The next two offices were similar exercises in frustration.One woman claimed she'd left before Patricia, hadn't seen her at all yesterday.Another man refused to even let Kari finish her introduction before saying he had nothing to say to Navajo police.
By the time they reached the fifth office, Kari was running on pure determination and thinly veiled anger.
This office was larger than the others, with a nameplate that read: 'David Lomatuway'ma, Cultural Preservation Officer.'The door was open, and a man in his late thirties sat at a desk covered with maps and photographs of archaeological sites.He looked up as they approached, and his expression, unlike the others, showed concern rather than hostility.
"Officer Polacca," he said, standing.His gaze moved to Kari, taking in her uniform, and something like understanding crossed his face."You must be the detective from Navajo Nation.The one Chief Lomayesva brought in to help."
"Detective Kari Blackhorse."Kari was surprised enough by the civil greeting that she almost fumbled her words."I'm investigating Patricia Lomahongva's death."
"It's terrible.Just terrible."David moved around his desk, his body language open and welcoming in a way that made Kari want to hug him with gratitude after the past half hour of stonewalling."Patricia was a wonderful person.She did so much good for people in this community."
"Did you know her well?"
"We worked together sometimes.She'd consult with me about proper protocols for handling ancestral information, making sure her research respected cultural sensitivities.And I helped her understand the cultural context of family lineages when it was relevant to her work."He gestured to the chairs facing his desk."Please, sit.I'll help however I can."
Kari sat, and Polacca took the other chair, though she remained silent, watching the interaction with that same neutral expression.
"When did you last see Patricia?"Kari asked, pulling out her notebook.
David thought for a moment."Yesterday afternoon.Maybe around five?She stopped by my office to ask about protocols for a particularly sensitive case she was working on.A family's genealogy that had some...complexities."
"What kind of complexities?"
"I can't go into specifics without violating the family's privacy.But let's just say that sometimes genealogical research reveals things that challenge people's understanding of their heritage.Patricia was very careful about how she presented such information.She didn't want to cause unnecessary pain."
"Did she seem worried?Stressed?"
"A little.But I attributed it to the sensitivity of the case she was working on."David's expression grew troubled."She mentioned she was planning a community presentation soon, about her broader findings.She seemed nervous about it.Excited, but nervous."
"Nervous, why?"
"Because sharing the truth about family histories can be controversial.Some people prefer not to know certain things about their ancestry.Some families have built identities around particular narratives that might be challenged by DNA evidence."He leaned forward."Patricia believed in transparency, in giving people access to their full history.But she knew that information could be disruptive."
Kari made notes, her pen moving quickly across the page."This community presentation—do you know when it was scheduled?"
"Next month, I think.She was still preparing the data, making sure everything was thoroughly documented."David paused, his gaze growing distant."I told her to be careful.Not everyone would welcome what she had to share."
"Did she mention anyone specifically?Anyone who might have objected to her research?"
"No.Patricia was discreet.She wouldn't have named names to me."He looked earnestly at Kari."Detective, I want you to know that I support the chief's decision to bring you in.I know it's controversial, but sometimes an outside perspective is exactly what's needed.People here are too close to this, too afraid to ask the hard questions."
Kari felt a surge of gratitude for his openness."Thank you.That means a lot."
"Patricia was a good woman.She deserved better than..."He shook his head."Whatever happened to her, whoever did this, they need to be held accountable.I don't care about politics or tribal boundaries.I care about justice."
Kari nodded and rose."As do we.Thank you for being so helpful."
David walked them to the door."If you need anything—cultural context, access to information about sacred sites, anything—please don't hesitate to ask.My door is always open."
"I appreciate that."
As they walked back down the hallway, Kari felt the difference David's cooperation had made.It was like coming up for air after being underwater.She glanced at Polacca, whose expression remained unreadable.
"He was helpful," Kari said, testing the waters.
"David's respected," Polacca said."People listen to him.If he's willing to work with you, that will matter."
It was the most forthcoming thing Polacca had said all day, and Kari seized on it."So if I need cultural guidance, he's someone I can trust?"
