by Rita Karnopp
“Maybe you should consider teaching writing and Native history to our young people. Your father is teaching them to speak the language of our people. Would he not be proud if you were to teach them how to write stories about their ancestors, the struggles of being Blackfeet, and the challenges of their hopes and dreams?”
There seemed no way to deny what Running Crane suggested had merit. “I…told myself I’d never return to the Res. I don’t want to raise my children there…and I…want to move on with my life. I don’t want to be held back by old traditions and old ways. We can’t live in the past, Running Crane. We can’t raise another generation of dependent Blackfeet.”
“Is that what you think our people are doing? High-tech society lures our young people away from learning their own traditions and language. The lack of jobs and income sends our people away from the reservation and the ties of family are left behind. We struggle to find a way to combine the values of the napi’kwan and our people, to build a society of respect and pride. The Ni-tsi-ta-pi-ksi must be a combination of ancient traditions and modern challenges. If our people are going to survive, we must learn to understand, respect, and accept each other’s ways…and live in harmony.”
Summer stared at the shimmering water, hearing his words and remembering a time when she felt as strong and determined as Running Crane. She had lost her way…and only wanted to be left alone without the constant reminders of the problems her people faced on the res. “I’ve…wanted to be free of the demands such thinking creates. I’ve come to believe that we have to let go of the past…and move on as other races have done. Look how the ancestors of the Blacks have merged into society. They’re equals now…after years of conflict and determination. If we continue fighting against the napi’kwan’s society, we’ll never become equal.”
“Giving up isn’t the answer, don’t you see? If we create a curriculum that supports our cultural ways, we’ll have the people’s support. There’s no reason we can’t teach our youth pride in their past, create a present with strength, and a future with fortitude of spirit.”
“You would be a great asset to the Tribal Council. Have you considered running for office?”
“Actually I’ve decided to do just that. There are a few things that need finishing before I can devote my energies to that end. Believe me, I’ve given this a lot of thought. Although the Tribe owns a pencil-and-pen factory and the Blackfeet National Bank, non-Indians own most businesses and services. The Tribe and the federal government do provide some employment on the Reservation. But most people don’t realize that only one out of two working-age Blackfeet have a job and Tribe members must survive on around four thousand seven hundred dollars a year.”
“And that’s my point. Why would anyone want to stay? Non-Indians care about those starving in foreign countries, sending aid and help…but they don’t see what’s in their own back yard. You see the problems…yet you don’t live on the res. Why?”
“Because I’m doing more good from the outside. I’m creating awareness and I protect our people from injustices because I care about the red man. I can’t do it all by myself, that’s why I advocate among the people to get educated and pay that education forward.”
Summer saw a side of Running Crane she never knew existed. He was a man of principle and advocacy. She liked the man sitting across from her. “So, tell me, how is your brother Terry doing?” She smiled at Running Crane. He reached over and slid her dark, shoulder-length hair behind her ear. The gesture made her breathless.
“He and Peggy are doing okay. He drinks too much and too often, but they seem to make it work. He’s been getting construction jobs and drying trucks during the summers and that keeps the bills paid. Just so you know, I’m really not angry at you for using me.”
Summer laughed. “I’m glad. It really wasn’t a very nice thing for me to do. You were such a womanizer. I didn’t think anyone would question your motives.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I had a lot of women friends, but few girlfriends. I like people thinking I was a womanizer, as you put it. I wasn’t about to argue. It’s a stroke to a guy’s ego to be thought of in such a way. Truth is…you girls scared the crap out of me. You were one of the few girls I actually kissed in the day.”
“Shut up! Running Crane you’re full of it. There are a lot of things I’ll believe, but that isn’t one of them.” She laughed, realizing it’d been a very long time since she felt this carefree and relaxed. She hadn’t realized it until this very moment.
“It’s late, we’d better get some sleep.” Running Crane said the words but made no motion to get up.
“Did…did you find any sign of someone watching us?” She wanted to know, but hoped they’d all been edgy and imagined it.
“I was hoping you wouldn’t ask. Truth is I found the tracks from two guys who’ve been watching your tipi from the east. I tracked them to where a pickup had been parked. They’d left by the time I got there.”
“You think they’re gone for good?” She didn’t believe it for a moment.
“Doubt that. They had a reason for leaving. My guess is to touch-bases with whoever sent them to find you.”
“You think they’re the guys who killed Jordan? They still believe I know something, don’t they? I was thinking about him…and I…do believe he was having a thing with Ali. I really didn’t see it before. There’s more to it than just that, but I truly don’t know what. I feel like a complete idiot, that much I’ll say.”
“But you’re a beautiful idiot. Does that help any?” Running Crane laughed, then leaned toward her.
She held still…hoping and fearing he’d kiss her. He moved his lips across hers, barely touching them. She leaned slightly toward him and he slid her palm along her jawline, lightly cupping the back of her neck and pulling her into his deepening kiss. She responded with gentle tasting, then returned his urgency.
He released her lips and leaned back a few inches. “I’ve been yearning to do that ever since I looked at you in the chopper. I’ve longed to taste your lips all these years. I wanted to know if I imagined it.”
“Imagined what?” she asked, puzzled by his comment.
“That you taste better than any woman I’ve ever kissed. That you make my heart race just by looking at you. That your blue eyes sparkle like sun on a smooth lake.”
“I would never have guessed you to be the romantic type. Why didn’t you ever let me know?” She could barely speak…his closeness increased her breathing.
“You were my brother’s girlfriend. I respected that…except that one time. I couldn’t help myself. I don’t think Terry was all that upset either. I think he knew you weren’t going to be happy living on the res, and that’s all he ever wanted to do. It’s home to him. It’s where all his friends are. It’s the only place he feels comfortable. Lewis has been getting Terry involved in Tribal government. He seems to take to it…and he’s earning respect from the elders.”
“Are you going to talk all night…or would you mind kissing me at least one more time?” Summer’s boldness shocked her.
He pulled her into his arms and lowered his mouth over hers. The depth from which he kissed nearly drew her breath away. She kissed him back like never before. She didn’t understand what had come over her…but she had no will to fight it.
He slid his palm around her back and pulled into him. She wanted him…every part of him. She returned his kisses, then pressed gently against his chest. “If we don’t stop now…well, let’s just say I need—”
“I didn’t mean to take advantage of you, Summer. I don’t know what it’s about you that melts my reserve. I felt it years ago…and I feel it now.”
“You weren’t taking advantage of me, Running Crane. I liked every one of your kisses. It actually surprises me, because I…haven’t felt this way in a very long time. I’d better go back to my tipi…before I can’t say no.”
He laughed softly and quickly got to his feet. He reached down and pulled her up, against
him. “I didn’t expect this. Please tell me you feel it, too.”
“I feel it, Nato’sin. I feel it.” She looked up into his eyes and smiled. “Would you walk me to my tipi?” She laughed at how it sounded.
“No girl has ever asked me that before,” he laughed.
Summer stretched up and kissed him quickly on the lips. A meadowlark released her warning thrill…again and again. “The meadowlark doesn’t sing at night. Something’s wrong!”
Summer’s heart beat fast as she ran toward the tipi. She swiftly entered and listened for Nah’ah’s soft breathing. Silence answered. The center fire had burned down to glowing coals, barely shedding light.
“Nah’ah! Nah’ah?” Summer dropped several sticks to the embers and as they added light she searched the shadowy space…over and over. “Nah’ah?” Summer called out again.
“Maybe she stepped outside to take care of nature,” Running Crane said.
Summer glanced back at him and fear gripped her. She ran out of the tipi and searched the shoreline, then edges of the dense woods along the river. “Nah’ah!” she called out.
“Nah’ah?” Running Crane shouted.
Summer ran back to him. “Where could she be?”
Chapter Five
Running Crane pulled Summer against him and held her tight. “I don’t know. When was the last time you saw her?” She trembled against him. This was his fault. He had a job to do and instead of protecting Nah’ah, all his attentions went to kissing Summer. They had depended on him…and he’d let them down.
“You left to check the area and I offered to do the dishes. Nah’ah went straight to the tipi for the night. I never thought to go in and check on her. After I finished cleaning up I went to the river bank. I wasn’t that far away. I heard nothing.”
“We can’t do anything more tonight. It’s just too dark. I promise we’ll find Nah’ah.” He walked around the campfire, looking for signs in the dirt.
“Where would she go? Would anyone hurt an eighty year-old grandmother?” Summer stood in front of the campfire.
It broke his heart to see a tear slide down her cheek. “I’m going to get my flashlight and see if I can track—”
“Don’t leave me here alone, Running Crane. I…I’ll go with you.”
“I can’t place you in danger like that—”
“Danger? I’ll be in danger if you leave me here by myself. I’ll keep quiet. I won’t say a word. Please, don’t leave me here alone.”
He walked the short distance between them and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Summer. I shouldn’t have let this happen. Come, let’s get that flashlight.” He took her hand in his and led the way down the path toward his tipi.
A twig snapped just ahead…Running Crane grabbed Summer and pulled her on top of him as he hit the ground, behind tall sagebrush. He held her tight and said nothing. Her heart beat fast against him.
It’s seemed an hour, but in reality after ten minutes or so, Running Crane scrambled to his feet, pulling Summer up with him. He whispered, “We’ll go slow and easy. Stay behind me and don’t say a word. It was most likely a deer.”
“Right.”
He couldn’t help smirking. Like in the old days, there was no fooling her. He led the way, step after step, neither making a sound. He stopped just short the tipi and stood, listening. Satisfied, he entered and froze. “What the hell?”
“Oh my God, everything’s destroyed.” Summer leaned against him. “It looks like someone took a knife and slashed…you don’t think he took Nah’ah, do you? Is this a warning of what he’ll do to her?”
“He isn’t going to hurt Nah’ah. If he took her as his hostage…it’s a means to an end. We’ll do or give him what he wants and he’ll give her back to us. Stay here and I’ll—”
“No! Don’t leave me!”
“I just want to get my backpack and bow from a nearby tree. I hope it’s still there.”
“I’ll come with you.”
He didn’t care to stress her more. He moved back outside and in the moonlight led the way toward the river’s edge. He paused, standing and listening. Crickets and frogs answered.
An owl hooted. Summer whispered, “He’s the spirit of Jordan, haunting me to find his killer.”
“Somehow I don’t think you believe that. Many of our old ones still believe the spirits of the dead appear in the form of an owl. I’m of the belief he’s just an owl. There,” he pointed at a tree just ahead of them.
He untied a rope and lowered a backpack. “You still have that gun I gave you?”
“I…rolled it up in my dirty clothes and I left them on a towel by the water.”
He led the way, knowing there was a good chance it was still there.” Within minutes they reached the towel still spread out on the grass.
She dropped to her knees and lifted the edge she’d placed the weapon under. “The gun is gone. How…would he know where I put it?”
“Good question.” Running Crane led the way along the shore and stopped by an old Cottonwood. “I might not have a gun, but I’m every bit as accurate with this.” He untied a rope and lowered a bow. “I only have six arrows, but we can make more if we need to.”
“You think it’ll come to…that?” She rolled her clothes and shoes inside the towel and tucked them under her arm.
“I hope not.” He dug in the pack side pocket and removed a flashlight, then slipped it over his shoulders. “Come on, we’re going back to search my tipi. Maybe the intruder left a note telling us what he wants. We can also check Nah’ah’s— look!” Summer screamed.
He turned and spotted fire shooting toward the sky. “Damn it to hell! I think that’s my tipi. Hurry, Summer! We don’t want to start this forest on fire.” He ran, holding her hand and pulling her along as fast as he could.
“They’re both on fire. Who would do such a thing?” Summer asked.
“Right now we have to take those two buckets you washed dishes in, fill them with water and get these fires under control.” Once they reached the river and were out of the light of the burning tipis, Running Crane reached up and hooked his bow in the first tree alongside the river. Several trees down he hooked his pack as high as he could reach, hoping the doer couldn’t see him. He hurried back to Summer’s side, glad she had both buckets full.
They rushed back up the small hill and poured water on first Nah’ah’s tipi, running back and forth filling their buckets with water. Once her tipi smoldered, they ran further down the trail and dowsed the fire consuming his tipi. Exhausted, they finally finished. He couldn’t help being impressed how quickly Summer pitched in and how hard she worked. Side-by-side they managed to get the job done.
“We need to wash the smell of smoke off our bodies and clothes.”
“Why do that right now? I’m exhausted and it’s starting to get chilly.” She dropped to her knees and sat on the grass, spent. “Unless you plan on building a bold campfire, we won’t dry until the heat of tomorrow. I don’t feel like being wet and cold the whole night.”
“That’s just it. Whoever started these fires knows we’re right here. He watched us put those fires out. We wash up, build our fire and dry off. Then we get some sleep until the wee, quiet hours of the morning. Then we slip into the forest like a snake under a log. Now you see us…now you don’t. If we smell like smoke every animal upwind of us will spook. It’ll be a dead giveaway to our position.”
“Oh, I guess you’re right. I’m stuck in a sundress? You’ve got to be kidding. I hate dresses and I’d be more comfortable in a bikini.”
“I wouldn’t mind that,” he laughed and tossed several sticks onto the glowing embers from the campfire near Nah’ah’s smoldering tipi. It sprang to life. “If you hate dresses so much, why are you wearing one now?”
“Well…Nah’ah went through my suitcase and gave it to me to wear. I wanted to please her. You have to know she’s been playing cupid with us. It’s like this. I didn’t have much time to pack up my stuff at the apartment. F
ather and I tossed things together, loaded up his truck, and we headed to Browning. It took all of two hours. When we arrived home the chopper was waiting. I grabbed two bags, not sure what all was in them and left with you and Nah’ah. That explains the dress. I wore it once to a friend’s wedding.”
“I like it. You look soft and…alluring.”
“Cameron Running Crane said soft and alluring? You really have changed from the loud, know-everything guy I remember.”
He smiled and added a few more sticks to the fire. “It’s called growing up. I really wasn’t as obnoxious as you remember, was I?” He offered his hand and pulled her to her feet.
Summer smiled. “Maybe not quite that bad, but you were an in-your-face sort of guy. You wanted to be noticed, and you made sure everyone did.”
“Did you notice me?” He wished he hadn’t asked.
“Well…yes and no. I was interested in you before I started dating Terry. You never noticed me back and Terry, well you know him. He was a good ole boy, happy with life and hating change. You were the opposite. Every girl wanted you.”
“Did that include you, Niipo?” He turned to see her expression in the firelight. He found her even more beautiful than when they were young. If only she knew how often he watched her. How often he wished she was his girlfriend and not his brother’s.
“I wasn’t the kind of girl who would date first one brother, then another. I had my scruples, no matter how screwed up they were. I left all that behind me. I want more, Running Crane. I want so much more.”
“Come, we both reek of putrid smoke.” He led the way to the stream, searching the darkness for signs of movement. “Don’t bother taking your shoes off. We have to scrub every inch of our clothes and body. I’d be happy to help you if you need it.” He hoped she wouldn’t take offense to his bold comment.