Free Red Mesa by Aimée & David Thurlo Page B

surprise. “I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with that. I don’tlike being in the public eye.”
    “Even if it might help counter some of that stupid gossip going around about you turning to evil?”
    “So you’ve heard it, too?” She saw Justine nod. “The only way that’s going to die is if people get bored and go on to other things. But if I’m being held up as a public role model, it’s just going to fuel a lot more talk, not stop it. I really wish Mrs. Yellowhairhadn’t mentioned me.”
    “I wonder why she didn’t pick me. My mother would have been so proud! You know how she values everything Abigail Yellowhair says. But no, she had to go with the star of our team.”
    Ella noted how Justine’s hands were gripping the wheel so tightly her knuckles were white. “You’re not the type to be envious of anyone, let alone jealous. What’s really bugging you?”
    Justineshook her head. “I admit I’ve been in a really bad mood, but I’ve got some legitimate gripes.”
    “If they’re work related, take them to the chief, or talk to me about them at the station. When we’re in the field, it’s dangerous to let our minds wander.”
    “I know my job.” She glared at Ella.
    “One more thing, Justine. Don’t ever let me hear that you’re discussing police business with anyone outsidethe PD. Is that very clear?”
    Justine gave her a puzzled look. “Who said I was?”
    “I spoke to Jeremiah Manyfarms and he knew about the shooting incident and the misunderstanding that followed, including us not getting along.”
    “That’s not going to jeopardize any investigation,” Justine snapped. “Jeremiah happens to be a friend of mine, and I needed someone to talk to. I couldn’t exactly discussthis with the chief. Or you.”
    Ella was getting really annoyed with Justine, but she forced herself not to overreact. “Do not discuss anything that pertains to the police department and especially our morale problems with any outsiders. It undermines us with the public.”
    “Jeremiah won’t blab it around. I trust him.”
    “I’m not willing to join in with that trust, so don’t let me hear about thedepartment’s dirty laundry from him again.”
    A long silence stretched out as they reached the turnoff to Window Rock, entering some of the more beautiful piñon and juniper hills and rock formations on the reservation. Soon they would pass through the Navajo capital on the way to their Arizona destination.
    At long last, after Ella’s temper had finally subsided, she spoke again. “By the way, SamuelBegaye is at large. I got the warning from the Marshals Service yesterday. They suspect he’s in the area and may come after us. Remember the threats he made when we tracked him down?”
    Justine nodded. “He’s stupid enough to come after us instead of going underground. I’ll keep a sharp eye out.” Justine paused. “Is that why you didn’t want to leave Rose and Dawn?”
    “Partly.” The truth was, shedidn’t see Begaye as one who’d watch their house before striking. He acted first, then thought about it later. But there was always that one chance in a million.
    “Why did you wait to tell me about Begaye?”
    The question irritated Ella. “I left half a dozen calls for you yesterday, but you never called me back, though you know members of our SI team are required to stay in contact. And today wehaven’t stopped arguing long enough for me to say anything.”
    Instead of apologizing, Justine lapsed into silence, playing with the radio volume again. Ella glanced at her assistant, then back out the window. There had to be more to Justine’s attitude than the shooting incident and the aftermath. She was wound tighter than a drum all the time these days, like she was drinking too much coffee,or was on uppers. But Ella knew Justine well enough to rule out anything such as amphetamines. She barely even drank beer, except at social events.
    Hoping to get her to relax a bit, Ella tried to