Free Rock with Wings by Anne Hillerman Page A

he’d smiled at her, for the first time after his injury, when she’d seen him last week. That thought brought her peace.
    She must have fallen asleep, because when she opened her eyes again, dim predawn light filled the room. She checked on Mama, who seemed not to have moved an inch. She considered a run, but didn’t want to leave her mother alone. Instead she went outside and stood quietly, welcoming the new day. Surely it would be easier than the one that had passed.
    When she pulled her phone from her backpack to check the time, she noticed two things. A text from her boss: Call re scheduling . And nothing from Chee.
    She called Largo at the office, figuring she’d leave a message. But he was in.
    â€œManuelito, don’t you have anything better to do on your vacation? Ever hear of sleeping in?”
    â€œI saw your text. We had a situation with Mama, and I had to come back.” Before he could ask, she added, “I think she’s OK. She had a restful night.”
    â€œGlad to hear it.”
    â€œWhat’s new with Miller? Do you know where he hid the drugs?”
    â€œBefore I get to that, would you like an update on your sister?”
    Bad news travels fast, she thought. “I guess. Sure.”
    â€œShe’ll be released sometime today.”
    â€œDo you know what she did?”
    â€œNot exactly. She got drunk and got rowdy.” Largo gave her the name of the arresting San Juan County sheriff’s deputy. “He can tell you.”
    â€œAnd what about Miller?”
    â€œNo news so far.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œReally.”
    â€œI wasn’t wrong about him. Why would an innocent guy offer me five hundred to give him a speeding ticket?”
    â€œThe dogs didn’t find any drugs. The feds are going over the car tomorrow. Chill out, Manuelito. I need to talk to you about something else.”
    Bernie fought back her disappointment and listened as Largo went on about the challenges of scheduling. He stopped without making the ask.
    â€œIf Sister gets home tonight, I could take a shift tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll plan on that, unless you say otherwise.”
    She put the unwashed dishes Sister had left in the sink, added soapy water, and told herself to cheer up. As she started breakfast, she heard Mama calling for her.
    Her mother was sitting on the edge of the bed. “Bring me the walking machine.”
    Bernie pushed the walker to her. “May I help you up?”
    â€œThat’s what this thing is for.” Mama hoisted herself to standing, took a moment to find her balance, and then moved slowly toward the bathroom. Bernie walked beside her.
    â€œThere are things we need to speak of. But first, we have our coffee.”
    Bernie knew the code. Her mother had advice for her, probably another lecture on her role in keeping Darleen out of trouble. But if Mama was still angry with her, she couldn’t read the signs. Perhaps her irritation had switched to Darleen.
    Bernie wiped off the table so they would have a clean place to eat. She poured Mama her coffee and found some raisins to add to the oatmeal, along with sugar and cinnamon. No milk, so they did without. Somehow, the oatmeal with the raisins made her think of the boxes of dirt sprinkled with rocks. At least she had Miller ontape. The recording proved that something was up with him and justified her traffic stop.
    Mama complimented Bernie on her cooking, but only ate a few bites. “Save the rest for me for lunch.”
    â€œNo, ma’am. If I can find the key to Darleen’s car, we’ll get some groceries and I’ll treat you to lunch in Shiprock.”
    Mama nodded, and then reached across the table and put her hand on top of Bernie’s.
    â€œMy daughter, I have been thinking about your friend, the one who got shot.”
    Bernie knew she meant Leaphorn. The statement caught her off guard.
    Mama put her hand on her chest, over her heart. “When a