Another Shakespeare quote entered her mind. This one was from Measure for Measure. “The miserable have no other medicine but only hope.”
Chapter Eleven
Sean crept out of bed quietly in the morning while Ashley softly snored in her sleep. He didn’t want to wake her after all the stress she had been through.
He put on his clothes and took a flashlight and light jacket to ward off the early morning chill. He quietly locked the door on his way out. It was still dark with just a tiny streak of light off in the distance where the sun was slowly coming up. He looked back at the cabin and sent Ashley a text that read: “Be back soon. Stay in bed. Love you.”
Sean snapped on his flashlight as he headed up the hill to the top of the mesa. It was so quiet he could hear small rustlings in the scrub. A rabbit darted out, and he caught its wide-eyed look in the beam of his light before it took off.
His hiking boots made crunching sounds as the ground got rockier. He kept going in the dark until he saw a small fire on the top of the mesa. It barely flickered over the ridge, and he surmised that was where Sani was. But just in case, he gripped the ax in his hand.
Ashley had said she had always taken an ax went she went camping or on a road trip and had insisted they buy one before they got to the cabin for this vacation. Sean had never touched an ax in his life, much less used one, but he decided it might be a good idea to have it as he headed out alone. He had asked Ashley once if she had ever used an ax herself.
He remembered her shrugging and replying, “No. But it’s good to have one for emergencies.”
“Like what?” he had asked.
“Like to cut down wood in an emergency, cut through rope, build stuff, whatever. And to ward off the crazies.”
“You mean crazies like bears?” he had questioned her.
“No, I mean human crazies. They’re more dangerous than bears.”
She was right, of course. She had a more practical streak than he did.
In any case, he felt a bit safer holding the ax. He gripped it more tightly as he reached the top of the ridge and saw Sani was dancing around the remains of a fire. Sani’s outstretched arms circled around him as his robe twirled. The fire was nearly burned out and was hissing as it died down. The sky was getting lighter with sunrise colors, but off in the distance, the valley was still clothed in charcoal darkness.
Sean didn’t say a word as he stood by the fire.
Sani danced by him. “Why are you late?”
“I didn’t think I was late,” Sean answered. “It’s still dark. The sun hasn’t fully risen yet.”
“Ah, but as soon as it starts, it quickly opens up its power to the world. You think you have time when you get up in the dark, but once the sun starts to rise to the heavens, it burns bright. You must always be aware of the cycle of the sun and the moon. They guide each day. Man has created time instruments, but we don’t need them. They are only to make money, as is with many things,” Sani said.
Sani circled again, slowly putting down his arms, and then sat cross-legged on the ground in front of the fire. He patted the ground next to him.
“I’ll sit over here in front of you, so I can talk to you better,” Sean said.
“But then you have your back to the dark,” Sani said. “Only I should risk that. We are not completely safe up here. You remember the murder a few days ago?”
Sean nodded and quickly sat next to Sani. He nervously glanced around and put the ax on his lap. Sani laughed.
“You have brought your ax, friend, but how many times have you used it?” Sani asked.
Sean felt his face go hot. “I haven’t. “
“I didn’t think so. But if it makes you feel safer, that is good. I have an ax too. I use it to chop wood.” He poked an ember in the dying fire and sat there staring at it.
Sean coughed.
“You are anxious to talk, I see. Are you in a hurry?” Sani asked.
“Yes, because Ashley is alone in the cabin, and after everything that has happened, I’d like to get back as soon as…”
“Ashley is protected. I have a police friend who is in his car near your cabin. He has been watching you all night.”
“You have a police friend? Thank you. I didn’t know. I appreciate…”
“He is Navajo, like me. At least part. He is a good man. He has to live with one foot in our world and one foot in your world. He does a good job. I couldn’t do it,” Sani said. He stood up abruptly.
The sky was getting lighter now and tinged with pale apricot bands of color.
“Come,” Sani said. “I will show you what is going on, and you can decide if you will help us.”
“Us?” Sean asked. He blinked in the pale light.
“Yes. Me and my family and friends and the spirits of our ancestors. Help us keep this beautiful land. Come.”
Sani gestured with his hand for Sean to follow.
Sean hesitated.
On one hand, he trusted Sani, but he also didn’t want to walk away and not be able to see the cabin. He just wanted to stay close to where Ashley was.
“You don’t want to let her out of your sight. I understand. Why don’t you call her and tell her where you are?” Sani said.
“Okay,” Sean replied. He called Ashley.
She picked up right away. “Sean, I wanted to go with you. I didn’t hear the alarm go off and just woke up and noticed you were gone. Where are you?”
“Up on the ridge in front of the cabin. It will be light soon, and you will be able to see me.”
“When are you coming back? Are you finished with the talk?”
“No, he wants me to go with him and show me something. How do you feel about it?”
“Fine, but I’m going with you,” she said.
“Why don’t you just rest…?” he started to say.
But Ashley had already hung up and was no doubt getting dressed.
Just then, Sean spotted the cop car in the pale morning light near their cabin. He turned to Sani.
“Thanks again for the protection. We have to wait for Ashley. She insists on coming,” Sean said.
“You’re welcome. It is good that she is coming. I can convince her if I can’t convince you.” He smiled at Sean and pulled out a cell phone and called the officer parked near the cabin. “Everything is good. You can leave soon. But come back tonight.”
Sean blinked as he stared at Sani. It was surreal to see this robed man with a phone.
“Why are you staring?” Sani asked. “Just because I honor my ancestors and the ancient ways doesn’t mean I’m a barbarian. Besides, I get the weather reports in advance on this. Helps me prepare for my rituals.” He put his phone back in a small drawstring bag hanging from his side and grinned at Sean.
Chapter Twelve
Ashley stepped out of the cabin and looked toward them and waved. She wasted no time getting to the top of the mesa. She had on her hiking boots and had brought a hat with her, as well as some water. She reached the top and squeezed Sean’s hand.
“Where to?” she asked Sani.
“Underground,” he said. “You won’t need your hat until you walk back to your cabin. Let’s go.”
Sani took off at a jog. Sean upped his pace with his walk, and Ashley did both, walking and jogging. She kept glancing at the back of Sani.
“Where do you think he’s taking us?” Her brow furrowed.
“I don’t know. But I trust him,” Sean said.
“I do too. But I’m worried about who will see us with him. And then come back at night to pay us a visit.”
“He’s got a cop watching us, Ash. It will be okay.”
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“No, but I’m trusting my instincts. It’s what you always tell me to do.”
“Okay. Then I’ll stop worrying.” She paused. “Well, at least a little bit.”
Sani stopped and turned around to wait for them. He didn’t look annoyed, just anxious. They both picked up the pace. As soon as th
ey reached him, he pointed to a rock outcropping to their right.
“There. Underneath.” He headed off at a walk this time instead of a jog.
Ashley and Sean were right behind him.
As soon as Sani reached the rocks, he leaned up against a large stone and slowly pushed it to the left using all his strength. It slid open and immediately a blast of cool air rushed up.
“Walk carefully. I’ll be in front with a light,” Sani said.
He reached for a large flashlight on the inside near the entrance and snapped it on. The cave was illuminated with an eerie glow, and they could make out a path inside.
Sean and Ashley carefully stepped inside and blinked while their eyes adjusted. Sani motioned for them to follow him. He walked slowly as he led them to a round “room” in the cave. There were stones to sit on with blanket coverings, an area that seemed to be for sleeping, and a pit in front of them with blackened rocks and wood in it. Above them there was a small shaft of light coming in from an opening in the cave. The air was cool and still.
“Welcome to my office,” Sani said. He let out a big laugh.
“Do you live here?” Sean asked.
“No, my friend. I have a modern home in the village. It is small, but it has running water and appliances. Like your home.” Sani laughed again. “This is where I come to think, to plan, and to reconnect with my past. This is where I bring people that I trust. This is where I need to be with you to talk about what is happening, not in the village, where there are many eyes and ears.”
Sean felt foolish. He didn’t mean to stereotype Sani. He was just confused.
Ashley coughed. “Why us? Why are we here?”
“Sit,” Sani said.
They each sat on one of the rocks. The blankets made them surprisingly comfortable.
Sani cleared his throat and gazed at them both. “You are impartial. You have no ties to this land. You have nothing to fight about here. But you can help me with your skills. I did an internet search on you and found that you have a passion for the natural land. You tried to save the land where you live.”
Ashley was surprised. He had seen in his search how she and other villagers had tried to save the little town back on the coast where she lived from being stripped of its lumber. She had joined that protest for three days with her best friend Lara and her mother.
“I’m impressed,” she said. “But how did you know my name to search me?”
He smiled at her. “Simple. I know the lady who rented you the cabin. Now can I get to the point?”
Sean laughed. “Go for it.”
“I need you to contact someone for me.”
“Who?” Ashley asked. She stared at the lines in his face and could see how concerned he was.
“His name is John Locklear. He used to live here. He used to be poor of material things but rich with heritage and family. His wife died here, and he left in great sorrow. He traveled the world but couldn’t stay away from this land. He came back to these parts several years ago and settled in the big city. I’ve tried to contact him many times, but he won’t answer me. I made a trip to his office, but he wouldn’t see me. His assistant told me that he wished me well, but he had left the old ways and had a new life now.”
Sean stared at his face. “What do you need our help for?”
“We are in great peril. Have you read about what’s happening here? That a big mining company is tearing up parts of the valley and wants to come where we are now and do it some more. They won’t stop until they control everything. And destroy everything. That is why there is so much dissent.”
Ashley spoke up. “Why do you need to see this John Locklear? Can’t someone else help you?”
Sani hung his head. “No, only him. He understands what is happening. And he will be the one to unify everyone against the mining company. He can talk sense into the few of those who are blinded by greed. He must be the one.”
“If we tell him we’re coming because of you, he might not see us, either,” Ashley said.
“That is why you must persuade him. You are a woman with a woman’s wisdom—you can be the one to get him to come back and help us. He loved his wife very much. He used to listen to her about many things. When she died, he went mad with grief. He would dance every night on the hill and rage at the sky like a wounded animal. You will be the key to bring him back, I know.”
Sani’s eyes were burning bright as he stared into her face. Ashley swallowed hard and looked at Sean.
Sean glanced at her and then back at Sani. That was when Sean noticed a tear in Sani’s eye.
“What should I say when I see him?” Ashley whispered.
“Tell him that you have come to re-assure him that his wife’s spirit is still here. Still in the wind and the stars and the moon. And that she protects her brother Sani every day.”
Ashley gasped. “His wife was your sister?”
“Yes,” Sani said. “John Locklear is my brother-in-law. My family. He must come back.”
Ashley stood up and paced the small room. The flashlight illuminated everything, and her eyes had adjusted to the cave’s light.
“I would like to know more of what’s going on,” Ashley said. “Can you at least tell us that? A man tried to hurt us on the river yesterday, and you have a policeman watching us. Two people have been murdered since we were here. I know there’s a land dispute, but there must be something else. It seems to be really dangerous out there. And we’re on vacation. I’m not sure that we—”
Sani jumped up from his rock and put his finger to his lips. “Shhh!”
He pointed to the small opening above them in the rocks. He grabbed Sean’s ax and crept closer to the opening where they had come in and listened intently for a moment. Then he snapped off the flashlight.
Ashley and Sean sat completely still in the dark and barely took a breath. A slight shadow seemed to flit across the light of the opening at the top. Ashley glanced up quickly and thought she saw a flicker of movement. They seemed to sit there for a long time. Ashley could feel her heart racing in her chest.
Sani remained crouched at the front of the cave.
No sounds.
Not even a footfall.
The air was so still inside it felt like tomb.
Chapter Thirteen
After what seemed like an eternity, Sani crept back to them and switched the flashlight back on.
He leaned in and whispered. “There was someone out there. Probably listening from the opening above us. But I don’t think he heard me mentioning John.”
Sean cleared his throat and whispered a reply. “Look, we were happy and willing to have come here to talk to you. Now, you told us that you need us to contact your brother-in-law, but there’s something that we need from you. If we’re going to even think about doing this, you have to tell us everything. Otherwise, the answer is no. After all, we don’t have any vested interest in doing any of this. So you need to convince us.”
Sean cleared his throat and looked straight into Sani’s eyes.
After a moment, Sani explained himself. “Years ago, a mining company named Dunphy came in and wanted to purchase rights to strip the land in the southwest corner and take the copper out to manufacture. Many of us in the tribes fought it as it is sacred land, but some tribal council members only saw the money they were promised if they gave the land away. For years the battle raged on in the courts, and we thought we had won. The mine was successfully blocked, and we all went back to our lives.”
“Okay,” Sean said. “Then what?”
Sani continued. “But the greedy Dunphy Mining Corporation kept sneaking back and trying to reopen the case. Each time, they must have offered the tribal council members more money because eventually it passed by three votes. They started on a valley closer to town and now want to start mining here at the end of this year. Many of us appealed the decision. We are currently waiting to see if the ruling to let them strip the land will be overturned. In the meantime, there have been threat
s to us, and we have had council members murdered.”
“Who was murdered the other day on the mesa after we got there?” Ashley asked.
“That was a good tribal council member. He had fought the mining company long and hard. The suspect turned out to be a man from town who said they got drunk together and had an argument. But he is surely covering up for the real culprit. He is in jail and not talking. I think I know who really murdered him.”
“And the detective who was killed in the backcountry where we were? Who do you think killed him?” Sean asked.
Sani looked at her solemnly. “I’m sure the same person who murdered our council member killed the detective investigating it.”
“Our guide was the one who found the body. He said a detective had been missing all day and that it was probably him—that he had interfered in tribal business,” Ashley said.
“Maybe he said this to throw everyone off. I was up there the day you went out,” Sani replied.
“Did you see anything?” Ashley asked.
Sani looked back toward the opening of the cave. “I can’t speak about it now. I’m still investigating many things.”
Ashley looked puzzled. “So you were watching us that day we went out? Why?”
“I try to watch as many tourists as I can when they come into town. I have to be sure they are not paid infiltrators.”
Sean cut in. “You won’t be able to stop the mine once it breaks ground and builds the big pits. That’s how it always goes. Money wins. Especially if they set up on the land with all their machines.”
“That’s why you both need to help us now. Before they win. We have to stop them!” Sani stood up and paced in the cave. “My brother-in-law can stop them. He is rich and powerful. We are not. At least, most of us aren’t. But the few council members who want this to go through are getting richer every day, and the corporation and its members are also rich.”
He leaned in and looked at Ashley’s face. “So, will you help? Please.”
“How do you know that I can do anything? I’m only a cook with a small catering business—” Ashley started to say.
Ashley Crane Cozy Mystery Boxed Set Page 52