“What did he say? Is he coming over?” Lin was surprised at her own eagerness to see him.
“ No,” Sue replied, “he said to tell you that he wanted to come but he was still tied up with some sort of business in town and thought he would be until later this evening.” Sue hesitated, “He didn’t say, but maybe it relates to his dealings with Cullen and John Sessions last year—the stuff he told you about. The stuff you promised not to tell the authorities.”
“Don’t worry,” Sue added, “ I’ve not spoken to anyone but you about any of this and you can trust me to keep your confidence. I’m a reporter, remember—confidential informants and all that!”
“Oh, I do trust you Sue,” Lin hastened to say. “Maybe he’s getting some advice from someone—some help in knowing what he should do but I don’t know. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
“Well, anyway, he said he’d meet the two of us for breakfast at Brandy’s tomorrow at eight. Apparently he lives near there and I knew we would not mind eating there again.” Sue smiled. “Besides, Dr. Barnes’ office is less than 3 blocks away from there. He’s in the Professional Building adjacent to the hospital.”
After dinner, Sue cleared away their dishes and washed everything up. Lin felt bad that she couldn’t help. She did manage to pick up scattered items that surrounded her “nest” on the sofa and tidy up the living room a bit.
In a few moments, Sue returned with cups of freshly brewed coffee. Lin chose to sit in the chair where she could place her cup on the table that was there. It was within easy reach of her left hand.
“Maybe some caffeine will help clear my head,” Lin suggested. “ I’m not on any strong pain killers but I’m still so ‘foggy’ about the attack. I keep thinking there is some significant detail I should be able to remember—but I can’t seem to shake it loose.” She took a long sip of the savory brew.
“If it won’t bother you, I could try a technique we reporters sometimes use when we are interviewing those who have experienced a traumatic event. We have them close their eyes and then guide them in talking through things step by step—reliving the experience so to speak—but, if that would bother you, let’s not do it. Your memory will probably return in a few days anyway. It’s common to be fuzzy with a concussion—even a mild one.” Sue had seated herself on the sofa across from Lin.
“Let’s try,” Lin replied, “I do want to remember and we can always stop if I begin to feel uneasy.” She settled back comfortably in the chair, leaning into the pillow that supported her shoulder, and closed her eyes.
Step by step Sue began to lead her through events following her departure from the sheriff’s office the previous day. After a few initial questions, Lin was describing things on her own with Sue simply asking, “What happened next?” when she paused in her account.
Lin could initially describe her activities clearly and easily—leaving Billy’s office, going to Wildflowers, what she ordered, etc.—but, as she approached the account of the attack, she became fuzzier. She described getting out of the car with her hands full and then having to place the bags of food on the stoop to retrieve the key. She remembered being grabbed, the twisting of her arm, being pushed into the metal numbers on the front door, the harsh warning whispered in her ear--there was something else, something she felt, she struggled for memory…
Sue’s quiet voice broke in, “ Your attacker whispered in your ear, his face had to be close to yours—did you smell anything unusual, feel anything?”
“That’s it!” Lin cried out, “something I felt—his face was rough against my ear and neck—rough and scratchy. He had a beard…or at least a lot of stubble! That’s what I felt—rough stubble on his face!” Lin felt relief at having jogged that bit of information from her memory. She felt sure that was the piece which had been eluding her, but why did she feel that was so significant?
“That’s what I have been trying to remember, I feel certain,” Lin remarked, “but the funny thing is, I’m not sure why I think that’s important.”
Sue sat quietly for a moment before speaking. “ I think I may know why,” she said, “didn’t Deputy Taylor say they were questioning men who were known as close associates of Raymond Tso on the reservation?”
“Yes, he did, but how does that relate to what I recalled?” Lin asked.
“ Well, most Native-American men have very light facial hair—you will rarely see a Navajo with any semblance of a beard or even a moustache.” Sue exclaimed. “That means your attacker was likely not native—or at least not full bloodied. That could be meaningful.”
“Maybe,” Lin said. “I’ll certainly try to talk to Billy tomorrow and tell him what I recall now.”
Lin was surprised at how tired she was after all the napping she had done but she decided to go to bed early. Sue found some extra pillows for her to use to prop against her arm and shoulder and she took a couple of Tylenol to help ensure she would sleep comfortably. She drifted off pretty quickly but her last thoughts were—“if my attacker wasn’t native—then who was he?”
***
Sue came in to wake Lin up at six-thirty so she would have plenty of time to wash up and get ready. Lin didn’t attempt the shower with her strapped up arm but she did manage a thorough sponge bath. Finding a shirt to fit over her shoulder was a bit of a problem. She had worn an oversized tee shirt belonging to Sue the previous day and she had to borrow a loose fitting sweatshirt this morning. She looked a little odd with the loose hanging empty sleeve but it was the best she could manage. It would probably be a bit warm later on, but it was fine for the cool morning hours.
“After your appointment we may have to make a trip to Wal-Mart,” Sue ventured. “I had shoulder surgery years ago—messed up my rotator cuff skiing. Loose tee shirts or tunics are the best way to go—at least until you are told you can move the arm a bit.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Lin responded.
Soon they were heading into Flagstaff. Sue had the entire day off so she could take Lin wherever she needed to go. They headed for Brandy’s where they discovered that Neal was already seated in a booth in the far corner. He rose to greet them with at least a semi-smile on his face.
“You’re looking better,” he smiled at Lin, “your color is coming back,” he grinned as he touched her chin turning her head so as to survey her scraped cheek, “ good color—blue, purple, with just a touch of green and yellow!” he teased.
Lin tried to appear disturbed by his remarks but the truth was she felt glad that he could tease and make a joke. It indicated his mood was lighter than it had been the day before.
Neal had already ordered coffee for them and soon they had placed their order and were enjoying warm croissants with butter and jam. His mood continued to be good and more light- hearted, but he didn’t speak of anything related to his own situation. Instead the conversation focused on Lin, on her improving condition, and on her desire to return to Wupatki as soon as possible.
“ Just don’t try to do too much too soon,” Neal advised.
“I won’t,” Lin responded, “but I do feel the need to get back. I’ll follow Dr. Barnes directions though, I promise.”
They finished their ‘delicious as always’ breakfast. Neal insisted on picking up the tab over their objections. As they left the restaurant, Sue walked ahead to the car leaving Lin to have a more private moment with Neal.
Neal placed his hand on her good left shoulder and turned her face toward him. He smiled and leaned down to give her a kiss—lightly on the lips. “I have a busy day ahead and you need to get to your appointment. I promise I’ll be in touch really soon—later today. I know how cell service is in the parks but I will be in touch—I promise. Don’t worry, everything will be fine—at least I think so, I hope so…” His lips brushed her uninjured cheek lightly. Then he was gone—with no further explanation. Lin was left once again to wonder what was going on with him. Sue had pulled up to the curb so Lin hurried to get into the car.
I
t was a short drive to Dr. Barnes’s office and Lin was not kept waiting. Sue remained in the waiting room while Lin went in to be checked.
The exam was soon completed—the worst part was removing all that tape. Dr. Barnes seemed pleased with how her shoulder looked. Lin was grateful when he indicated she would now be using a sling that would mean an end to the painful tape.
“Everything seems to be in place. It will take some time to heal but I think we can trust you with a sling for now. Your head wound and the abrasion on your face are healing nicely—no signs of infection at all.”
The nurse showed her how she could manipulate a loose shirt onto the arm without disturbing the shoulder. Then the sling could be put on over her garment and the strap tightened around her back and middle.
“In another week, I want you back here,” Dr. Barnes spoke as he wrote out instructions. “If the shoulder is continuing to heal well, we can dispense with the strap so long as you do not try to raise your arm more than an inch or so.”
Before leaving, Lin asked the question upper most in her mind, “Can I go back to my own apartment now? I think I can manage on my own and I will be careful.”
Dr. Barnes was thoughtful, “You can, if you really feel you must, but I must caution you that you cannot drive a car for at least another two weeks and you must be very cautious and protect your shoulder.”
Lin beamed at the doctor, “You can trust me. I do not want to be taped up again.”
After leaving Dr. Barnes’ office, Sue and Lin did go shopping. Lin purchased several loose shirts, a size or two larger than she usually wore. She also picked up a few non-perishable grocery items to take back to Wupatki so she could prepare simple meals.
Since she was off for the remainder of the afternoon, Sue agreed to drive Lin back to her apartment. Lin’s car would remain at Sue’s for the time being. She could get it in a couple of weeks when she was released to drive. At Sue’s insistence, Lin did agree to come back and spend the night with Sue the following Thursday as her appointment with Dr. Barnes was, once again, early on Friday.
“I can probably hitch a ride into town with Danielle or Toby—maybe even a ride home on Friday—if they are coming to headquarters or something.”
“You know I can help,” Sue said, “just call me any time and do be careful. If you find you can’t manage let me know and I’ll come get you.”
“Thanks, Sue,” Lin was truly grateful for such a friend. “By the way, when is your appointment with John Sessions—to buy art, that is? ” Lin asked.
“Next Wednesday, if I decide to keep it,” Sue was uncertain. “I’m still convinced he is deep into the black market but I’m also a bit worried he may find out who I really am.”
“You shouldn’t go back, in that case,” Lin was sure of that. “We already know that there is real danger attached to some of the people in this trade. Sessions may not be tied to these murders, but he could be a problem, nonetheless. Whatever you decide, be careful.”
“Trust me, I will. Now lets get back to my place and pick up the rest of your things—it’s time to get you home.” Sue smiled, in spite of her misgivings.
“One thing first,” Lin said. “I want to drop by Billy Taylor’s office and tell him my assailant had a beard-a stubbly beard. It may help him identify the man responsible.”
The two of them stopped by the sheriff’s office but Billy wasn’t in. Lin carefully dictated a note that the receptionist promised to put on his desk.
“I feel sure he’ll stop in sometime this weekend, if he’s not back in today,” she said. “He usually puts in a few hours of weekend work—even when he’s not on assigned duty.”
Lin thanked her. Then she and Sue left the office to get her things and head out to her apartment.
Chapter 29
Danielle and Toby had been happy to see her—Toby had even fired up the grill for a celebratory welcome home dinner of burgers and beans. It was just Toby and Lin at first (Danielle was off to town to see Billy Taylor!). Steve Barton, the archeologist currently working in the park, his wife, Elise, and young son, Tommy, joined them later. Lin had met Steve before, but only once, and Elise and Tommy not at all.
“Welcome Home!” Tommy grinned.
“I should welcome you too,” Lin replied. Tommy reminded her of Sam, her grandson who was close to Tommy’s age, she judged.
Elise explained that she and Tommy would be spending the weekend. She was beginning to get the house ready for all of them to live there during the summer.
“I’ll look forward to having more neighbors,” Lin said, “to getting to know all of you better.” Tommy was thrilled to learn that her grandchildren would be coming to visit in June—maybe for as long as 3 or 4 weeks.
“That will be neat—someone to play with!” he beamed at his Mom.
“He’s been a bit worried that he will miss all his friends in Flagstaff, though I’ve explained to him that we’ll be back in town frequently and will return to our home before school begins,” Elise explained.
“A few weeks can be an eternity at that age,” Lin commiserated. She excused herself early, feeling tired and knowing she still needed a lot of rest.
Turning to Toby, Lin said, “I’ll be in tomorrow at nine. I can’t drive or do any ‘heavy lifting’,” she joked, “but I can answer the phone and talk to visitors.”
“You do what you feel like doing,” Toby responded, “We are happy for the help but don’t overdo it. Danielle said that you can set your own hours for the next few weeks, while you heal.”
“That was kind of her,” Lin smiled as she headed for her apartment and her own bed.
***
Mindful of how grateful she was for Sue’s friendship and how grateful she felt for all her help, Lin was still happy to wake up in her own apartment the next morning.
Getting ready was a bit of a struggle but she managed and she was at the visitor center by nine as promised. Her shoulder had been a bit painful when she first awoke but a couple of Tylenol had, once again, reduced that to the dull ache that was more bearable. Even that faded as she got her mind on other things.
It was a beautiful spring Saturday and, if the morning were any indication, they would have a steady stream of visitors in the park. Lin manned the front desk while Toby took over trail duties and Danielle went out to patrol some of the other sites. It felt good to be back to normal, back to answering questions and distributing information flyers, back to selling books and t-shirts and explaining exhibits. The first couple of hours passed quickly.
About ten, Toby came in for a break. His face was warm and pink from the sun but he too seemed to be enjoying the day. “I’ve pretty much had to stay in here while you were in town. I didn’t mind,” he hastily added, “but I am enjoying being outdoors again.”
Lin understood. She felt that she could easily handle the outdoor trail to the ruin, after all it was her shoulder out of whack not her legs, but Danielle had only agreed to let her work if she would remain inside—at least for the first day or two.
Lin was surprised when she looked toward the door to see Sophie and Michael coming into the center. She greeted them warmly and asked what she could do to help.
“Michael needs to talk to Danielle,” Sophie said. “I need to go to town for a final checkup with the doctor but I said I’d bring him. He’ll have to stay here, though, until I can come back to get him—probably about two—if that is ok? I promised Deputy Taylor, I’d supervise him carefully—I’m not supposed to leave him alone except when he’s in school.”
Michael stared at the floor, obviously embarrassed, but he said nothing.
“He can certainly stay here,” Lin spoke. “Danielle will be back soon, she’s on patrol. He can stay here and help me, or walk the trail with Toby until you get back.”
“Thank you,” Sophie smiled, “I’ll be on time, don’t worry.” With that she was gone and Lin and Toby were left with Michael.
Toby offered him a soda and took him to the patio. So
on Lin observed the two young men engaged in rapt conversation. Toby was so genial and outgoing—it was hard for anyone not to open up with him, Lin thought.
When Danielle returned, Michael noticed and came back inside to ask to speak with her. She took him to her office but left the door open. Lin could tell that he was talking about what had happened, even though she couldn’t hear everything he was saying. In a few minutes, Lin heard Danielle call for Toby on her radio, asking him to come back to the visitor center. Then she came out and asked Lin to come to her office when Toby was back to take over the desk.
When Lin entered the office, Danielle had her to sit down. She explained that Michael wanted to go back out to the crime scene.
“ If you feel up to it, I’ll back down on insisting you remain indoors and ask you to go with him—provided you agree to do no climbing about—just sit in the shade, if there is any,” Danielle added.
“ Well, sure,” Lin said, “but wait, I can’t drive—doc’s orders and I know I couldn’t manage that anyway.”
“I’m going back out that way on patrol. The sheriff’s department reopened the area yesterday and pulled their men back to regular patrol duties so I’m stepping up on my trips. I could drop the two of you off and then pick you up a couple of hours later. I just can’t let Michael go out there unaccompanied.”
“ That will be fine,” Lin said, “I think I can handle that, but Michael, why do you want to go?” she turned to the boy.
“Because, I still think I know where the pots are. The pots that my uncle hid,” he hung his head as if in shame, “the ones he was going to sell to help me.” He explained further, “if the pots are where I think they are, they’ve been moved to that place—they started out somewhere else. They are not safe—they need to be found and returned to our tribe—or maybe to the museum, that’s not for me to say, but I know they belong to our people—it would be wrong to sell them.”
Earthcrack: A Lin Hanna Mystery Page 32
