Again, that momentary pause before Tso answered."It grows in specific microenvironments throughout the region, but its locations are protected knowledge.The plant is becoming increasingly rare due to climate change and habitat loss."He smiled apologetically.
"I can recommend several public botanical gardens where similar species are cultivated if you're interested in photography."
A third tourist began asking about purchase options for the medicinal plants, but Tso smoothly redirected the conversation."Sacred Pathways offers educational materials about traditionally used plants, but we don't sell the plants themselves.These medicine ways aren't commodities to be purchased—they're relationships cultivated through generations of careful observation and respect."
As the tour concluded and visitors began dispersing toward the gift shop, Kari and Ben approached, timing their arrival to appear casual rather than confrontational.Tso was gathering his materials.
"Mr.Tso?"Kari said, keeping her tone conversational as they closed the distance.
He looked up, flashing the same charismatic smile visible in his promotional photographs."Welcome!Are you interested in tomorrow morning's tour?We'll be visiting several traditional plant gathering sites that aren't on the standard tourist maps."
"Actually, we're here on official business," Kari said, showing her badge."I'm Detective Blackhorse with Navajo Nation Police, and this is my partner, Detective Tsosie.We'd like to ask you a few questions if you have a moment."
The smile remained in place, though Kari noted the subtle tightening around his eyes—the microsecond of calculation before his response."Of course, Detectives.Happy to help however I can."
"We're investigating the deaths of two visitors to the reservation," Ben said, watching Tso's reaction carefully."Martin Reynolds and Jennifer Holbrook.Do those names sound familiar to you?"
Tso's brow furrowed in apparent concentration."I meet so many people through the tours...The names don't immediately ring a bell, but I interact with dozens of visitors each week."
"Both participated in your cultural tours within the past month," Kari said, deliberately keeping her tone neutral."Mr.Reynolds was here for art history research, specifically focused on petroglyphs.Professor Holbrook was studying ceremonial practices."
"We have many academics joining our tours," Tso said, arranging his demonstration plants in a carrying basket."It's actually a significant portion of our business—researchers wanting authentic cultural context for their work."He glanced up."What happened to them?You mentioned deaths."
Instead of answering directly, Ben produced photographs of both victims, not crime scene images, but identification photos from their research permit applications."Do these help refresh your memory?"
Tso studied the images, and this time recognition appeared to dawn in his eyes."Yes, I think I do remember them now.The man—Reynolds?—asked many questions about the spiritual significance of rock art.Very enthusiastic about his research project."He tapped Holbrook's photo."And she was particularly interested in healing ceremonies, though I explained those aren't topics we discuss in commercial tours."
"What else can you tell us about your interactions with them?"Kari asked.
"Not much, to be honest," Tso said, returning the photographs."My tours typically last three hours.I present the same information to each group, answer questions within appropriate cultural boundaries, and direct them back to the trading post.I don't typically have extensive personal interactions with any specific visitor."
"Do you ever conduct private tours?"Ben asked."Or meet with researchers outside the standard tour structure?"
Something flickered across Tso's expression—caution, perhaps, or calculation."Occasionally, if their research has proper tribal approval and respects our cultural protocols.Sacred Pathways has a strict policy against sharing sensitive knowledge, especially regarding ceremonial practices."
Kari decided to shift approach."Mr.Tso, both Martin Reynolds and Jennifer Holbrook were murdered within days of participating in your tours.Their bodies were arranged in ceremonial positions with specific healing herbs placed in their mouths—the same herbs you were just demonstrating to your tour group."
The revelation landed with visible impact.Tso's eyes widened in what appeared to be genuine shock."Murdered?With ceremonial herbs?"His voice lowered."What kind of person would desecrate healing medicines that way?"
"That's what we're trying to determine," Kari said, studying his reaction.Either Tso was genuinely horrified, or he was an exceptional actor."Can you think of anyone who might have accessed information about these specific visitors?Someone who might have followed up with them after your tours?"
Tso shook his head slowly."We maintain visitor logs for business purposes, but they're secured in our office.As for the ceremonial herbs..."He hesitated."The combination you're describing—sage, cedar, juniper, and white prairie aster—that's a very specific healing bundle.Not something typically shared in public demonstrations."
"Yet you just showed those exact plants to your tour group," Ben pointed out.
"I showed the individual plants and explained basic uses," Tso corrected."Not how they're combined for specific ceremonies or the proper proportions for healing bundles.That knowledge is protected."
A commotion from the trading post interrupted their conversation—raised voices and the sound of something crashing.One of the staff members appeared at the pavilion entrance, looking harried.
"Marcus!Need your help inside—three kids knocked over the pottery display, and Mrs.Deschine is about to skin them alive if someone doesn't intervene."
Tso glanced between the messenger and the detectives, his professional obligation warring with the ongoing questioning."I'm so sorry, but I need to handle this.I'm responsible for the demonstration area and all its contents."
"We understand," Kari said, though frustration simmered beneath her calm exterior."We'll continue this conversation soon, Mr.Tso.Please don't leave the reservation without notifying our department first."
"Of course," he agreed, gathering his materials."I'm horrified about what happened to those people.If I remember anything else that might help, I'll contact you immediately."With a final apologetic smile, he hurried toward the trading post, following the staff member who had summoned him.
As Tso disappeared inside the building, Ben turned to Kari."Convenient interruption."
