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from every side.But he refused to listen to us. You know how stubborn he could be. He insisted his god would protect him.”
    Although her father had adopted Christianity, her mother had kept her traditional Navajo beliefs. Ella noticed how her mother had avoided the use of her father’s proper name.
    “Why did people object to another church? Dad wouldn’t have forced his religion on anyone.” Even when her motherhad refused to follow Christianity, her father had respected her choice, never pressuring her to do otherwise.
    “No, but you know he always tried his best to influence those whose beliefs weren’t strong. That’s why some in the tribe began seeing him as a threat. You see, people are finally realizing that our kids know very little about who they are. That’s become a big concern.”
    “But it alwayswas, to one extent or another.”
    “Yes, but those willing to fight for what we’re losing have never been as organized as they are now.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “A new faction actively opposes plans to build the new college. They want some of the money the tribe would spend on that used instead to pay some of our people to teach the Dineh’s history and beliefs.”
    “But what’s that got to do with Dad?”

    “Your father’s outspoken support of the college, and his insistence on building a new church close by, made them furious. They saw him as a traitor. They made him a symbol of what those who value our ways hated most.” Rose paused as her voice trembled. “That’s a simplified version. There’s more to it, but his insistence on challenging our ways lay at the root of the problem.”
    “Where did Cliffordstand on this?” Ella asked, though she suspected she knew the answer already.
    Rose sighed. “He hasn’t changed a bit since you last saw him, and he won’t. Like me, he feels we have enough colleges and too many churches. It’s time to spend our energies bringing the old ways back, and teaching others our beliefs, before what makes us Navajo is lost forever.”
    “Only Clifford was far more vocal thanyou, right?”
    “Yes. That’s his way. I never openly opposed your father because I knew he was doing what he thought was best.”
    “Clifford hasn’t agreed with Dad on anything, as far back as I can remember. And like Dad, he’s very blunt.”
    Her mother smiled, but pain was clearly mirrored in her eyes. “You were always close to your father, disagreeing with Clifford and everything he stood for. Butnow your brother will need your support, and maybe your help. Can you set aside your differences?”
    Ella started to answer when she heard the sound of a vehicle driving up. Glancing outside, she saw the tribal police Jeep park near the front of the house. Blalock threw open the passenger door and started up the path. Police Chief Clah, respecting the Navajo custom not to approach a dwelling untilinvited, hung back. Ella saw him gesture, trying to get Blalock to return, but Blalock didn’t even slow down.
    Ella glanced at her mother. “It’s my father-in-law. He’s brought Agent Blalock, the Anglo investigating father’s death. Blalock is a little hard to take…”
    “The man and his habits are well known, especially in this household. Don’t worry. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years,it’s patience.”
    “You’ll need it with this guy.” Ella tried to hide her distaste as Blalock approached the front door. He peered at her through the screen. “I’d like to come in and talk to your mother.”
    “She’s here.” Ella beckoned him and Randall Clah in.
    Rose nodded at the men. “Make yourselves comfortable.” They perched on the couch.
    Blalock turned to Ella. “I’d like to talk to your motheralone.”
    “Really? Well, we don’t always get what we want,” Ella answered calmly.
    Clah’s mouth twitched, but the smile in his eyes never quite reached his lips. “We want to know where your son is, Mrs. Destea,” the Navajo police chief said