Six weeks later
Hawke sat outside on the porch swing as Father Sun beamed its warmth upon Mother Earth.
The week had been a long one. So many hours sitting in the courthouse. The evidence against Ian Guidara was staggering. He had no doubt the jury would find him guilty. The thought soothed the mind for a short while, but then reality of the situation seeped in. There was so much in life he had no control over, like the actions of others.
The month of May, Planting Moon, and June, Rose Moon had lagged on forever. Finally, only a week was left in the Rose Moon month.
How much longer it would take the jury to decide Ian’s fate? They had been deliberating for three days now.
Melina stepped out onto the porch. “Here, my strong one.” She handed him his cup of coffee as she patted Three Paws on the head.
She always brought sunshine with her even in the darkest of times. “Good morning, my love. I have been up for a while. I watched the sunrise across Mother Earth. Then the raven made its presence known. I believe it is a portent of some sort. I believe something amazing is going to happen today. Abby’s murderer will be convicted. There will be Lakota Justice.” Hawke paused and stared at the sky. “This morning brought me closer to my spiritual guide. I ask for their assistance. I know they heard me, for I have seen the color purple.”
Melina gently took his hand. “Grandfather told me of seeing the purple color, too. It is a sign you have communication with your spiritual guide.”
The sharp ringing of his phone made his stomach grow tight as he picked it up, anticipating the verdict. “Hello, Hawke speaking.”
He disconnected quickly. “Jury is back. They have made a decision. We have to get to the courthouse within the next thirty minutes.”
Melina nodded. “I will get dressed.” She winked at him. “They will not let him go free.”
Hawke watched her disappear behind the sliding glass door. He stood and offered a prayer to the Creator. “Please let Ian Guidara pay for this hideous crime. Abby needs peace ,and his conviction would let her pass into the spirit world where she would be in harmony. Thank you, Great Spirit, for assisting me with this.”
Hawke stared up to the heavens, spreading his arms out, and sprinkled tobacco upon the ground as a hawk flew over, giving him confirmation, that justice would be served.
Later, Hawke sat beside Melina as Ms. Winters entered the courtroom full of family and friends, pouring their love for Abby’s family.
Suddenly, the judge entered. Ian Guidara sat in his nice business suit, trying to look as innocent as possible. Pete Crowe had been sentenced to twenty-five years for his part in this horrible crime.
The judge sat down in his black leather swivel chair. As the jury filed into their seats, the foreman remained standing. The judge had warned the jury to look at all the evidence, then they could all agree upon a decision.
When everyone was settled, the judge spoke. “Ladies and gentleman, before the foreman reads the verdict I must inform all parties to remain quiet. Outbursts will not be tolerated.”
As the judge turned back to the foreman, Hawke took Melina by the hand. DeShay Greywater and Officer Ryan Creek entered the courtroom and sat across the aisle. They nodded in silent greeting.
Hawke turned his attention to Amy Winters. This mother had been through a lot. Could she handle the outcome if it was not in her favor?
“Foreman, has the jury come to a decision?”
The foreman, a petite woman, stood straight-backed. “Yes, Your Honor, we, the jury, find Ian Guidara guilty of first degree murder of Abby Winters.”
Relief enveloped the entire room. Hawke jumped to his feet and went directly to Abby’s mother. He knelt down beside her and gently wiped her tears. “Abby is now free. Her heart is leaping with joy.”
Amy Winters kissed his forehead, “Thank you, Detective Hawke, for getting justice for Abby. She walks in the spirit world, holding her father’s hand, happy once again.”
“Order, order in this court. Ian Guidara, you shall remain in custody until July twentieth, when we will meet again for the sentencing phase.”
The officer standing behind him took Ian’s arm and led him to the side door where he would be taken to his new home, a cell.
As they filed out of the courtroom, the journalist for The Painted Horse News snapped their photos. She would run the story on the front page.
DeShay walked over to Hawke. “You and Melina have done a wonderful job. Abby walks proud, knowing you kept your word.”
Hawke replied, “DeShay, you helped in this case, yourself. You have the owl spirit guiding you.”
DeShay smiled with pride. “I am honored to have such a sacred guide. The powwow starts tomorrow. Will you be there?”
Before Hawke could respond, Melina spoke up, “Of course, DeShay. Grandfather will be there telling the stories that can only be told by the elders.”
DeShay’s demeanor filtered through her eyes. “Melina, your grandfather, Joe Whitehorse, is a great storyteller and medicine man. He has taught our people a lot about the ways of the elders’ path. He will be honored at the powwow.”
Melina smiled. “He is very wise, and I am proud to be his granddaughter.”
Hawke took her hand, “As I am proud to become your husband. Joe Whitehorse will teach me the way of the elders. My heart is full of love and respect.”
As they walked out into the warmth of the day, Hawke took in the spirits of his ancestors as he peered off into the distance at the Black Hills. The array of sun, along with the birds singing, gave Hawke a sense of pride to be Lakota.
They mystery of why Abby was murdered was finally solved and now she roamed in the spirit world. Her death had been senseless, and she’d died knowing her killer. She’d even loved and trusted him. Time would always be her mother’s enemy, but Hawke and Melina felt they had accomplished the job Abby wanted the most—justice. Lakota justice, for her mother.
All along, her mother hurt the most. Left to carry on without her husband, and now without her only child.
A distance away, Amy Winters got into her vehicle. He murmured. “May you go in peace and harmony,” and she lifted her head toward him, nodding.
A cloud lifted off his soul. Amy Winters finally at peace with herself. Knowing this gave him peace, too. Abby’s soul would be with the ancestors in the spirit world, but she would always walk the path with her mother. Hawke had solved the puzzle of what happened to Abby Winters. Abby had guided him to her killer, to get the Lakota justice she so deserved.