“You’re not, but we should get going,” said Shellena. “I don't want to upset Tri. Things are finally coming together for you, Starla. Dan will be back home soon, and Tri's coming to your training session. Lance, let’s get out of here. I’ll see you guys later.”
I stood up from my seat, putting my coat on. “Call me, let me know what time I should arrive. Dad will probably drive me. I returned the moped to Cal. There isn’t time to shop for a vehicle now, evidently.”
“See ya. I’ll call,” answered Lance.
Minder and I headed out into the dark. I climbed back on the bike behind her. Then I put the helmet I’d borrowed on. She nodded her head to me, and I gave her the okay. Leaning in I held on tight as we sped away. Then attempted to clear my mind breathing in the night air.
Minutes later, Minder stopped the bike in front of the apartment.
“Here you are,” she said.
Thanks, I answered, getting off the motorcycle. “Do you want to come in?” I handed her the helmet back I’d borrowed. Then straightened out my mess of tangled hair.
“Nah, but make sure you talk to your mom before you head upstairs for your shower.”
“How did you know?” I asked, fumbling for my keys in my pocket.
“When I was human. I worked at a diner. The grease was something awful. I’ll see ya tomorrow. Okay? Now, contact your friends, shower and get some rest.”
“Yes, Mom.” I joked, turning my key in the lock. At that moment the door swung open. I almost fell on my sister but caught myself before we collided. I heard Minder chuckle as she started her bike. It roared to life. I glanced back at her taking off.
“Sis, Jenson called twice. Mom told him you were with Cal. That something probably came up.”
“Okay, would ya let me in already?” I asked, trying to push past her. She opened the door wider for me, and I slid in.
“Here, I’ll hang up your jacket for you.”
I handed it to her, turning my body towards the staircase.
“You smell,” she complained crinkling her nose.
“No, duh. I worked the line today. I’m going to take a shower. Tell mom we have a meeting with the clan tomorrow, ah and training. Lance is going to call.”
“Whatever, I’ll tell her,” she hollered heading to the kitchen.
Sisters, I thought as I climbed the stairs. After my shower, I’d call Jenson and tell him all about my day. Then maybe I’d catch up with Molly later. What about her date with Maine? Gah, hopefully, this meeting wouldn’t ruin it.
I guess her not getting involved made sense. She wasn’t at Thunder Head Bay and knew zilch about my clan. Once, I was at the top of the stairs I stopped. Then turned to my room. I leaned my head against the door. It creaked open. Reaching in I switched on the light. My bed looked extremely inviting.
Chapter 30
(Dan)
I pushed open the door to my apartment. Maybe I still had a cold soda in the fridge, I thought, locking the door behind me. I leaned against it scanning the bare room, then shuffled out of my shoes. Boy, did that ever feel good! I placed them against the wall laying my coat beside them. I wondered what Tri was doing? I got my phone out of my pocket, checking the time. Eight O’clock. She should still be awake if I wanted to talk. I turned towards the kitchen and froze. A faint glow appeared in the doorway. I couldn’t quite make out the shape, but it looked like a dark creature of some sort.
“Wh... what are you doing here?” I stammered.
A chill crawled up my back. Whatever it was, crept out of the shadows into view. I stumbled back a few feet! A large black wolf stood between the table and refrigerator. It let out a low growl from deep in its throat. Was this Starla's wolf?
“I asked you, what you’re doing here,” I demanded.
It looked up at me sitting on its hindquarters. “Keep the clan safe. The scientists are not far. Du-Vance was interested in something far more relevant than a peace treaty. In time you'll uncover the reason for his elimination. I’ll be keeping an eye on Starla. Do not, I warn you. Do not try to find them. Not now,” he said.
“What about the trial?”
The black wolf shook his head in frustration. “Go ahead with it. Do not attempt to establish contact with the scientists.
“Never, then how will we bring justice to our people?”
He smirked, then licked his lips. “They will pay for what they have done. Jones will see to that.” The wolf turned his long, lanky body around. Then trotted away from me heading to the wall. Where was he going? Little by little he faded out of view.
What the heck? Where did the damn wolf go! I flicked on the light in the kitchen. What the hell was he talking about, not to go after the scientists? What was it Du-Vance had planned? None of us were aware of any secret mission. He had wanted to be a Ranger. He was going to take over Mike’s position. What could he have possibly wanted to do that would have put our clan in danger? None of this made any sense. Should I call Tri? Nah, she'd only flip out. I'd wait.
I looked down at once. My cell phone was still in my hand. I dialed Rascal’s number. It continuously rang. Ah, no machine I'd forgotten about that. He didn't have a mobile phone either. I terminated the call deciding to try Jenson. He picked up after the third ring.
“I'm not sure where to start,” I stuttered.
“Okay, Dan. Ah, can I call you Dan?” asked Jenson.
“It’s better than Starla’s dad, sure. Something has happened. We're going to have to lay low. We cannot attempt to locate the scientists. Where are you at?”
“Home, working on homework. I was positive Starla would call me tonight. I haven’t heard from her or Owl,” he explained.
“I need to meet with everyone. Starla is training with Cal and Nayla tomorrow. We could get together before the session in the dining hall.”
“What happened?”
I pulled out the chair from the dining room table sitting down. Then got situated, I rubbed my forehead with one hand. “I can’t talk about it over the phone. Tomorrow ?” I asked. “The gang was going to meet Molly for lunch,” Jenson answered.
“Then plan on driving to Hunters Park afterward. I’ll be home in the morning. It should give me time to talk with Starla first.”
“OK, sir, - Dan. Are you going to be alright?”
“Yeah, I’ve just been shaken up. Can you do me a favor?”
“What kind?”
“Keep an eye out for Starla. Don’t go snooping online looking for answers about how the scientists created the bandits,” I suggested.
“I hadn’t thought of that. Now, Dan, don’t go giving me any idea’s. I might not be able to handle myself.”
“Jenson, I’m serious. There’s something about Du-Vance we don’t know. Hopefully, we’ll uncover it during the trial.”
“I’ll do my best to restrain myself. Afterward, I cannot make any promises. If we can’t pin Du-Vance’s death on the bandits, or the entity who else would have killed him?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted.
“Alright, then tomorrow. What time should I be there?”
“No later than three-thirty. Will you drive everyone?”
“Of course! We’re all meeting for Brunch. Talk to you later,” he answered.
I hung up the phone. I didn’t feel like calling Rascal again. If I contacted Tri and told her what happened, she would lose sleep. The wolf had not given me any reason to believe he was dangerous. Most likely he was Du-Vance’s spirit animal. I couldn’t prove it. However, there was no other explanation, unless he was, or is an actual wolf who saw the murder take place.
Chapter 31
(Starla)
I stepped out of the shower feeling refreshed. Then grabbed a towel and dried off. Warm fuzzy jammies! Yes, now I could finally relax. I put them on, enjoying the soft feel of the fabric against my skin. Before I could hit the dream land button, I had to make a phone call. Turning off the bathroom light, I slipped into my bedroom, grabbing my phone off the dress
er. Hmm, it would be great to hear Jenson's voice after today. I sat on my bed trying to get comfortable, then flipped my phone open to call him. It was late! Ten thirty to be exact. I hoped he was awake. I shrugged dialing anyway.
“Hey, Starla. I was hoping you’d call. Did you miss me?”
I yawned, “Sorry, it’s been a long day. I had to work on the line at Denny’s. After that, I returned the moped to Cal,” I answered.
“How’s she doing?”
“Good, she’s in fourth, fifth grade now? Online that is. Nuria and Minder have been on her about her studies. I’m not sure about Eva. Math is driving her nuts, but not for the same reason it makes me.”
Jenson laughed.
“I heard you had a meeting with Rascals tribe. I’d like to come to the pow-wow once you guys have it together.”
“Yeah, that’s not til late April. It should be well after the court hearing.”
“My meeting for training is tomorrow. I’m not sure what time. We’ll have an early lunch with Molly. Maine may or may not be there. Molly said something about a date with her the other day.”
“I know, your dad called me. He said I shouldn't try to locate the scientist. I haven't, but found it rather odd. He wants to meet at Hunter’s Park tomorrow. He wanted me to take you, do you want to go?”
I smiled and blushed. My heart started to beat fast.
“You, OK, Starla?”
“Yeah, I’m here. It would be sweet. We haven’t had tons of time together since the dance,” I admitted.
“I know. We did hang out at Molly’s but does recon count?”
“Nah,” we both said in unison.
I bit my lip and thought about the black wolf that had followed me. It didn’t seem as vicious as I had thought it was when I’d encountered it in my meditation.
“Your thinking again?”
“Lance and Shellena hunted Minder down tonight. She was taking me home. Once, they had pulled us over we decided to meet for coffee. I saw it again! The black wolf. It ran behind the motorcycle. It wasn’t ferocious. In fact, it seemed to smile at me. Then it stopped in the middle of traffic, put up its paw, and faded in and out. What's up with that? Cars just whipped right through it, as if it didn’t exist at all,” I explained. Then yawned pushing the covers down with my feet sliding underneath the sheets. I positioned a few pillows behind my head. “It’s definitely, a warning, not a threat. Maybe it’s protecting me, us? If so, why?”
“Good question. Recon sure didn’t do any good. If Nayla allowed you to attempt to contact it, then perhaps we could get some answers. However, she seems pretty uptight about stuff like that. Unless I’m wrong,” he replied. “
“She can be. I’m not, freaked out anymore. Not in a, oh, it’s going to get me, way. I would like to know why and what it's trying to do, or tell me.” I admitted.
“Me too, No one likes to be left in the dark.”
“Jenson, that’s so cliche’. I need to get some shut eye.”
I heard him yawn into the phone. Followed by, drawers opening and closing.
“Are you searching for something?” I asked.
“Information Rascal gave me on tribe pow-wows. Also, my black fleece sleep pants. It’s cold.”
“I’m wearing blue jersey pajamas. They're soft and comfortable,” I teased him.
“I’d love to see that, I bet they're perfect. If I was there, I’d wrap you in my arms and snuggle you.”
“Hmm, I wish, and cover me with kisses,” I added.
“If only,” he answered.
I snuggled deeper under the covers as I held the phone to my ear. My eyelids heavy with the need for sleep.
“Hmmm, so tomorrow at 11 a.m. We’ll kidnap Molly. Then see if she wants to double date with us for an early brunch. Later we’ll let the girls have their own alone time,” I suggested.
“It’s a plan, sweet dreams,” Jenson said.
“You, too. Hugs.”
“Hugs and kisses, night,” he replied.
I hung up, placing the phone on my nightstand. Afterward, I pulled my pillow close to me thinking about Jenson.
Chapter 32
(Wednesday, March 31st.)
(Dan)
How had I made it into bed last night? The last thing I remembered was contemplating calling Tri. I leaned down scratching at an itch on my leg. How late was it? I threw off the covers, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. I had to take all of my things home to unpack, then there was the clan, and talking to Tri. I wasn't looking forward to either of them. I’d shower later. My phone buzzed on the floor, leaning down I picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Hi there, I didn’t hear from you last night and was worried. What happened?” asked Tri.
I took a deep breath and exhaled. “I had to pack. Rascal was here Monday helping me. I considered dropping my stuff off Tuesday morning. Then decided to wait til the evening. By then I had gotten involved in setting up the courtroom for the trial. I found myself back at the apartment last night. I’m sorry I didn’t call. I should have,” I stuttered.
“It’s Okay, Are you coming by today?” she asked.
“Give me half an hour. I should be home by at least ten thirty. We’re meeting at three-thirty in the reflection room with Nayla. You’ll want to be there. Starla and Cal’s training starts at four. I can’t discuss what’s happening til we meet.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” she answered.
“Yeah, well, I don’t know what else to tell you. My hands are tied, at this point. Nayla is happy you’re willing to be there, for support if nothing else.”
“I will be for you, and Starla. I’m just getting Megan’s lunch ready for school. She’s been taking the bus.”
“How’s she doing?”
“Great, she’s happy you’re coming home. I have to go. I’ll talk to you...?”
“I’ll be there within fifteen minutes. The car is already pretty much loaded.”
“Sounds good. I love you,” replied Tri.
“You too,” I answered, hanging up. I was still in my clothes from last night. Did I even have any clean ones left? Rascal and I had practically cleared the place out the other night. I stood up making my way over to the chest of drawers. Nothing. Now, what was I going to wear?
It had taken me ten minutes to unpack a clean shirt and a pair of jeans. The car was a disaster. I looked back at the mess one more time before pulling up to the apartment complex. Once parked I checked my watch. Ten-forty-five, oh well. Close enough. Before I could open my door, I heard a knock on the hood. Startled, I looked up to see an older gentleman hitting it with his cane. What was going on? I pushed my car door open, stepping outside.
“Can I help you with something?” I asked.
“Ah, are you Dan? I’ve heard about you. Your daughter lives in Apt B211. You must be moving back in. Do you want some help carrying those boxes? I can get Fern if you want. She’s my wife. She can be a real nag if ya know what I mean.”
I forced a smile. “No, it’s fine. I’m sure my kids will be happy to get me moved in. So you know my name. What’s yours?”
“The name is Earl. Well, if you ever need anything I am a handyman. In spite of what my wife thinks,” he winked.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I said, shutting the car door. He nodded to me then went about his way.
I pulled my coat around me strolling up to the building. Then found the door to Tri’s, apartment. I knocked a few times and waited. When no one came, I turned the knob. It opened.
“Tri? Are you here?” I called, walking in. Then shut the door behind me.
She popped her head out of the alcove from the kitchen.
“I was putting on a pot of coffee. I can help you bring in your things if you want.”
“It can wait.”
“Are you sure? Especially if you left that car of yours unlocked.”
“Ok, but not everything at once. It’s mostly just clothing. I have a few board games, books, and
a lamp. The lamp was mine,” I said.
She nodded and shuffled into the hallway. “Can you grab my coat off of the hook please?” she asked, pointing to the puffy blue jacket. I took it, then helped her put it on.
“Thanks, I bet it’s pretty cold out there.”
“It is, hopefully, it warms up. Cavin is planning, for the crops to be planted soon,” I answered. I turned back and opened the front door. “You know you have some noisy neighbors. Earl, he offered to help me bring in my stuff.”
Tri shook her head. “Yes, that is Fern’s husband. I told you we have to watch out for them. They are nice but noisy.”
We walked toward my vehicle. “Is Starla still home? Jenson said something about them having brunch today. I was curious if she’d left yet?”
“You know the kids, they are always running late,” she answered.
“Hmm, that’s true. I wanted to see her before she left. I asked Jenson to make sure she gets to her training sessions afterward.”
“It will be interesting. It’s been a long time since I...” Tri leaned against the car. I pulled open the door on the driver’s side. Then started taking out a few boxes, setting them on top of the car roof.
“It’ll work out. You’ll be there for Starla. I’m sure Cal and Eva will be glad to have you too. Don’t feel obligated to stay long. Unless you want to,” I offered.
“We’ll see what happens, hand me a box,” she said, holding out her arms. I picked one up and gave it to her.
“Come on now, I can handle another,” she pushed.
Tri had three boxes. I didn’t think she could hold anymore. I took two out of the back seat. Then locked and shut the doors.
“Ready?” I asked.
“Of course,” she grinned.
“This is exciting. I’m a bundle of nerves our whole family is reunited,” I stated.
“Yes, it will be good to have you home.” She turned away from me for a moment. I could see her blushing a deep red. I almost wandered back to the apartment when she caught me off guard. She leaned in and kissed me.
Spirit Guide (Myth-Series Book 2) Page 14