The Tale Teller (A Leaphorn and Chee Novel) by Anne Hillerman

Author:Anne Hillerman [Hillerman, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harper
Published: 2019-04-09T05:00:00+00:00

11

As always, Jim Chee’s voice over the phone made Bernie smile.

Her day, she told him, had been routine and frustrating. Her efforts to track down the heavyset Navajo man she had observed before she realized her jogging path was also a crime scene had been futile. Now she faced paperwork, and then she was off to see her mother. “Did I tell you Sister is considering one of those work-from-home offers?”

“No. Did you try to talk her out of it?”

“Of course, but you know how hardheaded she can be.” Bernie laughed. “What’s new in Chinle?”

“I heard a rumor that Ryana used to work in the movies. I found proof that she had a fancy car in Phoenix, so maybe she used to be famous. But when I searched, nothing. And Mark, the tech expert here, couldn’t find any information on that either. I guess it’s another lie.”

“Did you ask her?”

“I haven’t had a chance.”

“Darleen might know. They spent time together over the weekend. I’ll see what Sister has to say.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

“Will you be home tonight?”

“You bet.” She heard his tone brighten. “I can’t wait to see you. Any news on the Bigman baby?”

“No. Sandra would have told me and everyone in the Shiprock chapter.”

After Chee hung up, Bernie recalled her first encounter with Ryana, back when Mr. Natachi and the girl came every weekend to visit at the house down the road. Ryana radiated happiness. She and Darleen played together. Later, when both girls were sneaking up on adolescence, they would race on the high school track. Ryana, with her longer legs, usually won. Then Ryana’s parents moved to start work in Chinle, the girls got involved with other friends, and they lost touch except when the family came back to see Mama’s neighbor Auntie Dolly.

Bernie called Darleen. Her sister sounded unusually perky for such a hot afternoon.

“Guess what? My envelopes just got here. I can start to work.”

“Sister, before you do, I could use your help with something, too. An investigation.”

“Whoa. Really? What is it?”

Bernie explained.

Darleen started talking as soon as Bernie stopped. “That is so, so cool. Ryana didn’t mention making movies. Maybe we could rent one or stream it on the computer.”

“Chee has been calling her, but she isn’t answering. Is there any way to find out what movies she made without asking her directly?”

“Yeah. I’ll check it out and call you back?”

“I’m going to visit Mama tonight. We can talk then.”

“Sure thing. Hey, I’ll show you the supplies for my job then, too.”

“I wish . . .” Bernie stopped. The deed, however foolish and ill-advised, was done. “I wish you good luck in finding out about Ryana’s life in the movies.”

“Maybe she was just a voice-over, you know, like in the Navajo Nemo or something. I’ll check on it right now, Sister. You know what else?”

“What?”

“This is the first time you’ve asked me to help with a case.”

Bernie had been at the substation about an hour when Sandra buzzed her.

“No baby yet. Darleen is on the phone.

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