“Perhaps you could work for the Ranger. Rent out a cabin?”
“I don’t think Hunters Park has cabins, nor would my parents approve of that. I might have to borrow Jenson for church next week. It’s either that or possibly stay at your house for a bit. At least for a few days?”
“That can be arranged. Would you consider allowing a new member into our circle? His name is Owl. Jenson seems to like him.”
“Oh, you mean that guy who sits behind you in class?”
“Yes, that guy.”
“He’s alright. How’s he going to help?”
“He knew Du-vance.”
“How?” whispered Molly.
“On my way to probe the book club that we discussed he ran after me terribly out of breath. He’d been observing us since the beginning of the semester. A bit creepy if you ask me, calling us non-conformists and asking to be a part of our crew. After he tried to interrogate me, I was ready to flee. Instead, we ended up at the book club meeting together. No one there had any details on our victim. They knew of him, that he liked to read, but he came and went. Owl was the only member he held a relationship with outside of analyzing books they’d read. It seems those two were close. He called him his best friend.”
“Where’s Jenson?”
“Oh, he and Owl are at the Cafe.” I pointed to my mocha, and then pushed it over. “You want some?”
She took a few sips, handing it back. I downed the rest, then threw it across the room into the waste basket.
“Are we going to involve Mr. Jones?”
“I’m actually considering maybe we shouldn’t. Owl claims he has all this great material.”
“Does he have a plan, when are we going to meet up? Du-Vance’s dad, are we going to cross-examine him?”
“Whoa, take it easy, those are a lot of questions. In order to examine Du-Vance’s Dad, we need Owl. He says he knows his father.”
I turned myself around in my seat to see Owl and Jenson strut in. I patted Molly on the arm and then gestured towards them. She gave me, an oh, gosh, look, “Yes, it is about time for a girl’s night,” I chuckled.
After class, we hurried to the library, chatting on the way.
“Listen to that storm outside!” said Jenson.
I peeked out a window as we passed through the main doors exiting the building. Large flakes of snow drifted down from the sky. More snow? “I am so not ready for this. Is the climate always in a constant change here?” I asked Owl.
“Yes, most of the time. My friends and I always joke if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes, it will change.”
“Ironic, since this place is called Springville. Is there much of a spring following winter?”
Jenson grinned; he knew how much I enjoyed conversations with new people. I felt him place his hand in mine.
“It depends on the year. It varies. You might have to go back to L.A., city girl,” he joked.
We neared the entrance to the library. Molly raced ahead to the large glass door, and we slipped inside. I placed a finger to my lips demonstrating we needed to be quiet. I’d seen several students get kicked out of here before. We passed several groups studying, reading, and a few were on their laptops. My friends followed behind me. This was the place to be if you needed to cram or get away for a bit of R and R.
“It’s probably best we sit somewhere in the back then,” whispered Owl.
Molly nodded, proceeding onward. The rest of us followed her to a medium round table near a window looking out to the grounds.
“Jone’s class was off topic today. Did you notice that? What’s with all the gossip about vampires? Is he in fact, that desperate to gain interest or trying to reinforce the idea they exist here?” Jenson asked.
They do exist here, I thought. Had Jenson forgotten Shellena and Lance? If Owl wasn’t here I’d remind him. Was Owl, a new suspect, friend, or ally? So far I wasn’t quite sure.
“He keeps bringing up subjects closely related to this case. I know that much. What I don’t know is about you,” I said to Owl.
“I recognize you, Starla,” he replied.
“How’s that, are you an undercover agent spying on me?”
“It’s simple; Native Americans respect myths, legends, and folklore. It’s a part of our community. Our God is different. Many of our tribes have more than one God. A lot of times, he or she is called the Great Spirit. We acknowledge your kind. It doesn’t mean all of our people do, but the group here is united with all clans in this area. It’s how I met Du-vance and his father. We have an open pow-wow to the public every year. He helped me get acquainted with the campus during orientation. This was to be his last year, and he would have taken over Mike’s position.”
I nodded. “Someone had been afraid of Martin taking over. During this time had he designed any changes that would have affected the clans or our allies in a negative manner?”
“None that I’m aware of. The crusaders are not fond of fabled creatures mingling amongst humans. It wouldn’t have caused them to wage a war though.”
“What tribe are you from?” Molly interrupted.
Owl fidgeted in his chair. “Mixed, from many, I’m not certain of my origin; at birth I was adopted into a Caucasian family. How did I learn about my past? How did I end up going to pow-wows in the first place? To answer that, my adopted parents stayed very involved in the community after my placement. This is very rare. They sought out a group of Native Americans who would accept me. I attend meetings, gatherings, and pow-wows as I have mentioned.”
Not sure how to respond, I remained silent, touching the window pane, my mind drifted to Molly’s dilemma. Who was this Maine she admired? I hadn’t seen her around. Gah, I was scheming in my head again. How could I help her? I placed my hand back on the table, scraping at some gum that had been discarded.
“Listen did he have any siblings, he didn’t know existed? What about his father’s lover? Why did they break up? Could she have been implicated?” Jenson interjected.
“I know only what Mike has disclosed to me. That Du-Vance’s father found someone fell in love, and then she broke it off,” he insisted.
“I acquired files on missing people. It’s a reach, but maybe Martin was searching for them. If I’m on the right track, he may have been eliminated. One was named Lang Orion and the other Cal Summers. Have you ever heard of them?” I inquired.
“No, catch me up to speed,” he replied.
After sharing a brief overview of my findings, I asked him, “Where are the articles you wanted to share with us?”
He pulled out some papers from his folder that sat on top of his myth book. It didn’t appear new to me. The articles before us contained several on the Native American pow-wows, new rules since Du-Vance’s death, and another on college curfews. I sorted through them a bit, and then passed them around for each person to study.
“We should probably get going,” Owl suggested.
“You’re right, let’s go talk to his father now,” I said, pushing my chair aside. “It can’t wait any longer. The only predicament is how are we going to get to him in this?” I asked, waving to the raging winter wonderland outside.
Chapter 14
Holding hands we trudged further into unfamiliar territory. We must have appeared to onlookers like children who’d lost their way in a blizzard. The snow came down thick and heavy. It hadn’t been particularly cold earlier when I’d left the house this morning. Nothing compared to the chill in the air that currently took its place. It had turned so dark that the streetlights flickered on. I’d called my mom to let her know I’d be home late prior to leaving the library. I didn’t exactly tell her why, and she hadn’t asked.
“Molly, will your mom be alright with this?”
“I called her remember? I’m staying over at your place, correct?”
“Hmm, OK.” With any luck mom wouldn’t care. She adored Molly. Picking up speed, Owl moved ahead, preparing a pathway through the snow for us to follow.
> “Come on, a few more blocks to go. Then we can go in and get warm,” he said.
“What if Rascal turns us away? He might not be fond of unexpected visitors, especially given how secretive he is,” said Jenson.
“It will be fine, he trusts me. We have an understanding,” declared Owl firmly.
If I could have transformed into a fox, withstanding weather conditions wouldn’t be dreadful. The issue being I couldn’t stay a fox. Naked in a snow storm, heck no! I laughed at the thought.
“What’s so funny?” asked Molly.
“My foxy ability, with it this wouldn’t be so awful,” I said, signifying the white flurry around us.
“Um, yeah, and when you go to change back?” Molly glared at me with her eyebrows up.
Then we laughed. Owl immediately focused on our exchange.
“I’d be in my birthday suit, I’d freeze. Don’t you realize what happens to humans when they alter from one shape to another?” I asked.
Owl just smirked, shaking his head.
“Starla tends to be a bit witty; you’ll get used to it. I suppose her sense of humor as well as her confidence caused me to be captivated,” Jenson yelled over the howling wind.
I blushed even in the harsh conditions.
“Molly, are you alright?” asked Owl.
“I’m still here,” she sighed.
I hoped Owl wouldn’t push, and at that thought I heard him reply.
“Good.”
Stopping to catch my breath, I saw the subdivision come into view. The homes appeared run down and in need of repair; several could have used a new coat of paint. There was an air about them. Something I’d been unable to pinpoint. This part of Springville had definitely undergone hard times. We crossed the street where a large hill lay before us.
“What a strange neighborhood,” said Jenson.
“Shhh, we need to get up the hill. Then take a right. Rascal lives on the corner of that street,” urged Owl.
“Finally someone else who goes by landmarks,” I muttered under my breath.
I concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other. The blizzard raged on, swiftly diminishing visibility. Owl climbed his way to the top of the hill. Jenson was not too far behind him while Molly and I staggered further back.
“We’re almost there, Molly and Starla, come on! The wind is really picking up!” yelled Jenson already half way there.
I stopped, shutting my eyes. Wind and snow stung my face. Molly took my hand guiding me up to the top, and then pushed me to the right where Owl had said to go.
“Look, here we are. Open your eyes,” said Molly.
In front of us stood a two-story stone house, with several small round windows. An old blue rusted Ford pickup sat in the driveway. I lifted my fist to knock on the door. Owl stepped in front of me and nudged me over to Jenson’s side.
“You’d better let me make our introductions,” whispered Owl. He knocked and we waited. Someone bustled about inside, perhaps they were putting away dishes? Then we heard a clatter of plates crash.
“Gol darn it!” yelled a voice from within.
The door opened, revealing a small man five feet tall, dark shaggy brown hair, and hazel eyes with glasses. I took notice of his raggedy blue jeans, a white T-shirt barely visible under his old blue flannel. Nice, old school style.
“Owl, what brings you here? What on earth are you doing out in this crazy weather?” he wondered, staring at the four of us standing out in the cold. He waved us in without a word. We shuffled through a hall entrance, took a left and arrived in a tiny kitchen.
“You kids have a seat. I’ll sweep up these dishes. I wasn’t expecting company this late at night. Give me the details or at least a good reason for bringing your friends by. What is it, you need?”
“Go ahead, sit down,” said Owl. We’d been standing, staring at the wall to wall, rows of china, trinkets of old tin cans, cola bottles, and what looked like jars of preserves.
“It’s not just the women folks that can, kids. So what do you want? You must want something,” Rascal remarked as he swept up the mess.
“I want to introduce you to Starla, Jenson, and Molly. I met Starla today at the college,” said Owl as he sat down next to Molly.
Rascal acknowledges us by means of a slight bow following the introduction.
“So I guess you know about my boy being killed. It ain’t any secret tis all,” he replied. Then sat down in the empty seat next to Owl.
“Well, I hope you kids are being safe. I’m aware Mike the Ranger said he had someone named Dan running this. Is that the reason you’re all here?” he inquired.
“Yes, I’m his daughter. Owl suggested you might be able to share your insight with us. It could direct us to the killer.”
“I wish you kids wouldn’t get mixed up in this. I hate to speculate and blame without much knowledge, but I sense it has something to do with those wolves in Hunters park. If not them, who?” he asked, holding up his hands gesturing.
“What we want to find out is why your son was there. We’ve determined he interned for Mike and would shortly take over his position. Do you have any clue why someone would harm your son? Did he have any enemies? Was he searching for something, information, or maybe even someone?” I asked.
Mr. Du-vance took several deep breaths, then set down his glasses. He picked them back up and cleaned them off only to place them back on his face. Molly sat strumming her fingers on the table, Jenson appeared deep in thought, and Owl had out a notepad. I wasn’t sure if I should say anything at this point. Several minutes passed. Rascal got up from the table, walking over to the fridge and removed from it five cans of cola.
“Do any of you want glasses for these,” he said, holding one of them up.
“No, we’re fine,” said Molly.
“Now this is going to take a bit. Allow me to clear my head,” he replied, taking a seat. “It’s important I give you as many facts as I can muster up. My son mostly kept to himself. Owl, you realize this as you’ve been the only person he’s confided in. I doubt my son even dated anyone. That boy,” he said with a grin. “He loved his work among the Park Ranger. Any other time he had was spent on book club or science projects. Let me tell you about a strange experience. It isn’t easy on my emotions to conjure up the past. The world may paint men as detached creatures, but eh, I’m not one of them,” said Rascal.
He came back over to the table, setting the cans of Coke in front of us. I opened mine, taking sips. The clock on the wall read seven-thirty five. I was getting hungry, but my mother taught me, it’s impolite to invite myself to dinner without being offered.
“Once my wife died, despair took over, engulfed me in mourning. I couldn’t stand to see couples together of any kind.” Rascal let out a long sigh, “then one night I happened to stop in at the diner. The one I saw Starla in a few nights ago. I thought you looked familiar when I saw you at my doorstep tonight. I go there occasionally to reflect on the past. I never stay for too long, just pick up a coffee, scope the place out, hoping maybe she’ll decide to return to me. Anyway, I had gone in for a burger and soda. I sat down as usual, ordered, and waited for my meal to be served. It was quite peculiar as if fate stepped in when I needed someone the most. She just sat down at my table. I mean, how many times does a gorgeous woman just non-chalantly walk over to a booth, especially to sit or introduce herself to a guy like me? I still question her motives at times. Nuria was her name.”
Nuria, wasn’t that Eva’s sister? I wondered.
Rascal continued, “That was what we did for a few months until things got serious between us. We’d meet for burgers every night that Martin had a school activity. As I said he was into science, book clubs, and those types of things. I mean, had it been an event for parents to attend I’d have been there for my boy.”
“Anything suspicious that you noticed about her, anything off?” asked Jenson.
“Once we were having dinner, it was late, almost midnight. She seemed like she
was in a hurry to leave, but wouldn’t tell me why. It was the night we got in our first fight. I told her we shouldn’t keep secrets from each other. Her response, some secrets need to be kept for everyone’s safety. If you knew me, what I am, you wouldn’t love me. I told her nothing could change how I felt concerning her. I admired her relaxed attitude, that she let her hair go wild, wavy; the way she’d go on about books she’d read for hours reminded me of my son and my wife. She reminded me why I choose to live. No longer could I seclude myself, instead she urged me to immerse myself in things she established as intriguing. She held a great interest in government affairs, people’s rights and social justice, maintaining an ability to see the world in a broader perspective.”
“What happened the night of the breakup? Is that stepping too far ahead?” I asked.
“Owl, can you grab us some crackers out of the drawer, and get out some cheese. I know we’re on a roll, but I keep hearing your stomachs growling. When did you kids last eat?” asked Rascal.
We all gazed back and forth at one another. Then I piped up.
“I know I haven’t eaten since breakfast. Then I had a coffee before, book club.”
“Ah, so you did think about going to check that out huh? Is it for your love of books or the investigation?” he asked.
“I love a good book now and again. The problem is with college, I don’t get much time to read anything on my list.”
Rascal chuckled, “That’s what my son told me after he started school.”
Owl got up and began severing us. It looked as if he’d been here many times. Once he placed all of the fixings on the table in front of us Rascal continued...
“Martin only met her a few times. She’d light up a room with her charm. Then at our two year anniversary, she dropped a bomb. She told me we couldn’t see each other anymore. Devastated, I entered back into the seclusion I’d established after my wife passed. I recognized this woman’s independence. I’d leaned on her extensively. Perhaps my weakness drove her away. She constantly had to leave before midnight on the night of the full moon. I suspected her involvement with a clan. I never asked her, maybe I should have. The other thought that crossed my mind, possibly she was pregnant. Why would she disappear? Wouldn’t she have wanted to start a family, to get married? Then again, she repeatedly discussed her feminist ideas, her plans, and perhaps I would have held her back. She could have put the child up for adoption if she had been. I didn’t see her ending it. I don’t know. I just don’t know,” he stammered.
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