In Bernie's mind, the noise from the parking lot changed everything. She nudged back her panic and hurried toward the exit, pushing through a few folks also hoping to leave the building. They sensed danger and wanted to escape; she headed toward it.
-- Narration (chapter 1)

Importance: This passage is from the very first scene in the book, and follows Bernie reaction right after she hears the car bomb explosion that kickstarts the plot. Bernie's attitude here shows the profound sense of duty and righteousness she carries with her in her work as a police officer. Even though, theoretically, Bernie could stay inside -- she is off-duty at this moment -- she still feels a sense of obligation to lend a hand. This trend will continue when Bernie becomes intimately involved with the events in Tuba City, even though she is not actually assigned to go there.

The games always draw a big crowd...
-- Bernie Manuelito (chapter 2)