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  DeShay sat quiet. Her eyes darted back and forth as if her thoughts ran wild, remembering, searching, calculating. “Who could have done this to such a good person? Abby was known on the reservation as a girl who strived to do the best she could. She wanted to be a writer. There’s no way she would be doing drugs.” She shook her head. “I’m betting she had something on somebody, and to keep her quiet, they killed her.”

  “DeShay, do you have any ideas?” Hawke asked.

  She nodded and swallowed several times. “Well, Amy had disagreements with a lot of people. Most recently, her mother went up against a company known as Double A Industries. They wanted some land near the Black Hills area to build a big housing development. After Abby disappeared, her mother lost all interest in the project. The company hasn’t started any work on the site, but they had big plans. The map I saw revealed also included a golf course with a hunting lodge for the rich. Amy Winters fought hard against it because she knew it would not benefit our people.”

  Agent Wolfe leaned forward in her chair. “Do you know if Abby had a job?”

  “Yeah, she worked for Ian Guidara at his a restaurant in Cactus Flat. I believe the name of it is Guidara’s Steak House. Rumors flooded the reservation she dated the owner.”

  Detective Hawke’s eyes locked with Agent Wolfe’s. DeShay might be onto something. Maybe, a boyfriend or somebody at the restaurant had killed her. On the other hand, it could be somebody her mother feuded with who killed her by accident. Perhaps that was why they hadn’t started the development. Of course all avenues would have to be checked, especially Ian Guidara and all employees of the steak house.

  First, they must speak to Amy Winters right away. She might hold the answers to the murder and not even realize it. Her own life could be in danger, as well.

  In the worst case scenario, Abby’s killer would never be found or could go free if they lacked enough evidence to convict. This was always the way it worked, especially on the reservation. It was hard to link somebody to a murder when nobody would talk. Was it out of fear or just plain stupidity? Who would want to kill Abby and why?

  Hawke prayed the people would speak up and help catch a killer. The rest was in the Creator’s hands. He would do everything in his power to bring justice to this family, but he could not do it alone. His people would have to talk to solve this mystery. Hawke closed his eyes and offered a prayer. Please place a hand over my people and guide us in the right direction. For the one who walks the Red Road will always make the right choices. Thank you, Creator.

  Chapter Six

  Autumn brought beautiful changes to Mother Earth. The leaves had started to turn. Vibrant red, orange, and browns dotted the landscape. The month of October, or Moon of Falling Leaves. Soon, snow would blanket Mother Earth and seal the surroundings with beauty from each flake of snow covering the earth.

  On this afternoon, Hawke sat in his SUV in front of Amy Winters’ house, waiting for Agent Wolfe. His gaze swept over the property. Orange and yellow flowers lined pebbles lined the pebbled walkway to the modern home. He stared off into another realm of existence to prepare himself for this chore, asking for wisdom and strength. His heart would ache until the mystery was solved. He promised his ancestors justice for this slain girl.

  Agent Wolfe was picking up her grandfather, Joe Whitehorse in order that healing rite, Yuwipi, could be performed if Amy Winters so desired.

  The black SUV pulled up. Agent Wolfe sat beside her grandfather. He had brought many babies into the world, including Abby Winters. The elder’s heart, although heavy, would be strong.

  Detective Hawke stepped out of his vehicle, throwing a hand up at Joe Whitehorse.

  “Hello my friend, how have you been?”

  Joe Whitehorse nodded. “My friend, Hawke, I am fine. How have you been? Keeping yourself scarce will cause more distance from your soul.”

  “I have been better, my friend. Working hard most of the time. I promise I will get over to visit with you soon.” Hawke glanced away, not wanting to reveal his heart to this wise elder.

  Did the elder know Hawke still loved his granddaughter? “One must speak the truth from his heart before he can say he is in total peace.” Joe turned and headed toward the house, leaving Hawke and Wolfe staring at one another. His words rang true.

  A blush kissed Melina’s beautiful cheeks. He wanted to embrace her, but now was not the time, nor the place. Now the time to do right by Abby, the young woman whose life had been brutally snuffed out by some evil person.

  Hawke pressed his palm to the small of Melina’s back to escort her up the walkway. Joe strolled along as if his remarks hadn’t shaken both of the younger adults. Joe was at peace with himself, so he could see things others could not, especially regarding things of the heart.

  “Maybe we should listen to the wise old man. His words have some meaning.” Hawke said.

  Melina smiled as she gazed up at Hawke. Perhaps, her heart told her the same thing, but her pride and stubbornness prevented her from following through. Her stubbornness had been a real problem for them over the years. Nevertheless, if Hawke were honest, his pride and stubbornness were as strong. Would they ever find their way back to each other? Would their love, trampled down by painful events and willfulness, ever soar?

  Hawke reached past Joe and knocked on the door. The unlatching of the locks indicated somebody was home. As the door opened, the fragile woman appeared. Reddened eyes indicated she’d been crying. Graying hair revealed the many worries this mother had faced during her life.

  “Good afternoon, Ms. Winters. I have some news in reference to your daughter, Abby. I have brought Agent Wolfe and her grandfather, Joe Whitehorse. May we come in?”

  Her hand fluttered to her throat The expression on her face revealed she already knew what the outcome would be. They sat on the couch. Pictures of Abby, a child obviously loved very much, dotted the walls. Hawke knew her to be an outgoing young woman with a sweet and gentle spirit, known for her stops at the library, reading to the young kids.

  The distraught mother twisted her hands. She sat and then stood, as if her soul already reeled and she fought the untold news and couldn’t sit still. “So, you have news about my Abby?”

  “Yes.” Melina took a deep breath as if to bolster herself. “We are sorry to have to tell you this, but the body found at Eagle Nest Butte was Abby’s.”

  A wounded sound escaped from the mother’s lips. A sound of pain crawling from the depths of her soul. Hawke wrapped his arm around her shaking shoulders, as if he could infuse her with a measure of his strength. Then he nodded for Melina to continue.

  “We found a medicine wheel keychain and a feather by the body. A single key hung on the key chain.” She extended the item. “Did you ever see Abby with anything like this, and do you know what the key could go to?”

  Sobs filled the room. “Ye…yes, Abby’s keychain had a medicine wheel with several feathers attached to it. She made it herself.” Amy stopped sobbing and swiped the tears from her cheeks. “The key…I do not know what it’s for.”

  Amy stepped to the window and peeked out. A giant sob shook her whole body. Her voice was hollow when she spoke. “My child murdered. Why? Why did this happen? Who would have killed such an innocent girl? My Abby surrounded herself with kindness.”

  “Ms. Winters, can you tell us of anybody who would want to harm your daughter? Friends, co-workers, anybody come to mind?” Hawke questioned.

  “No, nobody. If you had known Abby well, you would understand. Everybody loved her . She had no enemies.”

  “Amy, I know this is hard for you and believe me, we are all sorry for your loss. But we must ask questions so we can find who harmed her.”

  Amy turned from the window and snatched a tissue from a nearby box. “Yes. Yes, I understand. Ask me whatever you need to, so I can help” She blotted her eyes and blew her nose.

  “Think back over the last few weeks or months. Do you have any idea why somebody would want to harm her? Wha
t about anybody from Double A Industries?” Melina asked.

  Amy Winters looked stunned. “No, I have no idea who would want to hurt her. She’s full of life and kind to everybody. As far as Double A Industries, they decided not to even build because they ran out of money.”

  “Well, what about old boyfriends? Rumor has it she was dating Ian Guidara at the time of her death?” Detective Hawke asked.

  “Well, she dated Ian.” Amy nodded. “He’s her boss, but they got along well. Ian is a good man. He helped me search for her when I reported her missing. He did more than the police did. I have no idea who could have done this. Why must the police focus on the people who loved her when they should be looking at other things which could help them solve this terrible murder?”

  “I hate to hear you feel this way about the police, but we have procedures to follow. Thank you for speaking with us. If you can think of anybody else or anything no matter how small, please contact us. We are sorry for your loss. We will solve this for Abby. Her death will not go in vain.” Hawke handed her his card and then headed for the door.

  Melina stood. “Ms. Winters, my grandfather, would like to offer some spiritual guidance.” She paused but then continued, “As you know, he is a wise and respected medicine man. He can guide you through this bad time and help you to accept what cannot be changed.”

  Ms. Winters nodded , tears cascading down her face. The poor woman needed some peace in her life. This wise elder and medicine man, whom she had known all her life, would give her inner hope and strength to travel the path that lay before her .

  Hawke asked. “Amy, may we stay for the ceremony?”

  Amy nodded and held out her arms for Hawke. He knew at this moment where Abby received her sweet and gentle nature: from her mother. They stood with their arms around each other’s waist.

  Joe Whitehorse stepped forward. “I have come to perform Yuwipi. It is to help to see things you cannot understand, and to help with your loss of such a precious child. I also want to perform the keeping of the soul ceremony, Nagi Gluhapi Wa Nagi Gluxkapi, which is a ceremony for spiritual healing. It will help Abby to cross over into the spirit world, and it will help you to accept her passing and get closure.” He opened the bag he’d brought with him and took out the tools for the rites.

  The ceremony began with smudging rites. Joe Whitehorse pick up the sweet grass, placed it in the shell, and lit it. The smell of burning sweet grass filled the room. He circled the area, chanting and singing songs, as he addressed his helping spirits.

  . Joe walked toward Amy. “Please stand still while I smudge you with the spirits watching. It is very important for them to see you are willing to release your daughter for them to take care of.”

  After the ceremony ended, Hawke and Melina hugged Amy before stepping out of the house. By silent agreement, they wanted to give some privacy to the wise elder and the mother of Abby Winters. The sacred ceremony in honor of Abby had been performed with the greatest of respect, and now, hopefully she would have some peace. Hawke believed, however, her spirit would remain upon this Earth until the killer met his demise or was prosecuted. Without warning, a slight breeze enveloped the area in which Hawke stood. He recognized the presence of Abby Winters’ spirit.

  When Joe Whitehorse stepped outside, Hawke asked if he felt Amy had some closure.

  Joe clasped his gnarled hand on Hawke’s shoulder. “The healing ceremony helps the family, to some degree, to accept their loss. Yes, I feel it helped Amy. She will continue to mourn, but with a measure of understanding. I also performed the keeping of the soul ceremony. With this, I knew some closure would come to Amy Winters as well as her daughter, Abby. I felt a sense of peace and acceptance as I left this home filled with pain.” Joe glanced over his shoulder at Amy’s front door. “I’ve done all I can do for now. In some ways, the suffering is on my shoulders, too.” He exhaled a deep sigh. “I will pray for the spirits to help us all deal with such a loss. The damage this violent death has caused the people could linger forever.

  Joe climbed into the black SUV, smiling at his granddaughter. Hawke stooped to look at the elder, who wound down the window.

  “I am happy to have you here helping my granddaughter. Hear my words, both of you. Love only comes once in a lifetime, so you two had better wise up, or you will lose one another. The problem in this day and time is the young ones never realize what they have until it is gone. You had best listen to this old fart, or you will lose one another. I will not speak of this again.”

  He closed his eyes, but revealed a smile as his head eased back against the seat.

  Hawke stared at Melina, who wore an expression of shock and annoyance.

  “Got to go, Hawke. I will meet with you tomorrow morning at the police station, and we will start our hunt with Ian Guidara.” She focused straight ahead, as she spoke, as if afraid or too shy to make eye contact then sped away.

  Stunned and speechless, Hawke would have to make his stand if he did not want to lose the love of his life. His heart belonged to Melina Wolfe, and her wise grandfather helped him to see if you want something, go after it. After all, true love only comes but once in a lifetime. He would make Melina understand. He could tell she still loved him, but she allowed her pride overtake her feelings. He would be man enough to show her he was not too proud to say I love you.

  Hawke strolled toward his parked car, thinking of Joe’s words of wisdom. The elder was right as always. Now he would have to convince Melina their love had stood the test of time. He offered a prayer for guidance, “Great Spirit, please give me an indication I am doing the right thing by telling Melina what resides deep within me.”

  Hawke would wait for the sign from the spirits before approaching Melina. He thought it would take a while, but as he turned his vehicle around he noticed a red-tailed hawk sitting on wooden post. He kept his gaze on it as he drove away. Without warning, the hawk lifted off its perch and crossed his path, giving him a dark, piercing stare. The sign revealed his path. It was time for him to reveal his feelings to the only woman he had ever loved, even if it meant he would lose her forever.

  Chapter Seven

  Hawke sat in his office, combing through files when DeShay walked in. “Every day you look worse. I’m worried about you, my friend. Are you sleeping? If you don’t take care, you could harm yourself.”

  He laid the files on his desk. “I’ll be okay. This is just a rough time with the murder investigation. Enough about me. How’s your dig going?”

  DeShay smiled. “I’ve found numerous artifacts I believe date back one hundred years. I’m employing the rates of accumulation technique which uses stratigraphy to determine the age of the artifacts.”

  Hawke gawked, amazed what the rocks and dirt that cover Mother Earth could tell. “So, how does that work ?”

  DeShay settled on the corner of his desk. “The basic principle of rate of accumulation is based on the geologic theory that the layers of rock on the earth accumulate over time. So, the deeper the layer, the older the artifact. In archeology, the artifacts are the basis on which the rate of accumulation is determined over time. So, deeper the artifact, the older it is.”

  “Amazing. No wonder you display satisfaction with your work.”

  DeShay smiled, eyes sparkling. “The dig’s not the only reason for my good mood. I’m also happy to say I’ve been given the opportunity to teach some of the younger generation from the college soon.”

  “Well, that is good news. Your work is very important to all of us.”

  “Thank you. Your kind words warm my heart. I love my job, and it helps to know others appreciate the hard work I do.”

  His phone rang. “Excuse me,. Homicide Department, Detective Hawke speaking.”

  Silence filled the space. The noise of cars in the background filled the earpiece. The line went dead. Hawke hung up. “Wrong number, I guess.” He tapped the phone with a finger, wondering. Was it a wrong number? Or somebody trying to tell him something, who had become scared w
hen they heard his voice.

  Clacking heels coming down the hallway drew his attention to the doorway. Could it be Melina?

  The woman who held his heart stood in the doorway. Her beauty, dark eyes, and smile took his breath away. He would have to tell her his feelings and soon.

  “Good morning. Have you had any luck in finding an address for Ian Guidara?”

  Hawke smiled, hoping his feelings didn’t show. “Matter of fact, I have. He lives in Cactus Flat. We could be there in less than an hour.”

  Melina tugged on the lapels of her navy blazer. “Great, let’s get going.”

  Hawke got up from his desk, walked over to the window, and gazed at the sacred mountains. “DeShay, we will be back soon. Are you going back to the site to resume work on your dig? If so, please have your cell phone with you because I need to speak to you later, if that’s okay?”

  DeShay glanced from Hawke to Melina and nodded. “Yes, I’m going back to the site, so just call me or come by.”

  ***

  The drive to Cactus Flat proved delightful. Not only did it give Hawke the chance to spend time with Melina, but also the scenery whizzing by was beautiful. The sun beamed down upon Mother Earth. The landscape mesmerized this time of year. The many different scenes astounded one. Hills, valleys, and mountains as far as the eye could see, with puffy clouds swirling around the azure sky.

  Hawke wondered, as the vehicle tracked on, if they were getting closer to the truth about who could be involved in this hideous crime.

  Glancing out the window, Hawke noticed a herd of wild buffalo roaming the land. All animals were sacred, but the buffalo were a sign of prayer and abundance. Nearly wiped out long ago, now, the buffalo roamed the land free, again, grazing as they desired.

  The silence between them left the mind to roam and watch the landscape. Suddenly a hawk soared high in the sky. The hawk teaches you to be observant. Then a white wolf emerged from a thicket nearby. The pathfinder, sharing a sense of family.