Sharp implements.Heavy objects.
David gestured to the couch but remained standing himself, his posture tense."What's this about?I thought I made it clear I have a family emergency.My aunt is ill, and I need to drive to Flagstaff this morning to see her."
Kari settled onto the couch in a way that looked casual but positioned her with a clear view of both David and the exit.Polacca remained standing near the door, her body language relaxed but alert.
"We just had a few follow-up questions about the ceremonial masks," Kari said."Since you're the expert on cultural preservation, we thought you might help us narrow down where the mask used in last night's attack might have come from."
"Last night's attack?"David's expression shifted—surprise, concern, fear.It was hard to read which emotion was genuine."What happened?"
"Emma Talayesva was attacked in her home.The assailant was wearing a Hopi ceremonial mask."Kari watched his face carefully."You hadn't heard?"
"No.I...Is she alright?"
"She fought back.She's safe."Kari paused."Mr.Lomatuway'ma, I can't help noticing…" She gestured at her own face to indicate what she meant.
David's hand went to his cheek instinctively, touching the reddened skin."This?Oh, it's nothing.An allergic reaction."He chuckled softly.
"To what?"
"Some chemical preservatives I was working with yesterday.I'm restoring some old pottery for the museum—pieces that need stabilization.The compounds we use can cause contact dermatitis if you're not careful."He lowered his hand."I've always had a weak constitution.Sensitive skin, the whole package.It's why I ended up in cultural preservation rather than fieldwork—I can't spend long hours out in the elements without having some kind of reaction."
The explanation sounded convincing, but the timing was too striking to be ignored.Kari's instincts screamed that she was looking at the man who'd attacked Emma, who'd killed Patricia and Robert, who'd tried to stage Jake's body at a sacred site just hours ago.
But instincts weren't evidence.
"That must be difficult," Kari said, keeping her tone sympathetic."Working with cultural artifacts but having health limitations."
"You learn to manage it."David seemed to relax, perhaps interpreting her sympathy as a sign that she believed his explanation."I have medications, protocols.You just have to be more careful than other people."
"Where were you last night between nine and eleven PM?"Kari asked, the question coming casually, as if it were just another detail to check off.
David's face grew wary."Why are you asking that?"
"Because Emma Talayesva was attacked during that timeframe.And we're asking everyone connected to the Cultural Center, everyone who knew Patricia and Robert, to account for their whereabouts."Kari's voice remained calm, as if this were a mere matter of course."It's standard procedure.Nothing personal."
"I was at a tribal council meeting," David said."It ran late—we didn't finish until almost eleven-thirty."
"Can anyone vouch for you?"
"Chairman Namingha.How's that?"
Kari nodded.They would have to reach out to the chairman once this conversation was over.
"And the night before?"she pressed.
"Here.At home.Alone."David's jaw tightened."I was working on documentation for a grant proposal, but I guess I can't prove I was here.Am I a suspect, Detective?"
"Everyone's a suspect until we eliminate them," Kari said."It's nothing personal, Mr.Lomatuway'ma.We're just being thorough."
"Then be thorough with someone else," David said, his earlier cooperation curdling into anger."I've been helpful to your investigation.I've answered your questions, provided expertise, assisted in every way I could.And now you're in my home at five in the morning, questioning me like a criminal because I have a skin reaction?"
"We're just—"
"I think you should leave," David interrupted."Unless you have a warrant or some actual reason to be here beyond wild speculation, I'd like you to go.I have family matters to attend to."
There was nothing more to push on without an actual basis for arrest.Kari stood slowly, Polacca moving aside to let her reach the door."Thank you for your time, Mr.Lomatuway'ma.We'll verify your whereabouts last night with the council chairman."
"You do that," David said, opening the door with barely controlled anger."And when you confirm I was exactly where I said I was, maybe you'll realize you're wasting time harassing innocent people instead of finding the actual killer."
