Tracking Bear (25 page)

Moments later a young Anglo woman brought him a cup of coffee and offered Justine and Ella the same, or a cup of tea. They declined.

“Okay, let’s get down to it then. Kevin Tolino is harassing me, and I want it stopped.” Branch was using his radio voice now, the one he referred to so often on the radio as the voice of reason.

“How, exactly, has he been harassing you?” Ella asked.

“Lately, every time I’ve said anything negative against Tolino on the air, something bad has happened to me. And I’m talking
every single time
.”

“Specifics, please.” Justine reminded him. “For example…”

“I’m getting to that.” Branch glared at Ella. “I know you and your cousin are going to side with him—he
is
your kid’s father. That’s why I called your chief first. I don’t want this swept under the rug.” Branch paused, just like he did on his program, for dramatic effect. “Last week I pointed out how Tolino excels at straddling the fence
instead of actually taking a stand on
any
issue. After that broadcast aired, my garbage pickup service was canceled. Then after my next show, a follow-up, my phone was disconnected.”

“How do you know Kevin Tolino’s to blame?” Ella asked.

“He’s the most likely suspect. I take a jab at him on my program, and he gets back at me. What in the hell has happened to my freedom of speech?”

“Mr. Branch,
you’re a public figure who makes a great deal of money taking shots at others without any thought of fair play,” Justine said. “It’s no secret that you have a political agenda. I’d be willing to bet that there’s a long list of people who’d love to make
your
life as difficult as you’ve made theirs.”

Ella almost burst out laughing, but somehow, she managed to keep a straight face. “There’s no evidence,
then, only coincidences?”

“Look, I tried getting proof that could be used in court, but all I can tell you is that some guy called up the phone company and the waste management office, saying he was me.”

“And on the basis of that, you’re accusing Councilman Tolino?” Ella asked.

“Tolino called me not long ago complaining that he had become the target of vandalism and harassment. He blamed it
all on my broadcasts, saying I was rabble-rousing. Then, all of a sudden, the same things started happening to me. Can’t you see it? Tolino’s trying to even the score.”

“So what you’re saying is that the person who was harassing Tolino changed his mind and started harassing you?” Justine asked.

“I think Tolino caught the vandal in the act and cut a deal with him. Now
I’ve
got the problem. Ever
since Tolino called to complain that my programs were creating trouble for him, my life’s been screwed up. About two nights ago someone got into my SUV. They must have used a Slim Jim or had a key, because the door was locked when I got in to drive to work the next morning.”

“What did they do, trash the interior?” Justine asked.

“No.”

“Then how do you know anyone broke into it?” Ella pressed.

“Because all the radio station buttons were set to that annoying evangelical station,” he said sourly.

Ella laughed out loud, and Justine joined her.

“Yeah, now it seems harmless, but it could escalate. I don’t like this, and I shouldn’t have to put up with it.”

“Hey, you dish it out all the time to anyone and everyone who doesn’t happen to share your views,” Ella countered. “I wonder how your
listeners would feel if they knew that you can’t take the heat when the tables are turned?”

“But I shouldn’t
have
to take it. That’s my point, Clah. I’m exercising my constitutional rights on my radio program. There are laws protecting me and my property, and the harassment has to stop.”

“Yes, and speaking of property, you live off the Rez. What makes you think I can help you out when it’s happening
out of my jurisdiction? Have you spoken to Sheriff Taylor?” Ella asked.

“Yeah, but he gave me the same song and dance you’re giving me now. He said I’ve got to have proof, evidence, or an eyewitness.” He met her gaze with a stony glare. “I figure you can watch the station in case the vandal hits here. I also want
you
to tell Tolino that I won’t let up on him. If he thinks this will make me back
off, he’s crazy. I’ll just push harder.”

“Why don’t you tell him that yourself?” Ella asked.

“Because if I see him, I’m almost certain I’ll slug him, and then he’ll have me arrested for assault.”

“Nah, you won’t even get close. His bodyguard is very capable. Feel free to tell Kevin yourself, it’s not my job.”

“Bodyguard? That pantywaist got himself a bodyguard? It figures. He doesn’t have
the balls to stand up under the pressure, does he?”

“Are you forgetting why
you
called us here?” Justine smiled sweetly. “Sounds like two peas in a pod, if you’ll forgive the comparison.”

“What I really don’t get is
why
you’re fighting with him. You’re both pro-NEED,” Ella said, trying not to laugh again.

“
I’m
pro-NEED, but he’s still tap dancing with a lot of rhetoric. That’s what he does
best. Until he gets the…guts to speak plainly and say what he means, I’m going to stay on his case.”

“There may be a way for me to help you…” she said slowly. “I can go see Councilman Tolino and ask him if he has any idea who has been harassing you. If he’s responsible, knowing we’re involved now might deter him. But I want something in return,” Ella said.

Branch’s eyes narrowed. “Such as?”

“I’d like to know how you got the chief’s home number.”

He smiled slowly. “That bugged him, did it?”

Ella said nothing.

“Just tell your chief that I can get any telephone number I need in this area. If he changes it, I’ll just get it again. Having friends everywhere is one of the perks of being a radio legend in this community.”

Ella gave him an incredulous look.

“Okay, okay,” he said relenting.
“My second cousin is a friend of his wife’s. It was a fluke. That’s all. Tell the chief not to get himself in an uproar.”

Ella nodded. “Thanks. And, for what it’s worth, I don’t think Kevin’s responsible for what’s happening to you. That’s just not his style.”

“Yeah, yeah. He’s above reproach.”

“No, he’s a politician and deal-maker. But he doesn’t break the law.”

“That would be refreshing
if I believed it.”

Ella shrugged. “My advice is stay sharp. It could be anyone you ticked off, and that doesn’t narrow the field much.”

As they walked out, Ella glanced at Justine, and they both started laughing hard. “
A legend?
In his own mind maybe,” Ella said. “It’s rich, isn’t it? I’m just sorry I never thought of a little harmless retaliation like that myself when I was the target of nearly
every broadcast.”

Justine shook her head, still chuckling. “You’d have never stooped to that—as tempting as it might have been. In that respect, you’re just like Kevin—you may hate what he says, but you’ll defend his right to say it with your life.”

“Sad, but true.” Ella sighed. “Rats.”

As they drove west toward the reservation, Dispatch patched through a call from the county sheriff. Justine was driving, and Ella picked up the mike.

“I thought you’d like to know that my deputies found five hundred dollars in cash hidden in the spare tire well of Whitesheep’s car. Any idea where that might
have come from?” Taylor said.

Justine and Ella exchanged glances. “Sheriff, would you have your lab check the bills for fingerprints?” Ella said.

“Sure, looking for anyone in particular?”

“Besides Whitesheep’s prints, see if you can find any latents belonging to his clansman, the late Billy Redhouse,” Ella added, glancing at Justine, who nodded. “Also, would you share your ballistic report
from the Whitesheep murder.”

A few seconds went by, punctuated by static, then Taylor responded. “Will do. I’ve been reading the reports your office has been faxing me. If there’s evidence of a link between the two men, I’ll let you know pronto.”

“Thanks. We’ll keep in touch.” Ella hung up the mike just as her cell phone began to ring.

It was Big Ed. “I want you back here. I’m talking to Emily
Redhouse,” he said. “She’s learned that you’ve been asking a lot of questions about her, and came in to talk to you. She feels she’s being unjustly singled out. And Kevin Tolino is with her.”

“Chief, I’m conducting an investigation into her husband’s death. I have to ask questions about relatives and acquaintances.”

“I’m aware of that, Shorty. What I need you to do now is get back here as soon
as you can and smooth some feathers. I realize that diplomacy has never been your strong suit, but I don’t need a councilman and a widow with as much influence as Emily Redhouse has on my case.”

“I’ll be there within the hour,” she said. Ella filled her partner in on her conversation while on the way. “I have a feeling that this wasn’t Emily’s idea—it was Kevin’s. It sounds like a lawyer thing.”

Justine glanced over at Ella, but she didn’t speak.

When they arrived, Ella met Emily and Kevin in the chief’s office, where they were discussing the weather and sipping coffee.

Kevin had on his lawyer face, and wore a nice sports jacket that made his broad chest and wide shoulders look even more appealing, if she hadn’t already gone past that. Ella remembered him mentioning, back when they’d
been dating years ago, that he wasn’t above influencing a woman juror with his “masculine side.”

“I’m here representing Mrs. Redhouse,” Kevin began immediately. “She’s making herself available to answer any questions you might have concerning the loss of her husband. My client has nothing to hide and is anxious to help in any way she can.”

Ella nodded.

“I understand you’ve been asking questions
about Mrs. Redhouse’s relationship to her late husband. Instead of soliciting gossip and hearsay, my client prefers you ask her directly,” Kevin said.

“Then we can get down to business, Councilman Tolino,” Ella answered, then glanced at Emily.

“Others have mentioned to me that they’ve observed situations where your husband treated you very coolly, maybe even ignoring you in public,” Ella said.
“How would you like to respond to those reports?”

“Billy was a good husband, but his manner with me when he was conducting the business of the tribe always tended to be brusque. People didn’t understand that it was simply his way of catering to those he represented politically. He could also be a very kind and generous man.”

Ella held her gaze and decided to push. “Forgive me for being blunt—but
you’re an attractive, financially secure, well-known woman in this area. Is it possible that you may have attracted another man, someone who has a romantic interest in you and who may be willing to do almost anything to advance that potential relationship with you?”

Kevin’s face began to redden, and he started to object, but Emily placed a hand on his arm and shook her head. “So you’re thinking
that someone attracted to me, a potential suitor, as you seem to be implying, killed my husband so I would be available again?” Emily shook her head. “First of all, anyone who knows me more than casually will tell you that I don’t fool around. I was married to the man I wanted, and I was happy. During my marriage I was an important part of both his home and professional life. My husband needed
me, and I needed him. Things were balanced.”

“Then you don’t consider it even a remote possibility that someone, a suitor wanna-be, may have killed your husband?”

Emily shook her head. “I come from a clan that’s well-off. And, I may have a small amount of charisma, I suppose you can call it, that gets me extra attention. But the reason my husband was killed has nothing to do with me. My guess
is that it’s the result of the way he manipulated people—both in politics and outside of it.”

“Can you be more specific?” Ella asked.

“He was quite involved with the NEED people and with others who wanted a nuclear power plant, but privately he rejected the strategy of having the tribe run it. He met with an Anglo man, someone connected to the energy industry, several times to discuss other
options for the tribe.”

Emily paused, measuring her words carefully as she added, “I know he was using the likelihood that he’d support the nuclear power plant as a way to do a little fund-raising for his next campaign. But he never made any firm commitment to anyone in exchange for money—he never would have sold his vote. He just loved playing political games and manipulating others.”

Ella
instantly clicked on the idea of fund-raising, especially after finding the cash Redhouse had hidden. And now there was the money that Whitesheep, a member of Billy’s clan, had hidden in his car before his death. “Do you know the identity of the Anglo man?”

“I never saw him, or heard his name mentioned that I’m aware of. I usually attended most of my husband’s meetings, but he never wanted me
around when he met this man. I think he knew I’d disapprove of his tactics and didn’t want me exposed to the less flattering aspects of politics.”

“Do you know Robert Whitesheep?” Ella asked.

“Of course. Whitesheep and Billy grew up together, they’re in the same clan. Whitesheep knew the Anglo man from work, and introduced the two of them, as a matter of fact. How did you know that?” Emily looked
at Ella, then Kevin.

Ella ignored her question. “Why didn’t you tell me about this Anglo man before, especially after knowing your husband was searching for financial supporters? Determining the motive for a crime helps us narrow down the suspects.”

“My husband is dead, so it doesn’t matter now how he might have voted on the issue. I just didn’t want either side to use his name to strengthen
their own position, especially since he’s not around to confirm or refute their statements. And that cash you found could have come from legitimate political supporters. I’m sure my husband would have reported it sooner or later.”

Ella shrugged. “Is there anyone else he may have told about these meetings with the Anglo man? A secretary, aide, or another colleague on the Tribal Council? Robert
Whitesheep knew about them, apparently.”

“I have no idea. All I can tell you is that when it came to political issues, he liked to play things close to his chest. That way he didn’t make himself a target for either pro or con factions. People never knew how he’d vote, so they not only had to court him, they had to play it straight, or he’d have ammunition against them later on. He was well-known
for that kind of political maneuvering.”

“But this time you knew how he was going to vote. Do you think someone else might have also guessed what he’d decided and disapproved strongly?” Ella pressed.

She thought about it for several long moments. “It’s possible that some of the NEED people might have picked up on it from something my husband said, or maybe didn’t say.”

“Thanks for your candor.
I appreciate you coming in to tell me this,” Ella said.

Emily stood, nodded to Big Ed, who’d merely listened the entire time, then looked back at Ella. “Find my husband’s killer. I’ve told you all I know, and you now have a new trail to follow.”

Better than Emily realized, Ella added silently. As Emily walked out she followed, then grabbed Kevin’s arm and took him aside for a moment in the hall.

“I realize it’s none of my business, but I’d like to know. Is something going on with you two, or do you think it’s a possibility in the future?” she asked softly. “I noticed your face turning red, and you certainly gave her a lot of attention the night I visited her with you there.”

Kevin met her gaze, then shook his head. “My life is complicated, you know that better than most. I’ve made enemies,
professionally and privately. I’m not even free to see my daughter as often as I’d like because of that. I have no plans to get involved with anyone.”

“You have your bodyguards. A wife could also be protected like that.”

He exhaled softly. “I don’t think I’m meant to have a wife, Ella. I’ve lived by my own rules for too long. I don’t want to compromise or adapt to someone else. I like the way
things are. If you’re honest, you’ll admit that you and I are alike in that way.”

Ella was about to argue the point when Justine came up to her. “I’ve got an overseas call from Martha Grayhorse. The military finally tracked her down for us. Apparently she and her husband have been traveling around Europe on vacation, and the base personnel didn’t have the itinerary.”

“Thanks. I’ll take it in
my office.”

Ella excused herself, hurried to her desk, then sat down and picked up the receiver. Someone had already given Martha the news, and the sorrow in the woman’s voice touched her deeply.

“There’s something I really need to know, Officer Clah. Did my son suffer before he died?”

“I believe his death was instantaneous,” she said, recalling the execution-style murder.

“The information
I received is that someone was trying to burgle that old garage where I keep some of my junk, and when my son walked in on them, he was killed. Is that true?”

“We believe there was more to it than that, but I can’t disclose the direction our investigation is taking at the moment. Can you tell me if there was anything of substantial value stored in that garage, or a reason why anyone would think
there was?”

There was no answer for such a long time, Ella wondered if Mrs. Grayhorse was still on the line. All she heard was electronic noise caused by the distant connection.

Finally, the woman cleared her throat. “My son had been storing some things that belonged to his father there. I’m not sure what they were, but the rest is just old furniture, books, and junk.”

Ella remembered her feeling
that Professor Franklin had been holding out on her. Kee’s house was large—particularly for one person, and was not in the least bit cluttered. There was no reason, as far as she could see, why he couldn’t have kept his own belongings at his home—unless he’d wanted to keep someone else, like whoever had broken into his house, from finding them.

“Have you heard of NEED, Mrs. Grayhorse?”

“Oh,
of course. I spoke to my sister a few months ago, and it was all she talked about.” She paused. “Imagine, a nuclear power plant on the reservation. But if you have questions about that, I think you should talk to my ex-husband. He was approached to join them because of his particular expertise in physics. He’s ideally qualified to direct such a project, but I’m certain he’ll never join them.”

“Why do you say that?” She wanted to keep Martha Grayhorse talking. If anyone knew the answers she’d been searching for, Martha might.

“Kee always felt personally responsible for the plight of the Navajo miners who’d destroyed their health working in the uranium mines in the seventies. That’s because his work at the labs contributed so much to the demand for uranium.”

“Can you tell me a little
more about his work?” Ella said, forcing her tone to stay casual.

She hesitated. “I don’t think it’s a secret anymore. That was so many years ago,” she said, thinking out loud, then continued. “I don’t understand all the details, but Kee specialized in photo-chemistry. He applied new laser technology—well, new at the time—to purify and enrich uranium, which was then used to power nuclear reactors
and make nuclear weapons. Then Kee learned how uranium was being mined on the reservation and realized the danger those miners were in. Without adequate protection, they were risking their lives, and their employers were just letting it happen.”

“Did Professor Franklin protest what was going on?” Ella asked.

“Of course. He went back to the Rez and met with several miners’ groups and tribal officials.
He explained what radiation could do, but back then, no one took him very seriously because there were a lot of jobs in mining. He spoke to the companies and insisted that the miners be given respirators, and that attention be paid to adequate ventilation, but the companies said they couldn’t afford to spend the extra money. They wouldn’t even issue the miners special clothing.”

“It must have
been very difficult to get people to listen.”

“You have no idea. Kee tried, he really did. His own family worked the mines. But the miners needed the jobs badly, and they were making more money than they’d ever made in their lives. The risks of something they couldn’t see didn’t seem so great. The politicians listened quietly, but did nothing. They were more afraid of the Russians.”