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Kari saw an opportunity.“Sir,” she said, addressing Captain Yazzie directly, “let me and Detective Tsosie approach with Natoni.Thomas knows us, and he knows we’re tribal police, not federal agents.We can resolve this without force.”

Yazzie considered this, clearly weighing jurisdiction and protocol against practical solutions.

“Absolutely not,” Daniels cut in.“Begay is potentially armed and has already made threats.This is now a federal operation.”

“On tribal land,” Kari reminded him.“Where Captain Yazzie has final authority unless formally superseded.”

The pointed reminder hung in the air between them.Daniels’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t contradict her—couldn’t, because she was technically correct.

Yazzie made his decision.“Detective Blackhorse, you and Tsosie approach with Natoni Begay.Unarmed, vests only.Your objective is peaceful surrender for questioning, not arrest.Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir,” Kari and Tsosie responded in unison.

“This is a mistake,” Daniels said, his voice low and intense.“If Begay is our killer, you’re putting your detectives at unnecessary risk.”

“If he’s your killer, Agent Daniels,” Yazzie replied with equal intensity, “then I want my people bringing him in—people who understand the community implications.And if he’s not your killer, I want to minimize the damage this operation has already caused.”

Without waiting for Daniels’s response, Yazzie walked to the perimeter and spoke briefly with the officer restraining Natoni.Kari and Tsosie followed, both removing their service weapons and handing them to another officer before donning the tactical vests Yazzie insisted upon.

Natoni’s face showed equal parts fear and anger.“What are they doing to my cousin?Thomas is a teacher, not a criminal.”

“We know,” Kari assured him.“That’s why we’re going to talk to him, bring him out safely.”

“These federal agents,” Natoni spat the words, “they come with guns to ask questions, then act surprised when people are afraid.”

“Focus, Natoni,” Tsosie said.“Does Thomas have a weapon inside?”

“A hunting rifle, that’s all.For deer, not people.”Natoni’s gaze moved between them.“He would never hurt anyone.The fight they keep talking about—that tourist was photographing a coming-of-age ceremony after being told not to.Thomas only pushed him away from the sacred space.”

Kari nodded her understanding.“What’s the best way to approach him now?He needs to come out peacefully so we can sort this out.”

“Let me call to him in Diné,” Natoni said.“No bullhorns, no English commands.Just his cousin speaking our language.”

Kari glanced at Tsosie, who nodded in agreement.“Let’s do it,” she said.

They approached the house slowly, positioning themselves where Thomas could see them clearly from the windows—Kari and Tsosie slightly behind Natoni, their empty hands visible, no weapons.

Natoni called out in Diné, his voice carrying across the yard without need for amplification.Kari recognized enough of the language to follow the essence of his message:Family is here.We will protect you.Come out and walk with us.

For several long moments, nothing happened.The news helicopter circled overhead, its camera undoubtedly capturing the tense scene for the evening broadcast.Behind them, Daniels watched with barely contained frustration, his hand hovering near his sidearm.

Then, almost imperceptibly, one curtain moved.A face appeared briefly at the window—broad features, intense eyes—before disappearing again.

Natoni called out once more, adding something Kari didn’t fully catch—a reference to their grandfather, it seemed, and to honor.

The front door opened slowly.Thomas Begay stood in the doorway, an imposing figure despite his obvious fear—tall and broadly built, with powerful shoulders and hands that could indeed break a neck if their owner chose to.He wore jeans and a flannel shirt, his long hair pulled back in a traditional bun.No weapon was visible.

“Keep your hands where they can see them,” Natoni instructed his cousin in English.

Thomas complied, raising his hands to shoulder height.“I have done nothing wrong,” he said, his deep voice carrying clearly.“Why do they come to my home with guns?”

“They want to ask you questions about the deaths of Dr.Harrington and a woman named Rachel Delgado,” Kari said, maintaining a respectful distance.“We can do this calmly, with respect.But you need to come with us now.”

Thomas’s gaze moved past them to the assembled officers, the media vehicles, the federal agents with their tactical gear.“This is not about questions,” he said with quiet dignity.“This is about finding someone to blame.”

“Perhaps,” Tsosie said honestly.“But running or resisting will only make things worse.Come with us.Let us help navigate this.”

A moment of silent communication passed between the cousins, some understanding that Kari wasn’t privy to.Then Thomas stepped forward, hands still raised.

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