They settled into chairs across from his desk, and Kari noted the careful organization of his workspace—files arranged in precise stacks, reference materials within easy reach, a leather-bound notebook open beside his computer.
"Councilman Begay mentioned you were particularly interested in Mr.Haskie's work on the fleet management project," Ben said.
Silver nodded."My committee oversees resource allocation, and vehicle maintenance represents a significant portion of our annual budget.Jason's recommendations promised substantial improvements in efficiency."He studied them carefully."But I suspect that's not why you're really here."
Kari appreciated his directness."You're right.We understand you're Remy Silver's son."
"That's right."Silver studied her closely."You look familiar.Blackhorse, you said?"He drummed his fingers on the desk."You wouldn't be Anna Chee's daughter, would you?"
"Anna Chee was my mother, yes," Kari said, a little surprised.
Silver nodded."My father and your grandfather worked together for many years."
"Partners," Kari agreed."During several significant investigations, including the Shadow Walker cases in 1973-74."
Silver's expression shifted subtly—not surprise, but a deepening attention."Those cases had a profound impact on my father.He spoke of them rarely, but when he did, it was with a kind of reverence for the complexity they represented."He leaned forward."You believe Haskie's death is connected to those historical cases."
It wasn't a question.Kari decided honesty would serve them best with this perceptive man."We believe someone is recreating the murder pattern from fifty years ago.Same locations, same ceremonial elements."
Silver was quiet for a moment, processing this information."That explains the questions about traditional knowledge.You're looking for insights beyond what appears in the official records."
"Yes," Kari said."My grandfather kept separate notes on those cases.We believe your father may have done the same."
"He did," Silver said without hesitation."My father was a meticulous documenter.He believed in preserving knowledge that might not fit neatly into official reports but could prove valuable to future generations."He gestured to the bookshelves behind him."After he passed, I inherited boxes of his journals, case notes, and personal observations.Many are written in Navajo—he became fluent during his years on the reservation."
"Those journals might contain crucial information about the original investigation," Kari said, trying to contain her excitement at this potential breakthrough."Details that could help us understand what's happening now."
Silver nodded thoughtfully."I've read some of them over the years, particularly those dealing with traditional practices.My father had unique access as both an outsider respected enough to be included in certain ceremonies and an investigator trained to observe and document systematically."He paused."If those journals contain anything that could help prevent further deaths, I would consider it my duty to share that information."
"We would be extremely grateful," Ben said.
"The challenge will be finding relevant information quickly," Silver said."There are dozens of journals spanning my father's twenty-year career here.And as I mentioned, many sections are written in Navajo—a language I speak but read less fluently than English."
"Would you be willing to help us locate and translate relevant passages?"Kari asked.
"Of course," Silver said without hesitation."I can begin reviewing the journals from 1973-74 immediately.Translation will take time, but I can identify potentially valuable sections quickly based on dates and locations mentioned."
"How long do you think it might take?"Ben asked.
Silver considered the question."The journals from that period fill at least three notebooks.To review them thoroughly and translate relevant sections...I could have preliminary findings by tomorrow afternoon."
Tomorrow afternoon.Kari felt a prickle of concern at the timeline.The fourth victim could already be targeted by then.But she couldn't rush a process that required careful reading and accurate translation.
"That would be incredibly helpful," she said, masking her concern behind professional gratitude."We appreciate your willingness to assist our investigation."
"These deaths must stop," Silver said simply."If my father's observations can help prevent further tragedy, nothing could be more important."He rose, moving to a calendar hanging on his wall."I have council obligations until five today, but I'll begin work on the journals immediately afterward.Perhaps you could return tomorrow around two?I should have significant portions translated by then."
"We'll be here," Kari promised.She hesitated, then added, "Did your father ever mention Samuel Manuelito in connection with the original cases?"
A flash of recognition crossed Silver's face."Manuelito appears throughout my father's journals.He described him as 'a man walking between worlds' who understood boundaries most people never perceived."Silver's expression grew curious."You've spoken with him?"
"Recently," Ben said.
Silver nodded."My father believed Manuelito possessed unique knowledge about the ceremonial aspects of the original cases—knowledge that made him both valuable and potentially dangerous to the investigation."He shook his head."But I should review the actual journals rather than relying on distant memories of my father's words."
As they prepared to leave, Silver added, "Detective Blackhorse, my father had tremendous respect for Joseph.He often said no one else could have navigated those cases with the same balance of traditional understanding and investigative discipline."
The comment touched Kari unexpectedly."Thank you for telling me that," she said."I never knew my grandfather, but I've been learning more about him through this investigation."
