Ben stared out the window as Phoenix traffic flowed around them."How do we approach this?We can't exactly march into the council chambers and start questioning elected officials about a murder."
"We start with Councilman Begay," Kari said."Respectfully.Professionally.We focus on Haskie's work, his movements before his death.We don't accuse anyone of anything."
"And if we find something suspicious?"
"Then we proceed carefully," Kari said, navigating onto the highway that would take them back toward the reservation."With Captain Yazzie's direct involvement, and with all appropriate protocols observed."
Ben nodded, though his expression remained troubled."My uncle sits on the council," he said after a moment."Not Begay's committee, but still.These are people we've been taught to respect since childhood."
"I know," Kari said, her voice softening."But someone lured Jason Haskie to Cottonwood Wash last night.Someone who knew our surveillance was focused on Whipple Creek.Someone with knowledge of both the original murder pattern and our current investigation."
The implications hung in the air between them as the city gave way to open desert, the road stretching ahead like an invitation—or a warning.
"Alright," Ben said finally."We talk to Councilman Begay.Carefully.Respectfully.And we see if we can't get answers about why Haskie was at Cottonwood Wash instead of his hotel room."
"That's all I'm suggesting," Kari assured him, though in her mind, the questions ran deeper.Who on the council might have connections to the original Shadow Walker case?Who might have access to knowledge about the ceremonial elements?Who might benefit from reviving fears that had gripped the community fifty years earlier?
And most troubling of all: as the killer continued recreating the pattern that had haunted her grandfather until his death, who else might be targeted
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
The tribal council building stood at the administrative heart of the reservation—a modern structure whose architecture thoughtfully blended traditional elements with contemporary design.As Kari and Ben approached the entrance, she noted the careful balance struck between authority and accessibility—large windows offering transparency while traditional symbols adorned supporting columns, reminding visitors of the cultural foundations beneath governmental functions.
Council was not in session today, but several members maintained offices in the building, working on committee business even when formal meetings weren't scheduled.Following Kari's diplomatic call, explaining that they needed information about Jason Haskie's consulting work, Councilman Wilson Begay had agreed to meet with them.
"Remember, we're just gathering information," Kari said quietly as they checked in with the receptionist."Nothing accusatory."
Ben nodded, his earlier discomfort still evident in his tight posture."I know.Professional and respectful."
The receptionist directed them to Begay's office on the second floor.As they walked through the building, Kari observed the numerous photographs lining the walls—past and present council members, historical moments in tribal governance, and community celebrations.A visual reminder of continuity between generations of leadership.
Councilman Begay's office door stood open, revealing a well-organized space with bookshelves holding bound reports and policy manuals.At his desk sat a man in his mid-fifties, his salt-and-pepper hair cut short, his button-down shirt and bolo tie suggesting an awareness of his role as both government official and cultural representative.
He rose as they appeared in his doorway."Detective Blackhorse, Detective Tsosie," he said, extending his hand."Wilson Begay.Please come in."
His handshake was firm, and his manner was direct but not unfriendly.Kari immediately sensed a man accustomed to balancing multiple responsibilities—someone who understood bureaucratic necessities while maintaining community connections.
"Thank you for making time to meet with us, Councilman," Kari said as they took seats across from his desk.
"Of course," Begay said, settling back into his chair."I was shocked to hear about Jason Haskie.We were expecting his presentation this morning."He shook his head."Instead, I got a call from Captain Yazzie about his murder.Terrible news."
"We're trying to understand what Mr.Haskie was doing on the reservation," Ben said, keeping his tone conversational."Particularly why he might have been at Cottonwood Wash last night rather than at his hotel in Chinle."
Begay's brow furrowed."Cottonwood Wash?That makes no sense.His work was entirely focused on our vehicle fleet maintenance protocols.The presentation was scheduled for 10 AM today in our main conference room."He gestured toward the window, where they could see the parking area where tribal government vehicles were stored."He'd been conducting a three-month assessment of our maintenance practices, helping us develop more cost-effective protocols."
"How did you come to hire Mr.Haskie specifically?"Kari asked, opening her notebook in her lap.
"Professional recommendation," Begay said."He'd done similar work for the Hopi Tribe, and their fleet manager gave me his contact information when we were looking to update our own systems.His BIA background gave him unique insight into the particular challenges of reservation vehicle maintenance."
"And when did you last speak with him?"Ben asked.
"Yesterday afternoon, around two o'clock," Begay said without hesitation."He called to confirm his arrival time and make sure the conference room would be set up with the projection equipment he needed for his presentation."He paused, leaning forward."Why would he have been at Cottonwood Wash?That's nowhere near his hotel or our offices."
"That's what we're trying to determine," Kari said."Did he mention meeting anyone else while he was here?Any side trips or additional appointments?"
Begay shook his head."Not to me.His schedule was straightforward—arrive yesterday, check into his hotel, review his presentation, and deliver it to the council this morning."He hesitated."I should mention that Jason's work wasn't controversial.His recommendations were practical, cost-effective, and generally well-received by our fleet staff.There was no conflict around his consultancy."
"Was anyone on the council particularly interested in his work?"Ben asked."Beyond the standard oversight?"
