Sonoran Sun

by Sharon Canipe

  “Um’m, Jose Mendoza,” Sue remarked, “not exactly a unique name in that part of the world. Do you have any more information that might help to focus us in the right direction?”

  Lin explained that geography was the best bet, suggesting that Sue and Ted focus on news from areas around the reservation and the borderlands, including Mexico. She gave them all the facts she could remember. “I know it won’t be easy but with your collective skills…”

  “We’ll get right on it,” Sue responded. “Who knows, maybe we’ll find something. You can be sure we’ll give it our best shot. Now tell us how things are going otherwise.”

  Lin told Sue and Ted everything they’d been doing—the good restaurants, work on the site, such as it was—but, in the telling, she realized that the days since their arrival had been dominated by the crimes. There’d been no time to focus really on anything else.

  Finally, she reluctantly ended the conversation; she really missed Sue’s company and was happy that she had Ted around. Actually they’d both been injured during events earlier in the summer but, thankfully, both were on the mend. She looked forward to returning to North Carolina, to the wedding, and to the opportunity to reunite with family and friends.

  Thinking about all that reminded Lin that she’d not talked with either of her own adult children since arriving in Arizona so she called Ben, Jr. first, then Lucy. She told them that the work had been interrupted by these deaths but didn’t share the details as she didn’t want to cause them worry. When they had questions, she answered briefly then asked to speak to her grandchildren. She could tell that she didn’t have her own kids fooled for one moment. Both of them admonished her to steer clear of any trouble—they knew their mother too well!

  By the time Neal returned from his meeting, Lin was immersed in doing some online research of her own. She’d located accounts of the murder of the young park ranger in Organ Pipe that Mrs. Garcia had mentioned and had even found some information related to the murder of Mark’s nephew Tim, although that story had garnered only one brief article in the local press. Interestingly, she’d found nothing about a Jose Mendoza in the local papers. Well, there had been a couple of mentions of that name in obituaries and wedding announcements over recent years, but clearly, these folks were not the person she was looking for. Lin was beginning to get a slight headache from staring at the computer screen when Neal arrived and collapsed on the sofa nearby.

  “It’s beastly out there,” he sighed. “Feels like an oven, but I think it’s going to rain soon. What are you doing?”

  “Just a bit of background research, following up on some information we got today,” she replied. “How was your meeting?”

  “ Longer than expected but productive,” Neal said, ”I think we have a plan in place, as soon as the sheriff’s department gives the OK. We’ll take a small, select crew in, photograph the remains in place, number and label them, then remove everything to the research lab at the museum. Actually, the entire thing could be done in less than a week, provided we can get back in and get some good help lined up. That would mean you and I could be heading back to North Carolina in ten days or less, I’d say.”

  “That’s perfect,” Lin replied sitting down beside Neal. “We need to get back anyway and I’m more than ready. After all, we have a wedding to get to.”

  “Indeed, we do,” Neal smiled, “he took her hand in his and gently kissed her.”

  “I just hope we can help Chris with his problem before we leave,” Lin added. “I think we may have found a worthwhile path to explore this morning—certainly regarding Mark Garcia and maybe Dave Jennings also.” She went on to update Neal as to what she and David Cameron had learned during their trip and about her contacting Sue Gray and Ted Whitley for research help.

  Somewhat to her surprise, Lin found Neal smiling at her description of the trip to the reservation and what it had revealed. “Hey, you really accomplished a lot, I think. I’m actually glad that you went, even though I’ll admit I was a little worried. I do know that Chris needs help in this situation though, and the best way to help seems to be to learn more about what really happened.”

  Just then Lin’s cell phone rang. It was David Cameron. “I have to take Chris back to the sheriff’s office for an additional interview. They found some of his prints in the truck, as we thought they might. I don’t think they’ll detain him again, at least not at this point. He’s going to give his statement and explain how the prints came to be there which he didn’t do before.”

  “Won’t they be upset that he didn’t tell them about this earlier?” Lin asked.

  “Probably, a little anyway,” Cameron replied, “but he didn’t have counsel when they first brought him in, and he was within his rights not to answer questions at that point. When I picked him up yesterday, I assured Ben Ramirez that he would remain available for answering any questions that arose. I think we can handle this. I’ll call you when we’re done and we can make some dinner plans.”

  ***

  By the time Lin ended the call and shut down her computer, the casita was growing dark. Clouds had gathered and the wind was blowing. A driving rainstorm that suddenly burst above them battered the small house. Lin flipped on some lights and the two of them settled down on the sofa and observed the storm from the front windows. The street had suddenly become a flowing stream as water cascaded toward the berm that marked its end. It was hard to believe so much water could suddenly appear in a desert.

  “These monsoon rains are really something,” Lin remarked, “they remind me of summer thundershowers back in North Carolina only they seem to come up suddenly and sometimes seem more violent. We can have some ‘doozies’ back home though—sometimes there’s hail and damaging winds there also.”

  “I’ll bet the washes in this area are really running right now,” Neal remarked. “Just be glad we aren’t out driving in this. I’d be willing to bet there are some roads closed already due to flooding.”

  They sat quietly watching the storm for another few minutes. Then it seemed to end almost as suddenly as it began. The sun began to peek through the clouds.

  “How ‘bout something to drink and maybe a snack,” Neal offered, moving toward the kitchen. I’d be willing to bet dinner may be a bit late today, what with David and Chris still at the sheriff’s office.”

  “I’d love a gin and tonic,” Lin replied. “Why don’t you mix the drinks and I’ll get out some chips, maybe a few nuts. I’d suggest the patio but I’m sure the furniture is still quite wet.”

  “That’s OK,” Neal said. “We can stay right here. I’m perfectly content to enjoy some time for just the two of us—you’re all the company I want right now.” His smile told Lin all she needed to know about Neal’s plans for the rest of the afternoon and, frankly, that suited her just fine.

  Chapter 7

  It was late when David and Chris returned from the sheriff’s office and both of them looked a bit the worse for wear. They’d stopped by Lin and Neal’s place before going home. Chris seemed especially exhausted as he sank down in the only large chair the place afforded. Lin headed for the kitchen and got both of them tall, cool drinks. “Anything to snack on?” she asked.

  Chris shook his head as did David. “I’m glad that’s over,” Chris offered, “but I’m afraid I’m going to be hauled in again. I think that Deputy Ramirez is sure I killed Dave Jennings.”

  “No, he isn’t,” Cameron tried to assuage Chris’s fears. “He’s just trying to intimidate you, get you to say something incriminating. Make you want to confess to something you didn’t do, maybe. After all, he admitted that yours were among a number of prints found and they were right where you said they would be—on the passenger door and side. If he’d had really strong evidence to add to that he’d never have let you leave his office today. Just hang tough, tell the truth if you’re called in again, but do not show up without counsel—not even once. If he should approach you here at home refuse to talk until you have a lawyer present.
That’s a must. I’m only going to be here one more day working on my own investigation of the facts, but I’ve already spoken to my friend Rich Lafferty here in town. I’ll update him as to what’s happened so far, and he’s ready to step in if you need him.” David passed Chris a card with the attorney’s information.

  Lin observed that, even though Chris nodded his understanding, he still seemed doubtful that he could endure any more suspicion, any more questions. She had an idea. “I’m going to call Marla,” she offered, “she needs to be here.”

  Chris tried to protest but both David and Neal agreed with her. Chris needed Marla’s support through this and Lin knew that Marla would worry less if she were nearby. “She’d already be here if you hadn’t insisted that she not come,” Lin responded as she headed to the bedroom to make the call. Within ten minutes it was decided. Marla would leave Flagstaff first thing the next morning prepared to stay with Chris in Tucson as long as he needed her.

  That issue settled, Lin turned to ask David what other information he’d managed to get while at the department. “You mentioned there were other prints found—do you know whose they were?”

  “Ramirez didn’t say, of course, but I saw that Doug Davison was waiting in the lobby as we left so I’m pretty sure his prints were found there. Ramirez implied that there were prints from some of the workers at the site, but he seemed to dismiss them as just routine—of course. I pointed out that Chris’s prints were just routine also. I did manage to get one additional piece of information. When I asked him about the location of the fingerprints found, Ramirez slipped and said something about all the readable prints being on the doors and the interior. Apparently the back and sides of the truck bed had only smudges.”

  “Wait a minute,” Lin remarked, “that truck was found at the bottom of a wash and there was no one in it. Either someone drove it in, and possibly risked injury to themselves, or it was pushed. That would mean someone had to have touched the back and the sides of the bed, at least—maybe they wore gloves of some sort—but if Chris pushed it in, why didn’t he cover up or wipe all his prints in some fashion?”

  “My point, exactly,” David Jennings smiled, “you’d make a good investigator, Ms. Hanna.”

  By this time Chris looked a bit better. David suggested that, as it was growing late, they all go somewhere to get a bite of dinner. “Then I prescribe a good nights sleep for everyone—I’m going back to the reservation tomorrow to talk to some of Doug Davison’s followers—see what I can learn about him.” He looked expectantly in Lin’s direction but she had to say she couldn’t go. She’d already promised Neal that she would go with him and Chris to work at the excavation. They wanted her help to photograph and label items. Much as she wanted to go with Cameron, she knew she was needed at the site.

  They headed out for a late bite, settling on Zinburger. The wine and burger bar specialized in a variety of delicious gourmet sandwiches and sides. Lin opted for the El Diablo with its jalapenos and chipotle mayo along with a glass of her favorite Argentinian Malbec. The guys chose sandwiches from the extensive menu along with local brews. They sat on the patio enjoying the cooler night air, cleansed by the afternoon rains. Chris seemed to relax a bit and Lin could tell that he was actually very happy that Marla would soon join him.

  As she enjoyed her food and listened to the guys chatter on about any subject other than the stress they were all going through, she found her mind wandering back to this puzzling state of affairs. There had to be some more answers somewhere. David was going back to the reservation where he hoped to talk to some of the folks who had been part of Doug Davison’s crew of protestors, but what could she do, other than help Neal and Chris at the site? Nothing really, she thought, reluctantly admitting to herself that it was probably best that she step aside—at least for the moment.

  ***

  By ten the following morning Lin felt as if she were baking in an oven. In spite of the shade afforded by the tents, the heat pervaded the excavation area. Working with only limited additional help, they took frequent water breaks to avoid dehydration. Lin was photographing remains and artifacts, then one of the young workers who’d agreed to come in stuck numbers on each item to identify location. Neal and Chris followed with small hand held recorders describing each find. When they finished a section, another more experienced helper carefully wrapped the remains and the artifacts and placed them in plastic bins purchased for that purpose. Once a bin was filled, it was marked as to the contents. Later the recordings would be transcribed and then the actual study could be done more easily.

  Lin finished the last of the photographs and then headed for the Porta-Jons nearby. Not her favorite, but a break was needed. When she returned she announced that she was planning to go out and get some lunch for everyone—including a large bucket of lemon flavored Eegees from the nearby local sandwich chain. The slushy, icy concoction wouldn’t last long in this heat, but if they put it in the cooler, they might be able to enjoy a refreshing cool-down with their lunch and perhaps for at least some of the afternoon ahead. It was easy to understand why Eegees was a popular spot this time of year.

  Seeing some of the company workmen doing some survey work at the construction site, Lin decided to check with them to see if they wanted to be included in her lunch run. She’d observed that they also had a cooler available. Sure enough, they welcomed her offer. Most had brought their own lunch, but the refreshing Eegees would be a good addition.

  Armed with her lunch list, Lin drove to the nearby shopping center where the sandwich shop was located and soon she was fairly well loaded with sandwiches, fries, cups of iced tea and the wonderful buckets of lemony slush. She was happy that the refreshingly tart lemon was the flavor of the month.

  When she arrived back at the site, she handed the lunch and one bucket over to Chris to stash in their cooler while she headed to the construction site to deliver the icy treat to the construction crew. As soon as she arrived the men lined up with their cups wearing big smiles. Lin was happy to see that they were in a relaxed and conversational frame of mind and decided to see if any of them might have information about the recent sad events. The apparent leader of the crew was last to fill his cup. As he lingered for a moment in the shade Lin ventured to start a conversation.

  “I guess it’s been difficult to get ahead with your work with all the stuff that’s been going on recently,” she commented.

  “You’re right about that. Some days I think this shopping center will never get built but…we need the work and there aren’t any other big projects started—not yet anyway, so we do our best and hope things will settle down.”

  “I understand,” Lin replied, “It’s been hard for everyone. I was the one who found Mr. Jennings on Sunday morning. I’ll admit that was quite a shock.”

  The man nodded his understanding, “I’m surprised I didn’t find him myself. Raul and I had just left right before you came, I think. He’d left some equipment here and couldn’t get it until the cops were finished. We were here for a few minutes, but we didn’t try to go in the office. We just got Raul’s stuff and then left.”

  Lin saw an opportunity here, “ Were you alone? Did you see anyone else here?”

  We didn’t see anyone at all, but Mr. Jennings truck was still parked outback and there was another truck here also—a dark blue one as best I could tell through the dust.”

  Lin thought for a moment. If Dave Jennings truck was still there then the killer must’ve still been around because Jennings truck was later found in the wash. She hadn’t observed any vehicles parked near the office by the time they arrived—only those belonging to the demonstrators, and they seemed to all be parked in the front parking lot. There must’ve been at least two people involved because someone drove Jennings truck away from the site. She talked for a few more minutes with the workman but determined that no one had recognized the other vehicle nor noted any identifying information other than the color and the dirt. Lin was able to determine, however, that t
he man had been interviewed by the sheriff’s men and had shared this same information with them. Funny that it hadn’t been shared with David Cameron. Lin made a mental note to check with David when they saw him later. As an attorney representing someone in the case he should be given full information regarding the investigation.

  Lin reminded the worker that he should be sure to share any other information he might recall with the authorities. He readily agreed and thanked her for bringing them the Eegees. Lin took her leave and headed back to the dig site to get her own lunch. As she walked it suddenly hit her—the truck she and David had seen at Mrs. Garcia’s was also blue and dusty. She realized that there were probably lots of trucks like that around the area, but still, she did wonder who the driver of that truck might be. She wished that they’d gotten some identifying information about the truck at the Garcia residence earlier, but at the time, it hadn’t seemed significant at all. For some reason, she doubted that Mrs. Garcia drove the truck, although that certainly could be the case. Somehow that idea just didn’t fit. She could hardly wait to talk to David Cameron and felt happy that she’d been able to, at least, get another small bit of information to add to the story—even though it raised more questions.

  ***

  By the time David Cameron returned from his visit to the reservation it was late afternoon. Chris, Neal, and Lin had already been home for several hours, having started their day quite early. When they’d returned from the dig site they’d found that Marla had arrived from Flagstaff. Lin could tell Chris was both relieved and delighted that she was there. The four of them had enjoyed a refreshing swim in the neighborhood pool and had then retreated to their respective casitas to shower and rest. In fact, David’s call when he returned woke Lin from a much-needed nap.