"I mean observations that blur the line between what we understand and what we merely believe," Yazzie replied carefully."Joseph was the most methodical, evidence-oriented detective I've ever known.What changed him—what hollowed him out, as Ruth probably told you—wasn't superstition or cultural pressure.It was direct experience that contradicted everything his training had taught him about the nature of reality."
Kari suppressed a shudder."You believe his theories," she said softly.
"I believe Joseph documented exactly what he witnessed," Yazzie said."What you choose to believe after reading his notes is your decision."He pushed the materials toward her."But I warn you—there are some things that, once known, cannot be unknown."
The echo of Ruth's warnings and Adakai's cautions was unmistakable.Three people she respected, all urging similar caution about knowledge that transformed those who acquired it.
"I appreciate the warning," Kari said, her tone more confident than she felt."But I need to understand what we're facing if we're going to prevent more deaths."
Yazzie nodded, resignation and something like compassion crossing his weathered features."I expected nothing less.You're very much your grandfather's granddaughter."He hesitated, then added, "One more thing.Joseph believed the Shadow Walker operated according to a specific pattern—five victims across five sacred sites.If this killer is truly recreating those murders, we should expect four more victims following the original sequence."
"Cold Water Canyon," Kari said."That's where the first body was found in 1973, and where Reynolds was found yesterday."
"Yes.The second body in '73 was discovered at Antelope Lake.If the pattern holds, that's where we should expect the next victim."Yazzie moved toward the door, then paused."I've authorized increased patrols in that area, but be careful, Kari.If this is a copycat, they've gone to extraordinary lengths to replicate details that were never made public."
"And if it's not a copycat?"Kari asked, voicing the uncomfortable question that had lingered since her conversation with Adakai.
Yazzie met her gaze steadily."Then God help us all, because if a man who must be over seventy by now can keep committing these murders… it makes you wonder if it's just a man."He gestured toward the case files.
After Yazzie departed, Kari returned to the kitchen table where her grandfather's notes waited.She hesitated.Then, with deliberate care, she removed the medicine pouch from around her neck and placed it beside the documents, alongside Adakai's stone.
Whatever protections they offered, she would accept them.
The journal came first—a personal log Joseph Chee had maintained separate from his official case notes.The handwriting matched what she'd seen in the department archives, though it seemed to change subtly as entries progressed, becoming tighter, more controlled, as if the writer was increasingly conscious of containing something within the precise formation of each letter.
The first entry, dated July in 1973, detailed the discovery of William Travers at Cold Water Canyon.Joseph's initial assessment was thorough and conventional, consisting of crime scene observations, witness statements, and preliminary forensic findings.But subsequent entries revealed his growing awareness that something about the case defied standard investigative approaches.
"Witnesses continue to withdraw statements after initial interviews," he had written."Not through formal recantation, but through subtle revision that removes potentially significant details.When revisited, many claim no memory of statements made days earlier.This isn't typical witness unreliability, but something more deliberate—as if they've been warned against speaking openly."
Kari continued reading, finding Joseph's documentation of the four additional cases that followed Travers.Each victim had been found at a different location, each with the same ceremonial herbs placed in their mouth post-mortem.Unlike the sterile language of the official reports, Joseph's personal notes documented community reactions, traditional interpretations, and his own increasingly troubled reflections.
"Elder T.claims certain places on the reservation mark thresholds where passage becomes possible under specific conditions.All five murder sites correspond to locations he identified as 'doorways' in traditional stories.When I asked what might come through such doorways, he refused further discussion."
Halfway through the journal, the tone shifted.Joseph's methodical documentation gave way to increasingly personal reflections, questions that seemed to have no answers—or perhaps answers he was reluctant to articulate even in his private notes.
"Spent three hours at Echo Cave today.No evidence remains from M.Begay's discovery, yet something about the location affects perception.Sounds behave abnormally.Light seems to bend at unexpected angles.Found myself disoriented despite clear visibility and familiar terrain.Medicine man Samuel Manuelito visited the same location yesterday.Community members report unusual behavior afterward.Possible suspect?"
Kari paused, her coffee long cold and forgotten.The name Samuel Manuelito seemed to leap from the page.Continuing through the entries, she found Joseph's documentation of his attempts to interview Manuelito, who had proved elusive.By February 1974, after the fifth murder, Joseph's frustration was evident in his increasingly urgent writing.
"M.continues to avoid direct contact.Leaves locations shortly before I arrive, as if warned of my approach.Traditional sources refuse to discuss him directly, though several have performed protective ceremonies for me without explanation.R.Yazzie (younger officer, shows promise) reports M.visited all five sites in sequence during January full moon.Purpose unknown."
The final entries detailed Joseph's growing certainty that Manuelito knew more than he was revealing, possibly even direct knowledge of the killer's identity, but before he could force a confrontation, Manuelito had left the reservation without warning.The murders stopped immediately after his departure.
"Case officially cold.No new victims since M.'s departure.Coincidence?Or confirmation?Without evidence admissible in court, cannot pursue charges.Elder T.insists M.was not the Shadow Walker, but perhaps its pursuer—someone attempting to close what had been opened.Communities returning to normal routines, but elders maintain protective practices at all five sites.Something remains unresolved despite the violence having ceased."
She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Ben:"Know anyone named Manuelito?Possible suspect."
Ben's reply came back only a few moments later:"I'll look into it."
Satisfied, Kari turned her attention back to the files.
Another entry, dated nearly a year after the final murder, contained just three lines:
"M.reportedly seen near Hopi lands.Traveled there today.No contact established.Some boundaries should remain respected, even by those sworn to enforce limits."
There was one final entry, written like a footnote:"N.H.was not at the bar.So where was he?"
Kari set down the journal, troubled.Who was N.H.?A suspect?Was the bar supposed to be an alibi?If so, why hadn't her grandfather included a date and some further thoughts?Why be so… enigmatic?
