problem is that I’m still unsure of what the right thing is for the tribe. That’s why I want to keep my options open. But the way things are now, if I ultimately decide that gaming is the way the tribe should go, the people who’ve been trying to intimidate me will conclude that their pressure tactics worked. That’ll mean that every time they want something from me, they’ll turn up the heat and make my life a living hell.”
“I hate to state the obvious, but it’s your own ambition that got you into this mess, Kevin. Organized cr
ime and gambling are old friends. You should have expected a problem like this to crop up.” She studied his expression carefully to see if he knew or had heard anything about the Indian mafia. When he didn’t react, she added, “I’ll try to help you out. As a cop, it’s my duty.”
“Thanks.” He met her gaze. “You just can’t understand what getting elected meant to me. I had to compromise and become a player to get where I wanted to be. It was the only way, Ella.” He shook his head, looking away. “Your life is much simpler because the most you’ve ever aspired to is being a cop.”
“And my being a cop is exactly what’s put me in a position to help you. Ironic, isn’t it, how we little people can also make a difference sometimes.” She didn’t wait for his answer. “Tell me something. Just how much do you know about Blueeyes? Could he be behind the threats?”
“I don’t think so. He does his job, and tries to help me do mine. That’s it.”
“But you said he’s progaming?”
“Yeah, he honestly believes our tribe is too poor not to take advantage of this opportunity. On a personal level, I agree with him.”
“I don’t get it. Then why did you change your position?”
“Because I represent the People, not myself. Anything that’s going to impact on the reservation as much as a casino will should have the support of the majority of the tribe. A lot of my colleagues believe that once people see the money rolling in, everything will fall into place.” He paused. “But I’m not sure.”
“Are you just worried that you’ll be voted out of office if gaming turns out to be plagued with skimming and corruption?” Ella pressed.
’This isn’t about me, Ella. I honestly want to work for the good of the entire tribe, not just the businessmen or the unemployed. I know you think I’m in politics to make a name for myself and because I enjoy the power and prestige, and that’s partly true. But there’s more to it than that.”
Ella wished she could ask him more directly about Blueeyes and his affiliations, but Kevin was smart and she couldn’t take the chance. Until she was certain that he could be trusted, she just couldn’t risk giving Kevin information that might be leaked to the wrong people.
“I’ll do what I can for you, Kevin. The first thing I’m going to need is evidence of these threats so I’ll have something to work with.”
“None exists. I didn’t record any of the phone calls, and I deleted the E-mails. The thing is, Ella, I don’t want any of this to became public. It’ll raise questions about certain contributions that’ll just put some very powerful people in a bad light. I confided in you because I felt you should know in case things get,.. more serious.” He met her gaze and held it.
“You’re tying my hands, Kevin.”
“Do your best. And just so you know, I don’t expect you to give it priority. I’m aware that you’ve got problems of your own right now with that sniper out gunning for you. A fifty-calber bullet won’t just put you in the hospital.”
“I know. That’s why I’m wearing special armor these days. Don’t worry. Harry is searching for Manyfarms and he’s a good man. I have no doubt he’ll get the job done.”
Kevin’s eyes narrowed when she mentioned Harry. “Will he be leaving after that?”
“Yes, probably, but I don’t really know what his plans are,” Ella said.
There was a flicker of relief in Kevin’s eyes. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do from my end of things to help you. I’ll be there for you, Ella, if you need me.”
He sounded sincere, but Kevin had become the ultimate politician. Almost everything he said sounded heartfelt, whether it was or not.
Ella led him to the door. “I’m beat. Do you mind if we call it a night?”
“No problem.” Kevin stopped by the door and, for a moment, Ella thought he was thinking of kissing her.
She stepped back. “ ’Night.”
As he stepped off the porch Ella closed the door. Kevin never ceased to surprise her, but renewing their relationship was the furthest thing from her mind.
After locking the doors, Ella went to her room. Two was asleep in the hall and Rose was already in bed. The house was quiet and she was exhausted. Ella glanced at the computer. She just didn’t have the energy for it tonight. Crawling into bed and snuggling deep under the covers, she fell asleep minutes after her head hit the pillow.
Ella woke up shortly after sunrise, rested, and ready to face the new day. The sun was creeping over the horizon and the faint early morning rays filtered through the curtains. After showering and dressing, she sat down in front of her computer, and switched it on. She hadn’t heard from Coyote recently and she was starting to worry about him.
Ella answered E-mail from friends out of state, then as she was about to log off, an instant message flashed onto the screen.
“I was hoping you’d be there early this morning. You didn’t log on last night,” Coyote wrote.
“Long day yesterday,” she typed back. “Do you have any news for me?”
“I’m close to identifying some of the Indian mafia who are working from inside the Rez. Hope to have something for you soon.”
She answered quickly. “Some of our politicians are being strong-armed. Things are getting worse. Can you give me anything I can use now?”
There was a long pause before an answer flashed on the screen. “I have reason to believe that Manyfarms may have obtained the support of the Indian syndicate since you’re a threat to them as well as him. But if Manyfarms fails, they will probably hire a second person to come after you.”
Ella felt a touch of fear creeping up her spine. Times were tough and it wouldn’t be hard to find someone willing to kill a cop if the payoff was big enough.
Suddenly Dawn rushed into the room, Rose right behind her. “She’s up early today and she wants to play with you.”
“Give me one more minute, okay, short stuff?” she asked her daughter.
Dawn made a pouty face, and her lower lip shot out. That meant tears would begin to flow any second now and Ella recanted.
“Okay, little monster, sit on my lap then, but be very quiet until I finish my work. Agreed?”
Dawn nodded somberly and Ella knew she’d do her best, but asking a two-year-old to be still was asking for a miracle.
As Dawn settled on her lap, and Ella took another look at the last message Coyote had sent, she shuddered involuntarily.
Feeling it, Dawn looked up at her, concerned.
Ella smiled to reassure her that everything was okay, then shook her head. “Shhh.” Concentrating on the keyboard, she answered Coyote.
“Your warning is a wake-up call for me,” she typed. “I’ll be on the lookout.”
“One more thing. The murder of the councilman’s girlfriend is their handiwork. I’m trying to get proof right now.”
Ella stared at the screen, holding her little girl against her with one hand and trying to type with the other.
“Get me what you can, and I’ll move on it.”
“Be careful,” Coyote wrote, signing off.
Ella toggled the print command, and then placed the sheet of paper that came from the printer into a folder. She’d take it to Big Ed. Maybe together they could come up with a viable strategy. One thing was clear. She couldn’t take Dawn anywhere outside the house with her. It would only expose her child to the same danger she was facing.
Dawn, as if sensing something was wrong, shifted slightly and laid her head against her mother’s breast. “Shimá sad?”
“No, sweetie, I’m just worried about work.” Jennifer walked into the room after knocking on the open door. “Shall I take her now for breakfast?”
“Please,” Ella said, her mind still on Coyote’s warning.
Dawn slid down her legs and rushed to Jennifer. “Pick up!”
Jennifer laughed and scooped Dawn up in her arms. As they walked out of the room, Ella watched. Her daughter obviously enjoyed Jennifer’s company. She felt a twinge of jealousy, but before
she had the luxury to indulge the feeling, Rose came back in.
“Your daughter is getting too fond of my friend’s granddaughter,” Rose complained. “Maybe you should say something. Your daughter shouldn’t be so quick to trust strangers.”
“Mom, she’s two years old. The entire world is her friend unless they do something to hurt her feelings.”
“I just don’t like this,” Rose said in a whisper. “A week ago, I was the person she turned to when you weren’t home. Now it seems your daughter prefers that girl over both of us.”
“We need her here, Mom. We should be grateful we have her, and that my little pumpkin is happy.”
Rose nodded reluctantly and left her daughter’s room. Alone, Ella picked up the phone, checked her notebook for Jimmy Frank’s cell phone number, then dialed it. He answered on the first ring.
“I don’t mean to rush things, but do you have anything on Blueeyes yet?”
“I’ve been with him from dawn till late night, but from what I’ve seen, this guy is a straight arrow. He arrives at work early and stays until late. So far, his meetings have been all business and Kevin’s usually along—well, except for last night. The subject spent a grand total of ten minutes in an East Main bar in Farmington. I followed him in, he talked to a dark-haired woman long enough to have a half a beer, then he left and went home to his trailer house alone.”
“Any idea who the woman was?”
“No. I asked around as casually as I could, but I couldn’t find out anything, even from the waitress who’d served them. She looked Indian to me, but I’m certain she’s not Navajo.”
“Stay on the job today and tomorrow and keep me posted,” Ella said, then hung up.
“Hurry, or you won’t have time for breakfast,” Rose said, returning to check on Ella.
“Mom, I need to talk to you alone for a second. Exactly what happened last night before I got home?”
“What do you mean?” Rose asked innocently.
“Mother, don’t’” Ella said. “Why did you go to that meeting? You caused a lot of trouble. A patrolman was called out because people got ugly after you left. People are now saying that you did some kind of magic to make them turn on one another. That type of talk is the last thing I need right now.”
Changing Woman Page 23