“I’d like that,” she said, glad for the coolness provided by the house’s thick adobe walls. Her mouth felt parched, partly from the fear that had threatened to overwhelm her back in the cavern and partly because of the three-digit temperatures outside. “Let me give you a hand.” As he brought out glasses, she pulled the pitcher from the fridge. They sat there in silence, comfortable enough with each other not to feel the need to talk. The day’s experiences and revelations had been exhausting. Once Ella finished her drink, she stood and carried her glass to the sink. “It’s time for me to go. I have to check in with the police and see when they’re going to release my father’s body. If they can’t give me a time, I’m going to have to start putting pressure on them.” “Why don’t I follow you to the tribal police office? Maybe I can help out. I know some of the officers.” The offer was tempting. Ella had no desire to have a confrontation of any kind with her father-in-law.
