Death Walker by Aimée & David Thurlo

theposition, so she’ll also be doing investigative work with you, under your supervision, and will assist you in gathering evidence. I also briefed her on our added security measures, and the need to keep everything locked.”
    Ella smiled at Justine, who was barely five foot two and a hundred pounds. She looked like she should still be in high school. Her cousin had been the youngest of seven children,and the one everyone had overlooked. Her older sisters and brothers had all excelled, either in athletics or academics. Justine had been the one whose talents had never been particularly strong in either direction. “I knew you were interested in law enforcement, but…”
    “Cousin, when I was in high school I kept hearing about you, and all you were accomplishing with your life. When I started lookingaround for a career, I knew I wanted to go into law enforcement, like you, so I joined the tribal police. I’ve been taking all the courses that were available to me, and have just returned from a forensics class at the FBI Academy. I want to be able to serve the tribe like you have.”
    Ella smiled, surprised by the admiration that shone in Justine’s eyes.
    “Well, I’ll leave you two to work. Justinehas already started reviewing the case, so I know you’ll have things to discuss.”
    As soon as they were alone, Justine grinned at Ella. “Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. I’m too young, or just not as experienced as you’d like. But I’m going to be the best thing that ever happened to you.”
    Ella burst out laughing at the young woman’s confidence and bravado. She could see herself in Justine.She’d been a lot like that at the start of her career. “I have no doubt that you’re good at your job. Many apply to be cops on the Rez, and openings are few. Only a handful actually make it.”
    “Once I make up my mind, I always carry through. Besides, it’s just like you told me many years back, before you joined the FBI. You said that anyone who was willing to work hard could make a dream cometrue.”
    “Many, many years?” Ella stared at Justine in surprise. “I don’t even remember saying that, though it sounds like something I would have said.”
    “I never forgot it.”
    Ella nodded slowly. “Be aware of one thing, cousin. I’m glad to have a helper, but the cases I get are usually the ones nobody else ever wants.”
    “I know. That’s why you need me. Now let me show you what I’ve been doing,and why I’m going to be the best assistant you’ve ever had.”
    Ella chuckled. “You’re the only assistant I’ve ever had.”
    “Well, that should make things even easier,” her cousin answered. Justine placed several files she’d held tucked beneath one arm on the desk. “I’ve studied the evidence and run a check for you on the prints we found. No one with a record left any latents on”—Justine loweredher voice to a whisper as she mentioned the victim’s name—“on Kee Dodge’s truck or belongings.”
    Justine’s voice returned to a normal level as she continued. “I did a comparison check on all the vehicle tracks and footprints found at the site too. Most were linked to the students who’d driven there and walked around. But there is one set of footprints that didn’t match. They were made by Nikecross-trainers. It’s a very common brand, but around the Rez most men wear boots. From the imprint and size, nine, my guess puts the suspect at about five foot seven, weighing about 155 to 160 pounds.”
    “I’m impressed.”
    “Good. That’s what I was trying for. And I’ve got more.” Justine checked her notes on the second file. “The leather shoelaces used to strangle the victim were a common brand,found at most groceries or drugstores in our area. I know NCIC may have a report on similar M.O.s, but I’m really not sure how to access that.”
    Ella smiled. “I intend to check that now that I’ve got Carolyn’s autopsy report.”
    “I’ve also got one piece of