New Mexico, from Santa Fe to Gallup, took a heavy hit with snow blowing into six- and seven-foot drifts in the high country. Many roads, especially those through mountain passes, were closed. In the capital city, only the main thoroughfares had been plowed out when Deputy Chief Charles Scarberry made his way to State Police headquarters on Cerrillos Road at the south end of town. He prided himself on never missing a day at the office, come hell, high water or three feet of snow. The weather could therefore be no excuse for any subordinate who wanted to stay at home for the day. He'd taken his first sip of coffee and unfolded the Santa Fe daily New Mexican and spread it out on his desk when his phone rang. Scarberry knew the call was something important when he heard the voice of Chief Sam Black and not the chief's secretary, Chere Ortiz. On the other hand, maybe not. The weather was bad. Chere didn't make it to work when the humidity rose above 75%, let alone when snow covered the ground or the wind blew.
