by Deanna Hall
“Show me!” The others had gotten out of their cars and were following us into the house. Big Chase advised us not to touch anything in case the police needed to be called in. “I didn’t touch a thing,” Charlie told us.
Everything looked perfectly normal until I got to the dining room. The teapot sat on a cozy on the table. One cup sat full, neatly on the saucer with the spoon set beside it. The other lie broken on the floor, where the bench had been knocked over like someone had gotten to their feet quickly. My heart started pounding in my chest. I tried to sound calm. “How long were you gone?”
“It was around ten when I drove the horses out. I was gone maybe two hours if that long. When the rain came, I knew the horses wouldn’t bother fussing at each other in the downpour, so I headed back.
The door was open, which I thought was a little strange, given how hard it was raining. I didn’t think much of it. I went in calling out for Makala, then Mia. When nobody answered, I went back out to check the barn.
I knew there was no way they would be out in this storm, so I went back inside and called Beth to see if maybe she had picked the girls up for a visit. That’s when I saw the teacup and the bench. I called you right away. We’ve gotta find them.”
“Maybe they went out for a run and took shelter from the storm somewhere.” CJ offered.
“The storm has been over for a while now. If they’d taken shelter, they’d be back by now. I can sense Mia, yet our connection seems off. Like she’s far away. Charlie, can you sense where Makala is?”
“No, I can sense the same thing you can. I know she’s alive somewhere to the west, but it feels distant, almost fuzzy like something is interfering with our bond. We all know they wouldn’t just leave broken glass and spilled tea on the floor. I say we call the police now rather than later.” Charlie replied.
I was trying very hard not to panic. Between the condition I’d found Mia in to begin with after being shot by the hunter, then, her near-death at the cliff and the mess in Texas, I’d had too many close calls with Mia already. I couldn’t stop pacing as we waited for the police to show up.
We waited for almost an hour. Usually, the police would have waited twenty-four hours to start an investigation, except the Police Chief was a pack member and knew Mia. Peter and Charlie had changed and gone off to recheck the area, just in case.
Chief Blake said what we all were thinking. “There is no sign of foul play except for the broken cup. If there was a struggle, it was outside. Unfortunately, the downpour washed away any signs we might find.
My gut tells me someone took the girls, only we don’t have even a trace of a clue. Unless someone decides to ransom them, we’ve got nothing to go on. Maybe someone from Amarillo wanted payback. Mia created quite a stir down there. She made a lot of enemies.”
I suddenly felt ill. I had never considered retaliation. Great Spirit, what would happen to them if they were taken back there. What kind of shape would we find them in, if we found them at all? The blood had drained from Charlie’s face. I knew he was thinking the same thing.
The Chief continued, “I’ll contact the Amarillo Police and see if they have any leads or ideas. I’ll put out APB’s on both the girls and we’ll contact the FBI. We’ll get their pictures out everywhere. If anyone spots them, we’ll hear about it.”
“Put a hundred-thousand-dollar reward for the safe return of each girl and twenty-five thousand on information leading to their recovery. That should provide some incentive.” Chase told Blake.
“You got it, Chase. If their alive, we’ll get them back, boys.”
I glared at Chief Blake. “What do you mean if they're alive? Mia is alive! I can feel her!”
“Sorry, kid. I didn’t mean anything by that. I’m sure their alive. We’ll get them back. If you get any ransom demands, contact me right away even if they say no cops. I won’t do anything that will get those girls hurt; however, we’ll need to get proof of life. I don’t know Makala, but Mia is a smart cookie. If anyone can take care of herself, she can.”
Pete and CJ stayed behind when the police and Chase left. We changed searching the area for even the smallest clue again, even though we knew it was a waste of time. We tried to make a list of people who might have done this. It kept coming back to the thugs from Texas. Even though Charlie and I could feel the girls, their spirits were obscured by something, making it impossible to track the direction or distance.
When I went into the dining room and started cleaning up the glass, I fell to my knees. Clasping my head in my hands, I started crying. I couldn’t believe this was happening again. How many times could I come close to losing Mia before I didn’t get her back?
I felt a hand on my shoulder. “Mia is ok, man. I can feel Makala. I don’t think she’s that far away. I can feel her spirit. It feels strong even though I can’t figure out where it’s coming from. We’ll get them back. We have to.” Charlie told me. The fear in his voice didn’t add a lot of credence to his words.
“I just got her back again. Life was perfect. I can’t live without Mia, Charlie. She’s my everything. When I found her the first time, even the bloody mess that she was, I knew. This girl was the only one for me. When she died, I pleaded with her to come back to me. She did. We were so happy.
Then CJ and Peter showed up. I knew she wanted to stay with me only she couldn’t bear hurting them, so she left. I almost lost my mind watching her walk down my driveway. Mom told us to let her go. She said we needed to stop being selfish and put Mia’s needs first. Even though it was killing me, I decided to tell her I would step aside. I was the happiest guy alive when she found me that night and proposed.
Then Amarillo. Mia almost died saving my ass because I wasn’t strong enough to protect her from that asshole and his goons. If I find out one of Snake’s goons had something to do with taking the girls, I’ll tear that town apart, one asshole at a time until we get them back.”
“I feel you, man. I was the pack player, even though deep down, all I wanted to do was find the right girl and settle down. None of the girls in the pack were for me. I never thought I’d find my mate. One look at Makala, and I knew. We gotta get them back.”
We went outside to join Pete and CJ on the porch. Charlie told them, “I should never have left them alone. Why didn’t we think about the fact that someone might come after them? That Snake guy is dead. Why didn’t we realize they might retaliate? We should have been prepared. Makala made her change last night. She almost died, but Mia and Kotah saved her. I was going to ask her to marry me.”
Charlie grabbed the front of CJ’s shirt, yelling, “We have to find them. I can feel her out there, somewhere.” CJ held his friend while he cried.
I went over, putting my hand on Charlie’s shoulder and said, “It’s not your fault, man. None of us thought they were in any danger. Their alive, well get them back. We’ll never give up.” And when I do, I’ll never let Mia out of my sight again, I thought to myself.
Pete commented, “Maybe, we should go down to Amarillo and talk to that bartender.”
I was in full agreement. “Yeah, maybe we should.”
Since we were all in agreement, we called Big Chase, to let him know where we’d disappeared to. After a stern warning to not do anything stupid, he gave us his blessing and said he let everyone know. He promised to call immediately with any news. The four of us jumped in CJ’s truck and took off.
It was almost midnight when we arrive at the Oil Can. Vinny, the bartender, was nowhere to be seen. Some other guy was manning the bar. Stalking up to the bar, with my three friends flanking me, I demanded, “Where’s Vinny.”
We must have made a pretty intimidating picture because the whole bar had gone quiet, and the new bartender’s eyes were wide with fear. He backed up a step with his hands raised in a submissive gesture.
“Vinny ain’t here no more.”
Reaching over the bar, I grabbed the front of his shirt, yanking him within inches of my face. I growled, “Where can I find
him.”
“Jail, man, Vinny is in jail.”
“Shit. Who took over for Snake? Are you the new guy's contact?”
“Who me, hell no. I ain’t into any of that shit. I’m just a plain old bartender. Besides, after the manhunt, there ain’t no one left to take over anything.”
Charlie demanded, “What manhunt?” I released the guy’s shirt, letting him fall back a little before regaining his footing.
“Haven’t you heard? It was big news around here. After the bust at the whorehouse, between all the girls, they gave up every slimeball, and hidey-hole Snake had. A multiagency task force raided every one of the joints. They rounded up all Snake’s men and rescued a bunch more girls.
Every one of them are behind bars with no bail. Between murders, human trafficking, drug running, and kidnapping, they have enough on those guys to put them away for life, if they don’t get the death penalty. Folks don’t like guys who mess with little girls.”
My heart sank. I was so sure one of those scumbags had taken the girls. I’d convinced myself we’d come down here and rescue them and bring them home safe and sound. Enraged, I swept my arm across the bar, sending glasses and pitchers of beer flying as I bellowed, “Fuck, who the hell took my wife!” Without another word, I stormed out of the bar.
When the guys caught up with me, I was leaning my forehead against the wall, punching it over and over. Peter caught my arm. My knuckles were a bloody mess. “Come on, man, let’s go home. We’ll figure this out. Maybe, Uncle Chase and my dad have some news.”
Taking deep gulps of air, I got it together. I noticed CJ’s arm was around Charlie, who looked as miserable as I felt. I muttered, “He would have called us if there was news.” while I let Peter led me back to the truck.
When we got home the next morning, we found my folks waiting. The next few days went by in a blur. The police put everything in place. The girl’s pictures were in every newspaper, online, and on the TV news across the country.
The headline in the local paper read Hero Missing, Again. It told Mia’s story from the time her parents were killed to her recent mysterious disappearance along with her close friend. There was a picture of the two of us as we were presented to the crowd as man and wife at the Powwow.
I’d never even seen this picture. Someone had taken it with their phone and sent it to the newspaper. I traced my finger over it, taking in Mia, colossal smile. So full of hope and love as she gazed up at me. Would I ever see that smile again?
My dad hooked up with the local police to help out with the investigation of any leads that came in. My mom cooked our meals, forcing Charlie and me to eat. Donnie was almost as shook up as me. He really loved Mia. He helped out with the chores around the ranch and took Cinnamon out for exercise every day. “Gotta keep her in good shape for when Mia gets home.” He told me.
Calls came in from everywhere. Most were people who thought they’d seen Mia or Makala here or there. None of the leads panned out. Pagosa Springs was filled with Media. In-between useless searches, we went through the motions of living.
Five days after the girls had disappeared, Chief Blake drove up. Charlie and I ran out of the house. “Do you have news?” He handed me a big manila envelope. “I found that on my desk when I got in this morning. No one had a clue how it got there.”
I took out a note. “Dakota and Charlie, Mia and Makala are unharmed and well. I will see to it they remain so. I wish I could return them to you. However, it is not within my power to do so. Perhaps one day that will change. They both cry for you every night. I do my best to ease their pain. I will keep them safe from further harm, I swear it on my life. Mia is strong and helps Makala cope. I am telling you this because I wanted to give you what comfort I could in this difficult time. I am sorry for your pain.”
I looked up at Blake, “What the hell is this. Was there some kind of ransom included, or is it some kind of sick joke? I mean, our names are all over the news. It wouldn’t be hard to make this up.”
“There was no ransom, just this. Does it belong to one of the girls?” My breath caught in my throat as he held up the necklace I had made for Mia. I grabbed it in one hand, wiping tears away with the other. “It, it’s Mia’s. Great Spirit, whoever wrote that has them. Why send this to me, why write this if they didn’t want money? Can you trace it, get prints?”
“Sorry, there were no prints, and no one saw anyone unusual in the station, though there are a lot of people in and out of these days with all the Media in town.”
I had to turn away. When Mom put her arms around me, I began to sob. “I’m not getting her back, am I?”
“Don’t give up, Kotah, you either Charles.” Mom said as she pulled a trembling Charlie into our embrace. “I believe this person wanted to give you and Charlie some peace. Maybe they are caregivers for whoever took the girls. It sounds like they are trying to protect them. Whoever they are, they’re trying to let you know the girls are safe. Someone is looking out for them. We’ll get them back.”
I had to believe Mom was right. If I didn’t, I would lose my mind. Whoever wrote that said they’d be safe from further harm. Did that mean they were injured? No, the letter said they were well. Whatever had happened to them, they were unharmed now.
The letter did its job, it gave Charlie, and I hope. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be the last thing we heard for many months to come.
Another New life
Mia
Ihad made up my mind as soon as I accepted my grandfather’s ultimatum, I would not give in to despair. As long as Dakota and I were alive, there was a chance of finding a way back to each other. Meanwhile, I would play my part to ensure that it remained true.
What I hadn’t figured on was bonding to Bodie. I didn’t know how that would affect the future. I figured I would cross that bridge when I got to it. After all, now that CJ and Peter had found new mates, though I still felt a special connection to them, it was more of a warmth and sisterly love. I was sure once Dakota and I were together again, that’s how my bond to Bodie would feel.
For now, I would make the best of a bad situation. The Great Spirit knew, despite the unending ache in my heart, I had been in much worse situations. Bodie treated Makala, and I exceptionally well. Even though Makala pined for Charlie, she liked Bodie as much as I did. Makala was surprised Bodie was true to his word and never expected anything from her. As a result, she let both of us comfort her. She even spent her nights cuddled in our arms in.
We had moved into Jackson’s larger bedroom, and he had taken the smaller one. “I wish my son to make his wives comfortable.” Jackson had told us smugly.
Over the next few weeks, we cleaned up the shack, repaired all the leaks, and painted inside and out. We even added some female touches to make it homier. Since Makala and I were close to the same size, the trunk of clothes Jackson had given me fit us both. Makala and I were even learning to cook with Bodie’s help. She was better at it than me.
Bodie gave me a knife for protection and taught me how to use it. He was also teaching me to use a bow and arrow. Not to brag, but it appeared I was a natural with both. I had taken down a deer with an arrow through the eye on my first try. My throwing skills were excellent, as well. I rarely missed the bull’s eye.
Bodie made me my own bow and arrows, complete with a quiver. He also made me a sheath for my knife. I kept it very sharp. I had taken up wearing them all the time. At night, the knife was under my pillow. No one was ever going to get away with taking me by surprise again if I could help it.
Makala was more comfortable with the domestic part of our life. She excelled at cooking and cleaning. Though I found it tedious, she actually seemed to enjoy it.
My grandfather left us pretty much to ourselves. When Bodie wasn’t enforcing Jackson’s will on the tribe, he stayed by my side. Unfortunately, Nashoba and his little band of followers continued to taunt us. They wouldn’t keep their hands to themselves when Bodie wasn’t around.
One aft
ernoon Makala and I were taking some cookies we’d baked to a family when Nastaw grabbed her around the waist. Pulling her close, he fondled her breast with the other hand. I turned, throwing my knife at him. It nicked his ear before being embedded in the tree behind him.
“Get your filthy hands off her,” I demanded.
Nashtaw released his grip on Makala as he wiped the blood from his ear. “You missed, Squaw.” Nashtaw taunted.
I gave him a hard stare. “I don’t miss! The knife went exactly where I wanted it to. Next time I will aim for your forehead.” I told him as I retrieved my knife.
The boys with him laughed as if they didn’t believe me. It didn’t matter because it was clear from the look Nastaw gave me, he knew it was the truth. We didn’t inform Bodie because I knew he would challenge them. I didn’t want Bodie to fight my battles.
All of the thirty-three pack members were gathered a week later for a celebration. When we made our way through the crowd, me holding one of Bodie’s hand, Makala the other, all eyes were on us. It was the first gathering since we had been introduced to the tribe.
I kissed Bodie’s cheek and whispered, “Excuse me one minute; there is something I must do.” I walked to the center of the arena and spoke in a strong, clear voice. “Grandfather, some of your braves seem unable to understand that another’s wife is off-limits.” Bodie looked at me, surprised by my words.
“Is your husband going to teach them otherwise?”
“No, I wish to teach them myself. I am no helpless squaw that needs to hide behind her husband.”
My grandfather was smiling broadly. “And who do you wish to challenge?”
“Nashoba. I believe if he is beaten, his pups will learn respect as well.”
My grandfather’s eyes widened in surprise. Bodie stepped forward. “No, I cannot allow…”
Jackson held up his hand, silencing Bodie. “That may well be true, but I fear my second-best warrior might cause you great harm.”