“But what can we do?”

“I belong to a circle of Navajo warriors,” he said in a very soft voice. “We exist in the shadows-available on call from our tribal leader to protect the Diné when our police and public servants aren’t able to do so. No outsider has ever been given the information I’m entrusting to you.”

“You belong to a group that works like undercover officers…or spies?”

He paused for a moment. “Not spies, no…more like a proactive defense force. But it’s more personal than that and more secretive. Our warriors are hand-selected and trained. Their loyalty to our tribe is without question-their anonymity, absolute. I’m their leader and the only one in the Brotherhood of Warriors who knows the identities of all our members. Those are the names these men wanted.”

“But you’ve got most of the list back, right?” she asked, working to pull out a nail she’d managed to wiggle until it was loose. Seeing him nod, she continued. “Once we get out of here-”

He shook his head. “We can’t count on both of us escaping. You’re young and unhurt, and less of a danger to them-they think. Your chances are better than mine. This is a time of crisis for the brotherhood and it’s crucial that the information on the list reach my second in command as soon as possible. Your photographic memory is the best shot we’ve got. But first I’ll need your word of honor that you’ll guard the names on the list from everyone else, including other members of the tribe or even law enforcement officers. The information won’t be completely safe with anyone except the one man who has already sworn to protect it with his life. The brotherhood has many enemies.”