by Diana Palmer
“I’m learning, Mr. Reese,” Maggie said, struggling to maintain a calm, professional tone after his obvious dig regarding her background. Perhaps she should inform this twit of her master’s degree from Harvard. “In fact, I’ve spent quite a bit of time tutoring some of your high school students lately.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, they have a marvelous after-school program out at Laughing Horse. The students have mentioned some of the problems they’ve been having in school.” She leaned back and crossed her legs, settling more comfortably in order to enjoy wiping that smug smile off Reese’s chubby face. “I’d be happy to share them, if you’re interested.”
Leaning forward, he rested his forearms on the desk. “Of course. We’re always looking for ways to improve communication with our Indian students.”
“Well, the first one is something I’m afraid I just don’t understand.” Opening her briefcase, Maggie pulled out the file Jackson had given her and studied the top sheet inside. “The kids told me they couldn’t take typing because they didn’t have access to equipment to do their homework. According to my figures, however, during the past five years, federal funds were allocated for fifty computers for Whitehorn High School. Is there some reason—”
“Excuse me,” Reese said sharply, interrupting her. “Where did you get those figures?”
“From the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” Maggie replied, trying for an innocent expression. “They keep very complete records, Mr. Reese. Would you like to compare them with yours?”
He pursed his lips and studied her, giving her the impression he was trying to calculate the wisdom of disputing the figures. She seriously doubted he wanted to open his own records for her inspection. Sure enough, he gave his head one decisive shake. “That won’t be necessary.”
“Well, as I was about to say, I don’t understand why the Indian students aren’t aware those computers are available for their use. Don’t you have a computer lab at Whitehorn High?”
“Of course we do. The Indian kids just don’t use it.”
Maggie shot him a doubtful look. “The students I spoke with are all very concerned about getting their senior English research papers typed. As I understand it, that’s a graduation requirement?”
Reese nodded.
“Well, I’m sure you understand that, because of their deprived backgrounds, none of those kids have computers at home,” Maggie said. “Frankly, Mr. Reese, I would think that if you really wanted to increase the number of Indian graduates, your staff would make sure those students have plenty of opportunity and encouragement to use the equipment the taxpayers have provided for them.”
Her thinly veiled sarcasm was not wasted on the superintendent. A dull red flush climbed up his face and disappeared into his crew cut. “Are you implying we don’t want our Indian students to graduate?”
Maggie smiled. “Heavens, no, Mr. Reese. I’m sure a dedicated educator like yourself must be terribly embarrassed by this school district’s abysmal performance in serving your Indian students.”
“Now, see here,” Reese said, thumping his index finger on the desk. “It’s not the school district’s fault. Those kids are lazy. They don’t show up half the time, and when they do, they’re not prepared for class.”
Dropping all pretense of pleasantness, Maggie glared right back at him and brought out her second round of ammunition. “Perhaps they would be prepared for class, if they were allowed to check out library books, like the white students.”
Beads of sweat popped out on Reese’s forehead. “They never bring the books back—”
“Never? I doubt that’s true. Tell me, do your white students always return library books?”
“Of course they don’t.” He shifted around in his chair, as if the plush seat had suddenly become uncomfortable. “However, we have a reasonable chance of collecting fines to pay for the books the white students don’t return. That’s not the case with our Indian students. Surely you can understand that we can’t afford to give books away.”
“Certainly. And I believe you’ve just given me an idea for solving these problems.” Maggie pulled her briefcase back onto her lap and put away her things. Then she stood. “Thank you, Mr. Reese. You’ve been very helpful. I won’t take up any more of your time.”
He heaved himself to his feet again and braced his knuckles on the desk. “Wait a minute. What are you planning to do?”
“The federal government gives this school district twenty thousand dollars a year for new library books, specifically intended for Native American students,” Maggie said, drawing herself up to her full height. “I’m going to recommend to the agencies involved that those funds go directly to the Northern Cheyenne tribal council. The same will be true of the equipment funds, and any other funds I find are being misappropriated.”
“Misappropriated!”
“If you were a Native American parent, what would you call it?” Maggie demanded. “The children need books and computers. If you can’t allow them access, we’ll have to find another way to get it for them. The after-school program at the reservation has plenty of room for a library and a computer center.”
“You can’t do this!”
“Oh, but I can, and what I’m proposing is only the beginning,” she said, digging the knife in a little deeper. “It’s obvious your schools are not capable of meeting the Indian students’ needs. There are other communities within busing distance. If this discrimination continues, the tribal council may well decide to make new arrangements for the children’s education. Have a nice day, Mr. Reese.”
With that, Maggie strolled out of the room, mentally dusting her hands every time she heard another outraged sputter coming from the superintendent’s office. She nodded politely at the secretary, then continued unhurriedly out to her rental car.
The first fit of giggles erupted when she was safely inside the vehicle. Another followed, and then another and another, until she gave up trying to control them and whooped with laughter. Finally regaining enough composure to start the car and back out of the parking space, she headed for the res.
“Hey, Jackson, wait until you hear about this!”
Jackson looked up at the sound of Maggie’s voice in the hallway outside his office, as did his Uncle Frank. She charged into the room a moment later, wearing one of her power suits and an exuberant smile that was bright enough to compete with the spring sunshine streaming through the window. Dropping her briefcase on the floor, she raised one fist in triumph and wrinkled her nose at him.
“Jackson, you should have been there!” she crowed. “It was great! The look on his face was absolutely priceless!”
Jackson exchanged an amused glance with his uncle. Maggie followed the direction of his gaze and blushed when she saw the older man.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had company.”
Frank Many Horses chuckled and muttered to Jackson, “You didn’t notice she was cute, huh? You need glasses, nephew.”
Ignoring the remark, Jackson introduced Maggie to his uncle.
“I’ve been wanting to meet you, Mr. Many Horses,” she said, offering her hand, along with a sincere smile. “I’ve heard so many nice things about you.”
While Frank shook her hand, Jackson cleared a stack of folders off another chair and pulled it over for Maggie. She shook her head when she saw it.
“I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I’ll come back later.”
“It’s all right, Maggie,” Jackson said. “I told my uncle about your visit with Reese this morning. He’s as interested in hearing what happened as I am.”
Giving him a delightfully wicked grin, Maggie waggled her eyebrows at him. Then she was off, enthusiastically acting out her part and Reese’s part until Jackson and Frank were laughing so hard they had to wipe tears from their eyes. She ended with a flourish, cheerfully bowing in response to their applause.
Jackson studied her glowing face and shining eyes and thought she was absolutely beautiful
. That she had achieved such beauty by accomplishing something good for the tribe enhanced his attraction to her. He wished he could pull her into his arms and kiss her sensible pumps right off her feet.
“Can you really do all that?” Frank asked a moment later.
A sober expression came over Maggie’s face, and Jackson appreciated her reluctance to promise something she might not be able to deliver.
“I’d need some authorization from the tribal council, but I’d be happy to try, Mr. Many Horses.”
Chuckling, Frank slapped his knee and grinned at Jackson. “There will not be a problem with the council.”
Jackson nodded in agreement. “I don’t think we should rush into anything, though. Maggie’s performance this morning is bound to shake things up. Why don’t we wait and see what happens?”
“That won’t help the seniors, if they don’t finish their papers on time,” Maggie said quietly. “And some of those kids have real college potential, Jackson.”
She was right, of course. Which meant they needed a quick solution. Before he could come up with one, however, the telephone rang.
He answered it, listened for a moment, then covered the mouthpiece with one hand. “It’s Congressman Baldwin, Maggie. You can take it in Frank’s office, if you want.”
“Thanks. I’ll do that.”
Frank shot him a worried look when she left. “What would you bet ol’ Reese has already been on the phone to Washington?”
Jackson nodded grimly. The possibility of Maggie getting into trouble with her boss over this had occurred to him. He knew it also must have occurred to her, and he’d admired her willingness to get involved anyway. Still, he had to admit he was curious to see how she would handle it. He eyed the phone with longing, then sighed and hung it up.
Uncle Frank had fewer scruples about eavesdropping than he did, however. Jackson watched in amazement as his big, barrel-chested uncle tiptoed to the open door and stood to the left, his head cocked to one side. Since Jackson couldn’t see his face, he had no idea what, if anything, his uncle could hear. The temptation to join him was too strong to resist. Taking a position on the right side of the doorway, he listened intently.
“I didn’t create the problem, Congressman. Mr. Reese and his staff did. They’re systematically discriminating against those students—and misappropriating federal funds.”
Jackson grinned. Maggie’s voice sounded cool and professional, but he’d tangled with her enough to recognize the note of steel that meant she was prepared to dig in her heels but good.
“I disagree, sir,” she said. “As a federal employee, I believe it was my duty to intervene. I couldn’t possibly have ignored the situation.”
She was silent for a long moment. Jackson held his breath in anticipation of her next response.
“I know you have to stand for reelection next fall. Yes, I’m aware I’ll be unemployed if you lose. But under the circumstances, I did the only ethical thing I could do.” There was another pause. Then she said, “Do you want my resignation?”
Frank shot Jackson an appalled look. Jackson shrugged and shook his head. Maggie had gone into this willingly, and there was nothing they could do to help her.
“No, I don’t want to resign, but I will not apologize to Mr. Reese. And I will resign if we don’t take appropriate action here. The Northern Cheyenne are also your constituents, Congressman. They’re only asking for justice.”
The next pause was even longer. “All right. I appreciate your understanding. Thank you, sir. Yes, I’ll be in touch. Goodbye, sir.”
Racing back to their chairs like a couple of naughty schoolboys in danger of being caught, Jackson and Frank barely got themselves settled before Maggie walked back into the room. Her expression was thoughtful, but not fearful, Jackson decided after studying her face for a moment. Damn, but he was proud of her. The look in his uncle’s eyes indicated he felt the same way.
Uncle Frank cleared his throat. “Is everything all right, Ms. Schaeffer?”
Smiling slightly at him, she nodded. “Everything’s just fine, Mr. Many Horses.”
“My friends call me Frank,” he said gravely. “I would like it very much if you would also call me that.”
Her smile brightened. “Thank you. Please call me Maggie.” She picked up her briefcase. “Well, I’d better get back to work and leave you gentlemen to your meeting.”
“We appreciate what you did for the kids this morning, Maggie,” Jackson said.
She gave him another one of those wicked grins. “Believe me, it was my pleasure. And one way or another, I’m going to get the kids what they need.”
Frank and Jackson eyed each other until they heard the outer door shut. Then Frank leaned back, laced his fingers together behind his head and stretched his long legs out in front of him.
“The Little Fed has a big heart, nephew,” he said.
Jackson nodded. “So it would seem.”
“Courage, too.” Frank added. “And strong convictions.”
“Yeah,” Jackson said. “She sure didn’t take any bull from Baldwin, did she?”
Frank chuckled. “Didn’t sound like it. Why do you suppose he backed down?”
“From what Bennie Gonzales told me, I’d guess Baldwin knows she could get another job on Capitol Hill without breaking a sweat. Or maybe he was afraid she’d expose him if she quit.”
Or maybe, Jackson silently reminded himself, Maggie and Baldwin were lovers. He didn’t want to believe it, especially not now. But this whole assignment of hers still had a funny smell to it.
“Could be,” Frank agreed. “She say anything about what she’s gonna put in her report?”
“I haven’t talked to her that much,” Jackson said.
Frank shot him a knowing grin. “Yeah, I heard you’ve been hidin’ out in the office a lot lately. You haven’t been avoidin’ that little gal, have ya?”
“I’ve been busy, Uncle.”
“Uh-huh. Maybe too busy. I think she’s got you runnin’ scared.”
“You’re way off base,” Jackson insisted, though he didn’t expect his uncle to believe him. Hell, he wasn’t too sure he believed himself. When it came to Maggie Schaeffer, he wasn’t too sure about anything. “I’m not interested in her that way.”
A touch of impatience entered Frank’s voice. “It’s time you took an interest in women again. Maggie looks like a pretty good one to start with, if you ask me.”
“I didn’t ask you, uncle.”
“That’s a fact. But women like her don’t come along every day. She had lunch with the good doctor the other day. Kane looked plenty interested.”
“Well, good for Kane,” Jackson muttered, suddenly wanting to track down his old friend at the clinic and punch his face in. Aw, damn, he was really losing it.
Frank’s eyes danced with amusement. “She didn’t look all that interested in him, though. Not like she looked at you.”
“Uncle, I know you mean well—”
Frank cut him off with an impatient snort. “That’s right, I do. I want what’s best for you and what’s best for the tribe. A woman like Maggie could be one hell of an asset for us.”
“I’d do a lot of things for the sake of the tribe,” Jackson said. “But I wouldn’t marry that woman just to—”
Frank interrupted him again. “Who said anything about marriage?”
“You did. You implied it, anyway.”
“No, I didn’t.” Frank laughed and pointed a finger at Jackson. “You thought up that word all by yourself. And you were thinkin’ it about Maggie, too.”
Jackson pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. “You’re giving me a headache, uncle. Knock it off, will ya?”
Frank climbed to his feet and smiled down at Jackson. “All I meant was, it would be a good idea if you got to know her better. For the sake of the tribe, of course.”
“I don’t have time,” Jackson grumbled. “I’m still doing your job, too, remember?”
; “What if I came back to work?”
“Did Kane say you could?”
“Oh, sure. The doc told me that a week ago.”
Delighted with the news, Jackson grinned. “You sly old wolf, why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you’re getting good experience,” Frank said, his tone completely serious. “And I’d like to know the tribe is in experienced hands if I drop over dead someday.”
“You’re not gonna do that, uncle.”
“How do you know? How do any of us know when that time will come? I want you to be ready just in case.”
“What makes you think the people would elect me to chair the tribal council? Most of them despised me for years.”
“You’ve changed since you came back, Jackson. Their opinions have changed with you. The council would never have let you fill in for me if you hadn’t won their respect.”
“I don’t know if I really want your job,” Jackson said. “It’s a real pain in the butt sometimes.”
“That’s for sure. But it makes you feel good to do things for the tribe, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah,” Jackson admitted. “It does.”
“The Little Fed felt the same way this morning. I could see it in her eyes. We need somebody with her knowledge and enthusiasm.”
“All right, uncle. When you come back to work, I’ll spend more time with her. Just don’t expect any big romance, okay?”
“Whatever you say, nephew.” Chuckling, Frank headed for the doorway. “Whatever you say. I’ll be in tomorrow.”
Jackson tried to get back to work when his uncle left, but the effort was futile. After ten minutes of zero concentration, he threw down his pen in disgust, leaned back and propped his feet on the corner of the desk. It was time to do some serious thinking.
He was interested in Maggie Schaeffer, all right. And it was a hell of a lot more than a professional interest. The Little Fed just plain turned him on. With her smiles and her laughter. With her temper and stubbornness. With her intelligence and courage and convictions.