Free [Desert Roses 03] - Beneath A Harvest Sky by Tracie Peterson Page B

Office of Indian Affairs believed her a possible thief, and now Driscoll’s comment seemed to suggest there could be good reason to hold her accountable for the disappearing artifacts.
    The sandwich settled heavily on his stomach. Swallowing hard, Duncan tried to figure out what he should do next. He could always take Chester aside and try to get the man to talk. It was doubtful he’d say anything, however. After all, the man didn’t know Duncan and would have no reason to confide in him.
    Maybe I should talk to Rainy and just ask her up front what his comment was about. But what if she is involved with stealing from the Indians and my questions ruin the investigation? There seemed to be no easy answer.
    ————
    That evening, after the work of pitching tents and setting up cots had been completed, Rainy was surprised to find Phillip Vance at her side once again.
    “I wondered if we might walk together?” Phillip asked. “I know I monopolized your time at lunch, but I do have more questions for you.”
    “Given the fact you were so willing to help us set up camp,” Rainy began, “it would be uncharitable of me not to at least share a walk with you.” She smiled and moved away from the gathering of tents. “So where would you like to walk? It’s growing dark and we shouldn’t go far. The desert is full of dangerous creatures.”
    “I’m sure that’s wise counsel.” He joined her, matching her long-legged strides with equal pacing. “I wondered if you would tell me about the Hopi people we visited today—about your friend Istaqa and his wife, Una. I liked them.”
    Rainy smiled. “They are wonderful people. Istaqa is one of the Indian police who keep law and order on the reservation. At first his people resented him, but they’ve come to discover over the years that they’d prefer to have another Hopi tell them what’s right and wrong rather than have a white man do the deed. Of course, the authorities really don’t hold him in very high regard, and they certainly would pull rank on him should they dislike his performance. Una is his wife of some fourteen years. They have three boys who attend the government school and do quite well.”
    Phillip took hold of her elbow and guided her toward an outcropping of rock. “I cannot imagine living the life they live. Do they really enjoy living in the pueblos?”
    Rainy laughed. “Where else would they live? You certainly don’t see any palatial mansions awaiting them, now, do you?”
    Phillip appeared flushed in the fading light. Rainy realized she’d embarrassed him with her teasing. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I shouldn’t have answered in such a manner.” She noticed that he continued to hold on to her arm even though they’d stopped walking.
    “It’s just that I feel people don’t take me seriously when I say I want to learn. My sister thought me mad when I suggested this trip. She had come to visit me in Los Angeles, and when she mentioned traveling through Indian country and that souvenirs and such were available . . . well, I knew I had to see it for myself.”
    “And what do you think so far?” Rainy asked, warming under his intense scrutiny. The darkness robbed her of a chance to clearly see his expression, but she knew he had fixed his gaze on her.
    “I’m deeply moved by the desert. It appears so harsh and lifeless, yet there is life out there. I look at the pueblos, so much like a natural outpouring of the earth, and marvel at the shapes and the sensibility of their creation. I see the people and know I shall never be as strong and worthy as they.”
    Rainy thought his attitude and feelings a refreshing change from so many of the tourists. His comments suggested a depth of feeling that did him honor. “The Hopi are a proud people. They can date their existence here back to A.D. 1050. They are very much as their name suggests: good, peaceful, and wise.”
    “I want to know everything,” he said, pulling Rainy closer. He