"The entire Infrastructure Committee reviewed his preliminary findings," Begay said."That's myself, Councilwoman Agnes Nez, Councilman David Silver, and Councilman Thomas Yazzie."He frowned."But again, there was nothing controversial about his work.It was routine maintenance planning, nothing more."
Kari made a note of the committee members' names."Did Mr.Haskie ever express interest in traditional sites or ceremonies?"she asked, watching Begay's reaction carefully.
The councilman looked genuinely confused by the question."No, never.Our interactions were entirely focused on vehicle maintenance protocols.Jason was a pragmatist—interested in systems, efficiency, mechanical solutions."He paused."Why do you ask?"
"We believe Mr.Haskie's murder may be connected to other recent killings," Kari said, deciding limited transparency might yield more helpful information."The victims have been found at culturally significant locations, arranged in ways that suggest ceremonial elements."
Begay's expression shifted to one of concern."I've heard rumors about bodies found with medicinal herbs.Is that true?"
Kari nodded."We're exploring all possible connections between the victims."
"Jason wasn't traditional," Begay said, shaking his head."He respected cultural practices, of course, but his work was firmly rooted in practical mechanics.I can't imagine why he would be targeted in...that way."
"Did anyone else on the council meet with him separately?"Ben asked."Anyone who might have suggested he visit other locations while he was here?"
Begay considered the question."Not that I know of.Though Councilman Silver did express particular interest in Jason's work.His background is in resource management, so he was especially concerned with fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity."
"Councilman David Silver," Kari said, thinking of her grandfather's partner."Any relation to Remy Silver, who was with the tribal police in the 1970s?"
Begay looked surprised by the question."Yes, that's his father.Remy Silver was a respected officer who worked with the department for many years."His expression grew curious."May I ask why you're interested in that connection?"
"We're exploring historical cases that might have parallels to our current investigation," Kari said, keeping her explanation deliberately vague."Remy Silver worked with my grandfather, Joseph Chee, on several significant cases."
"Ah," Begay said, understanding dawning in his eyes."You're Joseph Chee's granddaughter.I see the resemblance now—he had that same focused gaze."He leaned back in his chair."Joseph was legendary in the department.And yes, he and Remy Silver were partners for several years.David speaks of his father with great respect."
"Is Councilman Silver available today?"Kari asked, sensing a potentially valuable connection."We'd like to speak with him as well."
"He should be in his office down the hall," Begay said."He chairs our Cultural Preservation Committee in addition to serving on Infrastructure."He paused, then added, "David has become one of our strongest advocates for traditional knowledge.Interesting, given that his father was non-Native, but he was raised by his Navajo mother after his parents divorced."
"Did his father maintain close ties with the family?"Ben asked.
"From what I understand, yes," Begay said."Remy was deeply respectful of Navajo culture.David once mentioned that his father kept extensive journals about his experiences on the reservation—not just official police reports, but personal observations about cultural practices he encountered during his work."
Kari felt a surge of interest at this information."Personal journals?Separate from official records?"
"That's my understanding," Begay said."David has referenced them occasionally during council discussions about historical preservation.He seems to have inherited both his father's respect for traditional knowledge and his methodical approach to documentation."Begay checked his watch."If you'd like to speak with him, now would be a good time.Council session begins at three."
"Thank you, Councilman," Kari said, rising from her chair."You've been very helpful.If you remember anything else about Mr.Haskie's work or his movements yesterday, please contact us immediately."
"Of course," Begay said, standing to shake their hands again."I hope you find whoever is responsible for these terrible acts.The community is already on edge with rumors circulating."
As they left Begay's office, Kari exchanged a meaningful glance with Ben."Remy Silver's son," she said quietly."And he has access to his father's journals."
"Could be valuable," Ben agreed, looking more at ease now that their conversation with Councilman Begay was over."If Silver senior documented the original Shadow Walker cases the way your grandfather did, those journals might fill gaps in our understanding."
They located Councilman Silver's office at the end of the hallway, slightly smaller than Begay's but similarly organized.Unlike Begay's pragmatic space, however, Silver's office displayed numerous cultural items—a traditional weaving on one wall, ceremonial baskets carefully arranged on shelves, and books on Navajo history and traditions filling a large bookcase.
David Silver sat reviewing documents when they knocked on his open door.He looked to be in his early fifties, with features that reflected his mixed heritage—his father's height and build combined with distinctly Navajo facial characteristics from his mother.He looked up, his expression calm and assessing.
"Councilman Silver?"Kari said."I'm Detective Kari Blackhorse, and this is Detective Ben Tsosie.We're investigating Jason Haskie's death.Councilman Begay suggested we speak with you."
Silver rose, extending his hand."Please come in," he said, his voice carrying a quiet intensity that immediately commanded attention."Jason's death is a terrible shock.I was looking forward to his presentation today."
"If I may ask, how did you learn about Mr.Haskie's death?"Ben asked, his tone professionally curious."We're trying to understand how information is flowing through the community."
Silver nodded."Captain Yazzie called the council office this morning.He wanted to make sure we were aware before media reports began circulating.As members of the Infrastructure Committee that hired Jason, we were all notified immediately."He gestured to his phone on the desk."We also received an official email from the Chairman's office about forty minutes ago, informing all council members and requesting our full cooperation with the investigation."
"Thank you for clarifying," Kari said, satisfied with the straightforward explanation."We're speaking with everyone who had contact with Mr.Haskie recently."
