Polacca nodded slowly."The Cultural Center's still open.We can go there now."
* * *
Robert Nuvangyaoma's office was larger than Patricia's had been, with windows that looked out over the mesa.The space was organized but busy—bookshelves crammed with anthropological texts, filing cabinets with drawers slightly ajar, a desk covered with papers and note cards arranged in what must have been a meaningful system to their owner.
Polacca stood by the door while Kari moved to the desk.The top layer of papers was recent—printouts from academic journals, notes about upcoming conferences, correspondence with other researchers.But underneath, she found something more relevant.
A manuscript.Incomplete but substantial, maybe eighty pages printed and marked up with handwritten edits.The title page read:"Genetic Ancestry and Tribal Identity: Implications for Enrollment and Cultural Continuity in Contemporary Hopi Society" by Robert Nuvangyaoma, Ph.D.
Kari picked it up carefully, flipping through the pages.The writing was dense, academic, but the subject matter was immediately clear.Robert had been analyzing Patricia's genealogical data, looking at the broader implications of what DNA testing revealed about Hopi families.He discussed tribal enrollment requirements, the tension between genetic ancestry and cultural identity, the political and social ramifications of genealogical research that challenged official records.
"He was writing about Patricia's findings," Kari said, holding up the manuscript."An academic paper about the genealogical project and what it meant for the community."She paused, frowning."But if this data was so sensitive and protected, how did Robert have access to it?"
Polacca moved closer, reading over Kari's shoulder."Robert wasn't just writing about the project—he was part of it.He and Patricia were collaborators.She handled the genealogical research and data collection, he provided the anthropological analysis.That's how it was set up from the beginning."
"So he had full access to all the findings?"
"Everything Patricia discovered, Robert knew about.They were working together to prepare for the community presentation—she would present the genealogical data, he would discuss the broader implications for tribal identity and policy."
Kari felt a chill.Not just one person who knew the dangerous findings, but two.Both now dead.
"Who else would have had access to this research?"Kari asked.
Polacca pulled out her phone and scrolled through something."There's a social worker—Emma Talayesva.She coordinates genealogical services for the tribe, helps people access DNA testing through university partnerships.If anyone besides Patricia and Robert knew the full scope of what was being discovered, it would be her."
"Then we need to talk to her.Today."
Polacca made the call, speaking quietly in Hopi, then switched to English."Emma?This is Officer Polacca...Yes, I know, it's terrible...Listen, I need to speak with you about the genealogical project.Can you meet us at your office in twenty minutes?"A pause."It's urgent.Thank you."
She ended the call and looked at Kari."She'll meet us at the tribal social services building.It's about ten minutes from here."
As they left Robert's office, Kari carried the manuscript with her, feeling its weight as more than just paper.Two people connected to this genealogical project were now dead.Whatever Patricia had discovered in her research, whatever truths about ancestry and identity she'd been preparing to share with the community, someone was willing to kill to keep it hidden.
The question was who.And the answer might be locked behind Patricia's password-protected computer, or in files held by this social worker they were about to meet.
Kari thought about what David Lomatuway'ma had said that morning—that sometimes genealogical research revealed things that challenged people's understanding of their heritage, that such information could be disruptive.She hadn't understood then just how dangerous that disruption could be.
Now, standing in a dead man's office, holding his unfinished manuscript, she understood perfectly.
Someone, she suspected, was protecting a secret.And they were willing to kill anyone who threatened to expose it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The tribal social services building was a modest structure on the outskirts of the village, its parking lot mostly empty in the late afternoon.Kari and Polacca arrived first and waited in the vehicle, the silence between them still heavy with the tension from the crime scene.
Kari's mind was churning through the evidence, trying to see connections, patterns, motives.Two victims, both involved in genealogical research, both killed and displayed at sacred sites.The killer had detailed knowledge of burial practices, access to remote locations, and the confidence to work in the middle of the night without fear of discovery.
Before she could pursue that line of thinking further, her phone rang.The screen showed a number she recognized—Dr.Nakai, the medical examiner.
"Detective Blackhorse," Kari answered.
"Detective, I'm back in my office now, so I thought I'd call and update you.I've completed the preliminary autopsy on Patricia Lomahongva.I thought you'd want to know the findings before I file the official report."
"Go ahead."
"Cause of death was exsanguination from multiple stab wounds.Seven distinct penetrations—three to the torso, four to the upper chest area.The weapon was a knife with a blade approximately five inches long, single-edged, likely a hunting or utility knife.The wounds show hesitation marks on the first strike, suggesting the killer wasn't experienced or was emotionally conflicted, but the subsequent wounds were delivered with increasing force and precision."
Kari processed this, picturing the attack."So the killer started uncertain but finished the job?"
