“Of course. Soon,” answered my mother.
Chapter 18
(Dan)
Rascal slapped me on the back. “Glad to see you finally made it over here. I hadn’t heard a word since Cavin told me you had the bandits in custody. The Crusaders from over yonder, I see em now and then. That Amer, he’s something else. Have you met him?”
“I chuckled, he’s a character all right. We have to keep him in check now and then. Nayla is in an uproar. She’s been acting strange and wants not only Starla and Cal’s training moved forward, but also the trial.”
He nodded, leading me into the living room. We sat down on an overstuffed green couch. Sunlight wavered in through worn curtains covering a window behind us.
“That sounds like her. She never could sit still on a case. Too bad you weren’t able to get any answers out of the entity. That must have been a sight to see. Of course, no one knows anything but Cal. Starla was there at its capture. Owl mentioned they might not attend the trial. Why?”
I adjusted myself on the sofa, “Right now, it seems they’re trying to help Cal-adapt to living amongst the clan. I met with Nuria the other day. Then this morning with Tri. I’ve almost got everyone back on track. Cal is the exception. She’s reuniting with us. It’s going to take time to get her to open up about situations that occurred. Things, she may not want to remember. She might be apprehensive, but it seems she trusts Starla.
Rascal placed a pillow behind his back. “It’s a start. Still, they might have to testify depending on the circumstances. Even Nayla will need to realize this.
They’ll have to confirm what happened during Cal’s rescue. For me, no news is good news. At least in the media. I’m glad they’ve pretty much left us alone. They’re saying, bear attack. That should make the bandits happy. No one knows of our existence, well except....”
“I wouldn’t worry about Jones. He’s got our back. Cavin said you’d been by to see Nuria. How are the two of you?”
“Changing the subject on me, eh. We’ve taken a few strolls in the forest. I’m trying to understand who she is all over again. She tends to let her emotions get the best of her. We’re reconnecting. What about you and Tri? Are you going to move back, anytime soon?”
“Now we’re straying off the subject,” I replied.
“No, no, if you can ask about Nuria and me.”
“If it continues, I’ll move home in a week or two. I know she wants me there. She's afraid of the clan overrunning her life again. I assumed she was ready to merge back into the tribe. I’ve already reassured her she will not have to give up her current life. How many times do I have to do that? I guess I should be patient. I’d be a jerk if I forced my way back into our home. Megan thinks we’re silly. That we are in love, and...” I coughed, “I am in-- love with my wife.”
“They’d be safer with you at home.”
“I can’t act like the macho man. Tri and Starla would never allow it. Megan on the other hand...”
“She’s different?”
“Megan is a daddy’s girl. Starla loves me but is rough around the edges. I’m not sure why it’s that way. Women, who can figure them out? Still, we love them in spite of it.”
“I’m sure they feel the same way about us. Night and day we are, huh?”
I shook my head a bit, looking down at the gray carpet, then looked up. “Most likely. Um, there was a bit of a disagreement during our meeting about the bandits.”
“What was it?”
“Nayla wants us to allow immunity from death and banishment if they give up the person or thing that killed your son. Shellena was fuming after everything that happened at River Rogue.”
“I bet she was! I’m surprised at Cavin. He goes for the Jugular.”
“Everyone is speculating how much they know concerning the whereabouts of the scientist. Cavin suggested they might help us. They’ve already been pressuring me to do the questioning at the trial. I told them I’m no lawyer.”
“True, but you’ve always been reasonable. Mike, he doesn’t want to be involved in this? He and my son were awfully close. The only one he let in besides Owl. Oh, they should be here any minute now.”
“I can go, I need to contact Jenson.”
“Then you should stay. Owl said something about him tagging along. I’ll make us all some lunch.
“If it’s no trouble.”
“Come on. You can butter the bread rolls. I’ll tackle heating up the stew. Oh, and when they get here don’t scare that boy.”
I got up, and we headed out to the hall, then into the kitchen.
“Which one?” I asked, standing next to the dining table.
“Jenson, I don’t need you putting fear into him. I have plans for that kid.”
“Raz, what are you up to?”
He just grinned, ambling over to the refrigerator. Then opened the door, retrieving a container of homemade stew.
“You’re not considering making him a tribal warrior, are you? The clan pretty much has dibs on him. You know, he and Starla...”
“Dating, I know, but with my son deceased, I need someone to facilitate our rituals. Owl and I have been discussing it. We think he’d be a fine man for the job.”
“You may be right,” I answered.
I sat down with Jenson, Owl, and Rascal at the kitchen table. We were slurping soup and devouring homemade bread rolls. Rascal sure knew how to cook!
“This is delicious. Did you make it yourself?” Jenson asked between mouthfuls.
“Course I did boy, my pappy taught me everything I know about stew. How have you boys been? Are ya just, a hankering to get in on this next case, Jenson?”
“I really can’t say. I don’t know a lot about it. Starla brought me up to date on what occurred with Minder. It’s a good thing, Shellena and Lance dropped by the holding pen.”
I nodded. “Minder needs some training. I haven’t spoken to Nayla about it yet. She’s placing all her concentration on Cal and Starla. Once they have a few days of instruction in I’ll mention it might be a good idea to add in Minder. I don’t want to get her worked up.”
“Sure thing. Minder is fairly strong-willed herself. She might take offense to someone saying she lacks skills,” Owl commented, scooping up the last remnants of stew out of his bowl.
Jenson picked up his cola and took a drink of it. Then set it back down on the table. “What about the assignment for the scientists? Isn’t that why you wanted me to stop by today with Owl?” asked Jenson.
“The thing is Du-Vance, my son. He was a tribal warrior. He promoted our clan to the public in positive ways. Owl, and I thought you might help us out. We put on pow-wows, set up fundraisers, and often sit in during vision quests. I know you’re involved with the fox clan. It’s fine. We are allies,” Rascal answered.
“It’s a lot for me to handle on my own. It would only be twice a month,” Owl stated.
Jenson swiped his bread roll in the last of his stew, brought it to his mouth, and chewed. He grabbed his paper napkin, wiped his mouth and dropped it onto the table. Afterward, leaning back in his seat, he let a sigh escape.
“Well?” asked Owl.
“I’m not sure I can commit to everything. Dan, you said I’d be on this assignment to locate the scientists. When am I going to have time to run public pow-wows? What do I know about vision quests?” he demanded.
“Right now there are no leads on the scientists. If we get any, you’ll be informed. In the meantime, you’d be helping Rascal and Owl out with the tribe.”
“I’d be grateful. You’re not signing an agreement in stone,” Rascal clarified.
Jenson stood up and began picking up the empty bowls of stew. He didn’t speak. He walked over to the sink and turned on the water. Then used the old rag hanging over the spigot to begin cleaning them.
“You, don’t have to do that,” said Rascal, standing up.
“It’s fine. You and Dan made lunch. Do you have any pow-wows, or events coming up?” he asked, looking
up from the dish he was drying.
“I’ll look into it,” Owl responded.
“So, you’re in?” I asked.
“Until you get a lead on the scientists. Then that will be my priority. My first loyalty lies with Starla’s clan.”
“I understand,” answered Rascal.
Chapter 19
(Monday, March 29th)
(Starla)
After working a short morning shift at Denny’s, I stood in the entrance of the campus cafe. It was pretty quiet. A few students mingled loitering in the hall. I’d waited for Jenson to pick me up this morning, but he hadn’t shown up. I opened my mouth and out came a long yawn. Maybe he’d slept in. I stayed up late working on Math problems. I’d finally started showing up to class. One more absence and I’d be kicked out.
“So, you're still sleepy from all the excitement at the dance?”
I turned around. “Oh, hey Owl, Nah. It’s more like from yesterday morning, and my late night rendezvous with math. What’s up? Have you seen Jenson?”
“No, but I’m sure he won’t miss class. He’s interested in Native Myths.”
“What tribe do you suppose Jones will focus on?”
Owl smirked, “You know Jones he’ll have a smorgasbord of topics,” he replied.
“I agree, he’s always finding a way to mix things up. His classes are never boring,” I added.
We slowly made our way up to the counter. I grabbed a cup and filled it with Mocha flavored coffee. Then started looking around for the creamer. They usually kept it in a container. I loved the cute small plastic packages of Hazelnut, vanilla, and caramel. Just then, I felt someone bump my arm.
“Are you looking for the cream?”
It sounded like Maine. I looked up, she and Molly were arm and arm.
Owl had already made his way up to the cashier to pay for his drink. Maine was wearing a long flowing blue hippie skirt and a white peasant top. Molly wore a pair of bell bottoms with a white turtleneck. She had layered over it a blue knitted sweater.
Apparently, she’d been giving Molly a few style tips. Even if, it was from the 60’s.
“Yeah, how are you two? I thought you’d call me yesterday, Moll.”
“We slept in late. We stayed up discussing college, our dreams, goals, and movies, you know.”
“I do,” I answered.
Maine raised an eyebrow at me, then grinned. “So did you and Jenson?”
“Oh, no. We shared nacho’s under the stars from my favorite convenient store.”
“Is she joking?” asked Maine.
“No, she’s not,” replied Jenson. He placed his hand on the small of my back, leaning over he gave me a soft kiss on the cheek. “We like to keep our dates PG for now until we’re both ready. How about you and Maine, this was your first date, right?”
Molly blushed, nudging Maine.
“I thought with the longevity of your friendship you might. Yeah know,” Maine said, shrugging her shoulders.
“It’s OK. I don’t take any offense. Now, Where’s the creamer?” Maine picked up a container on the counter furthest from me.“Thanks,” I said, taking it from her. “I guess they chose the environmentally friendly creamer. No more plastic.”
Maine lifted an eyebrow, “It probably just got too costly. Your welcome.”
Do you have any classes today?” I asked her.
“I take this oils class. I’m into painting abstract art, but Mrs. Klutner has been forcing me to paint fruit bowls. It’s getting rather mind-numbing. I can’t wait til this semester is over. Once, I’m in Art II I’ll have more freedom in the projects I create.”
“Cool, we have an artist in the group,” Jenson remarked before I could answer her.
“It was good seeing you guys again, but I have to get to class,” Maine said swinging her book bag behind her. I noticed she had her art tools in a catty at her side.
“Wait,” said Molly. She handed her a cup of coffee. Maine pointed to it, then the cashier.
“I got it if you want,” she told Maine.
“It’s cool. Anyone else craving coffee?” I asked.
“Sure, pay for everyone’s after I get mine,” groaned Owl.
“Hey, I’ll get ya next time bro,” responded Jenson.
Maine gave Molly a warm hug goodbye and a quick kiss. Then waved to us as she left, like dorks, we waved back.
I turned to the group giving Owl a playful slap on the shoulder. “I’m meeting, Cal today after class at Hunter’s Park. Do you want to tag along?”
“Sounds like a plan. Jenson, are you in?”
“Definitely,” he said, squeezing my hand. “Dan said there is no news on the scientists. So much for an assignment, until they get the bandits to talk.”
“Yeah, Um, I’m going to go pay. I’ll meet you guys in class?”
Owl nodded to me, then turned to leave.
“One minute, bro,” uttered Jenson.
I leaned into him, and he kissed my forehead. “OK, see you in class, then,” he whispered. I let go of his hand. Then continued to the counter. Molly trailed after me.
“He’s such a gentleman. I wish I could be more confident. Usually, I let Maine handle our PDA,” Molly observed.
“Jenson’s sweet,” I said, taking my wallet out of my purse. Then pulled out the exact amount.
“How many coffees” interrupted the cashier.
“Four, of them,” I answered, and counted the money out to her.
“Thanks,” she replied.
“So, can I come to this meeting? Do you suppose I’ll be needed?”
“Dad did say you’re an official member now. What about Maine though?” I asked. We headed out of the cafe, dodging a small group of people attempting to enter.
“Just because I have a girlfriend doesn’t mean I’m going to stop hanging with the gang.”
“True. Who decided on your outfit today? I’ve never seen you wear this era before?”
“Mom had these in the attic. Maine said she was captivated by the sixties era. I thought they might be fun to wear.”
“So you dressed her up?”
“I guess you could say that. We’re planning on going out again. Maybe this weekend.”
“That’s good,” I said as we made our way down the hall to class. “ Um, so what did you guys do, after the dance? Can I ask?”
Molly giggled, “We went and got a bite to eat at the all-night diner. Then went to the hotel and soaked in the hot tub. I kind of wish you and Jenson would have come. It’s cool, though. We stayed up talking all night about films and art. Maine suggested we go to a local museum on our next date. She loves abstract art. Films, though, we have a lot in common there. Both of us think Michell Pfeiffer, is adorable!” she gushed.
“I’m pretty fond of her myself. Great actress. So what’s up with your dad? Was he OK, when you came home Sunday morning?”
“I guess, he sort of, avoided me. Mom wanted details.” Molly gave me a crooked smile, while she opened the door. Once inside we walked towards the front desks. I took a seat by Jenson. She situated herself behind us at a table next to Owl.
“Jones isn’t here yet. He’s never late,” I observed.
“Never late,” said Jones, peering into the classroom. He scanned the room to see who had arrived shutting the door behind him. “It’s nice to see everyone on time today. Owl, you’ll appreciate this section of my class. If you’ve looked at your syllabus, you know we’re going to be studying Native Myths and legends. We’ll focus on wolves and different views on them in myths of various tribes. I usually do not hand out material, but since this will be a broad subject we will not be using a textbook. I suggest you go to the library and check out books on the particular myths in this handout. There will be no test. Instead, you’ll write a paper on your favorite Native Myth. If you discover a tribe we are not focusing on, ask me. I may share the information with the class. Now, go over your packets.”
Mr. Jones made his way to his desk and picked up the hando
uts. He handed them to Jenson. “Please pass them out. I’ve got some papers to grade.
I looked up from my syllabus at Jenson after highlighting a few suggestions. “Do you think Cavin would allow me to ask the Trinity, about this? Could they be a Myth?”
Owl snickered. “I don’t suppose they’d be pleased about you calling them that. Rascal may be open to discussing with us what our mixed tribe believes.”
“Okay, maybe,” I responded, gathering up my books, and notes. I put them into my backpack. Jones had left. I guess he had some important meeting with the dean. Hopefully, it wasn’t anything bad. I’d heard him mumbling about it as he walked out of class. I finished packing up, zipped up my bag, then put on my coat and gloves. I grabbed my knapsack throwing it over my shoulder. “You guys ready to go to the park?”
“Of course, what’s the plan of action?” asked Owl.
“Cal and I are meeting with Nayla regarding training. Molly, I’m not sure where you’ll come in. I'd like you there, though, just in case. Cal and I have to prepare together. We’re um... tethered.”
“What do you mean by that?” asked Molly.
“Fixed, Cal is supposed to protect me in combat, somehow. It’s a bit blurry. I found out about it Sunday at brunch.”
Molly nodded. “I can just head back home. It’s no big deal.”
“No, it’s all good. Besides your part of the clan. I’m sure Nayla will need help with something.”
Owl gave Molly a comforting pat on the back. She put on her coat, hat, and gloves, and grabbed her backpack.
“Let’s go. We’ll take my car. I’m a bit jealous of your link to Cal,” said Jenson.
I grabbed his hand, and we walked out of the classroom into the hall. Molly and Owl rushed to catch up. “You have no need. Cal and I have been friends for a long time. I’m not sure what we have in common now. She seemed a bit perturbed that I’m the guardian, and she’s only the link. I would be too. Her mom was the guardian before me. My mother was only the link.”
“She’ll get over it. If you weren’t connected, you never would have saved her. Don’t ya think?” asked Molly.
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