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Daniels turned to leave, then paused in the doorway.“One more thing, Detective Blackhorse.If you develop theories about potential suspects, I expect to be informed immediately, not after you’ve had a private strategy session with your colleagues.Clear?”

“Crystal,” Kari replied, not bothering to point out how hypocritical his demand was, given the way he’d steamrollered their investigation from the beginning.

After Daniels left, closing the door with deliberate care, Yazzie turned to Kari.“He’s not entirely wrong about the physical aspect.Redford would have needed help or exceptional planning to overpower these victims.”

“Maybe,” Kari said.“But every other aspect of this case points to her.The ceremonial knowledge, the corrections that align perfectly with my visit, the connections to all three victims.”

“So we investigate,” Yazzie said simply.“Quietly, thoroughly, following protocol.If she’s our killer, evidence will confirm it.If not, we’ve eliminated a possibility.”He glanced at the clock on his wall—nearly 1 AM.“But not tonight.Get some rest, both of you.Start fresh in the morning.”

As Kari gathered her notes, Tsosie fell into step beside her.“For what it’s worth,” he said quietly, “I think you’re onto something.The ceremonial improvements after your visit are too coincidental.”

“But you have the same doubts as Daniels,” Kari guessed, reading the reservation in his expression.

“About the physical aspects, yes.Harrington’s neck was broken with significant force.But…” He paused, choosing his words carefully.“There are other possibilities.Other explanations.”

Something in his tone raised a flag in Kari’s mind.“What are you thinking?”

Tsosie glanced around, ensuring they weren’t overheard.“In the old stories, there are beings that can grant strength beyond human capacity.Temporary power in exchange for… offerings.”

The suggestion should have sounded absurd to Kari’s evidence-trained mind.Yet she found herself remembering Ruth’s warning:Your killer is creating openings.Whether they know it or not.

“You think Redford is trying to summon something?”she asked, her tone carefully neutral.

“I think someone with her knowledge of ceremonies might believe they could,” Tsosie replied, equally careful.“The positioning of the bodies, the specific herbs, the progression from incorrect to correct ritual elements—it resembles a pattern of learning, of trying to establish communication.”

The idea sent a chill through Kari that had nothing to do with the station’s aggressive air conditioning.“That’s a significant leap from academic sociopath to supernatural summoner.”

“Is it?”Tsosie asked.“Our traditions teach that power responds to intention, not just action.If Redford believes these ceremonies can open boundaries, does it matter whether she’s right?The motivation—and the victims—remain the same.”

It was the kind of conversation Kari could never have had with her colleagues in Phoenix, where psychological profiles and forensic evidence formed the foundation of every case theory.Was it disturbing that Tsosie could so casually introduce supernatural elements into their investigation?Or refreshing?

“Either way,” she said finally, “we need evidence.Concrete, admissible evidence that places Redford at or near the crime scenes, that connects her to the stolen ceremonial items, that establishes motive beyond academic interest.”

“Agreed.”Tsosie nodded.“We start first thing tomorrow.Background, movements, connections.By the book.”

Kari had already pulled out her phone, thumb scrolling through screens.“I’m not waiting until morning.”

“What are you doing?”Tsosie asked, following her to her Jeep.

“Faculty directory.”She found what she was looking for, then switched to a map application.“I want eyes on Redford tonight.”

“Yazzie said—”

“I know what the captain said.”Kari looked up, meeting Tsosie’s gaze directly.“Three victims in five days, Ben.That means there’s a good chance someone else dies tomorrow.I’m not waiting for a fourth body to prove I’m right.”

Tsosie studied her for a long moment, weighing duty against instinct.“Daniels will have a field day if he finds out.”

“Then he doesn’t find out.”Kari slid behind the wheel of her Jeep.“I’m going with or without you.But I’d rather have backup.”

The silence stretched between them, filled with the weight of careers balanced against lives.Then Tsosie sighed.“Give me five minutes to grab my gear.I’ll follow in my vehicle.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The skin never fit right on nights like this.

Dr.Elaine Redford felt it stretching, thinning in places, as if her body was attempting to push through its own boundaries.Her reflection in the rearview mirror showed the same familiar face—silver-framed glasses, shoulder-length gray hair neatly styled, the appearance of a respected academic.But beneath that carefully maintained exterior, something else watched through her eyes.

Something hungry.

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