Page 10 of Close

“Yes, sir.Male victim, identified as Dr.Mark Harrington from Canyon State University.Geology professor.”

There was a brief silence on the other end.“White academic on tribal land,” Yazzie said finally.“The feds will be circling soon.”

“I know,” Kari said.“But it’s our case until they arrive.”

“Process it by the book, Blackhorse.I want everything documented before any federal agents show up.”Yazzie paused.“Nez mentioned some… unusual elements to the scene.”

Kari glanced back at the body, at the ceremonial arrangement that seemed so at odds with the violence inflicted.“The victim was arranged postmortem in a position resembling Blessing Way elements.There are herbs placed around the body.”

Another silence, longer this time.“Keep that detail close for now,” Yazzie said eventually.“No need to broadcast it.”

“Understood,” Kari said, though she wasn’t entirely sure she did.Withholding details from the feds would only complicate jurisdictional issues later.

“I’ve got Agent Daniels from the Flagstaff field office calling me already,” Yazzie continued.“Seems the victim was reported missing yesterday when he didn’t return from a photography trip he took late the previous night.”

The name registered immediately.Paul Daniels—her father’s former partner.“When will he arrive?”she asked, keeping her voice neutral.

“Tomorrow morning at the earliest.That gives you twenty-four hours to establish the investigation on our terms.”Yazzie’s tone made it clear this was both an opportunity and a test.“Make it count, Detective.”

“Yes, sir,” Kari said.

The call ended just as a white medical examiner’s van pulled up on the access road in the distance.Kari rejoined Tsosie, who was photographing the crime scene from multiple angles.

“Captain?”he asked, not looking up from his camera.

“FBI’s already interested.Agent Daniels from Flagstaff will be here tomorrow.”

Tsosie lowered the camera, sensing there was more Kari wanted to say.

“My father’s partner,” Kari said.“But that won’t be an issue.”

Tsosie said nothing, but his skepticism was palpable.

“What matters now is establishing a timeline,” Kari continued, refocusing on the case.“Harrington was reported missing yesterday.He went on a late hike the previous night, which is presumably when he was killed.It’s Thursday now, so that puts his death somewhere during Tuesday night.”

“We need to know if he was alone,” Tsosie said.“He could have met someone out here.”

The medical examiner’s team had reached the yellow tape boundary, the lead examiner waving in greeting.Dr.Susan Hatathli was an efficient woman in her fifties who had worked for the tribal police for over two decades.

“Detectives,” she said as she approached.“Officer Nez said this one was unusual.”

“That’s putting it mildly,” Kari said.“Victim is Dr.Mark Harrington, geology professor.Massive trauma to the face and upper body, broken neck, arranged postmortem in a ceremonial position.”

Dr.Hatathli raised an eyebrow but said nothing as she pulled on gloves and crouched beside the body.Her examination was thorough and methodical, her expression growing more troubled as she worked.

“Initial impression is death by cervical fracture,” she said after several minutes.“But these other injuries…” She traced the air above one of the deep lacerations on the chest.“These were inflicted antemortem.He was alive when he received them.”

“Weapon?”Kari asked.

Dr.Hatathli frowned.“A knife for the lacerations, I would guess.”She examined the man’s battered face.“The facial trauma was caused by blunt force.A hammer, maybe, or a rock.”

“Time of death?”Kari asked.

“Based on lividity and the desert conditions, approximately thirty-six to forty-eight hours ago.I’ll narrow it down after the autopsy.”

Kari glanced at Tsosie.Tuesday night was looking more and more promising.

Dr.Hatathli gestured to her assistants to prepare the body for transport.“I’ll have preliminary findings for you by this evening.”

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