Inheritance (The Dark Gifts)

by Willow Cross

  Shad settled on a classic rock station. Sarah smiled and crossed her legs, her foot tapped out the rhythm on the dash. Before long the radio blasted, “Smoke on the riverrrr,” sending them both into fits of singing and playing air guitar.

  By the time they reached the old bar, Sarah was giggling, animated, and telling stories about her friends. Shad pulled in and parked. “So Liz, covered in mud, runs up and gives Jason a big fat hug. You should have seen his face. It was hysterical! He had it all over him. Our team didn‘t win the volleyball tournament, but we sure had fun trying. You‘d love her. I wish you could meet her. She always knows the right thing to say. Have you ever met someone like that? You know, someone that just seems to always do the right thing? That‘s how I want to be.” Words tumbled from her mouth so fast, she didn’t notice the change in his expression.

  He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out again. There were only three vehicles in the lot. Two old trucks and a sleek black Chrysler.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Shad held the door open for her and followed her inside. The smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke assailed them as they entered. Large and open, three pool tables were placed across the front, with a yellowed linoleum dance floor directly behind. A silent jukebox sat against the wall nearest the dance floor. Five men sat around a table in the back corner. All of them watched the couple enter. A withered old woman behind the bar looked up from a book she was reading. Her eyes grew wide and she hurriedly placed the book on the bar and disappeared into the kitchen behind it.

  Placing his hand in the small of her back, Shad lead her to the nearest table and pulled out a chair. “Not much to look at, but the food is good.”

  “If we can order any.” Sarah answered still staring at the empty space where the bartender had been sitting.

  “Don’t mind her. She’s kind of weird.” Shad leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “I’m not positive, but I don’t think she’s fond of my people.”

  Sarah laughed and leaned her head to the side in an attempt to see the men sitting behind Shad. For a moment, one met her eyes then looked at the man next to him and whispered. The other man also glanced at her before leaning in to the table and whispering something. All eyes turned to her. Embarrassed, she positioned her body behind Shads. “What do you make of that? Looks like quite a meeting.”

  A strange look passed over Shad’s face, but he didn't turn around. “I don’t know. Just locals I imagine.”

  “One of them looks American Indian. The old guy. See him?”

  Shad didn’t turn around to look. “Probably Mexican. Most Native American blood in this part of the world is diluted.”

  “Oh.” Sarah pulled her mouth to the side and gazed into his face. He seemed terribly uncomfortable. Why wouldn’t he look her in the eyes?

  Reaching into his pocket, Shad pulled out a wad of bills. He placed them on the table and looked back at the bar. “Why don’t you go pick some songs out for us while I try to roundup the crazy bar tender?”

  “Sure. Do they have a lunch menu we can look at?”

  “Yes, but trust me, you want a cheeseburger. This place has the best burgers in the country.” Shad smiled.

  “That’s great. I trust you completely! You order and I’ll get some good tunes going.”

  For a moment, a pained look came across his face as he stood and went off in search of the elusive bartender.

  Sarah leaned against the old jukebox trying to find something that wasn’t country music. There were only two rock CD’s available. She played every song on both of them. While she punched numbers into the display, she began to feel like she was being watched. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, she noticed every man at the back table stared at her. They weren’t even trying to pretend they weren’t looking. Weirdoes. Maybe I’m sticking my butt out too far. Sarah stood up straight and positioned her body so they could only see her profile. Three more songs and they can watch the back of my head. Damn! Her fingers slipped as she attempted to punch numbers and keep watch on the men. A hand grabbed her shoulder and she let out a yelp.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Shad said.

  Sarah sighed and leaned against him. “That’s okay. I’m glad you’re back. Those guys are freaking me out.”

  “Those old guys back there?”

  “It’s silly. Never mind.” The first song was halfway through when she finally finished. She turned, smiled, and allowed Shad to take her hand as he lead her back to the table.

  With the music so loud, they had to sit close together to hear each other. Before long, the old woman appeared with two plates and two cokes. All of which she sat on the bar before disappearing again.

  Sarah shook her head and laughed. “I hope you’re not planning on giving her a tip.”

  Shad rolled his eyes and left to retrieve the food.

  Sarah let her eyes wander around the old bar looking at all the old signs and knick-knacks on the walls. The table where the men had been was now empty. She couldn’t remember seeing anyone leave through the front door. “Weird.”

  “Here we are. Best cheeseburgers in the world. Dig in.” Shad said as he sat the plates on the table. “Be right back. I didn’t have enough hands for the cokes.”

  Sarah looked at her burger. Holy crap! This has to be a whole pound of meat. I’m never going to be able to eat all of this. She pulled off the top bun and checked for ketchup and mustard, slapped it back on, and took a big bite.

  Shad returned with the sodas and a worried look on his face.

  “Wass wong?” She asked, her mouth full of food.

  “Nothing, why?”

  Sarah swallowed hard. “You had a strange look on your face.”

  “Nah, I was just wondering if you liked it.” Shad took a bite of his own.

  “Tastes different.” Sarah looked at the sandwich before taking another bite. “Ewww!” She dropped it on the place.

  “What?”

  “Gross! It’s raw. She barely cooked it. Isn’t it illegal to serve raw meat?” Disgusted, she picked at the bun and toppings pulling them off the partially cooked burger.

  “You don’t like it rare?” He looked surprised.

  “No! Did you order it like that?” Sarah’s stomach clenched as bile rose in her throat. She brought her hand to mouth quickly covering it.

  “Are you all right?” Shad leaned in placing his hand on her shoulder.

  Sarah shook her head. Her eyes darted around the room in search of the restroom sign. Finding it, she jumped up and headed that direction, trying not to run.

  Shad stood and looked back toward the kitchen. The old medicine man peeked around the pass through window. Shad gave the old man the thumbs down sign. The old man‘s eyes narrowed, he nodded once, and turned away.

  ***

  Sarah hung her head over the filthy commode. For the third time, her stomach lurched and emptied the remaining contents. She flushed and turned to the sink. Pale and drawn, her face had an underlying greenness to it. Cupping her hand, she took sips of tepid water from the faucet and swished it around. After several attempts to discharge the disgusting taste from her mouth, she gave up and washed her face. Her bloodshot eyes told the tale, but her color was returning to normal. When the whistling faucet was turned off, she heard muffled voices. It sounded like someone was arguing in the next room. Sarah placed her ear against the stained wall and listened.

  “I don’t understand why we don’t just do away with it now. What’s the point of waiting?”

  An older male voice answered, “It would do no good to just take out one. We need all of them.”

  The younger voice sounded completely sure of himself. “Would be easier to take it out while it’s alone.”

  “No.”

  “You gettin soft? Maybe you’re too old for this job.” Sarcasm dripped from the younger man’s words.

  Angry, the older man's voice raised. “Humph. Maybe you’re too big for your own breeches.”

 
; “This is the opportune time--”

  Sarah jumped as a knock hit the bathroom door. “Sarah? You all right in there?” Shad’s voice came through the door.

  “Yes. I’ll be right out.” Sarah took one last look at the mirror and opened the door.

  “I’m so sorry. I had no idea it would make you sick.” Shad’s face was sincere as he spoke. He searched her eyes as if looking for something.

  “I’m fine, really. I don’t like meat much anyway, but raw meat is even worse.” Sarah gave him a reassuring smile as she headed back toward their table.

  The disgusting burger was gone and in its place sat a new plate holding a turkey sandwich. Sarah looked questioningly as Shad. Shad shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d want another burger after that.”

  “You’re right. I don’t know if I really want to eat anything right now.”

  “Feel up to some pool?”

  “Why not? That’s what we came for, right?” Sarah smiled.

  They played several games before Sarah noticed several people had entered the bar. The five men had returned to their table. Two more sat at the bar, and three had just entered and were watching them from the doorway. It seemed like everyone there was watching her.

  “What’s up?” Shad said as he sunk the eight ball.

  “N-nothing really.” Sarah watched as the three by the front door took a table close to their now empty one.

  “Oh yeah? Then how come you look so nervous all of a sudden?”

  Sarah turned her back to the onlookers and whispered, “Have you noticed they are all watching us?”

  Shad looked around and shrugged. “So? You’re the only pretty girl in the bar. You think they’d rather look at the old woman?”

  Red faced, Sarah looked at her feet before meeting his eyes. Loud laughter from the two at the bar drew their attention.

  “Must have been funny,” Shad remarked as he began racking the balls for a new game.

  “I don’t really feel like playing anymore. Could we go?”

  “If you want. Let’s at least wait until all our songs have played. Okay?”

  Sarah looked around the bar again, took a deep breath, managed a smile and said, “Yeah, that’ll work.”

  She said the words, but it wasn’t what she really wanted to say, which had something to do with getting out now. The air in the place wasn’t right, it was ominous and the little hairs on the back of her neck stood erect as if electricity charged the atmosphere. She glanced at Shad. He didn’t seem to notice anything. He was arranging the balls in the little triangle, switching them around to create a solid, stripe pattern. She was acting ridiculous. Nothing was wrong. No matter how much she tried to convince herself, it didn’t change the fact that something felt wrong.

  While Shad was busy racking balls for another game, she let her mind stretch. Breathing slowed, and her heart began a lazy rhythmic thudding. Sarah’s senses became heightened. She could feel each heartbeat in the room. Even through the loud music, she could hear each breath taken. The two at the bar quietly discussed old cars. She could hear the pages turning in the old woman’s book. Those at the table remained silent. As she let her senses wander out, she reached the five at the back table. “It needs to die. What are we waiting for?” Went off in her head like a gunshot.

  Sarah’s eyes snapped open. Shad was still bent over the far end of the pool table placing the balls in the rack. Sarah turned to look in the direction the words came from. Four of the men were looking at a large piece of paper spread out over the table, but one glared at her. Her eyes met his. The hate in his thoughts matched the look on his face. A flood of emotion and thoughts filled her mind, rolling over her like a tidal wave.

  “Hey. It’s your turn.” Shad said.

  Slowly, Sarah turned to look at him. For the first time, she noticed he looked uncomfortable. Nervous even. Her eyes wandered over his body. Muscles ridged, his eyes darted from her to the table behind her. A look of recognition passed between him and someone at the table behind. As if he were trying to communicate with his eyes. “How much longer is he going to make us stay here? I can’t keep this up much longer.”

  Sarah’s eyes moved to the bar. The men had stopped talking and stared at her. The old woman looked up from her book. “Wish they’d get on with it. It’ll start gettin busy in an hour and someone’s gotta clean up the mess.”

  Inside her mind someone began screaming, “Get out! Get out now. Run!”

  “Sarah?” Shad was arms length away now.

  She snapped back to reality. It was all gone. No more feelings or thoughts, no flood of emotion, just the music and quiet people in the bar. Sarah stepped back, bringing her arms in front of her.

  “Sarah.” Shad said softly.

  Her lips trembled as she gazed into his eyes and took another step back.

  “What’s wrong?” Oh God. She knows. How can I explain this to her?

  Eyes wide in horror, arms still in front of her, Sarah asked, “What is your last name, Shad? Is it really Garcia?”

  Shit. Oh, no. Not like this. I don’t want her to find out like this. “Umm, where is that coming from? Are you sick? Maybe you have food poisoning.” Shad answered.

  Her arms dropped to her sides. With one wide turn of her head she slowly looked over the room. Three at the back table had risen. The three at the table near them were also standing. The two at the bar sat stiffly in their seats. Sarah brought her gaze back to Shad. “How could you?”

  Shad managed a smile, but the lie on his tongue didn’t match the truth in his eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  A loud bang resounded through the bar as the front door opened and was caught by the wind. All eyes turned to see a group of young people enter the bar, laughing and talking. They chattered as they pushed two tables together. Two girls split off from the group and went directly to the now silent jukebox. Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. The men returned to their seats whispering to each other. The jukebox began playing as those from the arriving group yelled out for service. Two of the young men took the pool table next to them and began setting up for a game.

  Sarah watched Shad’s shame covered face. “Sarah,” he said softly.

  “I need to get some air.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Her eyes flashed at him. “No. I-I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I just need to get some air…alone.”

  Shad looked at his feet before returning her gaze. “Don’t be long, okay?”

  Sarah managed a tight smile and moved to the front door.

  Outside, the wind caught her hair whipping it around her face. It stung as it slapped her cheeks and eyes. Tears trickled down her face. How could he do this? How could I be so stupid? Sarah looked around the parking lot. Several more people had arrived. She stepped back against the building allowing a group of four to pass. The woman trailing behind, stopped in front of her and touched her arm. “You okay, hun?”

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  “You sure? You look pretty upset.” The plump, blond-haired woman didn’t believe a word she said. Must have an asshole boyfriend drunk in the bar.

  “No, I’m good. Don’t eat the burgers here.” Sarah said and managed a not quite believable laugh.

  The woman patted her arm. “All right, hun. If you say so.” She took a few steps forward before turning back to Sarah. “Look, you need anything you just let me know, I’ll be here for a couple hours.”

  Sarah nodded and the woman entered the bar.

  Dark clouds loomed on the horizon. The wind picked up velocity, blowing dirt and small gravel across the parking lot. Sarah gazed at the trees in the woods across the road as they danced gracefully in the wind. They beckoned, whispering, enticing. She wanted to shift and run away. Not home. Not to Aunt Edna’s. Away. Somewhere no one would ever find her again. Somewhere she could be normal. Where the man she loved didn’t want her dead. Trickling tears turned to sobs as she ran toward the trees and safety.

&
nbsp; ***

  Shad watched the door close behind her. A tap on his shoulder caused him to turn. “She might be right back. This isn’t smart.”

  The old man motioned for Shad to follow him and walked toward the bar.

  “Hey, Tilda.” Shad said as he moved behind the counter.

  The old woman gave him a nod and continued fixing a tray of drinks.

  Shad followed the old man into the kitchen and shut the door. “I know what you’re thinking--”

  “You don’t know squat.” The old man’s eyes sparkled with anger. “You got too close to this and you know it.”

  “Really, Gramps. I got it all under control.”

  “Bullshit. I see the way you look at her. Do you have any idea how much this operation is costing the tribe? You gonna waste all that money on one girl? Her brother is a vicious killer.”

  “Maybe so, and maybe not. We don’t have any real proof it was him.” Shad shoved his hands in his pockets and leaned against the kitchen wall.

  “You know of any other dog living in that area, son? Cause if you do, I’d sure like to hear about it.”

  “Look, Jason is a nice guy. A really nice guy. I’m tellin you these two are different. Completely different from any of the others we’ve seen. Maybe cause they weren’t raised with the pack. I don’t know. If you’d just talk to them, get to know them--”

  “Humph. I don’t need to get to know them. I know what they are and that’s enough for me.”

  “But, Gramps--”

  “But nothing. You get out there with her and try to fix this. She’s got some idea what’s going on now I’ll wager. We can’t do a blessed thing now, not with all these people showing up. We’ll have to set up another time and place. You get back in her good graces and do it fast.”

  Shad looked at his feet.

  “You hear me, boy?” The old man reached out, and pushed Shad’s chin up to look him in the eyes. “This ain’t no time for fooling around. From what we can tell, this pack is larger than any we’ve seen. We have to take them all out before more people are killed. Do your job.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  The old man searched Shad’s face for a moment before letting go of his chin. “Now git.”