Detective Hawke studied the map of North Mountain Way’s neighborhood spread out on the desk next to his laptop. In the early morning quiet of the hotel room, he dwelt on apprehending Ian and Pete. His finger traced numerous connecting roads that would make it difficult when the bust went down. If Doug had enough manpower, two officers should be stationed at each intersection. He sipped at a cup of coffee he’d brewed in the room’s little coffeemaker.,
The sun rose, welcoming a new day. He’d been up for over an hour, showered, dressed and working, doing research and studying the map.
His gaze swept over Melina, sleeping so peacefully on the bed. He’d held her in his arms last night, talking about the case and DeShay’s discovery, until she fell asleep; that act alone had been heaven. Soon he would hold her every night. He ran his fingers through his damp hair. He had to keep her safe. He knew she was trained and trained well, but wasn’t it a man’s job to protect his woman?
Hawke worried about the bikers involved. Doug stated they were known as the Javelinas. The Internet full of information when he googled them. A notorious biker gang with known dealings with drugs and suspected links to murders. How had Ian gotten involved with them? What else and who else was he involved with?
Melina groaned and stretched. She turned to face him, dark eyes watching. She was so beautiful. “What are you doing?” Her voice was barely a whisper, husky with sleep
“Waiting for Doug to call. He’s trying to set up something at a nearby bar so we can get a better look at some of the biker members.”
“You like Doug.”
“Yes. I feel he’s a good man.”
Melina nodded. “I do, too. How long have you been up?”
“About an hour. Did you sleep well in my arms, sweetheart?” He took delight in the warm smile and faint blush animating her face then gazed out at the scenery from the motel window. The restaurant across from the motel fed the crows by tossing their garbage into open containers in the back of the parking lot. He watched their flight, in and out of the area. They were amazing.
“Melina, have you been told the story of how the crow came to be black?”
Melina sat up on the bed. “No, I don’t believe I have.”
Hawke smiled and moved to the edge of the bed. “Would you like to hear it?”
“Of course, my love. Tell me the story.” She snuggled against him when he wrapped his arms around her.
“Now, this is how my grandfather told me the story.” He placed a kiss on her forehead. “Many winters long ago, when Mother Earth was still young, all the crows upon the earth where white. During these times, the people did not have weapons or horses, but they depended on the buffalo to give them enough food so they would not starve. During the dangerous hunts for the buffalo, they had to travel by foot.
“The crows were friends with the buffalo, so it was even harder for them to hunt. The crows soared high in the sky over the prairie and could see whatever the eye would behold.
“When the warriors approached the buffalo, the crows would fly to their friends the buffalo and warn them. ‘Caw, caw, caw. Hunters are coming to kill you. They are sneaking over the gully and climbing the hill. You best be careful and watch out.’”
“Once the buffalo heard this news, they would gallop away, leaving the people to starve. They had to decide what to do next, so the people called a meeting.
“Among the crows, a large one reigned. Twice as big as the others.” Hawke indicated the crow’s size with his hands. “He became the leader of them, and the only way this would end was by eliminating him.
“One of the chiefs stood and said, ‘We must get the leader of the crows and teach him a valuable lesson. We must do it or we will starve to death.’”
Hawke paused, staring into her eyes. Then he glanced out the window as a black crow flew by before continuing the wonderful story. “The other warriors wondered how they could capture this huge animal. The chief revealed to them the answer.
“The chief stood before his people and brought out a large buffalo skin. The skin had the head and horns still attached. He motioned for a young warrior to step forward. As he did, the chief placed the skin onto his back.
“‘My brave warrior, you must sneak among the buffalo. As you move around them, they will think you are one of them. Then you will be able to capture the white crow.’
“The warrior could not wait to do this. So, he disguised himself as a buffalo and crept among the herd as if grazing. The big, beautiful animals paid him no attention. The hunters walked out from the camp after him with bows.
“As the warriors drew closer to the herd, the crows flew in, as usual, warning the buffalo of incoming danger. ‘Caw, caw. The warriors are coming to kill you. You best watch out for the arrows, which will fly soon.’
“As usual, all the buffalo ran away. However, the young brave, disguised as a buffalo did not run away. Instead, he kept grazing on the grass.
“The huge white crow noticed the lone buffalo and flew down and balanced on the brave’s shoulder, flapping its wings.
“‘Caw, caw, my friend. Can you not hear? The hunters are close. They will come over the hill soon. You best run and spare your life.’
“The young warrior saw his chance, so he reached out from under the buffalo skin and grabbed the crow by the legs. He tied the big bird’s feet together. The crow struggled, but no matter how hard he fought, he could not get away.
“The people sat in council once again. ‘What are we going to do with this bad crow? He is the reason we have been going hungry.’
“ ‘I will burn him alive,’ an angered warrior announced.
“Before anybody could stop the young warrior, he pulled the crow from the hands of the hunter who had caught him, and threw the crow into the hot, council fire, stone, string and all, shouting, ‘This will teach you a lesson.’”
“He let his temper control him,” Melina said.
Hawke kissed her knuckles. “Melina, this is what I fear will happen with me. If any harm comes to you, then I would be like the warrior and throw the crow into the fire. My heart aches for Abby, but if I were to lose you the people responsible would end up like that crow.”
Melina kissed him. “Everything will be okay. Please believe me. DeShay has found Abby’s clothing and other items. The man’s ring will be tested and we both know it will come back with Ian’s DNA on it, so please believe my words. We will solve this case and put Ian away for the rest of his life. Now, please finish the story about the crow.”
“Whatever my lady wants.” He winked at her, and she smiled, which warmed his heart. “The string that held the stone quickly burned through, and the big crow managed to fly out of the fire. He was burnt badly and his feathers scorched. The crow remained huge, but no longer was he white.
“The crow flew away as fast as he could, saying, ‘Caw, caw. I have learned a lesson, and I will never warn the buffalo again. The entire crow nation will never warn the buffalo of any incoming danger. This I promise. Caw.’
“So, the mighty crows escaped, and ever since all crows upon Mother Earth have been black.”
Hawke’s expression remained fierce. “I know the crows I capture will not get away.” He glanced at the phone. “I wish Doug would call.”
Melina smiled and stood. “Don’t worry. He will call soon.” No sooner had she spoken than the phone rang.
“Hello, Detective Hawke.” A pause, “Okay, I’m glad you called. Sure, we can do that.” He nodded. “Okay, we’ll do that. See you later.”
Hawke hung the phone up. He turned to Melina. “Doug has it all worked out. We’re to meet him at the police station this afternoon. Tonight, we’re going to a biker bar. He made contact with an undercover cop who is working as one of the Javelinas. He feels we will get a lot of information from him. We’ll need some clothes to blend in with the biker crowd, Doug said.”
Melina grabbed some clean clothes from her suitcase. “Oh, this is great. See? Everything works out if you have faith. I’m going to shower and get dressed. Then I want a big breakfast. We have an important day ahead of us.” She winked at Hawke. “I’ve got the agency’s charge card. After we eat, we’ll go shopping for some jeans and leather.” She turned and stepped into the bathroom.
Hawke walked back to the window, watching the crows feasting on the fries thrown out. They would eat almost anything. They were creatures of Mother Earth.
Twenty minutes later, Melina stepped out of the bathroom, smelling fresh, her damp hair shining. She wore jeans and a low-cut Western shirt, boots, and her necklace with the hawk on it.
“Okay, but as we go I have some more to tell you about our friend the crow. By the way you look beautiful.”
Melina grabbed her purse. “You can tell me the rest of your crow story over eggs and hash browns. I can’t wait to hear it.”
They walked across the street to a restaurant. Once they slid into a booth and placed their orders, Hawke continued the story about the crow. “My grandfather explained the crow knows all the mysteries of creation and is the keeper of all sacred laws.”
Their waitress set two steaming mugs of coffee in front of them. Hawke stirred in creamer as he spoke. “The Great Spirit dwells within all of us. If you obey the laws of the crow, which is given by the Creator, then at death you will go to the next world with a vivid memory of your past life.”
Hawke lifted the steaming mug to his lips and took a sip. “Crow is the sign of change. Crow has made a presence in my life. I must pause and reflect on how I see the laws of the Great Spirit in relationship to the laws of Mother Earth. I speak loudly, for I feel some things are out of harmony. I know my life’s mission now. I will now speak the truth. I love you. Now, I realize how I could have lost you, I am ready to walk my talk. After we solve the murders, I want to learn the walk of the medicine man. I want to help my people, and I feel once I follow in the path of my elders, then and only then I will be complete.”
Tears ran down Melina’s face. She moved to Hawke’s side of the booth. “My wonderful man, I am proud to call upon you for our people. I loved the story about the crow. It is one I will forever hold in my heart, one I will tell our children. You will make our people proud.” They embraced, as the people in the restaurant ate and watched. Their love was forever sealed, and they would be united in their wedding ceremony.
Hawke ran a finger down her sleek hair. “Will you marry me near the Wounded Knee Massacre Site, sweetheart? A place where our ancestors walked and died. We will ask for our people’s blessing and live a long and happy life.”
Melina beamed with happiness. “My grandfather will be waiting to perform the ceremony.”
“Melina, will you come back to stay on the rez and work as the detective over homicide for the Pine Ridge Police Department? Your father would be proud to know his daughter walked in his footsteps.”
Melina slipped back to her side of the booth and raised her coffee cup. “My father would be proud, wouldn’t he? I mean, he was the chief of police on the rez. I remember him coming home, after working on a case. He would sometimes be sad, and I wondered why. Now, I understand, and I want him to know I do want to come back and live on the rez.” She took a sip of coffee. “Do you think I could get the job? I mean, there are others waiting.”
Hawke smiled and took her hand, “Hon, there’s nobody who has the experience you have or the training you got with the FBI. You qualify for the job. All you have to do is apply.”
Melina smiled. “Then, it is settled. I will apply and give my notice to the FBI as soon as we get back home.”
Happiness swelled Hawke’s heart. She’d be safer on the rez. They would work together every day. “Wonder how your boss, Seitner, will like the news?”
Melina stared at him. “He will probably lose it, but my mind is made up. I am returning to my homeland.”
Hawke winked at her as the waiter set their platters in front of them. “This is our first meal as an engaged couple. Eat up, sweetheart.”