Molly played with the heart necklace Maine had given her biting her lower lip. It looked like she was pouting. Was she hiding something from me? Us?
“I wasn’t going to reveal this. I figured you’d freak out.”
“What?!” I demanded.
“You love Willow, right?” she asked, letting the necklace fall back into place.
“No way! She’s not Willow in disguise!”
Molly began to giggle. “No, she’s not Alyson Hannigan. She’s studying Wicca. It’s hush-hush, so shut up about it, OK?”
“A Native American, a half fox, a soon to be Wiccan. And...”
“I”m just Jenson.”
“And I’m just Molly.”
“Somehow we all balance each other out. Now let’s play Skip-PO,” added Owl.
Chapter 26
(Tuesday, March 30th)
(Dan)
I turned my watch over, checking the time, 10:15 a.m. Megan had already left for school, Tri was at the library working, and Starla had dish duty at the diner. If I had a key to Tri’s, I’d go drop off my stuff. No one would be home til six. What should I do with myself? I’d let Rascal take the television last night.
Pulling out my cell, I searched for Ranger Mike’s, number. Then dialed.
“Hey, um, hi. I was wondering if you could use some help today. I’m in the middle of moving back home. Everyone is out, and my landlord won’t be home til Wednesday. I’ll give him my key back then.”
“He let you off the hook on the lease?” asked Mike.
“Ah, maybe you could help me with that. Do you know anyone looking for a one bedroom apartment? It’s near the college.”
“No, but I’ll help you make flyers. Why don’t you stop by, I have the materials to make them here. Later we can visit Cavin and Kaya. I’ll be there during the trial. Jones too. We have to keep our guard up. Anything new with you? How’s Starla?”
“She’s well, a bit spooked. Nayla has her training with Cal. She’s doing OK, college wise. It’s this black wolf that appeared to her. It happened on Monday. I’m sure the kids have done recon by now. I spoke with Rascal about it.”
“Well, get over here. Can you stop by and get doughnuts? I have coffee.”
“Yeah. Sure, give me ten minutes. I’ll be on my way.
I stood at the ranger’s door, juggling the doughnut box in my hands, and knocked. Then took a step back.
“Hey, thanks,” said Mike, opening the door. “You didn’t have to buy the large box.”
“Yeah, well that was all they had left. A glazed and chocolate dozen,” I answered.
He nodded, shutting the door behind me. I walked in and set them on the counter next to the monitor station. Mike pulled out a chair for me. I sat down unbuttoning my winter jacket.
“I can hang that up for you. If you want,” Mike offered.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll let it hang on the back of the chair,” I replied.
“Other then Minder’s injury, it’s been pretty quiet around here. We could go over the interrogation,” he said, sitting down near the monitors. “I think Lance will be helping you.”
“What about the Trinity, and Crusaders. We should hold a meeting with them before the trial. Has anyone spoken with Jones?”
“He’s been monitoring the area on his morning runs. He hasn’t mentioned seeing anything.”
“We need to bring them in on this, even though there was never any suspicion they were involved, it’s not good to just dismiss them, they’re still suspects. We just don’t treat them as such,” I confirmed.
“They were questioned after Du-Vance’s death,” Mike replied.
“Who questioned them?” I asked, picking up a glazed donut. I glanced around to see where the coffee pot was.
“Cavin spoke with them. They don’t leave the park often. Usually, if they're going to hunt, Kaya or Cavin are the members who give them permission. We don’t have any proof of them being in our territory on the day of the occurrence.”
Mike got up from his chair, grabbing two cups to the left of him on the counter. He moved a few items revealing the coffee pot. Then poured the coffee. He set the mugs down in front of us at the monitors. I reached for mine and let it warm up my hands. Then brought it to my mouth, taking a few sips, then set it down. Mike took his seat beside the monitors.
“Meeting with the Crusaders before the trial would be a good idea. I’ve seen a few of them lingering on the outskirts. They nod their head to me or bark in a friendly manner. I have yet to see any them in human form. They don’t care to mix with us,” Mike admitted.
“How many of them are there? It could be a problem fitting them into the dining hut.”
“It may. The best bet would be to have the main leaders there. I suspect not all of them are wolves. If we need to call any of them in we can,” suggested Mike.
We finished up our doughnuts and coffee. I stood up from my chair and grabbed the mugs. “Where do you want these?”
“Leave them, I’ll put them in the sink in the other room.”
“Okay,” I said setting them back down.
“Do you want to visit Cavin? I’d say let’s look in on the prisoners, but we have no questions lined up.”
“Yeah, that and it was suggested we leave it alone until the trial,” I answered.
“Anything unusual going on?” asked Mike. He stood, grabbing his coat off the hanging rack.
“Why?” I asked.
Mike put on his coat and finished buttoning it. “Well, you brought up Jones. He may not have seen anything. However, we had a group from the college out here Snowshoeing. A recreational week long class, adult education.”
“What happened? Was someone attacked?”
“Nothing like that. A student claimed to have seen a black wolf roaming in the woods. Could it be the same one Starla saw?”
“It’s possible. She encountered it during training. I suggested she and her friends do some research on it. Tri and I also planned to.”
“You’d better get your coat on. We’ll go to the dining hall and see if anyone is there. I’m not sure what everybody is up to today. Better that than having to drive out to Nuria’s. It’s quite a ways,” said Mike.
I fumbled for my coat behind me, put it on, buttoned it up, and threw the hood over my head, tying it so it wouldn’t fall off.
“You ready?”
“Yes,” I answered. All thoughts, on the flyers for the apartment, had been forgotten. I had too much on my mind regarding my daughter.
Mike shut the door behind us and turned, locking it.
“We haven’t had any problems with unknown predators. It may be a spirit. The Crusaders and Trinity group confirm when they have visitors. So I don’t suppose it’s a cousin or a relative. I’d know.”
“Okay,” I agreed.
We hiked towards the path leading into the pines. The snow was packed on the ground, which made it easier to travel.
“Have you spoken with Owl about the wolf Starla saw?” Mike asked, picking up his pace.
“No, but by now, I’m sure he knows.”
Mike opened the door to the dining hall, switching on the lights. We sauntered in and looked around. It seemed deserted. A faint light shone under the door leading to the kitchen. It sounded as if someone was in the middle of washing dishes.
“Maybe Kaya’s in there working on preparing meals for a few of the elders. I’m not sure why you haven’t met them, you having been here since Tri left us. I never felt the need to concern you with it. We have three in our clan, and a few others from the Crusaders. Kaya and Star take them, meals, now and again.”
“Do they live like the other foxes and wolves? Ah, sorry stupid question,” I answered.
“No. No, it isn’t. Mango lives in a hut. So do the others. Nuria and Eva helped to build them. Weird, right?”
“That name sounds familiar, maybe I met her once,” I replied, opening the door to the kitchen. Kaya was scrubbing dishes while Cavin rinsed and dried the
m.
“Hi, I thought about contacting you today,” she said. Then handed Cavin another dish to dry. “Star isn’t going to be able to set up the trial room. She had to assist an elder. Mango can’t seem to keep her hut up, by herself anymore. She’s a sweet old fox.
“Yes,” Cavin commented. Then placed a dish in a cupboard. “One who always thinks of others. You may find it odd, but around the solstice, Kaya would go out and buy her yarn. She’d crochet blankets for the newborns,” he said.
“The reason he brings this up is, she mentioned one was given to Tri when Starla was born. Mango has an amazing memory! Ah, well, I could go on and on. Mango helped train Nayla.”
“Ah, I think I recall her now! She came by once to congratulate us,” I answered.
“So, do you want some help setting up today?” interrupted Mike.
“That would be great!” said Cavin. He finished drying a few dishes and put them into an opened cupboard. “Do you mind if we go, start set up,” he said turning to Kaya.
“No, I’ve got this, you guys go get things ready. I’ll check on Mango and Star after,” she offered.
Cavin set aside the dish towel leaning over to Kaya. He kissed her cheek sweetly. “See ya later, Hun.”
“Yes, I’ll see you tonight,” she answered.
We stepped out of the kitchen back into the dining hall.
“Now, I want to move all these tables over to the left first. Then we’ll take two of them and set them up front. One will be for the judge,” said Cavin.
“So you’ll sit there?”
“Yes, this is only the second trial I’ve coordinated.”
I nodded and didn’t ask about the details. “So, why don’t you set up the judge’s table. I’ll put a table next to it for the defendant. We’re only bringing up one of the bandits at a time. It would be a disaster otherwise.”
“I don’t trust any of them,” Mike scoffed.
“Let’s get started, once everything is finished, we might as well discuss what’s to come. Are you in?” asked Cavin.
“Yes, with only two days left, we can’t wait around,” I admitted.
“No, we don’t want to go into this blind. I’ll call the others in for a meeting tomorrow. Nayla needs to get a hold of Starla before she makes plans. Although I’m sure training will continue after this is over.”
“How much longer will Nayla be here? You said she only visits once a year. It’s been almost two months since she arrived,” Mike commented.
Cavin motioned them to start moving the tables. “She may stay on until Starla Ariana’s training is finished. Now, let’s get this done. Afterward, I’ll pull out my log book. We need to start making notes, come up with questions. It shouldn’t be too difficult.
Chapter 27
(Starla)
I placed my apron on the notch in the break room. Then headed over to the sink in the corner to wash my hands. What a shift! I’d had to work on the line, making burgers, which was rare. One of the cooks called in. So I covered while Gina and Marla waited tables. After washing up, I grabbed my coat off one of the hooks on the wall. I’d been thinking about taking a ride over to Cal’s. I probably should give that moped back. I hadn’t used it as often, as I thought I would.
“Hey, chica. Thanks for flipping burgers for us,” said Marla, entering the break room.
“Sure, now I have to get home and shower,” I said, putting on my gloves and hat. “I was contemplating visiting a friend. Jenson and I, have had so little time together. Maybe he’ll want to come over to study.”
“Is that what you’ll be doing?” she chided while bumping me with her hip.
I had had thoughts about a full make out session. It’s not like I’m a total saint.
“I suppose we might snuggle a bit. If I’m real crazy, watch some television,” I admitted.
“You got a ride home?” she asked.
“I’ve got the moped.”
“Alright then,” she answered, patting me on the shoulder.
“I’ll see you later.”
“Later,” I replied.
Outside the diner, I put on my helmet, climbed on the moped and started it up. Home, or Cal’s? I pushed up my coat sleeve to look at my watch. It was six. I felt like I’d been neglecting Jenson a bit. At the same time, though I’d have to give this bike back. Why put it off? I adjusted my messenger purse and pulled my cell out of my pocket. If I didn’t call mom, she’d flip out.
It rang a few times until someone answered.
“Hey, Mom?”
“Starla, did you just get out of the diner?”
“Yeah, do you care if I head over to see Cal? I thought I’d return the moped to her. Molly had mentioned it yesterday in class. Would that be cool?”
Mom gave a loud sigh. “I don’t want you walking home in the dark.”
“What if I ran home in fox form,” I whispered into the phone.
“Call me if you need a ride. Fern and that, old man scope out the house every morning since they saw me one day. It’s why I’ve been avoiding the whole change a Roo. I’m sure if Eva is around, she could drive you back.”
“OK.”
“Be home by nine, and call Jenson. He called asking for you.”
“Will do, after I get home. Then I’ll take my shower. I had to work the line today. Gotta, go, mom, love you!”
“Love you too, and be safe,” she replied.
I hit the end button, shoving the phone into my purse not wanting to chance it slipping out of my pocket. Afterward, I started up the bike. OK, traffic isn’t too bad. I waited til it slowed, and pulled out into it. The wind whipped at my hair. It felt amazing to be riding again. I’d taken a few trips with it since Thunder Head Bay. I’d even taken Molly out once, just to get Slurpee’s from the convenient store. It had been a while since I’d gone to the Sunshine Cafe. Tomorrow's Wednesday. Hmmm, lunch with the crew? Didn’t Molly have a date with Maine? If I scheduled it right, maybe I could ask her to join us. I’d like to get to know her more plus her learning Wicca might come in handy one of these days. I would love for her to teach me! I should be careful, though. I didn’t want it to seem like I only liked her due to her belief.
I pulled up to a red light waiting for it to change. Half-way there I told myself. After it turned green, I revved my bike moving onward. The cold wind blew my hair behind me.
I stopped the bike in front of the cabin near the porch railing. There I secured the moped to it. Then skipped up the front steps. Cal popped open the door.
“I see you brought the bike back.”
“Yes. It was the right thing to do. Besides, you probably can use it.”
“Thanks. Minder and Nuria are overprotective,” she stated, rolling her eyes. “Yesterday, I convinced them to let me, explore the woods a bit. When I didn’t come back right, away they came out looking for me. I get it! They don’t want to lose me again. The problem is I need my space.”
“Sure, doesn’t everybody?”
Cal laughed, “Yeah, we do.”
“Can I come in for a minute?”
“Sure, sorry.” She opened the door wider.
I slipped inside taking off my coat.
“Here, let me get that for you,” Cal offered.
I handed it to her, and she placed it on a nearby coat rack.
“Thanks, should we just hang out here?” I asked, gesturing to the couch.
“Sure, take off your shoes, if you’re going to put your feet up. Minder hates it when I put my shoes on the furniture.”
“So, Where is everybody?” I asked sitting down.
“Minder was contacted to help with the kits. Nuria has plans to eat dinner with Rascal. I heard your dad was there today. I’m not sure if he still is, though.”
I leaned down, took my shoes off, and placed my feet up on the couch. “Ah! He better, fill me in if anything went down.”
“I’m sure if it did, we’ll hear about it. Have you seen our black wolf lately?” Cal inquired raising an eyebrow.
“No, nothing. Molly, Jenson and I did some research. We suspect the wolf may be trying to warn us about something. What, we’re not sure. Owl suggested it could be related to Du-vance. I found it inconclusive.”
“So we don’t have anything to go on, great,” she sighed. Then leaned further back into the sofa.
“When researching we discovered this wolf’s visit could mean, I’m on the right path with training. The wolf may represent my strength, courage, and loyalty to the clan. The bad news, it could also symbolize a lack of trust in someone I’m close to or an individual I shouldn’t trust,” I admitted.
“That’s mind boggling! I don’t know of anyone you can’t trust currently.”
I scoffed, “Yeah, not sure who that could be right now.”
“Are you edgy? “ Cal asked.
“Nah, I’m good.”
“My life is mind-numbing. I’ve been in study mode.”
“How’s that going, what grade are you in now?” I asked mischievously.
Cal laughed, “Fourth or fifth, I believe. I finished a math lesson, read Little Women and started a book report on it. I don’t even want to talk about the science project I need to tackle.” Cal pushed her books off to the side of the table. “You want some coffee? Nuria or Minder will be here soon.”
I nodded, standing up from the couch. Then stretched out a bit.
“I’ll get it started. Come sit with me when you’re ready.”
“Oh, I’ll sit down. Um, have you mastered full fox form yet?” I asked, meandering to the table.
“Yes! That is one thing that happened. But I have to confess something to you.”
I raised my eyebrows at her before pulling out the chair. Then sat down with my elbows on the table.
“OK, spill!”
Cal grabbed cups out of a cupboard nearby. Then started to make the coffee, leaving me to anticipate her revelation.
“Are you going to transform for me? Why are you, being so quiet?”
“The reason I was having a hard time changing is-- Mom’s half wolf. I have some of her genetic material. It tries to flip-flop me from a fox into a wolf. At first, I wasn't able at all. When I was younger, my body was still evolving. I could only transform into a fox. Now...”
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 12