White Dragon

by Regina A Hanel

  "I'm here on official business, Joe. This is Park Ranger Samantha Tyler. We'd like to ask you a few questions specifically concerning this tag." Hastings held his hand open with the tag visible, and flipped it over. "This belongs to you?"

  Joseph Hilt remained quiet at first, as if deciding what to say. "It looks like the tag from my old boxer, Titan. Where'd you find it?"

  "Ranger Tyler found it. You say it belonged to your boxer?" Hastings didn't hide the skepticism in his voice.

  Again Joseph Hilt paused, this time a few seconds longer, eyeing Hastings and Sam as if looking for clues. "That's right. I'd lost Titan about a year ago. Assumed he was dead. He ran off and didn't come back. Did you find him?"

  "This tag was found around the neck of a sixty pound mountain lion in Grand Teton National Park Mr. Hilt," Sam said, no longer able to remain silent. "That mountain lion attacked a woman and nearly killed her. I don't suppose you were aware of that?"

  "No, I wasn't. How could I be? I don't appreciate your insinuations. I don't know anything about a mountain lion."

  Hastings calmed the situation. "Sorry about that Joe, but I'm sure you can understand the ranger's concern. Mind if we check around outside?"

  "I do mind. Do you have a warrant?"

  "I don't, but then I didn't think I needed one. Do I need one? Because if I do, I can come back in an hour or so with one, but then I'll have a few of my deputies with me."

  Joseph Hilt huffed. "No, go ahead. Your ranger friend rubbed me the wrong way is all."

  "I understand. We'll be quick." Hastings placed the tag in his pocket. He and Sam walked through the yard toward the shed in the back.

  "Sorry about that," Sam said, "but I know this guy is lying."

  "Don't worry about it. Seems to me he is too. Let's keep looking before he changes his mind."

  Sam lifted several of the blue tarps, only to discover more garbage underneath. After finding nothing in the shed, Sam was beginning to think they'd hit a dead end until she saw a small foot path behind the shed leading into the woods. She nodded in Hasting's direction.

  Fifty yards in they came upon several small rectangular cages with green tarps over top and nothing beneath them but dirt and mounds of trodden down feces. Two of the cages held mountain goats, one was empty, its gate swung open, and the last held a famished looking female mountain lion. Sam bent over and almost threw up. The smell was atrocious. When her dry gagging stopped, she moved closer to the cages. The female lion growled, her large incisors visible, and swiped her paw in Sam's direction.

  "I don't blame you girl," Sam said. "We're going to get you out of here, I promise." She inspected the empty cage and found a broken, rusted lock clinging to the gate. She addressed Hastings. "Can you arrest him for violation of the Wyoming exotic animal law?"

  "I can and I will. Title 23, Chapter 1, Article 1 prohibits the ownership of big or trophy game. On top of that, he'll be charged with a felony of cruelty to animals, which would carry an additional fine up to $5,000 and or imprisonment up to two years. If he can't pay the money, which might be a good bet, he'll be looking at more time, and that's his best scenario. If the woman you rescued ends up--"

  "Please, don't say it. I'm relieved something positive will come out of this whole ordeal. Let's not jinx it." Sam couldn't feel much relief after finding the animals and knowing their owner would likely end up in jail. Her only solace was the knowledge these wild animals would now get relocated and be given the chance to live better lives from this point forward. Once the realization set in, the need to visit Hillary Coleman seized her.

  FRIDAY ON HER way home from work, Sam headed to St. John's Medical Center. The last time she'd been in the hospital was a little over a year ago, praying Halie would regain consciousness after the helicopter crash on Pinebluff Mountain. Goosebumps ran along Sam's spine and over her arms as she recalled those frightful days. She never wanted to come that close to losing someone close to her again. Although she knew Hillary Coleman would likely be in no condition to talk to her yet, she was certain her partner would be by her side, and she very much wanted to speak with her.

  Sam walked down the sterile hallway past a transport worker rolling an empty bed. When she reached Hillary's room, she peered inside and saw Melanie near the side of her partner. She looked exhausted. Her partner's eyes were shut and her face was bruised, her scalp and neck heavily bandaged. Sam backed away. Uncertain what to do, she headed to the cafeteria, returning with two hot cups of coffee in her hand. Sam tapped the bottom of the door frame lightly with her boot. Melanie lifted her head and waved Sam into the room.

  "Ranger Tyler, it's good to see you again," she whispered.

  Sam handed Melanie a coffee. "It's good to see you too."

  "Thanks, I could use this."

  Standing next to the hospital bed, Sam noted Hillary Coleman's hands were bandaged too and several IV drips hung off a rack near her bed that fed into her arm. Monitors beeped from behind her. Sam pried the flap back on her cup and took a sip. "How's she doing?"

  Melanie glanced at Hillary. "She's doing quite well, all things considered. As soon as we got here on Wednesday, they rushed her into surgery to fix her scalp and neck injuries. She was in critical condition until the following day when they upgraded her to serious. This morning they said her condition's fair."

  "That's fantastic," Sam said. "I'd never have thought she'd have recovered this fast after what I saw the other day."

  Hillary stirred and wiggled her feet, then opened her eyes, focusing intently on Sam. "You both don't need to whisper. I'm awake," she said, a smile etching its way across her face. Then to Sam she said, "You're Ranger Tyler?"

  "I am," Sam said. She peeked at Melanie with a confused expression.

  "Amazing, isn't it?" Melanie said. "I thank the good Lord every day for saving her life and for sending you to us that day."

  "I did nothing, the two of you are the amazing ones," Sam said. She faced Hillary. "I don't remember when I've seen such fearless bravery."

  "I saw you the other day, before I passed out, but my vision was blurred. Thanks for what you did," Hillary managed, as her eyes welled up. She wiped them with the back of one of her bandaged hands. "It's unbelievable to me the power that animal possessed. I grabbed onto anything I could when he dragged me away, but nothing stopped him. I even managed to whack him on the side of the head with a rock several times, feeling the jolt and pain of him tear into my own neck at the same time, but nothing. Seconds before I saw you I remember thinking to myself, I'm going to die."

  "But you didn't die," Sam said.

  "No, I didn't."

  "I believe it's your tenacity that kept you alive. That and your partner's extraordinary effort to slow the lion down."

  Hillary concurred. Eyes remaining intent on Sam, she said, "Yes, she's something else my Melanie. I hit the lottery when I met her I did." After a few moments of silence, Hillary added, "This may be a long shot, but by any chance, is your mother June Tyler?"

  Sam donned a puzzled expression. "Yes, her name's June Tyler--do you know her?"

  "I think I might. You look like her and she's told me she has a daughter who's a park ranger out west, so I thought it might be you. She lives in South Jersey, along the shore?"

  "She does. I don't believe it. It really is a small world. How do you know her?"

  "I'm her oncologist. Your mom's a sweet and strong woman. How's she been doing? I think she's scheduled for a follow-up soon. I hope I'll be better by then."

  Sam tried to hide the shock she felt as a thousand questions, coupled with fear, ripped through her brain and constricted her breathing. Why didn't she know any of this? Her oncologist? Her mom has cancer? What type of cancer? How bad is it? How could she have not known? Sam needed to pull it together, and quick, if she wanted to find out more. She forced words from her mouth. "She's doing well. I was just there visiting and you'd never know anything was wrong with her unless she told you."

  "That's fantastic. Your mo
m is one brave and lucky lady. As I'm sure you know, medically, she's fine now. Her breast cancer appears to be in full remission." Hillary paused again, as if to muster more strength. "We found the tumor early enough and she handled the radiation well. One or two more visits and we'll be certain her worries are over. I'm more concerned about how she's handling this mentally."

  Relief filled every pore of Sam's being when she heard the cancer was in remission. "No need to worry, she's fine--honest. Talking with her, you wouldn't know anything was amiss at all." Sam realized her statement was no lie. "She's quite amazing," she added. Suddenly feeling spent, and wanting only to go home, Sam pulled Titan's animal tag from her pocket and handed it to Melanie. "There's something I wanted you to see."

  "What's this?" Melanie flipped the small object over in her hand.

  "One of the reasons I stopped by today was to let you know that the attack Hillary suffered was extremely rare, and that this particular animal suffered a great deal at the hands of a heartless owner, until it escaped. It was starving and likely mistook you're partner for a small animal when she bent over. This man obtained and kept the mountain lion illegally. I want you to know he'll almost certainly see jail time. At least two years."

  Melanie handed the tag back to Sam. "I don't understand. Why would anyone want to keep a wild animal like that? They've got to be crazy."

  "Money was the probable reason. It often is. He also owned a female mountain lion. She was emaciated as well. He said he planned to breed them and sell the pups, but apparently the female wasn't having any of it. If you saw the conditions they were living in, you'd understand why she'd not mated. She'll be taken away and protected now though."

  "I'm glad," Hillary said. "Thank you for telling us this. It makes a big difference in the way we're going to feel toward that animal and others like it. Thank God the worst is over for everyone."

  Sam nodded in agreement. Her only thought now was to go home, tell Halie about her mom, and hear her mom's voice.

  THE PHONE RANG three times before being answered. Sam paced until she heard her mom's voice. "Hi, Mom, it's me," Sam said.

  "Hi, honey, this is a nice surprise," June said. "What's up?"

  "Not much. I'm calling for two reasons. Well, three actually. One was to tell you that we miss you a lot, the second was to ask you about what you forgot to tell us, and the third is that I wanted to hear your voice." Sam petted Jake on the head. Her pacing roused him from his place of near slumber and brought him to her side, where he sat and leaned into her leg.

  "That's sweet, honey. I miss you both a whole lot sweetie, and I'm thrilled you called, but I don't know what you mean about "˜what I forgot to tell you.'"

  "I know you're seeing Hillary Coleman."

  A couple of seconds of silence followed Sam's statement before her mom replied, "How did you know?"

  "It's a long story," Sam said, and after relaying it to her mom she ended with, "Why didn't you tell me you were diagnosed with breast cancer? Don't you think that's something I would have wanted to know?"

  "You have enough on your mind. I didn't want to burden you with my problems too."

  "But that's the whole point. I could've been there for you. Talking about it might have made it easier on you. I can't imagine how you must have felt. I always want to know what's going on with you, Mom, good or bad. You'd want to know if I was sick or hurt, wouldn't you?"

  "Well of course I would, but I'm your mom. That's different."

  "No, it's not different. I'm your daughter. Please promise me you won't hide anything from me again. I don't want to have to wonder about how you really are. That's more worry than not knowing."

  Silence once again followed for several seconds before June spoke. "I never thought of it that way. I didn't want to burden you with my troubles, but you're right. I should have told you. I will from now on, I promise."

  Sam exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Mom."

  "Sometimes I forget you're all grown up. I experienced a rough few months--the radiation treatments were no picnic--but I made it through, thanks in large part to Maggie, God bless her caring sole. My illness brought us a lot closer and it's made me value every day so much more. In a strange way, the cancer was a blessing as well as a curse. Thankfully I'm fine now and I feel great. I have a follow-up visit with Doctor Coleman next month, assuming she's well enough to see me, and as soon as I get back from it I promise I'll call you and fill you in."

  "Sounds good."

  "How are you guys doing otherwise? How's Halie managing with the gallery on top of all the other nonsense that's been going on?"

  "She's doing fine with the gallery, but otherwise not great. Not knowing who our harasser is, is taking its toll on her. I wish I could make her uneasiness go away. I don't like feeling helpless."

  "No one does. The police haven't come up with any leads yet?"

  "No, nothing." Since Jake fell asleep near her feet, Sam moved away from him and began pacing once again. "I stopped by the sheriff's office yesterday and they don't know more now than they did the day Coco was taken and our house was vandalized. He promised to stay vigilant, so I'm thankful for that. But I'm at a loss on how to lessen the worry for Halie. I wish I could take it from her, but I can't. It kills me to see her hurting, and I miss the old her."

  "I think she probably needs reassurance that you're there for her. Time will take care of the rest, unless of course they catch the nut or nuts that are harassing you guys first. Try to stay upbeat though. Eventually they'll either tire of what they're doing, or they'll be caught, of that I'm certain."

  "Thanks Mom, I know you're right, I just wish the whole ordeal was over with already. Anyway, I'm sending you a big hug over the phone and one from Halie too. Please say "˜hi' to Maggie for us. I love you Mom."

  "I love you too honey, and I'm so glad I have you."

  Sam choked up on the phone. "I'm glad I've got you too Mom."

  RONNI ARRIVED ON time Saturday evening. She stood in the foyer of Sam and Halie's house wearing the same black leather jacket, blue jeans, and the black leather Harley Davidson boots Halie saw her wear at the gallery a few days prior. Only the T-shirt she wore changed. The black Sturgis bike rally shirt with white lettering was replaced by an olive green Yellowstone National Park T-shirt.

  "Hey you nut," Halie said as she gave Ronni a baby sized bear hug.

  "Hey yourself," Ronni replied, enveloping her friend with her strong arms.

  "I can't wait for you to meet Sam. I keep chewing her ear off about you."

  "That can't be good. You don't want her getting the wrong impression of me before she's had a chance to meet me." Ronni was about to hand Halie a bottle of red wine just as Jake came bounding toward her through the living room.

  "Slow down, Jake," Sam yelled from behind, trying to catch him.

  "Whoa," Ronni said, setting the bottle of red wine on the foyer table, with seconds to spare before Jake was on her. He pushed himself in front of Halie, nearly knocking her over, and rammed into Ronni's legs, causing her to retreat a few steps. "Well here's a friendly fella," Ronni added as she reached down and let him sniff her hand.

  "Jake!" Sam reprimanded.

  "It's okay, he's fine," Ronni said. She pet him brusquely behind his ears.

  "Oh, he'll love you forever, if you keep that up," Halie said.

  "You be a good boy, Jake, and sit nice," Sam commanded.

  Jake sat, thumping his tail, eyes glued to Ronni.

  "Impressive," Ronni said.

  "He's a catch," Sam said. "You must be Ronni." Sam extended her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

  "Same here," Ronni said.

  "Any trouble finding us?"

  "No, not at all, and the ride was wonderful. I took the highway to Gros Verde River Road like Halie said. The scenery was fantastic. The river on the one side and the wide open grass plains on the other, with the mountain backdrop--it's stunning around here. You're both very lucky."

  "We are," Sam said. "Looks
like Jake took an immediate liking to you."

  "When I saw him charge in here, I wasn't sure at first, but since his tail was wagging, I figured he was okay," Ronni said. "When I was a kid I grew up with a St. Bernard--"

  "Oh yeah, I remember him," Halie exclaimed. "What was his name...Chauncey, right?"

  Ronni smiled. "Yup. Tough monster too. I used to ride him like a horse. He loved it though."

  "Sounds like fun. Let me take your jacket," Sam said.

  After handing Sam her jacket, Ronni reached for the wine bottle and gave it to Halie. "For you guys."

  "Thanks, but you didn't have to bring anything," Halie said. She waited until Sam hung up Ronni's jacket, then handed her the wine. "How about a quick tour?" she said to Ronni.

  "Sure, I'd love it." Ronni petted Jake as he made his way toward her side again. This time he approached in a much calmer manner.

  Halie ended the house tour in the kitchen at the same time Sam pulled the vegetable lasagna out of the oven.

  "This house is amazing," Ronni said. "I love the way the layout flows and how you guys decorated. It's big, but yet feels so quaint and cozy."

  Sam placed the dinner dishes on the kitchen table. "Thanks. I'm glad you think so. We both did a lot of work on it, though most of the decorating is Halie's doing."

  "I do what I can. I thought we could eat in the dining room today," Halie said.

  Before Sam could answer, Ronni interjected, "There's no need. I'm fine with eating in the kitchen. In fact, I prefer it. Look at me. I'm hardly dining room material."

  "You're being silly," Halie said, "There's nothing wrong with the way you look. But if you prefer the kitchen, then the kitchen's where we'll stay. We like it better in here too, truthfully."

  "Absolutely," Ronni reassured them.

  Sam was glad to be eating in the kitchen. She gave the salad bowl to Ronni to start with, then plated the lasagna. "Halie told me you're living in Kentucky. Do you like it there?"

  "It's okay. My dad's there, but Massachusetts still feels more like home to me," Ronni said. She handed the salad bowl to Halie.