"They'll rush him to the hospital," Ben assured her."It's looking like he'll make it, for better or worse."
As paramedics helped them into the ambulance, Kari watched the flurry of activity around the cave entrance—tactical officers establishing a perimeter, evidence technicians carefully documenting Silver's ceremonial setup, medics rushing Silver out to another ambulance.
Ruth sat quietly on the gurney, her weathered hands folded in her lap, her expression contemplative rather than traumatized.Watching her grandmother's composed demeanor despite what she'd endured, Kari felt a renewed appreciation for the strength that had sustained Ruth through decades of carrying secrets that others couldn't bear.
The ambulance doors closed, sealing them in clinical brightness that contrasted sharply with the primeval darkness of the cave.As the vehicle began its careful navigation down the rough access road, Kari reached across the small space to take Ruth's hand.
"It's over, Shimásání," she said softly."It's finally over."
Ruth's fingers tightened around hers, the only acknowledgment needed between them as they left Shadow Cave behind.
***
The antiseptic smell of the hospital room had become almost comforting to Kari after nearly twenty-four hours under observation.The doctors had insisted on monitoring her after exposure to the yellow powder, despite her protests that the effects had mostly subsided.Her vital signs remained steady, her blood work showed decreasing traces of the compound, but protocol demanded caution.
"It's a mixture of traditional sedative plants," Dr.Williams had explained during morning rounds."Primarily datura, which can cause disorientation and temporary neurological effects.There's also something we haven't fully identified yet—possibly a form of concentrated pollen with hallucinogenic properties.You're lucky you received only a partial dose."
Kari gazed out the window at the reservation landscape, golden in the late afternoon light.Ruth had been released that morning after a thorough examination revealed no serious injuries beyond bruising and exhaustion.Captain Yazzie had personally driven her home, promising to check in regularly until Kari could be released.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.The door opened to reveal her father, James Cooper, his silver hair disheveled as if he'd driven with the windows down.His face carried the particular strain Kari recognized from childhood emergencies—controlled concern beneath a veneer of composure.
"Dad," she said, genuinely surprised."I didn't expect you."
"Captain Yazzie called me," he said, setting a small duffel bag on the visitor's chair."Brought you some clothes.They said you might be released tomorrow."
"Thanks," Kari said, studying his face.James Cooper at sixty-five remained fit and sharp-eyed, his years with the FBI evident in his military posture and penetrating gaze.But today, new lines seemed etched around his eyes.
"Your grandmother?"he asked, moving to stand at the foot of her bed.
"Home.Doctors cleared her this morning.She's tougher than she looks."
A hint of a smile touched his lips."Ruth was always formidable.Even when..."He trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
Kari recognized the hesitation."Even when you and Mom were together?"
He nodded, his fingers tapping an irregular rhythm on the bed rail."She never quite approved of me.Tolerated, maybe.But there was always a distance."
"Because you were FBI?"
"Partly."He shrugged."Partly because I represented everything she distrusted—federal authority, outsider perspective.And partly because she saw things in me I didn't see in myself."
The admission surprised Kari.Her father rarely spoke about his relationship with Ruth beyond the most basic acknowledgments of their family connection.
He cleared his throat."You've had quite a situation here," he said, changing subjects with practiced ease."Yazzie filled me in on some of it.Remy Silver's son recreating murders from fifty years ago?Ritualistic elements?"
"It went deeper than that," Kari said, shifting to a more upright position."Remy Silver—David's father—was the original Shadow Walker.He killed five people in 1973, targeting researchers documenting sacred sites.He was also Grandfather's partner."
Her father's expression changed subtly—a tightening around the eyes, a slight withdrawal that most people wouldn't notice."Did Joseph suspect Remy?"
"More than suspected," Kari said."He kept separate notes, documented his partner's movements without officially accusing him.I found the journals in David Silver's house."
James sank into the visitor's chair."That explains so much," he said quietly."Joseph changed during those years.Became more guarded, more protective of Ruth.Started carrying medicine bundles even though he'd always been skeptical of traditional practices before."
"He knew his partner was the killer but couldn't prove it," Kari said."And then the murders stopped after the fifth victim—Laura Yellowhair, Ruth's friend.Grandfather realized Ruth had been the intended target."
Her father's face paled noticeably."Ruth was supposed to be the fifth victim?"
"According to David Silver, yes.When his father couldn't get to Ruth, he targeted her friend instead—as a warning to Grandfather."
