"Local liaison," Ben said, nodding toward the cruiser as they parked behind it."Standard protocol for cross-jurisdictional investigations."
They approached the front door, the morning sun already intense enough to make Kari regret her choice of dark blazer.A Phoenix PD officer greeted them, his expression professionally somber.
"Detective Tsosie, Detective Blackhorse," he said, checking their credentials."I'm Officer Rodriguez.Mrs.Haskie is expecting you.She has her sister with her for support."
"Thank you for the heads-up," Kari said."How is she doing?"
Rodriguez's expression conveyed volumes."As well as can be expected.Initial shock.She hasn't asked many questions yet."
Ben nodded in understanding."We'll be as brief as possible."
Rodriguez ushered them inside, where the climate-controlled interior offered immediate relief from the mounting heat.The home's interior reflected tasteful affluence—Southwestern art on the walls, quality furniture arranged to take advantage of large windows overlooking a backyard pool area.
In the living room, two women sat on a leather sofa, their posture conveying the particular stiffness of recent grief.The older woman—Elaine Haskie, Kari presumed—looked to be in her early sixties, her gray hair pulled back in a neat bun, her face bearing the distinctive high cheekbones and strong features of Navajo heritage.Her eyes were red-rimmed but dry, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
"Mrs.Haskie," Kari said gently as they entered."I'm Detective Kari Blackhorse, and this is my partner, Detective Ben Tsosie.We're very sorry for your loss."
Elaine nodded, her composure remarkable given the circumstances."Please sit down," she said."This is my sister, Margaret."
The other woman, slightly younger but with similar features, acknowledged them with a nod.Her protective posture beside Elaine spoke of a deep bond between the siblings.
"We understand this is an incredibly difficult time," Ben said as they seated themselves in armchairs opposite the sofa."But we need to ask you some questions about your husband that might help us understand what happened."
"The Phoenix officer said Jason was murdered," Elaine said, her direct approach surprising Kari."That it might be connected to other killings on the reservation.Is that true?"
Kari exchanged a glance with Ben, making a split-second decision about how much to share."We're investigating that possibility," she said carefully."That's why we need to understand more about why Mr.Haskie was at Cottonwood Wash last night."
Elaine's brow furrowed."Cottonwood Wash?That makes no sense.Jason was supposed to be meeting with tribal officials about their vehicle fleet maintenance contracts.He's been consulting with them for the past few months."
"At Cottonwood Wash?"Ben asked, his tone reflecting Kari's own confusion.
"No, at the administrative offices," Elaine said."At least, that's what he told me.He left yesterday morning for a two-day trip.He was going to stay at the Holiday Inn in Chinle."She hesitated."Why would he be at Cottonwood Wash?That's not even close to where his meetings were scheduled."
Kari noted this discrepancy in her notebook."Mrs.Haskie, can you tell us more about your husband's work with the tribal council?How long had he been consulting with them?"
"About three months," Elaine said, reaching for a glass of water on the coffee table.Her sister's hand moved to her back, a silent gesture of support."After he retired from the BIA, he started his own consulting business, specializing in fleet maintenance for government agencies.The tribal council contracted him to evaluate their vehicles and recommend improvements to their maintenance protocols."
"Had he mentioned any concerns about this work?"Ben asked."Any conflicts or unusual interactions with council members or staff?"
Elaine shook her head."Just the usual bureaucratic frustrations.He was actually pleased with how responsive the council had been to his recommendations.They'd already implemented several of his suggested changes."
"Did your husband have any interest in traditional sites or ceremonies?"Kari asked, thinking of the other victims' academic backgrounds."Any research interests beyond his mechanical engineering expertise?"
This question seemed to surprise Elaine."Jason respected our heritage, but he wasn't particularly traditional.His focus was always practical—machines, systems, efficiency."She paused, a flicker of confusion crossing her features."Why do you ask?What does that have to do with his murder?"
Kari chose her words carefully."We're exploring all possibilities, Mrs.Haskie.The location where your husband was found has historical and cultural significance.We're trying to understand why he might have been there."
"He wouldn't have gone there on his own," Elaine said with certainty."Not at night, not alone.Jason was methodical, planned everything.If he was at Cottonwood Wash, someone must have asked him to go there."
"Do you know who might have made such a request?"Ben asked.
Elaine shook her head."His primary contact was Councilman Wilson Begay.They spoke regularly about the fleet management project."Her eyes suddenly widened with a new thought."The girls—has someone told the girls?Rachel is in Chicago, and Sarah is in Seattle."
"Phoenix PD is coordinating notifications," Kari assured her."I'm sure they'll be contacted soon, if they haven't been already."
Margaret squeezed her sister's hand."I'll call them as soon as we're done here."
Kari continued gently, "Mrs.Haskie, did your husband mention meeting anyone specific during this trip?Anyone outside the official council meetings?"
