Chapter 16: TRIbAL

Lillian Dawn Bearpaw at your service

“Santee Rez in one mile. Sure, you wanna do this Sanchez?”

Nick didn’t even bother to share a response outside of a point through the windshield of Deputy Darcy Grainger’s squad car. She took that as a ballsy way of saying, stop while she was ahead. Just not her car. Surprisingly with the aid of her siren Darcy was right on time in getting Nick to his scheduled appointment with Santee elder Newton Waterfall. “Crossing the line in 3... 2... 1...” She peered at him smirking then faltered as he finally glared at her, “Guess I’m the only one crossing the line here. I’ll shut up now.”

“You’ve met Waterfall?”

“Oh yeah! Now Newt, that guy is one heck of a nice old fart. Feathered hat gives me the giggles though. You’d think the local Native Americans would evolve more but sometimes they just feel all 1800’s. Newt especially dresses the part but he’s one smart cookie.”

“I hope he agrees with my request to help feed his people. I need my home cleared and looking nice.”

“Harbinger Shoals is a mess. Last time I went out there was to chase off some partying teenagers. Got a call about a string of parked cars on the main road. Pretty explanatory. Creepy place though I swear I heard whispering and a young girl’s laughter after I shooed off those trespassers.”

“Sure, it wasn’t one hiding and just messing with you?”

“Could be, I guess. It was dark and I didn’t have backup.”

“Eyeballs already.” Nick noticed, Darcy looking about but not seeing anyone directly. “Tree over there has a kid setting on a branch. Shouldn’t he be in school at this hour?”

“Pends on the parent. Some folks here tutor at home so they might not do the timetable setting so they can sleep in.” She chuckled. “Good eye though I totally missed the kid.”

“Sniper in the Army.”

“I thought I heard you were a pilot.”

“Nick of all trades.” Some jobs he could never offer insight into. Better left unsaid if she wanted to live a full life. He kind of respected Darcy so wanted to keep her alive. Nick was in most cases a very secretive man.

“I can see that. Mind if I ask what you’re doing to Midnight?”

“Nope!”

“Come on it’s obvious she worships you. You jumping into a blazing house to rescue her mom? I saw that, Buddy. She arrived with you.”

“Shared a bus.”

“Uh huh! I heard about you and Midnight on the streets of Caretaker. Her streaking all proud like.”

“You done prying?”

“Probably not. Comes with the job. Besides I also know the deal you made with Dolan. Against the law but if he’s overlooking it, we all are. I just ... think Midnight’s a good kid. I don’t want to see her hurt.”

“Bound to happen.” He grinned darkly. Bound tightly even, but again that was for his thoughts alone.

“I just don’t know what to make of you Sanchez. My gut says you’re a good guy but dammit I sense Prince of Evil about you too. Mixed bag!” She pulls up to the Civic Center where Newton arranged a meet, his home directly behind the building. Outside a young man was using a weed eater to edge the foundation, freshly mowed grass in bags spread out on the yard. “Might be your first candidate to mow the Shoals. That’s Lukas Porcupine.”

“Challenged?”

“That obvious? Yes, Lukas has Downs Syndrome. Kid loves to be helpful. They don’t even pay the boy for doing the grounds keeping. Just supply him the things needed. His mother and father passed away when he was 14. Newton and the elders gave him a trailer to live in and feed him. No real paycheck but at least they care.”

“On my hiring list. How old is he now?”

“22 I’m thinking. His parents died in ... bad timing I know ... but a fire. They think Lukas might have accidently started it. Nobody knows for sure because he was off fishing by himself. One thing for certain it wasn’t on purpose. He was traumatized for months.”

“Sad. I’ll pay him his first paycheck.”

“That would put a smile on his face. Might irritate Mordecai though, he’s sort of his Godfather.”

“Wonderful! Some Godfather if he’s not taking better care of him.”

“That’s Mordecai.”

“Makes me want to adopt him.” Nick chuckled. “Not!”

Car shut off Darcy sighed, “Here comes Newton now. I’ll wait here, maybe chat with Lukas.”

“I appreciate the time you’re taking in helping me here.”

“Chief’s orders. Now go talk to the other Chief.”

Getting out Nick stretched quickly then stepped forward walking up the sidewalk to greet the grey haired elder wearing a plaid shirt and blue jeans, a low brimmed brown Panama hat with eagle feathers drooping from the back of its brim. He also had circular sunglasses that was so dark he appeared blind. A few moments observation Nick knew the man was indeed without sight. As a sniper Nick knew to use his other senses as much as vision to hunt and scope.

“Mister Waterfall?”

“That would be me.” Newton beamed then turned his head toward Lukas. “Finish up Luke there’s breakfast on our table. French toast!” Nick found it funny when Native American’s often objected to any out of their own breed intermingling. Spaniard objection but obviously not French.

“Okay Mister Waterfall.” Lukas hurried but paused to tilt his head at Nick. “I can help.”

“Pardon?”

“You mow the Shoals.”

“You know about my property?”

“I listen.”

“Hired! Be ready in the morning.” He smirked. The boy seemed giddy, jumping up in step and waving at Darcy as if he had been given a puppy.

“Might do him good to get off the Rez a spell.” Newton nodded with an approving expression, “The boy hasn’t seen the world in five years. Blame us I suppose.”

“That’s on you Waterfall.”

“Call me Newt.”

“Call me Nick.”

“So, Nick ... what do you have to offer?”

“As I mentioned through my friends the Coopers, I need workers to clear the overgrowth on Harbinger Shoals.”

“Folks fear that place.”

“Why is that?”

“Ghosts! Death! Used to be a slave plantation back in the day.”

“Really?” That intrigued Nick knowing that he intended to make Midnight his slave.

“You should ask my granddaughter she is the Historian. She works in Charleston. One of our people to move on up to the east side.” Nick let that go right over his head the old Jefferson’s sitcom phrase. For a society so against outside influence they sure knew their TV shows. Like Lukas, Newt listened. “Walk with me.”

“My banker Lowell mentioned a woman from the Historical Society, even gave me her number. I just haven’t had a chance to do any digging.”

“Your lucky day. My granddaughter came to visit. On vacation! She stays with me and my wife Rayna. She and my daughter’s husband Samuel do not see eye to eye.” He taps his glasses. “Blind since I was ten.”

“I noticed! No cane to get around with told me you count steps and always listen.”

“Count cards too.” He chuckled, “Small casino on the Rez. My wife likes to gamble.”

“Don’t we all?” A winding sidewalk lead them back behind the Civic Center toward a reasonably kept home with a fenced in yard. On the other side of the fence sat an old woman knitting with breakfast on the table under a glass lid to prevent flies from enjoying Lukas’ food until he got there to enjoy it. At a gate Newt opened it and stepped through with Nick closely behind him.

“You smell of smoke. Have you not showered since rescuing Irene Amador?”

“Short one and a fast change of clothes. Didn’t have much time between the fire and the hospital. That bad?”

“Sensitive nose. Makes my sinuses itch.”

“I didn’t want to keep you waiting. I’m sure you have other more pressing matters to deal with.”

“Serving my tribe comes first. Tending to my garden after. I was joking about my sinuses. No allergies!”

“Good to know.” Nick found the man intriguing. In moving to the deck built off the back of his home Newton’s wife Rayna looked up with a hint of what is he doing here but did eventually show respect.

“Rayna? Bring Nick here an iced tea. Sit!” He motioned Nick to join him at the table. Hearing splashing Nick realized there was a 27 x 52-inch pool next to the deck. Chlorine should have given him a clue. Unable to see who it was swimming, Nick just sat down to conduct business. “How much manpower do you need?”

“I intended small scale at first. I need to rebuild the bridge supports before I can drive across it. So small mowers and chainsaws at best for now. Once the bridge is supported, I can bring in tractors. The place is in bad shape, but I’m determined to make it my home.”

“Need contractors?”

“Well, I hired a guy that came recommended by the Coopers, Niles Gullivant.”

“Veronica Redmane lives with his son William.”

“Yep! That a problem?”

“You must understand the Santee ways Nick. Even Irene and Matilda broke the code in marrying outsiders. Irene left my granddaughter’s father Samuel at the alter to be with the Spaniard. Bad history without my granddaughter Dawn’s lessons. Samuel was devastated but moved on to be with Dawn’s mother Wanita.”

“I would say I’m sorry but if that hadn’t happened...”

“You would not have set your eyes on Midnight Amador?” Again, Newt taps his lens.

“Aware of that too?”

“Nothing escapes my ears outside of wax.”

“Gotcha! Yeah ... I have my eye on her.”

“As a mate?”

“Probably not! I’m not into settling down with any wife and kids.”

“Ah! It is good then. Midnight has Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.”

“What exactly is that?” It made Nick set back worrying it might be contagious.

“From what my wife has read to me it is when a baby is born without a uterus, and never suffers from monthly periods. Nor can she ever get pregnant. 1 in 5000 women suffer from it.”

“I had no idea.” His sigh of relief withheld because he knew Newt was studying his response. “That’s something she should have informed me of, not you.”

“Perhaps! Yes, you are correct. Outsider she may be, Santee even as a half breed is still Santee ... cast out or not.”

“So why give their family grief? I’ve met Esteban Amador I agree he’s a piece of work but without him, Midnight would not have been born. So, I suppose I’m thankful of that much. At any rate can we change the subject concerning the Amador’s?”

As if on cue a head popped up over the back railing of the deck. Hearing water escape the swimmer Nick had his first hint of the mermaid. Losing sight of a definite female Nick tried to focus on Newton. Newton also pausing alluded to his notice of a new face incoming. With a towel used to dry her extremely long mane of raven hair came a remarkable beauty. A body to rival even Midnight’s. She however was full blooded Santee.

“My granddaughter Lillian Dawn Bearpaw. Cover yourself!” He knew his granddaughter’s white bikini was next to nothing. Before Nick stood a 5’7 extremely fit woman with huge natural breasts considering her fit yet somewhat slender build. Her big brown eyes studying Nick with questions, he being of Hispanic descent. Without even saying hello Lilly Dawn turned her back to him showing off her outrageously perfect ass. In toying with her hair Nick noted an interesting tribal tattoo on the back of her neck, cloaked otherwise by her mane. He simply went back to the business at hand.

“I’m thinking 20 workers. Big property the Shoals. Tree cutters, groundskeepers to mow, plant some flowers. Know a good mechanic? There’s an old 1963 Jeep Gladiator out there I’d like restored.”

“Joey Redmane does body work. Veronica Redmane’s father.”

“If he’s good then tell him he has a job. I’ll pay your workers twenty bucks an hour. Maximum of 20 employees until the place is done.”

“You are the gentleman who purchased Harbinger Shoals?” Dawn finally spoke up wrapping her towel about her body hiding it away. Nick missed it already, but he did have more pressing matters.

“I am. I hear you’re a history buff.”

“That’s what they pay me for.” She smirked with a wink hidden from her grandfather, however Rayna returning with Nick’s glass of iced tea saw the flirt and sneered at her. Dawn simply flipped her tongue at her grandmother.

“Thank you.” Nick respected Rayna. “You knit I see.”

“Yes. I make clothing for those in need.”

“She taught Irene Sage how to knit and sew.” Newton brought up.

“Mind if I put in an order?” Nick smiled at Rayna. “Mrs. Amador might need a new wardrobe after the fire.”

“I heard, that is very unfortunate. I am afraid I must decline.”

“Oh, come on Grandma. Irene needs our help. Stop with the outsider crap.”

“Tone Lillian.” Newt grumbled.

“Midnight’s a sweet girl. Make her some clothes too. Although Daddy Morebucks here could just take them shopping. I know some killer stores in Charleston I’d be happy to show them.”

“Midnight can fend for herself.” Nick growled. Tempted to ask about her tattoo he reconsidered in case her grandparents were unaware. Lukas Porcupine arriving was a perfect diversion. With him Deputy Darcy stepped up with news of her own.

“Sorry to interrupt. Two things Nick ... I have to answer a call over in Turncoat. Domestic stuff! I can arrange a ride back for you if...”

“I can give him a ride.” Dawn lit up as Lukas drooled over her more than his cold French toast. She was not helping him by unwrapping her towel for a full frontal then retied it just as swiftly. Even Darcy drooled in the moment, being very bi-sexual. Newton frowned expecting a wolf call out of the officer.

“I did want to discuss the history of the Shoals if you had time. Only thing is, after here I need to go back to Cordoba and check on Irene and Midnight. Esteban’s in custody until he sobers enough for Chief Roster to interrogate him.”

“Then I’m ... all yours.” Dawn smirked sheepishly. Newton reached for Rayna’s hand to prevent her swatting their granddaughter.

“If you’re fine with that Nick, I need to go.” Darcy cast an exit stage right thumb, “The other thing is your truck was towed into Berkley Coward’s service center in Caretaker. New tires within the hour. Sheldon’s car too.”

“Thanks!” He nodded, “Go! I’m in good hands.” Dawn wiggled her brows at him even though he barely looked at her.

“Call me if you need anything.”

“Yep!” He sighed as Darcy took her leave.

“Eat!” Rayna pointed at Lukas enabling Dawn to again share an inspiring grin that Nick just knew meant an offer to eat her. Not on his plate! Let her do her worst.

“I’ll make calls Nick. I have your number and I’ll communicate with my counsel on who best to send your way.” Newt returned to business. Your offer is very generous, but our laws often get in the way of progress. Pride is ... rather unforgiving.” Dawn sarcastically nodded agreeing with that assessment.

“You can imagine what I went through just to accept my position in Charleston. I had to kick and bite my way to be free.”

“Loyalty means everything Miss Bearpaw.” Nick opted to focus on tradition. “I suppose I’m just trying to mend fences.”

“By hiring Santee?” She asked with curiosity, “Many of our people won’t take you up on your generosity. Pastor Sage will give them guilt trips.”

“I’m no fan of Mordecai myself. Sooner or later he and I will sit and have a good long chat.”

“Good luck with that one.” Newt sighed, “Mordecai is bullheaded.”

“Influential though.” Rayna frowned dabbing syrup off of Lukas Porcupine’s chin in a motherly manner. It was obvious they were all fond of the boy.

“Let me go get dressed and I’ll drive you back to the Shoals.” Dawn suggested.

“Cordoba General! I’ll make it worth your time.”

“Oh?” She nearly twisted her hair in a seductive manner.

“Gas money!”

“Oh! Ten minutes?”

“As long as you need.” Nick sipped his tea. “Gives me time to convince Rayna to put her seamstress talents to good use.”

“I will consider your offer. For Irene.”

“Ever think about opening up a clothing shop?” Nick put it out there. “I might consider getting you started in Caretaker; I know there’s quite a few vacant storefronts.”

“I would not wish to be beholden to you.”

“Not beholden. It’s a tax write off on my end. Just giving you something to think about.”

“I am too old for starting any business, but ... thank you.”

“Never to old Rayna.” Newton lit up, “Take the white man’s money.” It was then Newton Waterfall lowered his shades for the first time to wink. Nick found it admirable, if not racist.

“You can hire a few locals as seamstresses and sales reps. Pay them legit wages. I’ll give you the rent money up front for the first year. Better yet, I’ll buy the store and put it in your name. Taxes the first year on me. After that you’re on your own.”

“There is that garment store up town. I could possibly strike up deals on material.” She pondered but grew stressed. Heritage kept her at bay.

“No pressure Rayna, just a friend helping a friend. Speaking of ... put Lukas here on the grounds crew. Let’s make a real man out of him.” Lukas pepped up as Dawn excused herself finally, removing her towel to wiggle away. Watching her Nick chuckled, “Not that way Luke.”

“He adores Dawn.” Rayna recalls the boy’s face away from checking out her granddaughter. “Most young men on the Rez do.”

“You can see why even If I can’t.” Newton laughed. “I hear the wolf calls. The packs run wild here.”

“And I shoot at the wolves.” Rayna smirked. “I go to the firing range twice a week.”

“The woman scares me every time I smell gun oil.”

“Oh, Newton!” She pats his arm. “I would never shoot my bread and butter.”

“She said Butter.” Lukas had a good laugh. So did Nick. He needed it.

Parkay on the table!

Parlay too!

Cordoba General Hospital... 10:00 AM

“I will be fine. Quit fawning over me.”

“I’m your mother, Irene. I have earned the right.” Dorothy Sage pampered her daughter having broken in on she and Midnight’s private nap over the last hour and a half. Midnight wearing her doctor’s smock checked her mother’s forehead as if a doctor herself. Buttoned up most of the way her grandmother did not object. Being nearsighted helped.

Beside her stood Irene’s sister Tilly overseeing their mother while the eldest Sage sibling Mordecai found himself banned after violent outbursts. He had been allowed inside again after a cooling off period, but his temperament led to another confrontation between, he and Tilly’s husband Sheldon. Mainly over the accusation of Mordecai slitting his tires. It was true and Sheldon knew it, but with no solid proof, and Mordecai lying over it, the tension was quicksand thick. Some Pastor!

With everyone devoted to Irene, Midnight decided she had to go pee, excusing herself. Leaving the ICU, she walked out to find her friends Naomi and Caprice still in the waiting room, allowed in by the family. Seeing their fellow waitress, the ladies perked up from dosing off in their chairs. It became a threesome without the hanky panky in the restroom, the ladies following Midnight in as she tinkled.

“How’s your mom?” Naomi splashed water on her face then sprinkling droplets from her hand at Caprice.

“She will be fine. I am sorry you’ve both lost sleep over us.”

“Sweetie, we love you, so there’s no better place to be until we know you’re okay.” Caprice added.

“Your momma too.”

“I am fine.”

“Your dad is in Caretaker jail.” Caprice sighed, “Do you really think he burnt your home down? Hurt poor Irene?”

“I would like to ask my father in person. I will know if he is lying.” She just knew he did but felt compelled to hear him tell her himself one way or the other.

“What does Irene remember?” Naomi tilted her head.

“My mother will not admit the truth. She will protect my father even if he did do this. She is harder to read.”

“Lynette’s covering for me at the diner.” Naomi shared, “She and Olan. I could ... drive you to Caretaker.”

“Thelma and Louise style?” Caprice grinned trying to cheer up the mood in the washroom. “Backseat Barbie here.” She winked at Midnight which garnered a curious smile.

“Who are Thelma and Louise?”

“Two badass bitches!”

“We are, aren’t we?’ Naomi giggled. “Unless you feel you need to stay put because...”

“He will tell me no ... this I must do. If I am punished, I will accept it willingly.”

“Uhhh?” Caprice winced, “I think Thelma meant your mom.”

“Oh! Mother will understand once I return. Please take me?”

“Let’s ride Barbie.” Caprice shrugged at Naomi. “Ready to hit the gas, Thelma?”

“Pedal to the metal Louise.”

Abandoning the restroom, the trio walked lively out into the ER waiting room where Nurse Alisha was talking to Nurse Nadine and the good Doctor Dante Wolfe. Naomi and Caprice going on ahead outside for fresh air Midnight paused at the door. Turning back, she unbuttoned her smock and handed it back to Dante. “Thank you for letting me borrow it. Tell my Mother I will be back later.” Everyone’s eyes lowered to the butt naked beauty checking her out. A warm smile led her to turn and wiggle away. Security guards dumbfounded looked back at Dante but found him telling them via hand motion to just let her go. At least she was out of his hair for a while. Her scent on his smock required Dante to excuse himself back to his office. He needed to hang it up. Riiight!

Third floor parking the ladies headed for Naomi’s car, Midnight strutting her stuff confidently even as Naomi and Caprice worried for her. As Naomi used her remote to unlock her Corolla, she paused to let Midnight catch up to them. “Are you going to live naked from here on out Midnight?”

“Yes. I no longer work at the diner ... unless Olan allows me back.”

“He can’t let you wait tables like that Baby.”

“Then I will not work there. It is ... his decision.”

“Olan’s?”

“She means Sanchez, Naomi.” Caprice frowned. “I think I lost my meal ticket to Midnight. Darn shame Nick fucks like a man possessed. My cunt still hurts. Just as well I have Dolan Roster now.” Frowns become laughter as the three ladies hop in and Naomi pulls out. Once her taillights vanish a smoking Mordecai Sage drops his cigarette butt on the concrete. Disgusted at his niece’s penchant for nudity he grew grim. Cellphone plucked from his pants pocket he looks up a number on his contact list.

“Oliver? You were right about Caprice Comstock. I just heard her tell my niece that she had both Sheriff Roster and the gentleman known as Sanchez. Calm yourself ... I require a favor. The man Nick Sanchez is on the Rez speaking with Newton Waterfall. See to it he learns not to meddle in our tribes’ traditions, nor yours in bedding down Miss Comstock. A favor for my spying on Caprice for you. Make sure that my name does not come up.”