Witches, ghosts, ancient ruins, and murder…all are plot elements of “OUR FEET MAY LEAVE,†the second installment in the “Backtrack†series.
Allison and Henry are young newlyweds who can’t seem to stay out of trouble on the “Big Rez†of the Navajos. This time the danger begins with a phone call from Liz Ferguson, a fugitive from justice, someone who Allison had hoped was out of their lives forever, and for good reason: trouble follows Liz like a tail follows the dog, and this experience is no exception.
And so, a little background on Allison and Henry from “NOT YOUR AVERAGE (NAVA)JO,†the first of the “Backtrack†series: The protagonist (and narrator) of the story is Allison Larson, a young nurse who has significant problems with self-esteem and her own racial identity. A recent college graduate, Allison’s plans for her future are quickly derailed when she receives an invitation to visit the Reservation from her Grandmother Bisti. That summons is delivered by a young Navajo named Henry Roanhorse, and Allison soon discovers that Henry is the key to understanding portions of her personal history that have heretofore been shrouded in mystery. Allison and Henry’s arrival in New Mexico heralds the beginning of numerous adventures—and mishaps. One of Henry’s friends is found murdered, a possible witness goes missing, Allison and Henry become actively involved in the hunt to find him. In the process, the two amateur sleuths stumble upon a methamphetamine operation, and that potentially deadly discovery leads to multiple complications which include dealing with a crooked tribal policeman; a clash with Allison’s jealous boyfriend; the discovery that Henry’s significant other (Liz) is involved in the drug operation; and an encounter with an infamous Navajo “witch.†These incidents ultimately lead to a potentially fatal car crash, plus an out-in-the-middle-of-nowhere gun battle—at night, no less—that involves serious consequences to protagonists and villains alike.
“OUR FEET MAY LEAVE†picks up the story several months later, when Liz Ferguson re-surfaces to complicate (and endanger) the lives of Allison and Henry. Liz hopes to cash in on some valuable Ancestral Pueblo artifacts stashed at little-known ruins deep in the heart of the Rez. To find those artifacts, she needs Henry’s assistance. Allison’s reaction to the request? Definitely not a good idea! Eventually Liz reasons that where persuasion doesn’t work, kidnapping might, and the young couple find themselves in the midst of a kidnapping/murder that ultimately involves Liz and her accomplice…plus the Navajo Tribal Police, the FBI, yet another alleged Navajo witch, and a mysterious veteran with a link to Allison’s Uncle Daniel, a casualty of the Vietnam War. It will take cunning, perseverance, courage (and a bit of luck) for Allison to survive.