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mother’s house. When would his house, their house, be home? Maybe with a kid or two playing outside?
    Bernie pushed her hair behind her ears. “Did I tell you about those beer cans stacked up in Sister’s bedroom? I’ve seen her drunk when I’ve gone to Mama’s. One day she could barely get out of the car. I didn’t want to think about it, but now I have to. I should have been tougher on her. Maybe this will be a wakeup call. What do you think?”
    He hesitated. “We don’t know what happened, except that your mother is home by herself, and that’s not a safe situation. You’re right to make Mama your top priority.”
    â€œSister should have called me, not just left Mama alone.”
    â€œI agree. I could check on her, see what I can find out.” After his years in law enforcement, Chee knew most of the major players in the Four Corners.
    â€œWhen we get to Mama’s.”
    Finally Chee turned the truck onto Bernie’s mother’s road and stopped in front of her little house. Mama usually went to bed early, but tonight the living room lights shone into the evening.
    Bernie opened the passenger door. “Are you coming in with me?”
    Chee shook his head. “I’ll hide out here until you see how things are. If she asks, tell her I had to make those phone calls about Darleen.”
    Bernie nodded. “I can’t blame you.”
    Chee watched her walk to the porch, open the front door, and disappear inside.
    Mama must be unhappy with her baby daughter. When she saw Bernie, that would make two people on her bad side. And when she found out he was there too? He knew from long experience some situations were best left to the women.
    Chee felt comfortable in the truck, away from the emotion-packed world of mothers, daughters, sisters, and family drama. He was happy to help; happier to stay out of the way. He liked Bernie’s idea of focusing on more help for Mama. If it worked, maybe they could plan another vacation—or even continue this one.
    After a while he climbed out onto the road to stretch his legs and his back, feeling the residual warmth radiating from the tan earth. Another day with no rain, and no rain expected anywhere on the Navajo Nation or in the Four Corners for another week. Some years the summer rains had started by now, but this late June only brought baking heat.
    Chee heard his phone ring back in the truck and trotted to catch the call. Cell service was spotty on the reservation, but, amazingly, their phones worked near Bernie’s mother’s house.
    It was Paul. “So how’s Bernie’s mother?”
    â€œI’m not sure yet. Bernie’s in there talking to her. I’m waiting, looking at the stars. How are you doing as a mechanic?”
    â€œNot good. I searched for the battery. It looks like a box, right?”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œI guess this thing doesn’t have one. If Bernie’s mom is OK, could you come back tonight? Help me fix the People Mover? I hate to lose that job.”
    â€œLet me see what’s up in the house of women. I’ll call you.”
    Chee climbed back out of the truck again and looked at the sparkling sky. The stars always made him feel small, a little speck of life in the giant scheme of things—many of them unknown and complicated.
    He walked toward Mama’s house. He could see Bernie sitting on the couch, Mama next to her. His mother-in-law looked like she’d lost weight, precious pounds she couldn’t afford to lose.
    He knocked, and Mama and Bernie turned. Mama put her hand on Bernie’s leg and said something he couldn’t catch, and he realized he was in trouble. Bernie rose and opened the door.
    In the years he had known her, Mama had been unfailingly polite, but tonight she dispensed with the pleasantries. “You came, too?” She didn’t wait for Chee to respond, or invite him to sit down. “You talk to this