Hawke loved the feeling of her in his arms. What’s more, he loved her plan to stay in the area, near him. She shuddered a ragged sigh, and he pulled back. Twin tears forged a path down her cheeks. He wiped them away with the pads of his thumbs. “What’s this?”
“Tears for Abby. Her memory weighs on me.”
“Melina, we’re getting closer to the truth. Justice is just around the corner. We have to link all of this together and prove Ian is lying. Abby’s spirit is with us, and she knows how to lead us in the right direction.”
She wiped the tears streaming down her face. “I know you are right, but the thought of what Abby went through is overwhelming.” She pulled out of the embrace and rummaged through her purse for a tissue. “This case is getting to me. I want it solved.”
“We’ll get justice for Abby and her family. Don’t you worry about that…” His voice trailed off as he noticed a dog wondering around the neighborhood. As he watched it, he remembered what the animal was a symbol of: loyalty.
To have dog medicine, the person usually serves others, like a police officer or humanity in some way. Both he and the dog served people. The dog trotted across the street and disappeared down the grassy hill.
Then Hawke noticed a line of ants on the sidewalk. The ant is a sign of patience. He was like the ant. He knew to be patient, and all things would work out. If you have patience, then harmony will soon follow.
He watched the tiny creatures work together as a team, just as Melina worked beside him.
The early morning sky radiated reds, blues, and oranges, and something overtook his feelings. Almost as if the spirit of Abby heard his thoughts and was trying to assure him she was fine. As he rolled down his window, a gentle breeze blew. His mind calmed, and his sadness faded. Now determination filled the void. He must solve this for Abby. He’d made a promise, one he intended to keep. Hawke realized at that moment, the Great Mystery provided him the knowledge to solve this case. He closed his eyes and prayed. “Great Mystery, thank you for allowing me to feel the comfort of your arms and the guidance of your heart.”
“Hawke, Ian and Amy Winters are coming out of the house.” Melina held binoculars to her eyes. “Both have overnight bags. Ian’s tossing the luggage in the back.”
“Do you see Pete?” Hawke scanned the area.
“No, I guess they’re going to pick him up somewhere. Don’t start the truck until Ian’s turned the corner. We don’t want him to hear us.”
“I won’t.” He turned on the GPS screen so he could track them. “Ironic, isn’t it? Our ancestors used signs to trail their prey. We’re using electronics.”
Melina lowered the binoculars and nodded. “True, but we’ll also use our ancestors’ wisdom. That will never change.”
The black van pulled out of the driveway and drove down the dirt road. Once it turned the corner, Hawke turned the key, and his truck purred to life.
***
After following the black van to an old garage where Ian met Pete, they were soon on the highway toward Las Vegas. So far, everything was going according to plan. The GPS screen helped a lot. “I wish we had one of these for our reservation department, but our funds are so limited. We could never afford one.”
“The FBI gets new ones every year.” Melina shot Hawke a glance. “You wouldn’t believe the size of our budget.” She made herself comfortable as she pulled a book from her huge purse.
Hawke glanced at the title. “The Many Roads to becoming a Medicine Man. Nice book you have there. There are many roads to travel, and it never ends.”
Melina looked up. “Do you plan on becoming a medicine man? Grandfather states I am the only one left to carry the tradition because he fears you do not have the inner spirit to be one.”
Hawke’s gaze ricocheted from the road to the GPS screen and back to the road. “I will become a medicine man in due time.” He yawned. “When I am ready, Joe Whitehorse will be there to help me. It takes time and patience.”
“Pull over, and we’ll change places. You’ve been driving for over two hours. There’s a gas station up ahead. Let’s pull in there, use the restrooms, and then I’ll drive for a while.”
Five minutes later, they were back on the road again. Their prey—Ian and Pete—remained on the same highway about five miles ahead, according to the GPS. Hawke held the book Melina had earlier. “Where do you want me to put this?”
She winked at him. “You read the book. Grandfather gave it to me, but if you are willing, then I will have him teach you his medicines.”
“Sweetheart, are you sure? Don’t take me wrong, I would be honored to be gifted the medicine of Joe Whitehorse.”
Melina favored him with a warm smile. “He will also be honored.” The gleam in her eye revealed she stated his wishes, too. “Now, read the book while I drive.”
Hawke opened the pages and began to read. Different paths entered his mind. He would hold many medicines. He reached for the small stone in his pocket. The amulet bestowed upon him by his grandfather was protected by a deerskin pouch.
Hawke remembered his grandfather’s words. “My grandson, remember medicine items should only be discussed in a very private setting. Many traditional elders, including myself, prefer not to speak of medicine topics, because they are personal and sacred.”
Melina changed the radio station. They exchanged smiles. Her small face illuminated her perfection. He had lost her before, but he would never jeopardize their love again.
When’d she decided to become an agent, he had been dead set against it. Her strong willed attitude forced her to leave the rez. Maybe to prove herself . She became an FBI agent and never returned, until now. Part her reason for staying away so long was his behavior when he had learned of her dreams.
He’d taken her for granted. A mistake he would never make again. The murder of Abby had brought him to see that life was short. He must live for the now.
He was honored Joe Whitehorse respected him enough to want him to accept the road of the medicine man. An honor he would cherish.
Joe Whitehorse and his grandfather had told stories to the children. When he was a child, he did not understand the importance of them. Now he realized it taught him about life. Each story illustrated a virtue, which is essential to balance, and happiness, no matter what the journey holds.
Hawke laid his head against the headrest. Thoughts of his grandfather consumed him. How he missed him and longed to reunite with him. He closed his eyes and relaxed, sensing a connection to his grandfather. Then his faint words streaked through his mind
“My grandson, I walk every path you walk. I remain in your mind and heart so, therefore, I am not dead. You will make a good medicine man. Tell my friend, Joe Whitehorse, thank you for guiding my grandson on the right path. Remember to always open your prayers with Father Sky and Mother Earth.”
The voice faded. Calm enveloped Hawke’s entire body. His breathing deepened.
***
“Hawke, wake up.” Melina shook him.
He grunted and opened his eyes. “What’s wrong, Melina?”
“According to the GPS, they’ve stopped.” She cast him a worried glance.
He straightened in the seat. “Keep driving. If they’ve stopped for gas or something to eat, we’ll drive on past and pull over ourselves. If they’ve stopped to harm Ms. Winters, we need to stop them.”
“Yes, I agree.” Her eyes focused on the road, her jaw set in determination. “Your idea to borrow the dispatcher’s truck so we wouldn’t be recognized was a good one.”
“Both Ian and Ms. Winters know the department vehicles and my personal one. Kylee’s truck is like so many, it blends right in.” Minutes later, they whizzed by a gas station and saw the black van parked at the pumps. Ian’s back was to them as he filled his tank.
“Well, that’s a relief. Everything looks fine. There’s a turnoff up here. Take it, and we’ll stop until we can see on the screen they’ve gone past. Then we’ll follow them again,” Hawke glanced at Melina. “Did you reserve us hotel rooms in Vegas?
“I took care of everything. Stop worrying.”
He nodded, “Did you call the Las Vegas Police Department.?”
“No, remember we decided to wait until we got here so we could explain this mess in person?”
“Yeah, I remember. Just getting everything straight in my mind again.” He fell silent.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Oh, about how Ms. Winters must.”
Melina took the turnoff and made a U-turn, pulling the truck into an area of concealment. “Don’t you worry. What you told me earlier, when I felt the same way, is very true. We will get Ian for doing this. We will.”