Kari scanned the surrounding area.The rock formations provided natural cover, and the site was isolated enough that someone could work here for hours without being observed.But transporting a body, arranging it, excavating, and positioning ancient artifacts—that all took time.Whoever did this had been confident they wouldn't be interrupted.
"Can I get closer?"Kari asked.
"The tech has already photographed and documented everything.Just be careful where you step.We've got markers for footprints."
Kari moved forward slowly, her eyes on the ground.She could see the evidence markers—small yellow flags indicating points of interest.Most clustered around the body itself, but a few trailed off toward the rock formation, suggesting a path of approach.
When she was within a few feet of the body, she crouched down, studying Patricia Lomahongva's face.The woman looked like someone's grandmother, with soft features and gray hair that had probably been neatly styled before all this.There was something obscene about seeing her arranged like an artifact herself, reduced to a component in someone's twisted display.
Kari's gaze moved to the artifacts surrounding the body.The pottery shards were arranged in a specific pattern—she could see that much, even if she didn't know what the pattern meant.The bone fragments were placed at cardinal points around the body.And there, near the woman's right hand, was something that looked like a small stone tool, its surface worn smooth by centuries of handling.
"These artifacts," Kari said, not taking her eyes off the arrangement."How long would it take to excavate them?To find them and dig them up?"
"Hours, probably.Maybe longer if you were being careful not to damage them."Lomayesva had moved closer, standing just behind her."The question everyone's asking is how someone knew exactly where to dig.These burial sites aren't marked.The knowledge of what's buried where is held by specific families, passed down through generations.It's not public information."
"So whoever did this either had that traditional knowledge, or they had help from someone who did."
"That's what scares people.The idea that this could be someone from within the community.Someone who should be protecting these sites, not violating them."
Kari stood and turned to face him."Chief, I appreciate you bringing me here.And I can see why you need an objective perspective.But I have to be honest—I don't know how I'm supposed to work this case.I have no official authority in Hopi territory.I don't know the cultural context well enough to interpret what I'm seeing.I don't know the community, the politics, who might have had access to this knowledge."She gestured at the scene."Without someone local to guide me, to help me understand what I'm looking at, I'm going to be operating blind."
Lomayesva nodded, as if he'd been expecting this."I've thought about that.Which is why I'm assigning one of my officers to work with you."He turned and called out, "Polacca!"
A woman studying the ground not far away looked up.She was in her early thirties, Kari guessed, with dark hair pulled back in a practical bun and sharp, intelligent eyes.She wore a Hopi Tribal Police uniform and moved with the confidence of someone who knew her job well.
She approached, her gaze flicking between Kari and the chief with an expression that was not particularly warm.
"Officer Polacca, this is Detective Kari Blackhorse from Navajo Nation PD.She's going to be working the Lomahongva case."Lomayesva's tone made it clear this was an order, not a request."I want you to assist her in whatever capacity she needs.Show her around, provide cultural context, and make introductions.She has my full authorization to investigate, but she'll need your help to navigate."
Polacca's expression didn't change, but Kari saw something flicker in her eyes—surprise, maybe, or resistance.When she spoke, her voice was measured and professional."Understood, Chief."
Lomayesva turned back to Kari."Sarah has been with the department for eight years, knows the community well, and has experience with sensitive cases."Lomayesva looked at Polacca."I'm counting on you to provide Detective Blackhorse with everything she needs.This case is priority one."
"Yes, sir."Polacca's gaze shifted to Kari, and for the first time, their eyes met directly.The officer's expression was polite but distant, the look of someone who was going to follow orders but wasn't necessarily happy about it.
Kari recognized the dynamic immediately.Polacca viewed her as an outsider, someone who shouldn't be here, someone who was only here because the chief had made a choice that probably wasn't popular with the rank and file.The historical tensions between their peoples were a current running beneath the surface of every interaction, unspoken but present.
"Officer Polacca," Kari said, keeping her tone respectful."I appreciate your willingness to work with me.I know this situation is… unusual."
"It is."Polacca's response was flat, giving nothing away."But if the chief thinks it's necessary, then I'll do my job."
The message was clear: this was duty, not partnership.At least not yet.
"Good."Lomayesva seemed either oblivious to the tension or deliberately ignoring it."Polacca, bring Detective Blackhorse up to speed on everything we have so far.She'll need access to all the evidence."
"What about her partner?"Polacca asked."Detective Tsosie.Is he involved in this investigation as well?"
"That's Detective Blackhorse's call," Lomayesva said, looking at Kari."Do you need him?"
Kari hesitated.Every instinct told her to keep Ben close—his steady presence, his analytical mind, the way they could work a scene together with the kind of shorthand that came from months of partnership.She'd told him just an hour ago that she understood his concerns about her being alone in unfamiliar territory investigating something the locals couldn't handle themselves.
But she could also see the calculation in Polacca's eyes, the way the officer's jaw had tightened when Lomayesva assigned her to work with even one Navajo detective.Bringing in two would feel like an invasion, like taking over rather than assisting.And right now, before she even understood what she was dealing with, she needed cooperation more than backup.
It was a strategic sacrifice, and she didn't like making it.
"Not for now," Kari said, the words feeling heavier than they should."I'll call him if I need him.He can head back to our station and coordinate from there."She had a feeling this might hurt Ben, but she knew that his highest concern would be what was best for the case.
Lomayesva nodded approvingly."I'll have someone let him know."He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text, then looked at both women."I have to brief the tribal council this afternoon about the investigation.They're going to want assurances that we're handling this appropriately, that outside involvement is minimal and controlled.I need results, and I need them fast.The longer this goes unsolved, the more people are going to demand I shut down the outside help and keep it internal."
