Lakota Justice

by Melinda Williams

  DeShay patted Tail Feather on his head as she reminisced about that wonderful day on the Rosebud Reservation. The powwow ran all weekend long. She had been there doing a dig when she was invited to attend.

  During the ceremony, she recalled standing outside the sacred circle watching the grand entry when something beyond her control invited her into the circle. She took her place, stood quiet to honor her ancestors. Once the drums ceased, her name echoed in the circle. .

  She walked out into the center of the circle, where Chief Gentle Horse stood. As she approached, he reached and took her hand. His words soothed her now, just as they did then.

  “Le mita cola, my friend, mita kuye ayasin, we are relatives, you have served our people well. You have proven where your heart belongs. Today, I gift you this niyaha, feather, with the medicine wheel painted on it, showing the four sacred directions. You have made our people proud by protecting our artifacts for our children. Pilamaya, thank you.

  Then he handed her the feather proudly. As the words ended, a hawk glided over the circle. The painted feather meant so much to her. A gift of this type showed much honor.

  Tail Feather jumped off her lap as the doorbell chimed. She picked him up and walked to the door.

  To her surprise, Hawke stood on her doorstep. “Hello, Hawke. Please, come in.”

  He entered, and she led him to her kitchen, where they sat and drank coffee.

  “How have you been DeShay?”

  She smiled as she sipped coffee, “Okay I guess. Tell me, how’s the investigation going?”

  His face showed hurt and disgust. “Well, we know Abby’s death was a murder. We’re planning another drive to Cactus Flat tomorrow. We must speak to Ian again. The entire situation is strange. He has everybody in town scared or something. We’ve been there twice already, but this time we are planning to stay a while. Once we’re done with that I must speak to Double A Industries.”

  “Well, I guess it’s coming along the best it can considering the circumstances. I know you must have anger building in you. The word here on the rez is Abby died from being hit on the head and then strangled.”

  Hawke nodded before taking a sip of coffee. “It’s true. I hate how people have become. It’s so difficult anymore for the young ones, and then you have people who could do something like this. I just have no words.”

  DeShay nodded as she picked Tail Feather up.

  “Hey, there buddy. You sure have grown.” Hawke patted Tail Feather’s head. “DeShay, when you found Abby’s body, did you notice anything else close by, or did you see anybody?”

  DeShay sat back in her chair. “Wait, I do recall as I turn onto the dirt road a blue truck passed by. It turned left as I turned right onto the road leading to the butte, but I didn’t think much about it, not even after I found Abby’s remains.”

  “This could be helpful. Now think, can you recall anything else?”

  DeShay scratched her head and leaned on the table. “I believe the truck had no tailgate.”

  Hawke removed a small notebook and pen from his shirt pocket and nodded. “Okay. Was the truck new or old, and what type? Ford, Chevy? Do you recall?”

  “It was a 2006 or 2007 Chevy. I’m sorry I didn’t think of this before. I guess, since it was on the main road, I failed to make a connection”

  He jotted down the information and winked at her. “It’s okay, DeShay. The image of Abby’s body lying in the dirt was all you could focus on. I believe it’s a place to start, and maybe there’s a link. I will run it at the office. If you think of anything else, let me know. There’s a powwow coming up soon. Hope to see you there.” He stood. “I’d best get going, thanks for your time. Next time I stop by I will have to bring Three Paws along.”

  DeShay rose, “Oh, please do. I would love to see him again. I could not believe it when he came to you that night, just before dusk, especially being injured.”

  Hawke smiled. “Yeah it was a strange situation. He wants to go with me every time I leave now.”

  As Hawke walked toward the door, he glanced at the feather, hanging on the wall. “A sacred feather with the four sacred directions is an honor to have in your home.”

  “Yeah, Chief Gentle Horse gifted it to me at the Rosebud powwow. Oh, by the way, I heard you and Melina are a couple again. Talk on the rez is you will get married this time.”

  He smiled. “You heard right. We decided to make it work. Love is hard to find. I am so lucky to have Melina. She is my life.”

  DeShay nodded. “Hawke, you both are lucky. Hold on tight to one another and never let go.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The drive to Cactus Flat revealed the beauty of winter’s approach. The bright, sunny day gave way to a blue sky with white, pompous clouds floating by, dazzling the human eye. The clouds looked as soft as cotton balls. The air pricked the skin, and the sun could trick you into thinking it warmth filtered outside , but once outside a definite chill filled the air.

  Agent Wolfe peered out the window and took notice of a spider hanging on the antenna.

  With interest, she watched the spider hang on battling the force of the wind that could make it fall. The web of fate symbolized the wheel of life.

  “Hawke, look there’s a spider. Grandfather reminded me the spider weaves a person’s destiny if the person gets caught in her web. Do you think Abby got caught up in something?”

  Hawke smiled. “Melina, I’m afraid she did. Ian knows more than what he is telling. I do not trust him.”

  Agent Wolfe stared at the sky. What had happened to Abby? She’d asked herself the same question a hundred times. Had she been involved in something illegal? Had she overheard something? Or did she learn of Ian’s unsavory activities?

  . As their vehicle turned onto the paved road, the notion filtered into Melina’s mind. “What if Abby came across the drug ring Ian associated with? Could she have seen something and the main people instructed him to kill her?”

  “Yeah, I think there’s a strong possibility Abby stumbled upon them making a deal and then they killed for her knowledge of the situation.”

  Melina squeezed Hawke’s hand. They would solve this case, and justice would be served. Silence enveloped them as they drove to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

  Minutes later, Melina stepped out of the vehicle and stretched her legs. The office was a lot bigger than the Pine Ridge office. The brick building could house at least three hundred criminals. A security fence ran all the way around the perimeter.

  When they walked into the building, a deputy led them down a hallway and then into a small room where the detective waited for them.

  “My name is Detective Hawke. I’m with the Pine Ridge Tribal Police. This is Special Agent Wolfe with the FBI.” Hawke felt a sense of official camaraderie as he explained the situation to the officer in command.

  “We need to speak to you about Ian Guidara. We need all the information you have on him. We are investigating a murder and he is the prime suspect.”

  The detective extended his hand “How can we assist you, Detective Hawke?”

  As Hawke explained the situation, the detective took notes. “My partner and I will get on this right away.” The detective asked for their cell phone numbers and jotted them down, too. “Anything we can do to help, be assured we will. We’ve had an open case on Ian Guidara for some time now. We’re investigating him for illegal drug deals. Maybe if we work together on this, we can arrest this slimeball.”

  “Nothing would please us more,” Melina stated. “I want this man behind bars. Even if he’s not responsible for Abby’s murder, he’s dealing in drugs.”

  As they left the sheriff’s office, Hawke felt, closer to solving this case and maybe even stopping some drugs from reaching the children on the reservation. He knew he would get justice for Abby.

  He took Melina by the hand. “This guy is dangerous. I believe he is the person who murdered Abby.”

  Wolfe nodded in agreement. “I’ll never be able
to understand why a person would do such horrible things to another human being. Such cold hearts these people have.”

  The drive to the motel was somber. This man had killed this girl, whom he supposedly loved, and kept going on. What had Abby witnessed that caused her to lose her life? The only connection they had so far related to drugs.

  Although the medical examiner stated drugs were found in Abby’s system, her mother was adamant Abby would never do drugs. Often parents were the last to know their child was using. Could this be the case here? Had Abby hidden her drug use so well her mother had no clue?

  No, Hawke believed Amy about her daughter.. The key on the medicine wheel held the answer. Once they found what the key went to, then maybe it would lead them to the reason why such an aspiring young women ended up murdered.

  She had loved to write, had won several essay contests. Then she met Ian, and everything changed. She stopped writing, spending most of her time with him. Her mother kept the stacks of folders with her writings. Hawke wondered if she could have been the next bestselling author.

  No doubt, her mother wondered the same thing. It was just a shame she would never get the chance to become the mystery writer she so longed to be. Perhaps her mother would submit her daughter’s manuscript to the big New York publishing houses. This would be a way to keep Abby’s spirit alive.

  Chapter Fourteen

  En route to Double A Industries’ new office in Rapid City, Hawke glanced over at Melina. She tapped away on the keyboard on her laptop, sending reports via email to her office in Minnesota.

  The road twisted and turned, but when he approached the Badlands National Park, the scene held his breath.

  Hawke thought back to the time of Crazy Horse. Brave and respected by all the people, Crazy Horse lived by four simple principles. Know yourself well. Make sure you know your friends. Above all, know your enemy best. Last but not least, take the lead to prove your strengths. Be the one to go first, to show bravery. Never ask somebody to do something you would not do yourself.

  Hawke tried to follow the path of such great leaders of the Lakota, such as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.

  Melina glanced over at him. “What weighs so heavy on your mind?”

  He managed a smile. “I try to walk the red road. I give thanks to our Creator. Our ancestors. Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull fought for our people. I wonder if I have walked the same red road.

  Melina took his hand. “Hawke, my grandfather has told me of many stories. He taught me about life and its many paths. You have followed the path meant for you. I’m proud of you for keeping true to yourself .”

  Hawke nodded. “Go on tell those wise words to me.”

  “Grandfather explained the stories hold a purpose. They are told to teach us about our purpose in life and the path we walk. He went on to explain each story an elder tells teaches a virtue, which in the Lakota culture, is essential to our happiness and balances out all things. Remember, all things are related.”

  Hawke smiled. “Yes, I remember. I must go visit with Joe Whitehorse real soon.”

  “Yes, he would like to see your face around more often .”

  Double A Industries came into view. A nice brick building surrounded by expensive cars. Hawke eased into a parking space and turned the engine off. “Okay, here we go.” They walked through an automatic door and into an elaborate building. Stylish, expensive furniture, no doubt chosen by an interior decorator, graced the lobby. The paintings on the wall matched the decor perfectly.

  A woman stood from behind a walnut and glass desk. “May I help you?” she asked in cultured, reserved tone.

  “Yes, we are here to see Mr. Gentry,” Melina said.

  “Who are you, and do you have an appointment?”

  “I am Detective Hawke with the Pine Ridge Tribal Police, and this is FBI Agent Wolfe.” Both produced their badges.

  “One moment, please.” She gestured toward the black leather seating area. “Have a seat, please. I’ll be right with you.” The woman stood and disappeared down the hallway.

  Hawke settled into a leather club chair and glanced around. “Nice place, isn’t it?”

  Wolfe nodded as she sat in a matching chair next to him. “Yeah, big companies go all the way.”

  Suddenly the woman emerged. “Okay, please follow me.”

  They walked down the plush hallway, their footsteps muffled by deep carpeting. Each office had its own matching furniture with the best computer systems.

  “This way please.” She opened the door, which led to Mr. Gentry, a balding, barrel-chested man.

  Mr. Gentry removed the glasses perched on the end of his nose and stood. “Good morning. Sure is a beautiful day. A little, cool outside but nice for this time of year. So, how can I help you?” He motioned to a pair of high-backed tan leather chairs. “Please, have a seat.” He settled into his office chair.

  Hawke spoke as he sat. “Mr. Gentry, I am Detective Hawke, and this is Agent Wolfe. I spoke to you on the phone. We’re investigating the murder of Abby Winters. Did you know her?”

  Mr. Gentry frowned. “I know a woman by the name of Amy Winters, but I cannot say I know Abby Winters. Why are you asking me?”

  Melina leaned forward in her chair. “We know your company proposed to buy some land Ms. Winters tried to protect. A long, sticky battle ensued. Arguments. Threats. Legal hassles. Resentments ran hot for a while. One wonders what drastic measures your company would take to stop the person causing your company a problem.”

  Mr. Gentry stood, his jaw clenched, eyes narrowed. “I advise you to watch your tongue. Yes, we wanted that land, but we never bought it. We decided against it because the asking price was too high. My company would never resort to harming anybody for any reason. I resent your implication we could have anything to do with this young woman’s murder. Double A Industries is a respected company.”

  Hawke glanced at Melina. He hated how they had to be so blunt at times. “We’re sorry to have upset you, but you must understand we have to speak to everybody that might know something. Your company came to our attention during our investigation. For that reason, we have to make sure every tip and suspicion is checked. We hope you can understand.”

  Mr. Gentry sat back down, picked up a cigar, and snipped it with a silver blade. “Yes, I do understand. More so than you think. I have a daughter of my own, and I love her. This is my company, and I know everything that goes on. I would not allow such horrific things like that to happen.”

  “Are you sure you never met Abby Winters?”

  He lit his cigar and took a deep drag. “Positive.”

  Melina stood. “Thank you for your time.” She offered her.

  Mr. Gentry accepted. “Let me know if I can be of any further help. Whoever murdered this young lady needs to pay for it and give some closure if there is any to be had.”

  Hawke nodded. “We intend to make sure whoever is responsible pays.”

  They turned and exited the office. Hawke pressed his hand to the small of Melina’s back and whispered as they walked down the hallway. “Are you, satisfied with Mr. Gentry and his answers? Satisfied there’s no way he or his company stooped to the level of murder?”

  “Yes. Yes, for now, I am.”

  They remained quiet as they got in the car. Hawke fastened his seatbelt, as Wolfe jotted some things in her notebook. “How about you, Hawke? What’s your feeling?”

  “Well, I feel Mr. Gentry was being honest.”

  Wolfe fastened her seatbelt. “Yeah, I do, too. His company had nothing to do with this murder.”

  “Yeah, but I have a good idea who did. I thought it was very convenient Ian’s friends and family were too busy to speak to us. Now, he’s on the run or hiding out. He holds the answers to our questions. I’m sure of it.”

  Wolfe nodded. “Ian Guidara convinced Amy Winters that he loved her daughter, when all the while he was a drug dealer who did not care about anything—or anyone.”

  “Melina, we must find Ian. I’ve
asked the Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies to search for him. He has to be close.”

  Wolfe nodded. Suddenly, a butterfly landed on the window. It was beautiful, but strange for this time of year. The body covered in black with blotches of orange sprinkled over its entire length.

  Hawke noticed the smile on Melina’s face as she watched the butterfly perching on the window.

  “Thinking of something wonderful, I hope

  Melina turned to him and replied, “Oh, yes it is. My grandfather’s words about the butterfly and how it symbolizes change in your life. My change is coming. You are my change. I love you.”

  They embraced. “You are the beat of my heart, Melina.” He kissed her hair, her cheek, her neck before covering her lips with his. When he ended the kiss, they paused in their embrace, watching the butterfly flutter into the wooded area along the building. A sign change was coming in both of their lives and in the lives of the family members of Abby Winters.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hawke had the day off. He looked forward to the time off to collect himself before he could continue on the journey to solve the murder of Abby. The need to have his spirit centered was strong.

  He pulled into the dusty driveway of Joe Whitehorse. Hawke glanced down at the medicine bundle sitting on the seat. It contained his own personal medicines. Since the bundle has, a consciousness of its own, it must be fed and handled properly. He picked it up as he opened his door.

  Joe Whitehorse stood on his porch, gazing across the land. All things sacred surrounded his in the traditional greeting. “My friend, are you ready for the inipi ceremony.”

  Extending his hand, Hawke replied, “Yes. More than ready for the sweat lodge ritual.”

  Joe turned and headed toward a hill beside his house where the sweat lodge waited . Hawke followed the wise elder, who had taught him many things over the years.

  Hawke closed his eyes as the medicine man smudged him and his bundle with a burning piece of sage. The wise elder of the Lakota sung a sacred chant. Once it was completed, the elder would permit him to enter into the sweat lodge.