I Work on the Navajo Reservation. I Learned There Are Rules for Killing Skinwalkers | Part 2

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Part two, learning the ropes.

My hands are already blistering as I hold the shovel. Sweat pouring off my body in the late afternoon sun.

Don't ask again, Alyssa says from the side of the deep hole. I'm currently excavating on my own.

Okay, not so much a hole as a grave. Let's call it what it is. Ask what? I take a moment to catch my breath. I wasn't going to ask anything.

You still want to call the cops. Trust me, the Res Police aren't going to be helpful. Res Police? She eyes me. Yeah, you're on the Navajo Nation, Tom. Where'd you think you were?

Nowhere, like in the middle of it? She smirks.

You'd see it that way.

I dig a few more shovelfuls, toss them to the side, then stop.

Okay, yes, I was going to ask if we should call the cops again. I mean, you shot and killed two people, and there's a third wandering around in the desert somewhere. Maybe we get ahead of this and figure out a cover story instead of burying it? She sighs and takes a seat on the edge of the makeshift grave.

You're only right on one of those points. She kicks her heels against the side, and dirt flows down into the grave. So first, yes, I shot three people. Good shots too, right between the eyes. I don't know if I'd be bragging about that, I mutter. I really shouldn't say anything. I should just keep my mouth shut, watch my ass for the next couple of hours, and slip away tonight after the sun goes down. I don't need this. I was trying to get away from shit like this.

She continues without acknowledging my comment, which is either a good thing or a bad thing. I don't know her well enough yet to tell the difference. Where you were wrong is that I didn't kill anyone. Well, not the little girl, obviously. Not Ma and Pa over there either. She jerks her head toward the two bodies set against the soiled mattress under the empty swing set, which is why we need to get them in the ground before the sun goes down. So keep digging. Not that I'm admitting anything, but I know what dead bodies look and feel like. Those folks are dead.

They aren't folks. They aren't people at all. Not anymore. Not since they decided to become corrupt. When she trails off, I glance over at her. Please, keep talking. You just said some shit that needs serious unpacking.

I shouldn't. It's not something we talk about to outsiders.

Best you keep digging and just listen to me when I tell you to do something. The next 24 hours will be tricky. She gets to her feet and pulls out her phone. I should call Lou.

Then she walks off, but I'm not having any of that. Hey, we're not done talking. Yeah, we are. She calls over her shoulder. Then I hear her say, Lou, they came back. She pauses. Two of them, yeah. I got the new billagana digging a grave. Another pause. No, fire won't do it. Not this time. They walked right into the shop, Lou. You think a little heat is going to take care of that shit? She huffs. I don't know how they got past that, but they did. Listen, going to need your help. The one who acts like a little girl took off, and yes, I know how bad that is.

I keep digging as I formulate my exit. The second the sun goes down, I'll get to my truck and drive the hell out of this place. As long as Alyssa doesn't put a slug in me and bury me in the grave, I'm currently digging for dear old mom and dad, that is. Damn, why didn't I grab my 45?

Oh, right, because this shouldn't be happening. I don't care what you have to do. Get your ass over here. It's your damn mess too. Pause, pause, pause.

Good. Yes, we'll have them in the earth before sundown. Just do what you have to do and be here before moonrise. She is gonna be a nasty bitch tonight.