She nods. “Have you been getting any reports about someone attacking the children of the Cherokee recently? Or attacking them at all?”
The captain shakes his head. “He wasn’t kidding when he said we aren’t trusted by the Indians to do what’s needed. They don’t tell us about anything, whatsoever.”
David says quietly, “The memories of the tribe are long. We still haven’t forgiven the white man for the massacre of the Washita Valley.”
The captain looks at David for several long moments and shakes his head sighing. “I’d figured you for a white man. Go figure, huh? How long have you been away from the tribe?”
“How do you know I’ve been gone?”
“Just because they don’t seek us out, doesn’t mean I’ve not had dealings with them. I would have recognized you, especially if you’ve been at the local encampment.”
David nods. “About ten years. They sent me off to medical school. My grumpa was Screaming Eagle.”
The captain’s eyes widen in surprise. “Uh oh. WAS?”
“Killed by Richard Buchanan.”
The captain looks over at Richard’s body and sighs. “I guess it’s a good thing he’s dead, then. I liked that old man. We had an understanding.” He shakes his head and sighs again. “Are you on your way to tell them?”
Joey clears her throat meaningfully. “Just as soon as we’re done here.”
“I just hope this doesn’t come back to bite us.” He strokes his jaw thoughtfully. “Have you told them you found his body? Better yet, go ahead and tell me everything you can. I get the feeling I need to know, before it comes back to bite me in the rump.”
Joey looks around a moment, ensuring everyone agrees she should, then nods and asks, “Is there somewhere we can go sit down? It’s a bit of a long story.”
The captain looks like he’s going to argue, but instead yells, “Sergeant!”
The grizzled old man returns from his post of watching the body. The captain points to the body and says, “Dispose of that offal. Now that it’s been identified, I don’t want it fouling our air any longer.”
Joey nods and says simply, “Thank you for that.” She points toward the document Josh is holding. “And for this as well.”
The captain smiles winsomely at her and motions for them to follow along.
The group follows him into a nondescript building, with no windows, only one door. Inside, the office is sparsely furnished, with only a desk, a chair and an oil lamp.
Quietly, he says, “Welcome to my office. My name is Captain Willis. I know there’s not much here, but at least we are in out of the sun. This is the best place for us to chat uninterrupted, though.” He seats himself in the chair.
Joey looks at Willis a moment and nods. She takes a few moments to gather her thoughts before launching into an hour-long narration about what’s been happening since Josh arrived in Denver. Willis looks incredulous after hearing about the death of the Mallorys. Joey omits everything about John and David being related, to which John is extremely grateful. Once she gets to the death of Richard, Willis just sits there appearing numb.
“That has got to be the most incredible story I’ve ever heard. If even half of what you say is accurate or true.” He shakes his head. “Thank you for telling me this.” He shakes his head again. “So much going on in so little time. It’s just so hard to believe.”
Joey gives John a wink, then laughs. “You should have seen what happened last year. Things happen in surges like that. I think that’s God’s way of giving us a break.” Her smile is wry. “At least that’s my opinion.”
John barks a laugh. “Oh! That’s rich. I agree, mind you. It’s still hilarious.”
The captain looks between the two and shakes his head. “I’m missing something here. And I don’t think I wanna know, either.”
Joey chuckles. “Inside joke.” She waves her hand. “If we’re done here, we really SHOULD get on the road. We still have a long ride ahead of us.”
Willis nods, stands and goes to the door. “Thank you for the help.” He looks at David. “I’ll do my best to help your tribe. I don’t know how much I can be, but I’ll do what I can.”
David shakes his hand and grins. “I’ll bet you do. Thank you.”
Once everyone is back outside, John sees the grizzled sergeant quickly approach from the north.
As he gets close enough, he says shortly, “It’s done.”
“Thank you, Sergeant.” The captain waves toward a storehouse. “Tell the quartermaster I said to issue you an additional bottle of whiskey.”
The old man grins and salutes. “Thank you, sir!” He turns and marches to the storehouse.
Willis snorts and mutters under his breath, “Clown.” He watches the man go for a moment, then turns back to the party and says, “Safe travels to you. I hope you all get where you need to be.”
John shakes his hand firmly. “I hope you’re able to manage things here as long as needed. Is Eithne Lonargan still around?”
Willis grins and nods. “Quite the lovely lady, that one. I’ll see her tonight when I have dinner with her and her husband.”
John cocks his head at his comment for a moment, then says, “Please tell her we gave our respects. Thank you.”
Willis’ grin gets wider. “I will. Thank you.”
John turns back to the party, with unease.
As the party rides out from Fort Supply, John gets the feeling he’ll return someday and under less than favorable conditions.
Chapter 38
The band of riders approach the camp in the early afternoon. They left Fort Supply the day before yesterday and John is surprised the camp is so close to the fort.
As they ride into the camp, John looks around and notices everyone in camp studiously ignoring the whole party. Once he sees it, he can’t un-see it. The people aren’t in the way, they cross between the tents quickly, but are still not even acknowledging the party’s existence. In truth, it’s really unnerving to be completely ignored.
John looks at his brother and sees the same kind of effect on the deputy’s face.
This is the first time he’s experienced the tribe doing anything even remotely close to this type of ostracizing of anyone. He looks around and catches out of the corner of his eye, people seeming to watch as the party goes by.
Not sure of what else to do, he loosens the revolver in its holster. He looks at Josh and sees the other deputy doing the same. John turns in the saddle to look at his son and sees a look of stoicism on the young doctor’s face.
He studies his son’s face a moment and, for the first time, sees traces of his own features in the young man’s face. Though, in truth, the young doctor favors his mother more. John can still see his strong jaw-line, his high forehead, the mid-range cheekbones he sees every time he looks in the mirror.
He looks at Joey and sees that she appears to be riding straight-backed, not deviating in her course at all, looking for all the world a picturesque archetype of the frontier marshal. When the party approaches the chief’s tent, John notes the entrance is now guarded by braves armed with rifles. Once the braves see the party approach, they hold their rifles at the ready.
Right in front of the tent, the group, led by Joey, dismount and gather in front of the braves barring the group’s entry.
In a clear voice, she says in Cherokee, “Our mission is complete. We’re here to see Strong Bear. Will you permit us entry?”
The two braves look at each other uncertainly, then one of them pokes his head in the tent and says something quietly. After a moment, he nods, then straightens, looks at his counterpart and nods. He looks at Joey and points toward her revolver. “Leave your weapons here.”
Joey looks like she’s about to object, but sighs, nods and starts removing her gun belt. Without discussion, everyone else follows suit.
John looks off toward the tent where he saw Liz retreat to the last time they were here in camp, curious if she’s there now.
As the
group enters the tent, John is unable to see in the gloom. When his eyes adjust, he’s shocked to see that Gray Deer is sitting in council, in the center seat. The seat reserved for the chief. The seat reserved for Strong Bear.
John turns to look at his son’s exclamation of surprise at seeing his childhood friend sitting as chief.
David steps forward and, in Cherokee says, “Honored elders, we have come to tell you, Screaming Eagle has been avenged.”
Gray Deer clears his throat. “That is good news. It is my sad duty to inform you that Strong Bear has gone to walk among the ancestors. I am now chief.”
John stares at David’s shocked look. Holding up his hand in question, John steps forward and in Cherokee asks, “Of your courtesy, how is it that he started his journey?”
The young chief looks around at the gathered elders, each one nodding in turn. He looks at the party seriously and says, “When you brought the body of Screaming Eagle, you stirred up a hornet’s nest. He had two students, Angry Wolf and Running Bear. The night after you left our camp, Angry Wolf got drunk and made a complete fool of himself. When he was brought in front of this council the following morning to be brought to task over his behavior, he stood there for a few minutes, listening to the charges, pulled his belt knife and plunged it into my father’s heart. Strong Bear was killed immediately. The council sought justice immediately. Running Bear is now our medicine man.” His eyes fill with tears. “Since then, no weapons are allowed in council and no alcohol is allowed in camp.” He holds up his hand. “It is so decreed.”
David strokes his jaw. “Then, Chief, we need to ask you a few questions before we report back.”
Chief Gray Deer looks intrigued and motions for his childhood friend to continue.
“The man that was responsible for killing Screaming Eagle was accused of many crimes by the whites. For the last eight or nine months, have you been noticing children going missing?”
Gray Deer looks at his council and straightens his shoulders. He clears his throat meaningfully and motions around to the council. “Each of us here has lost a child or grandchild to an unknown menace.” He motions toward himself. “Even I have lost a daughter. That’s why I was searching the creek. Once the children go missing, a few days later, their bodies turn up in a creek close by. We thought a puma was loose, but these kids go missing during the day. As you know, puma normally attack at night.” He shakes his head. “I take it this man that you killed was the one behind it all?”
David nods. “He was doing the same down in Denver and Norman.” He motions toward Sean. “Even killed his parents and a close friend of his. We had his body buried at Fort Supply so that it wasn’t fouling our air any longer than it needed to.” He crosses his arms. “Now that we have said our due, I’m sure you want to get back to life here without us.” He bows formally and turns to leave.
Gray Deer sighs and stands. The gathered elders gasp at the break in protocol. He holds his hands up in a placatingly, forestalling any comments and steps around the council fire to embrace his old friend. “I can’t lift my father’s banishment of you, but you are my brother. Go with the Great Spirit and let him light your way.”
David returns the hug and nods, then says quietly, “I’m taking my mother with us. Do you add your support to that?”
Without hesitation, Gray Deer nods and murmurs, “Good luck.”
David snorts derisively. “Thanks. God knows I need it.”
Gray Deer turns to John and Josh, who are standing next to each other and says formally, “John Blood-Eagle, your banishment from the humans still stands. You have done our people a great service, which warrants us granting you one more boon. Ask and it will be yours.”
John looks at Josh for a moment, then back at Gray Deer. “I thank you for the offer. Other than whatever stores you can spare to speed us on our way, I have no other requests. Well, other than the assurance we can all leave safely?”
Without hesitation, the young chief waves away the question. “Of course.”
John nods and tips his hat, then turns to his son. “I guess this means we should go get your mother?”
David nods and turns to his wife. “I think we’re gonna need some help with this, dear.”
She nods and steps forward to take her husband’s arm.
As the whole party leaves the council tent, John steps up next to Joey and says quietly, “I think we need to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, once we can get Liz ready to go. I don’t want to linger any longer than is needed.”
Joey looks at him curiously, but remains silent.
John nods his thanks to the young marshal. Quietly, he says, “I get the feeling, until we get on the road, she may change her mind and not come with us, after all.” She nods her understanding and he speeds up to catch up to his family.
Halfway across the camp, he glances back to see Joey speaking with a brave, who seems to be taking note of what is being said.
John looks at their destination: Liz’s tent. On the outside, it is plain, completely unadorned. In fact, John’s not even sure he’s looking at the correct tent at all. It looks so completely deserted.
No matter how uncertain John is, David walks with confidence to the tent and stops right in front of it, then scratches at the canvas.
John is standing several feet away and is unable to hear the quiet conversation his son is having with Liz through the fabric of the tent.
After several moments, Liz emerges from her tent. Her face is tear-streaked and puffy. She looks at John for a moment and points an accusatory finger at him. “You’re the one who put him up to this, aren’t you?”
John looks at her a moment, confused by the accusation. “Put him up to what?”
“Him dragging me from the only home I’ve known for the last thirty years!”
John shakes his head. “Liz, please try to be reasonable. Until a few days ago, I hadn’t even known you were still alive. David’s been asking me to come up here and help with moving you to Denver for a year now.”
Her gaze goes flat with distrust. “I don’t believe you.”
He can feel his gaze gently slip into being languid. “Believe me or not, the truth remains.” Feeling tired of the argument, he decides to prod her. “Are you going to come along quietly? Or are you going to cause further trouble?”
She steps forward and tries to slap him, but John easily blocks it with his forearm. In a tired voice, he says, “Are you about done with this? I’ve been through too much trouble lately to be willing to fight with you all the way back to Denver.”
Tears gather in her eyes again and she rushes back into her tent without a word.
David looks at his father with a mixture of frustration and amusement. He sighs and says something to the inside of the tent quietly.
John hears Liz scream in frustration for several seconds and after several more moments, hears what sounds to be a loud shuffling of items through the inside of her tent. It’s almost as if she’s agreed, but is throwing things together, which John expects is the case. He sighs quietly.
David sighs in the same way and motions Rebekah inside, then comes over to where John is standing. Quietly enough not to be heard inside the tent, David says, “I’m not sure what her problem is, or what set her off this time. Rarely has she ever been this volatile. I just don’t understand. Now that she’s agreed to come along with us, I hope we find out what’s really going on, before it’s too late.” He motions toward the rest of the party. “Think ya might be willing to warn everyone else? I get the feeling Joey and Sean may have objections to her coming along with us, if she keeps this attitude up.”
John shakes his head. “I don’t mind at all. You never know, they might surprise you.” He claps his son on the shoulder. “Keep your chin up. Just remember, all things happen in His time. God knows, it doesn’t ever happen in ours.”
David gives his father a sardonic grin. “Thanks.”
Just as John turns to head back to the party, he hears
Liz exclaim, “Pregnant?”
John stops in his tracks and looks curiously at his son.
David smirks and nods, holding a finger to his lips in a, “Shh.”
For only God knows how many times recently, his heart skips a beat. He’s going to be a grandfather! He never even expected to have a child and now he’s going to have a grandchild? He struggles for several moments to be able to breathe. He can’t keep his grin from being wide as he nods and says, “Congratulations. I can only pray you’re as happy and proud of your child as I am of mine.” He turns on a heel and, trying to control his exultant expression, saunters back toward the rest of the group.
Chapter 39
Jake watches as his blood-brother approaches. They’ve been able to secure very few supplies, the most needed of which was water. He estimates they now have enough water to last them until they reach the Cimarron River, on the north side of the unassigned lands.
John looks like he’s about to burst with elation, but is trying to contain it with everything he’s got.
Jake sighs and goes back to what he was doing: trying to make sure everything is in its place for their trip to Guthrie.
He hears Joey talking to John, quietly asking what all was going on. John’s reply is simply that Liz is coming along. Joey prods a little more, and the reply is that it’s not his news to share, so he won’t.
Jake finishes making sure the pack horse’s load is properly balanced and secured, before confronting his brother. “What’s got you grinning like an idiot?”
John apparently can’t contain himself any longer and his laughter has a hysterical edge to it. “I just can’t tell you. I promised I wouldn’t, so I won’t.”
Jake growls in frustration. “Jackanaps.” Then stalks off to make sure Sean is doing what he’s supposed to.
Less than an hour later, Liz, her son and daughter-in-law are leading their horses and gear to where the rest of the party awaits.
Jake looks at his old friend and sees the remnants of the luminous beauty she had growing up. Even though her face is harder, now, he can see how her looks are able to completely shut down John’s thinking. He feels sorry for his brother.
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