Chapter 11 - What Happened at Red Mesa
The investigation uncovered everything.
Tomas had discovered Voss selling government supplies and using detained Indigenous scouts and impoverished laborers in privately owned mines.
At Red Mesa, Tomas threatened to report him.
Voss framed him.
Tomas was imprisoned.
For years he resisted.
He helped others escape.
He wrote letters.
He survived beatings.
Then he escaped.
But his final destination remained unknown.
Naira and Elias rode east.
Their relationship changed.
They laughed occasionally.
Shared meals.
Trusted silence.
One night Naira asked, “If we find him alive, what happens to you?”
Elias smiled sadly.
“I keep riding.”
Her chest tightened.
“Just like that?”
“He's your husband.”
“Yes.”
“And you love him.”
“Yes.”
Elias looked into the fire.
“Then that's enough.”
Naira realized something then.
Elias loved her.
Because he was willing to lose her.
She said nothing.
May you like
The next morning they found another turquoise bead.
And beyond it, smoke.
