Changing Woman (33 page)

Ella felt the
tingle at the base of her spine that always
signaled trouble. “Oh, okay. Let me go find her.”

Ella hurried down the hall to her room. If Justine had logged on to the service she used, Coyote would assume it was her. With luck she wouldn’t be too late, and all Justine was doing was checking out the new computer game she’d given Ella for Christmas.

As Ella walked inside and saw her partner at
the computer, her heart started beating again. Justine was playing the game.

Justine turned around and gave her an easy smile. “I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t resist.”

“No problem.” Ella walked over and sat down on the bed beside Justine’s chair. “But we need to have a talk, and I hope it won’t make you angry.”

Justine stood and stared at Ella, her mouth open. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask permission first, cousin. I just thought—”

“No, that isn’t it. There’s something you should know, and I’ve been putting it off for security reasons. But you’re my partner, and we face danger together too much to keep this from you any longer. It’s time I took you into confidence about my contact.” Ella sighed.

She explained briefly what she knew for certain about Henry Estrada—Coyote—and how important it was to keep his code name and method of contact a secret from everyone.

Justine thought about it a while, then finally spoke. “I wish I’d been trusted earlier with this information, but I appreciate you telling me about Coyote now. I’ll keep it to myself, you can count on me. Who else knows?”

“I had
to tell Big Ed, and I recently discovered that our local FBI agents know of him by another code name. That’s it, except, unfortunately, for one other person who discovered him by accident.”

“Your mom?” Justine smiled. “It’s hard to keep a secret from her anyway. It’s like she reads minds sometimes.”

“You’re right about that. Anyway, now that you know, hopefully you’ll understand where I’ve been
coming from when I’ve made some of these speculations about our cases.” Ella stood. “Just don’t ever discuss Coyote’s existence with anyone. He’s undercover and playing for his life.”

“I figured that.”

“Maybe he’ll contact me while you’re here. I was hoping for something soon. Coyote always seems to know when I’m home. But enough about that. Tell me what brought you here tonight.”

“In the cosmic
scheme of things, I suppose it’s not really important. Wilson and I had a fight, and I didn’t want to go home ’cause I expect he’ll be stopping by. He gets along well with my mother, and she’s all for my getting more serious about him. Mom points out that Wilson is, well, who and what he is, a nice, decent man with a good job and the respect of the community,” Justine shrugged. “And he’s not
a cop.”

“But? There must be one of those in there somewhere,” Ella speculated. “You know I think Wilson would be good for you too. What do
you
want? That’s what is important here.”

“Ella, I’ve been through so much the last year, including being manipulated into nearly messing up our friendship, my job, and my whole life. Except for that damn problem with my pistol qualification, I really am
getting my act together again, and thinking of getting my own apartment, finally. With my job back on track, I’m not sure I want to add total commitment to Wilson into the picture right now. And I’m certain that is what Wilson wants.” Justine looked around the room, not making eye contact for a while, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

“Then don’t rush into anything, if my life example is any
help for you at all. If Wilson really cares that much about you, and you about him, he’ll realize that and give you more time.” Ella reached over and grabbed her cousin’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Just then a small bell rang on the computer, and a synthesized voice announced that E-mail was incoming. Justine rose from the chair, and waved Ella into the seat.

Ella sat down in front of
the computer, reading Coyote’s message.

“Large-scale sabotage of some sort is being planned.
Haven’t gotten details yet. Hope to get more info soon.”

Ella glanced up at Justine, then typed a response. “How can I help?”

The reply came quickly. “Someone out there must know something. The Indian mafia tries to recruit from the tribe. Keep your eyes and ears open.”

Before Ella could thank him,
Coyote was gone. Ella switched on the printer, then printed out the latest exchange.

“I need you to work with me and help me dig up something we can use to counter the syndicate’s plans.”

“Of course.” Justine sat down on the edge of Ella’s bed. “Where do you want to begin?”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t know yet,” Ella said. Justine shook her head. “Me neither. Let’s come up with a game plan
so we can stop whatever the syndicate’s brewing up.”

“We’ll both have to think about it for a bit,” Ella said, leading her out into the hall. “Why don’t we have some dinner with the family while we mull things over.”

Justine shook her head. “No, I think your advice about taking my time, and asking Wilson to do the same, might be the best way to go. I’m going home, and if he’s there, maybe I’ll
talk about it tonight with him if he’s cooled off. If not, I’ll just play it by ear. The drive home will help clear my thinking. If I come up with any ideas about that game plan with the syndicate, I’ll call.”

“Do that.”

“And Ella, thanks again for trusting me. I know there was a time last year when it would have been dangerous for you to take this step.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Justine. There
were other forces at work then. Let’s don’t talk about it anymore. We’ve moved on, and now we’re a real good team again.”

“We’ve always been a good team, boss. Now we’re better.” Justine laughed, and walked into the hall. “I’ll say good-bye to your mom, then go see what I can do about Wilson.”

A few minutes later, Ella went into the kitchen. Jennifer had gone home, and Rose was stirring a pot
of beef stew simmering on the stove.

“Mom, I need to talk to you,” Ella said, starting to set the table.

“Not about my antigaming stand again, daughter. I’ve had a long day.”

“It’s not about that.” Ella told her mother about the conversation she’d had with Clifford, and his suggestion that Rose and the Plant Watchers might be able to help. “Something’s brewing out there, Mom. I’ve received
a tip that some big disaster is about to go down, and I need to find out what it is before it happens. What’s the latest gossip at the Plant Watchers meetings?”

Rose sighed. “Nothing new, I’m afraid. The people my age aren’t scared. They know that we’ve gone through trying times before, and we’ll survive. It’s the ones your age and younger who seem to want the path cleared for gaming because
the lure of prosperity is hard for them to resist. That’s creating tension in many families.”

“I’ve heard some of your proposals,” Ella said. “They could work, but they’d need time to catch on. Most of all, they need the tribe’s support.” Rose paused. “I gave another interview to the news people today—actually, television reporters from Albuquerque.”

“Okay,” Ella said slowly. “Give the highlights.”

“I detailed my proposals and asked the public to get in touch with our leaders if they found the idea of exploring our Navajo way of life appealing and would be interested in looking into the possibilities. I was ’test marketing,’ you know?”

Ella chuckled. “Okay. Thanks for the advance warning.” She still couldn’t quite get used to the idea of her mother as an activist.

“There’s more,” Rose
said.

Ella groaned. “I had a feeling—” Seeing her mother’s
eyes narrowing, she stopped, throwing up her hands in mock surrender. “Okay, tell me.”

“I got a call a while ago from an Albuquerque station. The story has been picked up by their national bureau, and they expect it will be on the network news.”

Ella stared at her mother, but no words would come. “Well, say something. Silence isn’t
your style, daughter.”

Ella swallowed. “Mom, I’m very proud that you have the courage to speak your mind, but I have to be honest with you. I’m really afraid that you’re making some big enemies right now.”

“Yes, but there are people—friends—watching over us, too, daughter.”

Ella knew that once before, when trouble had struck, Herman Cloud and other traditionalists had joined forces to watch
over them here at home. “That’s good, but I’ll see if we can increase police patrols in this area, too.”

“You don’t have to, you know. We
are
well protected.”

Ella didn’t argue the point. “One more thing, Mom. Just so you know, I won’t be taking my daughter anywhere outside this house with me for a while. I can handle the fact that I’m a sniper’s target, but I don’t want to put her in that kind
of danger.”

Rose nodded somberly. “All right. Do you have any objections if I take her out?”

“No. I don’t think your enemies are as direct as mine,” Ella said.

“Good. By the way, if you have a moment, there’s something else I need to talk to you about.” Seeing Ella nod, she continued. “I went to the doctor this morning and learned that my hand isn’t mending properly. The surgeon feels that
he can correct the problem with a minor procedure, so I’ve consented. The good news, of course, is that once my hand has finally healed and I can use it again, we won’t need to have my friend’s granddaughter here every day like we do now.”

“Mom, with you so involved with the gaming issue, we’ll probably need a homemaker’s helper even after you recuperate.”

“I’m not saying that we won’t need
her some of the time, but she won’t have to be here every single moment, daughter. After all, she’s not a relative and it’s not good for your daughter to get too used to her.”

Ella smiled, suddenly understanding. Rose was jealous of the attention Dawn was giving Jennifer. “Mom, she’s an asset to both of us right now. Let’s wait and talk more about this after your surgery, okay? When do you have
to go in?”

“Tomorrow around ten. I already have a ride to the hospital, so you don’t have to worry. I’ll be out in two days, maybe earlier if things go well. In the meantime, my friend’s granddaughter will stay with your daughter until you get home each night.”

“Who did you get to take you to the hospital?” “Bizaadii.” Rose used her nickname for Herman. Ella smiled, hoping her mother hadn’t
noticed. That hope, of course, was as futile as wishing the sky to turn bright yellow.

“He’s a good friend, daughter. I know you might have problems accepting a man in my life, but he’s good for me. And he treats me well, too.”

“Very true,” Ella said, trying to sound understanding but not really wanting to encourage her mother either. She still had mixed emotions, despite her own respect for
Herman.

“Your father is always in my memories, daughter. But we have to move on with our lives.”

Ella nodded. Her mother was right, but still... “I know what you’re saying, and your friend is my friend too. I just feel a little odd, sometimes. Just give me a while, Mother. I’ll adjust,” Ella asked.

“All right.”

Dinner was quiet, and Dawn seemed more interested in watching her favorite video
about a cartoon bear’s
adventures than in anything else, so Ella excused her early. After clearing up the kitchen, she went to play with Dawn. Tonight, however, Dawn wasn’t interested in playing after her short video ended. She was tired and cranky, and when Ella finally put her to bed she only fussed for a short time before drifting off to sleep.

Ella watched the second half of a mindless television
movie, then after Rose went to bed, decided to do the same.

Ella walked to her room and started to turn on her computer, more out of habit than anything else, but then decided against it. She’d already communicated with Coyote tonight, so there was no need for her to log on again.

Wearing a long, ratty sweatshirt she’d owned since high school, she crawled in between the sheets and fell promptly
asleep.

The next morning, by the time Ella emerged from the shower and dressed, Dawn still hadn’t come into her room. Worried, she started down the hall and heard Dawn and Jennifer playing in the living room.

Ella checked her watch. Jennifer was early. As Ella went into the living room, Dawn looked up and said hi, but continued playing with Jennifer, who pretended to grab her and then chase
her around the couch. “She’s already had breakfast,” Jennifer said. “We’re going to make a farm with her Legos next. Would you like to join us?”

Ella shook her head. “I have to get ready for work.” Ella watched the two for a moment. Dawn seemed perfectly content to play with Jennifer and, she had to admit, Jennifer was wonderful with her daughter.

“How do
you
like being replaced?” Rose whispered
as she walked past Ella.

Ella looked at her mother, annoyed, then glanced back at Dawn. As Jennifer went to get the Legos, Dawn held up her arms to Ella, asking to be picked up.

Ella held her for a moment. “Are you having fun?”

Dawn nodded, then held out her arms to Jennifer as she returned.

Jennifer took her from Ella. “I’ll take good care of her. Don’t worry about a thing. Have a great day
at work.”

Normally, Ella hated perky people, and she
really
hated perky people in the morning. “Thanks,” Ella muttered.

When Ella strode into the kitchen, her mother was stirring the oatmeal.

‘Take enough time to eat. It’s very, very cold outside right now and you’ll need something warm inside you.”

Ella glanced at the clock. “I’ll just have a little bowl,“ she said, taking some from the pan,
then adding milk and sugar to it. “So what are your plans for today, Mom?”

“I’ll leave for the hospital around nine, and I’ll be back by the end of the weekend—sooner, if I can talk them into it.”

“Mom, don’t give them a hard time,” she said, eating her breakfast standing up.

Rose shrugged. “They said they want to be extra careful because of my age. But I’m having your brother do a Sing for
me, so I’m covered.”

“Even so,” Ella said.