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want to close the area off until they
can examine further to be sure.   Remind me that we’ll need to place some signs here also, maybe close off
this entire area at the road until they’re finished. “  
    She shook her head, “ It’s a shame to
have to close off the entire ruin area but we simply do not have the staff to
stay out here and make sure no one goes into the canyon.   Even closing it at the road entrance can’t
really keep everyone out but we do the best we can.”
    By now the authorities were in the
process of leaving the area and Dr. Smith was loading his students on the bus
to return to campus.   Their day was
certainly finished.
    Smith approached Lin.   “ Can you ride back to the visitor
center with Danielle?   It saves us a
lot of time if we can leave by the north entrance rather than going back
through the park.   I’d like to get
the students back as soon as possible.   This has been quite a shock for them.”
    “Of course,” Lin responded, “and this
area is going to be closed for awhile anyway.”
    “Yes, we may have to cancel next week’s
visit and after that we give exams.   I could come back with my summer interns, if the area is opened, but I don’t
think I will bring my class again.   This trip was very stressful for them.”   Smith seemed to have regained his
composure, “ If you come into Flagstaff though give me a call.   My number is at the visitor center.   Maybe we can grab a cup of coffee,” he
smiled again.
    Again, not wanting to encourage his
apparent interest in her but still wanting to be polite, Lin nodded and smiled
but said nothing.   She turned and
headed for the park vehicle where Danielle was waiting for her.
    Danielle seemed quiet and thoughtful
during the ride park through the park.   She appeared to be trying to remember something.   Finally, Lin spoke, “ You said something
was familiar about that person they found?”
    “ Yes,” Danielle spoke slowly and
thoughtfully, “ The clothes not so much.   Everyone around here wears jeans and shirts like that and the boots didn’t
seem unusual, but there was something familiar about that belt buckle.   It was a fancy design with an eagle’s
head carved in it and I know I’ve seen it before.   I’m just not sure when or who it
was.   I think it was maybe one of
the native people who sometimes come to the park but they don’t always come to
the center. Sometimes I don’t see them for months and it is hard to
remember.   I am going to ask the
other employees though; maybe they can jog my memory.    I just can’t attach it to a face
or name right now.”
    By this time they had arrived at the
visitor center.   It was
mid-afternoon, well past time for Lin’s shift to be over, and she felt hot dirty
and tired.   She spent a few minutes
checking on some visitor numbers and receipts.   Remembering that they were going to have
to close Lomaki ruin, she located some area closure signs in the equipment room
and took them to the front desk.   Stopping by her office, Lin saw that Danielle was talking to Toby White,
one of the seasonal rangers. Lin stuck her head in.
    “Do you want me to drive back out to
Lomaki and set up these signs before I leave today?”   She asked.
      “No, No,” Danielle responded, “You’ve
already worked overtime and I know you must be shaken up by all of this, we all
are,” she added.   
    Toby spoke up, “I’m still on for a couple
of hours and things are pretty quiet around here, I’ll take them out, you go on
home.    Would you like to join
me for some burgers on the grill later on?”
    “Sure,” Lin replied, “I have some baked
beans.   I’ll bring them over.”
    “Great,” Toby smiled, “maybe Danielle can
come too,” He looked her way.
    “Maybe,” Danielle answered, “If I can, I’ll
bring some of that leftover cake from the birthday party last week.”
    Lin gave a nod, “Hope you can make it.”    She left the office and