Of course, sir. Her acquiescence seemed to appease the protective papa-bear growl of his voice. Im here to worknot catch up with former acquaintances.
In my head, I know youre not the enemy. Still, it feels like a slap in the face for the bureau to bring in a big gun from outside our investigation to get us over this stone wall weve run into. He pulled back the front of his jacket and propped his hands near the gun and badge at his waist. I guess I can see the bureaus logic in bringing in a Native American to interview Watts. I suppose hes more likely to respond to one of his own.
One of his own? Joannas skin crawled at the comparison.
But she didnt so much as bat an eyelash. Possibly.
So not only was she coming into a tightly knit group of co-workers, but Martinez was hinting that there was resentment against her being here. Joanna was used to being the odd man out. As the daughter of Ralph and Naomi Kuchu, shed grown up not fitting in with normal families who worked hard and paid their bills and protected their children.
Since the day of her parents funeral, shed taken that loner persona and turned it into a strength. She was trained to be courteous and professional right down to her painted pinkie toe, but shed discovered that if she remained dispassionate and in control she was harder to read. And if the bad guy sitting across the interview table from her couldnt get into her head, then he had no advantage over her.
No one had an advantage over her if she didnt let them in.
Im not here to mop up any mess or steal any thunder from your people, Sheriff. The bureau just wants vindication for the murder of one of their own. She could handle the isolation, but if Martinezs team resented her enough to actually work against her, then theyd have no chance of success. Perhaps I should clarify the kind of support Ill need from you.
Yeah?
Simple. All I need is a room, and Watts. If he knows anything, Ill get you the information you need. Youre welcome to make any arrests or pursue any leads that might result. Im just a tool the bureau is providing your investigation. Use me.
Martinez nodded, accepting the arrangement. For now. She could see he still had his suspicions about her motivation for being here. Ortiz says youre up for a big promotion back in D.C.
No point in lying about that. If I dont deliver here, they may reconsider.
This is a test for you, eh?
More than anyone here or in D.C. would ever know. Yes.
Any hint of western hospitality disappeared as he leaned in and issued a warning. I wont have your career ambitions get in the way of my case or jeopardize the safety of my team. Are we clear on that?
Joanna stood as tall and straight as her dignity and two-inch heels allowed. Yes, sir. I wont let you down.
He pulled back, relaxing his shoulders if not quite smiling again. Good. Ill go make those calls and find some people.
Dont bother, Patrick. A squat woman with a thick black bun on the back of her head waddled into the reception area. She peeled a clear plastic rain slicker off her scarlet blouse and brightly patterned skirt, hanging the coat up beside the reception counter as she talked. Were on our way back. Since theyre only taking the weekend off, I think Callie and Tom are anxious to get their honeymoon started, so the festivities are breaking up. The sixtyish petite woman turned her eyes, dark as night but shining with laughter, up to Joanna. She clapped her hands together. As I live and breathe. Joanna?
Good to see you again, Elizabeth.
Good to see? She tutted. What kind of greeting is that? Elizabeth Reddawn flung her arms open and squeezed Joanna against her ample bosom. My goodness, child, how youve grown up.
The womans enthusiastic welcome seemed to demand some kind of a response before shed let go. Nonplussed by the effusive human contact she typically avoided, Joanna finally reached around and patted the back of the older womans shoulders, completing the hug. Its been fifteen years.
Has it really? Elizabeth pulled away, her eyes crinkling with the depth of her smile. She maintained a clasp on Joannas fingers, alerting her that there was more personal conversation to come, even though she turned away and tilted her head toward the sheriff. By the way, Patrick? Bree asked if you still wanted to do a movie with her and Charlie tonight because theyd stay in town instead of going home.
Are you kidding? That new action-hero movie opens tonight. Of course Im taking my son. He turned to include Joanna in a wink that erased his stern countenance. Bree would be the wife. She gets to hold the popcorn and keep Charlie and me in line. He nodded to Elizabeth. Youll keep our guest company for a few minutes?
Of course.
Excuse me.
So Turning her maternal indulgence from the sheriffs retreating back to Joanna, Elizabeth took hold of both hands and quickly inspected her from head to toe. Joanna KuchuDaughter of the Buffalo. Youve matured into a woman as beautiful and powerful as your namesake.
As Elizabeth pulled her toward the couch and chairs of the seating area, Joanna gently disengaged her hands. Its Joanna Rhodes now.
Elizabeth sat and patted the sofa cushion beside her. Youre married?
No. Joanna perched on the edge of the couch, curling her fingers into her lap. I was a Rhodes scholar my senior year at Yale. I liked the nameI liked the honorso I had it legally changed.
I see. Her quizzical frown indicated she suspected there were deeper reasons for erasing her past. However, the Elizabeth Reddawn Joanna remembered wouldnt have pried unless invited to do soeven if she was champing at the bit to ask questions. Judging by the way she kept plucking at her wool skirt, the older woman was definitely itching to ask something. But Joanna wasnt offering. Thats wonderful. Congratulations.
Thanks. Several silent moments passed, leaving Joanna wondering how long Martinez would be on the phone to his wife, and how long she could sit here smiling and pretending that this reunion wasnt awkward as hell for her. How do you like working for Sheriff Martinez and the crime lab?
Its nicer than working at old Elmers office ever was. And Im not just talking about the new furniture and state-of-the-art facilities in our lab. Despite Joannas stiff posture, Elizabeth reached across and squeezed her hand around one of the fists in her lap. These are good people here. Youll like them.
The other womans caring touch seeped into Joannas fingers and shot little tendrils of distracting warmth into her resolve to stay focused solely on work while she was in Kenner City. Im only here for a couple of days. I doubt Ill have time to get to know them.
What about the people in Kenner City and Mesa Ridge you already? Oh. Of course. Elizabeth politely pulled away, no doubt sensing the protective personal barriers Joanna was pushing back into place. I dont suppose you have relatives in the area to keep you here.
No.
Will you be paying your respects to your mother and daddy?
Hadnt planned on it.
Ethan Bia has been back in town for a few years now, after his stint in the army.
Ethan Bia? A shiver of recognition, of feelings long buried and often regretted, danced along Joannas spine.