Wind Spirit by David Thurlo & Aimee Thurlo

Author:David Thurlo & Aimee Thurlo [Thurlo, David & Thurlo, Aimee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Forge Books
Published: 2011-11-03T16:08:02+00:00

ELEVEN

As Ella pulled into the parking lot beside the college’s Science building, she worked to focus her thoughts back to the case. First, she’d talk to Wilson, then she’d go see Professor Garnenez.

Ella’s thoughts shifted to Wilson as she made her way to his office. They’d remained close friends throughout the years, but though Rose had once had hopes they’d get together, their relationship had never gone past friendship.

She was about to turn the corner when she heard someone calling out her name. Glancing back, she saw Wilson coming in the side door. In his hands were two pastries on a paper towel and a cup of coffee.

“Hey, you’re just in time to share these crispies. They’re fried sweet rolls just loaded with pinñon nuts. It’s Mrs. Yazzie’s special recipe. She makes them to raise money for her kids’ college expenses and they’re sensational. You’ve got to try one.”

“No, thanks. I’m really not into sweets—unless they have chocolate,” Ella said, then followed him into his office.

As Wilson sat behind his desk Ella pulled up a chair. “I came hoping you could tell me something about Professor Garnenez,” she said.

“Then you’ve heard what he’s been saying about you?”

Ella reached over and tore off a piece of his crispie. “Just a bite,” she muttered, then answering his question, added, “I didn’t know the professor was talking about me at all, though it figures. Fill me in?”

Wilson motioned toward the coffeepot, silently offering her a cup. She shook her head, and he began. “Garny, that’s what some of his students call him behind his back, was actually reprimanded by the president of the college because he started discussing you in his classes. He said that until the hataalii did the proper Sing, you were a danger to the entire community. He claimed that the death of Bruce Smiley was a perfect example of what’s going to continue to happen. Smiley, according to him, wasn’t suicidal until you got near him.”

“But that’s not the way it went down,” she said, absently taking another piece of the crispie. “There were plenty of cops at the scene who can verify that.”

Wilson nodded. “And it’s not uncommon for criminals trapped by police to take their own lives. Anyone who reads the newspaper knows that. Either way, what amounts to gossip and character assassination of a Tribal Police officer isn’t an appropriate subject for an organic chemistry professor. Academic freedom isn’t even close to an issue there either. That’s why he was reprimanded, but personally I don’t think it’ll shut him up. He’ll just be more careful of who he says it to. I heard that he’s asked all his students to help you locate John Tso, unofficially, of course.”

As Ella took another piece of the crispie, Wilson slid it over to her. “Take it,” he said.

“No, thanks. I’m just not hungry.”

Wilson stared at her skeptically, but Ella continued, ignoring his reaction. “I can use help in tracking down John Tso, so maybe this is a blessing in disguise.

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