"Site protection primarily. Making sure the construction equipment wasn't vandalized, that workers could get in and out safely, that protesters didn't interfere with operations." Reid's tone remained cool, unemotional. "The Sunset Ridge project was controversial from the start because of the petroglyphs. We knew there would be protests, demonstrations, possibly attempts to halt construction through civil disobedience."
"And how did you handle that?"
"By the book. I coordinated with Phoenix PD, obtained proper permits for security personnel, set up monitoring systems around the perimeter. When protesters showed up, we documented their activities, made sure they stayed in designated areas, called police when necessary." Reid met Maria's eyes. "I spent ten years in war zones. I know the difference between legitimate protest and actual threats. The people demonstrating against the resort were exercising their rights. I disagreed with their position, but I respected their right to express it."
Kari stirred, wanting to press into this, to try to draw out some emotion. But she reminded herself that this was Maria's case, Maria's interrogation.
"Including Thomas Hatathli?" Maria asked.
"Including him. Hatathli was one of the most vocal opponents, organized a lot of the protests, gave speeches about cultural destruction and corporate greed. But until he made those statements that sounded like threats—'blood on your hands,' 'you'll answer for this'—he was just another protester exercising his rights."
"When did you first hear those statements?"
"At a city council meeting about six weeks ago. Hatathli was speaking during public comment, got heated, made statements that crossed the line from protest to implied violence." Reid pulled out his phone and brought up a document. "I documented it in my security reports, flagged it as a potential concern.That's standard procedure when someone makes threatening statements about project stakeholders."
Kari studied him carefully. Everything about Reid's demeanor was controlled, exactly what you'd expect from someone with his background. But there was something in his eyes—a wariness, maybe, or a calculation. He was being cooperative, but he was also being very careful about what he said and how he said it. That made sense, given the delicateness of the situation.
But it could also be the behavior of someone with something to hide.
"You maintained files on the protesters?" Maria asked.
"On those who appeared regularly or made statements of concern, yes. Names, photos, vehicle information when possible. Basic security protocols." Reid seemed to sense where this was going. "And before you ask, yes, I had a file on Hatathli. But that's because he was the primary organizer, not because I had any specific information suggesting he'd actually commit violence."
"Did you ever interact directly with Hatathli?"
"A few times. He came to the construction site a couple times to take photos of the petroglyph destruction. I escorted him off the property both times—politely, no physical contact, just explained that he was trespassing and needed to leave."
"How did he respond?"
"He was angry, understandably so. Those petroglyphs were significant, and watching them get destroyed for a luxury resort was painful for him. I understood that."
Maria glanced at Kari, a silent invitation for her to step in. She cleared her throat.
"Mr. Reid, your background is impressive," she said. "Army special operations, private military contractor, experience inpsychological operations and surveillance. Those are specialized skills."
"They are." Reid's voice remained level. "Skills I used to protect American interests overseas and now use to protect construction sites in Phoenix. Is there a question in there?"
"Just noting that someone with your expertise would be capable of very sophisticated operations. Including, hypothetically, committing crimes while making it appear someone else was responsible."
Reid's jaw tightened. "Detective, I believe in directness, so let me be direct. I didn't kill those people. I had no reason to kill them—they were project stakeholders, not threats to me personally. And I didn't frame Thomas Hatathli, though I'll admit the evidence against him is compelling."
"Where were you during the murders?" Maria asked.
"Managing security at the petroglyph site. I've been there almost constantly over the past week."
"Even though construction has stopped?" Kari asked.
He nodded. "There are still valuable materials and equipment on-site, and the protesters haven't gone away. I've been maintaining a visible security presence to prevent vandalism." Reid pulled up his phone again, showing them a calendar with detailed entries. "I can provide you with exact times, eyewitnesses, even security camera footage showing me on-site during the relevant periods."
"We'll need that," Maria said. "All of it."
"Of course. I'll have my assistant send over everything within the hour." Reid checked his watch. "Is there anything else? I should get back to the site—like I said, we've still got protesters there daily, and without active security presence things could get out of hand."
Kari had one more question. "Do you know why someone would want to kill Garrison, Hoffman, and Sheridan specifically? Beyond their connection to the resort?"
Reid considered this carefully. "If I were investigating, I'd look at what they knew rather than just what they did. All three were involved in the project approval and construction. If there were... irregularities... in how that happened, they might have information that someone wanted to keep quiet."
"What kind of irregularities?"
