Love's Dream Song Read Online Free PDF

am.” Autumn’s tone dared Connie to think otherwise. In fact, the O’Neills hadn’t known and had been as surprised as she was when she’d discovered the records of Dora Ross.
    “Registry Imports is a posh establishment. What does your family think of you living alone in the desert in such primitive conditions?”
    “My family’s always been supportive of what I do. I’m sure the professor’s story will be of more interest to your readers.”
    Connie remained undaunted by Autumn’s dismissal. “I hear the Navajo don’t believe you’re related. Someone told me that they think you’re a witch.”
    If the reporter knew that much, it would be best to explain. They didn’t need the dig tainted with stories of witchcraft. Autumn straightened her shoulders and shook back her hair. “They think anyone who comes from the outside world could be exposed to evil. It is simply a protection for them.”
    “Really?” The reporter edged closer to Autumn, ignoring her defensive stance and gearing up for further questions. “Surely they won’t continue to reject you on that basis.”
    “First off, they haven’t rejected me.” It was much more complicated than that. Autumn held her ground. “When people leave the reservation to go into the outside world, they must have a ceremony to cleanse them when they return. It’s called the Nda or Enemy Way. For example, young men who go off to serve in the army must have this ceremony when they return.”
    “Have they offered to do this for you?”
    Autumn shook her head. “It’s very expensive, as it goes on for three or more days and involves hundreds of people.”
    She didn’t tell Connie that Hasteen Nez, who was a hataali , could perform the ceremony. Nor did she mention that she was very hurt that he hadn’t offered.
    Connie scribbled some notes on her pad before asking the next question. “Does your interest in their history help you earn acceptance?”
    “On the contrary, it has made the situation worse.”
    Waiting for further explanation, Connie quirked a brow. Resigned, Autumn gave it. “When I applied to work with Dr. Davidson, I’d hoped the proximity would be a positive factor. But I’ve since learned that my digging around in the ruins gives them further evidence that I’m a witch. They believe that the dead do not want their belongings disturbed and they will cause evil to happen to those who touch the artifacts.”
    Autumn put off the questions she could see forming in Connie’s head. “I have some work I need to finish.”
    Connie snapped shut her tablet. “I’d also like to know about Jess Barron.”
    Connie’s feline smile annoyed Autumn, but she didn’t let her feelings show. “I’m afraid I can’t help you there.”
    Connie tilted her head and studied Autumn. “Why do I get the feeling you could tell me a lot? Surely close proximity to that hunk has led to some interesting situations?”
    “Afraid not. I’ve really got to tend to business.” Determined to end the conversation, she swung away and resumed her walk to the corral.
    * * *
    Jess saw Autumn’s frown as she turned away from Connie Turner. He checked to make sure his stallion was still tethered to the cottonwood before he started in the direction Autumn had taken. Before he reached her, Enrique Valdez came up beside him.
    Surprised, Jess turned and asked, “What are you doing, man?” His friend and associate would not be here unless he had uncovered some new information. He pulled the Mexican aside. “What’s up?”
    “More info on Autumn. Her brother’s in my country—on business in Mexico City. Our unit there discovered some ties in the drug trade to Hong Kong.”
    Jess rubbed his jaw. “Her parents are in Hong Kong. This could be bigger than we thought. We’ll have to continue to keep a close eye on her. With all of this activity with the professor it is going to be easy for her to slip past us.”
    “That’ll be my job,” Jess reminded him.
    Enrique laughed.