The Prescott Murders by Andy Mitchell pulls you into a quiet start that builds slow. Right from the beginning Haseya appears as this small Navajo woman trying to carve out space for herself in a hard place.
Haseya Sets Up Shop In A Simple Porch Office
Haseya runs her investigative business from an enclosed porch in front of her house. The spot sits one street south of Gurley Street close to downtown Prescott. She keeps the place spotless every single day. No dust anywhere. She waits there hoping someone finally walks in. So far nothing. Nights she sits checking expenses looking for any way to save a little more. Still no customers come. She wonders if moving here was the right call but keeps going anyway.
Emma Arrives With News Of A Missing Nephew
A knock finally comes. Emma stands there middle-aged with a young man behind her. She explains her sixteen-year-old nephew disappeared. They ate supper two nights ago talked a bit then went to bed. Morning came and his room was empty. She checked with Sheriff Lewis already. No luck there. He stays too busy. Detective Williams focuses on fingerprint ink more than real searching. Emma needs help now because her brother works in California and she watches the boy.
Haseya Agrees To Take The Job
Haseya listens close asks straight questions. She offers Emma a chair and sits behind her old table desk. Emma pays half the fee upfront at a low amount Haseya named on purpose. She wants to keep the client. Haseya promises updates when she has something. Nothing more certain yet. The two women shake hands and walk out together.
Raymond Insists On Helping Anyway
The young man Raymond tags along from the start. He says he brought Emma here and plans to assist finding the nephew. Haseya tells him clear she works alone. No money for extra help. He offers to do it free. Says she sees his worth soon. She rolls her eyes tells him to leave. He walks out but stays nearby outside. Stubborn type.
Looking Through The Nephew Room
They head to Emma house a regular single-level place with a small porch. Inside feels nicer than Haseya expects. Good rugs cover most of the wood floor. Walls have wood paneling. Several big windows let in soft light. Haseya notices her own house feels darker with just one small window. In the boy room things look plain a little messy. Three pairs of new fancy shoes sit neat in the corner. An almost empty jar of bear grease hair gel stands out. Label says real Rocky Mountain bear oil. Emma doubts it really comes from bears but says the boy bought it couple weeks back and used it.
Picking Up Basic Details About The Boy
Haseya asks about enemies friends or girls. Emma says no enemies he too young for that. He stands tall almost six feet slightly pigeon-toed. Lately acted extra happy full of energy. Probably has a girlfriend though he never gave a name. Haseya looks around more sees nothing else useful. Thanks Emma says she contacts again if anything turns up then heads back.
Heading Home To Think Next Moves
The walk back takes longer because of her short legs. She figures about thirty-five years old though Navajo folks do not track ages close. At her office Raymond waits again. Jokes about reporting nothing new. Haseya knows this marks her first real client ever. She kept that quiet. Work started at least.
