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said, Mr. Lonewolf’s condition is far from stable. There’s no way of predicting when, or if, he’ll regain consciousness,” he said. “And head trauma is often accompanied by short- or long-term memory loss.”
    As the doctor excused himself and turned away, Ella felt a hand on her shoulder. The unexpected touch made her flinch.
    “Easy, Clah, it’s just me,” Special Agent Dwayne Blalock said.
    “Dwayne,” Ella said, recognizing the distinctive voice instantly and turning. Throughout the years, she and the tall, athletic FBI agent—nicknamed FB-Eyes because he had one blue and one brown eye—had worked manycases together. “It’s been one heckuva day.”
    “So I hear,” he answered, giving her a crooked smile. “Officer Goodluck called me from the scene so I thought I’d come by and give you a ride when you’re done.”
    “Thanks,” Ella said. “Right now I need to check in with my people and see if the van’s been found.”
    “Every agency in the Four Corners has picked up on that ATL broadcast, and everyone’s outlooking. Roadblocks have been set up, too, but so far no luck.”
    Before she could answer, Dawn came up to her. “
Shimasání
wants to go home, but I want to be here when Dad wakes up. Can I stay with you?”
    “That’s not a good idea,” Ella said. “You need to go home and help
Shimasání
. It’s been a scary morning and she may need to rest. Remember that your dad may not wake up for hours. As soon as hedoes and is allowed to see visitors, you can come back.”
    “But Mom—”
    “No. The nurses will call
Shimasání
when your father wakes up, and you can come back then. Sitting in a chair here at the hospital won’t make things go any faster,” Ella said. “I’ll be leaving shortly, too.”
    Rose came up to join them. “My granddaughter and I will be fine. We’ll wait here until suppertime, then go home. Go dowhatever you have to, daughter.”
    Ella smiled at her mom. Rose was always there whenever Ella needed her. No one knew how old Rose really was, but her mother had boundless energy. As an active member of the Plant Watchers, Rose often went on long nature walks that would have tired even a seasoned hiker.
    As Ella’s family left, two Navajo women rushed in and hurried to the front desk. The youngerone was wearing jeans and a tee-shirt and Ella recognized her instantly from a recent newspaper photo. She was Adam’s wife, Marie. The second woman was around Rose’s age and wearing a traditional long skirt and loose-fitting blouse.
    The women were followed by an older Navajo man wearing jeans and a western shirt with snaps instead of buttons. He had long hair, a red headband, and boots—the equivalentof cowboy garb, Indian style. He joined them at the counter.
    As Ella glanced over wondering if this would be a good time to introduce herself, the man turned around, spotted her, and approached. He smelled of hay, sheep, and hours of hard work outside.
    “You’re the policewoman who was on the same airplane—that nurse said. We came as soon as we could, but we were at our sheep camp in the Chuskaswhen the officer tracked us down. It’s a long drive into town,” he said, pushing back a strand of white hair that had worked free from the pony tail at the base of his neck. “My son . . . is he . . .”
    Ella realized then that he was Adam Lonewolf’s father. From the way he avoided the use of names, she also surmised he was a Traditionalist. “Your son is fighting for his life, but there’s hope.He’s young and strong. Your son’s doctor will be able to tell you more.” Seeing Dr. Sanderson coming down the hall, Ella signaled him.
    Ella introduced the men, then stepped back as they joined the two women, who’d been watching anxiously.
    Dr. Sanderson gave them the same highlights he’d given Ella earlier, then added, “He’s undergoing another procedure right now but, fortunately, he’s holdinghis own and that’s a positive sign.”
    “We want