Free Coyote's Wife by Aimée Thurlo Page B

she quit?”
    “No, she didn’t resign until six months later. Once Henry was out of the picture, she moved on to someone else. You’ll never guess who. Ready? Ralph Tache.”
    Ella was having serious trouble envisioning the glum-faced officer as someone a woman would go nuts over. “Wasn’t he married back then?” Ella asked.
    “Separated. He ended up getting divorced at about the same timeRoxanne left the force.”
    “Direct cause?”
    Justine shrugged. “I thought you’d have a better chance of getting that information from Ralph. He’s not exactly chatty, just in case you hadn’t noticed,” she added with a wry smile.
    Ella laughed. Ralph didn’t speak unless it was absolutely necessary. “I can’t even begin to imagine what set her on Ralph.”
    “Are you kidding?” Justine sounded surprised.

    Curious now, Ella looked at Justine. “What do you know that I don’t?”
    “Ralph has a real interesting reputation. It happened after he went out with Marlee Manuelito. She’s not much for keeping a secret.”
    Ella knew the sergeant in booking. She was a hefty woman—not fat, but built like a linebacker.
    “Marlee had it bad for Ralph, and word soon got out that he was something to see…you know, in thebedroom.” She paused. “Haven’t you noticed how long his fingers are? And you
know
what they say about a guy with big hands.”
    Ella made a face. “Aw, jeez! Thanks for that mental image. I could have done without it.”
    “You asked.”
    “Not about
that,
for pete’s sake!”
    Justine laughed. “Well, Ralph is hot these days. Lots of single gals in the department are interested in finding out for themselves,I guess.”
    “What about Roxanne? Is she still interested in him?”
    “According to what I heard, no. When Tache didn’t reciprocate, she moved on to Kevin. That’s about it. But how much of this is true, I can’t say.”
    “The more I hear about Roxanne, the less I like the woman. I have to know if my kid’s in any danger from this loon. Keep digging, okay?”
    “You bet.”
    They arrived at the compound whereStarTalk was headquartered a short time later. The tall chain-link gate was open, and Justine drove through, stopping in front of the smallest of three buildings—a modern block and metal structure with large glass doors and a small sign that read, O FFICE . A large wooden sign in the xeroscaped area along the front wall displayed the StarTalk logo, a stylized version of a satellite above and betweentwo very traditional-looking hogans.
    Justine parked in front of one of the concrete barriers labeled for visitors. As they went inside the office lobby, they could hear Native American-inspired New Age music—mostly drums and flutes at the moment—coming from hidden speakers. The colors and decor were simple but tasteful, Southwestern in style with turquoise and other desert hues. Beyond the foyerwas a large open room containing various-size cubicles where at least a dozen Navajo men and women were working. This work area was simply furnished, utilitarian at best.
    A young Navajo woman in her late twenties looked up from the reception desk, which held a computer and multiline phone system. “Can I help you?”
    Ella flashed her badge. “I need to talk to some of the employees. How about ifI start with you?”
    The Navajo woman leaned back in her chair and nodded. “We were told to expect a visit from the tribal police today,” she said. “I’m Lucy Yabeny. Mrs. Yellowhair asked all of us to cooperate fully with you. So how can I help?”
    It shouldn’t have taken Ella by surprise, but it did. It wasn’t so much that they’d been expected, but that Abigail had known she’d come by today. Thewoman certainly didn’t underestimate the scope of her own influence.
    “Someone’s been harassing Ervin Benally,” Ella said. “You’re in a good position to hear and know what’s going on. Who do you think is doing that?”
    “It could be just about anyone,” she said in