"The elders referred to the killer only as 'The Shadow Walker.'They discouraged investigation, fearing it would attract his attention to the investigators themselves."Adakai's expression grew troubled."Some believed speaking of him directly would summon his presence."
"That's why the case files were so sparse," Kari murmured."People wouldn't talk to investigators, wouldn't provide statements."
"And those who did often requested their names be kept from official records."Adakai nodded."Your grandfather faced tremendous obstacles.He was caught between his oath as an officer and the traditional beliefs that shaped our community's response."
"My grandmother warned me away from this case," Kari said."She performed a protection ceremony when I showed her photographs of the herbs found in our current victim's mouth.She seemed genuinely afraid."
"Ruth has good reason to fear," Adakai said quietly."The Shadow Walker was never caught.After the fifth murder in early 1974, the killings simply stopped.No explanation, no resolution.Just silence that many found more terrifying than the murders themselves."
Kari leaned forward."Did people really believe the killer wasn't human?That he was some kind of supernatural entity?"
Adakai's expression became guarded."What people believed and what was documented officially often diverged significantly.Your grandfather maintained his reports in language acceptable to federal authorities who might review them, while pursuing lines of inquiry he discussed only with those he trusted completely."
"Like his partner, Remy Silver?"Kari suggested, recalling Ruth's earlier mention.
A flash of recognition crossed Adakai's features."Yes.Remy was one of the few outsiders who earned genuine trust among traditional community members.He approached the spiritual aspects of the case with respect rather than dismissal."
"Is Silver still alive?Could I speak with him?"
"He passed about ten years ago," Adakai said."Heart attack."
Kari nodded, disappointed but not particularly surprised."What about the fifth victim?The one found on Hopi land.Do you remember the details?"
"James Littlefeather," Adakai said, the name emerging without hesitation."Anthropology professor researching connections between Hopi and Navajo origin stories.His body was found near the base of Second Mesa in December 1973."
"And the victim whose family refused an investigation?"
Adakai's expression closed."Anna Yellowhair.A tribal member who worked as a research assistant for Professor Travers."
Another academic.What did it mean?
"Mr.Adakai, I need to understand what connected these victims beyond their academic backgrounds.Was there a specific research focus they shared?Were they working together?"
"Detective Blackhorse," Adakai said formally, "I've shared what I can about the documented aspects of these old cases.But I won't discuss certain elements openly, even now.Not in my home.Not without proper protections in place."His tone softened."Your grandfather understood the danger of seeking certain knowledge without preparing oneself properly.It's why he protected Ruth from the worst of what he learned."
"People are dying, Mr.Adakai," Kari pressed."If we're dealing with a copycat killer who's recreating these murders fifty years later, I need to understand the original pattern fully to prevent more deaths."
"Read the case files," Adakai said."All of them, not just the ones you've found so far.Look for Joseph's personal notes—he kept separate records that weren't included in the official files.And pay attention to the timing, the progression."He leaned forward, his voice dropping despite there being no one else present."And you shouldn't make assumptions."
"Assumptions?"
He arched an eyebrow, waiting for her to figure it out for herself.Then it dawned on her.
"This doesn't have to be a copycat killer," she said."It could be the same killer as before."She pursed her lips, considering the idea."But that was fifty years ago.How would someone that age surprise and overcome a fit, middle-aged man?"
Adakai sat back, seeming suddenly tired."That is for you to ponder, Detective Blackhorse.I have shared all I can."
It was clear the conversation was over.Adakai had provided valuable context about the historical cases without venturing into territory his traditional beliefs marked as dangerous.The tension in his shoulders, the careful choice of words—it all suggested genuine concern rather than mere superstition.
"I haven't told you everything," Adakai admitted, walking her to the door."Some knowledge should be sought only when one is prepared to bear its weight."At the threshold, he paused."Your grandfather was a good man, Detective.A good officer.But the search changed him.Remember that as you follow his path."
Outside, the afternoon had cooled slightly, though heat still radiated from the earth in visible waves.As Kari returned to her Jeep, the stone from Adakai resting in her pocket alongside Ruth's protective herb bundle, she found herself wondering what paths Joseph Chee had walked that had hollowed him from within, as Ruth had described.
Whatever boundaries her grandfather had crossed in his pursuit of this killer who moved like a shadow between worlds, Kari now seemed destined to retrace his steps.
She just hoped that, unlike her grandfather, she would catch the person she was chasing
CHAPTER SIX
