"She looks like a wonderful woman," Kari said, studying the photo.The image showed David as a devoted nephew, exactly the kind of man who would drop everything for family.The timing aligned perfectly with his explanation.
"She is.Tough as nails, even now."David pocketed his phone."But I appreciate you asking.It's been a stressful few days, between worrying about her and everything that's been happening with these murders."
Kari felt a small pang of guilt for the suspicions she'd harbored earlier.David had a legitimate reason for canceling their appointment, documented proof of where he'd been.
Polacca returned, her expression urgent."That was the chief.Martin's lawyer just arrived.They're ready to start the interview."
Kari stood immediately."We should go."
"Of course," David said, standing as well."I hope the interview gives you what you need."
Kari gathered her things, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment.The conversation with David had been informative, but hadn't led anywhere concrete.She'd spent the better part of an hour here when she could have been at the station, preparing for Martin's interview.
"Something just occurred to me," David said as they moved toward the door."Have you had a chance to check Patricia's research for Martin's name?His family history?"
Kari paused, turning back."What do you mean?"
"If there's something in Martin's family's genetic data that connects him to the victims or gives him a motive..."David's expression was thoughtful."Can you search for his name in Patricia's research?Do you have access?"
Kari felt a flush of embarrassment.It was such an obvious step, and she hadn't thought of it."I...no.I haven't.The files were just returned to me today, and I've been focused on the victims' data."
David studied her."So youdohave access to them?"
"Yes."
David was silent a moment, thinking."If you'd like to check the data together, I'd be more than happy to help.It'll only take a few minutes to search, and I should think you would be much better prepared to speak with Martin once you know if his name or family is in there."
Polacca looked at Kari."I can get started on the initial interview.Martin's lawyer will probably want time to confer anyway before he says anything substantive."
Kari hesitated, weighing her options.She was exhausted—they all were—and exhaustion led to oversights.This was a basic investigative step she should have taken already.Five minutes to search Martin's name in the genealogical database could save hours of wheel-spinning later.
"Alright," she said to Polacca."Go ahead.I'll search the database for Martin's family, see if there's any connection to Patricia's research.I'll meet you at the station as soon as I find something—or confirm there's nothing to find."
Polacca nodded and left, the front door closing behind her with a quiet click.
David gestured back toward the dining table."Let me grab my laptop.I can help cross-reference if you find Martin's family in the database."
They settled down at the table, and Kari pulled up the genealogical files on her laptop.She typed "Kooyahoema" into the search function.
The system churned for a moment, then returned results.Martin Kooyahoema's family was listed—his parents, his sister Sydney, his grandparents.Patricia had collected DNA samples from several members of the extended Kooyahoema family as part of her broader study.
"Here," Kari said, pulling up the data."Martin's family participated in the study."
David leaned over to look at the screen."What do the results show?"
Kari scanned through the genetic data, the family tree diagrams, Patricia's notes.The Kooyahoema family showed typical Hopi ancestry with some admixture from Navajo and Zuni populations—nothing unusual, nothing that would mark them as controversial.
"Nothing stands out," Kari said, scrolling through page after page."Their ancestry is pretty standard for Hopi families in this region.No surprises, no contested lineages."
"What about connections to the other victims' families?"David asked."Any shared ancestors, any intermarriage?"
Kari cross-referenced the Kooyahoema data with what she'd reviewed earlier about Patricia's, Robert's, and Emma's families.No obvious connections appeared.The family trees diverged generations ago, with no recent shared ancestry that would create a personal connection between Martin and the victims.
"Nothing," Kari said tiredly."If Martin has a motive related to the genealogical research, it's not in his own family's data."
David sat back, looking equally disappointed."Well, it was worth checking.At least now you know that that angle doesn't explain his involvement."
They were both silent for several moments.Kari found herself wishing she'd gone with Polacca—or, better yet, not come here at all.She felt like this whole visit had accomplished nothing but killing some time, and if Martin was ready to talk, time was now of the essence.
