Daretoread: Нэнси Дрю и Братья Харди

Daretoread: Нэнси Дрю и Братья Харди

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ПРИЯТНОГО ЧТЕНИЯ!

Carolyn Keene

Nancy Drew Girl Detective: Volume Seven

The Stolen Relic

 

Copyright, 2004, by Simon & Schuster, Inc

Cover photograph copyright © 2004 by Michael Frost

Cover designed by Debra Sfetsios

 

My friends and I knew before we got to Arches National Park that it’s full of redcliffs, arches, and rock formations—plenty of places for hiking, biking, and getting lost. It’s a good thing there are park rangers and guides to help tourists likeus find our way. Or at least that’s what we thought, until one of the guides leftfor a second to investigate some noise, and never came back.

It seems unlikely that a respected tour guide who knows the area like the backof her hand could just get lost. Something’s fishy. And you can bet I’m going toget to the bottom of this before I find my way home...

 

Mysterious Strangers

 

Iwassittingaroundthehouse,readingthisjunkyWesternnovelandrecoveringfrom my latest case, when my friend George Faynedroppedbywithsomeinterestingnews.

Maybealittletoointeresting.

“What!You’vealreadymadeourplanereservations?”Icried,shootingupfromthelivingroomsofa.“Whathaveyougottenusinto,Fayne?”

“Afuntime,”Georgereplied,withatossofhershortdarkhair.“Isawthisgreatairfaredealwrittenupintoday’spaper.ItincludesaweekinMoab,Utah,atahostelcalledtheRangerRose.”Shepushedanewspaperintomyhand.“Here,Nancy.Takealook.”

Iglancedskepticallyatthepictureonthefront.Gorgeousredcliffsandstrangerockformationspoppedoutatme.Alonepairofhikersstrolleddownawildernesspathunderahuge,deepbluesky.Abovethesceneaheadlineread,MOAB,UTAH:HIKERHEAVEN.

“Maybeyou’llevenfindamysterythere,”Georgeaddedslyly.

Ismiled.Georgeknowshowtograbmyattention.I’venevermetamysteryIdidn’tlike.Infact,I’mknownthroughoutmyhometownofRiverHeightsforgettingtothebottomofcasesthatstumpourlocalpoliceforce.ButI’mthefirsttoadmitthetruth—there’snowayIcouldsolvethemwithoutasecretingredient:friends.Threeofthem,specifically.GeorgeandhercousinBessMarvinaremytwobestfriendsandco-sleuths,andmyboyfriend,NedNickerson,helpsme sometimesduringhiscollegebreaks.

“Moabsoundsawesome,”Georgecontinued.“Therearetwonationalparksnearby,ArchesandCanyonlands,withamazinghikingandmountainbikingtrails.There’salsoraftingontheColoradoRiver,horsebackriding—everykindofwildernesssportyoucanthinkof.You’vegottocome,Nan.Wehavetilltomorrowtophoneinourcreditcardnumbers.”

Pushingbackmyshoulder-lengthstrawberryblondhair,Icastmymindbacktothesixthgrade,whenIwroteareportonnationalparks.Sincethen,I’vebeenluckyenoughtovisitabunchofthem—Yellowstone,Acadia,GrandCanyon,younameit.ButArchesandCanyonlandswereunknowntome.Igotcurious.

“Maybe,”Isaid,againstmybetterjudgment.Imean,hadn’tItoldDadI’dhelphimdoresearchthisweek?AsabusyRiverHeightslawyer,hegetskindofstressed.DadandIareclose—especiallybecausemymotherdiedwhenIwasthree.SoIliketomakesurehe’snotoverworked.

“Don’tletmedown,Nancy,”Georgeurged.

OutdooradventuresareGeorge’spassion.Iwasn’tsurprisedthisvacationappealedtoher.Butdiditappealtome?

Herbrowneyesscannedmyface.Igaveherbackthearticle—andthethumbs-upsign.

“Yes!”Georgesaid.“Andbytheway,Nancy,thatWesternyou’rereadingisperfectpre-vacationreading.”

 

TherainpoundedonthecarlikeNiagaraFallsonourwayfromtheairporttoMoab.Istruggledtoseetheroadaheadofme.Atwo-footwallofmuckyredwaterrolledtowardus.Aflashflood?

“Easy,Nancy,”NedurgedasIfoughttokeepthecarsteady.“Keepyoureyesonthetaillightsofthatcaraheadofus.Don’tgotoofastorwe’llhydroplaneofftheroad.”

Thewallofwaterhituswithahardslap.Ifeltthecarliftup,likeaspeedboatrollingthroughwaves.Ifmythroathadallowedmetochokeoutwords,Iwouldhavecroaked,“Notraction!”Couldacarmakeitthroughsomuchwater?Iclutchedthesteeringwheel,hopingthecurrentwouldn’tsweepusaway.

Itseemedtodefythelawsofphysics,butthecarkeptplowingforward.Red waterswirling.Rainpounding.Visibility,zero.

“Ifthosetaillightsaheadofusdisappear,itmeansaflashfloodsweptthecaraway,”Besssaidmiserably.

“Stopit,Bess.You’remakingNancynervous,”Georgesaid.Actually,notawordmyfriendscouldsaywouldhavemademenervous.Thetoweringwallsofwatercascadingdownthecliffssurroundingusdidthatjobjustfine.

Iheldmybreath,squinting,alwayskeepingthetaillightsofthecaraheadofusinsight.Ourwindshieldwipersmadearhythmic whoosh soundastheysweptthewaterbackandforth.

“TherapidsontheColoradoRiverwillbeawesometomorrow,”Georgedeclared.“Maybeweshouldgoraftinginsteadofhiking.”

“Howcanyouthinkofsportsatatimelikethis,George?”Bessmoaned.“Ourlivesareindanger!Haven’tyouheardaboutflashfloodsinthedesert?Theysweepawayeverythingintheirpath—cattle,trees,cars.”

“Aslongasthestormsparesyoursuitcase,Bess,you’llbeokay,”Georgeteased.

Bessshothercousinawitheringlook,thenstudiedthemap,herlongblondhairpartlyhidingherprofile.Itseemedlikeamillionyearspassed,butfinallyIsawtheneonsignofaMexicantake-outplaceshiningthroughtherain,heraldingtheoutskirtsofMoab.Nosighthadeverseemedsowelcome.

“Lookslikewe’refinallyinMoab,guys!”Besscrowed.“Threecheersfor civilization.”

SometimesIcan’tbelievehowdifferentGeorgeandBessare,sincethey’recousins.Bess’sideaofhikingisrunningtothenextdesignerclothingsale,whileGeorgeisaseriousathlete.Bessistrusting,butGeorgeisskeptical.BessisshortwhileGeorgeistall.Thelistofoppositesgoeson,butthegreatthingisthatdespitetheirdifferences,myfriendsaredevotedtoeachother.

YoumaybewonderinghowGeorgeandIropedBessandNedintocomingwithus.I’mnotsurewhatGeorgesaidtoBess,actually.MaybesomethingaboutallthecuteguysinMoab—bikers,kayakers,andparkrangers.ButwhateverGeorgedid,itworked—Bessseemedeagertocome.AsforNed,well,whenheboughthikingbootsattheRiverHeightsmallthesamedayItoldhimofourplans,itseemedprettycleartomethathewantedtocometoo.IwouldhaveinvitedNedonthespotexceptIthoughthestillhadexams.I’dforgottentheexactdatetheyended—threedaysago.Anyway,I’mreallygladhe’swithus.Flashfloodsdon’tseemquiteasscarywithNedaround.

Thecaraheadofusturnedrightatacrossroads,butthatwasokaywithme.Civilizationwaspoppingupeverywherearoundusintheformofgasstations,fast-foodrestaurants,anduglymotels.

“TheRangerRoseisonMainStreet,”Besssaid,consultinghermap.“Justacouplemoreblocks.”Thefast-foodjointssoongavewaytouniquelittlerestaurantsandstores,includingabunchofbikerentalplaces.“Thereitis!”Besscried,pointingtoabeigeadobe-stylebuildingwithapaintedroseoverthefrontdoor.AredsignattachedtothewallannouncedTHERANGERROSEinscript.Asmallparkingareawasontheleft.

Tenminuteslaterwestoodinsidethelobbywithourbags,totallydrenched.Thehostelwasn’tfrilly,butluckilyitwascleanandcomfortable.Threeguestssharedeachroom,andtherewerebathroomsdownthehall.

Outdoorsytypesinrainponchoswanderedinandoutofthefrontdoor,unfazedbytheweather,theirfacestannedfromsunnierdays.ThisplacehadGeorge’snamewrittenalloverit.Iwasn’tsosureaboutBess.

“DoesitusuallyrainlikethisinMoab?”Bessaskedthedeskclerk,adeeplytannedyoungwomanwearingaT-shirtwiththewords BikingFool onit.

“Rarely,”theclerkreplied.“Butdon’tworry,thesunwillbeoutsoon.Theonlycluethatit’srainedatallwillbethecrazyColoradoRiver.It’sgoingtoroll!”

Georgebrightened.“Howcanwemakereservationstogorafting?”sheasked.

Bessgroaned.“George,we’veonlyjustrecoveredfromonelife-threateningsituation.Can’twejustrelaxforawhile?”

Theclerkbrokein.“IrecommendhikinginArchesbeforeyoudoanything.It’sagreatintroductiontothehighdesert.”

“Thehighdesert?”Nedechoed.Hebrushedalockofbrownhairbackoverhiseyes—atypicalNedgestureI’vealwaysbeenfondof.

“TheUtahdeserthasafairlyhighelevation,”sheexplained.“Itdoesn’tgetquiteashotasthelowerdesertslikeDeathValleyinCalifornia.Also,therearemountainsnearbywithpineforests.Youcangohorsebackridingontrails.”

“Awesome,”Isaid,eagertodoitall.“Butfirstlet’sgetsettled,guys.Afterourlongtrip,I’mheadingstraightforahotshower.”

 

AnhourlaterBessandIwaitedfortheothersintheloungedownstairs,whichwasfullofmismatchedcanvaschairsandMexicanrugs.Iworejeansandablacktanktopwithagreen-and-pinkbeadednecklace.Hopingtoinfluencetheweather,Bessworeaturquoisesundress.Atallhandsomedark-hairedguystrolledinandshotBessanappreciativeglance.Hewasmaybenineteen.IreconsideredmyearlierimpressionsoftheRangerRose.MaybethisplacehadBess’snameonitafterall.

Hegrabbedthechairnexttous.“I’mNick.NickFernandez.Didyougirlsjustgethere?”

Bessdidmostofthetalking,introducingusandexplaininghowshewaslookingforwardtoallthewildernesssportsthisareaoffered.Nicklitup.“MaybeIcanjoinyouatsomepoint,Bess.Especiallyifyougomountainbiking.That’swhatIlovemost.”

NedandGeorgehurriedin,theirhairstillwetfromshowers.“Haveyoulookedoutside,Nancy?”Nedasked.“Thesky’sclearing.”

Smiling,BessandIintroducedNicktoGeorgeandNed,andthefiveofuschattedaboutamountainbikingraceNickhadrecentlycompleted.“Icameinthird,”hetoldus.“Gottodobetternexttime.”

“Don’tbesohardonyourself,Nick,”Besssaid.“Thirdisgreat.”

BeforeNickcouldrespond,aperkyyoungwomanwithshoulder-lengthdarkhairwalkedin,followedbyamiddle-agedwomanwithlonggrayhair.NickintroducedustoPriscillaandMargaretPowell.

Priscillascratchedherskijumpnosewithitsdustingoffreckles.“MomandIarrivedattheRangerRosetwodaysago,”sheexplained.“It’sasmallplace—cramped,somewouldsay—soalltheguestsareboundtomeet.Andbytheway,pleasecallmeMissy.”Withherhairtuckedneatlyunderatortoiseshellbandandherpressedkhakis,Missylookedliketheultimatepreppie.Margaretwasdifferent.Sportingpatchedjeansandmultipiercedears,shepepperedherspeechwithsixtiesexpressions.

“Wejustarrivedacouplehoursago,”Itoldherasweshookhands.

“Groovy!”Margaretsaid,smiling.“Well,MissyandIarepleasedtomeetyou.IhopeyoufindMoabasfaroutaswedo.”

“Speakforyourself,Mom,”Missyretorted.

Margaretignoredherdaughter’srudeness.“Yearsago,Ihungoutinacommuneinthemountainsnearby.Wealllivedinharmonywithnature.”Takingmeaside,sheadded,“Missy’sfatherandIaredivorced.SheliveswithhimandhisnewwifeinSouthampton,NewYork,inamansionthesizeofBuckinghamPalace.Beforethistrip,MissyandIhadn’tseeneachotherforseveralyears.I’mnotsuresheapprovesofmylifestyle.”

“Whynot?”Iasked,curious.Margaretsureseemedlikeanoddball.Whywasshetellingme,aperfectstranger,allthisprivatestuff?

“IliveasimplelifeonafarminVermont,”Margaretwenton.“Igrowmyownvegetablesandraisegoatstomakeorganiccheese.Ialsorunthelocalhealthfoodstore.It’sjustnotMissy’sscene.Theinstantshewenttocollege,shesplit.”

“Atleastsheagreedtocomewithyouhere,”Isaid.

“Iinsisted,”Margaretsaid,herchinset.“Ilefthersomemoneyintrustforwhensheturnstwenty-one,butIwasn’tgoingtoletherhaveitifourrelationshipcontinuedtobesuchabummer.Idohaveafewrules.”

Missysidleduptous.“Mom,areyoubeinghonest?AreyoutellingNancythatyoudraggedmehereagainstmywill?”

Istaredather.WhywasMissybeingsorudetohermother?

Margaretlookedhurt.“Yes,baby,Ibroughtyouhere.Butitwastofixourrelationship.Yousee,thedeserthashealingvibes.”

“Mom,Ineedadictionarytounderstandyou,”Missysaidpetulantly.“Areyoureadyfordinner?There’sasweetFrenchrestaurantInoticeddownMainStreet.”

“Isitorganic?”MargaretaskedassheandMissywentoutthedoor.

Istaredafterthem.I’musedtoplentyofeccentriccharactersinRiverHeights,butthesetwoseemedwackierthanmost.Iwonderediftheyalwaysarguedsomuch.

Nickturnedtous.“Doyouguyswanttogrababurger?”heasked,glancingshylyatBess.“There’sagoodplacenextdoor.Awesomechocolatemalts.”

“Perfect!”Besspronouncedhappily.“Iwasworriedatfirst,butMoabisworkingoutjustfine.”Andwiththosewords,Irelaxed.Morethananything,Ilikeknowingthatmyfriendsarehappy.

 

Weallreturnedfromdinneraroundthesametime.“Shouldn’tFrenchfoodtakelongertoeatthanburgers?”GeorgeaskedthePowellsasweallfixedourselvesteainthelounge.

“Notifyoudineonsalads,”Margaretsaid.“I’mavegetarian,andMissywasn’tinthemoodtoeat.”

Thedetectiveinmeperkedup.“Really?Whynot?”Iwondered.

Margaretshrugged.“Askher.”

IwasjustabouttoobeywhenMissyplunkeddownherteamugandglaredferociouslyathermother,herlowerliptrembling.

Uh-oh.Missywasspoilingforanotherfight.

“Youactlikeyou’resofullofpeaceandlove,Mom,butyou’rereallyjustacontrolfreak,”Missyyelled.“Controllingmewithyourstupidmoney.Well,Idon’tneedit.Dadgivesmeplenty!”

“Please,Missy,notnow,”Margaretsaid.“Notinfrontofothers.”

Missyclenchedherfists.“Hypocrite!”shecried.“You’realwaystellingmetoletoutmyfeelings—well,heretheyare!YouneverallowmeanythingIwant.I’mleavingthisdump.I’mgoinghometoDadandMollietonight!”

 

HeatStroke

 

Missystormedoutoftheroomandpoundedupthestairs.IglancedbackatMargaret.Shecaughtmyeyeandshrugged.

“WhatcanIsay?”shesaid.“Mydaughterisreallyuptight.TypicalAries,typeApersonality.”Shestudiedtheteabagsinabasketbythehotplate.“Aha!”shecried,brightening.“Irecognizethistea.It’saspecialherbalblend.Zapsbadmoods,evenhopelesslycrankyones.”

AsMargaretgottoworkbrewingtea,Missyclumpeddownthestairshoistingasuitcase.“Good-bye,”shesaidstifflyfromthedoorwayofthelounge.“I’mleavingnow.Thedeskclerkiscallingmeacab.”

“Hereyougo,baby,”Margaretsaid,handingherasteamingmugoftea.“Mygood-byegift.”

Missyrolledhereyes.“Woohoo,”shemuttered.Ibracedmyselfforasteaminghotmother/daughterconfrontation.IcouldpracticallyseeMissyknockingtheteaontothefloor.Butmuchtomysurprise,Missydroppedhersuitcaseandtookthemug.Aftersniffingitsuspiciously,shebegantosip.NedandIexchangedlooks.Icouldtellheagreedthat strange wasn’ttoostrongawordtoapplytoMissy.

FiveminuteslaterwewerealldrinkingMargaret’steainthelounge.Butdespiteherprediction,everyone’smoodremainedlow,especiallyMissy’s.Whenthedeskclerkannouncedthecab,Missysaid,“Thanks,butIwon’tbeneedingitafterall.Momwonherwar.I’mstaying.”

I’dalreadybeenkeepingmyeyespeeledforamysteryinMoab.ButtheonlyoneI’dfoundsofarwasthis:HowwouldthePowellsspendanotherweektogetherwithoutdrivingthemselvesbatty?

 

BrightsunlightshotthroughthewindowsintheroomIsharedwithGeorgeandBess.“Whoa,George,that’sintense,”Bessgroaned,blinking.“Doyouhavetoflingopenthecurtains?”

“It’snineinthemorning,”Georgesaid,alreadydressedinshortsandhikingboots.“IfIhadn’topenedthesecurtains,youguyswouldsleeptillnoon.”

“What’swrongwiththat?”Bessaskedgroggily.

“Ned’sawaketoo,”Georgewenton.“Iranintohimdownstairsatbreakfast.We’rebothanxioustogetoutonthetrails.Luckily,Archesisonlyaten-minutedriveaway.”

“Thenlet’sgo,”Isaid.IwasalwayseagertoseeNed.Iwentstraighttomysuitcaseanddugoutmykhakihikingshorts,whitetanktop,andbaseballcap.ThenIshovedtwowaterbottles,mytrustysunscreen,sunglasses,andamapoftheareaintomybackpack.

AfterBessandIfinishedourstrawberrywafflesdownstairs,wejoinedNedandGeorgeinthecar.Eachofusbroughtwaterbottlesorcanteens,havingbeenwarnedbythedeskclerkaboutthestrongdesertsun.

ItwasNed’sturntodrive,andaswestarteddownMainStreet,IcranedmyheadaroundtogetasenseofMoabindaylight.Smallbookstores,cuterestaurants,bikeshops,andoutdoor-equipmentstoreslinedthesidewalks.Teenagersandcollegekidsroamedaround,wearingup-to-datehikingclothes.Somewheeledbikes.Thesceneremindedmeofabeachtown,exceptwithbikersinsteadofsurfers.Cometothinkofit,MargaretPowellwastheonlypersonoverthirtyI’dnoticedsofarinMoab.

“You’reasgoodasyourword,George,”Besssaidfromthebackseat,scanningthepedestrians.“TheseMoabboysare something. ”

“You’vealreadysnaggedoneofthem,”Georgesaid,grinning.

“IwashopingtoseeNickatbreakfast.Butnosuchluck,”Besssaid.GeorgeandItradedknowingglances.Ourbeautifulfriendwasintypicalform—amagnetforhandsomeguys.

SoonNedturnedrightintoArches.Afterpayingourentrancefee,wecontinuedalongtheroad,scoutingforthetrailtoDelicateArch,whichourguidebooktolduswasamust-see.

Theroadtookustothesideofacliff,thensnakedthroughanendlessplateauofamazingrockformations.IknewUtahwouldbebeautiful,butnothingpreparedmeforthestunninglandscapethatstretchedformilesoneveryside,rightuptosnow-cappedpeaks.Thecoloroftheearthwasred,butitcameinazilliondifferentshades.Brightredcliffs,rust-coloredarches,andmagentaspireswerescatteredlikeweirdalienseverywherewelooked.Andtheskyaboveuswashuge,likethisblueupside-downocean.

“Thisviewisfantastic,”Isaid,barelyabletofindwords.

Nedpulledintoasmallparkingareaneartheentrancetoatrail.“Hereweare—thetrailtoDelicateArch,”heannounced.“Theguidebooksaysit’ssortofchallenging,butnotimpossible.Perfectforourfirstdayout.Sodoeseveryonehaveenoughwaterandsunscreen?That’srealimportantinthedesert.”

“I’mprepared,”Besssaidconfidently,pattinghercanteen.Shelookedaround,herblueeyesroundwithawe.“Howwerealltheserocksformed?”

“Erosion,”cameavoiceonourright.Iturnedtowardit.Aprettyyoungwomaninabrownparkrangeroutfitsmiledatus.Acamerahungaroundherneck.Herlongdarkhairwaspulledbackinabraid,andIcouldseeourreflectionsinhersunglasses.

“Youmeanthewindandraincarvedalltheseshapesoutoflargerrocks?”Nedasked,surprised.

“Yup.Millionsofyearsofwindandrain,”thewomananswered.“Thegeologicalhistoryofthisareaisfascinating.Manymillionsofyearsago,thisareawasallunderthesea.Someofthisstoneisancientsediment.”

“Incredible!”Georgeexclaimed.

“TheSouthwestisknownforbeingthehomeofaprehistorictribecalledtheAnasazi,whosecivilizationflourishedherefromaroundonehundredtothirteenhundredA.D.ButtheAnasaziarebrandnewcomparedwiththeserocks.”Sheheldoutherhand.“Bytheway,mynameisSashaStarflower.I’maparkrangerandguidehere.”

“SashaStarflower—whataprettyname!”Isaidasweshookhands.

Sasha’sgigglewasinfectious.“Thanks.Lotsofpeopletellmethat.MymomisBritish,andshealwayslikedthenameSasha.MydadisNavajoIndian.Starflowerishissurname.”

Afterweintroducedourselves,Besssaid,“Ournamesaren’taspoeticasyours.”

“NativeAmericannamescanbeverydescriptive,”Sashasaid.“IhaveafriendwhorunsanantiqueshopinMoabnamedAndyLittlewolf.Ialwayslikedthatname.He’sNavajotoo.”

“AretherealotofNavajoaroundMoab?”Georgeasked.

“OurreservationissouthofMoab.Mostlyit’sinArizona,butsomeofitcrossestheUtahborder.That’swhereIgrewup—inMonumentValley.Myparentsstilllivethere.Actually,theNavajoreservationisthelargestoneinthecountry.”

“Ifit’sanythinglikethis,”Isaid,gesturing,“itmustbegorgeous.”

“TheSouthwestisunique,”Sashasaid.“There’snolandquitelikeitanywhereelseonEarth.I’mgladyouguyscouldvisit.Here,letmeshowyousomepetroglyphs.I’vebeenphotographingthem.”

“Petro what?”Georgesaid.

“CarvingsandpicturesleftmostlybytheAnasaziculturecenturiesago,”Sashaexplained.Shebeckonedforustofollowherupthetrail.“AlongthewaytoDelicateArch,therearesomepetroglyphsofsheepandhorses.Ofcourse,thereweren’tanyhorsesintheNewWorlduntiltheSpanishbroughtthemhere.SothesepetroglyphscameaftertheAnasazi.Butmaybetheyinfluencedthetechnique.”

Itookasipofwater,thenfiledbehindNedasSashaledusforward.Afterafewminutes,wecametoasmallcliffwhereanillustrationofhorses,sheep,andhumansappearedonthewallinwhatlookedlikeahuntingscene.

“I’llhavetoshowyousometrueAnasazipetroglyphssometime,”Sashasaid.“It’shardtobelievehowoldtheyare.TheycamebeforetheBlackDeathinEurope,aroundthetimeoftheCrusades.”

“WhathappenedtotheAnasaziafterthirteenhundred?”Iasked.

“ That’s themillion-dollarquestion,”Sashasaid.“Noonereallyknowstheanswer.Foryearsarcheologistshavesearchedforclues.OnedaytheAnasazijustpackedupandwent.Buttheyleftalotoftheirstuffbehind,almostasiftheyexpectedtoreturnthenextday.”

Georgenudgedme.“Amysteryforyou,Nan,”shewhispered.

IhavetoadmitIwasintrigued.Buthowcouldanyonesolvethismysterywhenthewitnessesandsuspectshadbeendeadforsevenhundredyears?“Maybeaconqueringtribedrovethemout,liketheNavajo?”Isuggested.

Sashashookherhead.“TheNavajocametothisarealongaftertheAnasazidisappeared.We’reactuallynewcomerstotheSouthwest.WearrivedaroundthesametimeColumbuswasmakinghistripstoAmerica.Wemigratedfromwayupnorth.”

Sheshieldedhereyesfromthesunasshespoke,causingherjewelrytosparkleinthesun.“Whataprettyring,Sasha,”Besssaid,pointingtoasilverringwithalargeturquoiseovalonSasha’shand.

“Thanks,Bess,”Sashasaid.Shetookoffhersunglassestoexamineit,thenglancedbackatuswithherbeautifullargedarkeyes.“It’sNavajoofcourse.Ourtribeisknownformakingjewelryandothercrafts,likerugsandbaskets.MydadgaveittomewhenIturnedtwenty,severalmonthsago.”

Thesunclimbedhigher,andIwasbeginningtofeellikeburnttoast.

“Thanksforallyourgreatinfo,Sasha,”Isaid.“We’dbettergetgoingbeforetheheatbakesus.Maybewe’llseeyouaroundlater.”

Sashasmiled.“Ihopeso,Nancy.IfyoueverneedaguideforthemoreremotetrailsaroundMoab,pleaseletmeknow.Iknowthisarealikethebackofmyhand.”

Weheadedupthetrailasthesunpoureddownonus.Itookoutmysunscreenandslathereditovermyfaceandarms.Weallrationedourwater.Whatwasthatcommentthedeskclerkmadeaboutthehighdesertbeingcooler?

Soonwecrossedagiganticrocktexturedlikethemoon’ssurface,withsmallstonecairnsasmarkers.Notasoulwasinsight.

“Thisplaceisfreaky,”Besssaid,scanningthehorizon.“Wherearetheotherhikers?”

“Fortunatelynothere,”Georgesaid.“That’swhyit’ssocool.”

“Cool?I’veneverbeenhotter,”Bessretorted.“Andwecouldeasilygetlost.Noonewouldeverfindus.”

“IbetSashawould,”Isaid.“Soundslikeshe’sanexperttracker.”

“DelicateArchisaroundthiscorner,”Nedsaid,stridingontoanarrowledgethatstraddledagiantcliff.

MomentslaterDelicateArchrosebeforeusonastonyplateau.Wewalkeduptoit.Hotandtired,wecouldn’tbelievehowamazingitwas.Itwasasifwewereinthepresenceofamagicvision.Thearchwasarustyredandhuge,butitwasalsograceful.Itsbasewasnarrowerthanitsheight,soitlookedasifitmighttoppleoverinthenextbreeze.Thoughtheairwasstill,Ibackedaway.I’mafirmbelieverinhedgingmybets.

“Ican’tgetoverthatthewindandraindidthis,”Nedsaid.

I’dreadinourguidebookthatDelicateArchwaslikeapilgrimagedestinationforsomepeople,soIwasn’tsurprisedtofindMargaretPowellsittingcross-leggedunderneathit,agoofyfarawaysmileonherface.Missyslumpednexttoher,lookingevenmoreboredthanshe’dlookedyesterday.

“Heythere,folks,”Margaretsaidthemomentshenoticedus.“Haveaseat.”

“Nothanks,Margaret,”Besssaid.“I’mreallyhotandthere’snotmuchshade.I’vereallygottostartback.”

“Ustoo,”Isaid,elbowingNedashewasabouttosit.Bessisusuallyanexcellentsport,willingtoputupwithmorethanhershareofdiscomfortwhensome-thingreallymatters.SoItookhercomplaintseriously.“It’salmostnoon,andI’mrunningoutofwater,”Iadded.“’ByeMissy,Margaret.SeeyouguysbackattheRangerRose.”

“Let’sgo,guys,”Besssaid,startingalongthepath.

Tenminutespassed,andwefoundourselvesbackontherockface,scoutingforthemarkerssowewouldn’tloseourway.Thesunbeatdownmercilessly.Theairshimmeredwithheat.Evenwithmyhaton,Ifeltroasted.WerewereallystillonEarth,orhadwejumpedtoMercurywhileIwasn’tlooking?

“Myheadisswimming,”Bessannounced.

Ilookedather.Herfair-skinnedfacewasbeetred.Dropsofsweattrickleddownhertemples.“Here,Bess,havesomewater.”Ifumbledtounscrewhercanteenandheldthespouttoherlips.

Shegulpedit.

“Let’sfindsomeshade,”Nedsuggested.

“Where?”Georgeasked,scanningthetreelessplateau.

Besswobbledforward,herfacestillflushed.“Idon’tthinkIcanmakeitanyfarther.”

“Letmecarryyou,”Nedoffered.Butbeforehecouldscootovertoher,Besscrumpledintoaheaponthebakingground.

 

BadBehavior

 

“Water!”Georgeexclaimed,kneelingbyBess.Bess’scanteenhadfallenwithher,andthewaterwastricklingontothedirt.NeddovetosaveitasIscannedtheplateauforhelp.Afewhikerswerecomingtowardus,buttheywerethesizeofants.Hopelesslyfaraway.

“Help!”Ishoutedanyway.Theheatwasmuddlingmybrain,butIforcedmyselftofocusonouroptions.Iwilledmylegstotakemeacrosstherockfacetowardthehikers.

“Nancy,what’swrong?”cameavoiceonmyright.“Iwaslookingatnearbypetroglyphs,butthenIheardyou!”IturnedtoseeSashamovingtowardmefromagroupoflargecylindricalrocksnottoofaraway.Phew.

“Bessfainted,”Iexplainedaswemetup.“I’mworriedshe’sdehydrated.ButIdon’tknowwhyshewouldbe,sinceshejusthadwater.”

Sashafrowned.“Hassheeatenanythingrecently,likenutsorasaltedsnack?”

“Nothingsincebreakfast.”

“Thenshemustbedehydrated.Iknowexactlywhy,”Sashasaidwithadecisivenod.“Let’sgo.”Werushedbacktogether.OncewereachedBess,Sashatookoutabottleofliquidfromherbackpack.HoldingBessupright,sheopenedhermouthanddribbledtheliquidin.

Ned,George,andIcrowdedaround,willingBesstowakeup.JustwhenIbegantoworrythatshewouldn’t,hereyelashesflutteredopen.ThebrightturquoiseblueofhereyeswasthebestsightI’dseenallday.

Bessglancedaroundwithadrowsy,vacantlook.Then,toourdismay,sheshuthereyesagain.“Bess,don’tgiveup,”Isaid,squeezingherhand.“Sasha’sheretohelp.Sheknowswhattodofordehydration.”

Bessgroaned,openinghereyes.

“Goodgirl,Bess,”Sashamurmured,pouringalittlemoreliquiddownherthroat.“Ithinkyou’rereadyforthemaincoursenow—ahandfulofsaltednuts.”ShefishedoutsometrailmixfromherpackandfeditslowlytoBess.ThenshepouredsomeextrawaterintoBess’sthroatandsplasheditoverherface.Bessperkedup,hereyeswideningwithsurprise.

“Excellent!”Sashadeclared.“Let’sgetyoutosomeshade.”

MomentslaterBesswasrestingintheshadeofanearbycliff.Itwasnowafternoon,sothecliffswerecastingshadowsagain.

“Whatwasinthatliquidyougaveher?”IaskedSasha.“Itwaslikemiraclewater.Bess’sownwaterdidn’treviveherlikethat.”

Sashasmiled.“Imixalittlesalt,sugar,andcertainmineralsintomywaterbottlebecausewateralonewon’tstopdehydration—youneedsalttoabsorbthewater.”

Sashawasamazinglycoolunderpressure.Andhersurvivalskillswereawesome.Shetalkedtousabitaboutdealingwithhikingemergenciesinthedesert,likewhattodowhenyougetlostandgothroughallyoursupplies.Shetoldusaboutallthesenonpoisonousplants,andwaystofindinsectsformoistureandnourishment.Shealsogaveustipsonhowtofindourwayback.“Thedesertisprettyunforgiving,”sheaddedsolemnly.“Thetemperaturesareextreme,andthere’sverylittleshade.Youhavetoknowwhatyou’redoing,evenwhenyou’reonashorthikeliketheonetoDelicateArch,justoveramile.”

“Amiledoesn’tseemveryfar,”Nedsaid.

“Whenyou’rewalkingthroughacoolpineforestwithplentyofshade,amileisasnap,”Sashasaid.“Butinthehotdesert,amilecanbequitechallenging.MydadgotlostonceinMonumentValley.Forawhilehewonderedifhe’dhavetodineonsomejuicybugs.”

“Yuck,”Besssaid.

Igrinnedather.Herattitudetoldmeshewasfeelingawholelotbetter.Infact,itwasn’tlongbeforeshestaggeredtoherfeetandwetookturnssupportingheronourwaybacktothecar.

“WhereareyoustayinginMoab?”SashaaskedusasshehelpedNedcarryBess.

“TheRangerRose,”Isaid.“It’sayouthhostelintown.”

Sasha’seyescloudedover.Sheopenedhermouthtospeak,thenseemedtothinkbetterofit.Alessobservantpersonmightnotevenhavenoticedhertrouble.ButI’mnotadetectivefornothing.AndthiswasthefirsttimeI’deverseenSashalosehercool.

Themomentpassed.Sashaforcedasmile.“Whatacoincidence,”shesaidsmoothly.“DoyoubyanychanceknowafamilynamedPowell?It’samomandherdaughter,stayingattheRangerRose.I’mleadingthemthisafternoononahikethroughCanyonlands.”

IshotalookatSasha.Herfacerevealednothingexceptmyreflectioninhersun-glasses,butIknewthatsomethingwasgoingonwithherandtheRangerRose.

“Canyonlands,”Georgemurmured.“Ihearit’sfantastic—evenbetterthanArches.”

“It’sbigger,butnotnecessarilybetter,”Sashacountered.“Archesisrichinunusualrockshapesand,well,arches.Andit’sgotsometerrifictrailsandviews.Canyonlandsishuge,stretchingfromnorthofMoabtowaydownsouth.Youcandrivetotherimofthecanyonwithoutaguide,butyouneedanexperttoaccompanyyouinside.Thosecanyonsarelikemazes,andmanyareasareremoteandinaccessible,eventoguides.It’sanhonest-to-goodnessdesertwilderness,extremelydangerousfornovices.”Shewaggedafingeratusplayfully.“Sodon’tgointhereonyourown,guys.Okay?”

BackatthecarweallthankedSashaforherhelp.SoonwewereonourwaybacktoMoab.Besssighed.“It’swaypastnoon,andIsurecoulduselunch,”shedeclared.“Whataboutstartingoffwithanice-creamsundaeatthatsodashopdownthestreet,thenworkingourwaybacktothesandwichcourse?”

Ilaughed.Besshasaweaknessforsweets.Hercurvyfigureatteststothat.Ofcourse,weallwantedtoindulgeher,sowedidexactlyassheasked.Nobigsacrificeonourpart!

Thatafternoon,forBess’ssake,wedecidedtohangaroundthepoolattheRangerRose.Shadedbycottonwoodtreesinaquietinteriorcourtyard,thepool’swatershimmeredwiththelittlelightthatslippedthroughtheleaves.Thehardestworkwedidallafternoonwastoslatheronmoresunscreen.AfterourcrazydrivefromtheairportyesterdayandBess’sfaintingspell,though,Iwashappytospendarelaxingafternoonbythepool.

“Thisisthelife!”Besssaid,danglingherlegsoverthesideofthepoolwhileNedandGeorgeswamlaps.“I’monlysurprisedyouhaven’tfoundamysteryyet,Nancy.We’vebeeninMoabforalmosttwenty-fourhours.Doyouthinkwe’llactuallygettospendavacationjustchillingout?”

Igrinnedfrommydeckchairbehindher.Itwasn’tasifIhadn’tbeenlookingforamystery.ButIdidn’twanttoupsetBessbyadmittingsuchathing.“Youmean,amysteryhasn’tfound me, Bess,”Itoldher.“I’mperfectlycontenttobehangingouthererightnow.Nodanger,notrouble.”

“No fun, ”sheansweredslyly.“Iknowyou,Nancy.Ifyoudon’tfindamysterybytomorrow,you’llbeasboredasacagedcat!”

“Tryme,”Isaid,tiltingmyfacetowardthesun.

 

••••

 

ThateveningthefourofusatedinnerattheLaughingTortilla,aMexicanrestaurantablockaway.“Hey,isn’tthatNick?”Bessaskedaswestoodinlinewaitingforatable.Shenoddedtowardthetake-outcounternearby.Atall,slim,dark-hairedguywasleaningonitwithhisbacktous.HeworebicycleshortsandaT-shirtcoveredwithreddirt.Iguessedfromhisthree-quarterprofilethatitwasNick.Therecouldn’tpossiblybeanotherguyinonelittletownwhowassohandsome—exceptforNed,ofcourse.

“Nick!”Nedsaidamiablyasweallapproachedhimtosayhi.“Letmebrushoffyourshirt.”

NickwhirledtowardNed.“Keepawayfromme!”hesnapped,hisfaceanangrymask.“Idon’tneedyourhelp.Ifelloffmybiketoday,that’sall!”

 

Missing

 

IputareassuringhandonNed’sshoulderwhenhebackedoffinsurprise.Bess,George,andIwerejustasshocked.Nick’soutburstwastotallyunexpectedforsuchanormallyfriendlyguy.Amotherwouldhaveusedtheword“unacceptable”todescribeatoddlerwho’dactedlikethat.

“Nick,what’sthematter?”Bessasked,steppingovertohim.Surprisedasshewas,herforgivingnaturehelpedherswitchgears.“Nedwasjusttryingtohelp.I’msureyou’reanawesomebiker.Noonethinksyou’reaklutzforfalling.Infact,Iwaswonderingifyoucouldgivemeamountainbikinglessononeofthesedays.”

Nicksoftened,gazingatBess’ssmilingface.Heseemedalmostsheepishabouthistantrum.ButthenIopenedmybigmouth.

“Whereveryougo,justmakesurethere’sshade.”IdescribedBess’sfaintingspell,thenadded,“Fortunately,wemetthisreallysmart,nicerangernamedSashawhocametoherrescue.”

YouwouldhavethoughtI’dmentionedhismostembarrassingsecretorsomething.Nick’shandsomefacecontortedintoahideousscowl.Heturnedbrightred,staredatuswithfurioussteelyeyes,thenstalkedoutoftherestaurantjustasthecashiercalledouthisname.

“Iwouldn’tbothertokeephisorderwarm,”Nedmentionedtoher.“Somethingtellsmehe’snotcomingback.”

“Weird!”Georgesaid.“WhywouldNickflyoffthehandlelikethat?”

Ididn’thaveananswer.ThankstoNick,thefourofusweresilentwhilewemunchedonnachoappetizersatourtable.Butnothingcankeepthefourofusquietforlong.Bythetimeourmaincoursearrived,we’dalreadycheeredup.Wetookturnsguessingwhatwasbotheringhim.

“It’snothing,”Besssaidwithawave.“Maybehisshoesweretootight.”

Georgesnorted.“Maybeyou’retooforgiving!No,Bess,somethingisdefinitelyupwiththatguy.”

“It’sasifhehastwopersonalities,”Nedsaid,puttingdownhissoda.“Goodandbad.”HeturnedtomeandsmiledthatwarmNedsmileIlovesomuch.“Whatdoyouthink,Nancy?You’rethedetective.”

Isighed.IalwayshatetodisappointBess,butItrytobehonestwithmyfriends.It’samatterofhonor.

“IagreewithNedandGeorge,”Isaid.“Nick’sbehaviorwastoostrangetoshrugoff.I’vebeenadetectivelongenoughtorealizethere’salwaysareasonforsomeone’sweirdbehavior.”

“Maybehisbackhurthim.He’dfallen,hadn’the?”Besssaidasourdessertsarrived.“Imean,thereasonforhismooddoesn’thavetobemysterious.”

“Maybe.Maybenot,”Isaid.Butmycuriositywasonhighalert.SomethingtoldmeNick’sangerwasn’tcausedbyabadbackortightshoes.Iwaswillingtobetitwascausedbysomethingawholelotdeeper.

AfterdinnerwestrolledbacktheRangerRose.Theeveningwascrisp,whichGeorgementionedwastypicalearlysummerweatherinthedesert—hotdaysandchillynights,thankstothelowhumidity.Afullmoonlitourway,andtheskywasthickwithstars.TheMilkyWaywasaswathofwhite,likeacupofoverturnedmilk.IwonderedwhattheAnasaziIndianshadthoughtofthisskywhentheylivedhereathousandyearsago.Likeallpeople,theyprobablyhadtheirownspecialstoriesdescribinghowthenightandthestarshadbeenmade.

Ahallclockchimedtenasweopenedthehosteldoor.

“IwonderhowthePowellsenjoyedCanyonlands,”Georgesaid.“I’dliketohikethereoneofthesedays.”

“Let’scheckoutthelounge,”Nedsuggested.“Ifthey’rethere,wecanaskthem.”ButGeorgeandBessdecidedtogouptobed.Besswasespeciallytiredafterhereventfulday.

AfterNedandIbidthemgoodnight,thedeskclerk,thistimeayoungman,said,“DidIhearyouguysmentionthePowells?Youknow,theyhaven’tcomebackfromtheirhikeyet,andI’mgettingabitanxious.”

“MaybetheywentstraightfromCanyonlandstodinner,”Isaid.

“Unlikely,”theclerksaid.“See,Margaretaskedmetoholdontoherpurseforsafekeeping.Shedidn’twantitweighingherdownonherhike.Butshe’dneeditfordinner.Plus,mostpeopleliketoshowerafterhiking.Youcangetprettygrubbyoutthere.”

Ifeltapinprickofworry.Thedeskclerkmadesense.ButSashawaswiththePowells,andSashawouldknowherwayback.Wouldn’tshe?

BeforeIhadtimeformoreguessing,thefrontdoorburstopen.Muchtomyrelief,MissyandMargaretstumbledin.Butsomethingwaswrong.Blisterscoveredtheirfacesandarms,andtheirlipswerecrackedandswollen.Despitetheirtrickyrelationship,theyclungtoeachotherforsupport,wincingfromtheirterriblesunburns.Itwaspainfultowatch.

“Water!”Margaretcroaked,collapsingontoanearbybench.

RememberingSasha’slessonaboutsaltandsugar,Ibroughtthemsometrailmixpacketsalongwiththewater.Theytookeverythingfrommewithtremblinghands,consumingitasquicklyastheirparchedlipswouldallow.Missywasthefirsttorecoverwellenoughtotalk.

“It’samiracleMomandIarealiveafterSashaditchedus!”shecried.

Igapedather.Ahorriblethoughtwentthroughmymind.“But...where’sSashanow?”Iasked,dreadingtheanswer.

“Whoknows?”Missysaid.“LikeIsaid,sheditchedus.”

“Youmeanshejustwalkedawayfromyou?”Nedaskedbeforetradingaworriedlookwithme.

“Shewenttoinvestigatenoiseinsomeunderbrush,”Missyexplained.“Orsoshesaid.”

Margarettookabreath.“Sashawasafraidthenoisemightbewildanimalslurkingaround.Dangerousones,”sheexplainedinacracklingvoice.“Soshewenttocheckitout.Whenshedidn’tcomeback,wetriedtofindher,butwithnoluck.”

“Well,didyoucallthepoliceortherangerstation?”Iasked.

“No!”Missysnapped.“Imean,whatdoyouexpect,Nancy?Wejustgothomethisminute.Webarelyfoundourwayoutofthecanyoninthepitchblack.We’redyingofthirstandsunburn.Andwewerelucky.Whatifthatnoise had beenawildanimal?”

IstaredatMissy,horrified.Whatwasthispairthinking?Evenaftertheyweresafe,theycaredmoreabouttheirownproblemsthantheydidaboutSasha.Canyonlandswasnojoke.Sashahadsaidit’saharshdesertwilderness.Peoplecoulddietherefromthirstandexposure.AndevenexperiencedguideslikeSashacouldgetlost—she’dcomparedittoamaze,notfornovicehikers.

Ipivotedtowardthefrontdesk.Theclerklookedatmewithfrightenedeyes.“Iheardallthat,”hesaid.“Let’scallthepolice,pronto.”

Hepickedupthephoneandpunchedinsomenumbers.AfterreportingSashamissing,theclerkhandedthephonetoMargaret.

Ihoverednearby.FromwhatIcouldhearoftheconversation,Margaretwasdescribingwhereshe’dlastseenSasha,buthermannerwaswaytoovaguetobehelpful.

Nedcuppedhishandnexttomyear.“DoyouthinkthepolicewillunderstandtolookforherinUtah?”hewhispered.

Margarethungup.“Thepolicearesendingoutasearchpartyrightaway,”shetoldus.“Missy,let’sgettobed.Weneedrest.AndIwanttoputsomescallionointmentonoursunburns.Ifyouaskme,thisdayhasbeenatotalbummer.”

ThedeskclerkthrewthePowellsadisgustedlookastheyleft.Iwasjustasupset.“WhatcanwedotohelpSasha?”Iaskedhim.“Rightnow,she’swanderinginCanyonlandsinthedarkness,hungryandlost.Nottomentionthepoisonoussnakesandcoyotes.Andit’scold!Shemustbeterrified.”

“TheonlypeoplewhocanhelpSashaaretherangerssearchingforher,”theclerksaidgravely.“They’reprofessionaltrackers,andwe’renot.Ithinkyoushouldgetsomerest,thentomorrowyoucangototherangerstationandaskwhatyoucando.”

 

Themomentweallwokeupthenextmorning,ItoldGeorgeandBessaboutSasha.Needlesstosay,theywerehorrified.“Maybeshe’sbeenfoundbynow,”Besssaid,pullingonherjeans.

“Hopeso,”Isaid.“Let’sgototherangerstationatCanyonlandsandgetsomenews.”

WhileNedwasgettingdirectionstotheparkfromthefrontdesk,Nickapproachedusfromthelounge.“Iwashopingtoseeyouguystoday,”hesaidamiably.“Iwanttoapologizeformyinexcusablebehaviorlastnight.”HeflashedanembarrassedsmileatBess.“Ihopeyou’llfinditinyourheartstoforgiveme.”Hesaid“hearts”buthereallymeantoneheart—Bess’s.

“’Coursewewill,Nick,”Besssaid.“Don’teventhinktwiceaboutit.Look,we’reonourwaytoCanyonlandstofindoutifthismissingrangerhasbeenfound.Ifshe’sstilllost,theymayneedsearchparties.Doyouwanttocometoo?”

Nicklookeduncomfortable.“IheardaboutthatrangerfromthePowellsthismorning.SashaStarflower,right?”

Bessnodded,andNickwenton,“I,er...knowher,sortof.Sure,I’llcomealongwithyou.Hopeshe’sokay.”

IshotalookatNick.WhythestutterwhenBessmentionedSasha?ButIdidn’thavetimetopursuethesmallmysterieswhentherewassuddenlythisbigoneonmyhands.

Thetwentyminutedrivetotherangerstationonthenortherncanyonrimwasquiet.Besskeptherflirtingincheck.

AsIopenedthedoorofthestation,mystomachclenched.Iheldmybreath,ferventlyhopingwe’dheargoodnews.

 

NavajoTurquoise

 

Therangerondutywasanoldermanwithgray,sad-lookingeyes.Ihopedthatwasn’tbecauseofanybadnewshe’dheard.Weallintroducedourselvesandtoldhimwhywewerethere.Ibracedmyselffortheworst.

Therangershookhisheadglumly,andmyheartsank.“Sorry,kids,”hesaidinadeep,gravellyvoice,“we’vefoundnothingsofar,notevenashredofSasha’sclothing.”

Thedooropenedbehindus,andatall,middle-agedmanwithshoulder-lengthjet-blackhairrushedin,followedbyapale,blue-eyedwoman.SheworeherlightbrownhairsweptupinanelegantFrenchtwist.Theywerebothdressedneatlybutinformallyinkhakishorts,hikingboots,andpoloshirts.Thewomanpeeredattheranger,herfacetiltedexpectantly,hereyeslikelasers.

Nowordswerespoken,buttheinstantthecouplereadthebadnewsintheranger’sface,theycollapsedontoanearbybench,tooshakenuptospeak.

Istudiedthem.Theman’sdarkeyesandhighcheekbonesresembledSasha’s,whilethewoman’sgracefulfigureandquickgestureswerejustlikeSasha’stoo.Irealizedtheywereherparents,andmyheartwentouttothem.

Therangerspoke.“Mr.andMrs.Starflower,I’msorry,butwehaven’tfoundSashayet.We’redoingeverythingwecantofindher.Restassured,wehaveseveralsearchpartiesworkingintheareawhereshewaslastseen.”

“Oh,thankyousomuch,”Mrs.StarflowersaidinhercrispBritishaccent.“TheinstantweheardfromtheUtahpolicethatSashawasmissing,wedrovestraightupherefromMonumentValley.Wewerehopingyou’dhavegoodnewsforusbythetimewearrived,but...”Hervoicetrailedoff,andsheblinkedbacktears.

Ifeltsomethingbrushagainstthebacksofmyknees.ItwasNick,crouchingbehindme.HeputhisforefingeronhismouthasIshothimaquestioninglook.

Nooneelseseemedtonoticehim.MeanwhileMr.Starflowerputhisarmaroundhiswife.“I’dliketohelpsearchforSasha,”hetoldtheranger.

Nickmadeacreakingnoisebehindme.Everyone’sattentionspuntowardhim.Butnotbeforehewashalfwayoutthedoor.

Likeacatpouncingonprey,Mr.StarflowerlungedtowardNick,hisfacetwistedwithrage.Whatadifferencefromhisfriendlyexpressionofmomentsbefore.“NickFernandez!”hecried,grabbingNick’scollar.“Haveyoubeenhidingherethiswholetime?”

“Hello,uh...Mr.Starflower,”Nicksputtered.“I’mnotexactly,um,hiding.”

“Don’tlietome,youngman!”Mr.Starflowersaid.“Youwanttoavoidme.Whyelsewouldyoubesneakingoutthedoorlikesomesnake?”

“Nosir,Imean,yessir,”Nicksaid,hiseyesdartingtowardmeandmyfriends.“It’swarminhere,andIwasfeelingclaustrophobic.”

Mr.StarflowerglaredatNick,hiseyescoldwithscorn.“You’relying.Youhaven’tchangedabitsinceyoudatedmydaughter.”

Nicktwistedaway.“Youneverlikedme.Younevergavemeachance!”heshouted.“Ineverliedtoanybody.ImissSasha.Iloveher!”

Ilookedatmyfriends.Nicklovedher?Thiswasnews.

Mr.StarflowerletgoofNick’sshirt.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youdon’tknowthemeaningoflove.Ifyoureallylovedmydaughter,youwouldn’thaveliedtoher.Andyou’vegotsomenervecominghereatthispainfultime.You’reonlymakingthingsworse.”

Nickturnedredwithfury.Hisfistsclenchedathissides.Icouldtellhewastryingtocontrolhimself,buthisangerwastooexplosive.Withawhite-knuckledfist,heaimedatMr.Starflower’sface.

Sasha’sfatherflinchedwhileNickhittheair,hisfistmissingitstargetbyaninch.Weallheldourbreath,bracingforanotherpunch—arealone.

InsteadNickslumpedforward,histensiondrainingaway.Thenhestormedoutthedoor,slammingitfuriouslybehindhim.

Mr.Starflowerstaredafterhim,asifheexpectedNicktohurlthedooropenagain.Butafterafewsecondsofquiet,weallrelaxed.Thatis,ifit’spossibletorelaxwhenawomanismissinginthedesertandthetemperatureisclimbingto-ward95degrees.

Therangerbrokethesilence.“Thatyoungmanhassometemper,”hesaid.“He’sgotstrongmuscles,too.I’mgladhedidn’thurtanyone.”

“Metoo,”Besssaid,shakingherheadindisbelief.Shecuppedherhandbymyearandwhispered,“MaybeNick’soutburstlastnightwasn’tsooutofcharacter.”

“Doyouthinkhe’llwanderintoCanyonlandslookingforSashabyhimself?”Nedwondered.“He’supsetenoughtodosomethingrash.”

“No,”Mrs.Starflowersaid.“He’llprobablyhitchhikebacktoMoab.Nick’sasurvivor,that’sforsure.”

Weletthatcommenthangintheair.MaybeNickwasasurvivor,butwasSasha?

Isatdownonawornsofanexttomyfriends,facingSasha’sparentsontheirbench.“MaybeImissedsomething,”Ibegan,“butIhadnoideaSashaandNickwentoutwitheachother.”Icastmymindbacktoyesterdaywhenwe’dtoldSashawewerestayingattheRangerRose.She’dseemedtroubled.WasthatbecausesheknewNickwasstayingtheretoo?

“WemetNickattheRangerRosetwodaysago,”BessexplainedtotheStarflowers.“NotoncedidhementionheknewSasha—notevenwhenwetoldhimwe’dmether.”Theflattoneofhervoicetoldmeshewastryinghardnottosoundhurt.

“Orwhenwetoldhimshewaslost,”Georgesaid.

“I’venevertrustedNick,”Mrs.Starflowerdeclared.“FromtimetotimeSashawouldcomplainhe’dliedtoheroutright,butmainlyhejusthidthetruth.Thatcanbejustasdishonest.”

“They’renotstilldating,arethey?”Bessasked.

“Oh,no,theybrokeupaboutaweekago,”Mrs.Starflowerreplied.Shewasabouttotellusmorewhenshecaughtherself.Icouldtellshedidn’tfeelcomfortablebeingsocandidwithstrangers.

Mr.Starflowersmiledatusguardedly.“Idon’tbelievewe’vehadthepleasureofmeetingyouyoungpeople.”

WeintroducedourselvesandexplainedhowweknewSasha.Iasked,“WasSashaupsetaftersheandNickbrokeup?”

Uh-oh.Maybethatquestioncamealittletoofast.Mrs.Starflowerseemedtakenaback.Herfacegrewrigid,andherhusbandfrowned,hisfriendlymannerturningformal.SometimesIforgetthatwhat I callcuriosityotherscallnosiness.

Bessshotmealookthatsaid, Letmehandlethingsfromhere,Drew.

“Mrs.Starflower,”shesaid,“Nancyisafamousdetectivebackhome.Don’tmindher.She’salwaysaskingquestionslikethat.Shecanhelp.”

Mrs.Starflowersmiledhesitantly,andIgrinnedback.Sheletdownherguard.“Sasha had seemedquitetroubledlately,”shetoldus.“IassumeditwasbecauseofherbreakupwithNick.Beforethathappened,shewasalwayscheerful.”

“Nickseemedupsetbyittoo,”Nedobserved.

GlancingattheStarflowers,Iadded,“Wasthebreakupmutual?”

Againtheyseemedabitputoffbymycuriosity.ButMr.Starflowerrecoveredquickly.“ItwasSasha’sidea,”hesaid.“Still,shewassad.They’dbeentogetherforsixmonths,andshereallylikedhim.”

“Thenwhydidshebreakupwithhim?”Iasked.

“Ineverasked—Ididn’twishtopry,”Mr.Starflowersaidcoolly.

Ipaused.Washegivingmeahint?Buthisnextquestiontookmebysurprise.“Nancy,you’readetective.HowaboutinvestigatingSasha’sdisappearance?I’msurethere’smoretoitthanmeetstheeye.”

Iwasflattered.Whowouldn’tbe?Iwasastranger,yethetrustedmetofindhisdaughter.Still,Iwasn’tsureIagreedwithhimthattherewasanythingmoretoherdisappearance.Shewasprobablynotacrimevictim,butsimplylost.

“Nickhasbeenactingsostrangely,”hewenton.“Youkidssawhim.Nowtellme,isthatbehaviornormal?I’mjustreallyworriedthathemighthavesomethingtodowithSashabeinggone.”

Isighed.Ididn’twanttodisappointhimbytellinghimmyopinion.“IagreethatNickwasactingweird,”Isaid,choosingmywordscarefully.“Andhemaybehidingsomething.Butthatdoesn’tprovehe’sresponsibleforaseriouscrime.”

Mr.Starflowerfrowned.“ThemoreIthinkaboutNick,themoresuspiciousheseems.Aftertheybrokeup,SashacomplainedthatNickwouldn’tleaveheralone.Almostasifhewasstalkingher.”

“YoubothmentionedthatNickisn’thonest,”Isaid.“Canyoubemorespecific?”

Mrs.Starflower’sdelicatefingersbrushednervouslyoverherhair.Sheremindedmeofaballetdancer,withhergracefulnessandherproudstraightposture.“Sometimeshewoulddateothergirls,”shesaid.“Notseriously,buthe’dkeepthatpartofhislifefromSasha.She’dfindoutfrommutualfriends,andwhensheaskedhimaboutit,he’dsaynothing.Yethewasalwayspesteringherformoreofacommitment.Hisneedinessandlackofhonestydroveherawayfromhim.”

“Hewasupsetenoughbythebreakuptowantrevenge,”Mr.Starflowersaid,“eventhoughhenevercamerightoutandsaidthat.”

Aknotofdreadthickenedinmystomach.WashevoicingsomethingI’dbeenwonderingmyself?Mymindflashedbacktolastnight.NickgotsotouchywhenwementionedthedirtonhisshirtattheLaughingTortilla.Hismannerwasevasive—andsuspicious.Still,IhadtobethevoiceofreasonwithMr.Starflower,whoseemedsosureofNick’sguilt.

“There’snoevidencethatNickwasinvolvedinSasha’sdisappearance,”Isaid,“onlyahunch.AlltheevidencepointstoSashabeinglost.”

“Nancy,Idisagree,”Mr.Starflowersaid.“Sashahassuperiortrackingabilities—Itaughtherthoseskillsmyselfwhenshewasatinygirl.There’snowayshejustgotlost.”

Myfriendsnoddedgravely.“He’sright,”Georgesaid.“RememberyesterdayinArcheswhenBessfainted?Sashawasverycool.Sheknewexactlywhattodo.Thedesertislikeherhome.”

“Ican’timagineSashabeinglostforthislong,”Nedsaid.“Imean,she’saguideandaparkranger.”

“I’msurprisedshe’sstilllosttoo,”Isaid.“Ijustthinkweneedmoreevidencebeforewejumptoconclusionsthatthere’sbeenfoulplay.ButI’dbegladtotakeonthecase.Ifmoreevidenceexists,I’lldomybesttofindit.”

TheStarflowersbeamed.“Oh,thankyou,Nancy,”Mrs.Starflowersaid,blinkingbacktears.“You’vegivenushope.”

Iassuredtherangerthatmyinvestigationwouldn’tgetinthewayofhis.Ialsoaskedhimtoletmeknowifhefoundanyclues,andviceversa.Wesaidgood-bye,andIpromisedtheStarflowersI’dbeintouchsoon.

Justbeforeleaving,Irememberedanimportantquestion.“WherehadSashabeenliving?”Iaskedherparents,thinkingImightlookforcluesthere.

“AtaluxuriousduderanchoutsideMoabcalledRedHorseRanch,”Mrs.Starflowersaid.“Sheistakingcareofthehorsesinexchangeforroomandboard.”

Withthatinformation,anideastartedbubblinginmyhead.OnourwaybacktoMoab,IsuggestedtomyfriendsthatImoveovertoRedHorseforacoupledaystocastawidernetintheinvestigation.Bess,likingtheword luxurious, offeredtocomewithme,whileGeorgeandNeddecidedtostayattheRangerRosetokeepaneyeonNick.Aquickphonecallonourreturnsealedthereservation.TheownerofRedHorse,ajollyoldermannamedEarlHaskins,evenofferedtolendushisextraJeep.

LaterthatafternoonGeorgeandNeddroppedusoffatRedHorse.Onceweweresettled,BessandIexploredthegorgeousgrounds.Simple,well-madecabinsdottedthegreenlawnsthatwereshadedbycottonwoodsandstatelypines.Largehorsepasturessurroundedthebuildings.Ononesidetheviewwasofsnow-coveredmountains.Ontheotherwecouldseered-rockcanyonsanddesertmesas.Amainbuildinghousedacomfortablelobbyandarusticdiningroomwithanelk’sheadoverlookingacheerfulfireplace.

“Let’scheckoutthegameroom,Nan,”Besssuggested,noticingasignforitpointingright.“I’llchallengeyoutoagameofpool.”

Sheledtheway—thenstoppeddeadinhertracks.Thepooltablewasalreadytaken,bynoneotherthanMissyPowell.

AsparkofblueflashedonMissy’sfingerassheshotthecue.Igasped.MissywaswearingSasha’sturquoisering!

 

Avalanche

 

“Isn’tthatSasha’sring?”Bessexclaimed,alwaysalerttofashion.

Missysmiledasshefingereditssmoothturquoisesurface.“Lovely,isn’tit?”

“Howdidyougetit?”Bessasked.“Imean,IdoubtSashagaveittoyou.Itwasabirthdaypresentfromherfather.”

“Isthatso?”Missysaidvaguely.“Well,Sasha did giveittome,atleasttemporarily.”Shelinedupanothershot,herblueeyessquintinglikeahawkgaugingprey.Withaloudcrack,theorangeballrolledintoapocket.

“You’dbettertellushowyougotthering,”Isaid,“unlessyouwantustosuspectyouofstealingit.”

Missywavedherhand.“Idon’tcarewhatyougirlsthink.Butifyoumustbesonosy,I’lltellall.WhenwewerehikinginCanyonlandsyesterday,Inoticedthering.ItoldSashahowbeautifulitwas,sosheletmetryiton.Sashagotlostbeforeshehadachancetotakeitback,sonowit’stemporarilymine.”

BessandItradedlooks.IdecidednottogetintoawkwarddetailswithMissyfornow—thatshewasnotrelatedtoSasha,sohadnoclaimtoherring.

LookingatMissy,Bessasked,“Areyoustayingheretoo?”

“Suream,”Missysaid,shootingtheyellowballintoapocket.

“WhatwaswrongwiththeRangerRose?”Iasked,eventhoughheranswerwasn’thardtoguess.

“Mom.She’sjustsoembarrassing,”Missyreplied.“Icouldn’tstandbeingwithheramomentlonger.Plus,theRangerRoseissuchadump.Atleastthere’sadecentspahere,andthehorsebackridingisokay.”

“But...aren’tyourmom’sfeelingshurt?”Bessasked.

Missyshrugged.“Shebarelynotices—toobusymeditating.Anyway,I’mherenow,soImightaswellmakethebestofit.”Sheflashedusafriendlysmile.“Wanttoplaypool?”

“Notnow,”Isaid,elbowingBess.“Maybeafterweunpack.Butthanksanyway.”

Backinourcabin,IsatonmyincrediblycomfortablebrassbedacrossfromBess’s.IwantedtodiscussthecasewithBessrightaway—especiallythisnewMissyangle.

“IthinkweshouldkeepaneyeonMissy,”Besssaidfirmly.“SheandhermomwerethelasttoseeSasha,andMissyiswearingherring!Shemightaswellhavetheword guilt writtenacrossherchest.”

“ButwhywouldthePowellswanttoditchSashainthedesert?”Icountered.“Nickmakesmoresenseasasuspect.HewasSasha’sex-boyfriend,hewasupsetwhentheybrokeup,andhemightwantrevenge.”

Bessfrowned.“IjusthaveahunchthatNick’snotguilty.”

“Butwe’vegottolookattheevidence,too,”Isaid.“It’strue,thePowellsdon’tseemverysorryaboutSasha.That’sprettyweird.Aretheyreallyjustselfish,though,oristheresomethingelsegoingon?”

“MaybeSashafellandhurtherself,andthePowellsdidn’twanttodealwithhelpingherbacktosafety,”Besssuggested.“Thentheypanickedaboutbeingheldresponsibleforabandoningher,sotheyliedandsaidsheleftthem,makingitseemlikeherfault.AndMissy’sfinewiththat,she’sgotSasha’sring.”

IhadtoadmitBesswasontosomething.Theringwasourfirstrealclue.“Nickhadmotive,andthePowellshadopportunity,”ItoldBess.“I’vegottoconsiderthemboth.”

 

“Thisfoodtastesgreat!”Georgeexclaimed,bitingintohergrilledchickenwithlimejuiceandchilipeppers.“Hot,though,”sheadded,reachingforasipoficedtea.

“It’srealSouthwesternfare,”Mrs.Starflowersaid.“Hot,spicy,andheavilygrilled,withaMexicaninfluence.Alotoflocalingredientsareused,likecornandpeppers.”

TheStarflowershadinvitedmyfriendsandmethateveningtojointhematthisfancyMoabrestaurantthatservedSouthwesterngrilleddishes.IthinktheyappreciatedmyhelpingthemlookforSasha.DiningwithuswasafriendofMrs.Starflower’s,NigelBrown,aBritisharchaeologistwhospecializedinancientIndiancivilizations.Heexplainedthatthename Anasazi meant“AncientOnes”intheNavajolanguage.

“TheAnasaziwerefascinating,”hesaid,hisgreeneyeslookinglostinthoughtsofancienttimes.“Theyhadanadvancedcivilization.TheylivedintheseintricatecliffdwellingsinUtah,NewMexico,Arizona,andColorado.Ofcourse,thoseweren’tstatesbackthen.”

“IheardthattheAnasazipackedupandleftovernightaroundthirteenhundredA.D.,”Isaid,rememberingwhatSashahadtoldusyesterdayinArches.“Isittruethatnooneknowswhy?”

Mr.Brownsmiledpleasantly.“Unfortunately,it’strue.IwishIknewwhytheyleft,Nancy.ButI’mcurrentlyonadiginArizonalookingforcluestoAnasaziculture.Mybetis—andalotofarchaeologistsagreewithme—thattheHopiIndiansaredirectdescendantsoftheAnasazi.”

Nedtiltedhishead.“I’vereadabouttheHopi.TheyliveinArizona,right?”heasked.

Mr.Brownnodded.“Theyliveinpueblos,whicharecommunitybuildingsmadeofstoneoradobe,similartotheAnasazicliffdwellings.They’reafascinatingtribe.Theirfamilylinedescendsthroughthemotherinsteadofthefather,andthey’reknownforbeingveryprivate,butverypeaceful.Thename Hopi means‘PeacefulOnes.’”

“Youcertainlyknowalot!”Bessexclaimed.

“NomorethanKatedoes,”Mr.Brownsaid,glancingatMrs.Starflower.

“Nigeliswaytoomodest,”Mrs.Starflowertoldus.“He’saleadingauthorityinEnglandontheancientAmericanSouthwest.ButIhaven’tcrackedabookaboutitsinceheandIwerearchaeologystudentstogetheratOxfordyearsago.”

“YoustudiedtheSouthwestincollege?”Georgeaskedher.

“That’showImetPaul—onastudentdiginArizona,”Mrs.Starflowerexplainedwithafondglanceatherhusband.“Ireturnedtolivehereaftergettingmydegree,andNigelalwaysenjoysvisitingoldfriendswhenhe’sintheneighborhood.”Shepaused,castinghereyesdownward,asifsuddenlyrememberingapainfulthought.

IknewthatSashawasneverfarfromhermind.JustasSashawasneverfarfrommine.

 

“You’rereallygoingridingwithMissy?”Bessaskedmeafterbreakfastthenextmorning.Shelookedhorrified.“You’llbestuckwithheraloneforatleasttwohours.”

“AperfectopportunityformetoquestionheraboutSasha,”Isaid.“It’sagoodthingRedHorsehasaruleagainstridingalone.Otherwise,Missyneverwouldhaveaskedmetocomewithher.I’mnotexactlyherfavoriteperson.”

“Whois?”Besssaid.“Anyway,atleastshewon’tbeabletododgeyourques-tionsoutonthetrail.”Shepausedforamoment.“GuesswhatI’mdoingthismorning,Nancy?HelpingNickrepairbikesattheCliff-Hanger,thisrentalshopwhereheworksparttime.”

Igrinned.MaybeBessdidn’tlookthepart,butshewasactuallyawizmechanic.“Awesome,Bess.Maybeyou’lldiscoversomeclueslinkinghimtoSasha’sdisappearance.”

“MaybeI’lllearnenoughtoprovehiminnocent!”Besssaidwithaflickofherlongblondhair.“Butdon’tworry,Nancy.IfNickisguilty,Iwon’tlethimblindmetothat.YouknowI’lldowhateverIcantofindSasha.”

 

AnhourlaterMissyandIwereridingintothehillsonapaththatwoundthroughafragrantpinegrove.MoonDance,myhorse,wasabeautifuldappledgraywithagentletemper.Missy’shorse,Cricket,alivelyblackmare,ledtheway.Thesunbeatdown,andIcouldtellthemercurywasheadingwaypastninetydegrees.Anotherscorcher.Butthescrubfirsgaveussomeshade,andtheheatactuallybroughtouttheirgreatpinesmell.Thehigherweclimbed,thebettertheviewofdesertcliffsinshadesoforangeandred,rimmedbysnowymountains.

IpulledupbesideMissytoaskhersomequestions.Afterall,Iwasn’ttherejustfortheview.

“So,Missy,whatwereyouandyourmomdoinginCanyonlandsbeforeSashadisappeared?”Iasked,tryingtosoundunconcerned.

Missywhirledtowardme,herfacelikeanangrycloud.“Noneofyourbusi—”

Arumblingsoundonthehillaboveusdrownedoutherwords.Ilookedup.Arockavalanchewashurtlingtowardus—atidalwaveofgiantboulders!

 

MysteryWoman

 

Wedidn’thaveasecondtospare.Aheadofus,thetrailpassedunderanoverhangingcliff.Maybethecliffwouldoffersomeshelter.Itwasouronlyhope.

UrgingMoonDanceforward,IshoutedtoMissytoheadstraightforthecliff.Buteithershecouldn’thearmeoverthedeafeningroaroftherocks,orshethoughtshehadabetteridea.Screaminginpanic,sheturnedCricketdownhillinahopelessattempttooutruntheavalanche.

Iracedafterher.Thedeadlycascadeofrocksloomedoverus.Insecondswewouldbothbeburiedalive.

Notimetowastewords.Ireachedout,grabbedCricket’sbridle,andyankedhertowardtheoverhang.Wereacheditinthenickoftime.IcouldfeelthehotrushofrocksbrushingMoonDance’stail.

Thehorseswereterrified.Cricketrearedup,flayingherlegsandfoamingatthemouth.MoonDance’sbodyshookuncontrollably,hiseyeswhiteandbulging.Theavalanchesoundedlikeafreighttrainaswehuddledunderthecliff,coveringourears.Buttheoverhangdidthetrick—ittotallyshelteredus.

Thelandslideseemedtotakehours,butitactuallyonlylastedaminute.Whenthenoisedieddown,IdismountedandgaveMissyacomfortingpatontheback.Shestiffenedawayfromme,thenchangedhermindandgavemeatentativesmile.Shewastremblingharderthanthehorses.Herfrecklesstoodoutinapepperymassagainsthersheetwhiteface.

Ileanedoutfromtheoverhangandcautiouslypeekedupatthemountain,alerttomorerumblingsoundsfromabove.Buteverythingwasquiet.Weweresafe!

Takingadeepbreath,Iscannedthehillsidebelow.Thelandscapewasfreaky.Wherescrubpinesanddrygrasshadbeenminutesbefore,afieldofrocks,allsizesandshapes,pocketedtheslope.Therewasnoevidenceoftrees.They’dbeencompletelyburiedoruprooted.Itwaslikeatotallydifferentplace.Butthetrailaheadofuswasclear.

“It’sokay,Missy,”Isaid.“Theavalancheisover.Let’sgo.”IknewI’dbettermakethedecisions,orwe’dbehereallweek.Missywaswaytoopetrifiedtotakeaction.

“Nancy,thatwasthescariestmomentofmylife,”Missysaid.Cricket,whinnyingandprancingaround,wasabasketcase.Withatremblinghand,Missytriedtocalmtheskittishmare,butIthinkshemadehermorenervous.Isteppedovertohelp.

AftersoothingCricketandMoonDance,IclimbedontoMoonDanceandledthewayforward.Missysaid,“Ihopeyou’renotthinkingofcontinuingon,Nancy.Mynervesarewaytooshot.Let’sgetbacktotheranch.Anafternooninthehottubismyonlyhopeforacure.”

“Okay,”Isaidreluctantly.Rats.IwashopingtofindoutmoreaboutherhikewithSasha.Ididn’thaveanymoretimetoleaduptotheconversationinasubtleway.IonlyhopedMissywouldn’tbetoonervoustotalk.Therewasonlyonewaytofindout.Iplungedahead.“SowhatwereyouandyourmomandSashatalkingaboutbeforeshedisappeared?”Iasked.“Doyouremember?”

Sheshotmeapuzzledlook.“WhatmadeyouthinkofSasha,Nancy?Howcanyoueventalkaboutherwhenwewerealmostkilled?”

“Becauseshe’sindangertoo.”

Missyfrowned.“Ican’tpossiblythinkofanythingbuthowtraumatizedIam,”shecomplained.“Imean,mybrainistotallyshaken.Youleadbackplease,Nancy.Butabsolutelynotalking.Ican’tdealwithit.”

Icouldn’thelpbutrollmyeyes—andfortunatelyMissywastoopreoccupiedwithherownstresstonotice.TwentyminuteslaterwewerehandingthehorsesovertoagroomatRedHorse.Wetoldhimabouttheavalancheandthatthehorsesneededtospendastress-freeafternoon.

Afterheassuredushe’dpamperthehorses,MissyandIheadedtowardthemainbuilding,whereasmallspawaslocatedbehindthediningroominoneofthewings.Missyseemedshell-shocked—toostressedtotalk.“Amassagefirst,thenalongsoakinthehottub,”shemutteredaswecrossedthelobby.Sheturneddownthehalltothespa,movinglikeazombie.

Myheartsank.WithnoinformationfromMissy,mymorninghadbeenwasted.InowhadnomorecluesonthecasethanI’dhadlastnight.ButI’mnotmyfather’sdaughterfornothing.Iimmediatelyputmynegotiatingskillstothetest.

ScootinginfrontofthedoorwaymarkedSPA,IblockedMissy’sway.“Ipulledyoutosafetyunderthatcliff,Missy,”Isaidfirmly.“NowIwantyoutodosomethingforme.”

“What?”

“DrawmeamapthatshowstheplacewhereyoulastsawSasha.”

Shecrinkledhernose.“Butmymotheralreadytoldthepolicewherewelastsawher.”

“Iknow,butamapwouldbehelpful,”Isaid.“Itcan’thurt.”

Sheshrugged,tootiredtomakeafuss.“Okay,whynot.”Shovingmeaside,sheopenedthespadoor.Apungentherbalaromagreetedus.Onceinside,Missyseemedtocomealive.Ihadahardtimegettinghertofocusonthemapwithallthedistractinglotionsandtonicsincolorfulbottlesondisplayshelves.Butbeforelong,sheborrowedapenandpaperfromthespareceptionistanddrewmeacrudemap.

“Here,Nancy,”shesaid,handingittome.“Haveaball.”

Ileftfeelingperplexed.SometimesMissyseemedtotallyheartless.Butthatdidn’tproveshe’dactuallyharmedSasha.Oreventhatsheknewwhathadhappenedtoher.Iglancedatthemap.ItshowedtheColoradoRiverflowingjustamileawayfromwhereSashahadlastbeenseen.ButifMissyorhermomwereculprits,themapmightbetotallywrong.Missymighthavedeliberatelydrawnerrorsonittomisleadme.Igrittedmyteeth.Ihadnochoice.ThemapwasallIhadtogoon.

AsIpassedthefrontdeskIranintoEarlHaskins,theownerofRedHorseRanch.Hewasagregariousmanwithcurlygrayhairandapplecheeks—andhedidn’tlookbusy.

“Mr.Haskins,couldIaskyouafewquestionsaboutSasha?”Iasked.

“Sure!”hesaid,eagertotalk.“Iknowshe’sgonemissinginCanyonlands;thepolicecamebyyesterdaylookingforinformation.HowcanIhelpyou,younglady?”

“Sashawasworkinghere,takingcareofthehorsesforroomandboard,”Isaid.“Wasthereanythingunusualthathappenedwhileshewashere?”

Mr.Haskinsfrowned.“Unusual?Yes,Ireckonso.See,sheworkedhereuntillastweek.Thenshesuddenlyquit.Shenevergavemeagoodreasonwhy.ButIlikedthegirl,soItoldhershecouldtakehertimelookingforanewplacetolive.”

“Hmm.Well,didsheactanydifferentlyfromhernormalselfaroundthetimeshequit?”

“Shesuredid,”hesaid,puffingouthisfleshycheeks.“Shewentfrombeingacheerful,talkativegirltoasadone.Somethingwasbuggingher,Ijustknowit.”

Iperkedup.“Doyouhaveanycluewhat?”

“Ireckonso,”hesaid.Hepickedupapenandcheweditthoughtfully.“Sasha’sgood-for-nothingboyfriendhadbeenlurkingaround,andshewantedindependencefromhim.Soshebrokeupwithhim.Don’tblameherabit.He’dbeengettingonhernerves,andshethoughtshe’dbehappierwithouthim.Theybrokeupadayorsobeforeshequit.”

“Itsoundslikeshewantedatotalchangeinherlife,”Isaid.

Mr.Haskinsshrugged.“Ithoughtshe’dbehappierafterthebreakup,buttheoppositehappened.I’mguessingshequitherebecauseshewassosad.Still,Idon’tgetit.Whywasn’tshethrilledshe’dfinallydumpedthelout?”Hesighed,throwingouthishands.“Whocanexplainlove?”hesaidphilosophically.“Youcan’tunderstandpeopleunlessyou’reintheirshoes.”

Ithoughtforamoment.SoSashahadbeensadaboutNick.Hemusthavemeantsomethingtoherdespiteherwishtobreakupwithhim.Iwasn’tsurewhetherthisinformationhelpedmeinmysearchforher.Onlytimewouldtell.

IwasabouttothankMr.Haskinsforhistime,whenhisfacesuddenlybrightened.

“Nancy,”hesaid,clearinghisthroat,“there’sonemorethingaboutSashathatyououghttoknow.”

Iwasallears.

Mr.Haskinspursedhislips,lookingthoughtfullyatawovenIndianbaskethedisplayedonasidetable.Finallyhespoke.“Inthelastmonthorso,SashahadgrownveryinterestedintheancientAnasazipeople.Doyouknowwhotheywere?”

“Yes,Sashatoldmeaboutthem,”Ireplied.“Whenwemether,shewasphotographingtheircliffdrawingsinArches.”

“Shedidthatalot,”Mr.Haskinsmused.“ShealsoboughtbooksandsurfedtheInternettolearnwhatevershecould.”

“Doyouknowwhatsuddenlymadeherinterestedinthem?”Iasked.

“Oh,Idon’tknowifIcanpointtoaparticularthing,”hetoldme.“Ithinkitwasageneralcuriositythatdevelopedovertime.ButsheonlystartedtalkingabouttheAnasaziinthelastmonthorso.”

“Whatwouldshesay?”Iasked.

“Thattheirmysterioushistoryintriguedher,andhowadvancedtheircliffdwellingswere,”hesaid.“Shealsoadmiredtheirpetroglyphsandpottery.Sometimes,she’dvisitAnasaziruins,likeMesaVerdeinColoradoandChacoCanyoninNewMexico.She’dtakelongcardrivesjusttoviewthem.IthinksheenjoyedimaginingwhatitwasliketobethereinthirteenhundredA.D.andtryingtoguesswhathadhappenedtothem.”Heshookhishead.“TheAnasazivanishedoutoftheblue.It’sasifalienscamedownonedayandsweptthemofftheEarth.”

“DidSashatakethesetripsalone?”

“SometimesNickwentwithher,butmostlyshewentalone,”hesaid.“ThoughsheoftenspokeaboutAndyLittlewolf.He’saNavajodealerinantiquities.Hemighthavegonewithhersometimes.Youmighttrytalkingtohim.”

AndyLittlewolf.Thenamerangabell.Hadn’tSashamentionedhimtous?“WherecanIfindhim?”Iasked.

“HehasanantiqueshopinMoabcalledLittlewolf’s,”Mr.Haskinstoldme.“It’slongdrivefromhisreservation,soheonlyworkstherethreedaysaweek.Infact,justthismorningIvisitedtheshop,lookingforknickknackstospruceupthislobby.SoIknowAndy’sin.Hewaswhisperinginacornerwithsomegray-hairedwomaninpatchedjeans