And it would be futile, since apparently the captain had his back.
“For those I haven’t met, I’m Special Agent Paul Daniels, FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit,” Daniels began, his voice effortlessly commanding the room.“These are Agents Keller and Watkins from our Flagstaff field office.We’re here because in the past seventy-two hours, two individuals have been murdered on or near Navajo land with distinctive ritualistic elements that suggest a pattern.”
The female agent advanced through slides showing sanitized versions of the crime scene photos—less graphic than those Kari had prepared but still sufficient to convey the ceremonial positioning.
“Dr.Mark Harrington, geology professor, was killed three nights ago near Spider Rock.Rachel Delgado, environmental activist, was killed early this morning approximately three miles from the first site.”Daniels paused, letting the information sink in.“Both victims were non-Navajo.Both were conducting unauthorized activities on sacred land.Both were killed and arranged in a manner suggesting ceremonial significance.”
Murmurs rippled through the assembled officers.Kari noted the careful emphasis Daniels placed on “unauthorized” and “sacred”—subtle but deliberate framing.
“Based on preliminary analysis,” Daniels continued, “we’ve developed a subject profile.”
The screen changed to display a bullet-pointed list that made Kari’s stomach tighten:
Male, 30-50 years old
Navajo, deeply connected to traditional practices
Extensive knowledge of ceremonial rituals
Probable history of conflict with authorities over land use/sacred sites
Likely resides on reservation, knows terrain intimately
Perceives victims as threats to cultural/spiritual integrity
“We’re looking for a traditional Navajo male with deep resentment toward outsiders who trespass on sacred lands,” Daniels said.“Someone who believes himself to be a protector of cultural boundaries, punishing those who cross them.”
Kari couldn’t remain silent any longer.“Agent Daniels, this profile contradicts physical evidence from both scenes.”
All eyes turned to her.Daniels smiled with patronizing patience.“Detective Blackhorse has been invaluable in the initial investigation.Please, share your perspective.”
The condescension was expertly calibrated—acknowledging her contribution while undermining her authority.Kari stood, refusing to be diminished.
“The ceremonial elements at both scenes contain significant errors,” she said, addressing her colleagues directly.“The positioning, herb placement, and directional alignments are inconsistent with authentic Navajo practices.These aren’t the mistakes someone ‘deeply connected to traditional practices’ would make.”
“Detective Blackhorse is referring to minor variations in ritual elements,” Daniels interjected smoothly.“However, ritual killers often develop personalized versions of ceremonies, incorporating elements that have personal significance.”
“These aren’t minor variations,” Tsosie said, his deep voice carrying natural authority.“They’re fundamental misunderstandings of ceremony structure.They suggest someone with academic rather than lived knowledge.”
“Like an anthropologist or scholar,” Kari added, “who has studied ceremonies but never participated in them.”
Daniels’s smile tightened.“An interesting theory, but contradicted by the crime scenes themselves.The killer navigated difficult terrain in darkness, knew exactly where to find the victims, and demonstrated intimate knowledge of the landscape.Those aren’t traits typically found in academics.”
“Unless they’ve specifically studied that area,” Kari countered.“Harrington was a geology professor documenting those exact formations.Delgado was an environmental activist familiar with remote locations.”
“Speculation,” Daniels dismissed.“What we know definitively is that both victims were killed on or near sacred sites while engaged in activities that could be perceived as disrespectful to Navajo traditions.The profile points to someone defending those traditions.”
The implication hung in the air—that they should be looking among their own people, perhaps even among those in the room.Kari saw several officers shift uncomfortably.
Captain Yazzie intervened.“We’ll consider all possibilities.For now, I want increased patrols near archaeological sites and tourist areas.Nobody works alone until we resolve this.Agent Daniels will coordinate with our detective division while Agents Keller and Watkins establish a command post here.”
“We’ll also need complete access to your records system,” Daniels added, as if it were already decided.“Agent Watkins will handle the technical integration.”
The meeting continued with assignments and protocols, but Kari barely heard them.She watched Daniels command her colleagues’ attention, building momentum behind a profile that felt not just wrong but dangerous—one that would direct suspicion toward traditional Navajo while ignoring other possibilities.
When the briefing concluded, officers filed out with grim determination.Kari remained seated, collecting her unused notes while Daniels conferred with Captain Yazzie near the door.
“He completely undermined us,” she said quietly to Tsosie.
