Earthcrack: A Lin Hanna Mystery

by Sharon Canipe

  “ And we will need a large trash can,” Toby added, placing one just to the right of the doorway.

  When everything that could be done this early had been completed, Lin grabbed the keys to a park SUV and said she was heading out to Sarah’s house.

  “She wanted to come in early and help get things ready so I promised her I would be out this morning,” Lin said. “She can help us set up refreshments and maybe help the artists set up when they arrive.”

  “Great,” Toby responded. “We can use all the help we can get. Danielle is going to make another run out to Lomaki to see what is happening there.”

  Shortly, Lin was on the road heading to Sarah’s house. It was a beautiful day and good to be out. On such days it seemed easier to push troubling thoughts away and focus on the beauty of the northern Arizona desert.

  When she arrived at Sarah’s home she found the older woman ready to go and waiting on her porch. She smiled and waved as Lin parked the vehicle and walked toward the house.

  “I’m glad you came early. I’m ready to go. I don’t get many chances to spend the day away from here. It’s a treat!”

  “It’s a treat for me too,” Lin responded, “I always enjoy a birthday party and I’m looking forward to seeing the work of the artists who are coming.” She helped Sarah down the porch steps and into the SUV.

  As they pulled away from the house Sarah spoke. “By the way, you will not need to bring me home later. My nephew Jimmy is planning to come and he will bring me home. Jimmy is a jewelry maker and he’s planning to bring some of his work to display.”

  “Great,” Lin responded. “I’ll look forward to meeting him.” She wondered if Sarah had heard about the bodies found earlier in the week—probably not, unless Jimmy had been by to bring news.

  “Have you heard that we had more trouble up near Lomaki the first of this week? Two more men were found dead out beyond the box canyon.” Lin asked.

  Sarah had not heard and she was genuinely shocked. “What is happening out here? These evil things keep happening. Something is wrong in this part of the world.” She went on to explain the Navajo view of harmony and beauty in the world. “When everything is in harmony, we walk in beauty,” she said, “We are right with the world and with each other. When evil happens it means things are not right. There is no beauty. We are not in harmony with our world.” She continued, “ When all of this is settled and ended we will need to have a sing to make things right—at least for the Navajo that is true.”

  “Well, it’s certainly true for all of us that things are not right in our world at the moment,” Lin responded. “ The Honeyestewa family is Hopi, but I know that they need to know what happened to their son and brother. They need closure so they can move forward with their lives. I’m trying to help them learn more about what happened to him.”

  Sarah looked thoughtful. “You be careful if you are asking questions of others. You do not know who might be angry. Evil might find you also. Do you think these new deaths are related to the first one?”

  “I think it would be a strange coincidence if they were not connected in some way.” Lin didn’t wish to discuss any details of the case. She didn’t think it appropriate at this point.

  “Well, you be careful. There are evil ones about. That much is certain.” Sarah warned.

  They had arrived at the visitor center. Lin parked the SUV and helped Sarah get out of the vehicle. Nothing more was said about the incidents. Soon they were both absorbed in preparing the refreshments and helping the various artists to set up their displays as they arrived. The remaining hour of the morning passed quickly and soon it was time for Lin’s lunch break. She was happy to have time for a short respite before the busy afternoon.

  By the time Lin returned to the visitor center, all of the artists were present and attending their displays. Some had brought tools and were demonstrating their crafts. There were a number of visitors already present. Lin went down to the ruin trail to monitor visitors who would be there. She and Toby had agreed to split the time so that both could enjoy the reception and still have the ruin monitored with all the extra visitors about—she had the first shift.

  For the next couple of hours, Lin stationed herself at various points along the ruin trail, talking to visitors and answering questions as they arose. She could tell that the free admission had significantly increased the numbers. It was good that these occasions enabled visitors to come who might not have otherwise felt they could do so. The time passed quickly and she was surprised when Toby approached her.

  “My turn to be here,” he smiled, “There are lots of folks in the visitor center—one in particular is asking about you.”

  “And who is that, if I might asked?” Lin was curious.

  “I believe it is one Dr. Neal Smith,” Toby was grinning now, “I think you certainly have his attention!”

  “Sometimes, maybe,” Lin responded, “when he isn’t aggravated with me for asking too many questions about that earlier incident when his class found those first remains.”

  “Well, he seems happy enough now,” Toby offered, “and he’s asking where you are. I told him you were coming up shortly.”

  “Thanks, Toby,” Lin responded. She grabbed her water bottle and her hat and started up the trail. It was crowded with visitors and several stopped her with questions but soon she was approaching the patio where numbers of folks were gathered near the refreshment table. She was surprised to see so many visitors and was glad that they had not been forced to cancel the event. The Sheriff’s department had seen no reason why the party should be canceled since all of the planned activity would be in and around the visitor center. In fact, that might mean even fewer visitors in the rest of the park. Besides, the extra patrol was still at that area and could radio if help were needed. So far things appeared to be going smoothly.

  Lin noticed Neal Smith standing near one of the artist’s displays. He caught her eye and smiled, “There you are.” He crossed the patio to greet her. “ I’ve been looking for you. This is quite the special occasion.”

  “Yes, it is,” Lin returned his smile. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

  Lin was beginning to think that Neal Smith was a bit of an enigma. Sometimes, like right now, he was all smiles and obviously happy to see her. Then, at other times—mostly when the topic turned to those remains they had found earlier—he seemed irritated and didn’t want to talk. Lin could not shake her questions about his connection to all this. For now though, she decided to simply enjoy the attentions of this very attractive and personable professor.

  “ I hope you don’t have any plans for later,” Neal was speaking. “ I thought when this event is over we might drive up to Cameron and have dinner at the trading post—have you been there yet?”

  “Just for breakfast,” Lin replied, “my friend, Sue and I stopped there last week when we went up to the reservation—playing tourists. I’d love to go up again—I haven’t tried the Navajo taco yet.”

  “It’s a must,” Neal responded, “there are several other great native dishes on the menu also. I’m glad you are free—it’s a date. I’m going to hang around here and enjoy this party. We can go after it’s over.” Smith saw someone he apparently knew and moved away to talk to him. Lin went into the center to get some more food for the refreshment table. Afterward, she made the rounds of the artist’s displays admiring their work and enjoying the demonstrations where they were offered.

  The afternoon passed quickly.

  There were only a few folks left by closing time for the center. Lin observed that Neal Smith was in conversation with Danielle outside on the patio. Artists were breaking down their displays and loading up their wares. Toby had returned to the center so Lin joined him in helping to put up the tables and chairs. Sarah Chee and Jimmy were still there, resting on one of the benches near the windows. As Lin and Toby were returning from the storage closet after putting up the last of the tables, Danielle was coming in from the patio—Neal S
mith was right behind her. He smiled when he saw Lin and moved to stand near her.

  “Deputy Taylor called a short time ago,” Danielle said, “ They have identified the victims found on Tuesday and have released photos of them hoping to gather more information from people who might have known them. He said the photos were online.” She moved toward her office, indicating that they might follow her.

  Toby, Lin, and Neal followed Danielle to her office. Lin noticed that Sarah’s nephew Jimmy was coming also but Sarah shook her head and indicated she would not come. She doesn’t want to see these dead men, I guess, Lin thought. I guess Jimmy is not so much of a traditionalist.

  They all gathered behind Danielle’s desk as she brought the photos up on the computer. These were images of the driver’s licenses of the two men so the photos were not extremely clear but the names were evident—Henry Piestewa and Darren Steele.

  “I was right about Henry,” Danielle said, “I’m pretty sure I never saw this other fellow.”

  Jimmy leaned toward the computer. “I recognize him. Actually, I never met him and I didn’t know his name but Steele looks like the guy I saw at BJ’s bar maybe a week ago. He was asking questions and talking about looking for some old pottery out here in the park area. He was pretty drunk so I’m not sure about all that pottery talk but that looks like him alright.”

  “Looking for pottery?” Danielle asked. “Lin told me you had mentioned that to Sarah earlier. What have you heard?”

  “Nothing much really,” Jimmy responded, “but I did hear this man talking that night and there had been some rumors earlier. Some folks had mentioned that ‘people’ had been asking questions. Not sure who. Just rumors you know, but maybe they should be looked into. It wouldn’t be the first time someone had tried to steal artifacts around here. It’s an ongoing problem on the reservation and other areas too.”

  “Well, with all that has been happening around here lately, I guess we should be paying attention—even to rumors,” Danielle offered. “ I think you should talk to Deputy Taylor, Jimmy. Tell him what you heard. It might help.”

  “I’ll do that,” Jimmy responded, “it might not be much but anything might help. Guess, I’d better collect Sarah and get going. Thanks for having us out. I enjoyed the party and I sold quite a few pieces.”

  “I’m glad,” Danielle responded. “Thanks for coming.”

  As Jimmy was leaving the office and calling for Sarah to join him, Danielle’s phone rang. Lin could tell that it was Deputy Taylor on the line—she waited near the door, hoping Danielle would have information to share.

  The call was brief. “That was the deputy,” Danielle offered as she ended the call, “they have located a truck belonging to Darren Steele off a forest service road near Lomaki. Not sure what he might have been doing there. It appears he walked away from the vehicle. They found lots of tire tracks on the road—too many to help really. That road is used pretty often by forest workers and also some of the ranchers.”

  “What about the other victim?” Lin asked.

  “Oh, Henry’s vehicle was located in the Lomaki parking lot earlier when all the others had left,” Danielle continued, “not sure why he was there but this new information means that the two victims did not travel to the area together. Not sure what they were doing there, at least not yet.”

  “Deputy Taylor said he was on the way to Moenkopi to speak to the Honeyestewa family this evening. That eagle-head belt buckle is like the one found with Cullen’s remains and it was returned to the family. Billy says he thinks that it is unique so he wants to know how it got back here near the bodies,” Danielle added.

  “What about other evidence or medical reports?” Lin asked, “Do they have a time of death or any other information.”

  “Not yet,” Danielle said, “that may come tomorrow though. It looks like this case may be solved pretty quickly if things keep falling into place.”

  Lin hesitated. She had not yet told Danielle about her visit to the reservation and she knew she had to do this sooner or later. Right now she was going to simply wait and try to find out anything she could about what happened to Cullen—whether or not his death was connected to these most recent victims.

  “Yes, it seems so,” Lin nodded to Danielle, “Hopefully, we’ll be able to open the area sooner rather than later.” She left the office and headed back into the main part of the visitor center where Neal Smith was waiting for her.

  Lin had noticed that Neal had said nothing at all while they were in Danielle’s office looking at the pictures—but then, neither had she. The only time she had seen these men were when they were already dead and scarcely recognizable at all. Neal had not appeared to know them at the scene so maybe they were strangers to him. That was not the case with Cullen Honeyestewa, she felt sure, and she fully intended to explore that connection this evening. Lin also realized that Neal had left the office while Danielle was on the phone—not staying to hear any further news about the recent crimes. Perhaps he was trying not to appear curious—to further disassociate from these events. Was he concerned about these deaths being linked with the earlier one? Lin tried to shake off her own questions.

  Turning to Neal as they left the visitor center Lin spoke. “I feel the need to change out of this dusty uniform before we go to dinner. Would you like to come to my apartment? I could offer you a glass of wine while you wait.”

  “Fine, that would be nice,” Neal seemed to be in a more pensive mood than he had been earlier in the afternoon.

  Lin dressed quickly, choosing a pair of beige cotton and linen slacks and a short sleeved knit top with a bright red and gold design. She grabbed a matching red cotton cardigan, just in case the desert air turned cooler later. Slipping her feet into soft brown leather flats she pronounced herself ready to go. Her appearance brought a smile to Neal’s face as she entered her small living room where he sat sipping a glass of red wine. He rose to greet her, grasping her hands in his.

  “You look lovely,” his eyes focused on her face, “so lovely….” He pulled her to him and gently kissed her before she could react. It had been a long time since she had felt a man’s warm lips on hers and she found herself responding eagerly. Neal tried to grasp her in his arms but Lin gently pulled away.

  “We had better get going don’t you think? It’s a bit of a drive up to Cameron.”

  “Of course,” Neal responded—with a warm smile on his face, “ but you look so lovely, I couldn’t resist.”

  Lin smiled as they exited the apartment heading for Neal’s car. Soon they were driving along the park road toward the north entrance and highway 89.

  For several minutes neither of them spoke, then Neal reached over and took Lin’s hand.

  “Lin,” he said, still keeping his eyes firmly on the road ahead. “I don’t want to rush you into anything you don’t want or don’t feel ready for but I do want you to know that I find you most attractive and I would like to spend more time with you—get to know you better.”

  Lin thought for a few moments before responding. Her feelings toward Neal were complicated. He was most attractive and she did find herself drawn to him. It had been 8 years since she lost Ben. During that time she had gone out with other men—and enjoyed herself. However, she hadn’t been serious about any of them, had never felt the attraction she felt for Neal. That had kept her life and her relationships pretty simple. She had lots of friends and she enjoyed their company—no complications. Now she wasn’t sure how she felt. Her attraction to Neal was quite evident—he was both handsome and interesting. She could see herself quite easily being drawn into something more serious than casual friendship—but a lingering question remained, could she trust him? Was Neal as he seemed? She now felt reasonably sure he had lied when he said he didn’t know anything about Cullen Honeyestewa and, if that were so, what else might be hidden from her? She knew she had to move cautiously and not let her feelings get in the way. She had to know more about this man. Finally, she turned to respond.


  “Thank you, Neal. I find you attractive also and I do hope that we can see more of each other and get to know each other better. I hope you’ll understand when I say that I’d like to move slowly as we learn about each other. It’s been a long time since my husband Ben was killed. It took me a long time to get to the point I even wanted to go out with anyone and I’m not sure if I’m ready for a more serious relationship yet—but, if you can be patient with me…” Neal did not let her finish her thought. Pulling the car off the road where it widened at the park’s north entrance, he turned and took her hand.

  “Take all the time you want and need, Lin,” the look he gave her was sincere. “Let’s give our relationship some time, get to know each other, hopefully have some fun—we can see where it leads us.” He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead.

  Lin smiled at him and said, “I certainly hope it leads us somewhere we both want to be.”

  The rest of their drive was relaxed and pleasant. Lin told him more about her kids and her grandchildren. Neal shared more of his own story and talked of his plans to retire someday and devote his time to fieldwork, perhaps in Mexico or Central America. “That is, if I can amass the necessary funds,” he added.

  “Aren’t there grants and stuff to help?” Lin asked.

  “Some, but budgets being what they are these days, I’m afraid many researchers have to be self-supporting. I have hopes though—I’m working on it.”

  “I wish you well,” Lin responded, “that sounds like a fascinating plan.”

  Soon they were pulling into the parking lot at the Cameron Trading Post. There were few customers on a Thursday night and Lin enjoyed browsing the shop for a few moments before they were seated in the dining room.

  “Order the half-size taco, if that is what you want,” Neal told her, “it will be quite enough!”

  That certainly proved to be true and Lin felt stuffed when they finally left to drive back to Wupatki. She hadn’t mentioned the business card for Sessions gallery or the phone number written on it during dinner. Now she decided she had to bring the subject up as they drove back—for more than one reason. She genuinely wanted to gather information to help the Honeyestewa family find closure for the death of their loved one—and she had to know whether Neal Smith was trustworthy. Part of her wanted to let it go, to allow herself to simply enjoy this attractive man who seemed so drawn to her. She had to admit her feelings for him were growing too but she had to know.