Martin came down the rest of the stairs slowly, his movements careful.When he reached the ground, he stopped several feet away from them, his hands visible at his sides.
"Who?"he asked.
"Emma.Emma Talayesva."
He paused.Then: "I want a lawyer."
The words hung in the air between them.It was his right, absolutely legal, and the smart thing to do.But it also meant any hope of getting quick answers had just evaporated.
"That's your choice," Kari said, keeping her voice neutral despite the frustration churning in her gut."But we're going to need you to come to the station with us.We have questions about your connection to a violent crime, and your DNA places you at the scene."
"I'm not going anywhere without a lawyer."Martin's jaw was set, his eyes hard."I've been down this road before.I know how it works.You think you've got me, think my DNA means I'm guilty.But I'm not saying a word until I've got representation."
"You're not under arrest," Polacca said carefully."We're just asking you to come in voluntarily, answer some questions."
"And if I say no?"
"Then we'll have to consider you a flight risk and take you into custody for questioning."Kari met his eyes steadily."Either way, you're coming to the station.The question is whether you walk in on your own or in handcuffs.Your choice."
Martin looked between them, clearly weighing his options.He had to know that running would only make things worse.But cooperation without a lawyer could be equally dangerous.
"Fine," he said finally."I'll come to the station.But I'm not answering any questions without a lawyer present.And I'm not riding in your car—I'll drive myself."
"That's not going to work," Kari said."If you're coming in for questioning, you're coming with us."
"Then I guess you're arresting me after all."Martin's voice was bitter."Just say it.Say I'm under arrest so we can stop pretending this is voluntary."
Kari exchanged a glance with Polacca.They had enough for a detention—his DNA on the murder weapon, his evasive behavior, his attempts to avoid contact with law enforcement.But without formal charges, they were limited in how long they could hold him.
"Martin Kooyahoema," Kari said formally, "you're being detained for questioning in connection with an assault.You're not under arrest at this time, but you're not free to leave.Do you understand?"
"I understand I need a lawyer."Martin held out his hands, wrists together."Let's get this over with."
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
They didn't cuff Martin—he wasn't resisting, wasn't a threat.But the ride back to the station was tense, Martin sitting in the back of Kari's Jeep in silence, staring out the window with an expression that was equal parts resignation and resentment.
At the station, they processed him into an interview room, then stepped into the observation room next door.Through the one-way glass, they watched Martin sit at the metal table, his posture defensive, his hands clasped in front of him.He stared at the wall, his jaw tight, saying nothing.
"He looks guilty," Polacca said quietly.
"He looks like someone who knows the system," Kari countered, though she had to admit Martin's body language screamed evasion."The question is whether he's guilty of murder or just smart enough to keep his mouth shut until he has legal protection."
"DNA doesn't lie," Polacca said."His skin cells were on that knife.He held it, gripped it hard enough to leave epithelial cells behind."
"Which means he touched the knife at some point.Not necessarily that he used it in the attack."Kari watched Martin shift in his chair, uncomfortable but determined."We need more than just DNA on the weapon.We need to place him at Emma's house that night.We need to connect him to Patricia and Robert.We need a motive."
Chief Lomayesva entered the observation room, holding a file folder.His expression was grim."Public defender's been notified.Should be here within the hour.In the meantime, I've got officers searching Martin's apartment above the garage—Ramon gave permission once we explained the situation.If there's anything connecting Martin to the crimes, we'll find it."
"What about his background?"Kari asked."Any connection to the Cultural Center, to ceremonial practices, to the victims?"
"Nothing so far.He's been working odd jobs for cash since his parole ended—handyman work, small repairs, nothing that would bring him into contact with Patricia or Robert's circle."
"What about the knife itself?"Polacca asked."Any way to trace where it came from?"
"Forensics is working on it.It's a common style—could have been purchased at dozens of places, or at an estate sale, or through a private transaction."The chief pulled out a photo of the knife."No serial numbers, no distinctive markings.Just a standard hunting knife with a wooden handle."
"We need to understand the ceremonial aspects better," Kari said."The staging at Patricia and Robert's scenes—the specific artifacts used, their placement, what they mean.That's specialized knowledge.Does Martin have that knowledge?"
